bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective recruitment strategies for African-American men and women: the Nutritious Eating with Soul study
Authors: Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle M , Wilson Mary J , Bailey Shiba , Bernhart John A , Wilcox Sara , Frongillo Edward A , Murphy E Angela , Hutto Brent
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have found it challenging to recruit African-American (AA) participants into health education research studies. The goal of this article is to describe the recruitment methods used for the Nutritious Eating with Soul (NEW Soul) study, a 2-year randomized behavioral health education intervention, conducted in two cohorts, with emphasis on methods used for reaching men. Participants indicated how they learned about the study on an online screening questionnaire from a list of the recruitment strategies we employed. Due to limited recruitment of men in Cohort 1, recruitment strategies for Cohort 2 focused on reaching men. Across the two cohorts, a total of 568 (23% men) participants completed the online screener and 159 (21% men) completed all baseline assessments and enrolled in the study. The most effective methods for completing screening questionnaires were radio ads, referrals from friends and family, TV interviews, social media posts and community events. Men were primarily recruited via radio ads, whereas women were more often recruited through TV and social media. Radio was an effective way to recruit AA adults into nutrition interventions, particularly men. In addition, low-cost methods, such as personal referrals, social media posts and community events were also effective strategies.
Loss of sarcospan exacerbates pathology inmdxmice, but does not affect utrophin amelioration of disease
Authors: Gibbs Elizabeth M , McCourt Jackie L , Shin Kara M , Hammond Katherine G , Marshall Jamie L , Crosbie Rachelle H
Published: January 2021

The dystrophin–glycoprotein complex (DGC) is a membrane adhesion complex that provides structural stability at the sarcolemma by linking the myocyte’s internal cytoskeleton and external extracellular matrix. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the absence of dystrophin leads to the loss of the DGC at the sarcolemma, resulting in sarcolemmal instability and progressive muscle damage. Utrophin (UTRN), an autosomal homolog of dystrophin, is upregulated in dystrophic muscle and partially compensates for the loss of dystrophin in muscle from patients with DMD. Here, we examine the interaction between Utr and sarcospan (SSPN), a small transmembrane protein that is a core component of both UTRN–glycoprotein complex (UGC) and DGC. We show that additional loss of SSPN causes an earlier onset of disease in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice by reducing the expression of the UGC at the sarcolemma. In order to further evaluate the role of SSPN in maintaining therapeutic levels of Utr at the sarcolemma, we tested the effect of Utr transgenic overexpression in mdx mice lacking SSPN (mdx:SSPN −/−:Utr-Tg). We found that overexpression of Utr restored SSPN to the sarcolemma in mdx muscle but that the ablation of SSPN in mdx muscle reduced Utr at the membrane. Nevertheless, Utr overexpression reduced central nucleation and improved grip strength in both lines. These findings demonstrate that high levels of Utr transgenic overexpression ameliorate the mdx phenotype independently of SSPN expression but that loss of SSPN may impair Utr-based mechanisms that rely on lower levels of Utr protein.
Effect of DNA repair inhibitor AsiDNA on the incidence of telomere fusion in crisis
Authors: Subecz Chloé , Sun Jian-Sheng , Roger Lauréline
Published: January 2021

Telomere fusions lead to a state of genomic instability, and are thought to drive clonal evolution and tumorigenesis. Telomere fusions occur via both Classical and Alternative Non-Homologous End Joining repair pathways. AsiDNA is a DNA repair inhibitor that acts by mimicking a DNA double strand break (DSB) and hijacking the recruitment of proteins involved in various DNA repair pathways. In this study, we investigated whether the inhibition of DSB-repair pathways by AsiDNA could prevent telomere fusions during crisis.

The present study showed that AsiDNA decreased the frequency of telomere fusions without affecting the rate of telomere erosion. Further, it indicated that AsiDNA does not impact the choice of the repair pathway used for the fusion of short dysfunctional telomeres.

AsiDNA is thought to prevent short telomeres from fusing by inhibiting DNA repair. An alternative, non-mutually exclusive possibility is that cells harbouring fusions preferentially die in the presence of AsiDNA, thus resulting in a reduction in fusion frequency.

This important work could open the way for investigating the use of AsiDNA in the treatment of tumours that have short dysfunctional telomeres and/or are experiencing genomic instability.
Inferring recombination patterns in African populations
Authors: van Eeden Gerald , Uren Caitlin , Möller Marlo , Henn Brenna M
Published: January 2021

Although several high-resolution recombination maps exist for European-descent populations, the recombination landscape of African populations remains relatively understudied. Given that there is high genetic divergence among groups in Africa, it is possible that recombination hotspots also diverge significantly. Both limitations and opportunities exist for developing recombination maps for these populations. In this review, we discuss various recombination inference methods, and the strengths and weaknesses of these methods in analyzing recombination in African-descent populations. Furthermore, we provide a decision tree and recommendations for which inference method to use in various research contexts. Establishing an appropriate methodology for recombination rate inference in a particular study will improve the accuracy of various downstream analyses including but not limited to local ancestry inference, haplotype phasing, fine-mapping of GWAS loci and genome assemblies.
Adiposity rebound and cardiometabolic health in childhood: results from the Generation XXI birth cohort
Authors: Fonseca Maria João , Moreira Carla , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: January 2021

Background

We aimed to evaluate the association of adiposity rebound (AR) timing on cardiometabolic health in childhood.

Methods

Participants were part of the Generation XXI birth cohort, enrolled in 2005/2006 in Porto. All measurements of the child’s weight and height performed by health professionals as part of routine healthcare were collected. Individual body mass index (BMI) curves were fitted for 3372 children, using mixed-effects models with smooth spline functions for age and random effects. The AR was categorized into very early (<42 months), early (42–59 months), normal (60–83 months) and late (≥84 months). At age 10 years, cardiometabolic traits were assessed and age- and sex-specific z-scores were generated. Adjusted regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals [β (95% CI)] were computed.

Results

The mean age at AR was 61.9 months (standard deviations 15.7). Compared with children with normal AR, children with very early or early AR had higher z-scores for BMI [β = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.53); β = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.12; 0.30)], waist circumference [β = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.23; 0.43); β = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.10; 0.25)], waist–height ratio [β = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.24; 0.44); β = 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07; 0.22)], fat mass index [β = 0.24 (95% CI: 0.15; 0.33); β = 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.21)], fat-free mass index [β = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.14; 0.35); β = 0.11 (95% CI: 0.03; 0.19)], systolic blood pressure [β = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.20); β = 0.08 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.15)], insulin [β = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04; 0.29); β = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.19)], HOMA-IR [β = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04; 0.29); β = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03; 0.19)] and C-reactive protein [β = 0.14 (95% CI: 0.02; 0.26); β = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.19)]. Children with very early AR also had worse levels of diastolic blood pressure [β = 0.09 (95% CI: 0.02; 0.16)], triglycerides [β = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.34)] and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [β=−0.18 (95% CI: −0.31; −0.04)]. When analysed continuously, each additional month of age at the AR was associated with healthier cardiometabolic traits.

Conclusion

The earlier the AR, the worse the cardiometabolic health in late childhood, which was consistently shown across a wide range of outcomes and in the categorical and continuous approach.
Research on flexible job shop scheduling with low-carbon technology based on quantum bacterial foraging optimization
Authors: Ning Tao , Wang Zi , Duan Xiaodong , Liu Xiangdong
Published: January 2021

In order to further reduce the carbon emission of manufacturing process in flexible job shop, a multi-objective integrated optimization model of flexible job-shop scheduling (FJSP) is proposed. A mathematics model is built in this paper to minimize makespan, total workload of machines and carbon emissions of machines and to optimize process method of each machine characteristic, process sequence and machine allocation. Considering many parameters are interactional and to be optimized in the proposed model, a quantum bacterial foraging optimization is designed to code the related parameters. On the basis of Kacem example through experimental simulation, the performance of the proposed method in the paper was analysed with ANOVA, and by comparing with the algorithms of current separated optimization method of process planning and scheduling, the effect of proposed integrated optimization model on reducing carbon emission in practical requirements of FJSP is verified.
Fast and accurate approximations to fractional powers of operators
Authors: Aceto Lidia , Novati Paolo
Published: January 2021

In this paper we consider some rational approximations to the fractional powers of self-adjoint positive operators, arising from the Gauss–Laguerre rules. We derive practical error estimates that can be used to select a priori the number of Laguerre points necessary to achieve a given accuracy. We also present some numerical experiments to show the effectiveness of our approaches and the reliability of the estimates.
Tetravalent Rabies-Vectored Filovirus and Lassa Fever Vaccine Induces Long-term Immunity in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Kurup Drishya , Fisher Christine R , Scher Gabrielle , Yankowski Catherine , Testa AnnaMarie , Keshwara Rohan , Abreu-Mota Tiago , Lambert Rachael , Ferguson Melissa , Rinaldi William , Ruiz Leonard , Wirblich Christoph , Schnell Matthias J
Published: January 2021

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the immunogenicity of adjuvanted monovalent rabies virus (RABV)–based vaccine candidates against Ebola virus (FILORAB1), Sudan virus (FILORAB2), Marburg virus (FILORAB3), Lassa virus (LASSARAB1), and combined trivalent vaccine candidate (FILORAB1–3) and tetravalent vaccine candidate (FILORAB1–3 and LASSARAB) in nonhuman primates.

Methods

Twenty-four Macaca fascicularis were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 4 animals. Each group was vaccinated with either a single adjuvanted vaccine, the trivalent vaccine, or the tetravalent vaccine at days 0 and 28. We followed the humoral immune responses for 1 year by antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and RABV neutralization assays.

Results

High titers of filovirus and/or Lassa virus glycoprotein-specific immunoglobulin G were induced in the vaccinated animals. There were no significant differences between immune responses in animals vaccinated with single vaccines vs trivalent or tetravalent vaccines. In addition, all vaccine groups elicited strong rabies neutralizing antibody titers. The antigen-specific immune responses were detectable for 1 year in all groups.

Conclusions

In summary, this study shows the longevity of the immune responses up to 365 days for a pentavalent vaccine—against Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Marburg virus, Lassa virus, and RABV—using a safe and effective vaccine platform.
Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for Quantitation of Bisphenol S in Rodent Plasma, Amniotic Fluid and Fetuses by UPLC–MS-MS
Authors: Rehder Silinski Melanie A , Fletcher Brenda L , Fernando Reshan A , Robinson Veronica G , Waidyanatha Suramya
Published: January 2021

Bisphenol S (BPS) has been detected in personal care products, water, food and indoor house dust, demonstrating the potential for human exposure. Due to limited data to characterize the hazard of BPS, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) is investigating the toxicity of BPS in rodent models. Generating systemic exposure data is integral to putting toxicological findings into context. The objective of this work was to develop and validate a method to quantitate free (unconjugated parent) and total (free and all conjugated forms of) BPS in rodent plasma, amniotic fluid and fetal homogenate in support of NTP studies. The method used incubation with (total BPS) and without (free BPS) deconjugating enzyme and then protein precipitation followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In Sprague Dawley rat plasma, the method was linear (r ≥ 0.99) over the range 5–1,000 ng/mL, accurate (mean relative error (RE) ≤ ±10.5%) and precise (relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 7.7%). Mean recoveries were ≥93.1% for both free and total analyses. The limits of detection were 1.15 ng/mL (free) and 0.862 ng/mL (total) in plasma. The method was evaluated in the following study matrices: (i) male Hsd:Sprague Dawley®SD® (HSD) rat plasma, (ii) female HSD rat plasma, (iii) male B6C3F1 mouse plasma, (iv) female B6C3F1 mouse plasma, (v) HSD rat gestational day (GD) 18 dam plasma, (vi) HSD rat GD 18 amniotic fluid, (vii) HSD rat GD 18 fetal homogenate and (viii) HSD rat postnatal day 4 pup plasma (mean %RE ≤ ±8.2 and %RSD ≤ 8.7). Stability of BPS in extracted samples was demonstrated for up to 7 days at various temperatures, and freeze–thaw stability was demonstrated after three cycles over 7 days. BPS in various matrices stored at −80°C for at least 60 days was within 92.1–115% of Day 0 concentrations, demonstrating its stability in these matrices. These data demonstrate that this simple method is suitable for determination of free and total BPS in plasma, amniotic fluid and fetuses following exposure of rodents to BPS.
Complicated sinusitis with sphenopalatine artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient: a case report
Authors: Ahmed Omar , Aladham Youssef , Mahmood Sara , Abdelnaby Moustafa Mohamed
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has been a mystery against healthcare professionals. We herein report a rare presentation of complicated sinusitis with pre-septal cellulitis and hard palatal necrosis in a COVID-19 patient. A 52-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with typical COVID manifestations where he had two successive COVID-19 positive swabs. During his admission, he developed symptoms of right orbital complications of sinusitis along with both clinical and radiological evidence of ipsilateral hard palatal necrosis. Imaging confirmed a diagnosis of right pan-sinusitis complicated with right pre-septal infection and hard palatal bony defect on the same side. Our case focuses on the possible association between these manifestations and the known thromboembolic complications of COVID-19. Ongoing management of such complicated rare cases should be through multidisciplinary team.
Focus on international and domestic travellers are equally important for successful SARS-COV-2 mitigation: ecological comparison of emigrant and migrant travel patterns and COVID-19 trends in Kerala State, India
Authors: Ebrahim Shahul H , Ali Althaf , Koya Shaffi Fazaludeen , Abdulla Mansoor , Binub Kanniyan , Haridasan Retheesh Kollerazhikathu , Suhail Muhammed , Rahman N M Mujeeb , Sadasivan Lal S
Published: January 2021

We posit from our ecological analysis of COVID-19 trends that the focus on returning international emigrants helped the Indian State of Kerala to successfully mitigate transmission from emigrants. However, the state’s failure to prevent SARS-COV-2 seeding by returning domestic migrants from other states of India led to extensive community transmission.
Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic complexity of fructan accumulation patterns in barley grain
Authors: Matros Andrea , Houston Kelly , Tucker Matthew R , Schreiber Miriam , Berger Bettina , Aubert Matthew K , Wilkinson Laura G , Witzel Katja , Waugh Robbie , Seiffert Udo , Burton Rachel A
Published: January 2021

We profiled the grain oligosaccharide content of 154 two-row spring barley genotypes and quantified 27 compounds, mainly inulin- and neoseries-type fructans, showing differential abundance. Clustering revealed two profile groups where the ‘high’ set contained greater amounts of sugar monomers, sucrose, and overall fructans, but lower fructosylraffinose. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a significant association for the variability of two fructan types: neoseries-DP7 and inulin-DP9, which showed increased strength when applying a novel compound ratio-GWAS approach. Gene models within this region included three known fructan biosynthesis genes (fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase, sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase, and sucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase). Two other genes in this region, 6(G)-fructosyltransferase and vacuolar invertase1, have not previously been linked to fructan biosynthesis and showed expression patterns distinct from those of the other three genes, including exclusive expression of 6(G)-fructosyltransferase in outer grain tissues at the storage phase. From exome capture data, several single nucleotide polymorphisms related to inulin- and neoseries-type fructan variability were identified in fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase and 6(G)-fructosyltransferase genes. Co-expression analyses uncovered potential regulators of fructan biosynthesis including transcription factors. Our results provide the first scientific evidence for the distinct biosynthesis of neoseries-type fructans during barley grain maturation and reveal novel gene candidates likely to be involved in the differential biosynthesis of various types of fructan in barley.
All together now: regulation of the iron deficiency response
Authors: Riaz Nabila , Guerinot Mary Lou
Published: January 2021

Iron (Fe) is one of the essential micronutrients required by both plants and animals. In humans, Fe deficiency causes anemia, the most prevalent nutritional disorder. Most people rely on plant-based foods as their major Fe source, but plants are a poor source of dietary Fe. Therefore, there is a critical need to better understand the mechanisms involved in the uptake and trafficking of Fe and how plants adapt to Fe deficiency. Fe participates in key cellular functions such as photosynthesis and respiration. Perturbations of Fe uptake, transport, or storage affect plant growth as well as crop yield and plant product quality. Excess Fe has toxic effects due to its high redox activity. Plants, therefore, tightly regulate Fe uptake, distribution, and allocation. Here, we review the regulatory mechanisms involved at the transcriptional and post-translational levels that are critical to prevent Fe uptake except when plants experience Fe deficiency. We discuss the key regulatory network of basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors, including FIT, subgroup Ib, subgroup IVc, and URI (bHLH121), crucial for regulating Fe uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, we describe the regulators of these transcription factors that either activate or inhibit their function, ensuring optimal Fe uptake that is essential for plant growth.
Globalised citizenship and the perceived legitimacy of immigration control: narratives and acts of resistance in immigration detention
Authors: van Houte Marieke , Leerkes Arjen , Slipper Alice , Breuls Lars
Published: January 2021

This article considers the legitimacy deficits of immigration control in the eyes of unwanted migrants. We explore the consequences of globalisation-related changes in the institution of citizenship for the perceived legitimacy and operation of immigration control. The study is based on ethnographic research and in-depth interviews in 2018 with 35 migrants in the Detention Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We find that immigration detainees use both denationalised and transnational/cosmopolitan definitions of citizenship and belonging to contest the legitimacy of restrictive admission requirements and, to a lesser extent, the authority of states to stipulate and implement admission requirements. Based on these narratives, immigration detainees engage in forms of resistance that are meant to diminish the likelihood of deportation (‘instrumental resistance’) and in forms of resistance that are unlikely to change the outcome of the deportation procedure yet do make immigration control more costly for states (‘expressive resistance’). The narratives and strategies of resistance seem correlated with length of stay: settled migrants seem more inclined to use denationalised repertoires and instrumental resistance. Our analysis confirms the need for migration scholars to pay more attention to changing social norms regarding the perceived legitimacy of immigration control for the operation and outcomes of immigration control. The results are therefore relevant for our thinking about the future of migration governance in the context of globalisation-related changes in the institution of citizenship.
The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed Pneumocystis jirovecii in HIV-infected adults in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wills Nicola K , Lawrence David S , Botsile Elizabeth , Tenforde Mark W , Jarvis Joseph N
Published: January 2021

Background: The epidemiology of Pneumocystis jirovecii, known to colonize the respiratory tract and cause a life-threatening HIV-associated pneumonia (PCP), is poorly described in Africa. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate P. jirovecii prevalence in African HIV-positive adults with or without respiratory symptoms. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Africa-Wide, and Web of Science for studies employing PCR and/or microscopy for P. jirovecii detection in respiratory samples from HIV-positive adults in Africa between 1995 and 2020. Prevalence with respiratory symptoms was pooled using random-effect meta-analysis, and stratified by laboratory method, sample tested, study setting, CD4 count, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. Colonization prevalence in asymptomatic adults and in adults with non-PCP respiratory disease was described, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) thresholds to distinguish colonization from microscopy-confirmed PCP reviewed. Results: Thirty-two studies were included, with 27 studies (87%) at high risk of selection bias. P. jirovecii was detected in 19% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12–27%] of 3583 symptomatic and in 9% [95% CI: 0–45%] of 140 asymptomatic adults. Among symptomatic adults, prevalence was 22% [95% CI: 12–35%] by PCR and 15% [95% CI: 9–23%] by microscopy. Seven percent of 435 symptomatic adults had PCR-detected Pneumocystis colonization without evidence of PCP [95% CI: 5–10%, four studies]. One study established a qPCR cutoff of 78 copies/5μl of DNA in 305 induced sputum samples to distinguish Pneumocystis colonization from microscopy-confirmed PCP. Conclusion: Despite widened access to HIV services, P. jirovecii remains common in Africa. Prevalence estimates and qPCR-based definitions of colonization are limited, and overall quality of studies is low.
The black hole masses of extremely luminous radio-WISE selected galaxies
Authors: Ferris E R , Blain A W , Assef R J , Hatch N A , Kimball A , Kim M , Sajina A , Silva A , Stern D , Diaz-Santos T , Tsai C-W , Wylezalek D
Published: January 2021

We present near-IR photometry and spectroscopy of 30 extremely luminous radio and mid-IR-selected galaxies. With bolometric luminosities exceeding ∼1013 $\rm {L_{\odot }}$ and redshifts ranging from z = 0.880 to 2.853, we use Very Large Telescope instruments X-shooter and Infrared Spectrometer and Array Camera to investigate this unique population of galaxies. Broad multicomponent emission lines are detected in 18 galaxies and we measure the near-IR lines $\rm {H\,\rm {\beta }}$, $\rm{[O\,{\small III}]}\, \rm {\lambda }\rm {\lambda }4959,5007$, and $\rm {H\,\rm {\alpha }}$ in 6, 15, and 13 galaxies, respectively, with 10 $\rm {Ly\,\alpha }$ and 5 C iv lines additionally detected in the UVB arm. We use the broad $\rm{[O\,{\small III}]}\, \rm {\lambda }5007$ emission lines as a proxy for the bolometric active galactic nucleus luminosity, and derive lower limits to supermassive black hole masses of 107.9–109.4 M⊙ with expectations of corresponding host masses of 1010.4–1012.0 M⊙. We measure $\rm {\lambda }_{Edd}$ > 1 for eight of these sources at a 2σ significance. Near-IR photometry and SED fitting are used to compare stellar masses directly. We detect both Balmer lines in five galaxies and use these to infer a mean visual extinction of AV = 2.68 mag. Due to non-detections and uncertainties in our ${\rm H}\, \beta$ emission line measurements, we simulate a broad ${\rm H}\, \beta$ line of FWHM = 1480 $\rm {kms^{-1}}$ to estimate extinction for all sources with measured ${\rm H}\, \alpha$ emission. We then use this to infer a mean AV = 3.62 mag, demonstrating the highly obscured nature of these galaxies, with the consequence of increasing our estimates of black hole masses by a 0.5 orders of magnitude in the most extreme and obscured cases.
Radial oscillations and gravitational wave echoes of strange stars for various equations of state
Authors: Bora Jyatsnasree , Dev Goswami Umananda
Published: January 2021

We study the radial oscillations of non-rotating strange stars (SSs) and their characteristic echo frequencies for three equations of state (EoS), viz., MIT Bag model EoS, linear EoS, and polytropic EoS. The frequencies of radial oscillations of these compact stars are computed for these EoSs. In total, 22 lowest radial frequencies for each of these three EoSs have been computed. First, for each EoS, we have integrated Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations numerically to calculate the radial and pressure perturbations of SSs. Next, the mass–radius relationships for these stars are obtained using these three EoSs. Then the radial frequencies of oscillations for these EoSs are calculated. Further, the characteristic gravitational wave echo frequencies and the repetition of echo frequencies of SSs are computed for these EoSs. Our numerical results show that the radial frequencies and also echo frequencies vastly depend on the model and on the value of the model parameter. Our results also show that the radial frequencies of strange stars are maximum for polytropic EoS in comparison to MIT Bag model EoS and linear EoS. Moreover, SSs with MIT Bag model EoS and linear EoS are found to emit gravitational wave echoes. Whereas, SSs with polytropic EoS are not emitting gravitational wave echoes.
Quasi-periodic oscillations in the long-term radio light curves of the blazar AO 0235+164
Authors: Tripathi Ashutosh , Gupta Alok C , Aller Margo F , Wiita Paul J , Bambi Cosimo , Aller Hugh , Gu Minfeng
Published: January 2021

We present time series analyses of three-decade long radio observations of the BL Lacertae object AO 0235+164 made at the University of Michigan Radio Astronomical Observatory operating at three central frequencies of 4.8, 8.0, and 14.5 GHz. We detected a quasi-periodic oscillation of ∼965 d in all three frequency bands in the light curve of the effectively simultaneous observations, along with strong signals at ∼1950, ∼1350, and ∼660 d. The periodicity is analysed with three methods: data-compensated discrete Fourier transform, generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram, and Weighted Wavelet Z-transform. These methods are chosen as they have different analysis approaches toward robust measurement of claimed periodicities. The quasi-periodic oscillation at 965 ± 50 d is found to be significant (at least 3.5σ) and is persistent throughout the observation for all three radio frequencies, and the others, which may be harmonics, are comparably significant in at least the 8.0 and 14.5 GHz bands. We briefly discuss plausible explanations for the origin of such long and persistent periodicity.
Orbital analysis of small bodies in co-orbital motion with Jupiter through the torus structure
Authors: Qi Yi , de Ruiter Anton
Published: January 2021

In this paper, based on the torus structure, we investigate the orbital characteristics of Jupiter Trojans and Jupiter-family comets (JFCs) in co-orbital motion with Jupiter. The motivation of this paper is to test whether the semi-analytical approach and conclusions of the torus structure proposed in the circular restricted three-body problem are still valid for real small bodies in the ephemeris model, and how long they follow the prediction of the semi-analytical approach. Based on the topological structure of the co-orbital motion in the torus space, we propose a method for estimating the libration amplitude for Trojans. 873 Jupiter Trojans with well-determined orbits are picked as examples to demonstrate the validity of our estimation method. Numerical analysis reveals that the difference between the osculating semimajor axes of the Trojan and Jupiter can influence the accuracy of our estimation method significantly. Based on the semi-analytical approach, we predict orbital behaviours of three JFCs, 85P/Boethin, P/2012 US27 (Siding Spring), and P/2019 A1 (PANSTARRS). Numerical integration in the ephemeris model indicates that their real orbital behaviours are consistent with our predictions. In particular, we find that the current quasi-satellite state of P/2012 US27 (Siding Spring) can remain for about 1.5 × 105 yr, much longer than those that correspond to other previously reported QS companions of Jupiter.
The Three Hundred Project: Substructure in hydrodynamical and dark matter simulations of galaxy groups around clusters
Authors: Haggar Roan , Pearce Frazer R , Gray Meghan E , Knebe Alexander , Yepes Gustavo
Published: January 2021

Dark matter-only simulations are able to produce the cosmic structure of a Lambda cold dark matter universe, at a much lower computational cost than more physically motivated hydrodynamical simulations. However, it is not clear how well smaller substructure is reproduced by dark matter-only simulations. To investigate this, we directly compare the substructure of galaxy clusters and of surrounding galaxy groups in hydrodynamical and dark matter-only simulations. We utilize thethreeHundred project, a suite of 324 simulations of galaxy clusters that have been simulated with hydrodynamics, and in dark matter-only. We find that dark matter-only simulations underestimate the number density of galaxies in the centres of groups and clusters relative to hydrodynamical simulations, and that this effect is stronger in denser regions. We also look at the phase space of infalling galaxy groups, to show that dark matter-only simulations underpredict the number density of galaxies in the centres of these groups by about a factor of four. This implies that the structure and evolution of infalling groups may be different to that predicted by dark matter-only simulations. Finally, we discuss potential causes for this underestimation, considering both physical effects, and numerical differences in the analysis.
The growth of intracluster light in XCS-HSC galaxy clusters from 0.1 < z < 0.5
Authors: Furnell Kate E , Collins Chris A , Kelvin Lee S , Baldry Ivan K , James Phil A , Manolopoulou Maria , Mann Robert G , Giles Paul A , Bermeo Alberto , Hilton Matthew , Wilkinson Reese , Romer A Kathy , Vergara Carlos , Bhargava Sunayana , Stott John P , Mayers Julian , Viana Pedro
Published: January 2021

We estimate the intracluster light (ICL) component within a sample of 18 clusters detected in the XMM Cluster Survey (XCS) data using the deep (∼26.8 mag) Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Programme data release 1 i-band data. We apply a rest-frame μB = 25 mag arcsec−2 isophotal threshold to our clusters, below which we define light as the ICL within an aperture of RX,500 (X-ray estimate of R500) centred on the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG). After applying careful masking and corrections for flux losses from background subtraction, we recover ∼20 per cent of the ICL flux, approximately four times our estimate of the typical background at the same isophotal level (${\sim}5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$). We find that the ICL makes up about ${\sim}24{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the total cluster stellar mass on average (∼41 per cent including the flux contained in the BCG within 50 kpc); this value is well matched with other observational studies and semi-analytic/numerical simulations, but is significantly smaller than results from recent hydrodynamical simulations (even when measured in an observationally consistent way). We find no evidence for any links between the amount of ICL flux with cluster mass, but find a growth rate of 2–4 for the ICL between 0.1 < z < 0.5. We conclude that the ICL is the dominant evolutionary component of stellar mass in clusters from z ∼ 1. Our work highlights the need for a consistent approach when measuring ICL alongside the need for deeper imaging, in order to unambiguously measure the ICL across as broad a redshift range as possible (e.g. 10-yr stacked imaging from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory).
The luminosity functions and redshift evolution of satellites of low-mass galaxies in the COSMOS survey
Authors: Roberts Daniella M , Nierenberg Anna M , Peter Annika H G
Published: January 2021

The satellite populations of the Milky Way, and Milky Way mass galaxies in the local Universe, have been extensively studied to constrain dark matter and galaxy evolution physics. Recently, there has been a shift to studying satellites of hosts with stellar masses between that of the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Milky Way, since they can provide further insight on hierarchical structure formation, environmental effects on satellites, and the nature of dark matter. Most work is focused on the Local Volume, and little is still known about low-mass host galaxies at higher redshift. To improve our understanding of the evolution of satellite populations of low-mass hosts, we study satellite galaxy populations as a function of host stellar mass 9.5 < log (M*/M⊙) < 10.5 and redshifts 0.1 < $z$ < 0.8 in the COSMOS survey, making this the first study of satellite systems of low-mass hosts across half the age of the universe. We find that the satellite populations of low-mass host galaxies, which we measure down to satellite masses equivalent to the Fornax dwarf spheroidal satellite of the Milky Way, remain mostly unchanged through time. We observe a weak dependence between host stellar mass and number of satellites per host, which suggests that the stellar masses of the hosts are in the power-law regime of the stellar mass to halo mass relation (M*–Mhalo) for low-mass galaxies. Finally, we test the constraining power of our measured cumulative luminosity function to calculate the low-mass end slope of the M*–Mhalo relation. These new satellite luminosity function measurements are consistent with Lamda cold dark matter predictions.
Dynamics of the HD regulatory subdomain of PARP-1; substrate access and allostery in PARP activation and inhibition
Authors: Ogden Tom E H , Yang Ji-Chun , Schimpl Marianne , Easton Laura E , Underwood Elizabeth , Rawlins Philip B , McCauley Michael M , Langelier Marie-France , Pascal John M , Embrey Kevin J , Neuhaus David
Published: January 2021

PARP-1 is a key early responder to DNA damage in eukaryotic cells. An allosteric mechanism links initial sensing of DNA single-strand breaks by PARP-1’s F1 and F2 domains via a process of further domain assembly to activation of the catalytic domain (CAT); synthesis and attachment of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains to protein sidechains then signals for assembly of DNA repair components. A key component in transmission of the allosteric signal is the HD subdomain of CAT, which alone bridges between the assembled DNA-binding domains and the active site in the ART subdomain of CAT. Here we present a study of isolated CAT domain from human PARP-1, using NMR-based dynamics experiments to analyse WT apo-protein as well as a set of inhibitor complexes (with veliparib, olaparib, talazoparib and EB-47) and point mutants (L713F, L765A and L765F), together with new crystal structures of the free CAT domain and inhibitor complexes. Variations in both dynamics and structures amongst these species point to a model for full-length PARP-1 activation where first DNA binding and then substrate interaction successively destabilise the folded structure of the HD subdomain to the point where its steric blockade of the active site is released and PAR synthesis can proceed.
Non-perfectly matching small RNAs can induce stable and heritable epigenetic modifications and can be used as molecular markers to trace the origin and fate of silencing RNAs
Authors: Fei Yue , Nyikó Tünde , Molnar Attila
Published: January 2021

Short non-coding RNA molecules (sRNAs) play a fundamental role in gene regulation and development in higher organisms. They act as molecular postcodes and guide AGO proteins to target nucleic acids. In plants, sRNA-targeted mRNAs are degraded, reducing gene expression. In contrast, sRNA-targeted DNA sequences undergo cytosine methylation referred to as RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Cytosine methylation can suppress transcription, thus sRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression. sRNA-mediated RdDM is involved in genome stability through transposon silencing, mobile signalling for epigenetic gene control and hybrid vigour. Since cytosine methylation can be passed on to subsequent generations, RdDM contributes to transgenerational inheritance of the epigenome. Using a novel approach, which can differentiate between primary (inducer) and secondary (amplified) sRNAs, we show that initiation of heritable RdDM does not require complete sequence complementarity between the sRNAs and their nuclear target sequences. sRNAs with up to four regularly interspaced mismatches are potent inducers of RdDM, however, the number and disruptive nature of nucleotide polymorphisms negatively correlate with their efficacy. Our findings contribute to understanding how sRNA can directly shape the epigenome and may be used in designing the next generation of RNA silencing constructs.
Predation assessment of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in a French Mediterranean lagoon
Authors: Marchessaux Guillaume , Belloni Bruno , Gadreaud Justine , Thibault Delphine
Published: January 2021

Since 2000, the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi has been recorded in Mediterranean brackish lagoons. Quantitative data on its feeding behavior (i.e. potential ecological impact) in these particular environments are non-existent. In this study, we describe in situ predation dynamics of M. leidyi in the Berre Lagoon (south-eastern France) over a 22-month survey. Ctenophores were fixed in a solution of formalin in brackish water, allowing the study of the prey items in the gastric cavities at different time scales. The number of prey items ingested is influenced by the ctenophore biovolume, from 8 (0.5 mL) to 1 207 prey ind−1 (35 mL), and by temperature of 3.4°C (2 ± 2 prey ind−1) to 23.2°C (517 ± 295 prey ind−1). Gut evacuation time is strongly related to temperature and ranged from 80 (25°C) to 160 min (9°C). Mnemiopsis leidyi diet changed seasonally following in situ concentrations of prey. The less mobile preys such as mollusks and barnacles were the most impacted. The ctenophore predation pressure on the zooplankton assemblage could lead at time to a release of grazing pressure on phytoplankton and favor the eutrophication of the lagoon.
Which physicochemical variables should zooplankton ecologists measure when they conduct field studies?
Authors: Gray Derek K , Elmarsafy Mariam , Vucic Jasmina M , Teillet Matthew , Pretty Thomas J , Cohen Rachel S , Huynh Mercedes
Published: January 2021

Over the last century, a rich literature has developed describing how the physical and chemical environment influences zooplankton communities, but there is little guidance on the suite of limnological variables that should be measured by zooplankton ecologists. We performed a literature review to assess (i) which variables were measured most often by zooplankton ecologists, (ii) which of these variables were consistently related to zooplankton abundance and richness and (iii) whether key variables were overlooked by investigators. Our results show that there is a core group of nine limnological variables that are measured most frequently, including lake surface area, pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, chlorophyll-a, maximum depth and temperature. These variables were among those most often associated with variation in zooplankton, but several others, including dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity and nitrate, were sampled infrequently, despite showing promise as important explanatory variables. The selection of variables in past studies did not correlate with how often those variables were significant in the literature, but instead, might have been related to their ease of measurement. Neglecting to measure important variables could have implications for fundamental and applied studies that aim to understand the factors structuring zooplankton communities and their response to environmental change.
Brassinosteroid homeostasis is critical for the functionality of the Medicago truncatula pulvinus
Authors: Kong Yiming , Meng Zhe , Wang Hongfeng , Wang Yan , Zhang Yuxue , Hong Limei , Liu Rui , Wang Min , Zhang Jing , Han Lu , Bai Mingyi , Yu Xiaolin , Kong Fanjiang , Mysore Kirankumar S , Wen Jiangqi , Xin Peiyong , Chu Jinfang , Zhou Chuanen
Published: January 2021

Many plant species open their leaves during the daytime and close them at night as if sleeping. This leaf movement is known as nyctinasty, a unique and intriguing phenomenon that been of great interest to scientists for centuries. Nyctinastic leaf movement occurs widely in leguminous plants, and is generated by a specialized motor organ, the pulvinus. Although a key determinant of pulvinus development, PETIOLULE-LIKE PULVINUS (PLP), has been identified, the molecular genetic basis for pulvinus function is largely unknown. Here, through an analysis of knockout mutants in barrelclover (Medicago truncatula), we showed that neither altering brassinosteroid (BR) content nor blocking BR signal perception affected pulvinus determination. However, BR homeostasis did influence nyctinastic leaf movement. BR activity in the pulvinus is regulated by a BR-inactivating gene PHYB ACTIVATION TAGGED SUPPRESSOR1 (BAS1), which is directly activated by PLP. A comparative analysis between M. truncatula and the non-pulvinus forming species Arabidopsis and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) revealed that PLP may act as a factor that associates with unknown regulators in pulvinus determination in M. truncatula. Apart from exposing the involvement of BR in the functionality of the pulvinus, these results have provided insights into whether gene functions among species are general or specialized.
Diversity of Pain Medicine Trainees and Faculty in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Fellowship Training from 2009–2019
Authors: Odonkor Charles A , Leitner Brooks , Taraben Salam , Adekoya Peju , Orhurhu Vwaire , Hirani Salman , Ike Kenneth , Lee Roger , Vanterpool Stephanie , Goree Johnathan H , Sully Kate , Poree Lawrence
Published: January 2021

Objective

Diversity and equity in medicine remain pivotal to care delivery. Data analysis on sex and racial diversity of pain medicine fellowship trainees and faculty in the United States are scant. We sought to characterize demographic and retention patterns among pain medicine fellows and faculty, who represent the emerging chronic pain management workforce.

Design

cross-sectional retrospective analysis.

Method

We conducted an analysis of data from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the United States Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved residency and fellowship training-programs for each year from 2009 through 2019, inclusively. We compared changes in sex, racial/ethnicity composition and retention rates of fellows and faculty in the United States by practice setting.

Results

From 2009 to 2019, there was a 14% increase in the number of ACGME pain fellowship programs. From 2009 to 2019, the ratio of men to women pain fellows ranged from 5:1 to 3.7:1. Compared with their self-identified White peers, Asian (OR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34–0.58), Black (OR 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30–0.72), and Native American/Alaskan Native (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.80) identifying individuals had significantly lower odds of being a pain fellow, P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in female (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.148-1.09) and Black (OR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.11–1.12) program-directors. Pain-fellow in-state retention was 53%.

Conclusions

The demographics of pain medicine training programs reflect a persistent male vs. female gap with underrepresentation of racial minorities. Further research is needed to elucidate reasons underlying these disparities.
Prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy in an urbanized agglomeration of New Delhi, India
Authors: Cherian Vinu , Saini Narinder Kumar , Sharma Arun Kumar , Philip Joel
Published: January 2021

Background

The immunization program has been an important part of Indian public health policy for three decades; yet only 62% of children are being fully immunized. Vaccine hesitancy is a major contributor to the immunization gap that needs to be addressed.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study of prevalence and predictors of vaccine hesitancy was conducted in 350 households having at least one child in the age group of 13–24 months. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 28.9%. Fear of needles, concern about pain during vaccination, lack of family support, and apprehension regarding side effects were ascertained as reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The type of family, time taken to reach the health facility and antenatal care received by the mother were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusion

The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was found to be high. In 2019, the World Health Organization earmarked vaccine hesitancy as one of the major roadblocks to better global health. A better understanding of the subject can help public health agencies enhance vaccination coverage, not just in children but also as a tool to protect entire populations in this age of re-emerging epidemics.
A case–control study of occupational risk factors for pancreatic cancer in poultry plant workers: a random forest approach
Authors: Faramawi Mohammed F , Abouelenein Saly , Johnson Eric
Published: January 2021

Background

Poultry plant workers are exposed to chemical carcinogens and oncogenic viruses in their work environment. Our objective was to identify jobs and workplaces related to poultries that could increase the pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study within a defined cohort of poultry workers. We used a random forest algorithm to identify features that could increase pancreatic cancer in the poultry plant workers.

Results

The mean age of participants was 59.49 years. The majority of the study participants were females (51.30%) and Whites (71.0%). The following workplaces and job tasks had an association with increased pancreatic cancer mortality: working in chicken and turkey plants, working in plants where food products were processed and canned, working in a place where poultry and animals where present, working as a hunter for game animals, working as a veterinarian in places had animals and different poultry birds, working in pet houses and working in places where birds were handled and killed. The accuracy and the area under the curve of the model were 72.3 and 71.50%.

Conclusion

Chicken and turkey plant workers could be at risk for pancreatic cancer mortality. We need to confirm the results in future studies.