bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten people‐centered rules for socially sustainable ecosystem restoration
Authors: Elias Marlène , Kandel Matt , Mansourian Stephanie , Meinzen‐Dick Ruth , Crossland Mary , Joshi Deepa , Kariuki Juliet , Lee Lynn C. , McElwee Pamela , Sen Amrita , Sigman Emily , Singh Ruchika , Adamczyk Emily M. , Addoah Thomas , Agaba Genevieve , Alare Rahinatu S. , Anderson Will , Arulingam Indika , Bellis SG̱iids Ḵung Vanessa , Birner Regina , De Silva Sanjiv , Dubois Mark , Duraisami Marie , Featherstone Mike , Gallant Bryce , Hakhu Arunima , Irvine Robyn , Kiura Esther , Magaju Christine , McDougall Cynthia , McNeill Gwiisihlgaa Daniel , Nagendra Harini , Nghi Tran Huu , Okamoto Daniel K. , Paez Valencia Ana Maria , Pagella Tim , Pontier Ondine , Post Miranda , Saunders Gary W. , Schreckenberg Kate , Shelar Karishma , Sinclair Fergus , Gautam Rajendra S. , Spindel Nathan B. , Unnikrishnan Hita , Wilson Gulx̱a taa'a gaagii ng.aang Nadine , Winowiecki Leigh
Published: October 2021

As the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration begins, there remains insufficient emphasis on the human and social dimensions of restoration. The potential that restoration holds for achieving both ecological and social goals can only be met through a shift toward people‐centered restoration strategies. Toward this end, this paper synthesizes critical insights from a special issue on “Restoration for whom, by whom” to propose actionable ways to center humans and social dimensions in ecosystem restoration, with the aim of generating fair and sustainable initiatives. These rules respond to a relative silence on socio‐political issues in di Sacco et al.'s “Ten golden rules for reforestation to optimize carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery and livelihood benefits” on socio‐political issues and offer complementary guidance to their piece. Arranged roughly in order from pre‐intervention, design/initiation, implementation, through the monitoring, evaluation and learning phases, the 10 people‐centered rules are: (1) Recognize diversity and interrelations among stakeholders and rightsholders'; (2) Actively engage communities as agents of change; (3) Address socio‐historical contexts; (4) Unpack and strengthen resource tenure for marginalized groups; (5) Advance equity across its multiple dimensions and scales; (6) Generate multiple benefits; (7) Promote an equitable distribution of costs, risks, and benefits; (8) Draw on different types of evidence and knowledge; (9) Question dominant discourses; and (10) Practice inclusive and holistic monitoring, evaluation, and learning. We contend that restoration initiatives are only tenable when the issues raised in these rules are respectfully addressed.
What drives compliance withCOVID‐19 measures over time? Explaining changing impacts with Goal Framing Theory
Authors: Six Frédérique , de Vadder Steven , Glavina Monika , Verhoest Koen , Pepermans Koen
Published: October 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to study which factors drive compliance and how the evolving context in society –virus fluctuations and changing government measures – changes the impact of these factors. Extant literature lists many factors that drive compliance – notably enforcement, trust, legitimacy. Most of these studies, however, do not look across time: whether a changing context for citizens changes the impact of factors driving compliance. In this study, we use Lindenberg's Goal Framing Theory to explain the dynamics of these drivers of compliance during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We formulate hypotheses for pro‐socialness, trust in government, observed respect for rules, rule effectiveness, rule appropriateness, fear of COVID‐19 (severity and proximity), opportunities for pleasure and happiness, as well as worsened income position. We test our hypotheses with data collected at three different moments during the beginning of the COVID‐19 crisis in Flanders, Belgium. Findings show that over time the constellations of factors that drive compliance change and, later in the pandemic, more distinct groups of citizens with different motivations to comply are identified. The overall conclusion is that the voluntary basis for compliance becomes more fragile over time, with a more differentiated pattern of drivers of compliance emerging. Public policy and communication need to adapt to these changes over time and address different groups of citizens.
IL‐6 is associated with expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and enhanced immunosuppression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Sharma Vinit , Sachdeva Naresh , Gupta Vikas , Nada Ritambhra , Jacob Justin , Sahni Daisy , Aggarwal Anjali
Published: October 2021

Chronic inflammation favours the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) by secreting pro‐inflammatory mediators. The role of MDSCs in mediating immunosuppression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and in defining a premalignant route from chronic pancreatitis remains unclear. We aimed to study the immunosuppressive potential of all subsets of MDSCs and their correlation with inflammatory cytokines in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. Relative frequencies of MDSCs, immunosuppressive markers arginase‐1 (ARG‐1), programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines in circulation and surgically resected local pancreatic tissue of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients were analysed by multicolour flow cytometry and cytokine bead array, respectively. Levels of cytokines involved in MDSCs activation were analysed by ELISA, and the immunosuppressive nature of MDSCs was confirmed by T‐cell suppression assay. Frequencies of circulating MDSCs and ARG‐1, PD‐L1, and ROS were significantly higher in pancreatic adenocarcinoma than healthy controls and showed a significant positive correlation with MDSCs burden in cancer tissue. Serum levels of cytokines IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 were significantly elevated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. IL‐6 serum levels showed a significant positive correlation with frequencies of circulating MDSCs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, and MDSCs mediated suppression of T‐cell proliferation in vitro was associated with elevated IL‐6 levels in the cell culture medium. Collectively, our results suggest that IL‐6 plays a crucial role in the expansion of MDSCs and activating their immunosuppressive nature in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The relative frequency of MDSCs in circulation can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
Neuromuscular adaptations after 12 weeks of light‐ vs. heavy‐load power‐oriented resistance training in older adults
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lopez Carlos , Alcazar Julian , Sanchez‐Martin Coral , Baltasar‐Fernandez Ivan , Ara Ignacio , Csapo Robert , Alegre Luis M.
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to determine the specific adaptations provoked by power‐oriented resistance training using light (LL‐PT, 40% 1‐RM) vs. heavy (HL‐PT, 80% 1‐RM) loads in older adults. Using a randomized within‐subject study design, 45 older adults (>65 years) completed an 8‐week control period (CTR) followed by 12 weeks of unilateral LL‐PT vs. HL‐PT on a leg press. The 1‐RM, theoretical force at zero velocity (F0), maximal unloaded velocity (V0), and maximal muscle power (Pmax) were determined through a force‐velocity relationship test. Isometrically, the rate of force development (RFD) and the corresponding muscle excitation of the knee extensor muscles were assessed. In addition, muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and architecture of two quadriceps muscles were determined. Changes after CTR, LL‐PT and HL‐PT were compared using linear mixed models. HL‐PT provoked greater improvements in 1‐RM and F0 (effect size (ES) = 0.55‒0.68; p < 0.001) than those observed after LL‐PT (ES = 0.27−0.47; p ≤ 0.001) (post hoc treatment effect, p ≤ 0.057). By contrast, ES of changes in V0 was greater in LL‐PT compared to HL‐PT (ES = 0.71, p < 0.001 vs. ES = 0.39, p < 0.001), but this difference was not statistically significant. Both power training interventions elicited a moderate increase in Pmax (ES = 0.65‒0.69, p < 0.001). Only LL‐PT improved early RFD (ie, ≤100 ms) and muscle excitation (ES = 0.36‒0.60, p < 0.05). Increased CSA were noted after both power training programs (ES = 0.13‒0.35, p < 0.035), whereas pennation angle increased only after HL‐PT (ES = 0.37, p = 0.004). In conclusion, HL‐PT seems to be more effective in improving the capability to generate large forces, whereas LL‐PT appears to trigger greater gains in movement velocity in older adults. However, both interventions promoted similar increases in muscle power as well as muscle hypertrophy.
Energy deficiency impairs resistance training gains in lean mass but not strength: A meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Murphy Chaise , Koehler Karsten
Published: October 2021

Short‐term energy deficits impair anabolic hormones and muscle protein synthesis. However, the effects of prolonged energy deficits on resistance training (RT) outcomes remain unexplored. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed and SportDiscus for randomized controlled trials performing RT in an energy deficit (RT+ED) for ≥3 weeks. We first divided the literature into studies with a parallel control group without an energy deficit (RT+CON; Analysis A) and studies without RT+CON (Analysis B). Analysis A consisted of a meta‐analysis comparing gains in lean mass (LM) and strength between RT+ED and RT+CON. Studies in Analysis B were matched with separate RT+CON studies for participant and intervention characteristics, and we qualitatively compared the gains in LM and strength between RT+ED and RT+CON. Finally, Analyses A and B were pooled into a meta‐regression examining the relationship between the magnitude of the energy deficit and LM. Analysis A showed LM gains were impaired in RT+ED vs RT+CON (effect size (ES) = −0.57, p = 0.02), but strength gains were comparable between conditions (ES = −0.31, p = 0.28). Analysis B supports the impairment of LM in RT+ED (ES: −0.11, p = 0.03) vs RT+CON (ES: 0.20, p < 0.001) but not strength (RT+ED ES: 0.84; RT+CON ES: 0.81). Finally, our meta‐regression demonstrated that an energy deficit of ~500 kcal · day−1 prevented gains in LM. Individuals performing RT to build LM should avoid prolonged energy deficiency, and individuals performing RT to preserve LM during weight loss should avoid energy deficits >500 kcal day−1.
Soil quality assessment via the factor analysis of karst rocky desertification areas in Hunan, China
Authors: Deng Yanlin , Wang Zhongcheng , Lu Sheng , Zhong Jie , Zhu Lingyue , Chen Fangfang , Wu Lichao
Published: October 2021

Quantitative evaluation of soil quality (SQ) is of paramount importance to provide a basis for restoring degraded land that affects the living conditions of people in these degraded areas. Amongst land degradation types, karst rocky desertification (KRD) is caused by human disturbance on a fragile karst geo‐ecological environment. However, SQ evaluations have not been widely and correctly used in KRD soil systems due to the complex soil conditions and lack of uniform standards. SQ evaluation can be qualitatively and quantitatively calculated. Soil quality index (SQI) can be used more frequently due to its simplicity and quantitative flexibility. To quantitatively analyse the SQ of four KRD grades in Hunan Province in China, 25 soil properties at 0–20 cm were identified as potential SQ indicators. SQ was assessed via SQI based on a total data set (TDS) and a minimum data set (MDS). Similar to grey relational analysis (GRA), the SQI was ranked as follows: potential KRD>moderate KRD>light KRD>intensive KRD. Total phosphorus, pH, calcium, clay, capillary porosity, biomass nitrogen and microbial biomass phosphorus were selected into the MDS, and they were sensitive to SQ. However, available phosphorus and soil organic carbon were not selected in the MDS. Soil quality in KRD areas could be quantitatively evaluated using SQI via factor analysis. SQ assessment based on the MDS can represent TDS to reduce labour intensity and detection costs. The quantification of SQ under different KRD grades can provide reference for improving SQ in limestone rocky desertification areas.
Two novel HLA‐C alleles, HLA‐C*04:450 and HLA‐C*15:02:51, detected in individuals from Russia
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Kutyavina Svetlana , Kashin Konstantin , Paramonov Igor
Published: October 2021

Two novel HLA‐C alleles, HLA‐C*04:450, and HLA‐C*15:02:51, were identified.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*52:01:01:18 allele in a West Indian individual
Authors: Phuntsok Tenzin , D'Silva Selma Z. , Tambe Manisha , Rajak Jyoti , Singh Meenakshi
Published: October 2021

The novel HLA‐B*52:01:01:18 allele differs from HLA‐B*52:01:01:02 by A→C nucleotide change at gDNA −155.
Multiresolution land surface segmentation and generalization of DEM: Tentative searching for the optimal settings of detecting elementary forms
Authors: Popov Anton Borisovich , Minár Jozef , Gallay Michal
Published: October 2021

Before applying a land surface segmentation algorithm, generalizing the input digital elevation model (DEM) can help optimize the multiresolution land surface segmentation. We tested an indicator of optimal generalization of DEM (the index K0 (Gnn)) and the setting of the scale parameter (SP) in the multiresolution segmentation by geographical object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA). The concept of elementary forms was used as a theoretical base. We tested the utility of the estimation of scale parameter (ESP2 tool) for the estimation of SP. The DEM was generalized by approximating land surface with a fourth‐order polynomial using the least‐squares method for various sizes of a moving window. Altitude, slope, aspect, normal slope line (profile) curvature, and contour line (plan) curvature were used as the input variables of segmentation. The results from the three areas of interest differing in morphology show a clear dependence of local variance (LV) on the average segmentation area (ASA) and generalization level. The relationship between LV and ASA can be effectively used to determine the most suitable SP, however, the ESP2 tool is not ideal to define the LV–ASA relationship. The relationship better defines the nested hierarchy of land surface in case the DEM is generalized for the optimal generalization level (i.e., windows size). The optimum DEM generalization for detecting elementary forms of a particular geomorphological hierarchical level was achieved by using the moving window size for which the index K0 (Gnn) reaches the local maximum.
Physically based morphostructural land surface segmentation: Case of the Alps and Western Carpathians
Authors: Bandura Peter , Minár Jozef , Bielik Miroslav
Published: October 2021

The presented morphostructural segmentation of the Alps and Western Carpathians uses physically based geomorphometric variables as input data and object‐based image analysis as a procedure to delineate objects of interest. A previous suitability evaluation of simple object‐based methodology showed its potential in recognition of morphostructural features. When segmenting the Western Carpathians, we moved towards a more specific object‐based approach—a fusion of segmentation and classification at several hierarchical levels. Such an approach was evaluated as not necessary in the less contrasting terrain in the Alps, where only a simple segmentation was used for evaluation of its efficiency. Use of physically based geomorphometric variables as input data brought enhancement of subsequent morphotectonic interpretations. After the segmentations, an index of steady state (ISS) for the entire object levels and their parts was computed. This ISS was used to evaluate and compare the two study areas in terms of their geodynamic development. Similarities and differences in development of these relatively alike mountain ranges are interpreted.
An atlas of the Norway spruce needle seasonal transcriptome
Authors: Bag Pushan , Lihavainen Jenna , Delhomme Nicolas , Riquelme Thomas , Robinson Kathryn M , Jansson Stefan
Published: October 2021

Boreal conifers possess a tremendous ability to survive and remain evergreen during harsh winter conditions and resume growth during summer. This is enabled by coordinated regulation of major cellular functions at the level of gene expression, metabolism, and physiology. Here we present a comprehensive characterization of the annual changes in the global transcriptome of Norway spruce (Picea abies) needles as a resource to understand needle development and acclimation processes throughout the year. In young, growing needles (May 15 until June 30), cell walls, organelles, etc., were formed, and this developmental program heavily influenced the transcriptome, explained by over‐represented Gene Ontology (GO) categories. Later changes in gene expression were smaller but four phases were recognized: summer (July–August), autumn (September–October), winter (November–February), and spring (March–April), where over‐represented GO categories demonstrated how the needles acclimated to the various seasons. Changes in the seasonal global transcriptome profile were accompanied by differential expression of members of the major transcription factor families. We present a tentative model of how cellular activities are regulated over the year in needles of Norway spruce, which demonstrates the value of mining this dataset, accessible in ConGenIE together with advanced visualization tools.
Growth period QTL‐allele constitution of global soybeans and its differential evolution changes in geographic adaptation versus maturity group extension
Authors: Liu Xueqin , Li Chunyan , Cao Jiqiu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Can , He Jianbo , Xing Guangnan , Wang Wubin , Zhao Jinming , Gai Junyi
Published: October 2021

Soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) has been disseminated globally as a photoperiod/temperature‐sensitive crop with extremely diverse days to flowering (DTF) and days to maturity (DTM) values. A population with 371 global varieties covering 13 geographic regions and 13 maturity groups (MGs) was analyzed for its DTF and DTM QTL‐allele constitution using restricted two‐stage multi‐locus genome‐wide association study (RTM‐GWAS). Genotypes with 20 701 genome‐wide SNPLDBs (single‐nucleotide polymorphism linkage disequilibrium blocks) containing 55 404 haplotypes were observed, and 52 DTF QTLs and 59 DTM QTLs (including 29 and 21 new ones) with 241 and 246 alleles (two to 13 per locus) were detected, explaining 84.8% and 74.4% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. The QTL‐allele matrix characterized with all QTL‐allele information of each variety in the global population was established and subsequently separated into geographic and MG set submatrices. Direct comparisons among them revealed that the genetic adaptation from the origin to geographic subpopulations was characterized by new allele/new locus emergence (mutation) but little allele exclusion (selection), while that from the primary MG set to emerged early and late MG sets was characterized by allele exclusion without allele emergence. The evolutionary changes involved mainly 72 DTF and 71 DTM alleles on 28 respective loci, 10–12 loci each with three to six alleles being most active. Further recombination potential for faster maturation (12–21 days) or slower maturation (14–56 days) supported allele convergence (recombination) as a constant genetic factor in addition to migration (inheritance). From the QTLs, 44 DTF and 36 DTM candidate genes were annotated and grouped respectively into nine biological processes, indicating multi‐functional DTF/DTM genes are involved in a complex gene network. In summary, we identified QTL‐alleles relatively thoroughly using RTM‐GWAS for direct matrix comparisons and subsequent analysis.
Implication of the nuclear trafficking of rabies virus P3 protein in viral pathogenicity
Authors: Brice Aaron M. , Watts Ericka , Hirst Bevan , Jans David A. , Ito Naoto , Moseley Gregory W.
Published: October 2021

Although the majority of viruses of the family Mononegvirales replicate exclusively in the host cell cytoplasm, many of these viruses encode proteins that traffic between the nucleus and cytoplasm, which is believed to enable accessory functions in modulating the biology of the infected host cell. Among these, the P3 protein of rabies virus localizes to the nucleus through the activity of several specific nuclear localization and nuclear export signals. The major defined functions of P3 are in evasion of interferon (IFN)‐mediated antiviral responses, including through inhibition of DNA‐binding by IFN‐activated STAT1. P3 also localizes to nucleoli and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, and interacts with nucleolin and PML protein, indicative of several intranuclear roles. The relationship of P3 nuclear localization with pathogenicity, however, is unresolved. We report that nucleocytoplasmic localization of P3 proteins from a pathogenic RABV strain, Nishigahara (Ni) and a non‐pathogenic Ni‐derived strain, Ni‐CE, differs significantly, with nuclear accumulation defective for Ni‐CE‐P3. Molecular mapping indicates that altered localization derives from a coordinated effect, including two residue substitutions that independently disable nuclear localization and augment nuclear export signals, collectively promoting nuclear exclusion. Intriguingly, this appears to relate to effects on protein conformation or regulatory mechanisms, rather than direct modification of defined trafficking signal sequences. These data provide new insights into the role of regulated nuclear trafficking of a viral protein in the pathogenicity of a virus that replicates in the cytoplasm.
Prevention of transfusion‐transmitted syphilis by blood operators: How much is enough when transfusion‐transmission has not been identified for decades?
Authors: Drews Steven J.
Published: October 2021

See article on page 3181–3189, in this issue
Influence of unreported HIV prophylaxis on the kinetics of post‐blood donation HIV seroconversion
Authors: Nishiya Anna S. , Salles Nanci A. , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar , Witkin Steven S. , Ferreira Suzete C. , Nogueira Fátima A. H. , Facincani Tila , Rocha Vanderson , Mendrone‐Jr Alfredo
Published: October 2021

Background

In 2020, of 110,000 blood donors screened for HIV exposure two individuals were identified who were viral RNA‐positive but seronegative. One of the donors, borderline negative in a pooled screening test for HIV RNA, utilized antiretroviral drugs as post‐exposure, pre‐donation prophylaxis. The kinetics of subsequent HIV seropositivity in both donors are described.

Study Design and Methods

Both donors were recalled and interviewed, and blood was obtained at intervals for HIV antibodies and RNA testing.

Results

One donor used antiretroviral prophylaxis for 30 days due to a relationship with an HIV‐positive partner. In follow‐up samples, seroconversion was noted at 70 days, and viral RNA was detected at 105 days, after blood donation. In contrast, the other donor seroconverted in <25 days and the appearance and titer of HIV RNA was in accordance with the typical pre‐seroconversion window.

Conclusion

The use of anti‐viral prophylaxis by blood donors in the acute phase of HIV infection delays seroconversion. A 6‐month deferral in blood donation after HIV prophylaxis, as currently recommended in Brazil, would have been sufficient in this case to mitigate the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV. Ultimately, improvement in donor compliance with selection procedures for blood donation is needed to optimize blood safety.
Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a National Peer-Led Training Program to Increase Brief Advice on Physical Activity Given By Health Care Professionals
Authors: Whelan Maxine E. , Carlin Liz , Musson Hayley , Adams Emma J.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Health care professionals are well-positioned to encourage physical activity. The Clinical Champions Physical Activity Training Program (CCTP) aimed to increase population-level physical activity across England. This study aimed to (1) evaluate CCTP uptake and utilization; (2) explore CCTP fidelity, barriers, facilitators, and satisfaction; and (3) provide recommendations for program improvement. Methods: Physical Activity Clinical Champions were recruited and trained to deliver training to other health care professionals about physical activity. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to conduct a process evaluation using data collected from CCTP training sessions delivered (often at hospitals and General Practitioner surgeries) between February and December 2018. Results: About 509 training sessions were delivered, with 89% of sessions delivered by doctor/physician and nurse Clinical Champions; 8917 health care professionals attended a training session. Sessions lasted on average 1 hour 28 minutes and core slide sets were used in 65% of sessions. Barriers related to arranging the sessions and time available to deliver sessions. Conclusion: The process evaluation demonstrated a national peer-led training program can reach all geographical regions of England; however, barriers need to be addressed. Recommendations include providing more administrative support to the Clinical Champions, improving communication and advertising to raise awareness of the CCTP, and standardizing training session duration and content.
Temporal Trends in Children’s School Day Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis
Authors: Weaver Robert Glenn , Tassitano Rafael M. , Tenório Maria Cecília M. , Brazendale Keith , Beets Michael W.
Published: October 2021

Background: Evidence from a limited sample of countries indicates that time for physical education and recess during school have declined. Schools are called to provide children with 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated temporal trends in children’s school day MVPA. Methods: Three online databases were searched to identify studies with objectively measured MVPA, during school hours, in school aged children (5–18 y). Multilevel random-effects meta-analyses estimated MVPA by year, and meta-regression analyses estimated temporal trends in school day MVPA. Results: Studies (N = 65) providing 171 MVPA estimates, representing 60,779 unique children, from 32 countries, and spanning 2003–2019 were identified. Most studies were conducted in North America (n = 33) or Europe (n = 21). School day MVPA ranged from 18.1 (95% confidence interval, 15.1–21.1) to 47.1 (95% confidence interval, 39.4–54.8) minutes per day in any given year. Meta-regression analyses indicated that MVPA declined from 2003 to 2010 (approximately 15 min decline), plateaued from 2010 to 2015 (approximately 1 min decrease), and increased from 2015 to 2019 (approximately 5 min increase). Conclusions: School day MVPA decreased from 2003 to 2010 and has recently begun to increase. However, the majority of the evidence is from North America and Europe with some evidence from Oceania and very little evidence from Asia to South America.
Bacterial Domestication: Underlying Assumptions
Authors: Davis Bernard D.
Published: October 2021

On the basis of well-established principles of evolutionary biology and microbiology, I conclude that (i) the deliberate introduction of a novel bacterial strain to the environment is not substantially more dangerous than the accidental release of a smaller number of cells; (ii) distant organisms are less (rather than more) likely to yield dangerous hybrids than more closely related ones; and (iii) the complex attribute of pathogenicity is not likely to emerge from genetic alterations in nonpathogens. If these conclusions are correct, most engineered bacteria need not be regulated more strictly than the bacterial strains that have been tested in the field in the past. The only exceptions would be strains derived from cells, or appropriate genes, of microbes pathogenic for plants or animals. Microbiologists not only recognize the need to handle pathogens with caution: they have long accepted regulations, such as those governing transportation, that reinforce that recognition.

It is remarkable that we can still be arguing, on the basis of analogies rather than firm scientific principles or evidence, about hypothetical disasters from kinds of organisms that are being produced in hundreds or thousands of laboratories without a trace of demonstrable harm. RAC required 6 years to adjust its initially conservative guidelines to the emerging understanding of the scientific realities, while maintaining public confidence. Since the level of public concern is not nearly as great today, EPA should be able to relax its excessive restrictions much more quickly. Even better would be a return to having RAC, or a single successor group, evaluate the problems of danger for all classes of engineered bacteria, since the applicable shared principles outweigh any specialized differences in the nature or use of the specific strains. But the regulations are unlikely to be unified in this way, or to be divested of unproductive restrictions, without broad encouragement from the scientific community—including, hopefully, many ecologists. The agenda has been set for too long by apocalyptic activists. To protect this promising field of research and technological application the scientific community must take initiative in helping the public and decision-makers to distinguish reasonable probabilities from remote fantasies.
HTLV-I tax induces cellular proteins that activate the kappa B element in the IL-2 receptor alpha gene
Authors: Ballard DW , Bohnlein E , Lowenthal JW , Wano Y , Franza BR , Greene WC
Published: October 2021

Jurkat T cell lines constitutively expressing Tax, the 40-kilodalton transactivator protein of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), were used to investigate the mechanism by which this viral product deregulates the expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha gene (IL-2R alpha, Tac). Transfection of deleted forms of the IL-2R alpha promoter and in vitro DNA-binding studies revealed that a 12-base pair promoter segment, which has homology with the binding site for NF-kappa B, was required for Tax-induced activation of the IL-2R alpha promoter in vivo. An 18-base pair oligonucleotide containing this kappa B-like regulatory element proved sufficient to confer Tax inducibility upon a heterologous promoter. DNA affinity precipitation assays showed that Tax, like mitogenic stimuli, induced the expression of the 86-kilodalton cellular protein HIVEN86A, which specifically binds to the IL-2R alpha kappa B element in vitro. Furthermore, DNA/protein cross-linking studies revealed that several polypeptides interact with this sequence motif. Thus, the deregulation of IL-2R alpha gene expression encountered in HTLV-I leukemias appears to involve Tax activation of one or more cellular proteins that are normally induced by mitogens and that directly contribute to transcriptional activation of this receptor gene.
Effects of cyclosporine A on T cell development and clonal deletion
Authors: Jenkins MK , Schwartz RH , Pardoll DM
Published: October 2021

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an important immunosuppressive drug that is widely used in transplantation medicine. Many of its suppressive effects on T cells appear to be related to the inhibition of T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated activation events. Paradoxically, in certain situations CsA is responsible for the induction of a T cell-mediated autoimmunity. The effects of CsA on T cell development in the thymus were investigated to elucidate the physiologic events underlying this phenomenon. Two major effects were revealed: (i) CsA inhibits the development of mature single positive (CD4+8- or CD4-8+) TCR-alpha beta+ thymocytes without discernibly affecting CD4-8- TCR-gamma delta+ thymocytes and (ii) CsA interferes with the deletion of cells bearing self-reactive TCRs in the population of single positive thymocytes that do develop. This suggests a direct mechanism for CsA-induced autoimmunity and may have implications for the relative contribution of TCR-mediated signaling events in the development of the various T cell lineages.
Identification of an intracellular peptide segment involved in sodium channel inactivation
Authors: Vassilev PM , Scheuer T , Catterall WA
Published: October 2021

Antibodies directed against a conserved intracellular segment of the sodium channel alpha subunit slow the inactivation of sodium channels in rat muscle cells. Of four site-directed antibodies tested, only antibodies against the short intracellular segment between homologous transmembrane domains III and IV slowed inactivation, and their effects were blocked by the corresponding peptide antigen. No effects on the voltage dependence of sodium channel activation or of steady-state inactivation were observed, but the rate of onset of the antibody effect and the extent of slowing of inactivation were voltage-dependent. Antibody binding was more rapid at negative potentials, at which sodium channels are not inactivated; antibody-induced slowing of inactivation was greater during depolarizations to more positive membrane potentials. The peptide segment recognized by this antibody appears to participate directly in rapid sodium channel inactivation during large depolarizations and to undergo a conformational change that reduces its accessibility to antibodies as the channel inactivates.
A defective HSV-1 vector expresses Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase in cultured peripheral neurons
Authors: Geller AI , Breakefield XO
Published: October 2021

A defective herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) vector, pHSVlac, has been developed that contains a transcription unit that places the Escherichia coli lacZ gene under the control of the HSV-1 immediate early 4/5 promoter. The vector pHSVlac was propagated with the HSV-1 temperature-sensitive mutant ts K as helper virus. Infection of neurons from rat superior cervical ganglia and dorsal root ganglia in primary culture resulted in stable expression of high levels of beta-galactosidase without cell death. These HSV-1 vectors should be useful for introducing genes into postmitotic cells, such as neurons, in vitro and in vivo.
Observational cohort study of the triggers, diagnoses and outcomes of the medical emergency team (MET) response in adult psychiatry inpatients colocated with acute medical services in Australia
Authors: Azraai Meor , Pham Jeanette H , Looi Wenye F , Wirth Daniel , Ng Ashley S L , Babu Umesh , Saluja Bharat , Lim Andy K H
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Medical emergencies in psychiatric inpatients are challenging due to the model of care and limited medical resources. The study aims were to determine the triggers and outcomes of a medical emergency team (MET) call in psychiatric wards, and the risk factors for MET activation and mortality.

Design

Retrospective multisite cohort study.

Setting

Psychiatry units colocated with acute medical services at three major metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

We studied 487 adult inpatients who experienced a total of 721 MET calls between January 2015 and January 2020. Patients were relatively young (mean age, 45 years) and had few medical comorbidities, but a high prevalence of smoking, excessive alcohol intake and illicit drug use.

Outcome measures

We performed a descriptive analysis of the triggers and outcomes (transfer rates, investigations, final diagnosis) of MET calls. We used logistic regression to determine the factors associated with the primary outcome of inpatient mortality, and the secondary outcome of the need for specific medical treatment compared with simple observation.

Results

The most common MET triggers were a reduced Glasgow Coma Scale, tachycardia and hypotension, and 49% of patients required transfer. The most frequent diagnosis was a drug adverse effect or toxidrome, followed by infection and dehydration. There was a strong association between a leave of absence and MET calls, tachycardia and the final diagnosis of drug adverse effects. Mortality occurred in 3% after MET calls. Several baseline and MET clinical variables were associated with mortality but a model with age (per 10 years, OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.01) and hypoxia (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.43 to 9.04) independently predicted mortality.

Conclusion

Vigilance is required in patients returning from day leave, and drug adverse effects remain a challenging problem in psychiatric units. Hypoxic older patients with cardiovascular comorbidity have a higher risk of death.
Cohort profile: Indian Network of Population-Based Surveillance Platforms for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses among the Elderly (INSPIRE)
Authors: Krishnan Anand , Dar Lalit , Amarchand Ritvik , Prabhakaran Aslesh Ottapura , Kumar Rakesh , Rajkumar Prabu , Kanungo Suman , Bhardwaj Sumit Dutt , Choudekar Avinash , Potdar Varsha , Chakrabarti Alok Kumar , Kumar CP Girish , Parameswaran Giridara Gopal , Dhakad Shivram , Manna Byomkesh , Choudhary Ashish , Lafond Kathryn E , Azziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Saha Siddhartha
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We describe here a multicentric community-dwelling cohort of older adults (>60 years of age) established to estimate incidence, study risk factors, healthcare utilisation and economic burden associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in India.

Participants

The four sites of this cohort are in northern (Ballabgarh), southern (Chennai), eastern (Kolkata) and western (Pune) parts of India. We enrolled 5336 participants across 4220 households and began surveillance in July 2018 for viral respiratory infections with additional participants enrolled annually. Trained field workers collected data about individual-level and household-level risk factors at enrolment and quarterly assessed frailty and grip strength. Trained nurses surveilled weekly to identify acute respiratory infections (ARI) and clinically assessed individuals to diagnose acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) as per protocol. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs are collected from all ALRI cases and one-fifth of the other ARI cases for laboratory testing. Cost data of the episode are collected using the WHO approach for estimating the economic burden of seasonal influenza. Handheld tablets with Open Data Kit platform were used for data collection.

Findings to date

The attrition of 352 participants due to migration and deaths was offset by enrolling 680 new entrants in the second year. All four sites reported negligible influenza vaccination uptake (0.1%–0.4%), low health insurance coverage (0.4%–22%) and high tobacco use (19%–52%). Ballabgarh had the highest proportion (54.4%) of households in the richest wealth quintile, but reported high solid fuel use (92%). Frailty levels were highest in Kolkata (11.3%) and lowest in Pune (6.8%). The Chennai cohort had highest self-reported morbidity (90.1%).

Future plans

The findings of this cohort will be used to inform prioritisation of strategies for influenza and RSV control for older adults in India. We also plan to conduct epidemiological studies of SARS-CoV-2 using this platform.
Association between previous rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19 and its severity: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Jung Younghee , Kwon Mihye , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among patients with COVID-19 and the association between RA and the outcome of COVID-19 remain unclear. We aimed to compare the prevalence of RA between participants with and without COVID-19; we then analysed the association between the presence of RA and the severity of COVID-19.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data from a nationwide COVID-19 cohort database by the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation were used.

Participants and interventions

A total of 8070 patients with COVID-19 (1 January 2020 through 4 June 2020) were matched with 32 280 control participants with regard to age, sex and income. Patients with COVID-19 were confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 PCR and controls were collected from the database. RA was confirmed using the diagnostic code (International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision) and medication claim codes. Conditional/unconditional logistic regression was applied to analyse the association between RA and COVID-19.

Primary outcome and secondary outcome

Laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was severe COVID-19 defined as a history of intensive care unit admission, invasive ventilation or death.

Results

The prevalence of RA in the COVID-19 (0.4%, 35/8070) and control (0.4%, 121/32,280) groups did not differ (p=0.446). After adjusting for underlying diseases, no association between RA and COVID-19 was observed (adjusted OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.67) and COVID-19 severity was not associated with RA (adjusted OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.14 to 7.29). The overall mortality rate was 2.9% (237/8070) and RA was not significantly associated with mortality (adjusted OR=1.64, 95% CI: 0.33 to 8.15).

Conclusion

We did not find an association between the presence of RA and COVID-19. In addition, RA was not associated with the severity of COVID-19.
Confinement-deconfinement transition and Z2 symmetry in Z2+Higgs theory
Authors: Biswal Minati , Digal Sanatan , Mamale Vinod , Shaikh Sabiar
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the Polyakov loop and the [Formula: see text] symmetry in the lattice [Formula: see text] theory in four-dimensional space using Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that this symmetry is realized in the Higgs symmetric phase for large number of “temporal” lattice sites. To understand this dependence on the number of “temporal” sites, we consider a one-dimensional model by keeping terms of the original action corresponding to a single spatial site. In this approximation, the partition function can be calculated exactly as a function of the Polyakov loop. The resulting free energy is found to have the [Formula: see text] symmetry in the limit of large temporal sites. We argue that this is due to [Formula: see text] invariance as well as dominance of the distribution or density of states corresponding to the action.
Banomalies with unparticles
Authors: Lee Jong-Phil
Published: October 2021

We analyze the [Formula: see text] anomalies associated with the [Formula: see text] decays in the unparticle model. The fraction of the branching ratios [Formula: see text] and other parameters related to the polarization are fitted to the experimental data by minimizing [Formula: see text]. The best-fit values are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which are still larger than the standard model predictions. We find that our results safely render the branching ratio [Formula: see text] below [Formula: see text].
Study on nanocrystalline grain size and quantitative change in Fe–Cu–Mo–Si–B soft magnetic alloy
Authors: Kim Jong Su , Yom Tong Son , Kim Myong Hak
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we studied the grain size and volume fraction change of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) nanocrystalline phase as a function of Cu, Mo and Si content in Fe[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text]Mo3Si[Formula: see text]B9, Fe[Formula: see text]Cu1Mo[Formula: see text]Si[Formula: see text]B9, Fe[Formula: see text]Cu1Mo3Si[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text], and also the annealing temperature and time in Fe[Formula: see text]Cu1Mo3Si[Formula: see text]B9 alloy. Cu is an element promoting ultrafine structure and crystallization progresses, it causes the grain size of the [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase to decrease suddenly, the volume fraction of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase to increase only by adding 0.5 at.% Cu. Also, Mo causes the grain size of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase to decrease like Cu, while suppressing the increase of the volume fraction of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase, Si has no little effect on the grain size of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase, diffuses into the inner part of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase upto Si 13.5 at.%, but suddenly increases grain size above Si 13.5 at.%. The microstructure of Fe[Formula: see text]Cu1Mo3Si[Formula: see text]B9 alloy is nearly completed at 520[Formula: see text]C for about 20 min, the grain size is approximately 13.8–14.1 nm, the volume fraction of [Formula: see text]-Fe(Si) phase is within 61–66%, initial permeability at 1 kHz is within 59,800–61,100.
Forensic science and fractal nature analysis
Authors: Mitić Vojislav V. , Lazović Goran , Radosavljevic-Mihajlovic Ana S. , Milosević Dusan , Marković Bojana , Simeunović Dragan , Vlahović Branislav
Published: October 2021

Forensic photography, also referred to as crime scene photography, is an activity that records the initial appearance of the crime scene and physical evidence in order to provide a permanent record for the court. Nowadays, we cannot imagine a crime scene investigation without photographic evidence. Crime or accident scene photographs can often be reanalyzed in cold cases or when the images need to be enlarged to show critical details. Fractals are rough or fragmented geometric shapes that can be subdivided into parts, each of which is a reduced copy of the whole. Fractal dimension (FD) is an important fractal geometry feature. There are many applications of fractals in various forensic fields, including image processing, image analysis, texture segmentation, shape classification, and identifying the image features such as roughness and smoothness of an image. Fractal analysis is applicable in forensic archeology and paleontology, as well. The damaged image can be reviewed, analyzed, and reconstructed by fractal nature analysis.
Low-dimensional commutative power-associative superalgebras
Authors: Hernández Isabel , Rodrigues Rodrigo Lucas , Vanegas Elkin Oveimar Quintero
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work is to provide a concrete list of non-isomorphic commutative power-associative superalgebras up to dimension 4 over an algebraically closed field of characteristic prime to 30. As a byproduct, we exhibit an example of a simple non-Jordan power-associative superalgebra whose even part is not semisimple.
A characterization of Riesz-dual sequences which are near-Markushevich bases
Authors: Neisi Ali Reza , Asgari Mohammad Sadegh
Published: October 2021

The concept of Riesz-duals of a frame is a recently introduced concept with broad implications to frame theory in general, as well as to the special cases of Gabor and wavelet analysis. In this paper, we introduce various alternative Riesz-duals, with a focus on what we call Riesz-duals of type I and II. Next, we provide some characterizations of Riesz-dual sequences in Banach spaces. A basic problem of interest in connection with the study of Riesz-duals in Banach spaces is that of characterizing those Riesz-duals which can essentially be regarded as M-basis. We give some conditions under which an Riesz-dual sequence to be an M-basis for [Formula: see text].
A Numerical Study on Forced Vibration Analysis and Optimum Design of Rotating Composite Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced Smart Sandwich Plate
Authors: Shareef Sardar S. , Rajeshkumar S. , Rauf Hozan Latif
Published: October 2021

The research work presented in this paper is focused on the investigation of dynamic characteristics and optimum design of rotating laminated composite multi-walled carbon nanotubes-reinforced magnetorheological elastomer (MWCNT-MRE) sandwich plate. Higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and finite element (FE) formulations are employed to derive the governing equations of the composite MWCNT-MRE sandwich plate. The performance of the derived numerical model is validated by comparing it with the results available in the published literature. The free and forced vibrations of the composite MWCNT-MRE sandwich plate are examined at different magnetic fields and rotating speeds. Also, the optimal ply orientations of the MWCNT-MRE sandwich plate are identified using the developed numerical model coupled with a genetic algorithm (GA) to enhance the natural frequencies and loss factors.