bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work–life balance in dreams: Frequency and emotional tone of work‐related and hobby‐related dreams
Authors: Schredl Michael , Coors Judith , Anderson Lilian Marie , Kahlert Lea Katharina , Kumpf Celine Sophie
Published: June 2022

As dreams reflect waking life, the so‐called continuity hypothesis of dreaming, the literature showing that work‐related stress affects dreams negatively is very plausible. As in waking life, hobbies are an important component in the work–life balance. In the present study, the work–life balance in dreams was studied. Overall, 1695 persons (960 women, 735 men; mean age: 53.84 ± 13.99 years) participated in an online survey entitled “Everyday life and dreams”. The data collected refer to the pre‐pandemic period. The findings indicate that hobby‐related dreams are more frequent in persons who often engage in their hobbies, supporting the notion of a thematic continuity. As expected, the emotional tone of hobby‐related dreams was more positive compared with dreams in general and work‐related dreams in particular. Interestingly, the emotional valence of hobby‐related dreams was related to the valence of general emotionality towards work in waking life, supporting the idea of an emotional continuity between waking and dreaming. The work–life balance in dreams could be defined as the difference of the percentages of work‐related and hobby‐related dreams; it is linked to work‐related stress and the hobby frequency, factors similar to those that shift the work–life balance in waking life toward the “work” end of the spectrum.
Transcriptome analyses profiles of dietary l‐alanyl‐l‐glutamine supplementation in Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii, liver
Authors: Wang Chang'an , Sun Xiao , Lu Shaoxia , Wang Liansheng , Li Jinnan , Fan Ze , Wu Di , Liu Yang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Jiang Haibo , Han Shicheng , Liu Hongbai
Published: June 2022

To investigate the effect of dietary l‐Alanyl‐l‐glutamine (Ala‐Gln) supplementation on Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii, 180 healthy fish (initial body weight 21.23 ± 0.17 g) were divided into two groups (30 fish per tank, each treatment in triplicate) and treated with 0.0% (control) and 1.0% Ala‐Gln for 56 days. The growth performance improved significantly with dietary Ala‐Gln supplementation. Transcriptome profiles of dietary Ala‐Gln supplementation in sturgeon were generated using second‐generation Illumina sequencing technology. A total of 2891 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, including 901, which were upregulated, and 1990, which were downregulated, in the treatment group relative to the control group. These genes are mainly involved in the general function, regulation of replication, recombination and repair, signal transduction mechanisms, amino acids and lipid transport and metabolism, and other biological processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and beta‐alanine metabolism were the top three most significantly enriched pathways out of the 20 highly enriched pathways detected in A. schrenckii. The expression patterns of DEGs were validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings provide a comprehensive insight into A. schrenckii genes and pathways with altered expression following dietary Ala‐Gln supplementation.
Infant age at egg introduction and malnutrition‐related child growth in the United States
Authors: Mi Baibing , Liu Huimeng , Wang Yutong , Small Hannah , Surguy‐Bowers Ariana , Rideout Todd C. , Cameron Claire E. , Lehman Heather K. , Starke Krystal , Wen Xiaozhong
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the relationship between infant age of egg introduction and malnutrition‐related growth outcomes in the United States, we analysed secondary data of 1716 mother–child dyads in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II and its Year 6 Follow‐Up Study. Malnutrition‐related growth outcomes included body mass index z‐score (BMIZ), obesity (weight‐for‐height z‐score [WHZ] ≥3 or BMIZ ≥ 2), WHZ, wasting (WHZ < −2), height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ), and stunting (HAZ < –2). Infant age at egg introduction was analysed as a continuous variable. We used generalised estimating equations to estimate the mean difference in continuous outcomes and relative risk [RR]) for binary outcomes, adjusting for related maternal and child confounders. We also explored interactions with child sex, maternal race/ethnicity, maternal educational level, ever breastfeeding, and formula feeding. In the total sample, a later infant age at egg introduction was associated with a lower mean difference in HAZ (confounder‐adjusted mean difference = −0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.12 to −0.03 per month) and a higher risk of stunting (confounder‐adjusted RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03–1.33 per month) at 6 years. The associations between infant age at egg introduction and 12‐month growth outcomes differed by child sex. Among females but not among males, later introduction of eggs was associated with a lower mean WHZ (−0.06 [−0.12 to 0.00] per month) at 12 months. Later egg introduction during infancy was associated with a lower mean HAZ and a higher risk of stunting in 6‐year‐old children. Besides this, it was associated with a lower WHZ among females at 12 months.
Metabarcoding analysis of marine zooplankton confirms the ecological role of a sheltered bight along an exposed continental shelf
Authors: Govender Ashrenee , Singh Sohana , Groeneveld Johan , Pillay Sureshnee , Willows‐Munro Sandi
Published: June 2022

Zooplankton plays an essential role in marine ecosystems as the link between primary producers (phytoplankton) and higher trophic levels in food webs, and as a dynamic pool of recruits for invertebrates and fish. Zooplankton communities are diverse with a patchy distribution at different spatial scales, influenced by oceanographic processes. The continental shelf of eastern South Africa is narrow and exposed to the western‐boundary Agulhas Current, with some shelter against strong directional flow provided by the broader KwaZulu‐Natal Bight, a coastal offset adjacent to an estuary. We compared zooplankton species richness, diversity and relative abundance of key taxa among sheltered and exposed shelf areas using metabarcoding and community analysis, to explore the ecological role of the bight in a highly dynamic ocean region. Metabarcoding recovered higher richness and diversity at a finer resolution than could previously be achieved with traditional microscopy. Of 271 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) recovered through metabarcoding, 63% could be matched with >95% sequence similarity to reference barcodes. OTUs were dominated by malacostracan crustaceans (161 spp.), ray‐finned fishes (45 spp.) and copepods (28 spp.). Species richness, diversity and the relative abundance of key taxa differed between sheltered and exposed shelf areas. Lower species richness in the bight was partly attributed to structurally homogeneous benthic habitats, and an associated reduction of meroplanktonic species originating from local benthic–pelagic exchange. High relative abundance of a ray‐finned fish in the bight, as observed based on fish eggs and read counts, confirmed that the bight is an important fish spawning area. Overall, zooplankton metabarcoding outputs were congruent with findings of previous ecological research using more traditional methods of observation.
Mechanisms of stress tolerance and their effects on the ecology and evolution of mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Branco Sara , Schauster Annie , Liao Hui‐Ling , Ruytinx Joske
Published: June 2022

Stress is ubiquitous and disrupts homeostasis, leading to damage, decreased fitness, and even death. Like other organisms, mycorrhizal fungi evolved mechanisms for stress tolerance that allow them to persist or even thrive under environmental stress. Such mechanisms can also protect their obligate plant partners, contributing to their health and survival under hostile conditions. Here we review the effects of stress and mechanisms of stress response in mycorrhizal fungi. We cover molecular and cellular aspects of stress and how stress impacts individual fitness, physiology, growth, reproduction, and interactions with plant partners, along with how some fungi evolved to tolerate hostile environmental conditions. We also address how stress and stress tolerance can lead to adaptation and have cascading effects on population‐ and community‐level diversity. We argue that mycorrhizal fungal stress tolerance can strongly shape not only fungal and plant physiology, but also their ecology and evolution. We conclude by pointing out knowledge gaps and important future research directions required for both fully understanding stress tolerance in the mycorrhizal context and addressing ongoing environmental change.
Spef1/CLAMP binds microtubules and actin‐based structures and regulates cell migration and epithelia cell polarity
Authors: Tapia Rocio , Hecht Gail A.
Published: June 2022

During migration, cells invade, repair, and create barriers leading to the formation of new cellular contacts in target tissues. Cell migration requires many proteins that collectively form the cytoskeleton. The main cytoskeletal elements are actin filaments, microtubules (MTs), and intermediate filaments. These structures work in concert with a large number of accessory proteins that contribute in a variety of ways to regulate filament assembly and turnover, to alter the configuration or arrangement of filaments by bundling or crosslinking, to link the cytoskeleton to other structures in the cell, such as membranes and junctions, and to transport cargo along the filaments. Sperm flagella protein‐1 (Spef1), also designated calponin homology and microtubules‐associated protein (CLAMP), is a multifunctional protein that interacts with cytoskeletal structures, including MTs, actin filaments, and focal adhesions in epithelia. In this review, we outline Spef1/CLAMP structure and expression in several cellular models. The function of Spef1/CLAMP in flagellar and ciliary motility, MT‐binding and stability, regulation of planar cell polarity, and potential contribution to the maintenance of actin‐based structures, such as lamellipodia and filopodia during cell migration, are also discussed.
Centre‐Based Care and Parenting Activities*
Authors: Jessen Jonas , Spieß Christa Katharina , Waights Sevrin
Published: June 2022

We examine the relationship between parenting activities and centre‐based care using time diary and survey data for mothers in Germany. While mothers using centre‐based care spend significantly less time in the presence of their child, we find that differences in the time spent on specific activities such as reading, talking, and playing with the child are relatively small or zero. The pattern of results is more pronounced for lower education mothers. The lack of large decreases in activities is explained by two factors: (i) that centre care replaces time that parents spend with the child but are doing other things such as housework or leisure (a small direct effect), and (ii) that evenings become relatively more activity‐rich (a compensating indirect effect). For the intensive margin (full‐day vs. half‐day), we find more additional reductions in parenting activities, but these are compensated for by lower education mothers during non‐centre hours. Our findings represent novel evidence that activities in the home environment are a complement to centre‐based care, highlighting a credible additional mechanism for child development effects of centre‐based care.
Long‐term Radiological and Clinical Outcome after Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery in Patients with Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Prospective 6‐Year Follow‐up Study
Authors: Bredow Jan , Meyer Carolin , Oikonomidis Stavros , Kernich Constantin , Kernich Nikolaus , Hofstetter Christoph P. , Heck Vincent J. , Eysel Peer , Prasse Tobias
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess which radiological alignment parameters are associated with a satisfactory long‐term clinical outcome after performing lumbar spinal fusion for treating degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

This single‐center prospective study assessed the relation between radiological alignment parameters measured on standing lateral lumbar spine radiographs and the patient‐reported outcome using four different questionnaires (COMI, EQ‐5D, ODI and VAS) as primary outcome measures (level of evidence: II). The following spinopelvic alignment parameters were used: gliding angle, sacral inclination, anterior displacement, sagittal rotation, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence. Furthermore, the length of stay and perioperative complications were documented. Only cases from 2013 to 2015 of low‐grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades I and II) were considered. The patients underwent open posterior lumbar fusion surgery by pedicle screw instrumentation and cage insertion. The operative technique was either a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) performed by three different senior orthopedic surgeons. Exclusion criteria were spine fractures, minimally invasive techniques, underlying malignant diseases or acute infections, previous or multisegmental spine surgery as well as preoperative neurologic impairment. Of 89 initially contacted patients, 17 patients were included for data analysis (11 males, six females).

Results

The data of 17 patients after mono‐ or bisegmental lumbar fusion surgery to treat low‐grade lumbar spondylolisthesis and with a follow‐up time of least 72 months were analyzed. The mean age was 66.7 ± 11.3 years. In terms of complications two dural tears and one intraoperative bleeding occurred. The average body mass index (BMI) was 27.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2 and the average inpatient length of stay was 12.9 ± 3.8 days (range: 8–21). The long‐term clinical outcome correlated significantly with the change of the pelvic tilt (rs = −0.515, P < 0.05) and the sagittal rotation (rs = −0.545, P < 0.05). The sacral slope was significantly associated with the sacral inclination (rs = 0.637, P < 0.01) and the pelvic incidence (rs = 0.500, P < 0.05). In addition, the pelvic incidence showed a significant correlation with the pelvic tilt (rs = 0.709, P < 0.01). The change of the different clinical scores over time also correlated significantly between the different questionnaires.

Conclusions

The surgical modification of the pelvic tilt and the sagittal rotation are the two radiological alignment parameters that can most accurately predict the long‐term clinical outcome after lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
Distinguishing clinical features for pseudocellulitis in pediatric inpatients: A retrospective study
Authors: Biglione Bianca , Cucka Bethany , Chand Sidharth , Rrapi Renajd , Gabel Colleen K. , Song Sarah , Kroshinsky Daniela
Published: June 2022

The clinical features of 588 pediatric inpatients admitted with a diagnosis of cellulitis were reviewed with attention to diagnostic accuracy of true cellulitis (95.1%) versus pseudocellulitis (4.9%) and utilization of specialist consultations (28.1% infectious disease, 6.1% dermatology). Laboratory abnormalities were unable to distinguish cellulitis from pseudocellulitis, supporting previous studies that routine laboratory evaluation may be unnecessary for this diagnosis. Higher rates of pseudocellulitis were identified in cases involving specialist consultation by both dermatology (44.8% pseudocellulitis, 4.1% true cellulitis, p < .001) and infectious disease (48.3% pseudocellulitis, 27.0% true cellulitis, p = .01). Thus, consultation may improve the diagnostic accuracy of suspected cellulitis among pediatric inpatients.
Factors influencing alertness to premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with pre‐hospital delay
Authors: Kuang Jinke , Zhu Xuemei , Yang Li , Gao Zihan , Wei Xiao , Zhou Kexin , Xu Mengfan
Published: June 2022

Objective

The purpose was to explore the alertness of premonitory symptoms in stroke patients with prehospital delay, and to analyze the influencing factors.

Design and Sample

A cross‐sectional study using the convenience sampling method was conducted in the neurology department of a general hospital between November 2018 and July 2019. A total of 352 stroke patients were participated in the survey.

Measures

A hierarchical multiple regression was performed to analyze the factors related to the alertness of premonitory symptoms (0–9 scores) in stroke patients with prehospital delay.

Results

The alertness score was 6.53 ± 2.377. The lowest score of 0.55 ± 0.498 was for “Continuous yawning occurs continuously despite no tiredness or lack of sleep is okay, and need not be treated.” The hierarchical regression results revealed that symptom onset, symptom change before admission, knowledge, social support were the influencing factors delaying the alertness of premonitory symptoms. Knowledge and support from friends could improve the alertness, while support from family and other support had a notable negative impact.

Conclusions

Stroke patients need to be more alert toward premonitory symptoms. This alertness is related to stroke knowledge and social support. Nurses should formulate interventions and advise stroke patients to improve their stroke knowledge and expand their social network.
Suicide exposure experience screener for use in therapeutic settings: A validation report
Authors: Maple Myfanwy , Cerel Julie , Sanford Rebecca , Shand Fiona , Batterham Philip J. , Bhullar Navjot
Published: June 2022

Introduction

A brief screener assessing experience of exposure to suicide for use in therapeutic settings is warranted. To examine the concurrent validity of such a screening tool, labeled as the Suicide Exposure Experience Screener (SEES), the associations of the two SEES items: (i) reported closeness with the person who died by suicide and (ii) perceived impact of suicide death with psychological distress are presented.

Methods

Five separate datasets comprising surveys from Australia, Canada, and the United States (Ncombined = 7782) were used to provide evidence of concurrent validity of closeness and impact of suicide exposure.

Results

Overall, closeness and impact were significantly correlated with measures of global distress across five different datasets, showing small to medium effect sizes. Closeness and impact were also intercorrelated demonstrating a large effect size across all surveys. This report used cross‐sectional data and comprised varied sample sizes across different datasets that influenced statistical significance of obtained effects and did not tease apart the roles of cumulative exposure of suicide and prolonged bereavement in experiencing global distress.

Conclusion

The SEES has clinical utility in determining psychological distress in bereaved individuals and is recommended for use in therapeutic settings.
mRNA N6‐methyladenosine is critical for cold tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Govindan Ganesan , Sharma Bishwas , Li Yong‐Fang , Armstrong Christopher D. , Merum Pandrangaiah , Rohila Jai S. , Gregory Brian D. , Sunkar Ramanjulu
Published: June 2022

Plants respond to low temperatures by altering the mRNA abundance of thousands of genes contributing to numerous physiological and metabolic processes that allow them to adapt. At the post‐transcriptional level, these cold stress‐responsive transcripts undergo alternative splicing, microRNA‐mediated regulation and alternative polyadenylation, amongst others. Recently, m6A, m5C and other mRNA modifications that can affect the regulation and stability of RNA were discovered, thus revealing another layer of post‐transcriptional regulation that plays an important role in modulating gene expression. The importance of m6A in plant growth and development has been appreciated, although its significance under stress conditions is still underexplored. To assess the role of m6A modifications during cold stress responses, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed in Arabidopsis seedlings esposed to low temperature stress (4°C) for 24 h. This transcriptome‐wide m6A analysis revealed large‐scale shifts in this modification in response to low temperature stress. Because m6A is known to affect transcript stability/degradation and translation, we investigated these possibilities. Interestingly, we found that cold‐enriched m6A‐containing transcripts demonstrated the largest increases in transcript abundance coupled with increased ribosome occupancy under cold stress. The significance of the m6A epitranscriptome on plant cold tolerance was further assessed using the mta mutant in which the major m6A methyltransferase gene was mutated. Compared to the wild‐type, along with the differences in CBFs and COR gene expression levels, the mta mutant exhibited hypersensitivity to cold treatment as determined by primary root growth, biomass, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Furthermore, and most importantly, both non‐acclimated and cold‐acclimated mta mutant demonstrated hypersensitivity to freezing tolerance. Taken together, these findings suggest a critical role for the epitranscriptome in cold tolerance of Arabidopsis.
An unusual inherited electroretinogram feature with an exaggerated negative component in dogs
Authors: Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Pasmanter Nate , Occelli Laurence M. , Gervais Kristen J. , Mowat Freya M. , Querubin Janice , Winkler Paige A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess an inherited abnormal negative response electroretinogram (NRE) that originated in a family of Papillon dogs.

Animals Studied

Thirty‐eight dogs (Papillons, or Papillon cross Beagles or Beagles).

Procedures

Dogs underwent routine ophthalmic examination and a detailed dark‐adapted, light‐adapted and On–Off electroretinographic study. Vision was assessed using a four‐choice exit device. Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) was performed on a subset of dogs. Two affected males were outcrossed to investigate the mode of inheritance of the phenotype.

Results

The affected dogs had an increased underlying negative component to the ERG. This was most pronounced in the light‐adapted ERG, resulting in a reduced b‐wave and an exaggerated photopic negative response (PhNR). Changes were more pronounced with stronger flashes. Similarly, the On‐response of the On–Off ERG had a reduced b‐wave and a large post‐b‐wave negative component. The dark‐adapted ERG had a significant increase in the scotopic threshold response (STR) and a significant reduction in the b:a‐wave ratio. Significant changes could be detected at 2 months of age but became more pronounced with age. Vision testing using a four‐choice device showed affected dogs had reduced visual performance under the brightest light condition. There was no evidence of a degenerative process in the affected dogs up to 8.5 years of age. Test breeding results suggested the NRE phenotype had an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

Conclusions

We describe an inherited ERG phenotype in Papillon dogs characterized by an underlying negative component affecting both dark‐ and light‐adapted ERG responses.
In vitro susceptibility of canine corneal bacterial pathogens to three cross‐linking protocols
Authors: Large Thomas P. , Mack Sarah , Villiers Elizabeth , Oliver James
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess in vitro antibacterial efficacy of three cross‐linking (XL) protocols on bacteria associated with canine ulcerative keratitis.

Methods

Three XL protocols: UVA 3 mW/cm2 for 60 min, UVA 3 mW/cm2 for 30 min, and UVA 30 mW/cm2 for 3 min with and without application of riboflavin and a riboflavin‐only protocol were performed in vitro on the four most common bacterial genera isolated from cases of canine ulcerative keratitis treated at Dick White Referrals, UK. Zones of bacterial growth inhibition (GIZ) associated with treatment were measured and compared.

Results

The four most common isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) (48/140, 34.3%), Streptococcus spp. (32/140, 22.9%), Staphylococcus spp. (24/140, 17.1%) and Escherichia coli (EC) (11/140, 7.9%). PA, EC, Streptococcus canis (SC), and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP), isolated from canine corneas, were selected for testing. EC and SC demonstrated growth inhibition following all UVA/riboflavin protocols. PA and SP only displayed growth inhibition following the 60 min UVA/riboflavin protocol. GIZ areas for 60 min UVA/riboflavin protocols were significantly greater than 30 and 3 min UVA/riboflavin protocols (p < .01) and there was no significant difference between 30 and 3 min UVA/riboflavin protocols. In respect to GIZ areas, EC was significantly more susceptible to XL than SP (p = <.01).

Conclusions

All UVA/riboflavin XL protocols caused growth inhibition of EC and SC in vitro. PA and SP did not show clear growth inhibition in vitro following exposure to XL protocol settings of UVA 3 mW/cm2 for 30 min and UVA 30 mW/cm2 for 3 min.
Synthesis and electrical behavior of VO2 thin films grown on SrRuO3 electrode layers
Authors: Zhang Chengyang , Bisht Ravindra Singh , Nozariasbmarz Amin , Saha Arnob , Han Chan Su , Wang Qi , Yuan Yifan , Sengupta Abhronil , Priya Shashank , Ramanathan Shriram
Published: June 2022

VO2 thin films were grown on conducting oxide underlayer SrRuO3 buffered SrTiO3 (111) and Si/SiO2 substrates, respectively, using sputtering. X-ray diffraction phi-scans revealed the epitaxial nature of the VO2 films grown on SrRuO3 buffered SrTiO3 and polycrystalline structure for films grown on SrRuO3 buffered Si/SiO2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms a dominant presence of V4+ in both films and establishes a high-quality growth of single-phase VO2 films. Temperature and electric-field driven metal-insulator-transition in both the in-plane and out-of-plane configurations were investigated. Depending on the configuration, the resistance change across the metal-insulator-transition varies from a factor of 1.57–3. The measured resistance in each state as well as the magnitude of resistance change were similar during temperature and electric-field driven metal-insulator-transition. To shed light on the suppressed metal-insulator-transition characteristics due to the current shunting effect from conducting SrRuO3 bottom electrode, a distributed resistance network model is proposed and benchmarked against reports from the literature. The results demonstrate the growth of high-quality VO2 on conducting SrRuO3 layers and their electrical behavior, which is of particular interest for all-oxide electronic devices utilizing phase transitions such as resistive memory and neuromorphic oscillators.
Observing separate spin and charge Fermi seas in a strongly correlated one-dimensional conductor
Authors: Vianez Pedro M. T. , Jin Yiqing , Moreno María , Anirban Ankita S. , Anthore Anne , Tan Wooi Kiat , Griffiths Jonathan P. , Farrer Ian , Ritchie David A. , Schofield Andrew J. , Tsyplyatyev Oleksandr , Ford Christopher J. B.
Published: June 2022

An electron is usually considered to have only one form of kinetic energy, but could it have more, for its spin and charge, by exciting other electrons? In one dimension (1D), the physics of interacting electrons is captured well at low energies by the Tomonaga-Luttinger model, yet little has been observed experimentally beyond this linear regime. Here, we report on measurements of many-body modes in 1D gated wires using tunneling spectroscopy. We observe two parabolic dispersions, indicative of separate Fermi seas at high energies, associated with spin and charge excitations, together with the emergence of two additional 1D “replica” modes that strengthen with decreasing wire length. The interaction strength is varied by changing the amount of 1D intersubband screening by more than 45%. Our findings not only demonstrate the existence of spin-charge separation in the whole energy band outside the low-energy limit of the Tomonaga-Luttinger model but also set a constraint on the validity of the newer nonlinear Tomonaga-Luttinger theory.
The phagocytic cyst cells in
Drosophila
testis eliminate germ cell progenitors via phagoptosis
Authors: Zohar-Fux Maayan , Ben-Hamo-Arad Aya , Arad Tal , Volin Marina , Shklyar Boris , Hakim-Mishnaevski Ketty , Porat-Kuperstein Lilach , Kurant Estee , Toledano Hila
Published: June 2022

Phagoptosis is a frequently occurring nonautonomous cell death pathway in which phagocytes eliminate viable cells. While it is thought that phosphatidylserine (PS) “eat-me” signals on target cells initiate the process, the precise sequence of events is largely unknown. Here, we show that in
Drosophila
testes, progenitor germ cells are spontaneously removed by neighboring cyst cells through phagoptosis. Using live imaging with multiple markers, we demonstrate that cyst cell–derived early/late endosomes and lysosomes fused around live progenitors to acidify them, before DNA fragmentation and substantial PS exposure on the germ cell surface. Furthermore, the phagocytic receptor Draper is expressed on cyst cell membranes and is necessary for phagoptosis. Significantly, germ cell death is blocked by knockdown of either the endosomal component Rab5 or the lysosomal associated protein Lamp1, within the cyst cells. These data ascribe an active role for phagocytic cyst cells in removal of live germ cell progenitors.
Polyoxocationic antimony oxide cluster with acidic protons
Authors: Watanabe Yuki , Hyeon-Deuk Kim , Yamamoto Takafumi , Yabuuchi Masayoshi , Karakulina Olesia M. , Noda Yasuto , Kurihara Takuya , Chang I-Ya , Higashi Masanobu , Tomita Osamu , Tassel Cédric , Kato Daichi , Xia Jingxin , Goto Tatsuhiko , Brown Craig M. , Shimoyama Yuto , Ogiwara Naoki , Hadermann Joke , Abakumov Artem M. , Uchida Sayaka , Abe Ryu , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

The success and continued expansion of research on metal-oxo clusters owe largely to their structural richness and wide range of functions. However, while most of them known to date are negatively charged polyoxometalates, there is only a handful of cationic ones, much less functional ones. Here, we show an all-inorganic hydroxyiodide [H
10.7
Sb
32.1
O
44
][H
2.1
Sb
2.1
I
8
O
6
][Sb
0.76
I
6
]
2
·25H
2
O (
HSbOI
), forming a face-centered cubic structure with cationic Sb
32
O
44
clusters and two types of anionic clusters in its interstitial spaces. Although it is submicrometer in size, electron diffraction tomography of
HSbOI
allowed the construction of the initial structural model, followed by powder Rietveld refinement to reach the final structure. The cationic cluster is characterized by the presence of acidic protons on its surface due to substantial Sb
3+
deficiencies, which enables
HSbOI
to serve as an excellent solid acid catalyst. These results open up a frontier for the exploration and functionalization of cationic metal-oxo clusters containing heavy main group elements.
Metal ion–regulated assembly of designed modular protein cages
Authors: Aupič Jana , Lapenta Fabio , Strmšek Žiga , Merljak Estera , Plaper Tjaša , Jerala Roman
Published: June 2022

Coiled-coil (CC) dimers are versatile, customizable building modules for the design of diverse protein architectures unknown in nature. Incorporation of dynamic self-assembly, regulated by a selected chemical signal, represents an important challenge in the construction of functional polypeptide nanostructures. Here, we engineered metal binding sites to render an orthogonal set of CC heterodimers Zn(II)-responsive as a generally applicable principle. The designed peptides assemble into CC heterodimers only in the presence of Zn(II) ions, reversibly dissociate by metal ion sequestration, and additionally act as pH switches, with low pH triggering disassembly. The developed Zn(II)-responsive CC set is used to construct programmable folding of CC-based nanostructures, from protein triangles to a two-chain bipyramidal protein cage that closes and opens depending on the metal ion. This demonstrates that dynamic self-assembly can be designed into CC-based protein cages by incorporation of metal ion–responsive CC building modules that act as conformational switches and that could also be used in other contexts.
Discovery of distinct lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and the Gutenberg discontinuity in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Audhkhasi Pranav , Singh Satish C.
Published: June 2022

The plate tectonic theory requires a rigid lithosphere floating over a weak asthenosphere, separated by the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, which has been sometimes interpreted as the Gutenberg discontinuity. Using a deep seismic reflection technique, we report the presence of two continuous reflections covering 27 Ma to 58 Ma oceanic lithosphere in the Atlantic Ocean. We find that the upper reflection deepens with age and follows the ~1250°C isotherm, whereas the deeper reflection lies at a constant depth of ~75 km. We suggest that the upper reflection represents the thermally controlled lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, whereas the lower reflection is the Gutenberg discontinuity, a frozen-in dehydration boundary separating the dry mantle melting region above from the hydrated mantle below formed at the ridge axis. We also find that thermal mantle anomalies rejuvenate the lithosphere, uplift the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, and destroy the Gutenberg discontinuity.
BACE-1 inhibition facilitates the transition from homeostatic microglia to DAM-1
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Benoit Marc R. , Zhou John , Das Brati , Davila-Velderrain Jose , Kellis Manolis , Tsai Li-Huei , Hu Xiangyou , Yan Riqiang
Published: June 2022

BACE-1 is required for generating β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we report that microglial BACE-1 regulates the transition of homeostatic to stage 1 disease-associated microglia (DAM-1) signature. BACE-1 deficiency elevated levels of transcription factors including
Jun
,
Jund
,
Btg2
,
Erg1
,
Junb
,
Fos
, and
Fosb
in the transition signature, which transition from more homeostatic to highly phagocytic DAM-1. Consistently, similar transition-state microglia in human AD brains correlated with lowered levels of BACE-1 expression. Targeted deletion of
Bace-1
in adult 5xFAD mice microglia elevated these phagocytic microglia, correlated with significant reduction in amyloid plaques without synaptic toxicity. Silencing or pharmacologically inhibiting BACE-1 in cultured microglia-derived cells shows higher phagocytic function in microglia. Mechanistic exploration suggests that abolished cleavage of IL-1R2 and Toll-like receptors via BACE-1 inhibition contributes to the enhanced signaling via the PI3K and p38 MAPK kinase pathway. Together, targeted inhibition of BACE-1 in microglia may offer AD treatment.
Ultrafast charge transfer coupled to quantum proton motion at molecule/metal oxide interface
Authors: Chu Weibin , Tan Shijing , Zheng Qijing , Fang Wei , Feng Yexin , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Wang Bing , Li Xin-Zheng , Zhao Jin
Published: June 2022

Understanding how the nuclear quantum effects (NQEs) in the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network influence the photoexcited charge transfer at semiconductor/molecule interface is a challenging problem. By combining two kinds of emerging molecular dynamics methods at the ab initio level, the path integral–based molecular dynamics and time-dependent nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, and choosing CH
3
OH/TiO
2
as a prototypical system to study, we find that the quantum proton motion in the H-bond network is strongly coupled with the ultrafast photoexcited charge dynamics at the interface. The hole trapping ability of the adsorbed methanol molecule is notably enhanced by the NQEs, and thus, it behaves as a hole scavenger on titanium dioxide. The critical role of the H-bond network is confirmed by in situ scanning tunneling microscope measurements with ultraviolet light illumination. It is concluded the quantum proton motion in the H-bond network plays a critical role in influencing the energy conversion efficiency based on photoexcitation.
Charon’s refractory factory
Authors: Raut Ujjwal , Teolis Benjamin D. , Kammer Joshua A. , Gimar Caleb J. , Brody Joshua S. , Gladstone G. Randall , Howett Carly J. A. , Protopapa Silvia , Retherford Kurt D.
Published: June 2022

We combine novel laboratory experiments and exospheric modeling to reveal that “dynamic” Ly-α photolysis of Plutonian methane generates a photolytic refractory distribution on Charon that increases with latitude, consistent with poleward darkening observed in the New Horizons images. The flux ratio of the condensing methane to the interplanetary medium Ly-α photons, φ, controls the distribution and composition of Charon’s photoproducts. Mid-latitude regions are likely to host complex refractories emerging from low-φ photolysis, while high-φ photolysis at the polar zones primarily generate ethane. However, ethane being colorless does not contribute to the reddish polar hue. Solar wind radiolysis of Ly-α–cooked polar frost past spring sunrise may synthesize increasingly complex, redder refractories responsible for the unique albedo on this enigmatic moon.
Activation of CD81
+
skin ILC2s by cold-sensing TRPM8
+
neuron-derived signals maintains cutaneous thermal homeostasis
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Chao , Yang Jie , Ye Amy , Yan Liping , Yeoh Beng San , Shi Lai , Kim Yu Shin , Kang Joonsoo , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Xiong Na
Published: June 2022

As the outermost barrier tissue of the body, the skin harbors a large number of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that help maintain local homeostasis in the face of changing environments. How skin-resident ILCs are regulated and function in local homeostatic maintenance is poorly understood. We here report the discovery of a cold-sensing neuron-initiated pathway that activates skin group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) to help maintain thermal homeostasis. In stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) knockout mice whose skin is defective in heat maintenance, chronic cold stress induced excessive activation of CCR10
−
CD81
+
ST2
+
skin ILC2s and associated inflammation. Mechanistically, stimulation of the cold-sensing receptor TRPM8 expressed in sensory neurons of the skin led to increased production of IL-18, which, in turn, activated skin ILC2s to promote thermogenesis. Our findings reveal a neuroimmune link that regulates activation of skin ILC2s to support thermal homeostasis and promotes skin inflammation after hyperactivation.
Myeloid cell tropism enables MHC-E–restricted CD8
+
T cell priming and vaccine efficacy by the RhCMV/SIV vaccine
Authors: Hansen Scott G. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Malouli Daniel , Marshall Emily E. , Hughes Colette M. , Randall Kurt T. , Morrow David , Ford Julia C. , Gilbride Roxanne M. , Selseth Andrea N. , Trethewy Renee Espinosa , Bishop Lindsey M. , Oswald Kelli , Shoemaker Rebecca , Berkemeier Brian , Bosche William J. , Hull Michael , Silipino Lorna , Nekorchuk Michael , Busman-Sahay Kathleen , Estes Jacob D. , Axthelm Michael K. , Smedley Jeremy , Shao Danica , Edlefsen Paul T. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Früh Klaus , Nelson Jay A. , Picker Louis J.
Published: June 2022

The strain 68-1 rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV)–based vaccine for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can stringently protect rhesus macaques (RMs) from SIV challenge by arresting viral replication early in primary infection. This vaccine elicits unconventional SIV-specific CD8
+
T cells that recognize epitopes presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–II and MHC-E instead of MHC-Ia. Although RhCMV/SIV vaccines based on strains that only elicit MHC-II– and/or MHC-Ia–restricted CD8
+
T cells do not protect against SIV, it remains unclear whether MHC-E–restricted T cells are directly responsible for protection and whether these responses can be separated from the MHC-II–restricted component. Using host microRNA (miR)–mediated vector tropism restriction, we show that the priming of MHC-II and MHC-E epitope–targeted responses depended on vector infection of different nonoverlapping cell types in RMs. Selective inhibition of RhCMV infection in myeloid cells with miR-142–mediated tropism restriction eliminated MHC-E epitope–targeted CD8
+
T cell priming, yielding an exclusively MHC-II epitope–targeted response. Inhibition with the endothelial cell–selective miR-126 eliminated MHC-II epitope–targeted CD8
+
T cell priming, yielding an exclusively MHC-E epitope–targeted response. Dual miR-142 + miR-126–mediated tropism restriction reverted CD8
+
T cell responses back to conventional MHC-Ia epitope targeting. Although the magnitude and differentiation state of these CD8
+
T cell responses were generally similar, only the vectors programmed to elicit MHC-E–restricted CD8
+
T cell responses provided protection against SIV challenge, directly demonstrating the essential role of these responses in RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy.
Regional specification of oral mucosal immunity
Authors: Williams Drake W. , Hajishengallis George , Moutsopoulos Niki M.
Published: June 2022

In this issue of
Science Immunology
, Barreto de Albuquerque
et al.
track immune responsiveness to the foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
during oral infection. Their findings extend the notion of compartmentalized immunity within the gastrointestinal tract to the oral cavity and provide previously unkown insights into regional specialization of oral immunity.
Implications for cost and access of site-of-service referrals for ancillary medical services in a US Medicaid population: analysis of claims data from Maryland, USA
Authors: Singh Simrita , Rydland Kelsey J , Chambers Chester , Mundlye Vishal , Kumian Edward , Williams Kayode Ayodele , Dada Maqbool
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Through analysis of claims and payment data, we quantified several implications of shifting ancillary healthcare services from regulated, more expensive to unregulated, less expensive sites. We also quantified the implications of this shift on access to services, with a focus on differences in access between rural and urban patients for a Medicaid (disadvantaged) population in Maryland, USA.

Design

Using a dataset of all Medicaid claims records for 1 year, we identified and extracted all bundles of regulated and unregulated ancillary services. Geospatial computing was used to approximate transportation costs required to access services. Including transportation enabled us to estimate net savings of any added transportation costs. We used location-allocation optimisation models to find the optimal sites to minimise net costs.

Setting

Coverage area included Medicaid patients throughout the state of Maryland.

Participants

All rural and urban members of this Medicaid cohort.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Change in payer costs and member travel times on shifting ancillary bundles from regulated to unregulated sites.

Results

Procedure cost and travel time differentials between regulated and unregulated sites strongly correlated with the percentage of procedures referred to regulated sites. Shifting regulated bundles to unregulated sites, while imposing the constraint of no increase in travel time, reduced expenditures by 15.9%. This figure exceeded 30% if no limit was placed on travel-time increases.

Conclusion

With reasonable constraints on allowable travel time increases, shifting ancillary service bundles from regulated to unregulated sites can benefit both patients and payers in terms of cost and access.
Sustainable employability in Supported Employment and IPS interventions in the context of the characteristics of work and perspectives of the employers: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Poutanen Joonas , Joensuu Matti , Unkila Kirsi , Juvonen-Posti Pirjo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The sustainable employment outcomes and cost-effectiveness of Supported Employment (SE) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) have been well reported. Research has also focused on various target groups, compliance with the quality criteria for the implementation of the SE/IPS method in diverse work life and social security contexts. However, the impact of employers’ interests and the quality and opportunities of jobs or the work itself for sustainable working careers have not been studied extensively. The objective of the proposed scoping review is to systematically explore what is known about sustainable employability in SE and IPS interventions in the context of the characteristics of work and perspectives of the employers.

Methods and analyses

The scoping review methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley and its recently enhanced versions are used as guidelines in this study. The literature search, which was conducted in Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), identified a total of 2706 articles after the removal of duplicates. Key findings of selected studies will be charted, analysed and reported.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require ethics approval, as the data are collected from secondary sources. The final version of the scoping review will be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal. Findings of the review will be used in the upcoming ethnographic observation at work study, which is part of the Finnish Work Ability Programme Evaluation Study (2020–2023).
Addressing palliative care and end-of-life issues in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review of communication interventions for physicians not specialised in palliative care
Authors: Harnischfeger Nele , Rath Hilke M , Oechsle Karin , Bergelt Corinna
Published: June 2022

Objective

To identify and summarise evaluated interventions aiming to improve the communication of palliative care (PC) and end-of-life (EoL) issues in physicians caring for cancer patients. Such interventions are needed with regard to the aim of an earlier communication of those issues in oncology daily practice, which is associated with a range of benefits for patients and caregivers but is often impeded by physicians’ communication insecurities.

Design

Systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Data sources

Relevant publications were systematically searched in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science databases in September 2020 with an update in July 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We included publications reporting a quantitative evaluation of a communication intervention on one or more PC/EoL issues with a communication-related main outcome. Target group had to be physicians caring for cancer patients non-specialist in PC.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent raters extracted intervention characteristics, publication characteristics and publication quality. Results were narratively synthesised.

Results

24 publications reporting 22 interventions were included. 13 publications reported randomised controlled trials. A majority of the interventions addressed one specific PC/EoL issue, most often breaking bad news. Teaching strategies mostly involved role-plays. Target group were mainly oncologists. In addition to self-reported outcome measurements for evaluation, most publications also reported the use of external rating data. All but one publication reported significant intervention effects on at least one outcome parameter. Publication quality was overall moderate.

Conclusions

The empirically tested communication interventions on PC/EoL issues seem to effectively improve physicians’ communication. Future interventions should focus on other issues than breaking bad news, such as preparing for the future. Target group should also be organ-specific oncologists, as all primary caring physicians are responsible for timely communication. Our risk-of-bias assessment revealed some weaknesses, indicating that more high-quality studies for evaluation are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020191054.