bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonwillingness to Return to the Emergency Department and Nonattendance of Follow-Up Care Arrangements Following an Initial Suicide-Related Presentation
Authors: Rosebrock Hannah Y. , Batterham Philip J. , Chen Nicola A. , McGillivray Lauren , Rheinberger Demee , Torok Michelle H. , Shand Fiona L.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Background: For people experiencing a suicidal crisis the emergency department (ED) is often the only option to find help. Aims: The aims of this study were (a) to identify predictors of patients' nonwillingness to return to the ED for help with a future suicidal crisis, and (b) whether nonwillingness to return was associated with follow-up appointment nonattendance. Method: This study utilized baseline data from the RESTORE online survey, and included 911 participants who had presented to an ED for suicidal crisis in the past 18 months, across participating local health districts in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. Results: Patients who reported a more negative ED experience and longer triage wait times were less willing to return. Those who were less willing to return were also less likely to attend their follow-up appointment. Limitations: Due to the cross-sectional study design, causal inferences are not possible. Additionally, the self-report measures used are susceptible to recall bias. Conclusion: Patients' experience of service at EDs is a key indicator to drive improvement of patient outcomes for individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis.
Evaluating Potential Iatrogenic Effects of a Suicide-Focused Research Protocol
Authors: Schatten Heather T. , Allen Kenneth J. D. , Carl Emily C. , Miller Ivan W. , Armey Michael F.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Background: Concerns regarding the potential iatrogenic effects of suicide assessment have long impeded suicide research. Aims: We sought to examine the effects of an intensive, suicide-focused assessment protocol on mood, suicidality, and urges to harm oneself or others. Method: Participants were adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for recent suicidal ideation or behavior, or reasons unrelated to suicide. Our study protocol included clinical interviews evaluating suicide history and laboratory tasks with suicide-related stimuli. We modified an existing measure to create a brief, 6-item interview, the Assessment Session Check-In, which was administered before and after research procedures. Results: These indicated overall reductions in distress, suicidal intent, and urges to harm oneself or others from preassessment to postassessment. Postassessment reductions in stress predicted lower likelihood of a suicide attempt at follow-up. Limitations: Although beneficial to examine a high-risk sample, it is possible that an intensive suicide-focused protocol could prove more problematic for those with lower baseline levels of negative affect and suicidal thoughts. Conclusions: Results challenge the belief that assessing suicide elevates distress or suicidality, even among a high-risk sample of adults admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit.
Early Neoproterozoic Accretion at the Northern Margin of the Chottanagpur Gneiss Complex, Eastern India
Authors: Sequeira Nicole , Bhattacharya Abhijit
Published: September 2021

The study based on structural mapping, monazite chemical age determinations and analyses of P–T pseudosections explores the hitherto undocumented accretion dynamics of the northern margin of the Chottanagpur Gneiss Complex (CGC), Eastern India. In the Gaya‐Chatra‐Koderma sector straddling the northern margin of the CGC, the CGC block comprises a shallow‐dipping carapace of 1.5–1.4 Ga and 1.0–0.9 Ga mylonitized granitoids, intrusive into 1.6–1.5 Ga anatectic basement gneisses, and supracrustal rocks inter‐leaved with recumbently folded gneisses. The carapace, structurally overlying the steeply dipping high‐T fabrics in the basement anatectic gneisses exposed in the tectonic windows, formed due to top‐to‐the‐north thrusting of the allochthonous CGC supracrustal rocks over the ∼1.7 Ga undeformed granitoids and steeply dipping greenschist‐facies metamorphic rocks (∼1.8 Ga) in the northern block. Continued N‐S shortening caused steeply dipping ENE‐striking sinistral and ESE‐striking dextral shear zones that locally modify former structures in the CGC foreland. P–T pseudosection analyses indicate that locally developed Early Neoproterozoic garnet‐bearing leucosomes in a hornblende‐biotite granitoid formed by lower crustal decompression melting, whereas the structurally overlying mica schist in the shallow‐dipping carapace experienced mid‐crustal loading. We suggest the accretion strain accommodated by the foreland thrusts were contemporaneous with extensional detachment zones that exposed lower parts of the thickened orogen. The tectonic events in the CGC appear to correlate poorly with those in the Capricorn Orogen and the Albany Fraser Orogen in Western Australia.
Depth‐Resolved Net Primary Production in the Northeast Pacific Ocean: A Comparison of Satellite and Profiling Float Estimates in the Context of Two Marine Heatwaves
Authors: Long J. S. , Fassbender A. J. , Estapa M. L.
Published: September 2021

Methods commonly used to estimate net primary production (NPP) from satellite observations are now being applied to biogeochemical (BGC) profiling float observations. Insights can be gained from regional differences in float and satellite NPP estimates that reveal gaps in our understanding and guide future NPP model development. We use 7 years of BGC profiling float data from the Northeast Pacific Ocean to quantify discrepancies between float and satellite NPP estimates and decompose them into contributions associated with the platform sensing method and depth resolution of observations. We find small, systematic seasonal discrepancies in the depth‐integrated NPP (iNPP) but much larger (>±100%) discrepancies in depth‐resolved NPP. Annual iNPP estimates from the two platforms are significantly, positively correlated, suggesting that they similarly track interannual variability in the study region. Using the long‐term satellite iNPP record, we identify elevated annual iNPP during two recent marine heatwaves and gain insights about ecosystem functionality.
Effects of Subauroral Polarization Streams on the Equatorial Electrojet During the Geomagnetic Storm on June 1, 2013
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Yamazaki Yosuke , Xiong Chao
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effect of disturbance dynamo electric field (DDEF) induced by subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) on the variations of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and its counter electrojet (CEJ) during the geomagnetic storm on June 1, 2013 is analyzed in detail for the first time. Observations from ground‐based magnetometers showed that the SAPS‐induced EEJ flows westward and eastward in the daytime and dawn/dusk sectors, respectively. The effects of SAPS on EEJ are mainly associated with the changes of zonal ionospheric electric field, while the changes in the ionospheric conductivity play a secondary role. By using Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model simulations, the zonal electric field induced by SAPS associated with the DDEF is examined. The results of the simulations show that the DDEF has a significant impact on the EEJ variability. The daytime westward EEJ at the dip equator is mainly driven by disturbance zonal wind, with secondary contributions from disturbance meridional wind. A similar mechanism can be observed in the dawn/dusk sector when the eastward EEJ is produced; however, it has a much weaker intensity than that during the daytime.
How do Laboratory Friction Parameters Compare With Observed Fault Slip and Geodetically Derived Friction Parameters? Insights From the Longitudinal Valley Fault, Taiwan
Authors: den Hartog S. A. M. , Thomas M. Y. , Faulkner D. R.
Published: September 2021

Laboratory measurements of constitutive frictional parameters are commonly inferred to explain the wide variety of slip behavior seen on natural faults. The extent to which these small‐scale measurements directly relate to fault slip behavior remains obscure. In this work, we compare laboratory‐determined frictional parameters on surface‐derived samples from along the length of the Longitudinal Valley Fault (LVF) in Taiwan with the observed slip behavior and with frictional parameters obtained geodetically. The LVF displays partially locked and creeping sections and a Mw 6.8 event in 2003 produced transient acceleration of slip in the adjacent creeping sections that can be used to determine the frictional parameters for direct comparison with the laboratory‐measured ones. We find that the laboratory‐measured friction parameters are markedly different for samples collected from the creeping and partially locked sections of the fault, the former showing lower friction coefficients and more positive values of the fault stability parameter (a−b). Moreover, values for the product of (a−b) and the effective normal stress, determined geodetically, relate very closely to those measured in the laboratory. Mineralogical and microstructural analyses of the fault gouges show that some mineralogically similar gouges produce distinctly different frictional behavior, and that this may be related to the presence and distribution of kaolinite. We conclude overall that upscaling of laboratory measurements of fault frictional properties appears to reflect well the large‐scale slip behavior of faults.
Investigating the Causes and Impacts of Convective Aggregation in a High Resolution Atmospheric GCM
Authors: Zhang Bosong , Soden Brian J. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Yang Wenchang
Published: September 2021

A ∼50 km resolution atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) is used to investigate the impact of radiative interactions on spatial organization of convection, the model's mean state, and extreme precipitation events in the presence of realistic boundary conditions. Mechanism‐denial experiments are performed in which synoptic‐scale feedbacks between radiation and dynamics are suppressed by overwriting the model‐generated atmospheric radiative cooling rates with its monthly varying climatological values. When synoptic‐scale radiative interactions are disabled, the annual mean circulation and precipitation remain almost unchanged, however tropical convection becomes less aggregated, with an increase in cloud fraction and relative humidity in the free troposphere but a decrease in both variables in the boundary layer. Changes in cloud fraction and relative humidity in the boundary layer exhibit more sensitivity to the presence of radiative interactions than variations in the degree of aggregation. The less aggregated state is associated with a decrease in the frequency of extreme precipitation events, coincident with a decrease in the dynamical contribution to the magnitude of extreme precipitation. At regional scales, the spatial contrast in radiative cooling between dry and moist regions diminishes when radiative interactions are suppressed, reducing the upgradient transport of energy, degree of aggregation, and frequency of extreme precipitation events. However, the mean width of the tropical rain belt remains almost unaffected when radiative interactions are disabled. These results offer insights into how radiation‐circulation coupling affects the spatial organization of convection, distributions of clouds and humidity, and weather extremes.
A Forearc Stratigraphic Response to Cretaceous Plateau Collision and Slab Detachment, South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Gardiner Nathan P. , Hall Mike W. D. , Cawood Peter A.
Published: September 2021

Sedimentary successions deposited within arc‐trench gaps (forearcs) record topographic oscillations related to subduction tectonism. The collision of oceanic plateaus can inhibit normal subduction and induce detachment of the subducted oceanic lithosphere (slab), leading to subduction translation or shut‐down. Such second‐order subduction processes complicate the stratigraphic record making discrete events difficult to resolve, as preserved examples are rare and typically overprinted by deformation. We compiled and averaged (stacked) top subduction wedge (Pahau Terrane) subsidence and paleo‐water depth curves from 30 locations containing mid‐Cretaceous forearc successions in Marlborough, New Zealand. Subsidence curve stacking proved effective in removing deformation due to normal subduction, allowing for resolution of higher order plate‐margin events. The stacked curves reveal a synchronous topographic oscillation affecting over 100 km of the paleo‐coastline between 110 and 95 Ma, which penetrated almost 250 km into the forearc hinterland and created up to 3 km of accommodation space. Topographic drawdown and highstand deposition from 110 Ma were followed by rebound and volcanism by 98 Ma, a response to regional tectonism that was compared to theoretical predictions for ridge and plateau collision. We conclude that plate flexure, and slab extension and tearing reasonably account for the synchronous topographic oscillation observed, which we attribute to Hikurangi Plateau collision. We postulate that collision began east of Marlborough along the present day Chatham Rise from 110 Ma, producing topographic upheaval and disruption of adjacent sedimentary systems. Sediments deposited contemporaneously along the margin preserve a record of these events and provide a rare insight into evolving mid‐Cretaceous plate dynamics.
Resolving the Cenozoic History of Rock Exhumation Along the Central Rocky Mountain Trench Using Apatite Low‐Temperature Thermochronology
Authors: Fraser K. I. , Enkelmann E. , Jess S. , Gilbert H. , Grieco R.
Published: September 2021

The Rocky Mountain Trench (RMT) extends through the Canadian Cordillera from the Yukon to northwest Montana. The RMT's impressive length and continuous nature have been interpreted to be the result of faulting, and localized erosion, along a continent‐scale zone of crustal weakness located beneath the RMT, possibly associated with the ancient continental margin. Despite the continuous nature of the RMT, its kinematics vary along strike from dextral strike‐slip faults in the north to normal faults in the south. The central RMT is thought to be the transition between these two structural zones. We use low‐temperature thermochronology to compare the cooling histories across the central RMT in eastern British Columbia. We report apatite fission track ages from 23 samples and apatite (U‐Th)/He ages from 25 samples along with thermal‐history models. Our results reveal three phases of rapid cooling that followed the Cretaceous‐Paleocene cordilleran thrusting in the Eocene, the early–mid Miocene, and from the late Miocene to recent. We find that the Malton Gneiss Complex exhumed as a horst structure 20–10 Ma bounded by the North Thompson Albreda Fault and the RMT. Normal faulting along the NTAF continued in the late Miocene as well as west side down normal faulting along the RMT. Our data suggest that extends along the southern RMT continued northward to at least this portion of the central RMT in multiple episodes during the Cenozoic. We suggest transtension occurred in our study area that was driven by orogenic collapse and lithospheric mantle delamination.
Polarisation optics for biomedical and clinical applications: a review
Authors: He Chao , He Honghui , Chang Jintao , Chen Binguo , Ma Hui , Booth Martin J.
Published: September 2021

Many polarisation techniques have been harnessed for decades in biological and clinical research, each based upon measurement of the vectorial properties of light or the vectorial transformations imposed on light by objects. Various advanced vector measurement/sensing techniques, physical interpretation methods, and approaches to analyse biomedically relevant information have been developed and harnessed. In this review, we focus mainly on summarising methodologies and applications related to tissue polarimetry, with an emphasis on the adoption of the Stokes–Mueller formalism. Several recent breakthroughs, development trends, and potential multimodal uses in conjunction with other techniques are also presented. The primary goal of the review is to give the reader a general overview in the use of vectorial information that can be obtained by polarisation optics for applications in biomedical and clinical research.
Increased activation product of complement 4 protein in plasma of individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Kalinowski Agnieszka , Liliental Joanna , Anker Lauren A. , Linkovski Omer , Culbertson Collin , Hall Jacob N. , Pattni Reenal , Sabatti Chiara , Noordsy Douglas , Hallmayer Joachim F. , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Ballon Jacob S. , O’Hara Ruth , Levinson Douglas F. , Urban Alexander E.
Published: September 2021

Structural variation in the complement 4 gene (C4) confers genetic risk for schizophrenia. The variation includes numbers of the increased C4A copy number, which predicts increased C4A mRNA expression. C4-anaphylatoxin (C4-ana) is a C4 protein fragment released upon C4 protein activation that has the potential to change the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We hypothesized that elevated plasma levels of C4-ana occur in individuals with schizophrenia (iSCZ). Blood was collected from 15 iSCZ with illness duration < 5 years and from 14 healthy controls (HC). Plasma C4-ana was measured by radioimmunoassay. Other complement activation products C3-ana, C5-ana, and terminal complement complex (TCC) were also measured. Digital-droplet PCR was used to determine C4 gene structural variation state. Recombinant C4-ana was added to primary brain endothelial cells (BEC) and permeability was measured in vitro. C4-ana concentration was elevated in plasma from iSCZ compared to HC (mean = 654 ± 16 ng/mL, 557 ± 94 respectively, p = 0.01). The patients also carried more copies of the C4AL gene and demonstrated a positive correlation between plasma C4-ana concentrations and C4A gene copy number. Furthermore, C4-ana increased the permeability of a monolayer of BEC in vitro. Our findings are consistent with a specific role for C4A protein in schizophrenia and raise the possibility that its activation product, C4-ana, increases BBB permeability. Exploratory analyses suggest the novel hypothesis that the relationship between C4-ana levels and C4A gene copy number could also be altered in iSCZ, suggesting an interaction with unknown genetic and/or environmental risk factors.
Arsenic compound sensitizes homologous recombination proficient ovarian cancer to PARP inhibitors
Authors: Xu Junfen , Shen Yuanming , Wang Conghui , Tang Sangsang , Hong Shiyuan , Lu Weiguo , Xie Xing , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

The poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors show survival benefits in ovarian cancer patients withBRCA1/2mutation or homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, but only limited efficacy in HR-proficient ones. Another drug, arsenic trioxide (ATO) or arsenic drug (RIF), exerts antitumor effects via inducing DNA damage. Here, we investigated the combined therapeutic effects of the PARP inhibitors and the arsenic compound in HR-proficient ovarian cancer. The combined treatment of niraparib, olaparib, or fluazolepali with ATO showed a significant suppression in tumor cell viability and colony formation. The drug treatment also induced synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA damage, and acceleration of cell apoptosis in two HR-proficient ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and CAOV3, either by simultaneous or sequential administration. The mechanism underlying these synergistic effects were reflected by the significantly increased ratio of cleaved-PARP/total PARP and decreased ratio of p-AKT/total AKT. Consistently, the combination of olaparib with RIF synergistically reduced the tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. In conclusion, the arsenic compound greatly sensitizes HR-proficient ovarian cancer cells to the PARP inhibitors, and our findings provide an evidence for the clinical treatment development of this combination in HR-proficient ovarian cancer patients.
Super-enhancer-based identification of a BATF3/IL-2R−module reveals vulnerabilities in anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Liang Huan-Chang , Costanza Mariantonia , Prutsch Nicole , Zimmerman Mark W. , Gurnhofer Elisabeth , Montes-Mojarro Ivonne A. , Abraham Brian J. , Prokoph Nina , Stoiber Stefan , Tangermann Simone , Lobello Cosimo , Oppelt Jan , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Hielscher Thomas , Pervez Shahid , Klapper Wolfram , Zammarchi Francesca , Silva Daniel-Adriano , Garcia K. Christopher , Baker David , Janz Martin , Schleussner Nikolai , Fend Falko , Pospíšilová Šárka , Janiková Andrea , Wallwitz Jacqueline , Stoiber Dagmar , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid , Cerroni Lorenzo , Pileri Stefano , de Leval Laurence , Sibon David , Fataccioli Virginie , Gaulard Philippe , Assaf Chalid , Knörr Fabian , Damm-Welk Christine , Woessmann Wilhelm , Turner Suzanne D. , Look A. Thomas , Mathas Stephan , Kenner Lukas , Merkel Olaf
Published: September 2021

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), an aggressive CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma, comprises systemic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, and ALK-negative, primary cutaneous and breast implant-associated ALCL. Prognosis of some ALCL subgroups is still unsatisfactory, and already in second line effective treatment options are lacking. To identify genes defining ALCL cell state and dependencies, we here characterize super-enhancer regions by genome-wide H3K27ac ChIP-seq. In addition to known ALCL key regulators, the AP-1-memberBATF3andIL-2 receptor(IL2R)-components are among the top hits. Specific and high-level IL2R expression in ALCL correlates with BATF3 expression. Confirming a regulatory link, IL-2R-expression decreases followingBATF3knockout, and BATF3 is recruited toIL2Rregulatory regions. Functionally, IL-2, IL-15 and Neo-2/15, a hyper-stable IL-2/IL-15 mimic, accelerate ALCL growth and activate STAT1, STAT5 and ERK1/2. In line, strong IL-2Rα-expression in ALCL patients is linked to more aggressive clinical presentation. Finally, an IL-2Rα-targeting antibody-drug conjugate efficiently kills ALCL cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results highlight the importance of the BATF3/IL-2R-module for ALCL biology and identify IL-2Rα-targeting as a promising treatment strategy for ALCL.
A potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralising nanobody shows therapeutic efficacy in the Syrian golden hamster model of COVID-19
Authors: Huo Jiandong , Mikolajek Halina , Le Bas Audrey , Clark Jordan J. , Sharma Parul , Kipar Anja , Dormon Joshua , Norman Chelsea , Weckener Miriam , Clare Daniel K. , Harrison Peter J. , Tree Julia A. , Buttigieg Karen R. , Salguero Francisco J. , Watson Robert , Knott Daniel , Carnell Oliver , Ngabo Didier , Elmore Michael J. , Fotheringham Susan , Harding Adam , Moynié Lucile , Ward Philip N. , Dumoux Maud , Prince Tessa , Hall Yper , Hiscox Julian A. , Owen Andrew , James William , Carroll Miles W. , Stewart James P. , Naismith James H. , Owens Raymond J.
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 remains a global threat to human health particularly as escape mutants emerge. There is an unmet need for effective treatments against COVID-19 for which neutralizing single domain antibodies (nanobodies) have significant potential. Their small size and stability mean that nanobodies are compatible with respiratory administration. We report four nanobodies (C5, H3, C1, F2) engineered as homotrimers with pmolar affinity for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Crystal structures show C5 and H3 overlap the ACE2 epitope, whilst C1 and F2 bind to a different epitope. Cryo Electron Microscopy shows C5 binding results in an all down arrangement of the Spike protein. C1, H3 and C5 all neutralize the Victoria strain, and the highly transmissible Alpha (B.1.1.7 first identified in Kent, UK) strain and C1 also neutralizes the Beta (B.1.35, first identified in South Africa). Administration of C5-trimer via the respiratory route showed potent therapeutic efficacy in the Syrian hamster model of COVID-19 and separately, effective prophylaxis. The molecule was similarly potent by intraperitoneal injection.
Isotopic evolution of planetary crusts by hypervelocity impacts evidenced by Fe in microtektites
Authors: Chernonozhkin S. M. , González de Vega C. , Artemieva N. , Soens B. , Belza J. , Bolea-Fernandez E. , Van Ginneken M. , Glass B. P. , Folco L. , Genge M. J. , Claeys Ph. , Vanhaecke F. , Goderis S.
Published: September 2021

Fractionation effects related to evaporation and condensation had a major impact on the current elemental and isotopic composition of the Solar System. Although isotopic fractionation of moderately volatile elements has been observed in tektites due to impact heating, the exact nature of the processes taking place during hypervelocity impacts remains poorly understood. By studying Fe in microtektites, here we show that impact events do not simply lead to melting, melt expulsion and evaporation, but involve a convoluted sequence of processes including condensation, variable degrees of mixing between isotopically distinct reservoirs and ablative evaporation during atmospheric re-entry. Hypervelocity impacts can as such not only generate isotopically heavy, but also isotopically light ejecta, with δ56/54Fe spanning over nearly 5‰ and likely even larger variations for more volatile elements. The mechanisms demonstrated here for terrestrial impact ejecta modify our understanding of the effects of impact processing on the isotopic evolution of planetary crusts.
On-chip terahertz isolator with ultrahigh isolation ratios
Authors: Yuan Shixing , Chen Liao , Wang Ziwei , Deng Wentao , Hou Zhibo , Zhang Chi , Yu Yu , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Xinliang
Published: September 2021

Terahertz isolators, one of the typical nonreciprocal devices that can break Lorentz reciprocity, are indispensable building blocks in terahertz systems for their critical functionality of manipulating the terahertz flow. Here, we report an integrated terahertz isolator based on the magneto-optical effect of a nonreciprocal resonator. By optimizing the magneto-optical property and the loss of the resonator, we experimentally observe unidirectional propagation with an ultrahigh isolation ratio reaching up to 52 dB and an insertion loss around 7.5 dB at ~0.47 THz. With a thermal tuning method and periodic resonances, the isolator can operate at different central frequencies in the range of 0.405–0.495 THz. This on-chip terahertz isolator will not only inspire more solutions for integrated terahertz nonreciprocal devices, but also have the feasibility for practical applications such as terahertz sensing and reducing unnecessary reflections in terahertz systems.
Sterols are required for the coordinated assembly of lipid droplets in developing seeds
Authors: Yu Linhui , Fan Jilian , Zhou Chao , Xu Changcheng
Published: September 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs) are intracellular organelles critical for energy storage and lipid metabolism. They are typically composed of an oil core coated by a monolayer of phospholipids and proteins such as oleosins. The mechanistic details of LD biogenesis remain poorly defined. However, emerging evidence suggest that their formation is a spatiotemporally regulated process, occurring at specific sites of the endoplasmic reticulum defined by a specific set of lipids and proteins. Here, we show that sterols are required for formation of oleosin-coated LDs in Arabidopsis. Analysis of sterol pathway mutants revealed that deficiency in several ∆5-sterols accounts for the phenotype. Importantly, mutants deficient in these sterols also display reduced LD number, increased LD size and reduced oil content in seeds. Collectively, our data reveal a role of sterols in coordinating the synthesis of oil and oleosins and their assembly into LDs, highlighting the importance of membrane lipids in regulating LD biogenesis.
Rapid detection of pesticide in milk, cereal and cereal based food and fruit juices using paper strip-based sensor
Authors: Dasriya Vaishali , Joshi Ritu , Ranveer Soniya , Dhundale Vishal , Kumar Naresh , Raghu H. V.
Published: September 2021

The study was aimed to validate paper strip sensors for the detection of pesticide residues in milk, cereal-based food, and fruit juices in comparison with GC–MS/MS under field conditions. The detection limit of pesticide using rapid paper strip sensor for organophosphate, carbamate, organochlorine, fungicide, and herbicide group ranges from 1 to 10, 1–50, 250–500, 1–50, and 1 ppb, respectively in milk and milk product, cereal-based food and fruit juices. Among 125 samples of milk samples collected from the market 33 milk samples comprising 31 raw milk and 2 pasteurized milk found positive for pesticide using the strip-based sensor. In cereal based food and fruit juice samples, 6 cereal flours and 4 fruit juices were found positive for pesticide residues. The pesticide positive samples were further evaluated quantitatively using GC–MS/MS wherein 7 samples comprised of raw milk, pasteurized milk, rice flour, wheat flour, maize flour, apple juice, and pomegranate juice have shown the presence of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan DDD and DDT at trace level as well as at above MRL level. It is envisaged that the developed paper strip sensor can be a potential tool in the rapid and cost-effective screening of a large number of food samples for pesticide residues.
Magnitude of nitrate turbulent diffusion in contrasting marine environments
Authors: Mouriño-Carballido Beatriz , Otero Ferrer José Luis , Fernández Castro Bieito , Marañón Emilio , Blazquez Maseda Mariña , Aguiar-González Borja , Chouciño Paloma , Graña Rocío , Moreira-Coello Víctor , Villamaña Marina
Published: September 2021

Difficulties to quantify ocean turbulence have limited our knowledge about the magnitude and variability of nitrate turbulent diffusion, which constitutes one of the main processes responsible for the supply of nitrogen to phytoplankton inhabiting the euphotic zone. We use an extensive dataset of microturbulence observations collected in contrasting oceanic regions, to build a model for nitrate diffusion into the euphotic zone, and obtain the first global map for the distribution of this process. A model including two predictors (surface temperature and nitrate vertical gradient) explained 50% of the variance in the nitrate diffusive flux. This model was applied to climatological data to predict nitrate diffusion in oligotrophic mid and low latitude regions. Mean nitrate diffusion (~ 20 Tmol N y−1) was comparable to nitrate entrainment due to seasonal mixed-layer deepening between 40°N–40ºS, and to the sum of global estimates of nitrogen fixation, fluvial fluxes and atmospheric deposition. These results indicate that nitrate diffusion represents one of the major sources of new nitrogen into the surface ocean in these regions.
Food resources affect territoriality of invasive wild pig sounders with implications for control
Authors: Kilgo John C. , Garabedian James E. , Vukovich Mark , Schlichting Peter E. , Byrne Michael E. , Beasley James C.
Published: September 2021

Interest in control methods for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) has increased due to their range expansion, population growth, and an improved understanding of their destructive ecological and economic effects. Recent technological advances in traps for control of pig populations facilitate capture of entire social groups (sounders), but the efficacy of “whole-sounder” trapping strategies is heavily dependent on the degree of territoriality among sounders, a topic little research has explored. We assessed territoriality in wild pig sounders on the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA, and examined whether availability of food resources provided by a municipal-waste landfill affected among-sounder territoriality. We estimated utilization distribution overlap and dynamic interactions among 18 neighboring sounders around a landfill. We found that although neighboring sounders overlapped in space, intensity of use in shared areas was uniformly low, indicating territorial behavior. Neighbors tended to share slightly more space when closer to the landfill waste cells, indicating availability of a super-abundant resource somewhat weakens the degree of territoriality among sounders. Nevertheless, we conclude that sounders behaved in a generally territorial manner, and we discuss implications for whole-sounder trapping programs, particularly near concentrated resources such as landfills and crop fields.
Probiotics maintain the gut microbiome homeostasis during Indian Antarctic expedition by ship
Authors: Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Rohil Vishwajeet , Bhushan Brij , Eslavath Malleswara Rao , Gupta Harshita , Chanda Sudipta , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Varshney Rajeev , Ganju Lilly
Published: September 2021

Ship voyage to Antarctica is a stressful journey for expedition members. The response of human gut microbiota to ship voyage and a feasible approach to maintain gut health, is still unexplored. The present findings describe a 24-day long longitudinal study involving 19 members from 38th Indian Antarctic Expedition, to investigate the impact of ship voyage and effect of probiotic intervention on gut microbiota. Fecal samples collected on day 0 as baseline and at the end of ship voyage (day 24), were analyzed using whole genome shotgun sequencing. Probiotic intervention reduced the sea sickness by 10% compared to 44% in placebo group. The gut microbiome in placebo group members on day 0 and day 24, indicated significant alteration compared to a marginal change in the microbial composition in probiotic group. Functional analysis revealed significant alterations in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Carbohydrate-active enzymes analysis represented functional genes involved in glycoside hydrolases, glycosyltransferases and carbohydrate binding modules, for maintaining gut microbiome homeostasis. Suggesting thereby the possible mechanism of probiotic in stabilizing and restoring gut microflora during stressful ship journey. The present study is first of its kind, providing a feasible approach for protecting gut health during Antarctic expedition involving ship voyage.
Local photoreceptor cell death differences in the murine model of retinal detachment
Authors: Maidana Daniel E. , Gonzalez-Buendia Lucia , Miller Joan W. , Vavvas Demetrios G.
Published: September 2021

To investigate local cell death differences in the attached and detached retina at different regions in a murine experimental retinal detachment model. Subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate was performed in eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice. Retinal regions of interest were defined in relation to their distance from the peak of the retinal detachment, as follows: (1) attached central; (2) attached paracentral; (3) detached apex; and (4) detached base. At day 0, the outer nuclear layer cell count for the attached central, attached paracentral, detached apex, and detached base was 1247.60 ± 64.62, 1157.80 ± 163.33, 1264.00 ± 150.7, and 1013.80 ± 67.16 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between the detached base vs. attached central, and between detached base vs. detached apex at day 0. The detached apex region displayed a significant and progressive cell count reduction from day 0 to 14. In contrast, the detached base region did not show progressive retinal degeneration in this model. Moreover, only the detached apex region had a significant and progressive cell death rate compared to baseline. Immediate confounding changes with dramatic differences in cell death rates are present across regions of the detached retina. We speculate that mechanical and regional differences in the bullous detached retina can modify the rate of cell death in this model.
Prognostic value of prostate volume in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Ham Won Sik , Park Jee Soo , Jang Won Sik , Choi Young Deuk , Kim Jongchan
Published: September 2021

There is evidence that a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia increases the incidence of bladder cancer, and treatment with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor or androgen deprivation therapy reduces recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. We aimed to evaluate whether prostate volume affects its prognosis. We reviewed medical records of men who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor due to non-muscle invasive bladder cancer from January 2012 to December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on prostate volume measured by computed tomography (group 1: 264 patients with ≤ 30 mL, group 2: 124 patients with > 30 mL). Propensity score matching analysis was used for adjust selection bias, and then assessed recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival. With a median follow up duration of 52 months, group 1 showed higher 5-year recurrence-free and progression-free survival (69.3% vs 47.0%, p = 0.001; 96.7% vs 87.7%, p = 0.002). Further, cox-regression analysis showed that tumor size (HR = 1.292 p < 0.001), multifocal tumor (HR = 1.993, p < 0.001), adjuvant intravesical therapy (chemotherapy: HR = 0.580, p = 0.037 and bacillus Calmette–Guérin: HR = 0.542, p = 0.004) and prostate volume (HR = 2.326, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of recurrence-free survival. Prostate volume (HR = 2.886, p = 0.014) was also associated with PFS with age (HR = 1.043, p = 0.044) and tumor grade (HR = 3.822, p = 0.013). We conclude higher prostate volume is associated with worse recurrence and progression-free survival in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
The efficiency of nano-TiO2 and γ-Al2O3 in copper removal from aqueous solution by characterization and adsorption study
Authors: Ezati Fatemeh , Sepehr Ebrahim , Ahmadi Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Water pollution is a major global challenge given the increasing growth in the industry and the human population. The present study aims to investigate the efficiency of TiO2 and γ-Al2O3 nanoadsorbents for removal of copper (Cu(II)) from aqueous solution as influenced by different chemical factors including pH, initial concentration, background electrolyte and, ionic strength. The batch adsorption experiment was performed according to standard experimental methods. Various isotherm models (Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich) were fitted to the equilibrium data. According to geochemical modeling data, adsorption was a predominant mechanism for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution. Calculated isotherm equations parameters were evidence of the physical adsorption mechanism of Cu(II) onto the surface of the nanoparticles. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm model could well fit the experimental equilibrium data at different pH values. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of TiO2 and γ-Al2O3 nanosorbents were found to 9288 and 3607 mg kg−1 at the highest pH value (pH 8) and the highest initial Cu(II) concentration (80 mg L−1) respectively. Copper )Cu(II) (removal efficiency with TiO2 and γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles increased by increasing pH. Copper )Cu(II) (adsorption deceased by increasing ionic strength. The maximum Cu(II) adsorption (4510 mg kg−1) with TiO2 nanoparticles was found at 0.01 M ionic strength in the presence of NaCl. Thermodynamic calculations show the adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto the nanoparticles was spontaneous in nature. Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanosorbents could, therefore, serve as an efficient and low-cost nanomaterial for the remediation of Cu(II) ions polluted aqueous solutions.
Inflammatory signature in acute-on-chronic liver failure includes increased expression of granulocyte genes ELANE, MPO and CD177
Authors: Saha Rohini , Pradhan Sai Sanwid , Shalimar  , Das Prasenjit , Mishra Priyanka , Singh Rohan , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh , Acharya Pragyan
Published: September 2021

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) is associated with innate immune dysfunction and high short-term mortality. Neutrophils have been identified to influence prognosis in ACLF. Neutrophil biology is under-evaluated in ACLF. Therefore, we investigated neutrophil-specific genes and their association with ACLF outcomes. This is an observational study. Enriched granulocytes, containing neutrophils, isolated from study participants in three groups- ACLF(n = 10), chronic liver disease (CLD, n = 4) and healthy controls (HC, n = 4), were analysed by microarray. Differentially expressed genes were identified and validated by qRT-PCR in an independent cohort of ACLF, CLD and HC (n = 30, 15 and 15 respectively). The association of confirmed overexpressed genes with ACLF 28-day non-survivors was investigated. The protein expression of selected neutrophil genes was confirmed using flow cytometry and IHC. Differential gene expression analysis showed 1140 downregulated and 928 upregulated genes for ACLF versus CLD and 2086 downregulated and 1091 upregulated genes for ACLF versus HC. Significant upregulation of neutrophilic inflammatory signatures were found in ACLF compared to CLD and HC. Neutrophil enriched genes ELANE, MPO and CD177 were highly upregulated in ACLF and their expression was higher in ACLF 28-day non-survivors. Elevated expression of CD177 protein on neutrophil surface in ACLF was confirmed by flow cytometry. IHC analysis in archival post mortem liver biopsies showed the presence of CD177+ neutrophils in the liver tissue of ACLF patients. Granulocyte genes ELANE, MPO and CD177 are highly overexpressed in ACLF neutrophils as compared to CLD or HC. Further, this three-gene signature is highly overexpressed in ACLF 28-day non-survivors.
Early postoperative urinary MCP-1 as a potential biomarker predicting acute rejection in living donor kidney transplantation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jang Hye Ryoun , Kim Minjung , Hong Sungjun , Lee Kyungho , Park Mee Yeon , Yang Kyeong Eun , Lee Cheol-Jung , Jeon Junseok , Lee Kyo Won , Lee Jung Eun , Park Jae Berm , Kim Kyunga , Kwon Ghee Young , Kim Yoon Goo , Kim Dae Joong , Huh Wooseong
Published: September 2021

We investigated the clinical relevance of urinary cytokines/chemokines reflecting intrarenal immunologic micromilieu as prognostic markers and the optimal measurement timing after living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). This prospective cohort study included 77 LDKT patients who were followed for ≥ 5 years. Patients were divided into control (n = 42) or acute rejection (AR, n = 35) group. Early AR was defined as AR occurring within 3 months. Serum and urine cytokines/chemokines were measured serially as follows: intraoperative, 8/24/72 h, 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after LDKT. Intrarenal total leukocytes, T cells, and B cells were analyzed with immunohistochemistry followed by tissueFAXS. Urinary MCP-1 and fractalkine were also analyzed in a validation cohort. Urinary MCP-1 after one week was higher in the AR group. Urinary MCP-1, fractalkine, TNF-α, RANTES, and IL-6 after one week were significantly higher in the early AR group. Intrarenal total leukocytes and T cells were elevated in the AR group compared with the control group. Urinary fractalkine, MCP-1, and IL-10 showed positive correlation with intrarenal leukocyte infiltration. Post-KT 1 week urinary MCP-1 showed predictive value in the validation cohort. One-week post-KT urinary MCP-1 may be used as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for predicting AR after LDKT.
Transparent qubit manipulations with spin-orbit coupled two-electron nanowire quantum dot
Authors: Hai Kuo , Wang Yifan , Chen Qiong , Hai Wenhua
Published: September 2021

We report on the first set of exact orthonormalized states to an ac driven one-dimensional (1D) two-electron nanowire quantum dot with the Rashba–Dresselhaus coexisted spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and the controlled magnetic field orientation and trapping frequency. In the ground state case, it is shown that the spatiotemporal evolutions of probability densities occupying internal spin states and the transfer rates between different spin states can be adjusted by the ac electric field and the intensities of SOC and magnetic field. Effects of the system parameters and initial-state-dependent constants on the mean entanglement are revealed, where the approximately maximal entanglement associated with the stronger SOC and its insensitivity to the initial and parametric perturbations are demonstrated numerically. A novel resonance transition mechanism is found, in which the ladder-like time-evolution process of expected energy and the transition time between two arbitrary exact states are controlled by the ac field strength. Using such maximally entangled exact states to encode qubits can render the qubit control more transparent and robust. The results could be extended to 2D case and to an array of two-electron quantum dots with weak neighboring coupling for quantum information processing.
Genome-wide estimation of recombination, mutation and positive selection enlightens diversification drivers of Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Reis Ana C. , Cunha Mónica V.
Published: September 2021

Genome sequencing has reinvigorated the infectious disease research field, shedding light on disease epidemiology, pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions and also evolutionary processes exerted upon pathogens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), enclosing M. bovis as one of its animal-adapted members causing tuberculosis (TB) in terrestrial mammals, is a paradigmatic model of bacterial evolution. As other MTBC members, M. bovis is postulated as a strictly clonal, slowly evolving pathogen, with apparently no signs of recombination or horizontal gene transfer. In this work, we applied comparative genomics to a whole genome sequence (WGS) dataset composed by 70 M. bovis from different lineages (European and African) to gain insights into the evolutionary forces that shape genetic diversification in M. bovis. Three distinct approaches were used to estimate signs of recombination. Globally, a small number of recombinant events was identified and confirmed by two independent methods with solid support. Still, recombination reveals a weaker effect on M. bovis diversity compared with mutation (overall r/m = 0.037). The differential r/m average values obtained across the clonal complexes of M. bovis in our dataset are consistent with the general notion that the extent of recombination may vary widely among lineages assigned to the same taxonomical species. Based on this work, recombination in M. bovis cannot be excluded and should thus be a topic of further effort in future comparative genomics studies for which WGS of large datasets from different epidemiological scenarios across the world is crucial. A smaller M. bovis dataset (n = 42) from a multi-host TB endemic scenario was then subjected to additional analyses, with the identification of more than 1,800 sites wherein at least one strain showed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The majority (87.1%) was located in coding regions, with the global ratio of non-synonymous upon synonymous alterations (dN/dS) exceeding 1.5, suggesting that positive selection is an important evolutionary force exerted upon M. bovis. A higher percentage of SNPs was detected in genes enriched into “lipid metabolism”, “cell wall and cell processes” and “intermediary metabolism and respiration” functional categories, revealing their underlying importance in M. bovis biology and evolution. A closer look on genes prone to horizontal gene transfer in the MTBC ancestor and included in the 3R (DNA repair, replication and recombination) system revealed a global average negative value for Taijima’s D neutrality test, suggesting that past selective sweeps and population expansion after a recent bottleneck remain as major evolutionary drivers of the obligatory pathogen M. bovis in its struggle with the host.