bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bee and Flowering Plant Communities in a Riparian Corridor of the Lower Rio Grande River (Texas, USA)
Authors: Rubio Amede , Wright Karen , Longing Scott
Published: September 2021

The Rio Grande in Texas is the geopolitical boundary between the United States and Mexico. Considered one of the world’s most at-risk rivers, it has been impacted by intensified management by both countries sharing its watershed. Invasion by Arundo donax (Linnaeus) (Poales: Poaceae), giant reed, has been extensive in the riparian corridor, with potential impacts on native wildlife. A need exists to better understand the ecological communities in these habitats to support strategies for enhancing resources for pollinators. We sampled bee and flowering plant communities monthly over 2 yr along a 3.22 km stretch of the lower Rio Grande in Webb County, TX. Bee and plant richness and abundance were bimodal with peaks in March–April and September in both riparian and upland habitats. The bee community was similar across habitats and sampling dates and dominated by a few common species. Anthophora occidentalis (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Lasioglossum sp. L (Curtis) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were indicator species of the riparian habitat, and Halictus ligatus (Say) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) was an indicator species of the upland habitat. Three plant species were indicator species in riparian habitats, spiny pricklepoppy (Argemone sanguinea Greene) (Papaverales: Papaveraceae), spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata Linnaeus) (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), and Pennsylvania cudweed (Gamochaeta pensylvanica Willdenow) (Asterales: Asteraceae). Analysis showed a positive relationship between bee richness and abundance with flowering plant diversity, increasing bee richness within an optimal temperature range 25−30°C, and higher bee abundance with increased average monthly precipitation. This geographically extensive riparian corridor could be managed using ecological restoration to enhance resources for pollinators.
Computed tomography to identify risk factors for left circumflex artery injury during mitral surgery
Authors: Kishimoto Noriaki , Takahashi Yosuke , Fujii Hiromichi , Sakon Yoshito , Izuta Shinichiro , Kitada Ryoko , Morisaki Akimasa , Yoshida Hisako , Ehara Shoichi , Shibata Toshihiko
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES

Cases in which the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) runs close to the mitral annulus are considered high risk for LCX injury during mitral surgery. We investigated the anatomical relationship between the LCX and the mitral annulus using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

We constructed 3D-CT images of the LCX and the mitral annulus before surgery in 122 patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). We classified coronary dominance by 3D-CT and MR aetiologies (degenerative, atrial functional MR, ventricular functional MR and Barlow’s disease) using echocardiography. We detected the point on the mitral annulus closest to the LCX (X point) and measured the minimum distance from the LCX to the mitral annulus (mCAD). We judged whether atrioventricular disjunction existed using CT. We also investigated the factors affecting mCAD and examined how coronary dominance and MR aetiologies relate to the location of the X point.

RESULTS

The median mCAD was 4.2 mm (range 0.9–11.4 mm). Considering coronary dominance and MR aetiologies, mCAD was shorter in patients with left coronary dominance and Barlow’s disease. The X point mostly existed on the lateral side of the posterior annulus, but it sometimes existed on the medial side. Multiple regression revealed left dominance and mitral annular disjunction as significant factors affecting mCAD (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical relationship between the LCX and the mitral annulus can be recognized using superimposed 3D-CT images. This approach is useful to avoid LCX injury in mitral valve surgery since the X point varies between patients.
European Society of Cardiology guidance for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: part 1—epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis
Authors:   The Task Force for the management of COVID-19 of the European Society of Cardiology, Baigent Colin , Windecker Stephan , Andreini Daniele , Arbelo Elena , Barbato Emanuele , Bartorelli Antonio L , Baumbach Andreas , Behr Elijah R , Berti Sergio , Bueno Héctor , Capodanno Davide , Cappato Riccardo , Chieffo Alaide , Collet Jean-Philippe , Cuisset Thomas , de Simone Giovanni , Delgado Victoria , Dendale Paul , Dudek Dariusz , Edvardsen Thor , Elvan Arif , González-Juanatey José R , Gori Mauro , Grobbee Diederick , Guzik Tomasz J , Halvorsen Sigrun , Haude Michael , Heidbuchel Hein , Hindricks Gerhard , Ibanez Borja , Karam Nicole , Katus Hugo , Klok Fredrikus A , Konstantinides Stavros V , Landmesser Ulf , Leclercq Christophe , Leonardi Sergio , Lettino Maddalena , Marenzi Giancarlo , Mauri Josepa , Metra Marco , Morici Nuccia , Mueller Christian , Petronio Anna Sonia , Polovina Marija M , Potpara Tatjana , Praz Fabien , Prendergast Bernard , Prescott Eva , Price Susanna , Pruszczyk Piotr , Rodríguez-Leor Oriol , Roffi Marco , Romaguera Rafael , Rosenkranz Stephan , Sarkozy Andrea , Scherrenberg Martijn , Seferovic Petar , Senni Michele , Spera Francesco R , Stefanini Giulio , Thiele Holger , Tomasoni Daniela , Torracca Luccia , Touyz Rhian M , Wilde Arthur A , Williams Bryan
Published: September 2021

Aims

Since its emergence in early 2020, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic levels, and there have been repeated outbreaks across the globe. The aim of this two-part series is to provide practical knowledge and guidance to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in association with COVID-19.

Methods and results

A narrative literature review of the available evidence has been performed, and the resulting information has been organized into two parts. The first, reported here, focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of cardiovascular (CV) conditions that may be manifest in patients with COVID-19. The second part, which will follow in a later edition of the journal, addresses the topics of care pathways, treatment, and follow-up of CV conditions in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review is not a formal guideline but rather a document that provides a summary of current knowledge and guidance to practicing clinicians managing patients with CVD and COVID-19. The recommendations are mainly the result of observations and personal experience from healthcare providers. Therefore, the information provided here may be subject to change with increasing knowledge, evidence from prospective studies, and changes in the pandemic. Likewise, the guidance provided in the document should not interfere with recommendations provided by local and national healthcare authorities.
Mapping causal genes and genetic interactions for agronomic traits using a large F2 population in rice
Authors: Feng Laibao , Ma Aimin , Song Bo , Yu Sibin , Qi Xiaoquan
Published: September 2021

Dissecting the genetic mechanisms underlying agronomic traits is of great importance for crop breeding. Agronomic traits are usually controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genetic interactions, and mapping the underlying causal genes is still labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we present a genetic tool for directly targeting the specific causal genes by using a single-gene resolution linkage map that was constructed from 3756 F2 rice plants via targeted sequencing technology and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. Three large- and moderate-effect QTLs, qHD6-2, qGL3-1, and qGW5-2, were successfully mapped to their specific causal genes, Hd1, GS3, and GW5, respectively. A complex genetic interaction network containing 30 QTL–QTL interactions was constructed, revealing that the alternative allele of hub QTL, qHD6-2, can hide or release the genetic contributions of the alleles at interacting loci. Moreover, arranging genetic interactions in the models lead to more accurate phenotypic predictions. These results provide a community resource and new feasible strategy for deciphering the genetic mechanisms of complex agronomic traits and accelerating crop breeding.
Aegilops tauschii genome assembly Aet v5.0 features greater sequence contiguity and improved annotation
Authors: Wang Le , Zhu Tingting , Rodriguez Juan C , Deal Karin R , Dubcovsky Jorge , McGuire Patrick E , Lux Thomas , Spannagl Manuel , Mayer Klaus F X , Baldrich Patricia , Meyers Blake C , Huo Naxin , Gu Yong Q , Zhou Hongye , Devos Katrien M , Bennetzen Jeffrey L , Unver Turgay , Budak Hikmet , Gulick Patrick J , Galiba Gabor , Kalapos Balázs , Nelson David R , Li Pingchuan , You Frank M , Luo Ming-Cheng , Dvorak Jan
Published: September 2021

Aegilops tauschii is the donor of the D subgenome of hexaploid wheat and an important genetic resource. The reference-quality genome sequence Aet v4.0 for Ae. tauschii acc. AL8/78 was therefore an important milestone for wheat biology and breeding. Further advances in sequencing acc. AL8/78 and release of the Aet v5.0 sequence assembly are reported here. Two new optical maps were constructed and used in the revision of pseudomolecules. Gaps were closed with Pacific Biosciences long-read contigs, decreasing the gap number by 38,899. Transposable elements and protein-coding genes were reannotated. The number of annotated high-confidence genes was reduced from 39,635 in Aet v4.0 to 32,885 in Aet v5.0. A total of 2245 biologically important genes, including those affecting plant phenology, grain quality, and tolerance of abiotic stresses in wheat, was manually annotated and disease-resistance genes were annotated by a dedicated pipeline. Disease-resistance genes encoding nucleotide-binding site domains, receptor-like protein kinases, and receptor-like proteins were preferentially located in distal chromosome regions, whereas those encoding transmembrane coiled-coil proteins were dispersed more evenly along the chromosomes. Discovery, annotation, and expression analyses of microRNA (miRNA) precursors, mature miRNAs, and phasiRNAs are reported, including miRNA target genes. Other small RNAs, such as hc-siRNAs and tRFs, were characterized. These advances enhance the utility of the Ae. tauschii genome sequence for wheat genetics, biotechnology, and breeding.
Replication timing analysis in polyploid cells reveals Rif1 uses multiple mechanisms to promote underreplication in Drosophila
Authors: Das Souradip , Caballero Madison , Kolesnikova Tatyana , Zhimulev Igor , Koren Amnon , Nordman Jared
Published: September 2021

Regulation of DNA replication and copy number is necessary to promote genome stability and maintain cell and tissue function. DNA replication is regulated temporally in a process known as replication timing (RT). Rap1-interacting factor 1 (Rif1) is a key regulator of RT and has a critical function in copy number control in polyploid cells. Previously, we demonstrated that Rif1 functions with SUUR to inhibit replication fork progression and promote underreplication (UR) of specific genomic regions. How Rif1-dependent control of RT factors into its ability to promote UR is unknown. By applying a computational approach to measure RT in Drosophila polyploid cells, we show that SUUR and Rif1 have differential roles in controlling UR and RT. Our findings reveal that Rif1 acts to promote late replication, which is necessary for SUUR-dependent underreplication. Our work provides new insight into the process of UR and its links to RT.
Blood copper and risk of cardiometabolic diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jäger Susanne , Cabral Maria , Kopp Johannes F , Hoffmann Per , Ng Esther , Whitfield John B , Morris Andrew P , Lind Lars , Schwerdtle Tanja , Schulze Matthias B
Published: September 2021

Observational evidence links higher blood levels of copper with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, whether those associations reflect causal links or can be attributed to confounding is still not fully clear. We investigated causal effects of copper on the risk of cardiometabolic endpoints (stroke, coronary artery disease [CAD] and type 2 diabetes) and cardiometabolic risk factors in two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. The selection of genetic instruments for blood copper levels relied on meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies in three independent studies (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study, Prospective investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors study, Queensland Institute of Medical Research studies). For the selected instruments, outcome associations were drawn from large public genetic consortia on the respective disease endpoints (MEGASTROKE, Cardiogram, DIAGRAM) and cardiometabolic risk factors. MR results indicate an inverse association for genetically higher copper levels with risk of CAD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.92 [0.86–0.99], P = 0.022) and systolic blood pressure (beta [standard error (SE)] = −0.238 [0.121]; P = 0.049). Multivariable MR incorporating copper and systolic blood pressure into one model suggested systolic blood pressure as mediating factor between copper and CAD risk. In contrast to previous observational evidence establishing higher blood copper levels as risk-increasing factor for cardiometabolic diseases, this study suggests that higher levels of genetically predicted copper might play a protective role for the development of CAD and systolic blood pressure.
Genetic incompatibility of the reproductive partners: an evolutionary perspective on infertility
Authors: Kekäläinen Jukka
Published: September 2021

In natural fertilisation, the female reproductive tract allows only a strictly selected sperm subpopulation to proceed in the vicinity of an unfertilised oocyte. Female-mediated sperm selection (also known as cryptic female choice (CFC)) is far from a random process, which frequently biases paternity towards particular males over others. Earlier studies have shown that CFC is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the animal kingdom and often promotes assortative fertilisation between genetically compatible mates. Here, I demonstrate that CFC for genetic compatibility likely also occurs in humans and is mediated by a complex network of interacting male and female genes. I also show that the relative contribution of genetic compatibility (i.e. the male–female interaction effect) to reproductive success is generally high and frequently outweighs the effects of individual males and females. Together, these facts indicate that, along with male- and female-dependent pathological factors, reproductive failure can also result from gamete-level incompatibility of the reproductive partners. Therefore, I argue that a deeper understanding of these evolutionary mechanisms of sperm selection can pave the way towards a more inclusive view of infertility and open novel possibilities for the development of more personalised infertility diagnostics and treatments.
The microbial contribution to the trophic position of stomiiform fishes
Authors: Bode Antonio , Olivar M Pilar , López-Pérez Cristina , Hernández-León Santiago
Published: September 2021

The trophic position (TP) of fishes determines their importance in terms of energy flows within food webs. However, accurate estimations of TP are often prevented because of the difficulties in tracing all food sources. This is particularly challenging for omnivorous fishes, such as those from the Order Stomiiformes. In this study, we applied recent developments in stable isotope analysis of amino acids to untangle the contributions of microbial vs. metazoan food webs in 13 species of Stomiiformes. The inclusion of the microbial food web reduced the differences between TP estimates using stable isotopes and those derived from stomach content analysis. In addition, the new estimates allowed to quantify the relative contribution of the microbial food web to each species (6–21%), highlighting the importance of detritus consumption even in piscivorous species (e.g. Stomias boa and Chauliodus danae). The comparison of TP estimates obtained with selected amino acids in fish muscle allowed for the detection of the microbial influence integrated at time scales relevant for net fish growth, even when trophic exchanges in the microbial food web occur at much shorter time scales. The assessment of TP considering the differential contribution of microbial and metazoan food webs challenges our current understanding of marine food webs; yet provides a new quantitative tool for the analysis of their structure and function.
Life-Course Approach to Vaccination in Bangladesh for Meeting the Health and Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals: A Commentary
Authors: Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Islam Taufiqul , Qadri Firdausi
Published: September 2021

Bangladesh is entering from low-income to lower-middle-income status in 2020, and this will be completed in the next 5 years. With gross national income growing, vaccines will need to be procured through private market for the Expanded Program on Immunization. A cost-benefit analysis is needed to evaluate vaccine demand in different socioeconomic groups in the country, to inform this procurement. Moreover, disease burden studies and awareness of importance of specific vaccines are needed as we move forward. A life-course approach to vaccination may enable whole society to realize the full potential of vaccination and address most significant threats to its success over time.
Impact of PrsA on membrane lipid composition during daptomycin-resistance-mediated β-lactam sensitization in clinical MRSA strains
Authors: de Carvalho Carla C C R , Taglialegna Agustina , Rosato Adriana E
Published: September 2021

Background

The cyclic anionic lipopeptide daptomycin is used in the treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA. Daptomycin resistance, although rare, often results in treatment failure. Paradoxically, in MRSA, daptomycin resistance is usually accompanied by a concomitant decrease in β-lactam resistance in what is known as the ‘see-saw effect’. This resensitization is extensively used for the treatment of MRSA infections, by combining daptomycin and a β-lactam antibiotic, such as oxacillin.

Objectives

We aimed: (i) to investigate the combined effects of daptomycin and oxacillin on the lipid composition of the cellular membrane of both daptomycin-resistant and -susceptible MRSA strains; and (ii) to assess the involvement of the post-translocational protein PrsA, which plays an important role in oxacillin resistance in MRSA, in membrane lipid composition and remodelling during daptomycin resistance/β-lactam sensitization.

Results

The combination of microbiological and biochemical studies, with fluorescence microscopy using lipid probes, showed that the lipid composition and surface charge of the daptomycin-resistant cells exposed to daptomycin/oxacillin were dependent on antibiotic concentration and directly associated with PrsA, which influenced cardiolipin remodelling/relocation.

Conclusions

Our findings show that PrsA, in addition to its post-transcriptional role in the maturation of PBP 2a, is a key mediator of cell membrane remodelling connected to the see-saw effect and may have a key role in the resensitization of daptomycin-resistant strains to β-lactams, such as oxacillin.
Comparative Evaluation of the SMARTCHECK® Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit for GENECHECKER® UF-300 Real-Time PCR System for Select Foods: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 042101
Authors: Park Jinhee , Choi Okran , Lee Dobu
Published: September 2021

Background

The candidate method, SMARTCHEK®  Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit, is designed for rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in select food matrixes, for use in conjunction with the Genesystems Rapi:chipTM and GENECHECKER®UF-300 real-time PCR system.

Objective

The independent laboratory evaluation consisted of an inclusivity and exclusivity study, product consistency study, robustness study, stability study, and a matrix study. The paired matrix study tested stainless-steel environmental sponges, uncured ready-to-eat deli turkey, ready-to-eat deli ham, cooked shrimp, and fresh bagged spinach. The robustness study evaluated the method by changing three parameters. The accelerated stability and product consistency study was conducted at 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 days.

Methods

The candidate method was compared to the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook, 8.11 Isolation and Identification of Listeria monocytogenes from Red Meat, Poultry, Ready-to-Eat Siluriformes (Fish) and Egg Products, and Environmental Samples and to the US Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 10: Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods and Environmental Samples, and Enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in Foods following a paired study design.

Results

All 50 L. monocytogenes isolates were detected in all three broths tested for inclusivity, while all 37 non-L. monocytogenes isolates were correctly excluded. In the matrix study, the candidate method showed no significant differences between confirmed candidate method results and reference method results for all food matrixes evaluated.

Conclusion

The candidate method is an effective method for the qualitative detection of L. monocytogenes in select food matrixes.

Highlights

The SMARTCHECK Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit assay allows for fast, reliable detection of L. monocytogenes with results obtained in approximately 35 min after 18–48 h pre-enrichment, depending on the matrix.
β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius
Authors: Busse Nicolas I , Gonzalez Madison L , Krason Mackenzie L , Johnson Sally E
Published: September 2021

Consumption of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) alters muscle composition and metabolism leading to strength and agility improvements in human athletes. To determine if HMB affects athletic performance and muscle function in horses, Thoroughbred geldings were fed a control (CON; n = 5) or HMB (n = 6) supplement for 6 wk prior to completing a standardized exercise test (SET). Gluteus medius (GM) muscle biopsies were obtained before the SET for fiber typing. Heart rate, biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) surface electromyograms (EMG), and fore and hind limbs metacarpophalangeal joint angles were captured at the gallop of the SET. Results demonstrate that HMB supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of type IIA and IIA/X muscle fibers in the GM with a corresponding decrease (P < 0.05) in type IIX fibers. The percentage of type I fibers was unaffected by diet. Supplementation with HMB did not result in any measurable effects on performance or biomechanical properties by comparison to CON. Supplementation with HMB resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in ST median frequency at speeds of 10 m/s and greater. Increasing treadmill speed resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in stride length and the maximal proximal forelimb fetlock angle, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in stance phase time of the gait cycle. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing treadmill speeds for both the BF and ST with the BF exhibiting greater (P < 0.05) iEMG values than the ST. In summary, HMB increased the percentage of type IIA GM fibers, which did not translate into improved performance.
Promazine Detection in Human Hair: Presentation of an LC–MS-MS Method and Pattern of Drug Discontinuation
Authors: Kintz Pascal , Ameline Alice , Raul Jean-Sébastien
Published: September 2021

Promazine is one of the oldest phenothiazine derivatives that have been proposed for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. The drug is available as tablets, as syrups and in injectable forms. Despite its prescription to millions of subjects, its detection in human hair has seldom been reported. The aim of the present work is to develop a specific method to identify promazine in human hair by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and to apply it to a patient who was self-medicating. The method involves overnight incubation of 20 mg of cut hair in 1 mL of pH 9.5 borate buffer in the presence of amitriptyline-d3 at 40°C. The chromatographic separation was performed using a reverse phase column HSS C18 with a gradient elution for 15 min. Linearity was verified from 0.5 to 500 pg/mg (r2 = 0.9996), after spiking blank hair with the corresponding amounts of promazine. The limit of detection was estimated at 0.1 pg/mg. The precision was lower than 20%. Promazine was detected in the hair of a psychotic subject at 228–270 pg/mg in a 3 × 1 cm segment. Given this was a patient who was self-medicating, her physician requested an immediate drug discontinuation. In a fresh hair specimen collected 3 months later, the proximal segment (0–1 cm) tested positive at 0.9 pg/mg, clearly indicating that the time to obtain a negative result after promazine discontinuation is about 3–4 months.
Evaluation of quality indicators near death in older adult cancer decedents in Japan: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shirane Sachie , Michihata Nobuaki , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Ariyoshi Keisuke , Iwase Satoru , Morita Kojiro , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: September 2021

Objectives

End-of-life cancer care is important; however, data on hospitalization and costs for older patients have been lacking. We aimed to examine quality indicators and costs for older patients in Japan.

Methods

Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a national database of acute-care hospitals in Japan, we retrospectively collected data on cancer decedents aged ≥65 years. We evaluated the quality indicators (hospitalizations, length of stay in the hospital, emergency hospitalizations, emergency hospitalizations using an ambulance, intensive care unit [ICU] admissions, length of stay in the ICU, interval between last chemotherapy use and death, and chemotherapy within 14 days before death) and hospitalization costs at 30, 90 and 180 days before death. We compared the outcomes across age groups (65–74, 75–84 and ≥ 85 years).

Results

Between January 2011 and March 2015, we identified 369 616 cancer decedents. From 180 to 30 days before death, there were increases in emergency hospitalizations, emergency hospitalizations using an ambulance, and the mean costs per hospital day. Overall, 16.7% of patients receiving chemotherapy last received this treatment on the day before death or the day of death. Costs decreased with increasing age. The group aged ≥85 years had the shortest hospital and ICU stays and the lowest multiple hospitalizations, ICU admissions, chemotherapy within 14 days before death, and costs.

Conclusions

Many older adult patients had emergency hospitalizations and received chemotherapy just prior to death, and there is room for improvement in appropriate end-of-life care. Oldest old patients consumed relatively few medical resources.
Meta-Analysis of Collaboration and Performance: Moderating Tests of Sectoral Differences in Collaborative Performance
Authors: Lee David , Hung ChiaKo
Published: September 2021

Over the past few decades, collaboration has flourished in the public administration and policy fields as a rational means to solve complex issues and improve public service performance. Through a meta-analysis of 26 studies with 251 effect sizes, this investigation provides novel perspectives for understanding the effects of different collaborative partnerships on performance. To test these mechanisms, we applied various social science theories, such as institutional theory, resource dependence theory, a resource-based view, and transaction cost theories. Our findings indicate that the overall effect of collaborative performance is positive and significant. Moreover, meta-regression results show that public–public collaboration results in better performance than public–nonprofit or public–business collaboration, while involving all three entity types in collaborative efforts yields similar outcomes to public–public collaboration. Several implications of these findings are outlined for researchers and practitioners.
Translational Aspects of the Immunology of Clostridioides difficile Infection: Implications for Pediatric Populations
Authors: Kociolek Larry K , Zackular Joseph P , Savidge Tor
Published: September 2021

Clostridioides difficile has become the most common healthcare-associated pathogen in the United States, leading the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify C. difficile as an “urgent” public health threat that requires “urgent and aggressive action.” This call to action has led to new discoveries that have advanced our understanding of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) immunology and clinical development of immunologic-based therapies for CDI prevention. However, CDI immunology research has been limited in pediatric populations, and several unanswered questions remain regarding the function of host immune response in pediatric CDI pathogenesis and the potential role of immunologic-based therapies in children. This review summarizes the innate and adaptive immune responses previously characterized in animals and humans and provides a current update on clinical development of immunologic-based therapies for CDI prevention in adults and children. These data inform the future research needs for children.
Oxymatrine screened from Sophora flavescens by cell membrane immobilized chromatography relieves histamine-independent itch
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Pan Jianhao , Zhu Tao , Malewicz Nathalie , Ye Kaihe , Rong Jianhui , Luo Yong , Situ Yongli , Verkhratsky Alexei , Wang Yong , Zhao Jianhao , Tang Dan , Nie Hong
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to discover the active compounds of Sophora flavescens Ait. (SF), the anti-itch effects and underlying mechanisms of oxymatrine (OMT), one of the bioactive compounds from SF.

Methods

Dorsal root ganglion cell membrane immobilized chromatography was used to screen potential anti-pruritic active compounds from SF. The scratching behaviour was analysed to systematically study the anti-pruritic effects of OMT in chloroquine- (CQ), peptide Ser–Leu–Ile–Gly–Arg–Leu- (SLIGRL), histamine- (HIS) and allyl-isothiocyanate-(AITC)-induced itch mice models. Real-time quantitative PCR, in-vivo study and molecular docking were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Key findings

All in all, 21 compounds of SF were identified and 5 potential bioactive compounds were discovered. OMT significantly reduced scratching bouts in two HIS-independent itch models induced by CQ and SLIGRL but was not effective in the HIS-induced itch model. OMT reduced scratching bouts in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel in two HIS-independent itch models; in addition, OMT reduced the wipes and scratching bouts induced by AITC.

Conclusions

This study discovered five potential anti-pruritic compounds including OMT in the SF extract, and OMT has strong anti-pruritic effects in HIS-independent itch via TRPA1 channel.
Point spread function reconstruction of adaptive-optics imaging: meeting the astrometric requirements for time-delay cosmography
Authors: Chen Geoff C-F , Treu Tommaso , Fassnacht Christopher D , Ragland Sam , Schmidt Thomas , Suyu Sherry H
Published: September 2021

Astrometric precision and knowledge of the point spread function are key ingredients for a wide range of astrophysical studies including time-delay cosmography in which strongly lensed quasar systems are used to determine the Hubble constant and other cosmological parameters. Astrometric uncertainty on the positions of the multiply-imaged point sources contributes to the overall uncertainty in inferred distances and therefore the Hubble constant. Similarly, knowledge of the wings of the point spread function is necessary to disentangle light from the background sources and the foreground deflector. We analyse adaptive optics (AO) images of the strong lens system J 0659+1629 obtained with the W. M. Keck Observatory using the laser guide star AO system. We show that by using a reconstructed point spread function we can (i) obtain astrometric precision of <1 mas, which is more than sufficient for time-delay cosmography; and (ii) subtract all point-like images resulting in residuals consistent with the noise level. The method we have developed is not limited to strong lensing, and is generally applicable to a wide range of scientific cases that have multiple point sources nearby.
The dispersal of protoplanetary discs – II: photoevaporation models with observationally derived irradiating spectra
Authors: Ercolano Barbara , Picogna Giovanni , Monsch Kristina , Drake Jeremy J , Preibisch Thomas
Published: September 2021

Young solar-type stars are known to be strong X-ray emitters and their X-ray spectra have been widely studied. X-rays from the central star may play a crucial role in the thermodynamics and chemistry of the circumstellar material as well as in the atmospheric evolution of young planets. In this paper, we present model spectra based on spectral parameters derived from the observations of young stars in the Orion nebula cluster from the Chandra Orion Ultradeep Project (COUP). The spectra are then used to calculate new photoevaporation prescriptions that can be used in disc and planet population synthesis models. Our models clearly show that disc wind mass loss rates are controlled by the stellar luminosity in the soft ($100\, \mathrm{eV}$ to $1\, \mathrm{keV}$) X-ray band. New analytical relations are provided for the mass loss rates and profiles of photoevaporative winds as a function of the luminosity in the soft X-ray band. The agreement between observed and predicted transition disc statistics moderately improved using the new spectra, but the observed population of strongly accreting large cavity discs can still not be reproduced by these models. Furthermore, our models predict a population of non-accreting transition discs that are not observed. This highlights the importance of considering the depletion of millimetre-sized dust grains from the outer disc, which is a likely reason why such discs have not been detected yet.
Neutrino emission from the collapse of ∼104 M⊙ Population III supermassive stars
Authors: Nagele Chris , Umeda Hideyuki , Takahashi Koh , Yoshida Takashi , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke
Published: September 2021

We calculate the neutrino signal from Population III supermassive star (SMS) collapse using a neutrino transfer code originally developed for core-collapse supernovae and massive star collapse. Using this code, we are able to investigate the SMS mass range thought to undergo neutrino trapping (∼104 M⊙), a mass range which has been neglected by previous works because of the difficulty of neutrino transfer. For models in this mass range, we observe a neutrino sphere with a large radius and low density compared to typical massive star neutrino spheres. We calculate the neutrino light curve emitted from this neutrino sphere. The resulting neutrino luminosity is significantly lower than the results of a previous analytical model. We briefly discuss the possibility of detecting a neutrino burst from an SMS or the neutrino background from many SMSs and conclude that the former is unlikely with current technology, unless the SMS collapse is located as close as 1 Mpc, while the latter is also unlikely even under very generous assumptions. However, the SMS neutrino background is still of interest as it may serve as a source of noise in proposed dark matter direct detection experiments.
Upper limits on the escape fraction of ionizing radiation from galaxies at 2 ≲ z < 6
Authors: Meštrić U , Ryan-Weber E V , Cooke J , Bassett R , Prichard L J , Rafelski M
Published: September 2021

In this work, we investigate upper limits on the global escape fraction of ionizing photons ($f_{\rm esc/global}^{\rm abs}$) from a sample of galaxies probed for Lyman-continuum (LyC) emission characterized as non-LyC and LyC leakers. We present a sample of nine clean non-contaminated (by low-redshift interlopers, CCD problems, and internal reflections of the instrument) galaxies that do not show significant (>3σ) LyC flux in the range 880 < λrest < 910 Å. The nine-galaxy stacked spectrum reveals no significant LyC flux with an upper limit of $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm abs} \le 0.06$. In the next step of our analysis, we join all estimates of $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm abs}$ upper limits derived from different samples of 2 ≲ z < 6 galaxies from the literature reported in last ∼20 yr and include the sample presented in this work. We find the $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm abs}$ upper limit ≤0.084 for the galaxies recognized as non-LyC leakers. After including all known detections from literature $f_{\rm esc/global}^{\rm abs}$ upper limit ≤0.088 for all galaxies examined for LyC flux. Furthermore, $f_{\rm esc}^{\rm abs}$ upper limits for different groups of galaxies indicate that the strongest LyC emitters could be galaxies classified as Lyman α emitters. We also discuss the possible existence of a correlation among the observed flux density ratio $(F_{\nu }^{\mathrm{ LyC}}/F_{\nu }^{\mathrm{ UV}})_{\rm obs}$ and Lyman α equivalent width EW(Lyα), where we confirm the existence of moderately significant correlation among galaxies classified as non-LyC leakers.
NICER, NuSTAR, and Swift follow-up observations of the γ-ray flaring blazar BL Lacertae in 2020 August–October
Authors: D’Ammando F
Published: September 2021

During a period of strong γ-ray flaring activity from BL Lacertae, we organized Swift, Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) follow-up observations. The source has been monitored by Swift-XRT (X-ray Telescope) between 2020 August 11 and October 16, showing a variability amplitude of 65, with a flux varying between 1.0 × 10−11 and 65.3 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1. On 2020 October 6, Swift-XRT has observed the source during its historical maximum X-ray flux. A softer-when-brighter behaviour has been observed by XRT, suggesting an increasing importance of the synchrotron emission in the X-ray part of the spectrum covered by XRT during this bright state. Rapid variability in soft X-rays has been observed with both the Swift-XRT and NICER observations with a minimum variability time-scale of 60 and 240 s, and a doubling time-scale of 274 and 1008 s, respectively, suggesting very compact emitting regions (1.1 × 1014 and 4.0 × 1014 cm). At hard X-rays, a minimum variability time-scale of ∼5.5 ks has been observed by NuSTAR. We report the first simultaneous NICER and NuSTAR observations of BL Lacertae during 2020 October 11–12. The joint NICER and NuSTAR spectra are well fitted by a broken power law with a significant difference of the photon index below (2.10) and above (1.60) an energy break at ∼2.7 keV, indicating the presence of two different emission components (i.e. synchrotron and inverse Compton) in the broad-band X-ray spectrum. Leaving the total hydrogen column density towards BL Lacertae free to vary, a value of NH,tot = (2.58 ± 0.09) × 1021 cm−2 has been estimated.
Constraining the Milky Way’s ultraviolet-to-infrared SED with Gaussian process regression
Authors: Fielder Catherine E , Newman Jeffrey A , Andrews Brett H , Zasowski Gail , Boardman Nicholas F , Licquia Tim , Masters Karen L , Salim Samir
Published: September 2021

Improving our knowledge of global Milky Way (MW) properties is critical for connecting the detailed measurements only possible from within our Galaxy to our understanding of the broader galaxy population. We here train Gaussian process regression (GPR) models on SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) galaxies to map from galaxy properties (stellar mass, apparent axial ratio, star formation rate, bulge-to-total ratio, disc scale length, and bar vote fraction) to ultraviolet (UV; GALEX FUV/NUV), optical (SDSS ugriz), and infrared (IR; 2MASS JHKs and WISE W1/W2/W3/W4) fluxes and uncertainties. With these models, we estimate the photometric properties of the MW, resulting in a full UV-to-IR spectral energy distribution (SED) as it would be measured externally, viewed face-on. We confirm that the MW lies in the green valley in optical diagnostic diagrams, but show for the first time that the MW is in the star-forming region in standard UV and IR diagnostics – characteristic of the population of red spiral galaxies. Although our GPR method predicts one band at a time, the resulting MW UV–IR SED is consistent with SEDs of local spirals with characteristics broadly similar to the MW, suggesting that these independent predictions can be combined reliably. Our UV–IR SED will be invaluable for reconstructing the MW’s star formation history using the same tools employed for external galaxies, allowing comparisons of results from in situ measurements to those from the methods used for extragalactic objects.
Modelling the insertion of O(1D) into methane on the surface of interstellar ice mantles
Authors: Carder Joshua T , Ochs Wyatt , Herbst Eric
Published: September 2021

The detection of many complex organic molecules (COMs) in interstellar space has sparked the study of their origins. While the formation of COMs detected in hot cores is attributed to photochemistry on warming grain surfaces followed by recombination of radicals and desorption, the formation routes in colder regions are still a debated issue with a number of theories such as cosmic ray bombardment on interstellar ice mantles or non-diffusive surface chemistry. Here, we present another method with reactions involving metastable atomic oxygen in the O(1D) state, which is initially produced by photodissociation of oxygen-containing species in interstellar ices. As a first example, we study the reactions of metastable oxygen atoms and methane in ices to form both formaldehyde and methanol. The reaction is studied incorporating two different surface processes: diffusive and non-diffusive chemistry. The formation of methanol and formaldehyde via metastable oxygen atoms is compared with well-known formation routes of both to understand the O(1D) contributions at different temperatures.
The formation of M101-alike galaxies in the cold dark matter model
Authors: Zhang Dali , Luo Yu , Kang Xi , Qu Han
Published: September 2021

The population of satellite galaxies in a host galaxy is a combination of the cumulative accretion of subhaloes and their associated star formation efficiencies; therefore, the luminosity distribution of satellites provides valuable information of both dark matter properties and star formation physics. Recently, the luminosity function of satellites in nearby Milky Way-mass galaxies has been well measured to satellites as faint as Leo I with MV ∼ −8. In addition to the finding of the diversity in the satellite luminosity functions, it has been noticed that there is a big gap among the magnitude of satellites in some host galaxies, such as M101, where the gap is around 5 in magnitude, noticeably larger than the prediction from the halo abundance matching method. The reason of this gap is still unknown. In this paper, we use a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation, combined with high-resolution N-body simulation, to investigate the probability and origin of such big gap in M101-alike galaxies. We found that, although M101 analogues are very rare with probability of $\sim 0.1\ \mathrm{ to}\ 0.2\,{{\rm per\, cent}}$ in the local universe, their formation is a natural outcome of the cold dark matter model. The gap in magnitude is mainly due to the mass of the accreted subhaloes, not from the stochastic star formation in them. We also found that the gap is correlated with the total satellite mass and host halo mass. By tracing the formation history of M101-type galaxies, we find that they were likely formed after z ∼ 1 due to the newly accreted bright satellites. The gap is not in a stable state, and it will disappear in 7 Gyr due to mergers of bright satellites with the central galaxy.
Periodic activity from fast radio burst FRB180916 explained in the frame of the orbiting asteroid model
Authors: Voisin Guillaume , Mottez Fabrice , Zarka Philippe
Published: September 2021

Observation of fast radio bursts (FRBs) are rising very quickly with the advent of specialized instruments and surveys, and it has recently been shown that some of them repeat quasi-periodically. In particular, evidence of a P = 16.35 d period has been reported for FRB 180916.J0158+65. We seek an explanation within the frame of our orbiting asteroid model, whereby FRBs are produced in the plasma wake of asteroids immersed in the wind of a pulsar or a magnetar. We used the data reported by the CHIME/FRB collaboration in order to infer the orbital characteristics of asteroid swarms, and performed parametric studies to explore the possible characteristics of the pulsar, its wind, and of the asteroids, under the constraint that the latter remain dynamically and thermally stable. We found a plausible configuration in which a young pulsar is orbited by a main ∼10−3 M⊙ companion with a period 3P = 49 d, three times longer than the apparent periodicity P. Asteroids responsible for FRBs are located in three dynamical swarms near the L3, L4, and L5 Lagrange points, in a 2:3 orbital resonance akin to the Hildas class of asteroids in the Solar system. In addition, asteroids could be present in the Trojan swarms at the L4 and L5 Lagrange points. Together, these swarms form a carousel that explains the apparent P periodicity and dispersion. We estimated that the presence of at least a few thousand asteroids, of size ∼20 km, is necessary to produce the observed burst rate. We show how radius-to-frequency mapping in the wind and small perturbations by turbulence can suffice to explain downward-drifting sub-pulses, micro-structures, and narrow spectral occupancy.
Resolving dichotomy in compact objects through continuous gravitational waves observation
Authors: Kalita Surajit , Mondal Tushar , Tout Christopher A , Bulik Tomasz , Mukhopadhyay Banibrata
Published: September 2021

More than two dozen soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) and anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) have been detected so far. These are isolated compact objects. Many of them are either found to be associated with supernova remnants or their surface magnetic fields are directly measured, confirming that they are neutron stars (NSs). However, it has been argued that some SGRs and AXPs are highly magnetized white dwarfs (WDs). Meanwhile, the existence of super-Chandrasekhar WDs has remained to be a puzzle. However, not even a single such massive WD has been observed directly. Moreover, some WD pulsars are detected in electromagnetic surveys and some of their masses are still not confirmed. Here, we calculate the signal-to-noise ratio for all these objects, considering different magnetic field configurations and thereby estimate the required time for their detection by various gravitational wave (GW) detectors. For SGRs and AXPs, we show that, if these are NSs, they can hardly be detected by any of the GW detectors, while if they are WDs, big bang Observer (BBO), DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (DECIGO) and Advanced Laser Interferometer Antenna (ALIA) would be able to detect them within a few days to a year of integration, depending on the magnetic field strength and its configuration. Similarly, if a super-Chandrasekhar WD has a dominant toroidal field, we show that even Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and TianQin would be able to detect it within one year of integration. We also discuss how GWs can confirm the masses of the WD pulsars.