bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility in Russia
Authors: Zavyalova Elena , Ostrovskaya Elena
Published: December 2020

Nowadays companies try to strike a balance between maximizing their profit and being socially responsible. On the one hand, a lot of scientists and economists admit that the primary goal for any company has been and still is to maximize profits of shareholders. On the other hand, some other experts believe that a company nowadays should not concentrate only on pursing profits. Some other objectives are connected with interests of stakeholders, ethical and moral behavior of a company and others. Based on the analysis of theoretical approaches, the paper offers to unify different groups and their interests and goals. The authors during the research come to the conclusion that the development of CSR in Russia is directly connected with the country’s peculiarities and at the same time all European best practices are taken into consideration and relied upon by Russian companies in terms of CSR.
Financial and economic aspects of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ilyashenko V.V.
Published: December 2020

The article shows the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in ensuring sustainable development of the country. The types of CSR and its features in various states are considered. The author describes the economy of the Russian Federation and its impact on the system of corporate social responsibility in the country. The high profitability of resource-extractive industries and their use of the country’s national wealth defines their special role in CSR not only towards their employees through wages and the allocation of social benefits from profit, but also to the society. It is shown that the established country’s political system significantly influences the possibility of implementing a system of corporate social responsibility. The author characterizes the significant regulatory and stimulating role of the state in social development through taxation and the structure of government spending. When assessing the financial conditions of CSR, the author analyses the impact of capital outflow on its development. Corporate social responsibility also includes the responsibility of organizations to the environment. The author provides a rating assessment of Russian oil and gas, mining and metallurgical companies openness in terms of environmental responsibility.
Unterschiede in der Inanspruchnahme von Gesundheits- und Förderangeboten zwischen adoleszenten und erwachsenen Müttern und ihren Kindern
Authors: An Nguyen-Dang Thien , Firk Christine , Konrad Kerstin , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Dahmen Brigitte
Published: December 2020

Adoleszente Mütter und ihre Kinder stellen eine Hochrisikogruppe für ungünstige Entwicklungsverläufe dar. Frühe Gesundheits- und Förderangebote sollen belastete Mutter-Kind-Dyaden unterstützen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Untersuchung und der Vergleich der Inanspruchnahme dieser Angebote durch adoleszente Mutter-Kind-Dyaden im Vergleich zu erwachsenen Müttern und ihren Kindern in einer deutschen Großstadt. N=99 Mütter (Alter der Kinder: 5,3±1,0 Monate) wurden bezüglich der Inanspruchnahme von Interventionen befragt, die drei Gruppen zugeordnet („Interaktionsförderung“, „Mütterliche Förderung“, „Kindliche Förderung“) und nach Kosten unterteilt wurden. Es wurden die Unterschiede zwischen adoleszenten und erwachsenen Müttern untersucht, zudem explorativ Unterschiede bezüglich der vermittelnden Stellen. Angebote der „Interaktionsförderung“ wurden signifikant häufiger von adoleszenten Müttern (U: 605,50, p<0,001) wahrgenommen, Angebote in den Bereichen „Kindliche Förderung“ ( U: 633,50, p<0,001) und „Mütterliche Förderung“ (U: 477,50, p<0,001) und kostenpflichtige Angebote (U: 582,00, p<0,001) hingegen von erwachsenen Müttern. Soziale Kontakte (U: 817,00 p=0,003) und Hausärzte/Gynäkologen (U: 879,00, p=0,054) vermittelten den erwachsenen Müttern signifikant häufiger Angebote, bei den adoleszenten Müttern andere professionelle Kontakte (U: 877,50, p=0,01) und das Jugendamt (U: 962,50, p=0,021). Frühe Gesundheits- und Förderangebote für das Kind oder die Mutter allein und kostenpflichtige Angebote erreichen die adoleszenten Mütter signifikant seltener. Insbesondere Akteure des Gesundheitswesens wie Hausärzte, Gynäkologen und Pädiater sollten ihr Beratungsangebot zu frühen Gesundheits- und Förderangeboten bei der Hochrisikogruppe der adoleszenten Mütter erweitern.
Belastungen, Ressourcen und der berufliche Verbleib von Mitarbeitenden in der spezialisierten ambulanten Palliativversorgung (SAPV) in Bayern
Authors: Kauffmann Jessica , Müller Evelyn , Becker Gerhild
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund Ziel der Studie ist es, Belastungen und Ressourcen von SAPV-Mitarbeitenden sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die Einschätzung des beruflichen Verbleibs in der SAPV zu untersuchen.

Methode Fragebogenerhebung in 30 SAPV-Teams in Bayern (457 Mitarbeitende) in Kooperation mit dem Landesverband SAPV Bayern e. V. Auswertung: deskriptive Statistik, T-Tests, logistische Regression (IBM SPSS 24).

Ergebnisse Die Rücklaufquote beträgt 53,4 % (n = 244). 64 Befragte (26,2 %) sind bzgl. des beruflichen Verbleibs in der SAPV unsicher. Die höchsten Belastungen werden auf den Skalen »Eigene Betroffenheit« und »Unkontrollierbarkeit« berichtet. Befragte, die höhere Belastung durch »Arbeitszeitorganisation« und »Überlastung« oder geringe »persönliche Ressourcen« berichten, sind eher unsicher bezüglich des beruflichen Verbleibs in der SAPV.

Schlussfolgerungen Es sind nicht Belastungen mit besonderer Relevanz in der SAPV (z. B. Unkontrollierbarkeit), sondern Arbeitszeitorganisation und Überlastung, die im Gesundheitswesen weitverbreitet sind, welche Mitarbeitende bzgl. ihres beruflichen Verbleibs in der SAPV unsicher sein lassen.
Weaning in der Situation einer Pandemie – Ein Positionspapier
Authors: Westhoff M. , Geiseler J. , Schönhofer B. , Pfeifer M. , Dellweg D. , Bachmann M. , Randerath W.
Published: December 2020

Die logistischen und infektiologischen Besonderheiten und Erfordernisse in der Pandemie stellen die intensivmedizinischen Behandlungsteams vor außerordentliche Herausforderungen, die eine erfolgreiche Liberation von Patienten im prolongierten Weaning erschweren können. Gerade in der Pandemie gilt es daher, alle Potenziale zur Beatmungsentwöhnung und Dekanülierung von Patienten im prolongierten Weaning oder in der Langzeitbeatmung auszuschöpfen.

Weaning-Zentren stellen Einheiten der intensivmedizinischen Betreuung mit besonderer Spezialisierung auf prolongiertes Weaning dar und sind integraler Bestandteil eines kontinuierlichen Versorgungskonzeptes dieser Patienten. Ein systematisches Weaning-Konzept in der Pandemie setzt strukturelle, personelle, apparative, infektiologische und hygienische Aspekte voraus.

Im Mittelpunkt dieses Positionspapiers stehen als Ergänzung zur S2k-Leitlinie „Prolongiertes Weaning“ eine neue Klassifikation im prolongierten Weaning und zukünftig erforderliche Organisationsstrukturen für die Pandemie-Situation.

Patienten der Kategorie A mit hohem Weaning-Potenzial bedürfen der strukturierten Respiratorentwöhnung in spezialisierten Weaning-Einheiten, um so die größtmögliche Chance auf erfolgreiches Weaning zu realisieren. Patienten der Kategorie B mit geringem oder aktuell nicht vorhandenem Weaning-Potenzial sollten verzögert nach einer Zwischenphase der weiteren Stabilsierung in einer außerklinischen Beatmungseinrichtung einen Weaning-Versuch erhalten. Patienten der Kategorie C ohne Weaning-Potenzial benötigen eine dauerhafte außerklinische Versorgung, alternativ eine palliativmedizinisch begleitete Beendigung der Beatmung. Die sich aus den 3 Kategorien ergebenden Aufgaben für die Weaning-Zentren werden im Positionspapier vertieft.

Schließlich werden unter perspektivischer Betrachtung im Positionspapier folgende zukünftig denkbare Netzwerke und Register benannt: 1. lokal organisierte regionale Netzwerke von zertifizierten Weaning-Zentren, 2. ein zentrales, bundesweites Register der Weaning-Kapazitäten entsprechend dem DIVI-Register und 3. eine Registrierung der Patienten im schwierigen oder prolongierten Weaning.
Multimodal Surgical Management of Cerebral Lesions in Motor-Eloquent Areas Combining Intraoperative 3D Ultrasound with Neurophysiological Mapping
Authors: Policicchio Domenico , Ticca Stefano , Dipellegrini Giosuè , Doda Artan , Muggianu Giampiero , Boccaletti Riccardo
Published: December 2020

Background Resection of tumors adjacent to motor pathways carries risks of both postoperative motor deficit and incomplete resection. Our aim was to assess usefulness and limitations of a multimodal strategy that combines intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) guided resection with intraoperative neurophysiology.

Methodology This is a prospective study of 25 patients with brain lesions adjacent to motor areas who underwent intracranial surgery with assistance of the iUS guidance system and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and mapping. Pathologies treated included 19 gliomas, 3 metastases, 1 anaplastic meningioma, 1 arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and 1 ependymoma. The iUS-guided lesion removal accuracy and the extent of resection were estimated and compared with a 30-day postoperative brain MRI. The results were assessed considering the extent of resection related to 6-month motor function outcome.

Results iUS was accurate in checking the extent of resection in 17 patients, whereas in 8 cases the decline of the iUS images quality did not allow a valuable assessment. Positive mapping was obtained in 16 patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 16 patients. In five of nine cases with subtotal resection, surgery was stopped because a functional area was reached. In four patients, tumor removal was limited due to the difficulty of identifying neoplastic tissue. Motor function worsening was transient in six patients and permanent in two.

Conclusions The integrated use of intraoperative neuromonitoring to identify motor areas and iUS to identify tumor–tissue interface could help increase the rate of radical resection respecting the eloquent areas.
Lesiones oncológicas intracraneales de apariencia quística
Authors: Sartori Pablo , Sgarbi Nicolás
Published: December 2020

La presencia de lesiones quísticas de etiología oncológica en el encéfalo es cada vez más frecuente. El rol del especialista en imágenes es describir sus características, morfología y comportamiento con el contraste endovenoso, para llegar a realizar un diagnóstico presuntivo y enumerar sus diagnósticos diferenciales, y así orientar al médico tratante. Haremos una revisión de las lesiones quísticas de etiología oncológica de presentación frecuente en el encéfalo.
Bur Hole–Based Resections of Intrinsic Brain Tumors with Exoscopic Visualization
Authors: Marenco-Hillembrand Lina , Suarez-Meade Paola , Chaichana Kaisorn L.
Published: December 2020

Background The primary goal of brain tumor surgery is maximal safe resection while avoiding iatrogenic injury. As surgical technology increases, it is becoming more possible to resect these lesions using minimally invasive approaches. While keyhole surgeries are being advocated, the lower limit of these approaches is unclear. Bur hole–based approaches may represent a standardized minimally invasive approach. The exoscope may provide increased visualization over standard microscopic visualization, making this approach possible. This approach has yet to be described strictly for intra-axial brain tumors.

Material and Methods All patients who underwent a bur hole–based surgery of an intra-axial tumor with exoscopic visualization by the senior author from January 2018 to December 2019 were prospectively identified and patient information and outcomes were collected.

Results Fifteen consecutive patients underwent surgical resection of an intrinsic brain tumor using a bur hole–based approach with exoscopic visualization. The average ± standard deviation age was 57.9 ± 24.2 years. The pathology was a metastatic brain tumor in eight patients (53%), low-grade glioma in four patients (27%), and high-grade glioma in three patients (20%). The average percent resection was 100 ± 1%, where 14 (93%) underwent gross total resection. Following surgery, the median (interquartile range) Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score was 90 (90–90), where 11 (73%) and four patients (27%) had improved and stable KPS, respectively. Zero patients had complications. The average length of stay following surgery was 1.4 ± 0.5 days, where nine patients (60%) were discharged on postoperative day 1.

Conclusion This study shows that intra-axial tumors can be resected through a bur hole–based approach with exoscopic visualization with extensive resection, minimal morbidity, and early discharge rates.
Phenyl-Linked Anthracene-Based Macrocycles with Geometrically Tunable Optical Properties
Authors: Rong Ming-Guang , Wang Junting , Low Kam-Hung , Liu Junzhi
Published: December 2020

Anthracene has been widely explored because of its intrinsic photophysical and photochemical properties. Here, two novel anthracene-based macrocycles (1 and 2) were designed and synthesized with para- and meta-phenylene spacers. X-ray crystallographic analysis demonstrates that compound 1 with para-phenylene spacers adopts a nearly planar structure, while compound 2 with meta-phenylene spacers displays a V-shaped geometry. The photophysical properties of the resultant macrocycles, which are structural isomers, are well studied using photoluminescence spectra and time-resolved absorption spectra, which are further corroborated by density functional theory calculations. The optical properties of these two novel macrocycles can be finely tuned via their geometries.
Symptoms of Adenomyosis and Overlapping Diseases
Authors: Isaacson Keith , Loring Megan
Published: December 2020

To summarize and update our current knowledge regarding adenomyosis diagnosis, prevalence, and symptoms. Systematic review of PubMed between January 1972 and April 2020. Search strategy included: “adenomyosis [MeSH Terms] AND (endometriosis[MeSH Term OR prevalence study [MeSH Terms] OR dysmenorrhea[Text Word] OR prevalence[Text Word] OR young adults [Text Word] OR adolesce* [Text Word] OR symptoms[Text Word] OR imaging diagnosis [Text Word] OR pathology[Text Word]. Articles published in English that addressed adenomyosis and discussed prevalence, diagnosis, and symptoms were included. Included articles described: pathology diagnosis, imaging, biopsy diagnosis, prevalence and age of onset, symptoms, and concomitant endometriosis. Sixteen articles were included in the qualitative analysis. The studies are heterogeneous when diagnosing adenomyosis with differing criteria, protocols, and patient populations. Prevalence estimates range from 20% to 88.8% in symptomatic women (average 30–35%) with most diagnosed between 32–38 years old. The correlation between imaging and pathology continues to evolve. As imaging advances, newer studies report younger symptomatic women are being diagnosed with adenomyosis based on both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). High rates of concomitant endometriosis create challenges when discerning the etiology of pelvic pain. Symptoms that are historically attributed to endometriosis may actually be caused by adenomyosis. Adenomyosis remains a challenge to identify, assess and research because of the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, especially in women who wish to retain their uterus. As noninvasive diagnostics such as imaging and myometrial biopsies continue to improve, younger women with variable symptoms will likely create criteria for diagnosis with adenomyosis. The priority should be to create standardized histopathological and imaging diagnoses to gain deeper understandings of adenomyosis.
Transtemporal Venous Decompression for Idiopathic Venous Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Slater Patrick , Korla Neha , Slater Caroline
Published: December 2020

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and present surgical outcomes of transtemporal venous decompression technique in the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus (PT).

Study Design This is a prospective cohort study.

Setting This study was done at the tertiary private neurotologic skull base clinic.

Participants The primary author, between March 2012 and February 2013, evaluated 55 patients with the complaint of PT. Seven out of the 55 patients were diagnosed with severe, unrelenting idiopathic pulsatile tinnitus (IPT), and were placed into the study. These seven patients had temporal bone computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, arteriogram, videonystagmography, electrocochleography, and lumbar puncture based on the symptoms. All the seven patients underwent transtemporal venous decompression surgery.

Main Outcome Measure Resolution of PT was determined as the primary outcome measure.

Results Six out of seven patients had complete resolution of their PT immediately after surgery and at 3 to 4 years follow-up. One patient developed intracranial hypertension after 3 months requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which resolved PT as well. No complications occurred.

Conclusion A significant subset of the PT patient population has known reversible causes. The more common includes conductive hearing loss, superior canal dehiscence, benign intracranial hypertension, jugulosigmoid venous anomalies, stapedial myoclonus, etc. There exists a subset of patients who have IPT. Transtemporal venous decompression is a surgical technique that can be employed to give patients with IPT long-term relief.
Research uncovers why water degrades certain solar cell materials
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: December 2020

Research into the water-induced degradation of hybrid inorganic-organic perovskite could lead to better solar cell technology.
Diabat method for polymorph free energies: Extension to molecular crystals
Authors: Kamat Kartik , Guo Rui , Reutzel-Edens Susan M. , Price Sarah L. , Peters Baron
Published: December 2020

Lattice-switch Monte Carlo and the related diabat methods have emerged as efficient and accurate ways to compute free energy differences between polymorphs. In this work, we introduce a one-to-one mapping from the reference positions and displacements in one molecular crystal to the positions and displacements in another. Two features of the mapping facilitate lattice-switch Monte Carlo and related diabat methods for computing polymorph free energy differences. First, the mapping is unitary so that its Jacobian does not complicate the free energy calculations. Second, the mapping is easily implemented for molecular crystals of arbitrary complexity. We demonstrate the mapping by computing free energy differences between polymorphs of benzene and carbamazepine. Free energy calculations for thermodynamic cycles, each involving three independently computed polymorph free energy differences, all return to the starting free energy with a high degree of precision. The calculations thus provide a force field independent validation of the method and allow us to estimate the precision of the individual free energy differences.
Influence of zonal flow and density on resistive drift wave turbulent transport
Authors: Zhang Yanzeng , Krasheninnikov Sergei I.
Published: December 2020

The generations of zonal flow (ZF) and density (ZD) and their feedback on the resistive drift wave turbulent transport are investigated within the modified Hasegawa-Wakatani model. With proper normalization, the system is only controlled by an effective adiabatic parameter, α, where the ZF dominates the collisional drift wave (DW) turbulence in the adiabatic limit α>1. By conducting direct numerical simulations, we found that the ZF can significantly reduce the transport by trapping the DWs in the vicinities of its extrema for α>1, whereas the ZD itself has little impact on the turbulence but can only assist ZF to further decrease the transport by flattening the local plasma density gradient.
Analytical investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of empty spherical multi-bubbles in hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Qin Yupeng , Wang Zhen , Zou Li
Published: December 2020

The nonlinear dynamics of empty multi-bubbles with the same distance and initial conditions are studied analytically through a modified Rayleigh–Plesset equation. The collapse time and analytical solution are derived under various initial conditions. In particular, when considering a positive initial vibration velocity, the exact analytical expression for the maximal radius is obtained by solving a cubic algebraic equation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a parabolic function has been used to construct the parametric analytical solution for this case. This type of function is able to simulate the collapse motion whereby the bubble radius first grows to the maximal radius and then decays to zero. The limiting behavior of the resulting analytical results for multi-bubbles (including the collapse time, analytical solution, and maximal radius) is also investigated, enabling the corresponding analytical results for single bubbles to be deduced in the limit as the distance between the multi-bubbles approaches infinity. In addition, the dynamical characteristics and qualitative analysis of these bubbles and the effects of the relevant physical parameters are studied.
Developing a model of bereavement care in an adult tertiary hospital
Authors: Grant Matthew , Hudson Peter , Forrest Annie , Collins Anna , Israel Fiona
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesHospitals are the most common place of death in Australia. Bereavement care is recognised by national standards as being central to providing high-quality care at the end of life, and has significant health implications on morbidity, mortality and health service usage. Despite this, bereavement care is not routinely or systematically provided in most Australian hospitals. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based model of bereavement care specific to the needs of an acute Australian adult tertiary hospital.
MethodsThis study used a multiple-methods design, which included a scoping literature review, a survey of current institutional bereavement practices, interviews with bereaved family members and staff focus groups and the development of a model of bereavement care for the acute hospital service through advisory group and expert consensus.
ResultsStaff and bereaved family members strongly supported a systematic approach to bereavement, perceiving the need for greater support, training, coordination and follow-up. In all, 10 core elements were developed to support a structured model of bereavement care provision and follow-up for the acute hospital organisation.
ConclusionsThis evidence-generated model of care promotes the provision of quality and systematic bereavement care in the acute hospital setting.
What is known about the topic?Acute hospitals are the most common place to die in Australia, yet there is a lack of understanding of how bereavement care is or should be provided in these environments. The bereavement period is associated with increased use of health services and worse morbidity and mortality, and thus has significant implications for public health. The provision of bereavement care in acute hospitals is often sporadic, often involving untrained staff who may not provide evidence-based care.
What does this paper add?This paper describes the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based model of bereavement care specific to the needs of an Australian acute hospital.
What are the implications for practitioners?Developing a consistent approach to bereavement for the acute care sector has the potential to support staff, minimise conflict at the end of life, facilitate recognition of those suffering from difficult bereavement and proactively engage services for these people. It is hoped that such a model of care can find relevance across acute hospitals in Australia, to improve the quality and consistency of bereavement care.
R-spondin substitutes for neuronal input for taste cell regeneration in adult mice
Authors: Lin Xiaoli , Lu Chanyi , Ohmoto Makoto , Choma Katarzyna , Margolskee Robert F. , Matsumoto Ichiro , Jiang Peihua
Published: December 2020

Significance

A long-standing observation is that taste bud cell replenishment requires neuronal input. The molecular basis for neuronal regulation of taste tissue homeostasis is unclear. We demonstrate that Rspo2 is selectively expressed in sensory ganglion neurons. We further demonstrate that exogenous R-spondin can substitute for neuronal input to maintain taste tissue homeostasis by promoting generation of differentiated taste cells in vivo and that R-spondin is required for generation of differentiated taste cells in an ex vivo organoid culture system. We thus propose that Rspo2 may be the long-sought neuron-supplied niche factor for maintaining taste tissue homeostasis. The ability of R-spondin to promote generation of differentiated taste cells may provide a therapeutic approach for those who suffer from taste loss.
A thermodynamic atlas of carbon redox chemical space
Authors: Jinich Adrian , Sanchez-Lengeling Benjamin , Ren Haniu , Goldford Joshua E. , Noor Elad , Sanders Jacob N. , Segrè Daniel , Aspuru-Guzik Alán
Published: December 2020

Significance

Carbon redox chemistry plays a fundamental role in biology. However, the thermodynamic and physicochemical principles underlying the rise of metabolites involved in redox biochemistry remain poorly understood. Our work introduces the theory and techniques that allow us to quantify and understand the global energy landscape of carbon redox biochemistry. We analyze the space of all possible oxidation states of linear-chain molecules with two to five carbon atoms and generate a detailed atlas of the thermodynamic stability of metabolites in comparison to nonbiological molecules. Although the emergence of life required the underlying chemistry to bootstrap itself out of equilibrium, a quantitative understanding of the environment-dependent thermodynamic landscape of prebiotic molecules will be extremely valuable for future origins of life models.
Evolutionarily related small viral fusogens hijack distinct but modular actin nucleation pathways to drive cell-cell fusion
Authors: Chan Ka Man Carmen , Arthur Ashley L. , Morstein Johannes , Jin Meiyan , Bhat Abrar , Schlesinger Dörte , Son Sungmin , Stevens Donté A. , Drubin David G. , Fletcher Daniel A.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Most cell-cell fusogens have tall ectodomains that drive fusion by undergoing conformational changes that pull two membranes together, akin to the mechanism used by viral fusogens during enveloped virus entry. In contrast, fusion-associated small transmembrane (FAST) proteins from reovirus have short, structurally minimal, membrane-disruptive ectodomains. In this work, we show that evolutionarily distant FAST proteins from aquareovirus and orthoreovirus use different adaptor proteins to hijack host actin assembly and push two membranes together during cell-cell fusion. Despite minimal sequence similarity, the cytoplasmic tails from divergent FAST proteins can be functionally exchanged and even replaced with different actin nucleators while maintaining fusogenicity. This feature suggests a conserved biophysical strategy shared by FAST proteins that could be used by other cell-cell fusogens.
A protease-activated, near-infrared fluorescent probe for early endoscopic detection of premalignant gastrointestinal lesions
Authors: Yim Joshua J. , Harmsen Stefan , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Flisikowska Tatiana , Namkoong Hong , Garland Megan , van den Berg Nynke S. , Vilches-Moure José G. , Schnieke Angelika , Saur Dieter , Glasl Sarah , Gorpas Dimitris , Habtezion Aida , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Contag Christopher H. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Bogyo Matthew , Rogalla Stephan
Published: December 2020

Significance

Early detection by white-light endoscopy (WLE) is the key procedure used in clinical care to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). In high-risk patients to develop CRC, like in inflammatory bowel disease, the miss-rate of dysplastic lesions is three times higher compared to healthy individuals. In this study we explored the use of a near-infrared probe with fluorescence endoscopy as an adjunct to WLE to highlight adenomas. We demonstrated in clinically relevant animal models of colorectal carcinogenesis and ulcerative colitis that our strategy enabled improved detection using near-infrared fluorescence-guided colonoscopy without interfering in the clinical workflow. Since combined near-infrared fluorescent/WLE systems are already being clinically translated, our approach could result in improving the adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy particularly in high-risk patients.
Multiple constraints cause positive and negative feedbacks limiting grassland soil CO2efflux under CO2enrichment
Authors: Fay Philip A. , Hui Dafeng , Jackson Robert B. , Collins Harold P. , Reichmann Lara G. , Aspinwall Michael J. , Jin Virginia L. , Khasanova Albina R. , Heckman Robert W. , Polley H. Wayne
Published: December 2020

Significance

Understanding ecosystem carbon-cycling responses to atmospheric CO2enrichment is critical to preserve biodiversity and maintain vital ecosystem services in grasslands impacted by global change. We conducted an 8-y experiment enriching CO2concentrations from preindustrial to midtwenty-first century levels on grassland plant communities on upland, lowland, and alluvial soils. CO2enrichment increased the CO2efflux from soils to atmosphere in amounts depending on whether the dominant limitation was CO2or feedbacks (net positive or negative) from soil moisture and plant species turnover. These findings highlight how multiple concurrent limitations, not single limitations in sequence, regulate the impacts of global change drivers in diverse grasslands. Incorporating multiple limitations will improve forecasts of terrestrial carbon sequestration and ecosystem services.
The evolution of skin pigmentation-associated variation in West Eurasia
Authors: Ju Dan , Mathieson Iain
Published: December 2020

Significance

Some of the genes responsible for the evolution of light skin pigmentation in Europeans show signals of positive selection in present-day populations. Recently, genome-wide association studies have highlighted the highly polygenic nature of skin pigmentation. It is unclear whether selection has operated on all of these genetic variants or just a subset. By studying variation in over a thousand ancient genomes from West Eurasia covering 40,000 y, we are able to study both the aggregate behavior of pigmentation-associated variants and the evolutionary history of individual variants. We find that the evolution of light skin pigmentation in Europeans was driven by frequency changes in a relatively small fraction of the genetic variants that are associated with variation in the trait today.
Host fibrinogen drives antimicrobial function in
Staphylococcus aureus
peritonitis through bacterial-mediated prothrombin activation
Authors: Prasad Joni M. , Negrón Oscar , Du Xinli , Mullins Eric S. , Palumbo Joseph S. , Gilbertie Jessica M. , Höök Magnus , Grover Steven P. , Pawlinski Rafal , Mackman Nigel , Degen Jay L. , Flick Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Significance

A thrombin-fibrin pathway drives rapid and robust bacterial killing of
Staphylococcus aureus
following peritoneal infection. Elimination of coagulase activity results in
S. aureus
protection from antimicrobial activity and a corresponding reduction in host survival. These findings provide a molecular basis for the prevalence of coagulase negative staphylococci in peritonitis and highlight a caution when considering anticoagulant use in patients susceptible to peritoneal infection.
HyPR-seq: Single-cell quantification of chosen RNAs via hybridization and sequencing of DNA probes
Authors: Marshall Jamie L. , Doughty Benjamin R. , Subramanian Vidya , Guckelberger Philine , Wang Qingbo , Chen Linlin M. , Rodriques Samuel G. , Zhang Kaite , Fulco Charles P. , Nasser Joseph , Grinkevich Elizabeth J. , Noel Teia , Mangiameli Sarah , Bergman Drew T. , Greka Anna , Lander Eric S. , Chen Fei , Engreitz Jesse M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Gene expression is precisely controlled across human cell types to control cellular functions and phenotypes. Here we present a technology to quantify the level of expression of genes in single cells, which will help to understand how genes are regulated in each cell type in the human body. We demonstrate that this technology improves upon existing tools to enable understanding how DNA regulatory elements control gene expression and mapping the frequencies of different cell types in tissues. This technology will enable new large-scale studies to understand gene control.
Assessment of enzyme active site positioning and tests of catalytic mechanisms through X-ray–derived conformational ensembles
Authors: Yabukarski Filip , Biel Justin T. , Pinney Margaux M. , Doukov Tzanko , Powers Alexander S. , Fraser James S. , Herschlag Daniel
Published: December 2020

Significance

Enzymes position catalytic and reactant groups in active sites, but motions are also integral to enzyme function. Decades of research have revealed static snapshots for many enzymes, but we know very little about the extents and directions of motions of the residues that make up enzymes and their active sites. We took advantage of emerging crystallographic approaches to provide information about protein conformational ensembles for the enzyme ketosteroid isomerase (KSI). Ensemble analyses indicated limited change in conformational heterogeneity through the enzyme’s reaction cycle and a balance of positioning and flexibility that allows KSI to efficiently catalyze multiple reaction steps. We tested KSI-specific and general models for enzyme catalysis, demonstrating the power of and need for “ensemble–function” interrogation of enzymes.
Axon morphology is modulated by the local environment and impacts the noninvasive investigation of its structure–function relationship
Authors: Andersson Mariam , Kjer Hans Martin , Rafael-Patino Jonathan , Pacureanu Alexandra , Pakkenberg Bente , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Ptito Maurice , Bech Martin , Bjorholm Dahl Anders , Andersen Dahl Vedrana , Dyrby Tim B.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Axons, the brain’s communication cables, have been described as cylinders since their discovery in 1860. Their structure is linked to how fast they conduct signals and is thus indicative of brain health and function. Here, we demonstrate an interplay between the micromorphology of axons and other extra-axonal structures, showing that axons are noncylindrical and exhibit environment-dependent diameter and trajectory variations. The nonspecificity in diameter, and thus conduction velocity, challenges the current knowledge of how axons communicate signals. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging can be used to measure axon diameter in the living brain in order to explore the brain network and detect potential biomarkers of disease, but we show here that the observed complex morphologies of axons bias these measurements.
Efficient CRISPR-mediated base editing in
Agrobacterium
spp.
Authors: Rodrigues Savio D. , Karimi Mansour , Impens Lennert , Van Lerberge Els , Coussens Griet , Aesaert Stijn , Rombaut Debbie , Holtappels Dominique , Ibrahim Heba M. M. , Van Montagu Marc , Wagemans Jeroen , Jacobs Thomas B. , De Coninck Barbara , Pauwels Laurens
Published: December 2020

Significance

Agrobacteria are plant-pathogenic bacteria that can deliver DNA to plant cells as part of their infection strategy. This property has been used for decades to generate transgenic plants and, more recently, to deliver gene-editing reagents to plant cells. Notwithstanding their importance for research and industry, laboratory strains have not been improved much over the years and several aspects of
Agrobacterium
biology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we developed a CRISPR-mediated base-editing approach to efficiently modify the genome of
Agrobacterium
. We show that single-nucleotide changes can be introduced at targeted positions in both the
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
and
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
genomes. Whole-genome analysis of edited strains revealed only a limited number of unintentional mutations.
Exotic foods reveal contact between South Asia and the Near East during the second millennium BCE
Authors: Scott Ashley , Power Robert C. , Altmann-Wendling Victoria , Artzy Michal , Martin Mario A. S. , Eisenmann Stefanie , Hagan Richard , Salazar-García Domingo C. , Salmon Yossi , Yegorov Dmitry , Milevski Ianir , Finkelstein Israel , Stockhammer Philipp W. , Warinner Christina
Published: December 2020

Significance

Here we report the identification of staple and exotic food remains in Bronze and Early Iron Age dental calculus from the Southern Levant. The analysis of dietary plant microremains and proteins sheds new light on consumed exotic foods from South and East Asia during the second millennium BCE. We provide the earliest direct evidence in the Mediterranean to date for the consumption of sesame, soybean, probable banana, and turmeric. The recovery and identification of diverse foodstuffs using molecular and microscopic techniques enables a new understanding of the complexity of early trade routes and nascent globalization in the ancient Near East and raises questions about the long-term maintenance and continuity of this trade system into later periods.
Macrophage LC3-associated phagocytosis is an immune defense against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
that diminishes with host aging
Authors: Inomata Megumi , Xu Shuying , Chandra Pallavi , Meydani Simin N. , Takemura Genzou , Philips Jennifer A. , Leong John M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The elderly exhibit susceptibility to many infectious agents, including
S. pneumoniae
. A robust acute inflammatory response to
S. pneumoniae
is associated with severe disease.
S. pneumoniae
triggers canonical autophagy in nonprofessional phagocytes, but its role in macrophages is largely unexplored. We found that BMDMs utilize LAP, rather than canonical autophagy, to both eliminate
S. pneumoniae
and modulate inflammation. Notably, compared to young BMDMs, aged BMDMs were deficient in LAP, resulting in compromised bacterial killing and enhanced proinflammatory responses. Thus,
S. pneumoniae
triggers LAP in BMDMs, a process that controls both microbial numbers and tissue-damaging inflammation. Importantly, LAP diminishes with age and may contribute to the observed susceptibility of the elderly to many infectious diseases.
Cryo-EM structure of the full-length WzmWzt ABC transporter required for lipid-linked O antigen transport
Authors: Caffalette Christopher A. , Zimmer Jochen
Published: December 2020

Significance

Gram-negative bacteria employ cell surface polysaccharides to evade host immune responses, enhance survival in extreme environments, and protect themselves against antimicrobial agents. The outer membrane of gram-negatives is rich in lipopolysaccharide (LPS), comprising the endotoxin lipid A, a short oligosaccharide, and a long terminal polysaccharide known as the O antigen. O antigens extend the cellular envelope creating a barrier that obscures the cell membrane to protect it from complement component deposition and insertion, thereby evading the innate immune response of the host. Understanding O antigen biosynthesis and how the specialized ABC transporter WzmWzt translocates the O antigen for assembly of mature LPS provides a molecular basis for manipulating this fundamental process in gram-negative pathogens.
Satellites can reveal global extent of forced labor in the world’s fishing fleet
Authors: McDonald Gavin G. , Costello Christopher , Bone Jennifer , Cabral Reniel B. , Farabee Valerie , Hochberg Timothy , Kroodsma David , Mangin Tracey , Meng Kyle C. , Zahn Oliver
Published: December 2020

Significance

Forced labor in fisheries is increasingly recognized as a human rights crisis. Until recently, its extent was poorly understood and no tools existed for systematically detecting forced labor risk on individual fishing vessels on a global scale. Here we use satellite data and machine learning to identify these high-risk vessels and find widespread risk of forced labor in the world’s fishing fleet. This information provides new opportunities for unique market, enforcement, and policy interventions. This also provides a proof of concept for how remotely sensed dynamic individual behavior can be used to infer forced labor abuses.
Mechanistic insights into the synergistic activation of the RXR–PXR heterodimer by endocrine disruptor mixtures
Authors: Delfosse Vanessa , Huet Tiphaine , Harrus Deborah , Granell Meritxell , Bourguet Maxime , Gardia-Parège Caroline , Chiavarina Barbara , Grimaldi Marina , Le Mével Sébastien , Blanc Pauline , Huang David , Gruszczyk Jakub , Demeneix Barbara , Cianférani Sarah , Fini Jean-Baptiste , Balaguer Patrick , Bourguet William
Published: December 2020

Significance

Many environmental pollutants act as endocrine disruptors that interfere with normal endocrine regulation and promote adverse effects in humans. As a major target of xenobiotics, the pregnane X receptor (PXR) is known to play opposite roles by both facilitating their clearance and mediating their toxic effects. Here, we use structural and functional approaches to describe two converging mechanisms leading to a robust synergistic stimulation of the PXR pathway by mixtures of three chemicals exhibiting very low efficacy when administered separately. This “cocktail effect” relies on two cooperative binding processes that enhance both ligand binding affinity and recruitment of transcriptional coactivators. Our findings show how chemical mixtures may alter physiology and homeostasis at concentrations where individual components are considered safe.
Naphthylphthalamic acid associates with and inhibits PIN auxin transporters
Authors: Abas Lindy , Kolb Martina , Stadlmann Johannes , Janacek Dorina P. , Lukic Kristina , Schwechheimer Claus , Sazanov Leonid A. , Mach Lukas , Friml Jiří , Hammes Ulrich Z.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The plant hormone auxin regulates many aspects of plant life and has the unique ability to flow throughout the plant in defined directions, as observed by Darwin over a century ago. The chemical NPA inhibits this directional flow, thereby severely affecting plant growth. In studying the specific effects of NPA, researchers have also uncovered general principles underlying plant development. Exactly how NPA inhibits directional auxin flow is unclear. NPA interacts with proteins that can transport auxin, such as ABCB transporters, and we show here that NPA also associates with and inhibits the major transporters that specialize in directional auxin flow—PINs. This explanation of NPA action will guide future research and may help reveal how PINs perform auxin transport.
Structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8, a rapidly evolving immune evasion protein
Authors: Flower Thomas G. , Buffalo Cosmo Z. , Hooy Richard M. , Allaire Marc , Ren Xuefeng , Hurley James H.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The structure of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 protein reveals two novel intermolecular interfaces layered onto an ORF7 fold. One is mediated by a disulfide bond, the other is noncovalent, and both are novel with respect to SARS-CoV. The structural analysis here establishes a molecular framework for understanding the rapid evolution of ORF8, its contributions to COVID-19 pathogenesis, and the potential for its neutralization by antibodies.
MdERDL6-mediated glucose efflux to the cytosol promotes sugar accumulation in the vacuole through up-regulating TSTs in apple and tomato
Authors: Zhu Lingcheng , Li Baiyun , Wu Limin , Li Huixia , Wang Zhengyang , Wei Xiaoyu , Ma Baiquan , Zhang Yanfeng , Ma Fengwang , Ruan Yong-Ling , Li Mingjun
Published: December 2020

Significance

Sugar transport across membranes is essential for maintaining cellular sugar homeostasis and metabolic balance in plant cells. However, it remains unclear how this process is regulated among different classes of sugar transporters. Here, we identified an apple tonoplast H
+
/glucose symporter, MdERDL6-1, that exports glucose to cytosols to up-regulate the expression of H
+
/sugar antiporter genes
TST1
and
TST2
to import sugars from cytosol to vacuole for accumulation to high concentrations in apples and tomatoes. The findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanism underlying sugar exchange between cytosol and vacuole.
Similarities and interplay between senescent cells and macrophages
Authors: Behmoaras Jacques , Gil Jesús
Published: December 2020

Senescence is a cellular program that prevents the replication of old, damaged, or cancerous cells. Senescent cells become growth arrested and undergo changes in their morphology, chromatin organization, and metabolism, and produce a bioactive secretome. This secretome, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), mediates many of the pathophysiological effects associated with senescent cells, for example, recruiting and activating immune cells such as macrophages. The relation between senescent cells and macrophages is intriguing: senescent cells recruit macrophages, can induce them to undergo senescence, or can influence their polarization. Senescent cells and macrophages share multiple phenotypic characteristics; both have a high secretory status, increased lysosome numbers, or the ability to activate the inflammasome. Senescent cells accumulate during aging and disease, and killing them results in widespread benefits. Here we discuss similarities between senescent cells and macrophages and interpret the latest developments in macrophage biology to understand the molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence. We describe evidence and effects of senescence in macrophages and speculate on the ontogeny of the senescent-like state in macrophages. Finally, we examine the macrophage–senescent cell interplay and its impact on macrophage effector functions during inflammatory conditions and in the tumor microenvironment.
Active Thermal Wave Cloak
Authors: Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: December 2020

Active metamaterials have shown huge advantages to control electromagnetic and acoustic waves. However, how to use active metamaterials to control thermal waves has not been explored, though thermal waves are significant in various fields. To address the problem, here we report an active scheme for thermal wave cloaks. The thermal waves are based on conduction and convection, which are dominated by the Fourier and Darcy laws, respectively. By calculating the propagation of thermal waves in a free space, we can derive the global temperature and pressure distributions. We then apply these calculation results to actively control the boundary temperature and pressure, and active thermal wave cloaks can be obtained. Compared with existing passive schemes to control thermal waves, the present active scheme is more flexible for switching on/off and changing geometries. This work provides active and controllable components to thermal wave cloaks, which can be further used to design more active thermal wave metamaterials.
Impressions of the Continuum Bound State Problem in QCD
Authors: Qin Si-Xue , Roberts C. D.
Published: December 2020

Modern and anticipated facilities will deliver data that promises to reveal the innermost workings of quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In order to fulfill that promise, phenomenology and theory must reach a new level, limiting and overcoming model-dependence, so that clean lines can be drawn to connect the data with QCD itself. Progress in that direction, made using continuum methods for the hadron bound-state problem, is sketched herein.