bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DUSP26 induces aortic valve calcification by antagonizing MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of DPP4 in human valvular interstitial cells
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Han Dong , Zhou Tingwen , Chen Cheng , Cao Hong , Zhang Joe Z , Ma Ning , Liu Chun , Song Moshi , Shi Jiawei , Jin Xin , Cao Feng , Dong Nianguo
Published: May 2021

Aims 

The morbidity and mortality rates of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) remain high while treatment options are limited. Here, we evaluated the role and therapeutic value of dual-specificity phosphatase 26 (DUSP26) in CAVD.

Methods and results 

Microarray profiling of human calcific aortic valves and normal controls demonstrated that DUSP26 was significantly up-regulated in calcific aortic valves. ApoE−/− mice fed a normal diet or a high cholesterol diet (HCD) were infected with adeno-associated virus serotype 2 carrying DUSP26 short-hairpin RNA to examine the effects of DUSP26 silencing on aortic valve calcification. DUSP26 silencing ameliorated aortic valve calcification in HCD-treated ApoE−/− mice, as evidenced by reduced thickness and calcium deposition in the aortic valve leaflets, improved echocardiographic parameters (decreased peak transvalvular jet velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient, as well as increased aortic valve area), and decreased levels of osteogenic markers (Runx2, osterix, and osteocalcin) in the aortic valves. These results were confirmed in osteogenic medium-induced human valvular interstitial cells. Immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and functional assays revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) interacted with DUSP26 to mediate the procalcific effects of DUSP26. High N6-methyladenosine levels up-regulated DUSP26 in CAVD; in turn, DUSP26 activated DPP4 by antagonizing mouse double minute 2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of DPP4, thereby promoting CAVD progression.

Conclusion 

DUSP26 promotes aortic valve calcification by inhibiting DPP4 degradation. Our findings identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of DPP4 up-regulation in CAVD, suggesting that DUSP26 silencing or inhibition is a viable therapeutic strategy to impede CAVD progression.
Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Stachys pilifera Benth
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Khodaei Diako , Jahantab Esfandiar , Lacroix Monique
Published: May 2021

Stachys pilifera Benth is an endemic species of Stachys family found in Iran with a wide application as an herbal tea. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of S. pilifera. Essential oil (EO) composition analysis showed that cis-Chrysanthenyl acetate (24.9%), viridiflorol (18.3%), trans-Caryophyllene (9.8%), caryophyllene oxide (4.6%), α-terpineol (3.3%) and linalool (3.1%) were the most abundant components. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the EO showed a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica). The antioxidant activity of EO was studied using DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. IC50 for the DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid tests were 23.2, 28.7 and 16.1 µg/mL, respectively, that it was higher than the results for BHT (P ≤ 0.05). The cytotoxic activity of the EO was evaluated using HT29 and HUVEC cells and it was observed that by increasing in EO concentration from 0.026 to 19.4 ug/mL, the viability of the cells for HT29 and HUVEC reduced to 6.8 and 7.1%, respectively. The results from this study suggest the possibility to use the essential oils from S. pilifera Benth as a natural preservative in processed or packaged food due to its high antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.
Prokaryotic reverse transcriptases: from retroelements to specialized defense systems
Authors: González-Delgado Alejandro , Mestre Mario Rodríguez , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Toro Nicolás
Published: May 2021

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) catalyze the polymerization of DNA from an RNA template. These enzymes were first discovered in RNA tumor viruses in 1970, but it was not until 1989 that they were found in prokaryotes as a key component of retrons. Apart from RTs encoded by the ‘selfish’ mobile retroelements known as group II introns, prokaryotic RTs are extraordinarily diverse, but their function has remained elusive. However, recent studies have revealed that different lineages of prokaryotic RTs, including retrons, those associated with CRISPR-Cas systems, Abi-like RTs and other yet uncharacterized RTs, are key components of different lines of defense against phages and other mobile genetic elements. Prokaryotic RTs participate in various antiviral strategies, including abortive infection (Abi), in which the infected cell is induced to commit suicide to protect the host population, adaptive immunity, in which a memory of previous infection is used to build an efficient defense, and other as yet unidentified mechanisms. These prokaryotic enzymes are attracting considerable attention, both for use in cutting-edge technologies, such as genome editing, and as an emerging research topic. In this review, we discuss what is known about prokaryotic RTs, and the exciting evidence for their domestication from retroelements to create specialized defense systems.
New Perspectives on the Evolution of Within-Individual Genome Variation and Germline/Soma Distinction
Authors: Suh Alexander , Dion-Côté Anne-Marie
Published: May 2021

Genomes can vary significantly even within the same individual. The underlying mechanisms are manifold, ranging from somatic mutation and recombination, development-associated ploidy changes and genetic bottlenecks, over to programmed DNA elimination during germline/soma differentiation. In this perspective piece, we briefly review recent developments in the study of within-individual genome variation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. We highlight a Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution 2020 virtual symposium entitled “Within-individual genome variation and germline/soma distinction” and the present Special Section of the same name in Genome Biology and Evolution, together fostering cross-taxon synergies in the field to identify and tackle key open questions in the understanding of within-individual genome variation.
Self-Reported Satisfaction of Older Adult Residents in Nursing Homes: Development of a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kallol Kumar , Molinari Victor , Hyer Kathryn
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

Resident satisfaction is an integral part of nursing home (NH) quality of care. However, there is no uniform categorization framework to classify the self-reported satisfaction of older adult residents in NHs. This scoping review systematically investigated the studies reporting data on older residents’ satisfaction to evaluate the quality of NH service and to create a conceptual model for older residents’ satisfaction.

Research Design and Methods

We used Donabedian’s structure–process–outcome model as a theoretical framework. In 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL), potential studies were searched using specific inclusion criteria identifying original studies that investigated older adult residents’ satisfaction in NHs.

Results

Fifteen studies, including 264,133 residents and 15,577 NHs, were selected for this review. Although a wide variety of resident satisfaction measures were used in the included studies, all these indicators reflect 5 primary domains: psychological, clinical, social, environmental, and spiritual, with the common focus of improving the quality of life of residents. Though technical competence is a fundamental aspect of health care service, we found autonomy, environment, meaningful activities, and interpersonal quality of professionals as the most important predictors for the resident’s satisfaction.

Discussion and Implications

The current review has synthesized a broad range of satisfaction measures, which will help future researchers and policymakers provide guidance for further improvement of NH care services and as a heuristic device to spur research. Additional research is needed to apply this conceptual framework for comparisons of self-reported resident satisfaction in other institutional settings across countries.
Accelerating Biological Insight for Understudied Genes
Authors: Reynolds Kimberly A , Rosa-Molinar Eduardo , Ward Robert E , Zhang Hongbin , Urbanowicz Breeanna R , Settles A Mark
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

The rapid expansion of genome sequence data is increasing the discovery of protein-coding genes across all domains of life. Annotating these genes with reliable functional information is necessary to understand evolution, to define the full biochemical space accessed by nature, and to identify target genes for biotechnology improvements. The majority of proteins are annotated based on sequence conservation with no specific biological, biochemical, genetic, or cellular function identified. Recent technical advances throughout the biological sciences enable experimental research on these understudied protein-coding genes in a broader collection of species. However, scientists have incentives and biases to continue focusing on well documented genes within their preferred model organism. This perspective suggests a research model that seeks to break historic silos of research bias by enabling interdisciplinary teams to accelerate biological functional annotation. We propose an initiative to develop coordinated projects of collaborating evolutionary biologists, cell biologists, geneticists, and biochemists that will focus on subsets of target genes in multiple model organisms. Concurrent analysis in multiple organisms takes advantage of evolutionary divergence and selection, which causes individual species to be better suited as experimental models for specific genes. Most importantly, multisystem approaches would encourage transdisciplinary critical thinking and hypothesis testing that is inherently slow in current biological research.
Beyond Cognitive Templates: Re-Examining Template Metaphors Used for Animal Recognition and Navigation
Authors: Sung Jenny Y , Harris Olivia K , Hensley Nicholai M , Chemero Anthony P , Morehouse Nathan I
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

The term “cognitive template” originated from work in human-based cognitive science to describe a literal, stored, neural representation used in recognition tasks. As the study of cognition has expanded to nonhuman animals, the term has diffused to describe a wider range of animal cognitive tools and strategies that guide action through the recognition of and discrimination between external states. One potential reason for this nonstandardized meaning and variable employment is that researchers interested in the broad range of animal recognition tasks enjoy the simplicity of the cognitive template concept and have allowed it to become shorthand for many dissimilar or unknown neural processes without deep scrutiny of how this metaphor might comport with underlying neurophysiology. We review the functional evidence for cognitive templates in fields such as perception, navigation, communication, and learning, highlighting any neural correlates identified by these studies. We find that the concept of cognitive templates has facilitated valuable exploration at the interface between animal behavior and cognition, but the quest for a literal template has failed to attain mechanistic support at the level of neurophysiology. This may be the result of a misled search for a single physical locus for the “template” itself. We argue that recognition and discrimination processes are best treated as emergent and, as such, may not be physically localized within single structures of the brain. Rather, current evidence suggests that such tasks are accomplished through synergies between multiple distributed processes in animal nervous systems. We thus advocate for researchers to move toward a more ecological, process-oriented conception, especially when discussing the neural underpinnings of recognition-based cognitive tasks.
Intra-horn Penile Intromission in the AlpacaVicugna pacosand Consequences to Genital Morphology
Authors: Brennan Patricia L R , Sterett Maya , DiBuono Mary , Lara Granados Genesis , Klo Kay , Marsden Rebecca , Schleinig Pearl , Tanner Louise , Purdy Stephen
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Copulatory behavior and genital morphology interact to deliver sperm more effectively during mating, but the nature of this interaction has not been explored in depth in most vertebrates. Alpacas have unusually long copulations lasting 15–20 min, and a unique copulatory behavior, where the penis intromits all the way past the cervix, into the uterine horns. Here we describe the morphology of male and female genitalia and report unique morphological characteristics that may be associated with this unusual insemination mode. Vaginal shape is highly variable, and seemingly not associated with age or parity. The cranial vagina varies between bulbous and cylindrical, while the caudal vagina is typically narrower and always cylindrical. The cervix consists of a series of two to three spirals or rings, and it is often found in a relaxed state that may prevent damage caused by the cartilaginous penis tip as it pushes through the cervix to reach the uterine horns. The uterus and uterine horns have a complex shape with multiple constrictions. The cartilaginous penis tip has a sharp urethral process that may help to push against these constrictions. The diameter of the vaginal lumen is much greater than the diameter of the penis suggesting that there is little direct interaction between them, and that female vaginal shape is not under strong copulatory selection. In effect, the entire female reproductive tract of the female is interacting with the penis during copulation.
Intraspecific and Interspecific Attachment between Cohabitant Dogs and Human Caregivers
Authors: Sipple Nicole , Thielke Lauren , Smith Arden , Vitale Kristyn R , Udell Monique A R
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

In recent years there has been growing interest in uncovering evolutionary and lifetime factors that may contribute to the domestic dog’s (Canis lupus familiaris) success in anthropogenic environments. The readiness with which dogs form social attachments, their hyper-social focus, and social flexibility have all been areas of investigation. Prior research has demonstrated that many pet dogs form infant-caregiver type attachments toward human caretakers, even into adulthood. However, it is unknown if adult dogs form similar attachment bonds to other species, including cohabitant dogs, or if the dog–human relationship is unique in this respect. In the current study we used the Secure Base Test to evaluate behavioral indicators of stress reduction, proximity seeking and exploration, classifying dog–human and dog–dog dyads into attachment style categories. As in prior studies, we found that the majority of our dog–human dyads met the traditional criteria for infant–caregiver type attachment. However, the majority of dogs did not display this form of attachment toward cohabitant dog partners. Instead, behaviors observed in dog–dog relationships better matched attachment classifications described in human sibling attachment research. Overall, companion dogs were significantly less likely than human caretakers to elicit behaviors associated with attachment security in a focal dog. Dog–human attachment may play a distinct and important role in the success and resilience of adult dogs living in at least some anthropogenic environments. Bonds formed with other adult dogs, while important, likely serve a different function.
Effects of time-area closures on the distribution of snow crab fishing effort with respect to entanglement threat to North Atlantic right whales
Authors: Cole Alexandra K , Brillant Sean W , Boudreau Stephanie A
Published: May 2021

Time-area closures are increasingly used to mitigate cetacean entanglement by temporarily excluding fishing effort from areas where high densities of cetaceans and fishing overlap. The effort displaced by these closures can be redistributed to the areas that remain open, changing the distribution and density of fishing effort outside the closures. These patterns were evaluated for the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab fishery by comparing recent years (2015–2017) with 2018 when time-area closures were implemented to protect North Atlantic right whales. A predictive model framework was created to test how well we could predict the response of fishers to closures. Approximately 29% of the total fishing effort was displaced by the 2018 closures, increasing effort density outside the closures by 41%. Displaced fishing effort shifted farther from the closures than predicted, into areas which, prior to 2018, had low effort density, producing a higher threat of entanglement in these new areas. Fishing effort in 2018 remained as high as 2017, despite a lower quota and reduced trap limit. Consequently, the resulting effects of time-area closures on fishing patterns outside of the closures cannot be discounted if entanglement threat to whales is to be successfully mitigated.
Improving community care for patients discharged from hospital through zone-wide implementation of a seamless care transition policy
Authors: Boora Naveenjyote , Surood Shireen , Coulombe Jeff , Poudel Surya , Agyapong Vincent I O
Published: May 2021

Background

Several studies within the psychiatry literature have illustrated the importance of discharge planning and execution, as well as accessibility of outpatient follow-up post-discharge. We report the results of implementing a new seamless care transition policy to expedite post-discharge follow-up in the community Addiction and Mental Health (AMH) program in the Edmonton Zone, Alberta, Canada. The policy involved a distribution mechanism for assessment by a mental health therapist (MHT) within 7 days of discharge as well as a dedicated roster of community psychiatrists to accept newly discharged patients.

Objective

Our aim was to assess the feasibility of this novel policy and to assess its effect on our outcome measures of wait time to first outpatient MHT assessment and re-admission rate to hospital.

Methods

Our study involved a retrospective clinical audit with total sampling design and a comparison of data 1 year before (2015/2016 fiscal year) and 1 year after (2017/2018 fiscal year) the implementation of the seamless care policy within the Edmonton Zone. Extracted data were analyzed with simple descriptive statistics and presented as percentages, mean and median.

Results

Overall, with the enactment of this policy, follow-up volumes ultimately increased, while wait times for initial assessment decreased on average for patients discharged from the hospital. In the 2015/2016 fiscal year, MHT completed 128 assessments of post-discharge patients who were new to the community AMH program compared to 298 completed new assessments for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. The corresponding wait times for the new MHT assessments were 12.7 days (median of 12 days) and 7.8 days (median of 6 days), respectively. Similarly, psychiatrists completed only 59 assessments of post-discharge patients who were new to AMH compared to 133 new psychiatric assessments for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. The corresponding wait times for the new psychiatric assessments were 15.3 days (median of 14 days) and 8.8 days (median of 7 days), respectively. We correspondingly found a slight decline in readmission rates after the implementation of our model in the subsequent fiscal year.

Conclusion

We envision that this policy will set a precedent with regard to streamlining post-discharge follow-up care for admitted inpatients, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for patients.
Bioavailability of the dl-methionine and the calcium salt of dl-methionine hydroxy analog compared with l-methionine for nitrogen retention in starter pigs
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yuan Zhengcai , Chen Daiwen , Wang Huifeng , Shu Yan , Gao Jun , Htoo John Khun , Yu Bing
Published: May 2021

Two nitrogen balance studies were conducted to evaluate the relative bioavailability values (RBV) of dl-methionine (dl-Met) and dl-methionine hydroxy analog calcium salt (MHA-Ca) to l-methionine (l-Met) as Met sources fed to pigs. In experiment 1, 42 pigs were assigned to 7 treatments feeding with basal diet (BD) formulated to be deficient in Met (0.22% standardized ileal digestible basis) but adequate in other amino acids. Diets included (1) BD, (2) BD + 0.025% dl-Met, (3) BD + 0.050% dl-Met, (4) BD + 0.075% dl-Met, (5) BD + 0.025% l-Met, (6) BD + 0.050% l-Met, and (7) BD + 0.075% l-Met. Increasing levels of l-Met and dl-Met enhanced N retained (g/d) and N retention (% of intake) linearly (P < 0.01). Using a linear slope ratio procedure, a product-to-product RBV of dl-Met compared with l-Met was 94% (95% confidence limits: 65% to 123%) based on N retained expressed as g/d and 99% (95% confidence limits: 70% to 128%) for N retention expressed as % of intake. In experiment 2, 42 pigs were allotted to 7 treatments in another N-balance trial. Diets included (1) BD, (2) BD + 0.025% l-Met, (3) BD + 0.050% l-Met, (4) BD + 0.075% l-Met, (5) BD + 0.030% MHA-Ca, (6) BD + 0.060% MHA-Ca, and (7) BD + 0.089% MHA-Ca. An increase in dietary inclusion rates of l-Met increased (P < 0.01) N retained (g/d) linearly while increasing levels of MHA-Ca had no effects (P > 0.05) on N retained (g/d) and N retention (% of intake). Using linear slope-ratio regression, the RBV of MHA-Ca compared with l-Met was 70% (95% confidence limits: 59% to 81%) on a product-to-product basis or 83% on equimolar basis based on N retained expressed as g/d. Overall, the mean RBV of dl-Met to l-Met of 97% (95% confidence limits cover 100%) indicated that dl-Met and l-Met are equally bioavailable as Met sources in pigs. Compared with l-Met, the RBV of MHA-Ca was lower at 70% (95% confidence limits: 59% to 81%) on a product-to-product basis or 83% on equimolar basis in starter pigs.
Variant Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Presenting Without Auer Rods Highlights the Need for Correlation with Cytogenetic Data in Leukemia Diagnosis
Authors: Courville Elizabeth L , Shantzer Lindsey , Vitzthum von Eckstaedt Hans Christoph , Mellot Holly , Keng Michael , Sen Jeremy , Morris Amy , Williams Eli , El Chaer Firas
Published: May 2021

Variant acute promyelocytic leukemia (vAPL) is a rare leukemia characterized by rearrangement between RARα and a non-PML partner gene. This type of leukemia can be difficult to recognize by histomorphologic evaluation, particularly in patients with few or no Auer rods, and by flow cytometry, but it can be identified by distinct cytogenetic features. Herein, we report on a patient with vAPL with t(11;17)(q23;q21) who presented an initial diagnostic challenge. Detailed flow cytometry findings are presented for this rare entity. Our case study also presents novel treatment (chemotherapy in combination with venetoclax) chosen based on mechanistic data from preclinical studies.
Sula’s Compromise: Toni Morrison and the Editorial Politics of Sensitivity
Authors: Thurman Deborah
Published: May 2021

An accomplished editor in her own right, Toni Morrison made no secret of her dissatisfaction with the editing of Sula (1973), whose opening pages she critiqued as a regrettable concession to white publishers and white readers. Yet despite Morrison’s prominence in recent studies of African American book history, scholars have yet to fully explore how the contested revisions to Sula impact the novel and what they reveal about racially motivated editing practices in mainstream US publishing. This article situates Sula’s publication history as an exemplary archive of editorial conflict, one that illuminates shifting editorial approaches to race in American fiction amid the rise of US multiculturalism. Tracing Morrison’s responses to editorial disputes about Sula and Beloved (1987), this article argues that her career indexes the emergence of racial sensitivity as an editorial concern in contemporary publishing, anticipating contemporary conflicts over formal sensitivity editing as a specialized mode of manuscript review.
A redefinition of the halo boundary leads to a simple yet accurate halo model of large-scale structure
Authors: García Rafael , Rozo Eduardo , Becker Matthew R , More Surhud
Published: May 2021

We present a model for the halo–mass correlation function that explicitly incorporates halo exclusion and allows for a redefinition of the halo boundary in a flexible way. We assume that haloes trace mass in a way that can be described using a single scale-independent bias parameter. However, our model exhibits scale-dependent biasing due to the impact of halo-exclusion, the use of a ‘soft’ (i.e. not infinitely sharp) halo boundary, and differences in the one halo term contributions to ξhm and ξmm. These features naturally lead us to a redefinition of the halo boundary that lies at the ‘by eye’ transition radius from the one-halo to the two-halo term in the halo–mass correlation function. When adopting our proposed definition, our model succeeds in describing the halo–mass correlation function with $\approx 2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ residuals over the radial range 0.1 h−1 Mpc < r < 80 h−1 Mpc, and for halo masses in the range 1013 h−1 M⊙ < M < 1015 h−1 M⊙. Our proposed halo boundary is related to the splashback radius by a roughly constant multiplicative factor. Taking the 87 percentile as reference we find rt/Rsp ≈ 1.3. Surprisingly, our proposed definition results in halo abundances that are well described by the Press–Schechter mass function with δsc = 1.449 ± 0.004. The clustering bias parameter is offset from the standard background-split prediction by $\approx 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}\!-\!15{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. This level of agreement is comparable to that achieved with more standard halo definitions.
Measuring the topology of reionization with Betti numbers
Authors: Giri Sambit K , Mellema Garrelt
Published: May 2021

The distribution of ionized hydrogen during the epoch of reionization (EoR) has a complex morphology. We propose to measure the 3D topology of ionized regions using the Betti numbers. These quantify the topology using the number of components, tunnels, and cavities in any given field. Based on the results for a set of reionization simulations we find that the Betti numbers of the ionization field show a characteristic evolution during reionization, with peaks in the different Betti numbers characterizing different stages of the process. The shapes of their evolutionary curves can be fitted with simple analytical functions. We also observe that the evolution of the Betti numbers shows a clear connection with the percolation of the ionized and neutral regions and differs between different reionization scenarios. Through these properties, the Betti numbers provide a more useful description of the topology than the widely studied Euler characteristic or genus. The morphology of the ionization field will be imprinted on the redshifted 21-cm signal from the EoR. We construct mock image cubes using the properties of the low-frequency element of the future Square Kilometre Array and show that we can extract the Betti numbers from such data sets if an observation time of 1000 h is used. Even for a much shorter observation time of 100 h, some topological information can be extracted for the middle and later stages of reionization. We also find that the topological information extracted from the mock 21-cm observations can put constraints on reionization models.
How baryons can significantly bias cluster count cosmology
Authors: Debackere Stijn N B , Schaye Joop , Hoekstra Henk
Published: May 2021

We quantify two main pathways through which baryonic physics biases cluster count cosmology. We create mock cluster samples that reproduce the baryon content inferred from X-ray observations. We link clusters to their counterparts in a dark matter-only universe, whose abundances can be predicted robustly, by assuming the dark matter density profile is not significantly affected by baryons. We derive weak lensing halo masses and infer the best-fitting cosmological parameters Ωm, S8 = σ8(Ωm/0.3)0.2, and w0 from the mock cluster sample. We find that because of the need to accommodate the change in the density profile due to the ejection of baryons, weak lensing mass calibrations are only unbiased if the concentration is left free when fitting the reduced shear with NFW profiles. However, even unbiased total mass estimates give rise to biased cosmological parameters if the measured mass functions are compared with predictions from dark matter-only simulations. This bias dominates for haloes with $m_\mathrm{500c} \lt 10^{14.5} \, \rm h^{-1} \, \mathrm{M_\odot }$. For a stage IV-like cluster survey without mass estimation uncertainties, an area $\approx 15\,000 \, \mathrm{deg^2}$ and a constant mass cut of $m_\mathrm{200m,min} = 10^{14} \,\rm h^{-1} \, \mathrm{M_\odot }$, the biases are $-11 \pm 1 \, \mathrm{per\, cent}$ in Ωm, $-3.29 \pm 0.04 \, \mathrm{per\, cent}$ in S8, and $9 \pm 1.5 \, \mathrm{per\, cent}$ in w0. The statistical significance of the baryonic bias depends on how accurately the actual uncertainty on individual cluster mass estimates is known. We suggest that rather than the total halo mass, the (re-scaled) dark matter mass inferred from the combination of weak lensing and observations of the hot gas, should be used for cluster count cosmology.
Average annual total sunspot area in the last 410 yr: the most probable values and limits of their uncertainties
Authors: Nagovitsyn Yury A , Osipova Aleksandra A
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work is to create a long (410-yr) series of average annual total sunspot areas AR – a physically based index of sunspot activity. We use telescopic observations of the AR index in 1832–1868 and 1875–2020, as well as the relationship between AR and long series of sunspot indices SN (international sunspot numbers, version 2.0) and sunspot groups GN (Svalgaard and Schatten’s version of group sunspot numbers). The Royal Greenwich Observatory series after 1976 is extended by the Kislovodsk Mountain Astronomical Station data. When reconstructing AR from SN, it is taken into account that the function AR  =  f(SN) has a non-linear systematic character and uncertainty associated with the heterogeneity of these indices. Therefore, in addition to modelling the most probable AR values, predictive limits of reconstruction uncertainty are determined. In the interval 1610–1699 we carried out the reconstruction on the basis of the GN series using the previously proposed decomposition in pseudo-phase space (DPS) method. The resulting series NO21y is freely available online. We show that for this series the empirical Gnevyshev–Ohl rule and Waldmeier effect are fulfilled. Wavelet analysis reveals periodicities of 8.4–13.8 yr for the main cycle (with a sharp decrease of the period before the global Maunder and Dalton minima) and a two-component Gleissberg cycle with typical periods of 50–60 and 90–110 yr.
The iron yield of normal Type II supernovae
Authors: Rodríguez Ó , Meza N , Pineda-García J , Ramirez M
Published: May 2021

We present 56Ni mass estimates for 110 normal Type II supernovae (SNe II), computed here from their luminosity in the radioactive tail. This sample consists of SNe from the literature, with at least three photometric measurements in a single optical band within 95–320 d since explosion. To convert apparent magnitudes to bolometric ones, we compute bolometric corrections (BCs) using 15 SNe in our sample having optical and near-IR photometry, along with three sets of SN II atmosphere models to account for the unobserved flux. We find that the I- and i-bands are best suited to estimate luminosities through the BC technique. The 56Ni mass distribution of our SN sample has a minimum and maximum of 0.005 and 0.177 M⊙, respectively, and a selection-bias-corrected average of 0.037 ± 0.005 M⊙. Using the latter value together with iron isotope ratios of two sets of core-collapse (CC) nucleosynthesis models, we calculate a mean iron yield of 0.040 ± 0.005 M⊙ for normal SNe II. Combining this result with recent mean 56Ni mass measurements for other CC SN subtypes, we estimate a mean iron yield <0.068 M⊙ for CC SNe, where the contribution of normal SNe II is >36 per cent. We also find that the empirical relation between 56Ni mass and steepness parameter (S) is poorly suited to measure the 56Ni mass of normal SNe II. Instead, we present a correlation between 56Ni mass, S, and absolute magnitude at 50 d since explosion. The latter allows to measure 56Ni masses of normal SNe II with a precision around 30 per cent.
Detecting general relativistic orbital precession in transiting hot Jupiters
Authors: Antoniciello G , Borsato L , Lacedelli G , Nascimbeni V , Barragán O , Claudi R
Published: May 2021

Both classical and relativistic weak-field and slow-motion perturbations to planetary orbits can be treated as perturbative corrections to the Keplerian model. In particular, tidal forces and General Relativity (GR) induce small precession rates of the apsidal line. Accurate measurements of these effects in transiting exoplanets could be used to test GR and to gain information about the planetary interiors. Unfortunately, models for transiting planets have a high degree of degeneracy in the orbital parameters that, combined to the uncertainties of photometric transit observations, results in large errors on the determinations of the argument of periastron and precludes a direct evaluation of the apsidal line precession. Moreover, tidal and GR precession time-scales are many order of magnitudes larger than orbital periods, so that on the observational time-spans required to cumulate a precession signal enough strong to be detected, even small systematic errors in transit ephemerides add up to cancel out the tiny variations due to precession. Here we present a more feasible solution to detect tidal and GR precession rates through the observation of variations of the time interval (Δτ) between primary and secondary transits of hot Jupiters and propose the most promising target for such detection, WASP-14 b. For this planet we expect a cumulated $\Delta \tau \, \approx$ −250 s, due to tidal and relativistic precession, since its first photometric observations.
Axis axis(Artiodactyla: Cervidae)
Authors: Randel Charles J , Tomeček John M
Published: May 2021

Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777) is an Old World deer commonly known as chital, Indian spotted deer, or axis deer. It is one of five species in the genus Axis and is native to the Indian subcontinent, occurring in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Free-ranging and confined populations of A. axis have been established in Europe, Australia, and both North and South America. Globally, it is considered “Least Concern” (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
GPCRsignal: webserver for analysis of the interface between G-protein–coupled receptors and their effector proteins by dynamics and mutations
Authors: Miszta Przemysław , Pasznik Paweł , Niewieczerzał Szymon , Jakowiecki Jakub , Filipek Sławomir
Published: May 2021

GPCRsignal (https://gpcrsignal.biomodellab.eu/) is a webserver devoted to signaling complexes of G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). The recent improvement in cryo-electron microscopy resulted in the determination of a large number of high-resolution structures of GPCRs bound to their effector proteins: G proteins or arrestins. Analyzing the interfaces between receptor and an effector protein is of high importance since a selection of proper G protein or specific conformation of arrestin leads to changes of signaling that can significantly affect action of drugs. GPCRsignal provides a possibility of running molecular dynamics simulations of all currently available GPCR-effector protein complexes for curated structures: wild-type, with crystal/cryo-EM mutations, or with mutations introduced by the user. The simulations are performed in an implicit water-membrane environment, so they are rather fast. User can run several simulations to obtain statistically valid results. The simulations can be analyzed separately using dynamic FlarePlots for particular types of interactions. One can also compare groups of simulations in Interaction frequency analysis as HeatMaps and also in interaction frequency difference analysis as sticks, linking the interacting residues, of different color and size proportional to differences in contact frequencies.
Human prefoldin modulates co-transcriptional pre-mRNA splicing
Authors: Payán-Bravo Laura , Fontalva Sara , Peñate Xenia , Cases Ildefonso , Guerrero-Martínez José Antonio , Pareja-Sánchez Yerma , Odriozola-Gil Yosu , Lara Esther , Jimeno-González Silvia , Suñé Carles , Muñoz-Centeno Mari Cruz , Reyes José C , Chávez Sebastián
Published: May 2021

Prefoldin is a heterohexameric complex conserved from archaea to humans that plays a cochaperone role during the co-translational folding of actin and tubulin monomers. Additional functions of prefoldin have been described, including a positive contribution to transcription elongation and chromatin dynamics in yeast. Here we show that prefoldin perturbations provoked transcriptional alterations across the human genome. Severe pre-mRNA splicing defects were also detected, particularly after serum stimulation. We found impairment of co-transcriptional splicing during transcription elongation, which explains why the induction of long genes with a high number of introns was affected the most. We detected genome-wide prefoldin binding to transcribed genes and found that it correlated with the negative impact of prefoldin depletion on gene expression. Lack of prefoldin caused global decrease in Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain. It also reduced the recruitment of the CTD kinase CDK9 to transcribed genes, and the association of splicing factors PRP19 and U2AF65 to chromatin, which is known to depend on CTD phosphorylation. Altogether the reported results indicate that human prefoldin is able to act locally on the genome to modulate gene expression by influencing phosphorylation of elongating RNA polymerase II, and thereby regulating co-transcriptional splicing.
Reactor-based boron neutron capture therapy for 44 cases of recurrent and refractory high-grade meningiomas with long-term follow-up
Authors: Takai Satoshi , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Kawabata Shinji , Takeuchi Koji , Sakurai Yoshinori , Suzuki Minoru , Ono Koji , Miyatake Shin-Ichi
Published: May 2021

Background

High-grade meningioma (HGM) is difficult to treat, and recurrent HGM after radiotherapy has an especially poor prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 44 consecutive patients with recurrent and refractory HGM who were treated by reactor-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

Methods

In 2005–2019, we treated 44 recurrent and refractory HGMs by reactor-based BNCT. We analyzed the patients’ tumor shrinkage, overall survival (OS) after initial diagnosis, OS after BNCT, progression-free survival (PFS) post-BNCT, and treatment failure patterns.

Results

The median OS (mOS) after BNCT and mOS after initial diagnosis were 29.6 (95% CI: 16.1–40.4) and 98.4 (95% CI: 68.7–169.4) months, respectively. The median follow-up after BNCT was 26 (6.4–103) months. The grade 2 (20 cases) and 3 (24 cases) post-BNCT mOS values were 44.4 (95% CI: 27.4–not determined) and 21.55 (10.6–30.6) months, respectively (P = .0009). Follow-up images were obtained from 36 cases at >3 months post-BNCT; 35 showed tumor shrinkage during the observation period. The post-BNCT median PFS (mPFS) of 36 cases was 13.7 (95% CI: 8.3–28.6) months. The post-BNCT mPFS values in patients with grade 2 and 3 disease were 24.3 (95% CI: 9.8–not determined) and 9.4 (6.3–14.4) months, respectively (P = .0024). Local recurrence was observed in only 22.2% of cases. These results showed good local tumor control and prolonged survival for recurrent HGM cases.

Conclusions

Most of these cases had relatively large tumor volumes. The proportion of grade 3 patients was extremely high. Our patients thus seemed to have poor prognoses. Nevertheless, reactor-based BNCT exerted relatively good local control and favorable survival for recurrent and refractory HGMs.
Impact of Anterior Clinoidectomy on Visual Function After Paraclinoid Carotid Artery Aneurysm Surgery: Power-Drill Versus No-Drill Technique
Authors: Niibo Takeya , Takizawa Katsumi , Sakurai Jurou , Takebayashi Seizi , Koizumi Hiroyasu , Kobayashi Toru , Kobayashi Rina , Kuris Kouta , Gotou Syusuke , Tsuchiya Ryousuke , Kamiyama Hiroyasu
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Few studies have attempted to make a direct comparison of the risk of visual impairment following extradural anterior clinoidectomy (EAC) with and without the use of a power drill.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate postoperative visual outcomes between groups of patients with paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms (PCAAs) who underwent surgical clipping with and without the use of a power drill during EAC.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and November 2019, 90 patients, 7 with ruptured and 83 with unruptured PCAAs, underwent clipping surgery at our hospital. The authors retrospectively analyzed postoperative visual complications from the medical records of these patients.

RESULTS

Among the 85 patients (excluding 3 patients with disturbance of consciousness caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage and 2 patients with preoperative visual disturbance) evaluated, EAC was conducted using a power drill in 64 patients and using a microrongeur in 21 patients. Permanent postoperative visual impairment developed in 14 (21.9%) patients in the drill group: 9 patients had ipsilateral lower nasal quadrant hemianopsia (ILNQH) and 5 patients had ipsilateral visual acuity reduction. Transient ILNQH developed in only 1 patient in the no-drill group. The incidence of permanent postoperative visual impairments was significantly lower in the no-drill group than in the drill group (P = .020). Seventeen (26.6%) patients developed transient oculomotor nerve palsy in the drill group, while no patients developed oculomotor nerve palsy in the no-drill group.

CONCLUSION

EAC using a microrongeur versus a power drill significantly improved visual outcomes after clipping surgery for PCAAs.
Neuropathology of Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Concise Review
Authors: Cole Bonnie L.
Published: May 2021

Pediatric brain tumors are an incredibly diverse group of neoplasms and neuropathological tumor classification is an essential part of patient care. Classification of pediatric brain tumors has changed considerably in recent years as molecular diagnostics have become incorporated with routine histopathology in the diagnostic process. This article will focus on the fundamental major histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features that neuropathologists use to make an integrated diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors. This concise review will focus on tumors that are integral to the central nervous system in pediatric patients including: embryonal tumors, low and high grade gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, ependymomas, and choroid plexus tumors.
Achieving High Poliovirus Antibody Seroprevalence in Areas at Risk of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Transmission—Niger Experience
Authors: Ousmane Sani , Ibrahim Dan Dano , Goel Ajay , Hendley William S , Mainou Bernardo A , Palmer Tess , Diaha Aissata , Greene Sharon A , Mach Ondrej
Published: May 2021

Background

Outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) continue to expand across Africa. We conducted a serological survey of polio antibodies in high–polio risk areas of Niger to assess risk of poliovirus outbreaks.

Methods

Children between 1 and 5 years of age were enrolled from structures randomly selected using satellite imaging enumeration in Diffa Province, Niger, in July 2019. After obtaining informed consent, dried blood spot cards were collected. Neutralizing antibodies against 3 poliovirus serotypes were detected using microneutralization assay at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

We obtained analyzable data from 309/322 (95.9%) enrolled children. Seroprevalence of polio antibodies was 290/309 (93.9%), 272/309 (88.0%), and 254/309 (82.2%) for serotypes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For serotypes 1 and 2, the seroprevalence did not significantly change with age (P = .09 and P = .44, respectively); for serotype 3, it increased with age (from 65% in 1–2-year-olds to 91.1% in 4–5-year olds; P < .001). We did not identify any risk factors for type 2 seronegativity.

Conclusions

With type 2 seroprevalence close to 90%, the risk of emergence of new cVDPV2 outbreaks in Niger is low; however, the risk of cVDPV2 importations from neighboring countries leading to local transmission persists. Niger should maintain its outbreak response readiness capacity and further strengthen its routine immunization.
The e-Banknote as a ‘Banknote’: A Monetary Law Interpreted
Authors: Geva Benjamin , Grünewald Seraina Neva , Zellweger-Gutknecht Corinne
Published: May 2021

This article discusses whether electronic banknotes can properly be characterised as ‘banknotes’, their design as such and what architectural models are available for their issuance by central banks. Issues are addressed under general principles governing the interpretation of monetary laws in the context of evolving technologies and institutional arrangements. The article proposes a clear terminology to address the concepts underlying digital currencies and access to central bank money, and argues that a banknote may be ‘written’ electronically. The stance adopted in the article is critical of both account-based retail central bank digital currency and cryptocurrencies, and highlights the salient features of non-blockchain token-based alternatives. It sheds light on the considerations that influence the selection of a design that is appropriate from both the functional and legal perspectives.