bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemic as a prerequisite of discrimination of the senior citizens
Authors: Tarusina Nadezhda Nikolaevna , Sokolov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Isaeva Elena Aleksandrovna
Published: August 2021

The objective of the research is to reveal and comprehend the peculiarities of the status (complex of rights of their restrictions) of the citizens in the conditions of pandemic COrona VIrus Disease-19, in particular, of the new category of minorities – people at the age of 65+ years old. The methodological base of the research is the universal, general scientific and specific scientific cognitive methods used by the legal science in the object-subject scope of cognition of the general theory of law. The process of research was focused on the comparativistics, and the historical and legal, comparative and legal, technical and other special methods of scientific cognition were applied. To estimate the situation the empiric data of the three sociological researches when questioning the dwellers of Yaroslavl Region were used. The results of the research of the comfort level of the senior citizens in the specified conditions obtained during the analysis of the legislation, and its practical application and the data of sociological researches became the conclusions that the prohibited activities do not only protect from risks but also create the new ones – intellectual, psychic and physical moments. The authors believe that as the emergency situations cannot be settled by the current pandemic, the state has to correct its regulatory and legal and managerial positions taking into account the own experience and recommendations of the specialists, including those regarding the status of a new group of minorities that is the citizens at the age of 65+ years old. The novelty of the research was stipulated by the formulated recommendations to form the optimal regulatory and legal limits of the positive discrimination of the mentioned category of citizens.
Prevention of crime by criminal law and operational-search means
Authors: Alekseeva Anna Pavlovna , Veklenko Sergey Vladimirovitch , Melikhov Aleksander Ivanovitch , Mironova Galina Nickolaevna , Turyshev Aleksander Aleksandrovitch
Published: August 2021

In the early 2000s, the Russian legislator massively introduced the term “preventing crime” into regulations thus replacing the concept of “fighting against crime”. Thus, the changes influenced federal law No. 130-FZ “Combating Terrorism” dated 25 July 1998 and many other laws. The very concept of the state’s response to violation of the established prohibitions has changed. If in the old version of the laws, punishment for committing a crime was the main preventive measure, then in the new understanding the key efforts of the state should have been focused on preventing the very event of a crime. On the one hand, this is an absolutely correct step, since it is much more profitable for the state (in socio-economic, political and other respects) to keep the population from violating the established rules than to be forced to launch a complex and expensive criminal procedural mechanism (to identify, disclose, investigate crimes, consider them in court, execute punishment, etc.). On the other hand, in the new laws, the term “prevention” is used ambiguously, to both characterise “crime prevention” activities and characterise “crime control” activities. The research objective is to find the most optimal ways to eliminate theoretical and practical contradictions arising from the law enforcement in connection with the tautology of the texts of federal laws in the field of combating crime. In the course of the research, the dialectical method of cognition was used, as well as general scientific (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, logical, systemic and structural methods) and specific scientific methods of cognition (historical, statistical and formal-legal). It is proposed to unify the definition of “combating crime” by introducing the same definitions into the federal law “Operational Investigative Activity”, “Countering Terrorism”, and other regulatory documents related to “combating crime”.
Modification of the claim: limits and their impact on the availability of justice in the Russian Federation
Authors: Starodubova Lyudmila Valerievna , Ingannamorte Leonardo Aurelio , Mashtakov Igor Vladimirovich , Lapshina Olga Sergeevna , Kodirzoda Golib Nurullo
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the study is to prove the need to lift restrictions in civil proceedings and proceedings in arbitration courts in terms of the limits of modification of the claim and to provide the applicant with the possibility of simultaneous modification of the subject and the basis of the claim while maintaining their previously stated legally protected interest. Certainly, this may be possible only and exclusively with the approval of the judge, as well as with the preservation of all procedural guarantees for the defendant. The methodological basis of the research is the general, general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition used by legal science in the object-subject sphere of cognition of the general theory of law. In addition, a number of synthetic, integrative methods of research are used, which are included in the methodology of interdisciplinary science, which is relevant for modern socio-humanitarian science. The results of the study are the justification that these limits in some cases can completely block the applicant’s access to the mechanisms of justice. The authors argue that this is unacceptable since it violates both the subjective right of the applicant to a defense, and one of the most important principles of justice is the principle of accessibility. The authors also considered the issue of the validity of the limits of the modification of the claim. The novelty of the work is in the results of the analysis of the practice and the alleged hypothetical situations in which the existence of limits for the modification of the claim does not allow the applicant to defend its rights and legitimate interests, as in the identified causes, conditions, and consequences of such phenomena.
The problem of insufficient debtor’s property during bankruptcy
Authors: Sarnakov Igor Valerievich , Sarnakova Aleksandra Vadimovna , Matveev Igor Valentinovich , Matveeva Natalya Alekseevna , Yulova Ekaterina Sergeevna
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the study is to determine the key factors affecting the occurrence of insufficiency of debtors’ property in modern conditions, as well as to formulate the main directions of overcoming them. The methodological basis of the research was the dialectical method of scientific knowledge, general scientific (analysis, synthesis, modeling), and special scientific methods (formal and legal, statistical). The result of the work was the formulation and substantiation of tasks, the setting of which is necessary for further scientific research aimed at increasing the number of satisfied creditors’ claims. In addition, the authors identified the elements of the legislatively enshrined bankruptcy mechanism, which require changes to resolve the indicated problem. In particular, the measures proposed by the authors will make it possible to increase the degree of filling the bankruptcy estate by modernizing the procedure for selling the debtor’s property, stimulating a more active position of the arbitration administrator to challenge the debtor’s transactions, and bringing his controlling persons to subsidiary liability. The novelty of the work lies in the identification of key factors influencing in modern conditions the appearance of signs of insolvency, the quality, and quantity of debtors’ assets, the insufficiency of their bankruptcy estate. Among them, objective economic reasons, imperfection of bankruptcy legislation, dishonesty of key participants in legal relations related to bankruptcy (debtor, bankruptcy administrator, majority creditors), unwillingness to use the institution of bankruptcy rehabilitation mechanisms, and the epidemiological situation are highlighted.
The use of the term compliance in order to improve the efficiency of companies
Authors: Iksanov Ilya Samatovich , Panova Elena Pavlovna , Frolova Natalia Nikolaevna , Filimonova Natalia Yuryevna , Shanin Andrey Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2021

The purposes of the study are: to reveal the meaning of the term “compliance”; to define the use of the term “compliance” in the Russian environment; to determine how the term “compliance” functions in Russian legislation; to find out what different definitions, functions, and scope of use of compliance can be found in the legal field. The article discusses the importance of compliance in various fields: legal, economic, and management. In Russian legislation, the definition of the term “compliance” is not disclosed or applied more locally. Based on the Russian and Western definitions of the concept, this article offers an interpretation of the “compliance” definition. The article analyzes compliance procedures that should not only monitor compliance with current legislation, but also act as a risk-oriented model and take into account factors that affect the implementation of any type of economic activity. In order to reduce possible business risks and comply with legislation on the part of organizations, and to address the issue of responsibility of entrepreneurs on the part of state control and Supervisory authorities, it is necessary to implement a compliance system. The main principles for implementing compliance control are also highlighted. Compliance control should apply not only to a legal entity and its structural elements, but also to a group of individuals. The implementation of compliance control is important not only for business entities, but also for state control and Supervisory organizations, since compliance control allows you to determine the integrity of a business in carrying out its commercial activities, and is also a mitigating circumstance in determining responsibility and punishment.
Protection of collective rights and interests in arbitration
Authors: Dolganichev Vladimir Veniaminovich , Grubtsova Svetlana Pavlovna
Published: August 2021

Objective of the research: to identify the means of protection of collective interests, suitable for international commercial arbitration, based on models used in Russian procedural law and abroad. The research used both general scientific (analysis, synthesis, comparison, descriptive, formal-logical) and special legal (formal-legal, comparative-legal, historical-legal, method of legal modeling) methods. The work has resulted in a conclusion about the expansion of the use of collective rights and interests’ remedies in international commercial arbitration. In addition, conclusions are formulated on the admissibility in arbitration of such means of protection of collective rights and interests of procedural law as complicity, class actions, bankruptcy, protection of an indefinite range of persons and indirect claims. In particular, such a classic remedy of multiple persons as procedural complicity is often used in arbitration; on the other hand, rules are emerging on the possibility of using a class action to protect multiple persons in arbitration; the use of an indirect claim is also not restricted to arbitration, and it can be used subject to national law. The novelty of the research lies in the postulate of the impossibility in the modern legal process of using the institute of protection of an indefinite range of persons in arbitration due to the special nature of arbitration as a voluntary form of protection of rights and legitimate interests.
Subsidiary liability of the persons controlling a debtor
Authors: Borisovich Yermilov Valery
Published: August 2021

This article gives a general description of Chapter III.2 of the Bankruptcy Law and considers the issues related to the moratorium on bankruptcy. Attention is drawn to the changes that have been introduced in recent years in the legislation on bringing to the subsidiary liability of persons controlling a debtor for the inability to pay creditors’ claims in full, as well as the obligation to apply for the debtor and the liability for failure to do so (untimely application). The author, on the basis of the study, concludes that it is necessary to further improve the legislation on the liability of the head of the debtor and other persons in bankruptcy cases.
Chimney-EVAR – Versorgung para- und juxtarenaler Aortenaneurysmen
Authors: Fellenberg Jana , Geisbüsch Philipp
Published: August 2021

Endovaskuläre Therapien in der Gefäßchirurgie haben in den letzten Jahren zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen und einen rasanten Wandel durchlebt. Fenestrierte und gebranchte Stentgrafts bieten eine innovative Alternative zur konventionellen Aortenchirurgie. Jedoch limitieren lange Produktionszeiten, erhebliche Kosten und anatomische Herausforderungen den Einsatz dieser Therapieverfahren. Eine adäquate Alternative – auch im Notfall – ist die Chimney-Technik zur endovaskulären Versorgung para- und juxtarenaler Aortenpathologien 1.
Observed risk of recurrent bleeding and thromboembolic disease in COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Attah Emmanuel , Martin Tracey A. , Smith Emily S. , Tewani Sunena , Hajifathalian Kaveh , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Crawford Carl V. , Wan David
Published: August 2021

Background and study aim COVID-19 patients are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) requiring the use of anticoagulation. Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is increasingly being reported, complicating the decision to initiate or resume anticoagulation as providers balance the risk of thrombotic disease with the risk of bleeding. Our study aimed to assess rebleeding rates in COVID-19 patients with GIB and determine whether endoscopy reduces these rebleeding events. We also report 30-day VTE and mortality rates.

Methods This was a retrospective study evaluating 56 COVID-19 patients with GIB for the following outcomes: 30-day rebleeding rate, 30-day VTE rate, effects of endoscopic intervention on the rate of rebleeding, and 30-day mortality.

Results The overall rates of VTE and rebleeding events were 27 % and 41 %, respectively. Rebleeding rates in patients managed conservatively was 42 % compared with 40 % in the endoscopy group. Overall, 87 % of those who underwent invasive intervention resumed anticoagulation vs. 55 % of those managed medically (P = 0.02). The all-cause 30-day mortality and GIB-related deaths were 32 % and 9 %, respectively. Mortality rates between the endoscopic and conservative management groups were not statistically different (25 % vs. 39 %; P = 0.30).

Conclusions Although rebleeding rates were similar between the endoscopic and conservative management groups, patients who underwent intervention were more likely to restart anticoagulation. While endoscopy appeared to limit the duration that anticoagulation was withheld, larger studies are needed to further characterize its direct effect on mortality outcomes in these complex patients.
Update Phytotherapie – Aktueller wissenschaftlicher Stand bei Angst, Depression, innerer Unruhe und Schlafstörungen
Authors: Gündling Peter W.
Published: August 2021

Psychische Erkrankungen und Belastungen sind weltweit auf dem Vormarsch. Aktuell beherrschen Ängste und deren Folgen ganze Bevölkerungsgruppen. Im Rahmen einer multimodalen Therapie können Phytopharmaka, für die es in den letzten Jahren zunehmend wissenschaftliche Belege gibt, neben Gesprächs- und Verhaltenstherapien eine wertvolle Hilfe sein. Der Beitrag geht auf die bekannten Phytotherapeutika ein und zeigt jedoch auch weniger bekannte Heilpflanzen mit anxiolytischer Wirkung auf.
Tenosynovitis und Ringbandruptur: Zwei der häufigsten Kletterverletzungen
Authors: Deussen Simon
Published: August 2021

Die Finger werden beim Klettern außergewöhnlich stark beansprucht. Kein Wunder, dass sie dabei oft verletzt werden – für ambitionierte Kletterer nicht selten eine Katastrophe. Diagnostiziert man die Verletzung aber richtig und behandelt sie dementsprechend, können Betroffene häufig schon bald wieder zurück an die Kletterwand oder in den Fels.
Fetale Hypoxie und Apoptose nach maternaler Infektion mit dem PRRS-Virus
Authors: Schmid Sarah
Published: August 2021

Malgarin CM, Moser F, Pasternak JA et al. Fetal hypoxia and apoptosis following maternal porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17: 182

Das Porzine Reproduktive und Respiratorische Syndrom gehört zu den bedeutendsten viralen Schweineerkrankungen und geht mit hohen wirtschaftlichen Verlusten einher. Etwa die Hälfte dieser Verluste ist durch Aborte, totgeborene oder lebensschwache Ferkel sowie Kümmerer auf die reproduktive Form der Erkrankung bei maternaler Infektion in der Spätträchtigkeit zurückzuführen. Die Mechanismen für den fetalen Tod nach maternaler Infektion sind noch weitgehend ungeklärt. Vermutet wird eine Hypoxie infolge von Nabelschnurläsionen oder Plazentaablösung durch Apoptose. Ziel der Studie war der Nachweis von Anzeichen für Apoptose sowie Hypoxie im fetalen Gewebe.
The Potential of Shear Wave Elastography to Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies in Breast Cancer Diagnosis: An International, Diagnostic, Multicenter Trial
Authors: Golatta Michael , Pfob André , Büsch Christopher , Bruckner Thomas , Alwafai Zaher , Balleyguier Corinne , Clevert Dirk-André , Duda Volker , Goncalo Manuela , Gruber Ines , Hahn Markus , Kapetas Panagiotis , Ohlinger Ralf , Rutten Matthieu , Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Wojcinski Sebastian , Rauch Geraldine , Heil Jörg , Barr Richard G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose In this prospective, multicenter trial we evaluated whether additional shear wave elastography (SWE) for patients with BI-RADS 3 or 4 lesions on breast ultrasound could further refine the assessment with B-mode breast ultrasound for breast cancer diagnosis.

Materials and Methods We analyzed prospective, multicenter, international data from 1288 women with breast lesions rated by conventional 2 D B-mode ultrasound as BI-RADS 3 to 4c and undergoing 2D-SWE. After reclassification with SWE the proportion of undetected malignancies should be < 2 %. All patients underwent histopathologic evaluation (reference standard).

Results Histopathologic evaluation showed malignancy in 368 of 1288 lesions (28.6 %). The assessment with B-mode breast ultrasound resulted in 1.39 % (6 of 431) undetected malignancies (malignant lesions in BI-RADS 3) and 53.80 % (495 of 920) unnecessary biopsies (biopsies in benign lesions). Re-classifying BI-RADS 4a patients with a SWE cutoff of 2.55 m/s resulted in 1.98 % (11 of 556) undetected malignancies and a reduction of 24.24 % (375 vs. 495) of unnecessary biopsies.

Conclusion A SWE value below 2.55 m/s for BI-RADS 4a lesions could be used to downstage these lesions to follow-up, and therefore reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies by 24.24 %. However, this would come at the expense of some additionally missed cancers compared to B-mode breast ultrasound (rate of undetected malignancies 1.98 %, 11 of 556, versus 1.39 %, 6 of 431) which would, however, still be in line with the ACR BI-RADS 3 definition (< 2 % of undetected malignancies).
Microcredit Impacts: Evidence from a Large-Scale Observational Study in Brazil
Authors: Goldszmidt Rafael , Behr Patrick , Zucco Cesar , Lenz Anna-Katharina , Gonzalez Lauro , Valdivia Martin
Published: August 2021

This paper studies the impact of microcredit in Brazil. We use a propensity score matching on original primary data on business and personal outcomes to compare veteran clients of BNDES—Brazil’s largest government-owned development bank—to a matched sample of more recent clients. Based on administrative data as well as data from a survey of 2107 clients from the South and Northeast regions of Brazil, the findings show no significant impacts on income, employment generation, access to credit, and business formalization, except for the poorest Municipalities of the Northeast, where microcredit presented positive effects.
Shooting solitaries due to small-world connectivity in leaky integrate-and-fire networks
Authors: Tsigkri-DeSmedt N. D. , Sarlis N. V. , Provata A.
Published: August 2021

We study the synchronization properties in a network of leaky integrate-and-fire oscillators with nonlocal connectivity under probabilistic small-world rewiring. We demonstrate that the random links lead to the emergence of chimera-like states where the coherent regions are interrupted by scattered, short-lived solitaries; these are termed “shooting solitaries.” Moreover, we provide evidence that random links enhance the appearance of chimera-like states for values of the parameter space that otherwise support synchronization. This last effect is counter-intuitive because by adding random links to the synchronous state, the system locally organizes into coherent and incoherent domains.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the permeation and distribution of plasma ROS in aquaporin-1
Authors: Wang Zichen , Zhao Tong , Hu Yujia , Zou Liang , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Yuantao
Published: August 2021

In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been found to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells and has become a research hotspot, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aquaporins (AQPs) on the cell membranes of cancer cells are believed to be related to the selective therapeutic mechanism of CAP. In this study, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by CAP, which are believed to play an important role in the apoptosis of cancer cells, crossed the membrane through aquaporin-1 (AQP1). The process of membrane penetration, the distribution of ROS on the membrane, and the free energy barrier of AQP1 on ROS are determined by the molecular dynamics simulation based on the GROMOS 53A6 force field. The ROS distribution shows that the presence of AQP1 results in a deeper distribution of hydrophilic ROS in cell membranes. The free energy barrier for the movement of hydrophilic ROS through AQP1 is significantly lower than that for their movement through the lipid bilayer. Therefore, AQP1 on the cell membrane can improve the efficiency of the entry of hydrophilic ROS into cancer cells. These results illustrate that AQP1 can improve the transmembrane efficiency of ROS and provide insights into the mechanism underlying the selectivity of CAP at the atomic level.
In situ monitoring of electrical resistivity and plasma during pulsed laser deposition growth of ultra-thin silver films
Authors: Novotný M. , Fitl P. , Irimiciuc S. A. , Bulíř J. , More-Chevalier J. , Fekete L. , Hruška P. , Chertopalov S. , Vrňata M. , Lančok J.
Published: August 2021

Ultra-thin silver films of thicknesses of the order of 10 nm and less were prepared in different ambient conditions (vacuum, Ar, and N2) by pulsed laser deposition on glass and fused silica substrates. The in situ monitoring of electrical resistance of deposited films and optical emission spectroscopy of plasma were implemented as real-time analysis techniques. Change in the growth mechanism of the Ag layer in N2 ambient is expressed by an acceleration of the coalescence process, which shifts the percolation point toward lower mass thicknesses. The films prepared in vacuum and Ar ambient were found to be unstable for a final resistance in the range from 1 to 100 MΩ while the films deposited in N2 revealed stable electrical resistance. The percolation point was further lowered by introducing a sublayer of AgxOy for the film deposited in N2 gas. Based on data provided by AFM, SEM, and spectroscopic ellipsometry, different film formation mechanisms are discussed in relation to surface morphology and optical properties. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to monitor the deposition process and identify the species presented during the deposition process. The energy of the ejected particle is affected by the addition of ambient gas and depends on the properties of the working gas.
Thermoelectric properties of Bi2O2Se single crystals
Authors: Wang Jialu , Hu Wanghua , Lou Zhefeng , Xu Zhuokai , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Tao , Lin Xiao
Published: August 2021

Bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se) attracts great interest as a potential n-type complement to p-type thermoelectric oxides in practical applications. Previous investigations were generally focused on polycrystals. Here, we performed a study on the thermoelectric properties of Bi2O2Se single crystals. Our samples exhibit electron mobility as high as 250 cm2 V−1 s−1 and thermal conductivity as low as 2 W m−1 K−1 near room temperature. The maximized figure of merit is yielded to be 0.188 at 390 K, higher than that of polycrystals. Consequently, a rough estimation of the phonon mean free path (ℓph) from the kinetic model amounts to 12 Å at 390 K and follows a T−1 behavior. An extrapolation of ℓph to higher temperatures indicates that this system approaches the Ioffe–Regel limit at about 1100 K. In light of the phonon dispersions, we argue that the ultralow ℓph is attributed to intense anharmonic phonon–phonon scattering, including the Umklapp process and acoustic to optical phonon scattering. Our results suggest that single crystals provide a further improvement of thermoelectric performance of Bi2O2Se.
Optimal navigation strategy of active Brownian particles in target-search problems
Authors: Zanovello Luigi , Faccioli Pietro , Franosch Thomas , Caraglio Michele
Published: August 2021

We investigate exploration patterns of a microswimmer, modeled as an active Brownian particle, searching for a target region located in a well of an energy landscape and separated from the initial position of the particle by high barriers. We find that the microswimmer can enhance its success rate in finding the target by tuning its activity and its persistence in response to features of the environment. The target-search patterns of active Brownian particles are counterintuitive and display characteristics robust to changes in the energy landscape. On the contrary, the transition rates and transition-path times are sensitive to the details of the specific energy landscape. In striking contrast to the passive case, the presence of additional local minima does not significantly slow down the active-target-search dynamics.
Enhancing the accumulation and bioavailability of iron in rice grains via agronomic interventions
Authors: Zulfiqar Usman , Hussain Saddam , Maqsood Muhammad , Zamir Shahid Ibni , Ishfaq Muhammad , Ali Nauman , Ahmad Muhammad , Maqsood Muhammad Faisal
Published: August 2021

Suboptimal or inadequate diet of iron (Fe) represents a latent health problem affecting over two billion people worldwide. To tackle micronutrient deficiency in crops, a short-term approach is agronomic biofortification in which nutrients can be enhanced by their accumulation in food plant tissue either by fertilisation or by other eliciting aspects. The present study evaluated the comparative influence of various Fe application methods, including (i) Fe seed coating (300 mg Fe kg–1 seed), (ii) Fe osmopriming (0.5% Fe solution), (iii) surface broadcasting (8 kg ha–1), (iv) Fe foliar application (0.3% Fe solution), on paddy yield, net benefits, grain Fe accumulation, bioavailability, and Fe-use efficiencies in conventional (puddled transplanted rice, PTR) and conservational (direct-seeded aerobic rice, DSAR) production systems. Hydro-priming and foliar water spray were also included in treatments as a positive control for osmopriming and foliar spray of Fe respectively. Iron application by either method enhanced productivity, profitability, and biofortification in both rice systems. Grain yield improved in both years by the application of Fe in the following order: osmopriming > foliar application > surface broadcasting > seed coating, with the respective increase of 18%, 14%, 10%, 8% relative to no Fe application. Grain Fe concentration was the highest by Fe applied as foliar (37% over control) in both production systems. Similarly, minimum phytate concentration and phytate:Fe molar ratio were recorded with foliar-applied Fe. In crux, Fe application by osmopriming increased the productivity and profitability under PTR and DSAR systems, whereas foliar-applied Fe improved the grain Fe accumulation.
The evolution of targeted cannibalism and cannibal-induced defenses in invasive populations of cane toads
Authors: DeVore Jayna L. , Crossland Michael R. , Shine Richard , Ducatez Simon
Published: August 2021

Significance

Invasive species are known for their ability to achieve high densities within their introduced range. Hence, invaders often face strong competition from members of their own species. Mechanisms for reducing intraspecific competition may therefore be favored in invasive populations, such as cannibalism, in which individuals kill and eat intraspecific competitors. Here, we find that toad tadpoles from invasive Australian populations have evolved both a strong behavioral attraction to the vulnerable hatchling stage and an increased propensity to cannibalize these younger conspecifics. In response, these toads have also evolved multiple strategies for reducing the duration of the vulnerable period, indicating an evolutionary arms race between the cannibalistic tadpole stage and the vulnerable egg and hatchling stages in invaded habitats.
Using time-use diaries to track changing behavior across successive stages of COVID-19 social restrictions
Authors: Sullivan Oriel , Gershuny Jonathan , Sevilla Almudena , Foliano Francesca , Vega-Rapun Margarita , Lamote de Grignon Juana , Harms Teresa , Walthéry Pierre
Published: August 2021

Significance

What do people do during lockdown? This unique sequence of four time-use diary surveys provides real-time information on changing behavior in the United Kingdom during each major phase of social restrictions. We compare 24-h continuous and comprehensive information on the populations’ activities, their social context, and their location, assessing risk-related behavior during different phases of institutional response to the pandemic. Holding constant gender, age, and social grade, we show that the UK population spent on average 35 more minutes per day in high-risk activity combinations in the second UK lockdown in November 2020 than in the first lockdown (starting March 2020). This difference is shown to be associated with an increase in time spent doing paid work in the workplace.
DNA-encoded chemistry technology yields expedient access to SARS-CoV-2 M
pro
inhibitors
Authors: Chamakuri Srinivas , Lu Shuo , Ucisik Melek Nihan , Bohren Kurt M. , Chen Ying-Chu , Du Huang-Chi , Faver John C. , Jimmidi Ravikumar , Li Feng , Li Jian-Yuan , Nyshadham Pranavanand , Palmer Stephen S. , Pollet Jeroen , Qin Xuan , Ronca Shannon E. , Sankaran Banumathi , Sharma Kiran L. , Tan Zhi , Versteeg Leroy , Yu Zhifeng , Matzuk Martin M. , Palzkill Timothy , Young Damian W.
Published: August 2021

Significance

SARS-CoV-2 has had a crippling impact on human life globally. Vaccine development has been used as a first-line strategy for COVID-19 prevention and mitigation; however, small-molecule drugs are still vitally needed to extend treatment options. Traditional screening methods for identifying biologically active small molecules are sluggish and often sample an insufficient number of compounds to identify suitable hits. Here, we applied a screening method known as DNA-encoded chemistry technology (DEC-Tec) to screen billions of compounds against a critical viral protein, M
pro
. In rapid fashion, we identified the compound CDD-1713 as a potent and selective M
pro
inhibitor. This study illuminates DEC-Tec as a highly expeditious strategy toward generating small molecules against critical targets of infectious agents.
RanGTP and the actin cytoskeleton keep paternal and maternal chromosomes apart during fertilization
Authors: Mori Masashi , Yao Tatsuma , Mishina Tappei , Endoh Hiromi , Tanaka Masahito , Yonezawa Nao , Shimamoto Yuta , Yonemura Shigenobu , Yamagata Kazuo , Kitajima Tomoya S. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: August 2021

Zygotes require two accurate sets of parental chromosomes, one each from the mother and the father, to undergo normal embryogenesis. However, upon egg–sperm fusion in vertebrates, the zygote has three sets of chromosomes, one from the sperm and two from the egg. The zygote therefore eliminates one set of maternal chromosomes (but not the paternal chromosomes) into the polar body through meiosis, but how the paternal chromosomes are protected from maternal meiosis has been unclear. Here we report that RanGTP and F-actin dynamics prevent egg–sperm fusion in proximity to maternal chromosomes. RanGTP prevents the localization of Juno and CD9, egg membrane proteins that mediate sperm fusion, at the cell surface in proximity to maternal chromosomes. Following egg–sperm fusion, F-actin keeps paternal chromosomes away from maternal chromosomes. Disruption of these mechanisms causes the elimination of paternal chromosomes during maternal meiosis. This study reveals a novel critical mechanism that prevents aneuploidy in zygotes.
TREM2-dependent lipid droplet biogenesis in phagocytes is required for remyelination
Authors: Gouna Garyfallia , Klose Christian , Bosch-Queralt Mar , Liu Lu , Gokce Ozgun , Schifferer Martina , Cantuti-Castelvetri Ludovico , Simons Mikael
Published: August 2021

Upon demyelinating injury, microglia orchestrate a regenerative response that promotes myelin repair, thereby restoring rapid signal propagation and protecting axons from further damage. Whereas the essential phagocytic function of microglia for remyelination is well known, the underlying metabolic pathways required for myelin debris clearance are poorly understood. Here, we show that cholesterol esterification in male mouse microglia/macrophages is a necessary adaptive response to myelin debris uptake and required for the generation of lipid droplets upon demyelinating injury. When lipid droplet biogenesis is defective, innate immune cells do not resolve, and the regenerative response fails. We found that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)–deficient mice are unable to adapt to excess cholesterol exposure, form fewer lipid droplets, and build up endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Alleviating ER stress in TREM2-deficient mice restores lipid droplet biogenesis and resolves the innate immune response. Thus, we conclude that TREM2-dependent formation of lipid droplets constitute a protective response required for remyelination to occur.
Characterization of human FDCs reveals regulation of T cells and antigen presentation to B cells
Authors: Heesters Balthasar A. , van Megesen Kyah , Tomris Ilhan , de Vries Robert P. , Magri Giuliana , Spits Hergen
Published: August 2021

Stromal-derived follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are essential for germinal centers (GCs), the site where B cells maturate their antibodies. FDCs present native antigen to B cells and maintain a CXCL13 gradient to form the B cell follicle. Yet despite their essential role, the transcriptome of human FDCs remains undefined. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and microarray, we provided the transcriptome of these enigmatic cells as a comprehensive resource. Key genes were validated by flow cytometry and microscopy. Surprisingly, marginal reticular cells (MRCs) rather than FDCs expressed B cell activating factor (BAFF). Furthermore, we found that human FDCs expressed TLR4 and can alter antigen availability in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). High expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on FDCs activated PD1 on T cells. In addition, we found expression of genes related to T cell regulation, such as HLA-DRA, CD40, and others. These data suggest intimate contact between human FDCs and T cells.
In situ ac Stark shift detection in light storage spectroscopy
Authors: Palani D , Hoenig D , Karpa L
Published: August 2021

We report on a method for measuring ac Stark shifts observed in stored light experiments while simultaneously determining the energetic splitting between the electronic ground states involved in the two-photon transition. To this end, we make use of the frequency matching effect in light storage spectroscopy. We find a linear dependence on the intensity of the control field applied during the retrieval phase of the experiment. At the same time, we observe that the light shift is insensitive to the intensity of the signal field which is in contrast to continuously operated electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) or coherent population trapping (CPT) experiments, where the light shifts induced by all participating optical fields have to be taken into account. Our results may be of importance for future precision measurements in addition to or in combination with current EIT and CPT-type devices which are largely compatible with our approach and could benefit from the inherent robustness regarding operational conditions, shape of the resonances or intensity fluctuations in the signal field.
Influence of target-rear-side short scale length density gradients on laser-driven proton acceleration
Authors: Higginson A , Wilson R , Goodman J , King M , Dance R J , Butler N M H , Armstrong C D , Notley M , Carroll D C , Fang Y , Yuan X H , Neely D , Gray R J , McKenna P
Published: August 2021

The effects of a short plasma density scale length on laser-driven proton acceleration from foil targets is investigated by heating and driving expansion of a large area of the target rear surface. The maximum proton energy, proton flux and the divergence of the proton beam are all measured to decrease with increasing extent of the plasma expansion. Even for a small plasma scale length of the order of the laser wavelength (∼1 µm), a significant effect on the generated proton beam is evident; a substantial decrease in the number of protons over a wide spectral range is measured. A combination of radiation-hydrodynamic and particle-in-cell simulations provide insight into the underlying physics. The results provide new understanding of the importance of even a small plasma density gradient, with implications for applications that require efficient laser energy conversion to ions, such as proton-driven fast-ignition of compressed fusion fuel.
Quantum Electrodynamics vacuum polarization solver
Authors: Grismayer T , Torres R , Carneiro P , Cruz F , Fonseca R A , Silva L O
Published: August 2021

The self-consistent modeling of vacuum polarization due to virtual electron-positron fluctuations is of relevance for many near term experiments associated with high intensity radiation sources and represents a milestone in describing scenarios of extreme energy density. We present a generalized finite-difference time-domain solver that can incorporate the modifications to Maxwell’s equations due to vacuum polarization. Our multidimensional solver reproduced in one-dimensional configurations the results for which an analytic treatment is possible, yielding vacuum harmonic generation and birefringence. The solver has also been tested for two-dimensional scenarios where finite laser beam spot sizes must be taken into account. We employ this solver to explore different types of laser configurations that can be relevant for future planned experiments aiming to detect quantum vacuum dynamics at ultra-high electromagnetic field intensities.
Solving the subset sum problem with a nonideal biological computer
Authors: Konopik Michael , Korten Till , Linke Heiner , Lutz Eric
Published: August 2021

We consider the solution of the subset sum problem based on a parallel computer consisting of self-propelled biological agents moving in a nanostructured network that encodes the computing task in its geometry. We develop an approximate analytical method to analyze the effects of small errors in the nonideal junctions composing the computing network by using a Gaussian confidence interval approximation of the multinomial distribution. We concretely evaluate the probability distribution for error-induced paths and determine the minimal number of agents required to obtain a proper solution. We finally validate our theoretical results with exact numerical simulations of the subset sum problem for different set sizes and error probabilities, and discuss the scalability of the nonideal problem using realistic experimental error probabilities.
Fifth-force screening around extremely compact sources
Authors: Burrage Clare , Elder Benjamin , Millington Peter , Saadeh Daniela , Thrussell Ben
Published: August 2021

Many non-linear scalar field theories possess a screening mechanism that can suppress any associated fifth force in dense environments. As a result, these theories can evade local experimental tests of new forces. Chameleon-like screening, which occurs because of non-linearities in the scalar potential or the coupling to matter, is well understood around extended objects. However, many experimental tests of these theories involve objects with spatial extent much smaller than the scalar field's Compton wavelength, and which could therefore be considered point-like. In this work, we determine how the fifth forces are screened in the limit that the source objects become extremely compact.
Prevalence of Comorbidities in Active and Reserve Service Members Pre and Post Traumatic Brain Injury, 2017-2019
Authors: Hai Tajrina , Agimi Yll , Stout Katharine
Published: August 2021

Objective

To understand the prevalence of comorbidities associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients among active and reserve service members in the U.S. Military.

Methods

Active and reserve SMs diagnosed with an incident TBI from January 2017 to October 2019 were selected. Nineteen comorbidities associated with TBI as identified in the literature and by clinical subject matter experts were described in this article. Each patient’s medical encounters were evaluated from 6 months before to 2 years following the initial TBI diagnoses date in the Military Data Repository, if data were available. Time-to-event analyses were conducted to assess the cumulative prevalence over time of each comorbidity to the incident TBI diagnosis.

Results

We identified 47,299 TBI patients, of which most were mild (88.8%), followed by moderate (10.5%), severe (0.5%), and of penetrating (0.2%) TBI severity. Two years from the initial TBI diagnoses, the top five comorbidities within our cohort were cognitive disorders (51.9%), sleep disorders (45.0%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 36.0%), emotional disorders (22.7%), and anxiety disorders (22.6%) across severity groups. Cognitive, sleep, PTSD, and emotional disorders were the top comorbidities seen within each TBI severity group. Comorbidities increased pre-TBI to post-TBI; the more severe the TBI, the greater the prevalence of associated comorbidities.

Conclusion

A large proportion of our TBI patients are afflicted with comorbidities, particularly post-TBI, indicating many have a complex profile. The military health system should continue tracking comorbidities associated with TBI within the U.S. Military and devise clinical practices that acknowledge the complexity of the TBI patient.
Methods for measuring the evolutionary stability of engineered genomes to improve their longevity
Authors: Nuismer Scott L , C. Layman Nathan , Redwood Alec J , Chan Baca , Bull James J
Published: August 2021

Diverse applications rely on engineering microbes to carry and express foreign transgenes. This engineered baggage rarely benefits the microbe and is thus prone to rapid evolutionary loss when the microbe is propagated. For applications where a transgene must be maintained for extended periods of growth, slowing the rate of transgene evolution is critical and can be achieved by reducing either the rate of mutation or the strength of selection. Because the benefits realized by changing these quantities will not usually be equal, it is important to know which will yield the greatest improvement to the evolutionary half-life of the engineering. Here, we provide a method for jointly estimating the mutation rate of transgene loss and the strength of selection favoring these transgene-free, revertant individuals. The method requires data from serial transfer experiments in which the frequency of engineered genomes is monitored periodically. Simple mathematical models are developed that use these estimates to predict the half-life of the engineered transgene and provide quantitative predictions for how alterations to mutation and selection will influence longevity. The estimation method and predictive tools have been implemented as an interactive web application, MuSe.
Effect of Pathogen Virulence on Pathogenicity, Host Range, and Reproduction of Plasmodiophora brassicae, the Causal Agent of Clubroot Disease
Authors: Zamani-Noor Nazanin , Brand Sinja , Söchting Hans-Peter
Published: August 2021

A series of greenhouse experiments was conducted to evaluate the effect of Plasmodiophora brassicae virulence on clubroot development and propagation of resting spores in 86 plant species from 19 botanical families. Plants were artificially inoculated with two isolates of P. brassicae, which were virulent on clubroot-resistant oilseed rape cultivar Mendel [pathotype 1; P1 (+)] or avirulent on this cultivar (P1). Clubroot severity and the number of resting spores inside the roots were assessed 35 days post inoculation. Typical clubroot symptoms were observed only in the Brassicaceae family. P1 (+)–inoculated species exhibited more severe symptoms (two- to 10-fold more severe), bigger galls (1.1- to 5.8-fold heavier), and greater numbers of resting spores than the P1-inoculated plants. Among all Brassica species, Bunias orientalis, Coronopus squamatus, and Raphanus sativus were fully resistant against both isolates, whereas Camelina sativa, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Coincya monensis, Descurainia sophia, Diplotaxis muralis, Erucastrum gallicum, Neslia paniculata, Sinapis alba, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium altissimum, Sisymbrium loeselii, and Thlaspi arvense were highly susceptible. Conringia orientalis, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Hirschfeldia incana, Iberis amara, Lepidium campestre, and N. paniculata were completely or partially resistant to P1 isolate but highly susceptible to P1 (+). These results suggest that the basis for resistance in these species may be similar to that found in some commercial cultivars, and that these species could contribute to the buildup of inoculum of virulent pathotypes. Furthermore, the pathogen DNA was detected in Alopecurus myosuroides, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Papaver rhoeas, and Pisum sativum. It can be concluded that the number and diversity of hosts for P. brassicae are greater than previously reported.
Preliminary Study of Viruses Infecting Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) in the Midsouthern United States
Authors: Davalos Nicole , Wells Harrington , Ali Akhtar
Published: August 2021

Strawberry is an important economic crop in the midsouthern United States; however, limited information is known about the viruses present in strawberry fields in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of particular viruses infecting strawberry crops in these four states. A total of 816 strawberry leaf samples were randomly collected from growers’ fields during the 2014 and 2016 growing seasons and tested by dot-immunobinding assay against antisera of eight available viruses: apple mosaic virus (ApMV), arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), raspberry ringspot virus, strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), tobacco necrosis virus, tomato black ring virus, and tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV). Of the eight viruses, ApMV, RBDV, and SMYEV had the highest infection rates in 2014, whereas ApMV, ArMV, ToRSV and SMYEV were the most prevalent viruses in 2016. Mixed infection of more than one virus was very common in samples collected from all four states. Our preliminary results showed that the distribution of virus relative frequencies differed significantly among seven sample locations across the states within a sample year, but we could not show statistical differences among the years based on our sample sizes. Mixed infections in strawberries were higher than expected in 2014 and lower than expected in 2016 based on viruses being independent infections. Overall, the occurrence of the viruses in strawberry crops could have important potential impacts for strawberry production in the midsouthern states.