bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of the anomuran crab Albunea symmysta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Decapoda: Anomura: Albuneidae)
Authors: Sivakumar Shanthi , Sivakumar Mullaivanam R , Balasubramanian Rayvathy
Published: February 2021

We characterized the optimal conditions for measuring serum phenoloxidase activity and its functional activity and susceptibility to an inhibitor and various activators in an anomuran crab, Albunea symmysta (Linnaeus, 1758). The substrate affinity of the phenoloxidase (PO) enzyme was determined using different phenolic substrates in which only diphenols were found to be oxidized. The enzyme was characterized as a catecholoxidase-type of PO and 3,4-dihydroxy-DL-phenylalanine (DL-Dopa), the enzyme showing the highest substrate affinity to the serum. The optimal enzyme activity was observed at 5 mM DL-Dopa in 10 mM Tris-HCl buffer at a pH of 7.5 at 25 °C for 10 min, and absorbance at 470 nm. Serum-PO activity was inhibited by 7 mM phenylthiourea (PTU), and activated by activators such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase-E, and detergent-like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). We also identified the chemicals causing in vitro inhibition or activation of the enzyme as a serum of the crab having a potent PO activity.
Trap Cropping Harlequin Bug: Distance of Separation Influences Female Movement and Oviposition
Authors: Bier Alexander D , Wallingford Anna K , Haber Ariela I , Herlihy-Adams Megan V , Weber Donald C
Published: February 2021

To evaluate perimeter trap crops for management of harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hahn), we undertook greenhouse and field experiments with mustard greens as trap crop for a collard cash crop. We confirmed that harlequin bugs prefer to immigrate to and reside on mustard. Females, however, in greenhouse cage experiments, ‘commuted’ to collards to lay their eggs. In separate spring and fall field plantings, using replicated 12 m by 12 m collard plots in 1-ha fields, we tested mustard planted as an adjacent perimeter trap crop, or a perimeter trap crop separated by 2 unplanted rows (2.3 m), or with no trap crop. Adults accumulated on the spring mustard crop but overall numbers remained low, with all collards sustaining <1% leaves damaged. In the fall, the separation of 2.3 m reduced oviposition on collards fourfold, and feeding damage approximately 2.5-fold, compared to collards with an adjacent trap crop. Fall control plots with no border trap crop showed even lower foliar damage; likely result of preferential immigration of harlequin bugs to mustard at the field scale, resulting in fewer bugs near the control treatment plots. Thus, the spatial arrangement of the mustard trap crop, and its separation from the cash crop, influences pest abundance and damage. A separated mustard border can reduce bug movement including female commuting and egg-laying, thus better protecting the collard cash crop. Future research should address reduction in area of trap crops, deployment of semiochemicals, and possible changes in timing, to promote trap cropping that is practical for grower implementation.
A novel saturation calculation model of fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir via multiscale pore networks: a case study from Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Sun Jianmeng , Chi Peng , Cheng Zhigang , Yang Lin , Yan Weichao , Cui Likai
Published: February 2021

Existing saturation models cannot effectively describe the specific fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir in area A of the Sichuan Basin, southwestern China. This reservoir has got a wide pore size distribution, strong heterogeneity, high gas saturation and complex electrical conductivity mechanism. Hence, the present study attempted to establish a new saturation calculation equation for this carbonate reservoir based on the microscopic conductivity mechanism of the rock. Here, we first used the multiscale computed tomography (CT) scanning method to build multiscale digital rocks. Subsequently, we applied the maximum sphere algorithm to extract the pore space structure and constructed the multiscale pore network models. By using the cross-scale fusion method, four different pore configurations were determined. Then, the percolation theory was implemented to simulate the conductivity mechanism of the constructed pore network models. As a result, the fluid distribution characteristics and the resistivity variation trends of the different pore structures were obtained. The simulation results showed that the fracture system of the studied reservoir had a much greater effect than the vug system on the carbonate rock's electrical conductivity, and the conductivity was closely related to the fluid distribution. In addition, based on the simulation results, a new conductivity model was proposed that incorporates the coupling phenomenon of pores, vugs and fractures; and also a new saturation calculation equation for triple-porosity media was established. The observations indicated that the field application of the proposed equation had an acceptable performance with an error value of less than 2.56%. The results from the present study provide new insights into the evolution of electrical properties in triple-porosity carbonate systems.
MiR-30a sensitized lung cancer against neoadjuvant chemotherapy by depressing autophagy
Authors: Lin Xiao , Lai Xiaojing , Feng Wei , Yu Xiaofu , Gu Qing , Zheng Xiao
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study was aimed at exploring whether miR-30a enhanced sensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells against neoadjuvant chemotherapy through an autophagy-dependent way.

Methods

We totally recruited 304 NSCLC patients who have underwent chemotherapy, as well as 185 NSCLC patients who did not receive chemotherapy. NSCLC cell lines (i.e. H1299 and H460) were also purchased, and they were transfected by miR-30a mimic/inhibitor. Furthermore, cisplatin (DDP)/pemetrexed (PEM) resistance of NSCLC cells was assessed utilizing MTT assay, and autophagic proteins isolated from NSCLC tissues and cells were quantitated by western blotting.

Results

Lowly expressed miR-30a was reflective of lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage and poor 5-year survival among NSCLC patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (i.e. combined treatment of DDP and PEM) (P < 0.05). Moreover, DDP combined with PEM attenuated viability and proliferation, but, on the contrary, promoted autophagy of H1299 and H460 cell lines (P < 0.05). However, miR-30a undermined resistance of NSCLC cells against DDP and PEM (P < 0.05), and it suppressed DDP/PEM-induced autophagy and promoted DDP/PEM-triggered apoptosis of NSCLC cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Intentionally elevating miR-30a expression was conducive to improving NSCLC prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, for its depressing drug-caused autophagy and resistance.
Identification and characterization of apocarotenoid modifiers and carotenogenic enzymes for biosynthesis of crocins in Buddleja davidii flowers
Authors: Diretto Gianfranco , López-Jiménez Alberto José , Ahrazem Oussama , Frusciante Sarah , Song Jingyuan , Rubio-Moraga Ángela , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes
Published: February 2021

Crocetin biosynthesis in Buddleja davidii flowers proceeds through a zeaxanthin cleavage pathway catalyzed by two carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (BdCCD4.1 and BdCCD4.3), followed by oxidation and glucosylation reactions that lead to the production of crocins. We isolated and analyzed the expression of 12 genes from the carotenoid pathway in B. davidii flowers and identified four candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of crocins (BdALDH, BdUGT74BC1, BdUGT74BC2, and BdUGT94AA3). In addition, we characterized the profile of crocins and their carotenoid precursors, following their accumulation during flower development. Overall, seven different crocins, crocetin, and picrocrocin were identified in this study. The accumulation of these apocarotenoids parallels tissue development, reaching the highest concentration when the flower is fully open. Notably, the pathway was regulated mainly at the transcript level, with expression patterns of a large group of carotenoid precursor and apocarotenoid genes (BdPSY2, BdPDS2, BdZDS, BdLCY2, BdBCH, BdALDH, and BdUGT Genes) mimicking the accumulation of crocins. Finally, we used comparative correlation network analysis to study how the synthesis of these valuable apocarotenoids diverges among B. davidii, Gardenia jasminoides, and Crocus sativus, highlighting distinctive differences which could be the basis of the differential accumulation of crocins in the three species.
Anti-S Antibody: A Rare Cause of Fetal Hydrops in a Previously Sensitized Mother
Authors: Bakht Azad , Turner Bettina , Warren Christina S , Simmons Julie H , Fadeyi Emmanuel A
Published: February 2021

Anti-S is an IgG antibody and a rare cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. A 38 year old woman with blood group O Rh-positive presented to the hospital at 30 weeks gestation. Her past medical history was significant for sickle cell disease and alloantibodies against the Fya, Jkb, and S antigens. Obstetric ultrasound showed the fetus to have developed scalp edema, cardiomegaly, small pericardial effusion, and large ascites. Periumbilical blood sampling results showed the fetus blood type as blood group O Rh-positive with anti-S and hemoglobin of 2 gm/dL. After multiple intrauterine transfusions of red blood cells, the fetal hemoglobin increased to 12.9 g/dL. Anti-S can cause fetal hydrops, although it is rare. All pregnant women with anti-S should be closely monitored and treated during pregnancy for the possibility of developing a severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.
Do Cartels Overcharge?
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter evaluates the research on the size of cartel overcharges and their other effects. The case against cartels is based on the empirical claims that cartels harm consumers because they increase prices and reduce output, productivity, and economic growth. They also redistribute income from consumers to those in the cartel. Research suggests that detected cartels overcharge their customers around average 20% to 25% of the purchase prices. However, there is a very wide variation with overcharges as high as 80% and greater. International cartels overcharge their customers more than national cartels. There is also some evidence that the overcharges in Europe are higher than those in the US. While the price overcharge is the most apparent effect of a cartel, it does not represent the economic losses it inflicts. Indeed, cartels also reduce productive, allocative, and dynamic economic efficiency.
The Cartel Infringement
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter sets out the legal basis for a private action for competition damages. Agreement and concerted practices infringe Article 101(1) TFEU and section 2 of the UK Competition Act 1998. Section 1 of the Sherman Act 1890 has the same effect. Those who infringe Article 101 are jointly and severally liable for the losses they cause by the actions of the cartel. Under the Damages Directive, some whistle-blowers and small-to-medium-enterprises (SMEs) who are members of a cartel have limited liability only for the losses they individually cause. Claimants can sue using three types of actions: stand-alone, follow-on, and hybrid actions. A stand-alone action requires the claimant to establish an infringement by ‘object’ or ‘effect’ under Article 101(1) TFEU. That is, the claimant acts as the prosecutor of the cartel to establish the infringement. However, most claims for cartel damages have been follow-on actions. They build and rely on a competition authority’s infringed decision. Anyone harmed by a cartel has standing to sue provided they can prove their loss.
Causation and Counterfactuals
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter looks at the nature and requirements of the legal tests to establish causation in a competition infringement. The claimant must prove on the balance of probabilities that the harm it suffered was a direct result of the alleged violation of the law. More specifically, the claimant must show causation in law—that it was harm of a type prohibited by the law—and causation in fact—that the harm was physically caused by the infringement. Legal causation is used largely to draw the boundaries of the defendant’s liability for damages. Factual causation is a bit more straightforward. The harm must be caused by the impugned conduct in the sense that ‘but for’ that conduct the harm would not have occurred. Increasingly, causation is expressed in terms of a ‘counterfactual scenario’. However, the use of counterfactuals is problematic and has led to confused reasoning in recent English competition damage actions.
Overview
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter provides an overview to the issue, methods, and guidance on the quantification of cartel damages. The core of any damage claim are the price overcharges. The empirical techniques which can be used to estimate overcharges (and pass-on) are set out in the European Commission’s Practical Guide. There are four approaches to quantification: before and after; yardstick; cost and margin analysis; and economic theory. One or more of three quantitative techniques can be used to apply these methods: price and financial analysis; statistical analysis; and simulation models. In considering the methods used to estimate overcharges and lost profits, there are several considerations which recur and will often prove critical to a damage claim. The two most important are (a) the impact of non-cartel factors on prices; and (b) accurately determining the cartel period.
Legal Issues with Statistical Evidence
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter examines some of the legal and evidential issues surrounding statistical evidence. Courts are wary of statistical analysis and treat it as complex and difficult to reconcile with legal methods of determining damages based on documentary evidence. Indeed, the problem of estimated averages can conflict with the court’s approach. Moreover, there are statistical, economic, and legal issues surrounding statistical significance. The general concern is that reliance on conventional statistical significance levels may not reflect the legal standard of proof. The court can be assisted by the Practical Guide and Pass-on Guidelines of the European Commission, but also the best practice guidance of competition authorities for the submission of economic evidence.
Overview—Pass-on
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter provides an overview on pass-on. Pass-on is where a business changes the prices of its goods and services in response to a change in costs of producing them. As already discussed, pass-on is allowed in EU and UK law, and is a key component of the compensatory objective of competition law damages. Pass-on operates both defensively and offensively. As a defence, it allows the defendant to reduce or eliminate an overcharge damage claim by proving that the purchaser passed-on all or part of the overcharge. This defence will invariably be invoked. Used offensively, pass-on gives the indirect purchaser the basis to damages claim. Without pass-on, an indirect purchaser could not sue the members of the cartel for damages.
The Law on Pass-on
Authors: Veljanovski Cento
Published: February 2021

This chapter assesses the law on pass-on. Pass-on is key to the compensatory objective of antitrust damages. It ensures that claimants along the supply chain are only awarded their losses and not part of the overcharge passed-on in higher charges to their customers. Yet allowing pass-on does not avoid overcompensation and if applied alone would likely ensure that the claimant is under-compensated. This is because pass-on and lost sales are intimately intertwined, at least from an economic perspective. Thus, irrespective of whether pass-on is allowed or disallowed, the claimant suffers an additional loss of profits on the sales not made because its prices are now higher. The Damages Directive allows for a lost profit claim but leaves this to the national laws of the Member States. This is no doubt a policy decision to focus on the prospect of over-compensation rather than the legal principle of full compensation. The European Commission’s Practical Guide and the Pass-on Guidelines on the relationship between pass-on and lost profits due to reduced sales is explicitly recognized.
A Global Regime for Investment
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter provides an overview of investment treaties. Investment treaties, often referred to as ‘international investment agreements’ (IIAs), are essentially instruments of international law by which states (1) make commitments to other states with respect to the treatment they will accord to investors and investments from those other states, and (2) agree to some mechanism for enforcement of those commitments. A fundamental purpose of investment treaties, as indicated by their titles, is to protect and promote investment. International investment treaties consist principally of three types: (1) bilateral investment treaties, commonly known as ‘BITs’; (2) bilateral economic agreements with investment provisions; and (3) other investment-related agreements involving more than two states. The chapter then considers the significance of investment treaties and argues that together they constitute an international regime for foreign investment.
The General Structure of Investment Treaties
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter outlines the general structure of investment treaties. An investment treaty is an international agreement embodied in one or more written documents by which two or more states agree to certain legal rules to govern investments undertaken by nationals of one treaty party in the territory of another treaty party. A treaty is an instrument of international law that binds the contracting states. An investment treaty usually consists of a single document. However, the parties may use an exchange of letters or separate protocols to explain, modify, or elaborate on certain treaty provisions. The chapter then studies the ten topics that make up the basic structure of most modern investment treaties.
Scope of Application of Investment Treaties
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter focuses on the scope of application of investment treaties. Any international regime must have rules to determine which persons and actions are governed by the regime. Therefore, the key questions that must always be answered in the application of an investment treaty are whether the alleged investment meets the definition of ‘investment’ under the treaty and whether the legal or physical person owning the investment meets the legal definition of ‘investor’. The chapter examines these two questions. At the outset, however, it should be stressed that while investment treaties exhibit strong similarities in definitions and definitional approaches, significant textual differences can also be found since contracting states always have control in defining the scope of the treaty. Consequently, persons interpreting investment treaties to determine the extent of their coverage must focus carefully on the language of the definitional sections of the specific treaty in question.
Monetary Transfers and Treatment
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter describes the treatment accorded to monetary transfers by investment treaties. Nearly all investment treaties grant covered investors or investments the freedom to make monetary transfers. However, the precise nature of such provisions in particular treaties depends upon the differing interests of host country governments. While investors want broad and unrestricted guarantees on monetary transfers, host states seek, in varying degrees, to limit their commitments with respect to monetary transfers and to subject them to qualifications and exceptions. Although the provisions on monetary transfers vary from treaty to treaty, they all tend to address six basic issues: (1) the general scope of the investor's rights to make monetary transfers; (2) the types of payments that are covered by such rights; (3) the nature of the currency in which payments may be made; (4) the applicable exchange rate; (5) the time within which the host state must allow the investor to make transfers; and (6) exceptions to the right to make monetary transfers.
Treaty Entry into Force, Exceptions, Modifications, and Terminations
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter discusses the entry into force, exceptions, modifications, and terminations of investment treaties. While enunciating rules of international law governing foreign investors and investments, investment treaties at the same time incorporate various devices to regulate and limit the applicability of those rules and thereby allow contracting states to mediate tensions between demands of treaty partners and of internal pressure groups, such as labour unions, local manufacturers and merchants, and civic organizations. Such devices include treaty provisions on four matters: the entry into force of the treaty; treaty exceptions; treaty modifications; and treaty terminations. States employ the first two as part of the treaty negotiating process. On the other hand, states usually employ the latter two devices as a result of their unsatisfactory experience with a treaty that has entered into force.
Investment Treaty Dispute Settlement
Authors: Salacuse Jeswald W
Published: February 2021

This chapter focuses on investment treaty dispute settlement, examining the nature of conflicts between investors and states and the various means provided by treaties to resolve them. In general, investor–state disputes governed by treaties occur because a host state has taken a ‘measure’ that allegedly violates that state's treaty commitments on the treatment it has promised to accord to investments protected by that treaty. Before the advent of investment treaties, investors basically had three methods to seek resolution of their disputes with host states: (a) direct negotiation with host state governments; (b) domestic courts in the host country; and (c) diplomatic protection by their home states. In order to establish a stable, rule-based system for international investment, treaties provide means to resolve disputes about the interpretation and application of treaty provisions. Most investment treaties provide four separate dispute settlement methods: (1) consultations and negotiations between contracting states; (2) arbitration between contracting states; (3) consultations and negotiations between covered investors and host governments; and (4) investor–state arbitration.
Fundamental Breach
Authors: Stannard John E , Capper David
Published: February 2021

This chapter explores the doctrine of fundamental breach, and considers the leading decision of the Court of Appeal in The Hongkong Fir. It examines the scope of the fundamental breach principle in two contexts, the first being its relationship to the classification of contractual terms, and the second its application to past and future events. The chapter also assesses the types of fundamental breach. There are a number of concepts akin to fundamental breach that overlap with it to a greater or lesser extent, but which need to be distinguished from it. These concepts include breach of condition; the doctrine of frustration; the doctrine of substantial performance; and the doctrine whereby time may be made of the essence by notice. When is a breach fundamental? The chapter studies a number of key factors which can provide useful guidance for the courts in approaching this question.
ITLOS’s Jurisprudential Contributions
Authors: Kittichaisaree Kriangsak
Published: February 2021

This chapter explores the present and future contributions of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Presently, ITLOS has made substantial contributions to the peaceful solution of ongoing maritime disputes and to international efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It has also provided guidance on the responsibility and liability regarding activities in the deep seabed area for the benefits of humankind as well as developed procedural rules and substantive law in international adjudication. Human rights at sea, marine environment protection and preservation, and delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles are some of the areas of the law of the sea elucidated by ITLOS’s rulings. Future challenges include legal issues pertaining to sea-level rise, dispute settlement as regards biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and potential contentious cases before the Seabed Disputes Chamber arising from exploitation of mineral resources in the deep seabed.
Multiple Stellar Evolution: a population synthesis algorithm to model the stellar, binary, and dynamical evolution of multiple-star systems
Authors: Hamers Adrian S , Rantala Antti , Neunteufel Patrick , Preece Holly , Vynatheya Pavan
Published: February 2021

In recent years, observations have shown that multiple-star systems such as hierarchical triple and quadruple-star systems are common, especially among massive stars. They are potential sources of interesting astrophysical phenomena such as compact object mergers, leading to supernovae, and gravitational wave events. However, many uncertainties remain in their often complex evolution. Here, we present the population synthesis code Multiple Stellar Evolution (mse), designed to rapidly model the stellar, binary, and dynamical evolution of multiple-star systems. mse includes a number of new features not present in previous population synthesis codes: (1) an arbitrary number of stars, as long as the initial system is hierarchical, (2) dynamic switching between secular and direct N-body integration for efficient computation of the gravitational dynamics, (3) treatment of mass transfer in eccentric orbits, which occurs commonly in multiple-star systems, (4) a simple treatment of tidal, common envelope, and mass transfer evolution in which the accretor is a binary instead of a single star, (5) taking into account planets within the stellar system, and (6) including gravitational perturbations from passing field stars. mse, written primarily in the C++ language, will be made publicly available and has few prerequisites; a convenient python interface is provided. We give a detailed description of MSE and illustrate how to use the code in practice. We demonstrate its operation in a number of examples.
BG Tri: an example of a low-inclination RW Sex-type nova-like
Authors: Hernández M S , Tovmassian G , Zharikov S , Gänsicke B T , Steeghs D , Aungwerojwit A , Rodríguez-Gil P
Published: February 2021

We analyse a wealth of optical spectroscopic and photometric observations of the bright (V = 11.9) cataclysmic variable BG Tri. The Gaia DR2 parallax gives a distance d = 334(8) pc to the source, making the object one of the intrinsically brightest nova-like variables seen under a low orbital inclination angle. Time-resolved spectroscopic observations revealed an orbital period of $P_{\rm {orb}}=3.8028(24)$ h. Its spectroscopic characteristics resemble RW Sex and similar nova-like variables. We disentangled the H α emission line into two components, and show that one component forms on the irradiated face of the secondary star. We suggest that the other one originates at a disc outflow area adjacent to the L3 point.
Phase curve and variability analysis of WASP-12b using TESS photometry
Authors: Owens Niall , de Mooij E J W , Watson C A , Hooton M J
Published: February 2021

We analyse Sector 20 TESS photometry of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-12b, and extract its phase curve to study the planet’s atmospheric properties. We successfully recover the phase curve with an amplitude of 549 ± 62 ppm, and a secondary eclipse depth of 609$^{+74}_{-73}$ ppm. The peak of the phase curve is shifted by 0.049 ± 0.015 in phase, implying that the brightest spot in the atmosphere is shifted from the substellar point towards the planet’s evening terminator. Assuming zero albedo, the eclipse depth infers a day-side brightness temperature of 3128$^{+64}_{-68}$ K. No significant detection of flux from the night-side is found at 60 ± 97 ppm, implying a night-side brightness temperature of <2529 K (1-σ). We do not detect any significant variability in the light from the planet over the ∼27 d of the TESS observations. Finally, we note that an ephemeris model taking orbital decay into account provides a significantly better fit than a constant-period model.
Independent component analysis based gene co-expression network inference (ICAnet) to decipher functional modules for better single-cell clustering and batch integration
Authors: Wang Weixu , Tan Huanhuan , Sun Mingwan , Han Yiqing , Chen Wei , Qiu Shengnu , Zheng Ke , Wei Gang , Ni Ting
Published: February 2021

With the tremendous increase of publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets, bioinformatics methods based on gene co-expression network are becoming efficient tools for analyzing scRNA-seq data, improving cell type prediction accuracy and in turn facilitating biological discovery. However, the current methods are mainly based on overall co-expression correlation and overlook co-expression that exists in only a subset of cells, thus fail to discover certain rare cell types and sensitive to batch effect. Here, we developed independent component analysis-based gene co-expression network inference (ICAnet) that decomposed scRNA-seq data into a series of independent gene expression components and inferred co-expression modules, which improved cell clustering and rare cell-type discovery. ICAnet showed efficient performance for cell clustering and batch integration using scRNA-seq datasets spanning multiple cells/tissues/donors/library types. It works stably on datasets produced by different library construction strategies and with different sequencing depths and cell numbers. We demonstrated the capability of ICAnet to discover rare cell types in multiple independent scRNA-seq datasets from different sources. Importantly, the identified modules activated in acute myeloid leukemia scRNA-seq datasets have the potential to serve as new diagnostic markers. Thus, ICAnet is a competitive tool for cell clustering and biological interpretations of single-cell RNA-seq data analysis.
OLIG2 maintenance is not essential for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cell line growth but regulates tumor phenotypes
Authors: Liao Yunfei , Luo Zaili , Deng Yaqi , Zhang Feng , Rao Rohit , Wang Jiajia , Xu Lingli , Kumar Shiva Senthil , Sengupta Satarupa , DeWire-Schottmiller Mariko , Berry Kalen , Garrett Matthew , Fouladi Maryam , Drissi Rachid , Lu Qing Richard
Published: February 2021

Background

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric lethal high-grade brainstem glioma with no effective therapies. OLIG2 (oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2) was reported to be critical for the growth of a DIPG cell line CCHMC-DIPG-1. Surprisingly, we found that the CCHMC-DIPG-1 cells express little OLIG2 and exhibit a mesenchymal phenotype, which raised a question regarding the role of OLIG2 in the growth of DIPG cells.

Methods

We evaluated the function of OLIG2 in different DIPG cell lines through molecular and genetic approaches and performed transcriptomic and genomic landscape profiling including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq. shRNA-mediated knockdown and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout approaches were utilized to assess OLIG2 functions in DIPG cell growth.

Results

We found that DIPG cells are phenotypically heterogeneous and exhibit the characteristics of distinct malignant gliomas including proneural, classical, and mesenchymal subtypes. OLIG2 knockdown did not impact the growth of CCHMC-DIPG-1 cells, wherein OLIG2 is epigenetically silenced. Moreover, OLIG2 deletion did not substantially impair OLIG2-expressing proneural-like DIPG growth but led to an upregulation of HIPPO-YAP1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and a tumor phenotype shift. Targeting HIPPO-YAP1 and EGFR signaling in OLIG2-deficient DIPG cells inhibited tumor cell growth.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that OLIG2 is dispensable for DIPG growth but regulates the phenotypic switch of DIPG tumor cells. OLIG2 downregulation leads to deregulation of adaptive YAP1 and EGFR signaling. Targeting YAP1 and EGFR pathways inhibits the growth of OLIG2-deficient DIPG cells, pointing to a therapeutic potential by targeting adaptive signaling to treat DIPG tumors with nominal OLIG2 expression.
The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on cognitive outcomes following radiotherapy for pediatric brain tumors: a prospective, longitudinal trial
Authors: Torres Victoria A , Ashford Jason M , Wright Evelyn , Xu Jiahui , Zhang Hui , Merchant Thomas E , Conklin Heather M
Published: February 2021

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a determinant of cognitive and academic functioning among healthy and ill children; however, few pediatric oncology studies examine SES and long-term cognitive functioning. The current study systematically investigated SES as a predictor of cognitive outcomes among children treated for localized brain tumors (BT) with photon radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

248 children treated on a prospective, longitudinal, phase II trial of conformal RT (54-59.4 Gy) for ependymoma, low-grade glioma, or craniopharyngioma were monitored serially with cognitive assessments (intelligence quotient [IQ], reading, math, attention, adaptive function) for 10 years (2209 observations, median age at RT = 6.6 years, 48% male, 80% Caucasian). SES was derived from the Barratt Simplified Measure of Social Status, which incorporates parental occupation, education, and marital status.

Results

Overall, SES scores fell in the low range (Barratt median = 37). At pre-RT baseline, linear mixed models revealed significant associations between SES and IQ, reading, math, attention, and adaptive function, with higher SES associated with better performance (P < .005). SES predicted change over time in IQ, reading, and math; higher SES was associated with less decline (P < .001). Accounting for sex and age at RT, SES remained predictive of IQ, reading, and math. Analysis of variance revealed a greater relative contribution of SES than sex or age at RT to reading and math.

Conclusions

SES represents a novel predictor of cognitive performance before and after RT for pediatric BT. These findings have broad implications as high SES represents a protective factor. Developing interventions to mitigate the effects of low SES is warranted.
Transmission Routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Healthcare Workers of a French University Hospital in Paris, France
Authors: Contejean Adrien , Leporrier Jérémie , Canouï Etienne , Fourgeaud Jacques , Mariaggi Alice-Andrée , Alby-Laurent Fanny , Lafont Emmanuel , Beaudeau Lauren , Rouzaud Claire , Lecieux Fabienne , Greffet Agnès , L’Honneur Anne-Sophie , Tréluyer Jean-Marc , Lanternier Fanny , Casetta Anne , Frange Pierre , Leruez-Ville Marianne , Rozenberg Flore , Lortholary Olivier , Kernéis Solen
Published: February 2021

In this case-control study on 564 healthcare workers of a university hospital in Paris (France), contacts without protection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients or with colleagues were associated with infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, whereas working in a COVID-dedicated unit and having children kept in childcare facilities were not.
Phytoplankton carbon and nitrogen biomass estimates are robust to volume measurement method and growth environment
Authors: Mcnair Heather , Hammond Courtney Nicole , Menden-Deuer Susanne
Published: February 2021

Phytoplankton biomass is routinely estimated using relationships between cell volume and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content that have been defined using diverse plankton that span orders of magnitude in size. Notably, volume has traditionally been estimated with geometric approximations of cell shape using cell dimensions from planar two-dimensional (2D) images, which requires assumptions about the third, depth dimension. Given advances in image processing, we examined how cell volumes determined from three-dimensional (3D), confocal images affected established relationships between phytoplankton cell volume and C and N content. Additionally, we determined that growth conditions could result in 30–40% variation in cellular N and C. 3D phytoplankton cell volume measurements were on average 15% greater than the geometric approximations from 2D images. Volume method variation was minimal compared to both intraspecific variation in volumes (~30%) and the 50-fold variation in elemental density among species. Consequently, C:vol and N:vol relationships were unaltered by volume measurement method and growth environment. Recent advances in instrumentation, including those for at sea and autonomous applications can be used to estimate plankton biomass directly. Going forward, we recommend instrumentation that permits species identification alongside size and shape characteristics for plankton biomass estimates.
Acceptance of a Covid-19 vaccine is associated with ability to detect fake news and health literacy
Authors: Montagni I , Ouazzani-Touhami K , Mebarki A , Texier N , Schück S , Tzourio C ,   the CONFINS group
Published: February 2021

Background

During the Covid-19 pandemic fake news has been circulating impacting on the general population’s opinion about a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2. Health literacy measures the capacity of navigating health information.

Methods

We used data from a prospective national online cohort of 1647 participants. Descriptive statistics, Chi2 and ANOVA independence tests and two multivariable multinomial regression models were performed. Interactions between each variable were tested.

Results

Detection of fake news and health literacy scores were associated with intention to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.01). The risk of being “anti-vaccination” or “hesitant”, rather than “pro-vaccination”, was higher among individuals reporting bad detection of fake news, respectively OR = 1.93 (95%CI = [1.30;2.87]) and OR = 1.80 (95%CI = [1.29;2.52]). The risk of being in “hesitant”, rather than “pro-vaccination” was higher among individuals having a bad health literacy score (OR = 1.44; 95%CI = [1.04;2.00]). No interaction was found between detection of fake news and health literacy.

Conclusions

To promote acceptance of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, it is recommended to increase individuals’ ability to detect fake news and health literacy through education and communication programs.
‘And with your spirit’: a holistic support for healthcare workers in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cordero Dalmacito A
Published: February 2021

Public health is characterized by social justice where it has the obligation to ‘give what is due’ and address the needs of the entire community. Recent correspondence calls for the physical, financial and mental support of the government to our ‘distressed’ healthcare workers. However, this seems to insufficient since the spiritual well-being is set aside and Filipinos are known to be religious people by their very nature. I therefore propose and highlight the use of a holistic approach which emphasizes the needed support which caters the faith dimension of our frontliners. The proposals include the availability of human resource and religious practices in both public and private hospitals where the healthcare workers do their battle relentlessly.
Compassion fatigue of funeral directors during and after the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Van Overmeire Roel , Van Keer Rose-Lima , Cocquyt Marie , Bilsen Johan
Published: February 2021

Background

Compassion fatigue has not been studied among funeral directors. Yet, funeral directors have been exposed to the same risks for compassion fatigue as other caregivers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was spread two times to 287 employees of funeral home DELA, in Belgium. Once during the height of the first wave of COVID-19 in Belgium, and a second time at the end of the first wave. The professional quality of life-scale 5 (PROQOL-5) was used to measure compassion fatigue, which includes burnout, compassion satisfaction and secondary trauma. Non-parametric tests were performed.

Results

In total, 104 participants answered the first survey, and 107 the second. Burnout increases from survey 1 to survey 2 (P < 0.001), while compassion satisfaction (P = 0.011) and secondary trauma decrease (P < 0.001). In survey 1, only age (P = 0.007) and gender (P = 0.040) were found to be significantly associated with secondary trauma. In survey 2, having more work experience is associated with having a higher burnout (P = 0.008) and secondary trauma (P = 0.001) score. Neither for burnout (P < 0.001), nor for secondary trauma (P < 0.001) are there any respondents in the highest category.

Conclusions

Although overall funeral directors do not have acute problems with compassion fatigue, burnout scores increase significantly after the first wave.
‘We are not the virus’: stigmatization and discrimination against frontline health workers
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G
Published: February 2021

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, several forms of stigma and discrimination have been reported worldwide mainly from toward Asian descent, those with international travel history, and frontline health workers. In response to the situation of stigmatization and discrimination against frontline healthcare workers, the author proposes several ways on how the public and the Philippine government might create safety guidelines by revisiting the international and local laws. Thus, there is an urgent need to end the stigma, discrimination and other forms of inhumane treatment against our frontline health workers. They are not the virus.
The Declining Significance of Race in Criminal Sentencing: Evidence from US Federal Courts
Authors: Light Michael T
Published: February 2021

Racial inequality in sentencing has decreased substantially over the last decade. In 2009, the average sentencing difference between black and white defendants in federal court was nearly 3 yrs. By 2018, this difference was less than 6 mos. Among drug offenders over this same period, the black–white gap went from 47 mos. down to zero. Yet, despite the fact that racial inequality in the legal system remains at the fore of sociological discourse, these developments remain conspicuously under-evaluated and the underlying processes driving these changes remain unknown. This article fills this gap by applying longitudinal decomposition methods to US District Court data between 2009 and 2018. Three notable findings emerge. First, the declining racial gap was driven, in equal parts, by decreasing black sentences and increasing white sentences. Second, black and white sentences became more equal almost entirely due to changes in observable case characteristics and not due to changes in the treatment of offenders. Third, shifts in the prosecutorial use of mandatory minimums played a critical role in decreasing black–white sentencing inequality.
A standardized terminology of spines in the order Siluriformes (Actinopterygii: Ostariophysi)
Authors: Ballen Gustavo A , De Pinna Mario C C
Published: February 2021

A standardized terminology for the anatomy of pectoral- and dorsal-fin spines in the order Siluriformes is proposed based on an extensive literature review and direct examination of representatives of the order. The adult anatomy of the spines is described in detail. Terminology of various spine parts are reviewed and standardized, each term provided with a synonymic list organizing previous usage. Most of the structures treated have been recorded and named in the literature, but some are herein named for the first time. A quantitative approach is proposed for orienting decisions on name usage, aiming at minimizing differences between the terminology proposed and the vast amount of pre-existing literature, herein called the cost function. It is expected that this system will aid efforts in organizing the chaotic anatomical nomenclature of the appendicular skeleton in Siluriformes, and provide a solid basis for advances in comparative anatomy and nomenclature. The proposed terminology system has potential application on a number of fields that utilize information from catfish spines, ranging from taxonomy to phylogenetic systematics to paleontology and archaeology.
Residues R192 and K225 in RNA-Binding Pocket of Tobacco Vein Banding Mosaic Virus CP Control Virus Cell-to-Cell Movement and Replication
Authors: Yan Zhi-Yong , Xu Xiao-Jie , Fang Le , Cheng De-Jie , Tian Yan-Ping , Geng Chao , Li Xiang-Dong , Valkonen Jari P. T.
Published: February 2021

Potyviruses move to neighboring cells in the form of virus particles or a coat protein (CP)-containing ribonucleoprotein complex. However, the precise roles of RNA-binding residues in potyviral CP in viral cell-to-cell movement remain to be elucidated. In this study, we predicted the three-dimensional model of tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV)-encoded CP and found nine residues presumably located in the CP RNA-binding pocket. Substitutions of the two basic residues at positions 192 and 225 (R192 and K225) with either alanine, cysteine, or glutamic acid abolished TVBMV cell-to-cell and systemic movement in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. These substitutions also reduced the replication of the mutant viruses. Results from the electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the RNA-binding activity of mutant CPs derived from R192 or K225 substitutions was significantly lower than that of wild-type CP. Analysis of purified virus particles showed that mutant viruses with R192 or K225 substitutions formed RNA-free virus-like particles. Mutations of R192 and K225 did not change the CP plasmodesmata localization. The wild-type TVBMV CP could rescue the deficient cell-to-cell movement of mutant viruses. Moreover, deletion of any of the other seven residues also abolished TVBMV cell-to-cell movement and reduced the CP RNA-binding activity. The corresponding nine residues in watermelon mosaic virus CP were also found to play essential roles in virus cell-to-cell movement. In conclusion, residues R192 and K225 in the CP RNA-binding pocket are critical for viral RNA binding and affect both virus replication and cell-to-cell movement.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .