bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deterministic Skill of Subseasonal Precipitation Forecasts for the East Africa‐West Asia Sector from September to May
Authors: Vigaud N. , Tippett M. K. , Robertson A.W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe East Africa‐West Asia (EA‐WA) sector is a region where the skill in forecasting rainfall is unusually high in the subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) time range and where ENSO and MJO signals have significant impacts. Much of regional rainfall intra‐seasonal variability is related to tropical‐temperate interactions on synoptic time scales, and we examine whether the skill of dynamical S2S forecasts for the region exceeds the predictability associated with ENSO and the MJO. Deterministic skill (Spearman's rank correlation) of multimodel ensemble forecasts of weekly and Week 3–4 precipitation averages is examined for starts in September–April, based on three ensemble prediction systems (EPS) from the S2S prediction project over the common 1999–2010 reforecasts period. The skill of weekly forecasts decreases with increasing lead but remains statistically significant out to Week 3 and Week 4, a level of skill that has not been previously reported at such leads. The skill of Week 3–4 forecasts is higher than that of Week 3 or Week 4 forecasts. The prediction skill of weekly and 2‐week precipitation averages from ENSO and the MJO is estimated using a multiple linear regression and found to be less than that achieved by the dynamical forecasts for Week 3, Week 4, and Week 3–4 targets. This is evidence for achievable forecast skill that extends beyond typical weather‐scale lead times and that is not simply related to ENSO or MJO signals. The opportunity for skillful predictions is illustrated through successful forecasts up to 4 weeks in advance of extreme rainfall over the Arabian peninsula related to strong tropical‐temperate interactions during weak ENSO and MJO conditions.
Determination of Global Mean Eddy Diffusive Transport in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere From Atomic Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Climatologies
Authors: Swenson G. R. , Salinas C. C. J. H. , Vargas F. , Zhu Y. , Kaufmann M. , Jones M. , Drob D. P. , Liu A. , Yue J. , Yee J. H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractQuantifying the eddy diffusion coefficient profile in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is critical to the constituent density distributions in the upper mesosphere and thermosphere. Previous work by Swenson et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2018.05.014) estimated the global mean eddy diffusion (kzz) values in the upper mesosphere using atomic oxygen (O), derived from Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) hydroxyl (OH). In this study, vertical eddy diffusive transport velocities of O were determined from continuity of mass in the mesopause region (80–97 km), primarily via the HOx chemistry. Global average constituent climatology from previously deduced SABER ozone (O3) and atomic hydrogen (H) was applied. Furthermore, we extended the global mean eddy transport velocities to new heights (105 km) in the MLT using the newly available global mean Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) data. The combined method of determining O3 loss and O density climatology from SCIAMACHY, as well as an improved global mean background atmosphere from SABER, provides new information for eddy diffusion determination in the MLT. Three prominent results to emerge from this study include (i) global mean kzz profiles between 80 and 105 km derived from MLT constituent climatologies, SABER, and SCIAMACHY global mean O density profiles averaged for approximately one solar cycle, (ii) determination of O eddy diffusion velocities in the MLT consistent between two satellite measurements and the thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere‐electrodynamics general circulation model, and (iii) resolution of historically large differences between deduced kzz determined from O versus CO2 by analysis of SABER and SCIAMACHY measurements.
Impact of Chronic and Massive Resuspension Mechanisms on the Microphytobenthos Dynamics in a Temperate Intertidal Mudflat
Authors: Savelli R. , Bertin X. , Orvain F. , Gernez P. , Dale A. , Coulombier T. , Pineau P. , Lachaussée N. , Polsenaere P. , Dupuy C. , Le Fouest V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMicrophytobenthos (MPB) resuspension is a key mechanism in the transfer of organic matter from productive intertidal mudflats to terrestrial and marine systems. In this study, we infer on the contribution of physical and biological factors involved in the MPB resuspension. We use a physical‐biological coupled model forced by realistic meteorological and hydrodynamical forcings to simulate chronic (without any concomitant sediment resuspension) and massive (driven by bed failure) resuspension over a year. The model simulates mud surface temperature, MPB growth, and grazing by the gastropod Peringia ulvae. The model suggests that MPB resuspension is the highest in spring tides and at the flood beginning due to high current velocity and low water heights that promote waves‐sea bottom interactions. The seasonal export of MPB biomass is the highest in spring, up to threefold higher than in summer when the export is the lowest. The simulated seasonal dynamics of MPB resuspension results from the MPB biomass concentration in the sediment, physical disturbances, and the bioturbation activity by P. ulvae. Annually, 43% of the simulated MPB primary production is resuspended. The MPB resuspension (60.8 g C·m−2·yr−1) exceeds the loss by P. ulvae grazing (41.1 g C·m−2·yr−1). The model suggests that chronic and massive resuspension events are important in the synoptic to seasonal MPB dynamics in temperate intertidal mudflats. Accounting for such processes in the carbon budget assessment in the land‐ocean interface could bring new insights to our understanding of the role played by MPB in the coastal carbon cycle.
Inhibition of immune checkpoints prevents injury-induced heterotopic ossification
Authors: Kan Chen , Yang Jiazhao , Na Ding , Xu Yuanhong , Yang Baixia , Zhao Haodong , Lu Huadong , Li Yuyun , Zhang Keqin , McGuire Tammy L. , Kessler John A. , Kan Lixin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHeterotopic ossification (HO), true bone formation in soft tissue, is closely associated with abnormal injury/immune responses. We hypothesized that a key underlying mechanism of HO might be injury-induced dysregulation of immune checkpoint proteins (ICs). We found that the earliest stages of HO are characterized by enhanced infiltration of polarized macrophages into sites of minor injuries in an animal model of HO. The non-specific immune suppressants, Rapamycin and Ebselen, prevented HO providing evidence of the central role of the immune responses. We examined the expression pattern of ICs and found that they are dysregulated in HO lesions. More importantly, loss of function of inhibitory ICs (including PD1, PD-L1, and CD152) markedly inhibited HO, whereas loss of function of stimulatory ICs (including CD40L and OX-40L) facilitated HO. These findings suggest that IC inhibitors may provide a therapeutic approach to prevent or limit the extent of HO.
Phospholipase D2 in prostate cancer: protein expression changes with Gleason score
Authors: Noble Amanda R. , Hogg Karen , Suman Rakesh , Berney Daniel M. , Bourgoin Sylvain , Maitland Norman J. , Rumsby Martin G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPhospholipases D1 and D2 (PLD1/2) are implicated in tumorigenesis through their generation of the signalling lipid phosphatidic acid and its downstream effects. Inhibition of PLD1 blocks prostate cell growth and colony formation. Here a role for PLD2 in prostate cancer (PCa), the major cancer of men in the western world, is examined.MethodsPLD2 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The effects of PLD2 inhibition on PCa cell viability and cell motility were measured using MTS, colony forming and wound-healing assays.ResultsPLD2 protein is expressed about equally in luminal and basal prostate epithelial cells. In cells from different Gleason-scored PCa tissue PLD2 protein expression is generally higher than in non-tumorigenic cells and increases in PCa tissue scored Gleason 6–8. PLD2 protein is detected in the cytosol and nucleus and had a punctate appearance. In BPH tissue stromal cells as well as basal and luminal cells express PLD2. PLD2 protein co-expresses with chromogranin A in castrate-resistant PCa tissue. PLD2 inhibition reduces PCa cell viability, colony forming ability and directional cell movement.ConclusionsPLD2 expression correlates with increasing Gleason score to GS8. PLD2 inhibition has the potential to reduce PCa progression.
Transcriptome sequencing assisted discovery and computational analysis of novel SNPs associated with flowering in Raphanus sativus in-bred lines for marker-assisted backcross breeding
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Manivannan Abinaya , Kim Do-Sun , Lee Eun-Su , Lee Hye-Eun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe sequencing of radish genome aids in the better understanding and tailoring of traits associated with economic importance. In order to accelerate the genomics assisted breeding and genetic selection, transcriptomes of 33 radish inbred lines with diverse traits were sequenced for the development of single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers. The sequence reads ranged from 2,560,543,741 bp to 20,039,688,139 bp with the GC (%) of 47.80–49.34 and phred quality score (Q30) of 96.47–97.54%. A total of 4951 polymorphic SNPs were identified among the accessions after stringent filtering and 298 SNPs with efficient marker assisted backcross breeding (MAB) markers were generated from the polymorphic SNPs. Further, functional annotations of SNPs revealed the effects and importance of the SNPs identified in the flowering process. The SNPs were predominantly associated with the four major flowering related transcription factors such as MYB, MADS box (AG), AP2/EREB, and bHLH. In addition, SNPs in the vital flowering integrator gene (FT) and floral repressors (EMBRYONIC FLOWER 1, 2, and FRIGIDA) were identified among the radish inbred lines. Further, 50 SNPs were randomly selected from 298 SNPs and validated using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR genotyping system (KASP) in 102 radish inbred lines. The homozygosity of the inbred lines varied from 56 to 96% and the phylogenetic analysis resulted in the clustering of inbred lines into three subgroups. Taken together, the SNP markers identified in the present study can be utilized for the discrimination, seed purity test, and adjusting parental combinations for breeding in radish.
Autophagy is inhibited by ubiquitin ligase activity in the nervous system
Authors: Crawley Oliver , Opperman Karla J. , Desbois Muriel , Adrados Isabel , Borgen Melissa A. , Giles Andrew C. , Duckett Derek R. , Grill Brock 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAutophagy is an intracellular catabolic process prominent in starvation, aging and disease. Neuronal autophagy is particularly important, as it affects the development and function of the nervous system, and is heavily implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Nonetheless, how autophagy is regulated in neurons remains poorly understood. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we demonstrate that the primary initiator of autophagy, the UNC-51/ULK kinase, is negatively regulated by the ubiquitin ligase RPM-1. RPM-1 ubiquitin ligase activity restricts UNC-51 and autophagosome formation within specific axonal compartments, and exerts effects broadly across the nervous system. By restraining UNC-51 activity, RPM-1 inhibits autophagosome formation to affect axon termination, synapse maintenance and behavioral habituation. These results demonstrate how UNC-51 and autophagy are regulated subcellularly in axons, and unveils a mechanism for restricting initiation of autophagy across the nervous system. Our findings have important implications beyond nervous system development, given growing links between altered autophagy regulation and neurodegenerative diseases.
Retinoid X receptor agonist LG100268 modulates the immune microenvironment in preclinical breast cancer models
Authors: Leal Ana S. , Zydeck Kayla , Carapellucci Sarah , Reich Lyndsey A. , Zhang Di , Moerland Jessica A. , Sporn Michael B. , Liby Karen T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite numerous therapeutic advances in the past decade, breast cancer is expected to cause over 42,000 deaths in the United States in 2019. Breast cancer had been considered an immunologically silent tumor; however recent findings suggest that immune cells play important roles in tumor growth even in the breast. Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are a subclass of nuclear receptors that act as ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate a variety of cellular processes including proliferation and differentiation; in addition, they are essential for macrophage biology. Rexinoids are synthetic molecules that bind and activate RXRs. Bexarotene is the only rexinoid approved by the FDA for the treatment of refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Other more-potent rexinoids have been synthesized, such as LG100268 (LG268). Here, we report that treatment with LG 268, but not bexarotene, decreased infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD206-expressing macrophages, increased the expression of PD-L1 by 50%, and increased the ratio of CD8/CD4, CD25 T cells, which correlates with increased cytotoxic activity of CD8 T cells in tumors of MMTV-Neu mice (a model of HER2-positive breast cancer). In the MMTV-PyMT murine model of triple negative breast cancer, LG268 treatment of established tumors prolonged survival, and in combination with anti-PD-L1 antibodies, significantly (p = 0.05) increased the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8 T cells and apoptosis. Collectively, these data suggest that the use of LG268, a RXR agonist, can improve response to immune checkpoint blockade in HER2+ or triple-negative breast cancer.
Resequencing of 414 cultivated and wild watermelon accessions identifies selection for fruit quality traits
Authors: Guo Shaogui , Zhao Shengjie , Sun Honghe , Wang Xin , Wu Shan , Lin Tao , Ren Yi , Gao Lei , Deng Yun , Zhang Jie , Lu Xuqiang , Zhang Haiying , Shang Jianli , Gong Guoyi , Wen Changlong , He Nan , Tian Shouwei , Li Maoying , Liu Junpu , Wang Yanping , Zhu Yingchun , Jarret Robert , Levi Amnon , Zhang Xingping , Huang Sanwen , Fei Zhangjun , Liu Wenge , Xu Yong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFruit characteristics of sweet watermelon are largely the result of human selection. Here we report an improved watermelon reference genome and whole-genome resequencing of 414 accessions representing all extant species in theCitrullusgenus. Population genomic analyses reveal the evolutionary history ofCitrullus, suggesting independent evolutions inCitrullus amarusand the lineage containingCitrullus lanatusandCitrullus mucosospermus. Our findings indicate that different loci affecting watermelon fruit size have been under selection during speciation, domestication and improvement. A non-bitter allele, arising in the progenitor of sweet watermelon, is largely fixed inC. lanatus. Selection for flesh sweetness started in the progenitor ofC. lanatusand continues through modern breeding on loci controlling raffinose catabolism and sugar transport. Fruit flesh coloration and sugar accumulation might have co-evolved through shared genetic components including a sugar transporter gene. This study provides valuable genomic resources and sheds light on watermelon speciation and breeding history.
Dynamic behaviours of a flame as plasma in a strong electric field
Authors: Fukuyama Takao , Mukai Nodoka , Togawa Gaku 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDynamic behaviours of a flame are experimentally examined via applying an electric potential difference between two parallel electrodes and placing a flame of ethanol between them. Given that a flame behaves as a weakly ionised plasma, the shape of the flame is affected by an external strong electric field. When a strong ac electric field is applied horizontally, i.e., transverse field, and as the applied ac voltage increases, the shape of the flame becomes flat and the width of the inner flame expands and saturates at a specific value. When a strong ac electric field is applied vertically, i.e., axial field, the frequency of the self-excited oscillation is affected by a specific value of the applied frequency. When the frequency of the applied ac voltage changes, temperature and light emission of flame are significantly affected by the applied ac voltage. Furthermore, when the strength of the horizontally applied electric field is further increased, a discharge occurs in the flame, and it is reshaped into an arc plasma. The current signals exhibit background troughs and sudden peaks in the form of spikes. The spectrophotometric curve includes the spectra of both the flames and arc plasma under the arc discharge.
Three cooperative mechanisms required for recovery after brain damage
Authors: Berger D. , Varriale E. , van Kessenich L. Michiels , Herrmann H. J. , de Arcangelis L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStroke is one of the main causes of human disabilities. Experimental observations indicate that several mechanisms are activated during the recovery of functional activity after a stroke. Here we unveil how the brain recovers by explaining the role played by three mechanisms: Plastic adaptation, hyperexcitability and synaptogenesis. We consider two different damages in a neural network: A diffuse damage that simply causes the reduction of the effective system size and a localized damage, a stroke, that strongly alters the spontaneous activity of the system. Recovery mechanisms observed experimentally are implemented both separately and in a combined way. Interestingly, each mechanism contributes to the recovery to a limited extent. Only the combined application of all three together is able to recover the spontaneous activity of the undamaged system. This explains why the brain triggers independent mechanisms, whose cooperation is the fundamental ingredient for the system’s recovery.
Highly efficient ex vivo lentiviral transduction of primary human pancreatic exocrine cells
Authors: Balak Jeetindra R. A. , de Graaf Natascha , Zaldumbide Arnaud , Rabelink Ton J. , Hoeben Rob C. , de Koning Eelco J. P. , Carlotti Françoise 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe lack of efficient gene transfer methods into primary human pancreatic exocrine cells hampers studies on the plasticity of these cells and their possible role in beta cell regeneration. Therefore, improved gene transfer protocols are needed. Lentiviral vectors are widely used to drive ectopic gene expression in mammalian cells, including primary human islet cells. Here we aimed to optimize gene transfer into primary human exocrine cells using modified lentiviral vectors or transduction conditions. We evaluated different promoters, viral envelopes, medium composition and transduction adjuvants. Transduction efficiency of a reporter vector was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. We show that protamine sulfate-assisted transduction of a VSV-G-pseudotyped vector expressing eGFP under the control of a CMV promoter in a serum-free environment resulted in the best transduction efficiency of exocrine cells, reaching up to 90% of GFP-positive cells 5 days after transduction. Our findings will enable further studies on pancreas (patho)physiology that require gene transfer such as gene overexpression, gene knockdown or lineage tracing studies.
Light at night disrupts diel patterns of cytokine gene expression and endocrine profiles in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Mishra Ila , Knerr Reinhard M. , Stewart Alexander A. , Payette Wesley I. , Richter Melanie M. , Ashley Noah T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIncreased exposure to light pollution perturbs physiological processes through misalignment of daily rhythms at the cellular and tissue levels. Effects of artificial light-at-night (ALAN) on diel properties of immunity are currently unknown. We therefore tested the effects of ALAN on diel patterns of cytokine gene expression, as well as key hormones involved with the regulation of immunity, in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Circulating melatonin and corticosterone, and mRNA expression levels of pro- (IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were measured at six time points across 24-h day in brain (nidopallium, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) and peripheral tissues (liver, spleen, and fat) of zebra finches exposed to 12 h light:12 h darkness (LD), dim light-at-night (DLAN) or constant bright light (LLbright). Melatonin and corticosterone concentrations were significantly rhythmic under LD, but not under LLbright and DLAN. Genes coding for cytokines showed tissue-specific diurnal rhythms under LD and were lost with exposure to LLbright, except IL-6 in hypothalamus and liver. In comparison to LLbright, effects of DLAN were less adverse with persistence of some diurnal rhythms, albeit with significant waveform alterations. These results underscore the circadian regulation of biosynthesis of immune effectors and imply the susceptibility of daily immune and endocrine patterns to ALAN.
An assessment of tropical cyclones rainfall erosivity for Taiwan
Authors: Janapati Jayalakshmi , Seela Balaji Kumar , Lin Pay-Liam , Wang Pao K. , Kumar Utpal 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRainfall erosivity (or water erosion) has severe implications on agriculture, water, and land use management. Though, there were Rainfall erosivity studies on regional and global scale, tropical cyclones’ Rainfall erosivity is poorly assessed and have not been documented for one of the most cyclones affecting regions of the world like Taiwan. Here, using 15-years of raindrop size distributions (RSD) and 60-years of hourly rain gauges data, we estimated cyclones (also called typhoons) rainfall erosivity over Taiwan, and establish that typhoons’ mean rainfall erosivity is higher than the global mean rainfall erosivity. Moreover, regional variability of typhoons rainfall erosivity showed an increasing pattern from north to south (Taipei to Pingtung), with relatively higher values over eastern and southern parts of Taiwan. The annual mean erosivity of typhoons rainfall showed raising trends over eastern and southern Taiwan during 1958–2017. Our results provide an insight in assessing the land use and agricultural management for Taiwan.
Tunable graduated filters based on electrochromic materials for spatial image control
Authors: Hein Alexander , Kortz Carsten , Oesterschulze Egbert 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPassive graduated filters with fixed absorption profile are currently used in image recording to avoid overexposure. However, a whole set of filters with prescribed gradients is required to cope with changing illumination conditions. Furthermore, they demand mechanical adjustment during operation. To overcome these deficiencies we present a microfabricated active electrochromic graduated filter which combines multiple functionalities: The overall absorbance, the position of medium transmission as well as the magnitude of its gradient can be tuned continuously by electrical means. Live image control is possible using low operation voltages in the range of ±2 V to reach a high change in optical density ΔOD of 1.01 (400 nm to 780 nm) with a coloration and bleaching time 1.3 s and 0.2 s, respectively. Owing to their low volume and power consumption they are suitable for widespread applications like in smartphones, surveillance cameras or microscopes.