bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living on the edge: the role of Atgolgin‐84A at the plant ER–Golgi interface
Authors: VIEIRA V. , PAIN C. , WOJCIK S. , SPATOLA ROSSI T. , DENECKE J. , OSTERRIEDER A. , HAWES C. , KRIECHBAUMER V.
Published: July 2020

The plant Golgi apparatus is responsible for the processing of proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their distribution to multiple destinations within the cell. Golgi matrix components, such as golgins, have been identified and suggested to function as putative tethering factors to mediate the physical connections between Golgi bodies and the ER network. Golgins are proteins anchored to the Golgi membrane by the C‐terminus either through transmembrane domains or interaction with small regulatory GTPases. The golgin N‐terminus contains long coiled‐coil domains, which consist of a number of α‐helices wrapped around each other to form a structure similar to a rope being made from several strands, reaching into the cytoplasm. In animal cells, golgins are also implicated in specific recognition of cargo at the Golgi.Here, we investigate the plant golgin Atgolgin‐84A for its subcellular localization and potential role as a tethering factor at the ER–Golgi interface. For this, fluorescent fusions of Atgolgin‐84A and an Atgolgin‐84A truncation lacking the coiled‐coil domains (Atgolgin‐84AΔ1‐557) were transiently expressed in tobacco leaf epidermal cells and imaged using high‐resolution confocal microscopy. We show that Atgolgin‐84A localizes to a pre‐cis‐Golgi compartment that is also labelled by one of the COPII proteins as well as by the tether protein AtCASP. Upon overexpression of Atgolgin‐84A or its deletion mutant, transport between the ER and Golgi bodies is impaired and cargo proteins are redirected to the vacuole.

Lay Description

The Golgi apparatus is a specialised compartment found in mammalian and plant cells. It is the post office of the cell and packages proteins into small membrane boxes for transport to their destination in the cell. The plant Golgi apparatus consist of many separate Golgi bodies and is responsible for the processing of proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their distribution to multiple destinations within the cell.

Specialised proteins called golgins have been suggested to tether Golgi bodies and the ER. Here we investigate the plant golgin Atgolgin‐84A for its exact within the Golgi body and its potential role as a tethering factor at the ER‐Golgi interface.

For this, we have fused Atgolgin‐84A with a fluorescent protein from jellyfish and we are producing this combination in tobacco leaf cells. This allows us to see the protein using laser microscopy. We show that Atgolgin‐84A localises to a compartment between the ER and Golgi that is also labelled by the tether protein AtCASP. When Atgolgin‐84A is produced in high amounts in the cell, transport between the ER and Golgi bodies is inhibited and proteins are redirected to the vacuole.
Cannabis packaging: An opportunity for facilitating informed decisions
Authors: Al‐Hamdani Mohammed , Joyce Kayla M. , Park Tristan , Cowie Megan E. , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: July 2020

Policy surrounding cannabis legalization is gaining popularity. Legalization must be prescriptive to protect public health. Current Canadian legislative frameworks do not include clear regulations for cannabis package labeling. Regulating cannabis package colors, descriptors, and other brand imagery, as well as using health warnings, are crucial to control cannabis consumption levels. Based on an assessment of the harms linked to cannabis use, an evaluation of existing cannabis and tobacco legislations with respect to packaging labeling, and an extraction of examples from the tobacco labeling literature, this commentary highlights the need for further cannabis legislation in Canada and provides recommendations for cannabis labeling policy.
Riding an elephant: A qualitative study of nurses' moral journeys in the context of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Thorne Sally , Storch Janet , Chambaere Kenneth , Greig Madeleine , Burgess Michael
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

To describes nurses' moral experiences with Medical Assistance in Dying in the Canadian context.

Background

Nurses perform important roles in Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada and do so within a unique context in which Medical Assistance in Dying is provided through healthcare services and where accessibility is an important principle. International literature indicates that participating in Medical Assistance in Dying can be deeply impactful for nurses and requires a high degree of moral sense‐making.

Design

A qualitative interview study guided by Interpretive Description using the COREQ checklist.

Results

Fifty‐nine nurses from across Canada participated in the study. The decision to participate in Medical Assistance in Dying was influenced by family and community, professional experience and nurses' proximity to the act of Medical Assistance in Dying. Nurses described a range of deep and sometimes conflicting emotional reactions provoked by Medical Assistance in Dying. Nurses used a number of moral waypoints to make sense of their decision including patient choice, control and certainty; an understanding that it was not about the nurse; a commitment to staying with patients through suffering; consideration of moral consistency; issues related to the afterlife; and the peace and gratitude demonstrated by patients and families.

Discussion

The depth of nurses' intuitional moral responses and their need to make sense of these responses are consistent with Haidt's theory of moral experience in which individuals use reasoning primarily to explain their moral intuition and in which moral change occurs primarily through compassionate social interaction. Further, work on the moral identity of nursing provides robust explanation of how nurses' moral decisions are contextually and relationally mediated and how they seek to guard patient vulnerability, even at their own emotional cost.

Conclusion

Medical Assistance in Dying is impactful for nurses, and for some, it requires intensive and ongoing moral sense‐making.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need to provide support for nurses' moral deliberation and emotional well‐being in the context of Medical Assistance in Dying care.
Good apples in good barrels: Conscientious people are more responsive to code enforcement
Authors: Slaughter Jerel E. , Cooper Dylan A. , Gilliland Stephen W.
Published: July 2020

Meta‐analytic findings suggest that strongly enforcing ethical codes of conduct reduces unethical behaviour. However, this conclusion is based on a limited number of studies, leading ethics scholars to suggest that we need to know more about the effects of codes. Furthermore, the importance of understanding how individual differences may interact with situational characteristics to influence unethical behaviour has long been recognized, but few studies have examined both personal and situational variables. Using norm focus theory as an organizing framework, the authors argue that enforcement of an ethical code of conduct and individual‐level conscientiousness interacts to influence unethical behaviour. In Study 1, participants attended a laboratory session in which a code of conduct was presented and the participants had the opportunity to earn additional compensation if they acted unethically. Participants engaged in less unethical behaviour after they observed strict enforcement, but this was qualified by an enforcement x conscientiousness interaction: Strict enforcement led to lower unethical behaviour only among those who were more conscientious. In Study 2, a survey of working adults showed that the relation between code enforcement and unethical behaviour was mediated by a focus on injunctive norms, but only among those who were more conscientious. The findings therefore indicate that there are important boundary conditions on the effects of codes of conduct.

Practitioner points

When people are aware of a code of conduct, but have no information about how strongly the code of conduct is enforced, they view enforcement as similar to a situation wherein they witness weak enforcement.

Strongly enforced codes of conduct serve to (1) increase the importance of avoiding unethical behaviour, and (2) reduce the magnitude of unethical behaviour, but only among those who are more conscientiousness.

To ensure reduction of unethical behaviour, organizations must strongly enforce codes and select employees who are highly conscientious.

Alternatively, organizations may test different methods of enforcement to identify those that are effective in reducing unethical behaviour regardless of how conscientious employees are.
Generating consumer terminology to describe emotions in pet owners and their pets
Authors: Tsai Weilun , Talavera Martin , Koppel Kadri
Published: July 2020

Emotions affect the choices and behaviors of consumers toward products. However, there have been limited studies discussing the emotions of pet owners and pets (as perceived by their owners). The objectives of this study were to generate emotions terminology from both pets and pet owners and to investigate body language and signs perceived by pet owners related to pet emotion. Two focus groups were conducted for dog owners and two for cat owners. The participants were asked to provide activities that they share with their pets. Next, the participants voted on two positive and two negative activities to serve as situational backgrounds for providing how they and their pets feel when sharing specific activities. Lists of 39 and 53 emotion terms were generated for dogs and cats, respectively. In addition, lists of 33 and 60 emotion terms were created for dog owners and cat owners, respectively. Examples of emotion terms for dogs included excited, happy, anxious, and embarrassed, and calm, happy, angry, and fearful for cats. Overall, this study provided a general view of emotions experienced by pet owners and their pets, which may be helpful for the pet food industry and related areas to understand the pet food consumers further.

Practical applications

The results from this study provide understanding on the range of emotions perceived by both pets and their owners. This information is needed to understand the human‐animal relationship and to improve services in pet care, health care, animal wellness, and human wellness areas.
The “two‐step four‐level+” pediatric triage method in a medical center in Southern China
Authors: Cai Xian , Wu Jinxia , Chen Jiechan , Sun Jing , Li Peiqing
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Because the quality of medical resources is extremely uneven across China, it is nearly impossible to implement a unified emergency triage program. The aim of the study is to examine triage using the “two‐step four‐level+” triage model in a hospital in Southern China, with an emphasis on hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Design and Methods

This was a retrospective study of all patients seen in the pediatric emergency room (ER) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018, at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. The “two‐step and four‐level+” was manually implemented in 2012, and an electronic triage system was developed and applied since 2015. Emergency quality control indicators were analyzed.

Results

There were 645,473 patients triaged at the pediatric ER between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. After the first step, 17,444 patients were classified as unstable, including 6546 (1.01%) Level I patients, 10,898 (1.69%) Level II patients, 210,368 (32.5%) Level III patients, and 417,661 (64.8%) Level IV patients. After triage implementation, the stay time of the patient in the pediatric ER decreased each year (all p < .05) and shortened to 20.3 ± 2.2 h in 2018. Compared with 2012–2014, the mortality of 2015–2018 decreased by 21.1%, the rate of unexpected resuscitation was 0%, and the complaints of overcrowding decreased (all p < .05).

Practice Implications

This “two‐step four‐level+” triage method can improve the medical care quality of pediatric ER in China.
Sustained immune activation is associated with susceptibility to the amphibian chytrid fungus
Authors: Savage Anna E. , Gratwicke Brian , Hope Katharine , Bronikowski Edward , Fleischer Robert C.
Published: July 2020

The disease chytridiomycosis caused by the fungus Bd has devastated amphibian populations worldwide. Functional genomic contributions to host susceptibility remain enigmatic and vary between species and populations. We conducted experimental Bd infections in Rana yavapaiensis, a species with intraspecific variation in chytridiomycosis susceptibility, to assess the skin and spleen transcriptomic response to infection over time. We predicted that increased immune gene expression would be associated with a positive disease outcome, but we instead found that surviving frogs had significantly reduced immune gene expression compared to susceptible frogs and to uninfected controls. MHC class IIβ gene expression was also significantly higher in susceptible frogs compared to surviving frogs. Furthermore, susceptible frogs expressed a significantly larger number of distinct class IIβ alleles, demonstrating a negative correlation between class IIβ expression, functional diversity, and survival. Expression of the MHC class IIβ locus previously associated with Bd disease outcomes was a significant predictor of Bd infection intensity at early infection stages but not at late infection stages, suggesting initial MHC‐linked immune processes are important for ultimate disease outcomes. We infer through disease association and phylogenetic analysis that certain MHC variants are linked to the immune expression that was negatively associated with survival, and we hypothesize that frogs that did not express these alleles could better survive infections. Our study finds that MHC expression at early and late infection stages predicts Bd infection intensity, and suggests that generating a sustained immune response against Bd may be counterproductive for surviving chytridiomycosis in this partially susceptible species.
Filifactor alocis‐derived extracellular vesicles inhibit osteogenesis through TLR2 signaling
Authors: Song Min‐Kyoung , Kim Hyun Young , Choi Bong‐Kyu , Kim Hong‐Hee
Published: July 2020

Filifactor alocis, an asaccharolytic anaerobic Gram‐positive rod (AAGPR), is an emerging marker of periodontitis. Severe periodontitis causes destruction of the alveolar bone that supports teeth and can even lead to tooth loss. Based on our previous report that F. alocis‐derived extracellular vesicles (FA EVs) contain various effector molecules and have immunostimulatory activity, we investigated the effect of FA EVs on osteogenesis using mouse bone‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). FA EVs dramatically inhibited bone mineralization similar to whole bacteria and reduced the expression levels of osteogenic marker genes. The osteogenic differentiation of TLR2‐deficient BMSCs was not inhibited by FA EVs, suggesting that their inhibitory effect on osteogenesis is dependent on TLR2 signaling. FA EVs effectively activated TLR2 downstream signaling of the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways. In addition, FA EVs regulated RANKL and OPG gene expression, increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio in BMSCs in a TLR2‐dependent manner. Our study suggests that F. alocis‐derived EVs interfere with bone metabolism via TLR2 activation, providing insight into the pathogenesis of bone loss associated with periodontitis.
Resisting easy inferences1
Authors: Bueno Otávio , Cumpa Javier
Published: July 2020

Amie Thomasson has articulated a novel conception of ontological debates, defending an easy approach to ontological questions as part of the articulation of a deflationary metaphysical view (Thomasson, 2015). After raising some concerns to the approach, we sketch a neutralist alternative to her ontological framework, offering an even easier way of conducting ontological debates.
Comparing definitions of data and information in data protection law and machine learning: A useful way forward to meaningfully regulate algorithms?
Authors: Gellert Raphaël
Published: July 2020

The notion of information is central to data protection law, and to algorithms/machine learning. This centrality gives the impressions that algorithms are just yet another data processing operation to be regulated. A more careful analysis reveals a number of issues. The notion of personal data is notoriously under‐defined, and attempts at clarification from an information theory perspective are also equivocal. The paper therefore attempts a clarification of the meaning of data and information in the context of information theory, which it uses in order to clarify the notion of personal data. In doing so, it shows that data protection law is grounded in the logic of knowledge communication, which stands in stark contrast with machine learning, which is predicated upon the logic of knowledge production, and hence, upon different definitions of data and information. This is what ultimately explains the failure of data protection to adequately regulate machine learning algorithms.
The relation between epicardial fat tissue thickness and atrial fibrillation ın hemodialysis patients
Authors: Guzel Fatma Betül , Altunoren Orcun , Gunes Hakan , Seyithanoglu Muhammed , Kerkutluoglu Murat , Sezal Didem Tutuncu , Gungor Ozkan
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of arrhythmia has increased in hemodialysis (HD) patients and the most frequent is atrial fibrillation (AF). It was reported that the amount of epicardial fat tissue (EFT) in the population without renal disease is closely related to AF. In the present study of ours, the relation between EFT thickness and AF was examined in HD patients. A total of 79 patients who underwent HD for periods longer than 3 months were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53.6 ± 15.2 years and 50.6% were male. The mean EFT thicknesses were measured as 7.2 ± 2.3 mm (3‐12). A positive correlation was found between the EFT thickness and age, C‐reactive protein, and left ventricle rear wall thickness. AF was found in 18 (22.8%) patients in the Holter ECG examination. When the group with AF was compared with the non‐AF group; although the mean HD duration of the group with AF was longer, there were no significant differences in terms of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and other parameters. In the present study, no relations were found between EFT thickness and AF frequency in HD patients. Further studies with a larger number of the patient population are needed in this regard.
Leader Effects and Voting for the Populist Radical Right in Western Europe
Authors: Michel Elie , Garzia Diego , Ferreira da Silva Frederico , De Angelis Andrea
Published: July 2020

Charismatic leaders are often assumed to drive the electoral success of populist radical right parties. Yet, little attention is given to how voter evaluations of leaders influence individual voting behavior. To our knowledge, no systematic and comparative tests of this empirical question exist. In this paper, we test to what extent voters’ support for populist radical right parties is fueled by leaders' appreciation. In order to examine leader effects on the populist radical right vote, we rely on an original dataset pooling 29 National Election Studies from ten established West European parliamentary democracies (1985‐2018). Our analysis finds that: (1) voters’ evaluation of party leaders is significantly associated with voting for populist radical right parties; (2) leader evaluations are more important than left‐right self‐placement when it comes to voting for the populist radical right, and (3) leader effects are more important for populist radical right voters than for other voters.
Management of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients with COVID‐19 pneumonia: A summary of 41 confirmed cases reported worldwide
Authors: Hu Qianchao , Zhong Zibiao , Xiong Yan , Ye Shaojun , Wang Yanfeng , Ye Qifa
Published: July 2020

There is no consensus on immunosuppression management for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia. Therefore, we conducted a search in English database from October 2019 to July 2020 and extracted data from cases with treatment details worldwide, and total of 41 recipients with a median age of 50 years were enrolled in this study. Most of them were males (75.8%). The most common presenting symptoms were fever (80.5%), cough (63.4%), and fatigue (41.5%). Patients were classified into three catalogs according to severity of pneumonia: 17 (41.5%) were mild, 15 (36.6%) severe, and 9 (21.9%) critical disease. Laboratory tests revealed that serum creatinine of critical patients was significantly higher than that of mild or severe patients. 68.3% received oxygen support; all patients received antiviral therapy, and 15 (36.6%) recipients were additionally treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and interferon‐α. 19.5% of patients maintained immunosuppressive therapy; 36.6% suspended antimetabolite; and 43.9% only treated with corticosteroid. Six (14.6%) patients died (severe: 2, critical: 4); high creatinine with low lymphocyte count was the biggest challenge of immunosuppression management. In all, it is necessary to pay close attention to renal function and lymphocyte count in KTRs infected with COVID‐19 and choose appropriate medication programs according to the specific situations.
What are blood donors telling us about injecting drug use?
Authors: Reynolds Claire A. , Davison Katy L. , Andrews Nick , Brailsford Susan R. ,   the UK Blood Donor Survey Steering Group
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

Injecting drug use (IDU), a permanent deferral for blood donors, was included in a review of donor selection criteria completed in 2017. Here, we describe what is known about IDU in blood donors in the United Kingdom (UK).

Materials and methods

Data were obtained from routine surveillance of donation testing and confirmed positive donors and a 2013/2014 UK survey of behaviour and compliance in screen‐negative donors.

Results

Between 2009 and 2018, of 22 UK million donations screened, IDU was self‐reported at the post‐test discussion in 5% (86/1777) of donors with confirmed positive donations. Recent injecting within 12 months was reported in 8 HCV‐positive donors, but only in 1/14 donors where it was clear HCV infection had been acquired in the previous 12 months. Of 65 439 survey responders, 25 reported IDU, which when weighted to the donor population gave 99·95% compliance. Most of the 111 donors reporting IDU felt it was not important to their donation, mainly because their injecting was in the past, while three HCV‐positive recent injectors reported not sharing needles so presumably felt safe to donate.

Conclusion

Compliance with the permanent deferral appeared extremely high with low levels of injecting reported by donors, mainly in the past. This agreed with the low‐incident HCV infection observed in UK donors. These data contributed to a recommendation to reduce the deferral to 1 year. Ways of improving compliance in those few donors at current increased risk of infection need to be investigated.
University Preparation of Teachers in the Context of Transformation Processes
Authors: Petrová Gabriela , Duchovičová Jana
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to describe a proposal of a concept draft of teachers’ training at universities which accepts new needs of the educational reality in the context of transformation of regional education in Slovakia. The draft is based on an analysis of knowledge about the current status of undergraduate training of secondary school teachers within the secondary education in the Slovak Republic and an international comparison.
Structure–function relation of the developing calyx of Held synapse in vivo
Authors: Sierksma Martijn C. , Slotman Johan A. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , Borst J. Gerard G.
Published: July 2020

Key points

During development the giant, auditory calyx of Held forms a one‐to‐one connection with a principal neuron of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.

While anatomical studies described that most of the target cells are temporarily contacted by multiple calyces, multi‐calyceal innervation was only sporadically observed in in vivo recordings, suggesting a structure–function discrepancy.

We correlated synaptic strength of inputs, identified in in vivo recordings, with post hoc labelling of the recorded neuron and synaptic terminals containing vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT).

During development only one input increased to the level of the calyx of Held synapse, and its strength correlated with the large VGluT cluster contacting the postsynaptic soma.

As neither competing strong inputs nor multiple large VGluT clusters on a single cell were observed, our findings did not indicate a structure–function discrepancy.

In adult rodents, a principal neuron in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid (MNTB) is generally contacted by a single, giant axosomatic terminal called the calyx of Held. How this one‐on‐one relation is established is still unknown, but anatomical evidence suggests that during development principal neurons are innervated by multiple calyces, which may indicate calyceal competition. However, in vivo electrophysiological recordings from principal neurons indicated that only a single strong synaptic connection forms per cell. To test whether a mismatch exists between synaptic strength and terminal size, we compared the strength of synaptic inputs with the morphology of the synaptic terminals. In vivo whole‐cell recordings of the MNTB neurons from newborn Wistar rats of either sex were made while stimulating their afferent axons, allowing us to identify multiple inputs. The strength of the strongest input increased to calyceal levels in a few days across cells, while the strength of the second strongest input was stable. The recorded cells were subsequently immunolabelled for vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT) to reveal axosomatic terminals with structured‐illumination microscopy. Synaptic strength of the strongest input was correlated with the contact area of the largest VGluT cluster at the soma (r = 0.8), and no indication of a mismatch between structure and strength was observed. Together, our data agree with a developmental scheme in which one input strengthens and becomes the calyx of Held, but not with multi‐calyceal competition.
Passive and Walk-Away Safe Small and Microreactors for Electricity Generation and Production of Process Heat for Industrial Uses
Authors: El-Genk Mohamed S. , Schriener Timothy M. , Palomino Luis M.
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the passive design and safety features as well as the biological dose estimates for end-of-life handling of postoperation for the walk-away safe, scalable liquid metal-cooled small modular (SLIMM) and very-small, long-life, modular (VSLLIM) small and microreactor with high-assay low enrichment uranium (HALEU). These passive operation sodium cooled, fast-neutron spectrum reactors have recently been developed at the University of New Mexico's Institute for Space and Nuclear Power studies. The SLIMM-small modular reactor could generate 100–10 MWth continuously, 24/7 without refueling for 6.3–68 full power years (FPYs), respectively, while the VSLLIM microreactor could generate 10–1.0 MWth without refueling for 5.8–92 FPYs, respectively. These reactors would be factory constructed, assembled, and sealed and then transported to designated sites by rail, a truck, or a barge. At the site, these reactors would be installed below ground, to protect against impact by an airplane or a missile, and mounted on seismic isolation bearings, to resist earthquakes. The SLIMM and VSLLIM reactors could provide for both electricity generation and process heat and the electrical plants can easily be connected to a central or distributed grid with renewable energy sources. The integrated VSLLIM reactor and other plant components for electricity generation and/or process heat production could all be deployed on a single railroad car, a barge, or an 18-wheeler truck, to small and remote communities, and advance bases or outposts.
Prevalence and Determinants of Fasted Training in Endurance Athletes: A Survey Analysis
Authors: Rothschild Jeffrey A. , Kilding Andrew E. , Plews Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Athletes may choose to perform exercise in the overnight-fasted state for a variety of reasons related to convenience, gut comfort, or augmenting the training response, but it is unclear how many endurance athletes use this strategy. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of exercise performed in the overnight-fasted state among endurance athletes using an online survey and examined differences based on sex, competitive level, and habitual dietary pattern. The survey was completed by 1,950 endurance athletes (51.0% female, mean age 40.9 ± 11.1 years). The use of fasted training was reported by 62.9% of athletes, with significant effects of sex (p < .001, Cramer’s V [φc] = 0.18, 90% CI [0.14, 0.22]), competitive level (p < .001, φc = 0.09, 90% CI [0.5, 0.13]), and habitual dietary pattern noted (p < .001, φc = 0.26, 90% CI [0.22, 0.29]). Males, nonprofessional athletes, and athletes following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet were most likely to perform fasted training. The most common reasons for doing so were related to utilizing fat as a fuel source (42.9%), gut comfort (35.5%), and time constraints/convenience (31.4%), whereas the most common reasons athletes avoided fasted training were that it does not help their training (47.0%), performance was worse during fasted training (34.7%), or greater hunger (34.6%). Overall, some athletes perform fasted training because they think it helps their training, whereas others avoid it because they think it is detrimental to their training goals, highlighting a need for future research. These findings offer insights into the beliefs and practices related to fasted-state endurance training.
Anxiety on Quiet Eye and Performance of Youth Pistol Shooters
Authors: Shah Eesha J. , Chow Jia Yi , Lee Marcus J.C.
Published: July 2020

In adults, longer quiet-eye (QE) durations have been associated with more successful sport performances and less deterioration in skill during anxiety-inducing situations. This study aimed to establish if QE patterns in youth are similar to those reported in adults. Ten youth shooters, age 13.13 ± 0.83 years, completed an air-pistol task under a control and an anxiety condition. Mixed-design 2 (performance outcome) × 2 (condition) ANOVA tests were conducted with two performance measures—objective and coach rated. No significant main or interaction effects were found. Unlike in adults, performance and anxiety did not differentiate QE duration in youth athletes, although QE duration was longer during good shots than poor shots across both performance measures, and the shortest durations were recorded during poor shots in the anxiety condition. This preliminary exploration encourages more research with youth athletes to determine the efficacy of QE patterns across different learners.
Structural basis for neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV by a potent therapeutic antibody
Authors: Lv Zhe , Deng Yong-Qiang , Ye Qing , Cao Lei , Sun Chun-Yun , Fan Changfa , Huang Weijin , Sun Shihui , Sun Yao , Zhu Ling , Chen Qi , Wang Nan , Nie Jianhui , Cui Zhen , Zhu Dandan , Shaw Neil , Li Xiao-Feng , Li Qianqian , Xie Liangzhi , Wang Youchun , Rao Zihe , Qin Cheng-Feng , Wang Xiangxi
Published: July 2020

A steric block to SARS-CoV-2

In response to infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the immune system makes antibodies, many of which target the spike protein, a key player in host cell entry. Antibodies that potently neutralize the virus hold promise as therapeutics and could inform vaccine design. Lv
et al.
report a humanized monoclonal antibody that protected against SARS-CoV-2 in a mouse model. The cryo–electron microscopy structure, together with biochemical, cellular, and virological studies, showed that the antibody acts by binding to the receptor-binding domain of the spike and blocking its attachment to the host receptor.

Science
, this issue p.
1505
Global quieting of high-frequency seismic noise due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures
Authors: Lecocq Thomas , Hicks Stephen P. , Van Noten Koen , van Wijk Kasper , Koelemeijer Paula , De Plaen Raphael S. M. , Massin Frédérick , Hillers Gregor , Anthony Robert E. , Apoloner Maria-Theresia , Arroyo-Solórzano Mario , Assink Jelle D. , Büyükakpınar Pinar , Cannata Andrea , Cannavo Flavio , Carrasco Sebastian , Caudron Corentin , Chaves Esteban J. , Cornwell David G. , Craig David , den Ouden Olivier F. C. , Diaz Jordi , Donner Stefanie , Evangelidis Christos P. , Evers Läslo , Fauville Benoit , Fernandez Gonzalo A. , Giannopoulos Dimitrios , Gibbons Steven J. , Girona Társilo , Grecu Bogdan , Grunberg Marc , Hetényi György , Horleston Anna , Inza Adolfo , Irving Jessica C. E. , Jamalreyhani Mohammadreza , Kafka Alan , Koymans Mathijs R. , Labedz Celeste R. , Larose Eric , Lindsey Nathaniel J. , McKinnon Mika , Megies Tobias , Miller Meghan S. , Minarik William , Moresi Louis , Márquez-Ramírez Víctor H. , Möllhoff Martin , Nesbitt Ian M. , Niyogi Shankho , Ojeda Javier , Oth Adrien , Proud Simon , Pulli Jay , Retailleau Lise , Rintamäki Annukka E. , Satriano Claudio , Savage Martha K. , Shani-Kadmiel Shahar , Sleeman Reinoud , Sokos Efthimios , Stammler Klaus , Stott Alexander E. , Subedi Shiba , Sørensen Mathilde B. , Taira Taka'aki , Tapia Mar , Turhan Fatih , van der Pluijm Ben , Vanstone Mark , Vergne Jerome , Vuorinen Tommi A. T. , Warren Tristram , Wassermann Joachim , Xiao Han
Published: July 2020

Seismic background noise dramatically decreased as a result of lockdown measures in place for mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of the Novel Monosulfactam 0073
Authors: Sun Ying , Liao Xueyuan , Huang Zhigang , Xie Yaliu , Liu Yanbin , Ma Cuicui , Jiang Boguang , Zhang Li , Yan Yuhang , Li Guobo , Cheng Xingjun , Yin Qi , Ding Charles Z. , Shen Liang , Li Jian , Chen Shuhui , Wei Yuquan , Wang Zhenling , Wei Xiawei
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the novel monosulfactam 0073 against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
in vitro
and
in vivo
and to characterize the mechanisms underlying 0073 activity. The
in vitro
activities of 0073, aztreonam, and the combination with avibactam were assessed by MIC and time-kill assays. The safety of 0073 was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthizol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and acute toxicity assays.
Efficacy of Ibrexafungerp (SCY-078) against Candida auris in an
In Vivo
Guinea Pig Cutaneous Infection Model
Authors: Ghannoum M. , Isham N. , Angulo D. , Borroto-Esoda K. , Barat S. , Long L.
Published: July 2020

Candida auris
has been shown to have a high risk of skin colonization in hospitalized patients, possibly contributing to nosocomial spread. In a guinea pig skin model, animals were evaluated for clinical appearance, tissue fungal burden, histology, and pharmacokinetics. Oral dosing with 10 mg/kg ibrexafungerp (IBX) reduced the severity of lesions and significantly reduced the
C. auris
fungal burden in infected animals compared with untreated controls.
Seasonal Dynamics of the Activated Sludge Microbiome in Sequencing Batch Reactors, Assessed Using 16S rRNA Transcript Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Johnston Juliet , Behrens Sebastian
Published: July 2020

Sequencing batch reactors are a common design for wastewater treatment plants, particularly in smaller municipalities, due to their low footprint and ease of operations. However, like for most treatment plants in temperate/continental climates, the microbial community involved in water treatment is highly seasonal and its biological processes can be sensitive to cold temperatures. The seasonality of these microbial communities has been explored primarily in conventional treatment plants and not in sequencing batch reactors. Furthermore, most studies often only address which organisms are present. However, the activated sludge microbial community is very diverse, and it is often hard to discern which organisms are active and which organisms are simply present. In this study, we applied additional sequencing techniques to also address the issues of which organisms are active and which organisms are growing. By addressing these issues, we gained new insights into seasonal microbial populations dynamics and activity patterns affecting wastewater treatment.
Large Hydrogen Isotope Fractionation Distinguishes Nitrogenase-Derived Methane from Other Methane Sources
Authors: Luxem Katja E. , Leavitt William D. , Zhang Xinning
Published: July 2020

All forms of life require nitrogen for growth. Many different kinds of microbes living in diverse environments make inert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere bioavailable using a special enzyme, nitrogenase. Nitrogenase has a wide substrate range, and, in addition to producing bioavailable nitrogen, some forms of nitrogenase also produce small amounts of the greenhouse gas methane. This is different from other microbes that produce methane to generate energy. Until now, there was no good way to determine when microbes with nitrogenases are making methane in nature. Here, we present an isotopic fingerprint that allows scientists to distinguish methane from microbes making it for energy versus those making it as a by-product of nitrogen acquisition. With this new fingerprint, it will be possible to improve our understanding of the relationship between methane production and nitrogen acquisition in nature.
Leukocidins and the Nuclease Nuc Prevent Neutrophil-Mediated Killing of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Bhattacharya Mohini , Berends Evelien T. M. , Zheng Xuhui , Hill Preston J. , Chan Rita , Torres Victor J. , Wozniak Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

Bacterial biofilms are linked with chronic infections and have properties distinct from those of planktonic, single-celled bacteria. The virulence mechanisms associated with
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms are becoming better understood. Human neutrophils are critical for the innate immune response to
S. aureus
infection. Here, we describe two virulence strategies that converge to promote the ability of
S. aureus
biofilms to evade killing by neutrophils.
Sequential Phosphorylation of the Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Protein Depends on NS3-Mediated Autocleavage between NS3 and NS4A
Authors: Chiang Cho-Han , Lai Yen-Ling , Huang Yu-Ning , Yu Chun-Chiao , Lu Christine C. , Yu Guann-Yi , Yu Ming-Jiun
Published: July 2020

For ca. 20 years, the HCV protease NS3 has been implicated in NS5A hyperphosphorylation. We now show that it is the NS3-mediated
cis
cleavage at the NS3-4A junction that permits NS5A phosphorylation at serines 2201, 2208, 2211, and 2214, leading to hyperphosphorylation, which is a necessary condition for genotype 2 HCV replication. We further show that NS5A may already be phosphorylated at these serine residues right after NS3-4A cleavage and before NS5A is released from the NS4A-5A polyprotein. Our data suggest that the dual-functional NS3, a protease and an ATP-binding RNA helicase, could have a direct or indirect role in NS5A hyperphosphorylation.
Mexican record of circum–Gulf of Mexico Jurassic depositional systems and climate
Authors: Garza Roberto S. Molina , Lawton* Timothy F. , Guadarrama Alberto Figueroa , Pindell James
Published: July 2020

Jurassic northward migration of Mexico, which lay on the southern part of the North America plate, resulted in temporal evolution of climate-sensitive depositional environments. Lower–Middle Jurassic rocks in central Mexico contain a record of warm-humid conditions, indicated by coal, plant fossils, and compositionally mature sandstone deposited in continental environments. Paleomagnetic data for central Oaxaca and other regions of central and eastern Mexico indicate that Lower and Middle Jurassic rocks were deposited at near-equatorial paleolatitudes. In the Late Jurassic, the Gulf of Mexico formed as a subsidiary basin of the Atlantic Ocean when the Pangea supercontinent ruptured. Upper Jurassic strata across Mexico, including eolianite and widespread evaporite deposits, indicate dry-arid conditions. Available paleomagnetic data (compaction-corrected) from southern and northeast Mexico for Upper Jurassic strata indicate deposition at ~15°N–20°N. As North America moved northward during Jurassic opening of the Atlantic Ocean, different latitudinal regions experienced coeval Middle–Late Jurassic climatic shifts. Climate transitions have been widely recognized in the Colorado Plateau region. The plateau left the horse latitudes in the late Middle Jurassic to reach temperate humid climates at ~40°N in the latest Jurassic. Affected by the same northward drift, the southern end of the North America plate represented by central Mexico gradually reached the arid horse latitudes in the late Middle Jurassic as the Colorado Plateau was leaving them. As a result, Late Jurassic epeiric platforms developed in the circum–Gulf of Mexico region after a long period of margin extension and were surrounded by arid land masses. We propose that hydrocarbon source-rock deposition was facilitated by arid conditions and wind-induced coastal upwelling.
Internal versus external locations of the South China Craton within Rodinia during the Cryogenian: Provenance history of the Nanhua Basin
Authors: Zhu Guangyou , Liu Huichuan , Zhang Tingting , Chen Weiyan , Xiao Jianwei , Zhao Kun , Yan Huihui
Published: July 2020

Contrasting models for internal versus external locations of the South China Craton (SCC) in the supercontinent Rodinia and associated mantle plume or ocean subduction dominated tectonic processes can be resolved by detrital zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic analyses on the Cryogenian Nanhua Supergroup in the central SCC. Our results show that samples from the lower Liantuo, Tiesi’ao, and Datangpo formations of the Nanhua Supergroup show three age peaks at 2.50 Ga, 2.05 Ga, and 0.85 Ga, and those of the upper Nantuo Formation yield four peaks at 2.50 Ga, 2.05 Ga, 0.85 Ga, and 0.65 Ga. The Archean and Paleoproterozoic (1.80–2.10 Ga) zircons have εHf(t) values of −16.3 to +4.7 and −23.0 to +4.2, and may be sourced from the Kongling and Douling complexes and Paleoproterozoic intrusions in the northern Yangtze Block, respectively. Early Neoproterozoic (0.70–0.96 Ga) zircon grains show variable εHf(t) values of −20.0 to +15.0. In combination with the absence of Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons in the Nanhua Supergroup, huge volumes of Neoproterozoic granitic intrusions in the northern Yangtze Block are the potential sources for the 0.70–0.96 Ga detrital zircons. Only the siltstone of the Nantuo Formation has late Neoproterozoic (0.63–0.69 Ga) detrital zircons with high and positive εHf(t) values (+7.9 to +9.4). Several granitoid intrusions (0.63–0.68 Ga) in the Wudang and Ankang uplift of the South Qinling belt in the northern Yangtze Block provide the late Neoproterozoic detrital zircons of the Nantuo Formation. These provenance analyses of the Nanhua Supergroup indicate an interior source from the SCC, rather than an exterior source from the Laurentia and Australia cratons. The Neoproterozoic rift basins and magmatic rocks in the SCC were produced by secular episodic subductions and back-arc extensions, rather than a Neoproterozoic super-mantle plume. The SCC occupied a peripheral position adjacent to northern India in Rodinia during the Neoproterozoic. These conclusions will promote our understanding of genetic mechanism and distribution prediction of the several Cryogenian–Cambrian black-shale layers and excellent source rocks in the SCC.
CHARGE syndrome patient with novel CHD7 mutation presenting with severe laryngomalacia and feeding difficulty
Authors: Lau Cheuk Lam , Chee Yuet Yee , Chung Brian Hon Yin , Wong Ming Sum Rosanna
Published: July 2020

We report a case of CHARGE syndrome with atypical phenotype and a novel mutation in the CHD7 gene. Laryngomalacia and swallowing difficulties are prominent features in this case. These are commonly found in patients with CHARGE syndrome and are well described in previous studies. However, with the traditional diagnostic criteria, diagnosis is difficult without the presence of coloboma or choanal atresia. Early diagnosis is possible with the aid of clinical genetics. The current diagnostic criteria would need to be broadened with the inclusion of pathogenic CHD7 variant status as a major criterion. Further research on the function of CHD7 gene may also give us more insight on the pathogenic mechanism of various clinical features of CHARGE syndrome.
Complete response to immunotherapy in a nonagenarian patient with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Foo Tiffany , Tapia Rico Gonzalo , Brown Michael P
Published: July 2020

Despite the increasing incidence of metastatic melanoma in the older population, there are relatively limited data for those older than 75 years of age. Elderly patients are often under-represented in clinical trials. In addition, elderly patients in trials often have a lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score and fewer comorbidities and may thus not truly reflect the realities of day-to-day clinical practice. We present a case of a 95-year-old woman who had extensive and unresectable subcutaneous and dermal deposits of metastatic melanoma of her right leg, which caused oedema and reduced mobility. She was treated concurrently with pembrolizumab and radiotherapy to her leg lesions of melanoma. She has had an excellent response to treatment, with complete resolution of the subcutaneous and dermal metastatic deposits and has not developed any immune-related toxicities. Our experience demonstrates that anti-programmed-death-receptor-1 therapy can be given safely and effectively even in very elderly metastatic melanoma patients.
Peripapillary vessel parameters and mean ocular perfusion pressure in young healthy eyes: OCT angiography study
Authors: Yun Young In , Kim Yong Woo , Lim Hyung Bin , Lee Dong Hyun , Kim Ji Hong , Oh Baek-Lok , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the relationship between estimated mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) and peripapillary perfusion density (PD) or vessel density (VD) as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in young healthy eyes.

Methods

132 healthy participants (264 eyes) under 45 years of age underwent optic disc OCTA scan sized 3×3 mm to acquire PD and VD in the superficial vascular complex (SVC). Optic nerve head (ONH) parameters including retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, rim area and disc area were measured. MOPP was estimated from systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP). A linear mixed model was used to find the systemic and ocular factors associated with PD and VD.

Results

The average age of the subjects was 25.8±6.5 years. PD and VD showed a significant correlation with RNFL thickness (r=0.224, p<0.001 and r=0.214, p<0.001, respectively), but with MOPP, the correlation was only marginally significant (r=0.105, p=0.09 and r=0.112, p=0.07, respectively). After controlling for confounding factors, including age, sex, IOP, central corneal thickness, axial length and OCTA signal strength, PD and VD were significantly associated with ONH parameters (all p<0.05) but not with estimated MOPP (all p>0.05).

Conclusion

PD and VD in the SVC were significantly associated with ONH parameters while showing no association with estimated MOPP. OCTA-derived VD may not represent perfusion pressure, but is rather more dependent on peripapillary structure.