bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China's Iran Strategy: What Is at Stake?
Authors: Monshipouri Mahmood , Heiran‐Nia Javad
Published: February 2021

This paper seeks to unpack China's grand energy policy in the Middle East. It examines the proposed Iran‐China deal, to which China's great game in Iran presents new challenges. Beijing sees Iran as a key potential asset in Western Asia. Regional experts argue that, given Iran's extensive natural resources and human capital, as well as a relatively untapped market, the country is seen by the Chinese ruling class as a potentially valuable ally. Uncertainty, pessimism, and a deeply rooted culture of resistance against foreign influence and intervention help explain why skepticism about this deal is so pervasive in Iran. A closer look at Iran's history also illustrates that the country's interests would likely be more effectively served if it diversified its economic and political relations with both the West and the East, thus allowing the government to balance its relationship with those countries while retaining a degree of political independence.
Systematic screening for COVID‐19 associated invasive aspergillosis in ICU patients by culture and PCR on tracheal aspirate
Authors: van Grootveld Rebecca , van Paassen Judith , de Boer Mark G.J. , Claas Eric C.J. , Kuijper Ed J. , van der Beek Martha T. ,   LUMC‐COVID‐19 Research Group
Published: February 2021

Background

A high prevalence of COVID‐19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported, though histopathological evidence is frequently lacking. To assess the clinical significance of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples of mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients, we implemented routine screening for Aspergillus in tracheal aspirate (TA).

Patients/methods

From all adult COVID‐19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), TA samples were collected twice a week for Aspergillus screening by PCR and or culture. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling was performed in patients with a positive screening result if possible. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic patient record and patients were categorised according to the recently published consensus case definition for CAPA.

Results

Our study population consisted of 63 predominantly (73%) male patients, with a median age of 62 years and total median ICU stay of 18 days. Aspergillus species were present in TA screening samples from 15 patients (24%), and probable CAPA was diagnosed in 11 (17%) patients. Triazole resistance was detected in one patient (14%). Concordance between TA and BAL was 86%, and all TA culture positives were confirmed in BAL. We were able to withhold treatment in three of fifteen patients with positive screening (20%) but negative BAL results.

Conclusions

Positive culture, molecular detection and or antigen detection of Aspergillus species do not equal infection. Until we understand the clinical relevance of Aspergillus species detected in respiratory samples of COVID‐19 patients, minimal‐invasive screening by TA is a feasible method to monitor patients. Positive screening results should be an indication to perform a BAL to rule out upper airway colonisation.
H3K36 methyltransferase SDG708 enhances drought tolerance by promoting abscisic acid biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Chen Kai , Du Kangxi , Shi Yichen , Yin Liufan , Shen Wen‐Hui , Yu Yu , Liu Bing , Dong Aiwu
Published: February 2021

Chromatin modifications play important roles in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, but the precise function of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methylation in drought tolerance remains poorly evaluated.

Here, we report that SDG708, a specific H3K36 methyltransferase, functions as a positive regulator of drought tolerance in rice. SDG708 promoted abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis by directly targeting and activating the crucial ABA biosynthesis genes NINE‐CIS‐EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3 (OsNCED3) and NINE‐CIS‐EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 5 (OsNCED5).

Additionally, SDG708 induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the guard cells and promoted stomatal closure to reduce water loss. Overexpression of SDG708 concomitantly enhanced rice drought tolerance and increased grain yield under normal and drought stress conditions.

Thus, SDG708 is potentially useful as an epigenetic regulator in breeding for grain yield improvement.
Long‐range assembly of sequences helps to unravel the genome structure and small variation of the wheat–Haynaldia villosa translocated chromosome 6VS.6AL
Authors: Xing Liping , Yuan Lu , Lv Zengshuai , Wang Qiang , Yin Chunhong , Huang Zhenpu , Liu Jiaqian , Cao Shuqi , Zhang Ruiqi , Chen Peidu , Karafiátová Miroslava , Vrána Jan , Bartoš Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Cao Aizhong
Published: February 2021

Genomics studies in wild species of wheat have been limited due to the lack of references; however, new technologies and bioinformatics tools have much potential to promote genomic research. The wheat–Haynaldia villosa translocation line T6VS·6AL has been widely used as a backbone parent of wheat breeding in China. Therefore, revealing the genome structure of translocation chromosome 6VS·6AL will clarify how this chromosome formed and will help to determine how it affects agronomic traits. In this study, chromosome flow sorting, NGS sequencing and Chicago long‐range linkage assembly were innovatively used to produce the assembled sequences of 6VS·6AL, and gene prediction and genome structure characterization at the molecular level were effectively performed. The analysis discovered that the short arm of 6VS·6AL was actually composed of a large distal segment of 6VS, a small proximal segment of 6AS and the centromere of 6A, while the collinear region in 6VS corresponding to 230–260 Mb of 6AS‐Ta was deleted when the recombination between 6VS and 6AS occurred. In addition to the molecular mechanism of the increased grain weight and enhanced spike length produced by the translocation chromosome, it may be correlated with missing GW2‐V and an evolved NRT‐V cluster. Moreover, a fine physical bin map of 6VS was constructed by the high‐throughput developed 6VS‐specific InDel markers and a series of newly identified small fragment translocation lines involving 6VS. This study will provide essential information for mining of new alien genes carried by the 6VS·6AL translocation chromosome.
Permissivism and self‐fulfilling propositions
Authors: Muralidharan Anantharaman
Published: February 2021

Recently, self‐fulfilling cases, that is, ones in which an agent's believing a proposition guarantees its truth, have been offered as counterexamples to uniqueness. According to uniqueness, at most one doxastic attitude is epistemically rational given the evidence. I argue that self‐fulfilling cases are not counterexamples to uniqueness because belief‐formation is not governed by epistemic rationality in such cases. Specifically, this is because epistemic rationality is not just about forming true beliefs, but about tracking mind‐independent truths. In support of the latter claim, I offer three arguments, namely that self‐fulfilling and non‐self‐fulfilling cases differ in their phenomenology, in the norms that guide belief formation, and in the way they relate to the evidence.
Extensive tissue necrosis of the tongue in a methamphetamine user: A case report
Authors: Shudo Atsushi
Published: February 2021

Aims

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and its side effects may result in severe self‐mutilation. This report describes a case of a meth user with severe oral injury that demonstrates the necessity for prompt treatment when severe tongue biting occurs.

Methods and results

A 43‐year‐old meth‐using man with severe tongue biting was left untreated for more than 24 hours, resulting in extensive ischemic changes in the tongue and eventual extensive tissue necrosis. After debridement and deep suture repair in several layers, the wound healed. However, tongue dysfunction and a speech disorder remained because of tongue shortening.

Conclusion

Meth may induce or aggravate severe oral self‐mutilation. Tongue biting with severe tissue damage may occur as oral self‐mutilation in meth users; however, among self‐mutilation behaviors, tongue biting is especially difficult to prevent. A withdrawal from meth and a behavioral approach may be necessary for fundamental prevention, but it is often difficult in high dependence users. When severe tongue biting occurs, prompt suture reconstruction must be performed before ischemic change occurs to prevent tissue necrosis.
Organizational theory in political sociology
Authors: Walker Edward T.
Published: February 2021

Organizational theory and research has been enormously generative for political sociologists, if not always as fully centered as it might be, relative to broader notions of political power, economic resources, culture, and their interplay. This review both calls attention to the ways that organizational theory continues to inform political sociology and sets an agenda for how this interchange can be productively extended in various ways in scholarship on states, political parties, advocacy organizations, and business influences in politics. I highlight the genealogy of the new institutionalism and its variants (World Polity and institutional logics), population ecology (and the growing interest in both categories and audiences, alongside studies of the “ecology of ideology”), and research that follows in the broad tradition of resource dependence theory (and the link to more management‐oriented approaches such as “non‐market strategy” and stakeholder theories of organizational political activities). I also emphasize how novel theories of social movements and fields have offered innovative insights that incorporate organizational and political processes. I conclude by elaborating an agenda for how political sociologists can go further in maintaining and extending their highly productive and rewarding engagements with organizational theory.
Bootstrap for integer‐valued GARCH(p, q) processes
Authors: Neumann Michael H.
Published: February 2021

We consider integer‐valued processes with a linear or nonlinear generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic models structure, where the count variables given the past follow a Poisson distribution. We show that a contraction condition imposed on the intensity function yields a contraction property of the Markov kernel of the process. This allows almost effortless proofs of the existence and uniqueness of a stationary distribution as well as of absolute regularity of the count process. As our main result, we construct a coupling of the original process and a model‐based bootstrap counterpart. Using a contraction property of the Markov kernel of the coupled process we obtain bootstrap consistency for different types of statistics.
Arabidopsis phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase genes PIP5K7, PIP5K8, and PIP5K9 are redundantly involved in root growth adaptation to osmotic stress
Authors: Kuroda Ryo , Kato Mariko , Tsuge Tomohiko , Aoyama Takashi
Published: February 2021

Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) produces phosphatidylinositol (4,5)‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2), a signaling phospholipid critical for various cellular processes in eukaryotes. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 11 PIP5K genes. Of these, three type B PIP5K genes, PIP5K7, PIP5K8, and PIP5K9, constitute a subgroup highly conserved in land plants, suggesting that they retain a critical function shared by land plants. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the biological functions of the PIP5K7–9 subgroup genes. Reporter gene analyses revealed their preferential expression in meristematic and vascular tissues. Their YFP‐fusion proteins localized primarily to the plasma membrane in root meristem epidermal cells. We selected a mutant line that was considered to be null for each gene. Under normal growth conditions, neither single mutants nor multiple mutants of any combination exhibited noticeable phenotypic changes. However, stress conditions with mannitol or NaCl suppressed main root growth and reduced proximal root meristem size to a greater extent in the pip5k7pip5k8pip5k9 triple mutant than in the wild type. In root meristem epidermal cells of the triple mutant, where plasma membrane localization of the PtdIns(4,5)P2 marker P24Y is impaired to a large extent, brefeldin A body formation is retarded compared with the wild type under hyperosmotic stress. These results indicate that PIP5K7, PIP5K8, and PIP5K9 are not required under normal growth conditions, but are redundantly involved in root growth adaptation to hyperosmotic conditions, possibly through the PtdIns(4,5)P2 function promoting plasma membrane recycling in root meristem cells.
Effects of chronic moderate alcohol consumption on right ventricle and pulmonary remodelling
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Sousa‐Nunes Fábio , Faria‐Costa Gabriel , Rodrigues Ilda , Guimarães João Tiago , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Henriques‐Coelho Tiago , Negrão Rita , Moreira‐Gonçalves Daniel
Published: February 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the consumption of a moderate amount of alcohol differentially impact the heart ventricles and pulmonary vasculature.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Moderate alcohol consumption for a short period of time impaired pulmonary vascular cellular renewal through an apoptosis resistance pattern that ultimately affected the right ventricular function and structure. These findings support the need for a deeper understanding of effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the overall cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

Over the past decades, observational studies have supported an association between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, recent and more robust meta‐analyses have raised concerns around the robustness of the evidence for the cardioprotective effects of alcohol. Also, studies of the functional, structural and molecular changes promoted by alcohol have focused primarily on the left ventricle, ignoring the fact that the right ventricle could adapt differently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bi‐ventricular impact of daily moderate alcohol intake, during a 4‐week period, in a rodent model. Male Wistar rats were allowed to drink water (Control) or a 5.2% ethanol mixture (ETOH) for 4 weeks. At the end of the protocol bi‐ventricular haemodynamic recordings were performed and samples collected for further histological and molecular analysis. ETOH ingestion did not impact cardiac function. However, it caused right ventricle hypertrophy, paralleled by an activation of molecular pathways responsible for cell growth (ERK1/2, AKT), proteolysis (MURF‐1) and oxidative stress (NOX4, SOD2). Furthermore, ETOH animals also presented remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature with an increase in pulmonary arteries’ medial thickness, which was characterized by increased expression of apoptosis‐related proteins expression (BCL‐XL, BAX and caspases). Moderate alcohol consumption for a short period of time impaired the lungs and the right ventricle early, before any change could be detected on the left ventricle. Right ventricular changes might be secondary to alcohol‐induced pulmonary vasculature remodelling.
Product Data Management Systems: State-of-the-Art and the Future
Authors: Bilgiç Taner , Rock Dennis
Published: February 2021

We survey the current state-of-the-art in (commercial) Product Data Management (PDM) systems. After identifying the major functions of PDM systems, we indicate various shortcomings of the current PDM technology. An important shortcoming is in the representation and use of functions. We review the functional representation literature in the context of PDM technology. Systems management aspects of an engineering project is also commented on. We believe these two areas are the next two challenges awaiting PDM technology in the near future.
A Proposal for Replicated Data Management in Distributed Computer Supported Cooperative Work
Authors: Miyanishi Yohtaro , Masui Hisayuki , Sato Fukmiaki , Mizuno Tadanori
Published: February 2021

Recently, various studies improving business efficiency have been made in industrial fields. The concept of “Virtual Enterprise” is one of them, and it aims to standardize information sharing mechanism among industries, and to establish common information infrastructure for cooperative work among different enterprises when necessary. In cooperative work support systems for virtual enterprise, the mutual connections are usually loosely coupled, and the network systems among each component enterprises are often isolated.

We propose a method for producing a specifications document, which parts are individually developed among multiple workers in a distributed system, and the parts of those workers’ responsibility are overlapped. Work results by each worker are considered as replicated data (i.e. replicas) of a distributed database, and the replicas are updated independently. Consequently the consistency among replicas and original database become inconsistent after updating. We assume that recovering the consistency between replicated data corresponds to achieving the adjustment of workers’ results or opinions.

The recovery is obtained by using the semantic information, which may be expressed by tree structures. The degree of completeness about specifications is assumed to be measured by “width” and “depth” of tree structures, and the temporal specifications are composed by the tree composition so that the degree of completeness may increase. In order to process by machine, some frameworks describing specifications must be necessary. By describing specifications using LOTOS, some examples explain that the composition can be realized.
Engineering Information Systems to Allow the Integration of Process Monitoring With Asset Management
Authors: Platfoot R. A. , Koh A. , Van Voorthuysen E.
Published: February 2021

A system has been developed whereby process data downloaded from PLC’s is entered into an information chain which incorporates an analysis module which provides tailored reports to a wide readership. The various positions associated with running the factory were analyzed for the types of decisions associated with the job responsibility plus the information necessary to support the decision making. A case study is presented for analyzing aspects of the manufacture of three piece steel aerosol cans. A hardware and software solution was designed, linking a machine cell through the PLC to a operator/process interface.
A Prototype Computer Supported Information Relation Analysis Tool (COMSIRA)
Authors: Hashemipour Majid , Deniz Dervis Z. , Topuz Cem , Anlagan Omer
Published: February 2021

A methodology is proposed which aims at covering informational and functional analysis besides decision making processes. It comprises of a set of well defined steps and novel tools. The proposed methodology makes extensive use of reference architectures available. The methodology aims at using limited expertise, limited staff, and expenditure as it is especially suited for introducing CIM in SME’s.

A Computer Supported Information Requirement Analysis tool (COMSIRA) has been developed for the methodology, in order to capture and represent the approach of experienced analysts studying the enterprise-wide prospective CIM information requirements. This paper emphasizes the operational aspects of COMSIRA along with introducing the methodology. Some examples extracted from a real case implementation are also presented.
Transport through quantum dots: An introduction via master equation simulations
Authors: Bush Robert A. , Ochoa Erick D. , Perron Justin K.
Published: February 2021

In this work, we present a master equation approach to simulating DC transport through single electron transistors and quantum dots suitable for an upper-division undergraduate computational physics project. After introducing the basic theory describing transport through quantum dots, we present a simulation of the simple case of a metallic dot including effects due to the finite temperature of the leads. Building on this example, we simulate published data with orbital and spin states. We envision students building on these simulations to replicate other data in the published literature. Projects of this type would be suitable for an undergraduate independent study or computational project and will give students a strong introduction to the topic of transport through quantum dots without the need for expensive cryogenic and electrical measurement systems or device fabrication necessary for experimental work.
Acute Sleep Restriction Affects Sport-Specific But Not Athletic Performance in Junior Tennis Players
Authors: Vitale Jacopo A. , Bonato Matteo , Petrucci Lorenzo , Zucca Giorgio , La Torre Antonio , Banfi Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Little is known about the effect of sleep restriction (SR) on different domains of athletes’ physical performance. Therefore, the aim of this randomized, counterbalanced, and crossover study was to evaluate the effect of acute SR on sport-specific technical and athletic performance in male junior tennis players. Methods: Tennis players (N = 12; age 15.4 ± 2.6 y) were randomly allocated to either a sleep-restriction condition (SR, n = 6), where they experienced acute sleep restriction the night before the test session (≤5 h of sleep), or to a control condition (CON, n = 6), where they followed their habitual sleep–wake routines. Testing procedures included 20 left and right serves, 15 forehand and backhand crosscourt shots, and a repeated-sprint-ability test (RSA). The accuracy of serves and shots was considered for further analysis. One week later, players of SR joined CON, and players of CON experienced SR, and all test procedures were repeated. Results: Significant decrease in the accuracy of right (−17.5%, P = .010, effect size [ES] = 1.0, moderate) and left serve (−14.1%, P = .014, ES = 1.2, large), crosscourt backhand (−23.9%, P = .003, ES ≥ 2.0, very large), and forehand shot (−15.6%, P = .014, ES = 1.1, moderate) were observed in SR compared to CON, while RSA was similar in both conditions. Conclusion: Coaches and athletes at the team and individual level should be aware that 1 night of SR affects sport-specific but not athletic performance in tennis players.
Synaptic communication mediates the assembly of a self-organizing circuit that controls reproduction
Authors: Golan M. , Boulanger-Weill J. , Pinot A. , Fontanaud P. , Faucherre A. , Gajbhiye D. S. , Hollander-Cohen L. , Fiordelisio-Coll T. , Martin A. O. , Mollard P.
Published: February 2021

Migration of GnRH neurons, a critical step for vertebrate reproduction, depends on circuit-intrinsic synaptic communication.
Kinetics of osmotic stress regulate a cell fate switch of cell survival
Authors: Thiemicke Alexander , Neuert Gregor
Published: February 2021

Kinetic environment controls cell fate.
SUGAR-seq enables simultaneous detection of glycans, epitopes, and the transcriptome in single cells
Authors: Kearney Conor J. , Vervoort Stephin J. , Ramsbottom Kelly M. , Todorovski Izabela , Lelliott Emily J. , Zethoven Magnus , Pijpers Lizzy , Martin Ben P. , Semple Timothy , Martelotto Luciano , Trapani Joseph A. , Parish Ian A. , Scott Nichollas E. , Oliaro Jane , Johnstone Ricky W.
Published: February 2021

A new technology, SUGAR-seq, enables simultaneous detection of surface glycans, epitopes, transcripts, and TCR repertoire.
Quantification of Cas9 binding and cleavage across diverse guide sequences maps landscapes of target engagement
Authors: Boyle Evan A. , Becker Winston R. , Bai Hua B. , Chen Janice S. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Greenleaf William J.
Published: February 2021

A massive new resource of diverse Cas9 binding and cleavage events establishes new rules for effective CRISPR targeting.
Mapping solar magnetic fields from the photosphere to the base of the corona
Authors: Ishikawa Ryohko , Bueno Javier Trujillo , del Pino Alemán Tanausú , Okamoto Takenori J. , McKenzie David E. , Auchère Frédéric , Kano Ryouhei , Song Donguk , Yoshida Masaki , Rachmeler Laurel A. , Kobayashi Ken , Hara Hirohisa , Kubo Masahito , Narukage Noriyuki , Sakao Taro , Shimizu Toshifumi , Suematsu Yoshinori , Bethge Christian , De Pontieu Bart , Dalda Alberto Sainz , Vigil Genevieve D. , Winebarger Amy , Ballester Ernest Alsina , Belluzzi Luca , Štěpán Jiří , Ramos Andrés Asensio , Carlsson Mats , Leenaarts Jorrit
Published: February 2021

A novel space experiment achieves an unprecedented map of solar magnetic fields from the photosphere to the base of the corona.
An all-epitaxial nitride heterostructure with concurrent quantum Hall effect and superconductivity
Authors: Dang Phillip , Khalsa Guru , Chang Celesta S. , Katzer D. Scott , Nepal Neeraj , Downey Brian P. , Wheeler Virginia D. , Suslov Alexey , Xie Andy , Beam Edward , Cao Yu , Lee Cathy , Muller David A. , Xing Huili Grace , Meyer David J. , Jena Debdeep
Published: February 2021

Simultaneous occurrence of superconductivity and quantum Hall effect is found in an epitaxial heterostructure of GaN and NbN.
Media and aggression research retracted after scrutiny
Authors: O'Grady Cathleen
Published: February 2021

Questioned psychology papers linger on in meta-analyses.
Cholangiocyte organoids can repair bile ducts after transplantation in the human liver
Authors: Sampaziotis Fotios , Muraro Daniele , Tysoe Olivia C. , Sawiak Stephen , Beach Timothy E. , Godfrey Edmund M. , Upponi Sara S. , Brevini Teresa , Wesley Brandon T. , Garcia-Bernardo Jose , Mahbubani Krishnaa , Canu Giovanni , Gieseck Richard , Berntsen Natalie L. , Mulcahy Victoria L. , Crick Keziah , Fear Corrina , Robinson Sharayne , Swift Lisa , Gambardella Laure , Bargehr Johannes , Ortmann Daniel , Brown Stephanie E. , Osnato Anna , Murphy Michael P. , Corbett Gareth , Gelson William T. H. , Mells George F. , Humphreys Peter , Davies Susan E. , Amin Irum , Gibbs Paul , Sinha Sanjay , Teichmann Sarah A. , Butler Andrew J. , See Teik Choon , Melum Espen , Watson Christopher J. E. , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Vallier Ludovic
Published: February 2021

Organoids regenerate human bile ducts

Bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gall bladder to the small intestine, where it aids digestion. Cholangiocytes are epithelial cells that line bile ducts and modify bile as its transported through the biliary tree. Chronic liver diseases involving cholangiocytes account for a large fraction of liver failure and the need for liver transplantation. Because liver donors are in short supply, Sampaziotis
et al.
used organoid technology to develop a cell-based therapy using human tissue (see the Perspective by Kurial and Willenbring). Cholangiocyte organoids were transplanted into the intrahepatic ducts of deceased human donor livers undergoing ex vivo normothermic perfusion. The livers could be maintained for up to 100 hours, and the transplanted organoids engrafted, exhibited function, and could repair bile ducts.

Science
, this issue p.
839
; see also p.
786
Clinically relevant mutations in core metabolic genes confer antibiotic resistance
Authors: Lopatkin Allison J. , Bening Sarah C. , Manson Abigail L. , Stokes Jonathan M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Badran Ahmed H. , Earl Ashlee M. , Cheney Nicole J. , Yang Jason H. , Collins James J.
Published: February 2021

Although metabolism plays an active role in antibiotic lethality, antibiotic resistance is generally associated with drug target modification, enzymatic inactivation, and/or transport rather than metabolic processes. Evolution experiments of
Escherichia coli
rely on growth-dependent selection, which may provide a limited view of the antibiotic resistance landscape. We sequenced and analyzed
E. coli
adapted to representative antibiotics at increasingly heightened metabolic states. This revealed various underappreciated noncanonical genes, such as those related to central carbon and energy metabolism, which are implicated in antibiotic resistance. These metabolic alterations lead to lower basal respiration, which prevents antibiotic-mediated induction of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, thus avoiding metabolic toxicity and minimizing drug lethality. Several of the identified metabolism-specific mutations are overrepresented in the genomes of >3500 clinical
E. coli
pathogens, indicating clinical relevance.
A global environmental crisis 42,000 years ago
Authors: Cooper Alan , Turney Chris S. M. , Palmer Jonathan , Hogg Alan , McGlone Matt , Wilmshurst Janet , Lorrey Andrew M. , Heaton Timothy J. , Russell James M. , McCracken Ken , Anet Julien G. , Rozanov Eugene , Friedel Marina , Suter Ivo , Peter Thomas , Muscheler Raimund , Adolphi Florian , Dosseto Anthony , Faith J. Tyler , Fenwick Pavla , Fogwill Christopher J. , Hughen Konrad , Lipson Mathew , Liu Jiabo , Nowaczyk Norbert , Rainsley Eleanor , Bronk Ramsey Christopher , Sebastianelli Paolo , Souilmi Yassine , Stevenson Janelle , Thomas Zoë , Tobler Raymond , Zech Roland
Published: February 2021

Reversing the field

Do terrestrial geomagnetic field reversals have an effect on Earth's climate? Cooper
et al.
created a precisely dated radiocarbon record around the time of the Laschamps geomagnetic reversal about 41,000 years ago from the rings of New Zealand swamp kauri trees. This record reveals a substantial increase in the carbon-14 content of the atmosphere culminating during the period of weakening magnetic field strength preceding the polarity switch. The authors modeled the consequences of this event and concluded that the geomagnetic field minimum caused substantial changes in atmospheric ozone concentration that drove synchronous global climate and environmental shifts.

Science
, this issue p.
811
Recurrent evolution of vertebrate transcription factors by transposase capture
Authors: Cosby Rachel L. , Judd Julius , Zhang Ruiling , Zhong Alan , Garry Nathaniel , Pritham Ellen J. , Feschotte Cédric
Published: February 2021

A recipe for new genes

Most lineages contain evolutionarily novel genes, but their origin is not always clear. Cosby
et al.
investigated the origin of families of lineage-specific vertebrate genes (see the Perspective by Wacholder and Carvunis). Fusion between transposable elements (TEs) and host gene exons, once incorporated into the host genome, could generate new functional genes. Examination of
KARABINER
, a bat gene that arose through this process, shows how the retention of part of the TE within this gene allows the transcribed protein to bind throughout the genome and act as a transcriptional regulator. Thus, TEs interacting within their host genome provide the raw material to generate new combinations of functional domains that can be selected upon and incorporated within the hierarchical cellular network.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc6405
; see also p.
779
De novo design of transmembrane β barrels
Authors: Vorobieva Anastassia A. , White Paul , Liang Binyong , Horne Jim E. , Bera Asim K. , Chow Cameron M. , Gerben Stacey , Marx Sinduja , Kang Alex , Stiving Alyssa Q. , Harvey Sophie R. , Marx Dagan C. , Khan G. Nasir , Fleming Karen G. , Wysocki Vicki H. , Brockwell David J. , Tamm Lukas K. , Radford Sheena E. , Baker David
Published: February 2021

Building a barrel

Computational design offers the possibility of making proteins with customized structures and functions. The range of accessible protein scaffolds has expanded with the design of increasingly complex cytoplasmic proteins and, recently, helical membrane proteins. Vorobieva
et al.
describe the successful computational design of eight-stranded transmembrane β-barrel proteins (TMBs). Using an iterative approach, they show the importance of negative design to prevent off-target structures and gain insight into the sequence determinants of TMB folding. Twenty-three designs satisfied biochemical screens for a TMB structure, and two structures were experimentally validated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or x-ray crystallography. This is a step toward the custom design of pores for applications such as single-molecule sequencing.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc8182
Determining structural and chemical heterogeneities of surface species at the single-bond limit
Authors: Xu Jiayu , Zhu Xiang , Tan Shijing , Zhang Yao , Li Bin , Tian Yunzhe , Shan Huan , Cui Xuefeng , Zhao Aidi , Dong Zhenchao , Yang Jinlong , Luo Yi , Wang Bing , Hou J. G.
Published: February 2021

Joint strategy for surface chemistry

Recent advances in the development of tip-based microscopy have led to angstrom-scale spatial resolution, but no technique provides univocal characterization of the structural and chemical heterogeneities of surface species. Using a model system of pentacene derivatives on the Ag(110) surface, Xu
et al.
show that the combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and tip-enhanced Raman scattering provides the electronic, structural, and chemical information sufficiently correlated for an unambiguous characterization of the different—but structurally similar—chemical species and their interaction with the metal surface with single-bond resolution. The proposed multitechnique approach could find wide application in fundamental studies of heterogeneous catalysis and surface chemistry in general.

Science
, this issue p.
818
Human impacts on global freshwater fish biodiversity
Authors: Su Guohuan , Logez Maxime , Xu Jun , Tao Shengli , Villéger Sébastien , Brosse Sébastien
Published: February 2021

No waters left untouched

We are increasingly aware of human impacts on biodiversity across our planet, especially in terrestrial and marine systems. We know less about fresh waters, including large rivers. Su
et al.
looked across such systems globally, focusing on several key measures of fish biodiversity. They found that half of all river systems have been heavily affected by human activities, with only very large tropical river basins receiving the lowest levels of change. Fragmentation and non-native species have also led to the homogenization of rivers, with many now containing similar species and fewer specialized lineages.

Science
, this issue p.
835
Absolute and arbitrary orientation of single-molecule shapes
Authors: Gopinath Ashwin , Thachuk Chris , Mitskovets Anya , Atwater Harry A. , Kirkpatrick David , Rothemund Paul W. K.
Published: February 2021

Orienting origami binding

Directing self-assembly for devices will require placing nanocomponents not only in the correct position on a surface but also in particular orientations. Gopinath
et al.
designed an asymmetric DNA origami, a “small moon” shape that binds to lithographically patterned sites on silica to within 3° of a target orientation angle. The authors were able to position and orient a molecular dipole within the resonant mode of an optical cavity. More than 3000 DNA origami were arranged in a single fabrication step in 12 different orientations to create a simple polarimeter.

Science
, this issue p.
eabd6179
Mechanism of membrane-tethered mitochondrial protein synthesis
Authors: Itoh Yuzuru , Andréll Juni , Choi Austin , Richter Uwe , Maiti Priyanka , Best Robert B. , Barrientos Antoni , Battersby Brendan J. , Amunts Alexey
Published: February 2021

Making the energy makers

Within a mitochondrion, the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, synthesis of the specialized transmembrane proteins of the electron transport chain is performed by dedicated mitoribosomes. The mechanism by which mitoribosomes couple protein synthesis with membrane insertion is poorly understood. Itoh
et al.
determined structures of the human mitoribosome during nascent chain synthesis while bound to its membrane insertase. These structures revealed a series of coordinated conformational changes within the polypeptide exit tunnel. The gating mechanism offers a fundamental molecular insight into how membrane proteins are synthesized in human mitochondria.

Science
, this issue p.
846
Continuous human uterine NK cell differentiation in response to endometrial regeneration and pregnancy
Authors: Strunz Benedikt , Bister Jonna , Jönsson Hanna , Filipovic Iva , Crona-Guterstam Ylva , Kvedaraite Egle , Sleiers Natalie , Dumitrescu Bogdan , Brännström Mats , Lentini Antonio , Reinius Björn , Cornillet Martin , Willinger Tim , Gidlöf Sebastian , Hamilton Russell S. , Ivarsson Martin A. , Björkström Niklas K.
Published: February 2021

Human uterine NK cells continuously differentiate in response to the monthly regeneration of the endometrium and during pregnancy.
Seafloor Incubation Experiment with Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Fluid Reveals Effect of Pressure and Lag Time on Autotrophic Microbial Communities
Authors: Fortunato Caroline S. , Butterfield David A. , Larson Benjamin , Lawrence-Slavas Noah , Algar Christopher K. , Zeigler Allen Lisa , Holden James F. , Proskurowski Giora , Reddington Emily , Stewart Lucy C. , Topçuoğlu Begüm D. , Vallino Joseph J. , Huber Julie A.
Published: February 2021

Diverse microbial communities drive biogeochemical cycles in Earth’s ocean, yet studying these organisms and processes is often limited by technological capabilities, especially in the deep ocean. In this study, we used a novel marine microbial incubator instrument capable of
in situ
experimentation to investigate microbial primary producers at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Two PAAR Proteins with Different C-Terminal Extended Domains Have Distinct Ecological Functions in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Liu Ya , Wang Jianing , Zhang Zheng , Wang Feng , Gong Ya , Sheng Duo-hong , Li Yue-zhong
Published: February 2021

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a bacterial cell contact-dependent weapon capable of delivering protein effectors into neighboring cells. The PAAR protein is located at the top of the nanomachine and carries an effector for delivery.
mRNA Transcriptome Analysis of Bone in a Mouse Model of Implant-Associated Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis
Authors: Lin Yihuang , Su Jianwen , Wang Yutian , Xu Daorong , Zhang Xianrong , Yu Bin
Published: February 2021

To investigate the molecular pathogenesis of bone with osteomyelitis, we developed implant-associated osteomyelitis (IAOM) models in mice. An orthopedic stainless pin was surgically placed in the right femoral midshaft of mice, followed by an inoculation of
Staphylococcus aureus
into the medullary cavity.
Renal lobar dysmorphism: a potential mimic of renal malignancy
Authors: Hennessey Derek Barry , Brady Adrian B , Dempsey Rhona , Patterson Kenneth
Published: February 2021

A renal pseudotumour is any apparent renal mass that simulates a tumour on radiological imaging but is composed of normal tissue. Renal pseudotumours may be inflammatory, vascular, postsurgical or congenital. We report a case of renal lobar dysmorphism (RLD) of the kidney, a congenital renal pseudotumour. A 45-year-old man presented with scrotal swelling. Testicular ultrasound showed an epididymal cyst. Renal ultrasound showed a right solid renal apparent mass of 2.4 cm in diameter. Triphasic renal CT showed this was consistent with RLD. Intravenous urography confirmed a central calyx within the dysmorphic lobe. RLD is a rare congenital normal anatomical variant, which can appear as a renal pseudotumour. No further investigation or intervention is necessary. We present the radiological findings of RLD and review the literature.
Bilateral liquefactive corneal necrosis: a rare and devastating complication of vitamin A deficiency in the adult
Authors: Lata Suman , Bafna Rahul Kumar , Asif Mohamed Ibrahime , Sachan Anusha
Published: February 2021

A 34year-old man presented with diminution of vision, pain and whitish opacity in both eyes (right eye followed by left eye) since 1 week. He is a known case of chronic alcoholic abuse. He had multiple episodes of haemoptysis in the past. On general physical examination, he was severely malnourished with multiple oral ulcers. Visual acuity at presentation was light perception in both eyes with projection of rays accurate in all quadrants. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral total corneal melt with diffuse conjunctival congestion. Corneal scrapings and blood investigations were done and he was started on empirical topical and systemic therapy followed by surgical intervention, with large corneal grafts in both the eyes (right eye followed by left eye) with 1 day interval. The visual gain in both the eyes were 20/400 at first postoperative day. The right eye developed severe fibrinous reaction on the second postoperative day which resolved with topical antibiotics, topical steroids and systemic steroids. The patient was followed up via telemedicine (due to COVID-19 outbreak) and he is able to carry out his daily routine work independently.
Unusual cause of congenital hypothyroidism in a term infant
Authors: Vlaardingerbroek Hester
Published: February 2021

Both insufficient and excessive maternal iodine consumption can result in congenital hypothyroidism. In East Asian cultures, seaweed is traditionally consumed in high quantities by peripartum women as it is thought to improve lactation. We present a case of transient congenital hypothyroidism due to maternal seaweed consumption at a daily basis during pregnancy and lactation in a Dutch family without Asian background. This case highlights that even in families of non-Asian background, high maternal intake of iodine-rich seaweed occurs and can result in transient or permanent hyperthyrotropinemia in the neonate with risk of impaired neurodevelopmental outcome if untreated.
Mothers intention and preference to use mobile phone text message reminders for child vaccination in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Zeleke Abebaw , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Were Martin C. , Tilahun Binyam
Published: February 2021

Objectives

With the unprecedented penetration of mobile devices in the developing world, mHealth applications are being leveraged for different health domains. Among the different factors that affect the use of mHealth interventions is the intention and preference of end-users to use the system. This study aimed to assess mother’s intention and preference to use text message reminders for vaccination in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 mothers selected through a systematic random sampling technique. Initially, descriptive statistics were computed. Binary logistic regression analysis was also used to assess factors associated with the outcome variable.

Results

In this study, of the 456 mothers included for analysis, 360 (78.9%) of mothers have intention to use text message reminders for vaccination. Of these, 270 (75%) wanted to receive the reminders a day before the vaccination due date. Mothers aged 35 years or more (AOR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.83), secondary education and above (AOR=4.43; 95% CI: 2.05 to 9.58), duration of mobile phone use (AOR=3.63; 95% CI: 1.66 to 7.94), perceived usefulness (AOR=6.37; 95% CI: 3.13 to 12.98) and perceived ease of use (AOR=3.85; 95% CI: 2.06 to 7.18) were predictors of intention to use text messages for vaccination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, majority of mothers have the intention to use text message reminders for child vaccination. Mother’s age, education, duration of mobile phone use, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were associated with intention of mothers to use text messages for vaccination. Considering these predictors and user’s preferences before developing and testing text message reminder systems is recommended.
Survey of the practices of neonatologists in managing neonates believed to be at high risk of sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Mehta Bhavesh , Waters Karen , Fitzgerald Dominic , Badawi Nadia
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the practices of neonatologists in managing high-risk neonates believed to be at risk of sleep disordered breathing (SDB).

Design

An electronic web-based questionnaire assessing awareness of and current practices for managing neonates predisposed to SDB with conditions like craniofacial anomalies, neuromuscular disorders or airway problems was emailed to 232 neonatologists and neonatal fellows working in Australia and New Zealand (NZ). Additionally, neonatologists were approached directly during the annual Australia and NZ perinatal conference in 2019.

Results

93 neonatologists (40%) responded to the survey. The majority (85%) of the respondents stated that there were no written protocols/criteria for sleep consultation in their unit. We found considerable variations in the threshold for performing tests including oximetry or referring for polysomnography. Most respondents would perform oximetry before referring for a sleep consultation. However, the duration of oximetry varied from 6 to 24 hours and there was no consensus about what is considered abnormal on an oximetry study.

Conclusion

Management of SDB is gaining importance in neonatal care because of prolonged length of hospital stay and possible long-term effects of SDB. Responses received suggest a lack of clarity regarding thresholds for referral for treatment of SDB. Likely contributory factors are concerns regarding a lack of long-term outcome data from treatment perceived to be onerous for the family, unsettling to some infants and delaying hospital discharge. To overcome inconsistencies in practice, standardised guidelines for assessing and managing SDB in neonates are needed.
Investigation of work–life integration on burnout symptoms in women physician runners: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Uhlig-Reche Hannah , Larson Allison R , Silver Julie K , Tenforde Adam , McQueen Alisa , Verduzco-Gutierrez Monica
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate which factors, from demographics to work–life integration, are associated with burnout symptoms among self-declared active women physicians practising in the USA.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of those actively engaged in a social media group for women physician runners. Electronically surveyed using 60 questions covering demographics, compensation, debt and domestic responsibilities with burnout assessed by the Mini-Z Burnout Survey.

Results

Of the 369 women meeting inclusion criteria as attending physicians practising in the USA, the majority reported being White (74.5%) and at least 6 years out from training (85.9%). There was a significant association of increased burnout level with working more hours per week and being responsible for a greater percentage of domestic duties (p<0.0001 and p=0.003, respectively). Both factors remained significant in a multivariable model (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

By exploring burnout in the physically active, we are better able to investigate contributors to burnout despite healthy exercise habits. Increased burnout was significantly associated with greater domestic responsibility and hours working. These findings in women physician runners suggest that exercise alone may not control burnout. Poor work–life integration deserves attention as a burnout contributor in women physicians, potentially serving as a target for burnout prevention strategies.