bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compositional and structural analysis of Fukushima-derived particulates using high-resolution x-ray imaging and synchrotron characterisation techniques
Authors: Martin Peter G. , Jones Christopher P. , Cipiccia Silvia , Batey Darren J. , Hallam Keith R. , Satou Yukihiko , Griffiths Ian , Rau Christoph , Richards David A. , Sueki Keisuke , Ishii Tatsuya , Scott Thomas B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBoth the three-dimensional internal structure and elemental distribution of near-field radioactive fallout particulate material released during the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is analysed using combined high-resolution laboratory and synchrotron radiation x-ray techniques. Results from this study allow for the proposition of the likely formation mechanism of the particles, as well as the potential risks associated with their existence in the environment, and the likely implications for future planned reactor decommissioning. A suite of particles is analyzed from a locality 2 km from the north-western perimeter of the site – north of the primary contaminant plume in an area formerly attributed to being contaminated by fallout from reactor Unit 1. The particles are shown to exhibit significant structural similarities; being amorphous with a textured exterior, and containing inclusions of contrasting compositions, as well as an extensive internal void volume – bimodal in its size distribution. A heterogeneous distribution of the various elemental constituents is observed inside a representative particle, which also exhibited a Fukushima-derived radiocesium (134Cs, 135Cs and 137Cs) signature with negligible natural Cs. We consider the structure and composition of the particle to suggest it formed from materials associated with the reactor Unit 1 building explosion, with debris fragments embedded into the particles surface. Such a high void ratio, comparable to geological pumice, suggests such material formed during a rapid depressurisation and is potentially susceptible to fragmentation through attrition.
Symbiosis of soybean with nitrogen fixing bacteria affected by root lesion nematodes in a density-dependent manner
Authors: Elhady Ahmed , Hallmann Johannes , Heuer Holger 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEarly maturing varieties of soybean have a high yield potential in Europe, where the main biotic threat to soybean cultivation are root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.). Nitrogen fixation in root nodules by highly efficient inoculants of Bradyrhizobium japonicum is an incentive to grow soybean in low-input rotation systems. We investigated density-dependent effects of Pratylenchus penetrans on nitrogen fixation by co-inoculated B. japonicum. Less than 130 inoculated nematodes affected the number and weight of nodules, the density of viable bacteroids in nodules, and nitrogen fixation measured as concentration of ureides in leaves. With more inoculated nematodes, the percentage that invaded the roots increased, and adverse effects on the symbiosis accelerated, leading to non-functional nodules at 4,000 and more nematodes. When P. penetrans invaded roots that had fully established nodules, growth of nodules, density of bacteroids, and nitrogen fixation were affected but not the number of nodules. In contrast, nodulation of already infested roots resulted in a high number of small nodules with decreased densities of bacteroids and nitrogen fixation. P. penetrans invaded and damaged the nodules locally, but they also significantly affected the nodule symbiosis by a plant-mediated mechanism, as shown in an experiment with split-root systems.
Invasive marine species discovered on non–native kelp rafts in the warmest Antarctic island
Authors: Avila Conxita , Angulo-Preckler Carlos , Martín-Martín Rafael P. , Figuerola Blanca , Griffiths Huw James , Waller Catherine Louise 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAntarctic shallow coastal marine communities were long thought to be isolated from their nearest neighbours by hundreds of kilometres of deep ocean and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The discovery of non–native kelp washed up on Antarctic beaches led us to question the permeability of these barriers to species dispersal. According to the literature, over 70 million kelp rafts are afloat in the Southern Ocean at any one time. These living, floating islands can play host to a range of passenger species from both their original coastal location and those picked in the open ocean. Driven by winds, currents and storms towards the coast of the continent, these rafts are often cited as theoretical vectors for the introduction of new species into Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. We found non-native kelps, with a wide range of “hitchhiking” passenger organisms, on an Antarctic beach inside the flooded caldera of an active volcanic island. This is the first evidence of non-native species reaching the Antarctic continent alive on kelp rafts. One passenger species, the bryozoan Membranipora membranacea, is found to be an invasive and ecologically harmful species in some cold-water regions, and this is its first record from Antarctica. The caldera of Deception Island provides considerably milder conditions than the frigid surrounding waters and it could be an ideal location for newly introduced species to become established. These findings may help to explain many of the biogeographic patterns and connections we currently see in the Southern Ocean. However, with the impacts of climate change in the region we may see an increase in the range and number of organisms capable of surviving both the long journey and becoming successfully established.
AfLFY, a LEAFY homolog in Argyranthemum frutescens, controls flowering time and leaf development
Authors: Hu Jing , Jin Qi , Ma Yueping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFlowering is important for plant propagation and survival, and it is also closely related to human life. Identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying flower development is essential for plant improvement and breeding. Flower development is a complex physiological process that is regulated by multiple genes. LFY genes play important roles in the floral meristem transition and act as crucial integrators in regulating the floral gene network. Argyranthemum frutescens is an ornamental species cultivated for floral displays, yet little is known about molecular mechanisms driving its flower development. In this study, the LEAFY gene homologue, AfLFY, was identified and cloned from A. frutescens, and its role and expression patterns were characterized. Two distinct copies of AfLFY were found in the A. frutescens genome and both sequences contained a 1248 bp open reading frame that encoded 415 amino acids. The putative protein sequences have a typical LFY family domain. In addition, AfLFY was expressed at the highest levels in young leaves of the vegetative stage and in the shoot apical bud meristem of the reproductive stage. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AfLFY was most closely related to DFL from Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium. Subcellular localization studies revealed that AfLFY localized to the nucleus. Heterologous expression of AfLFY in transgenic tobacco plants shortened its period of vegetative growth, converted the lateral meristems into terminal flowers and promoted precocious flowering. In addition, transgenic plants exhibited obvious morphological changes in leaf shape. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels genes related to flowering, FT, SOC1, and AP1 were significantly upregulated in AfLFY transgenic plants. Our findings suggested that the AfLFY gene plays a vital role in promoting flowering and leaf development in A. frutescens. These results laid a foundation for us to understand the mechanism of AfLFY in regulation flowering, and the results will be helpful in improving A. frutescens through molecular breeding.
Grey mould control by oxalate degradation using non-antifungal Pseudomonas abietaniphila strain ODB36
Authors: Lee Yeyeong , Choi Okhee , Kang Byeongsam , Bae Juyoung , Kim Seunghoe , Kim Jinwoo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGrey mould is an important necrotrophic fungal pathogen that causes huge economic losses in agriculture. Many types of bacteria are used for biological control of grey mould via competition for space or nutrients and/or the production of antifungal metabolites. Oxalate is a key component of virulent necrotic fungal pathogens. In this study, we isolated non-antifungal oxalate-degrading bacteria (ODB) from the surfaces of oxalate-rich spinach and strawberries to investigate their ability to control necrotic fungal pathogens such as grey mould. A total of 36 bacteria grown on oxalate minimal (OM) agar plates were tested for oxalate-degrading activity. Five isolates exhibiting the highest oxalate degradation activity were subjected to molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Two isolates exhibiting non-antifungal activity were subjected to disease suppression assays usingArabidopsis–Botrytissystems. The isolatePseudomonas abietaniphilaODB36, which exhibited significant plant protective ability, was finally selected for further investigation. Based on whole-genome information, thepseudomonadoxalatedegrading (podA) gene, which encodes formyl-CoA transferase, was analysed. ThepodA−mutant did not inhibitBotrytisinfection and oxalate toxicity; the defects were recovered bypodAcomplementation. Purified PodA–His converted oxalate to formate and eliminated oxalate toxicity. These results indicate thatP. abietaniphilaODB36 and PodA enzyme are associated with various aspects of grey mould disease inhibitory effects.
Evaluation of a micro/nanofluidic chip platform for diagnosis of central nervous system infections: a multi-center prospective study
Authors: Zheng Guanghui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lina , Qian Lingye , Cai Yumeng , Lv Hong , Kang Xixiong , Guo Dawen , Wang Xiaoming , Huang Jing , Gao Zhixian , Guan Xiuru , Zhang Guojun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCentral nervous system infection (CNSI) is a significant type of infection that plagues the fields of neurology and neurosurgical science. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of CNSI is a major challenge in clinical and laboratory assessments; however, developing new methods may help improve diagnostic protocols. This study evaluated the second-generation micro/nanofluidic chip platform (MNCP-II), which overcomes the difficulties of diagnosing bacterial and fungal infections in the CNS. The MNCP-II is simple to operate, and can identify 44 genus or species targets and 35 genetic resistance determinants in 50 minutes. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the second-generation micro/nanofluidic chip platform for CNSI in a multicenter study. The limit of detection (LOD) using the second-generation micro/nanofluidic chip platform was first determined using six different microbial standards. A total of 180 bacterium/fungi-containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures and 26 CSF samples collected from CNSI patients with negative microbial cultures were evaluated using the MNCP-II platform for the identification of microorganism and determinants of genetic resistance. The results were compared to those obtained with conventional identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods. The LOD of the various microbes tested with the MNCP-II was found to be in the range of 250–500 copies of DNA. For the 180 CSF microbe-positive cultures, the concordance rate between the platform and the conventional identification method was 90.00%; eight species attained 100% consistency. In the detection of 9 kinds of antibiotic resistance genes, including carbapenemases, ESBLs, aminoglycoside, vancomycin-related genes, and mecA, concordance rates with the conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods exceeded 80.00%. For carbapenemases and ESBLs-related genes, both the sensitivity and positive predictive values of the platform tests were high (>90.0%) and could fully meet the requirements of clinical diagnosis. MNCP-II is a very effective molecular detection platform that can assist in the diagnosis of CNSI and can significantly improve diagnostic efficiency.
The National Institutes of Health funding for clinical research applying machine learning techniques in 2017
Authors: Annapureddy Amarnath R. , Angraal Suveen , Caraballo Cesar , Grimshaw Alyssa , Huang Chenxi , Mortazavi Bobak J. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMachine learning (ML) techniques have become ubiquitous and indispensable for solving intricate problems in most disciplines. To determine the extent of funding for clinical research projects applying ML techniques by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2017, we searched the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) system using relevant keywords. We identified 535 projects, which together received a total of $264 million, accounting for 2% of the NIH extramural budget for clinical research.
Trypanosomatid parasite dynamically changes the transcriptome during infection and modifies honey bee physiology
Authors: Liu Qiushi , Lei Jing , Darby Alistair C. , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt is still not understood how honey bee parasite changes the gene expression to adapt to the host environment and how the host simultaneously responds to the parasite infection by modifying its own gene expression. To address this question, we studied a trypanosomatid, Lotmaria passim, which can be cultured in medium and inhabit the honey bee hindgut. We found that L. passim decreases mRNAs associated with protein translation, glycolysis, detoxification of radical oxygen species, and kinetoplast respiratory chain to adapt to the anaerobic and nutritionally poor honey bee hindgut during the infection. After the long term infection, the host appears to be in poor nutritional status, indicated by the increase and decrease of take-out and vitellogenin mRNAs, respectively. Simultaneous gene expression profiling of L. passim and honey bee during infection by dual RNA-seq provided insight into how both parasite and host modify their gene expressions.
Removing a single neuron in a vertebrate brain forever abolishes an essential behavior
Authors: Hecker Alexander , Schulze Wolfram , Oster Jakob , Richter David O. , Schuster Stefan 
Published: January 2020

Significance
The Mauthner cell is the largest neuron known in the vertebrate brain and, in fish, mediates rapid escape behavior. Ablating this neuron has repeatedly failed to eliminate rapid escapes, a survival role of these escapes has not been supported experimentally, and it is unknown which advantage the enormous size and complexity of the cell conveys. By taking care to ensure ablations remove not only the soma but also the giant axon, we find that rapid escapes are lost forever and that this loss directly affects survival in predator–prey assays. The Mauthner cell thus is an example in which a survival-critical function depends on an individual neuron whose axon appears to have unusual capacities to remain functional after severe injury.
Autonomy: the next phase of dialogue between systemic functional linguistics and Legitimation Code Theory
Authors: Maton Karl , Howard Sarah K. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Systemic functional linguistics (SFL) has long enjoyed a close and fruitful dialogue with Legitimation Code Theory (LCT). A growing number of scholars enact both theories together in empirical research to explore how knowledge and language relate together to shape practice. This work both generates greater explanatory power in research and encourages conceptual advances in each of the two theories. In this paper we introduce new concepts from a recently renovated dimension of LCT called Autonomy that may spark a new phase of dialogue between the frameworks. We begin by summarising the existing ongoing phases of dialogue between LCT and SFL. We then introduce the concepts of “autonomy codes”, which explore changing relations among different kinds of practices by tracing “autonomy pathways”. The potential of these concepts for empirical research is illustrated through detailed analyses of classroom practice in which schoolteachers attempt to use everyday knowledge as ways of helping students learn History. These analyses suggest that “one-way trips” from one form of knowledge practice into another constrain knowledge-building while “autonomy tours” that engage with, repurpose and connect other knowledge practices support knowledge-building. Finally, we consider how these concepts might raise questions for SFL research and theory and thereby initiate a new phase in its dialogue with LCT.
Toward a linguistically informed, responsive and embedded pedagogy in secondary literacy instruction
Authors: Fang Zhihui 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTLearning in secondary content areas involves at least some interaction with complex disciplinary texts. The engagement requires discipline-specific reading/writing skills that go beyond those students have mastered in the elementary grades. This advanced literacy ability, or disciplinary literacy, is best fostered through a pedagogy that is informed by sound linguistics theory, responsive to student needs, and embedded in meaningful disciplinary experiences. Such a pedagogy, with its focus on how language is used in disciplinary meaning making, has the potential to promote knowledge building and advanced literacy development at the same time.
Simulated folivory increases vertical transmission of fungal endophytes that deter herbivores and alter tolerance to herbivory inPoa autumnalis
Authors: Gundel Pedro E , Sun Prudence , Charlton Nikki D , Young Carolyn A , Miller Tom E X , Rudgers Jennifer A 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsThe processes that maintain variation in the prevalence of symbioses within host populations are not well understood. While the fitness benefits of symbiosis have clearly been shown to drive changes in symbiont prevalence, the rate of transmission has been less well studied. Many grasses host symbiotic fungi (Epichloë spp.), which can be transmitted vertically to seeds or horizontally via spores. These symbionts may protect plants against herbivores by producing alkaloids or by increasing tolerance to damage. Therefore, herbivory may be a key ecological factor that alters symbiont prevalence within host populations by affecting either symbiont benefits to host fitness or the symbiont transmission rate. Here, we addressed the following questions: Does symbiont presence modulate plant tolerance to herbivory? Does folivory increase symbiont vertical transmission to seeds or hyphal density in seedlings? Do plants with symbiont horizontal transmission have lower rates of vertical transmission than plants lacking horizontal transmission?MethodsWe studied the grass Poa autumnalis and its symbiotic fungi in the genus Epichloë. We measured plant fitness (survival, growth, reproduction) and symbiont transmission to seeds following simulated folivory in a 3-year common garden experiment and surveyed natural populations that varied in mode of symbiont transmission.Key ResultsPoa autumnalis hosted two Epichloë taxa, an undescribed vertically transmitted Epichloë sp. PauTG-1 and E. typhina subsp. poae with both vertical and horizontal transmission. Simulated folivory reduced plant survival, but endophyte presence increased tolerance to damage and boosted fitness. Folivory increased vertical transmission and hyphal density within seedlings, suggesting induced protection for progeny of damaged plants. Across natural populations, the prevalence of vertical transmission did not correlate with symbiont prevalence or differ with mode of transmission.ConclusionsHerbivory not only mediated the reproductive fitness benefits of symbiosis, but also promoted symbiosis prevalence by increasing vertical transmission of the fungus to the next generation. Our results reveal a new mechanism by which herbivores could influence the prevalence of microbial symbionts in host populations.
Improvement in Back Pain Following Abdominoplasty: Results of a 10-Year, Single-Surgeon Series
Authors: Soteropulos Carol E , Edinger Kylie M , Leibl Kayla E , Siebert John W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Few studies have examined the impact of abdominoplasty on chronic back pain.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that patients undergoing abdominoplasty with anterior abdominal wall plication will show significant improvements in back pain and physical function compared with those without plication.

Methods
We utilized Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to identify patients who underwent abdominoplasty with the senior author over a 10-year period. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the RAND 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were administered. All patients indicating preoperative back pain were reviewed.

Results
Of 338 patients, 143 surveys (42.3%) were returned; 51 patients (35.7%; n = 28 aesthetic, n = 23 massive weight loss) reported preoperative back pain on the ODI. Paired t tests compared overall and strata-specific changes in ODI and SF-36 pre- and postsurgery. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to model relations between scores and plication, adjusting for presurgery scores and patient variables. There were significant improvements in overall patient cohort in ODI (–15.14), SF-36 physical function (19.92), and pain (17.42) (P &lt; 0.001), as well as when patients were stratified by plication status. However, outcomes between those with plication and those without were not significantly different.

Conclusions
Abdominoplasty with and without anterior abdominal wall plication significantly improves ODI and SF-36 scores relating to physical function and pain, in both aesthetic and massive weight loss patients. Outcomes did not differ based on plication status. All patients with preoperative back pain showed improvement regardless of operation performed, suggesting that abdominoplasty with or without abdominal wall plication improves chronic back pain in this patient population.

Level of Evidence: 4
Rapid speciation and ecological divergence into North American alpine habitats: the Nippononebria (Coleoptera: Carabidae) species complex
Authors: Weng Yi-Ming , Veire Benton M , Dudko Roman Yu , Medeiros Matthew J , Kavanaugh David H , Schoville Sean D 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe climate-driven species pump hypothesis has been supported in a number of phylogeographic studies of alpine species. Climate-driven shifts in distribution, coupled with rapid demographic change, have led to strong genetic drift and lineage diversification. Although the species pump has been linked to rapid speciation in a number of studies, few studies have demonstrated that ecological divergence accompanies rapid speciation. Here we examine genetic, morphological and physiological variation in members of the ground beetle taxon Nippononebria, to test three competing hypotheses of evolutionary diversification: isolation and incomplete lineage sorting (no speciation), recent speciation without ecological divergence, or recent speciation with ecological divergence into alpine habitats. Genetic data are consistent with recent divergence, with major lineages forming in the last million years. A species tree analysis, in conjunction with morphological divergence in male reproductive traits, support the formation of three recognized Nippononebria taxa. Furthermore, both morphological and physiological traits demonstrate ecological divergence in alpine lineages, with convergent shifts in body shape and thermal tolerance breadth. This provides strong evidence that the climate-driven species pump can generate ecological novelty, though it is argued that spatial scale may be a key determinant of broader patterns of macroevolution in alpine communities.