bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model discovery, and replay fitness validation using inductive mining techniques in medical training of CVC surgery
Authors: Battineni Gopi , Chintalapudi Nalini , Amenta Francesco
Published: June 2021

Medical training is a foundation on which better health care quality has been built. Freshly graduated doctors have required a good knowledge of practical competencies, which demands the importance of medical training activities. As of this, we propose a methodology to discover a process model for identifying the sequence of medical training activities that had implemented in the installation of a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) with the ultrasound technique. A dataset with twenty medical video recordings were composed with events in the CVC installation. To develop the process model, the adoption of process mining techniques of infrequent Inductive Miner (iIM) with a noise threshold value of 0.3 had done. A combination of parallel and sequential events of the process model was developed. Besides, process conformance was validated with replay fitness value about 61.1%, and it provided evidence that four activities were not correctly fit in the process model. The present study can assist upcoming doctors involved in CVCs surgery by providing continuous training and feedback on better patient care.
Beyond CLIL
Authors: Coyle Do , Meyer Oliver
Published: June 2021

If education is to prepare learners for lifelong learning, there needs to be a shift towards deeper learning: a focus on transferable knowledge and problem-solving skills alongside the development of a positive or growth mindset. In this book, a follow up to CLIL, the authors review new developments in the understanding of the interface between language and learning, and propose an original new 'pluriliteracies' approach which refines and develops current thinking in CLIL. It aims to facilitate deeper learning through an explicit focus on disciplinary literacies, guiding learners towards textual fluency, encouraging successful communication across cultures, and providing a key stepping-stone towards becoming responsible global citizens. It both provides strong theoretical grounding, and shows how to put that understanding into practise. Engaging and practical, this book will be invaluable to both academics and education practitioners, and will enable conventional classrooms to be transformed into deeper learning ecologies.
We just aim to print well: The University of Sydney Library Printer in Residence
Authors: Brown Celia
Published: June 2021

At a time when space in any academic library is at a premium, when we sometimes need to argue for shelf space rather than computers and group work pods, the University of Sydney Library has decided not only to keep and maintain its nineteenth century printing press, but to feature it through a printer in residence program.

Now in its third year, the program brings together a printmaker and a letterpress for eight weeks during semester. The intent is to engage with the library and its users, to bring the print workshop to life, to draw inspiration from the library's collection and to create a publication for the Artists’ Book Collection within Rare Books & Special Collections.

In an era of instant layout, digital word processing and electronic publishing what does the slow and laborious process of letterpress printing bring to a twenty-first century academic library? This residency demonstrates that understanding the process of making a publication can be just as vital and alive as the content of that publication - one letter at a time.
Multinational Human Rights Litigation in the UK: A Retrospective
Authors: MEERAN Richard
Published: June 2021

This article provides an overview of the key features of multinational human rights litigation in the United Kingdom, including the development of a tort-based parent company duty of care, the principles relating to forum non conveniens and applicable law and other key procedural and practical barriers to victims’ access to justice. The article highlights some of the actual and perceived limitations of litigation. It also considers the concurrent development of and mutually reinforcing relationship between MNC tort litigation and the field of Business & Human Rights.
Counterexamples to Hochschild-Kostant-Rosenberg in characteristic p
Authors: Antieau Benjamin , Bhatt Bhargav , Mathew Akhil
Published: June 2021

We give counterexamples to the degeneration of the Hochschild-Kostant-Rosenberg spectral sequence in characteristic p, both in the untwisted and twisted settings. We also prove that the de Rham-HP and crystalline-TP spectral sequences need not degenerate.
Sampling efficiency of Candida auris from healthcare surfaces: culture and nonculture detection methods
Authors: Furin William A. , Tran Lisa H. , Chan Monica Y. , Lyons Amanda K. , Noble-Wang Judith , Rose Laura J.
Published: June 2021

Sponges and swabs were evaluated for their ability to recover Candida auris dried 1 hour on steel and plastic surfaces. Culture recovery ranged from <0.1% (sponges) to 8.4% (swabs), and cells detected with an esterase activity assay revealed >50% recovery (swabs), indicating that cells may enter a viable but nonculturable state.
Inversion for the density–depth profile of Dome A, East Antarctica, using frequency-modulated continuous wave radar
Authors: Yang Wangxiao , Dou Yinke , Zhao Bo , Guo Jingxue , Tang Xueyuan , Zuo Guangyu , Wang Yuchen , Chen Yan , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: June 2021

The density–depth relationship of the Antarctic ice sheet is important for establishing a high-precision surface mass balance model and predicting future ice-sheet contributions to global sea levels. A new algorithm is used to reconstruct firn density and densification rate by inverting monostatic radio wave echoes from ground-operated frequency-modulated continuous wave radar data collected near four ice cores along the transect from Zhongshan Station to Dome A. The inverted density profile is consistent with the core data within 5.54% root mean square error. Due to snow redistribution, the densification rate within 88 km of ice core DT401 is correlated with the accumulation rate and varies greatly over horizontal distances of <5 km. That is, the depth at which a critical density of 830 kg m−3is reached decreases and densification rate increases in high-accumulation regions but decreases in low-accumulation regions. This inversion technique can be used to analyse more Antarctic radar data and obtain the density distribution trend, which can improve the accuracy of mass-balance estimations.
Preliminary results of a pilot study on the safety and efficacy of balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube for nasopharyngeal cancer patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction post irradiation
Authors: Wong M S L , Prepageran N
Published: June 2021

Objective

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a known complication following radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited, with significant associated morbidity. Balloon Eustachian tube dilatation has been used successfully to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction; hence, this study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of this method in treating Eustachian tube dysfunction in post-radiotherapy patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Method

This interventional cohort pilot study on patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction compared those with nasopharyngeal carcinoma to patients without. Outcome assessment was based on tympanometry type and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire score.

Results

A total of 14 ears (12 patients) were tested. Only 14 per cent of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cohort showed improvement, while 71 per cent of the non-nasopharyngeal carcinoma group were successfully treated. No significant adverse effect was reported in any patient during this study.

Conclusion

Balloon Eustachian tube dilatation was not shown to be beneficial for post-radiotherapy Eustachian tube dysfunction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in the preliminary stages of this pilot study.
Practitioners respond to Sarah Mercer's ‘Psychology for language learning: Spare a thought for the teacher’
Authors: Wood Robert
Published: June 2021

Mercer (2018) makes a compelling argument for the urgent need to further research teacher psychology, focussing on language teachers. While there has been considerable research on language learner psychology and with considerable focus on individual differences (IDs), there have been comparatively few studies into language teacher psychology. Mercer (2018, p. 506) highlights that teachers are among the most important stake holders in the language learning and teaching process. Therefore, it is essential to understand the psychology of both learners and teachers to achieve the best learning outcomes.
Humanoid adaptive locomotion control through a bioinspired CPG-based controller
Authors: Yao Chenpeng , Liu Chengju , Xia Li , Liu Ming , Chen Qijun
Published: June 2021

To achieve adaptive gait planning of humanoid robots, a hierarchical central pattern generator (H-CPG) model with a basic rhythmic signal generation layer and a pattern formation layer is proposed to modulate the center of mass (CoM) and the online foot trajectory. The entrainment property of the CPG is exploited for adaptive walking in the absence of a priori knowledge of walking conditions, and the sensory feedback is applied to modulate the generated trajectories online to improve walking adaptability and stability. The developed control strategy is verified using a humanoid robot on sloped terrain and shows good performance.
A comprehensive overview of RDF for spatial and spatiotemporal data management
Authors: Zhang Fu , Lu Qingzhe , Du Zhenjun , Chen Xu , Cao Chunhong
Published: June 2021

Currently, a large amount of spatial and spatiotemporal RDF data has been shared and exchanged on the Internet and various applications. Resource Description Framework (RDF) is widely accepted for representing and processing data in different (including spatiotemporal) application domains. The effective management of spatial and spatiotemporal RDF data are becoming more and more important. A lot of work has been done to study how to represent, query, store, and manage spatial and spatiotemporal RDF data. In order to grasp and learn the main ideas and research results of spatial and spatiotemporal RDF data, in this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of RDF for spatial and spatiotemporal data management. We summarize spatial and spatiotemporal RDF data management from several essential aspects such as representation, querying, storage, performance assessment, datasets, and management tools. In addition, the direction of future research and some comparisons and analysis are also discussed in depth.
Socio-cognitive engagement (but not socioeconomic status) predicts preschool children's language and pragmatic abilities
Authors: SCHULZE Cornelia , SAALBACH Henrik
Published: June 2021

Parental socioeconomic status (SES) strongly influences children's language abilities but less is known about its influence on pragmatic abilities (e.g., inferring intentions from relevance implicatures). Moreover, by focussing on SES, the role of socio-cognitive engagement (e.g., joint parent-child interactions) has been overlooked.

We tested four- and six-year-old children (n = 92) with a communication task, a questionnaire assessed parents’ SES and socio-cognitive engagement.

Socio-cognitive engagement predicted children's communication abilities while the parental educational background and income did not. This emphasizes the notion that communication is a highly socio-cognitive task, one which children perform the better the more frequently they engage in socio-cognitive interactions.
Be Fit, Be Sharp, Be Well: The Case for Exercise as a Treatment for Cognitive Impairment in Late-life Depression
Authors: Dotson Vonetta M. , Gradone Andrew M. , Bogoian Hannah R. , Minto Lex R. , Taiwo Zinat , Salling Zachary N.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To lay out the argument that exercise impacts neurobiological targets common to both mood and cognitive functioning, and thus more research should be conducted on its use as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for cognitive impairment in late-life depression (LLD).

Method:

This narrative review summarizes the literature on cognitive impairment in LLD, describes the structural and functional brain changes and neurochemical changes that are linked to both cognitive impairment and mood disruption, and explains how exercise targets these same neurobiological changes and can thus provide an alternative or adjunctive treatment for cognitive impairment in LLD.

Results:

Cognitive impairment is common in LLD and predicts recurrence of depression, poor response to antidepressant treatment, and overall disability. Traditional depression treatment with medication, psychotherapy, or both, is not effective in fully reversing cognitive impairment for most depressed older adults. Physical exercise is an ideal treatment candidate based on evidence that it 1) is an effective treatment for depression, 2) enhances cognitive functioning in normal aging and in other patient populations, and 3) targets many of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie mood and cognitive functioning. Results of the limited existing clinical trials of exercise for cognitive impairment in depression are mixed but overall support this contention.

Conclusions:

Although limited, existing evidence suggests exercise may be a viable alternative or adjunctive treatment to address cognitive impairment in LLD, and thus more research in this area is warranted. Moving forward, additional research is needed in large, diverse samples to translate the growing research findings into clinical practice.
Conceptual discussion around the notion of the human being as an inter and multiplanetary species
Authors: Chon-Torres Octavio Alfonso , Murga-Moreno César Andreé
Published: June 2021

The current advances in our exploration of Mars have made us think of the human species as a multiplanetary species. However, we have certain challenges before we can truly consider ourselves such a species, especially moral ones. Therefore, astrobioethics would be the right one to examine what it takes to consider ourselves a multiplanetary species. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the meaning and significance of being an inter- and multiplanetary species. To achieve this, a philosophical and critical analysis will be made, using as input aspects of biology, ethics and moral community. We conclude that to be a truly multiplanetary species, more than the technological aspects that allow us to reach other planets, a change at different levels will be needed.
Safety and effectiveness of Phoenix atherectomy for endovascular	treatment in calcified common femoral artery lesions
Authors: Kronlage Mariya , Erbel Christian , Lichtenberg Michael , Heinrich Ulrike , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Giusca Sorin , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: June 2021

Summary: Background: Traditionally endarterectomy has been considered as the gold standard technique for the treatment of common femoral artery (CFA) lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the procedural safety and mid-term outcomes of minimal invasive Phoenix atherectomy for the treatment of CFA lesions. Patients and methods: Phoenix atherectomy was used for treatment of 61 consecutive, moderately to heavily calcified CFA lesions in 56 patients. Lesions were classified based on the CFA occlusive disease classification (Type I, II&III lesions). Primary endpoints were technical, procedural, and clinical success rate. Safety endpoints (vessel perforation, peripheral embolization) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) were also assessed. Results: Of 61 CFA lesions, 58 (95%) exhibited at least moderate/severe calcification (PACSS3 in 38 (62%) and PACSS4 in 20 (33%) cases). Type III lesions were present in 30 (49%), type I/II lesions in 31 (51%) cases. Technical and procedural success was achieved in 30 (49%) and all 61 (100%) lesions, respectively with low complication rates (0% perforation, 2% embolization). Adjunctive treatment after atherectomy was performed using drug-coated balloon (DCB) in 35 (57%) and bail-out stenting in 6 (10%) cases. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) occurred in 4 (7%) cases during a mean follow-up duration of 11±7months. All patients exhibited clinical improvement at follow-up, showing mean Rutherford category reduction from 3.7±1.1 to 1.5±1.1 (p<0.001). Conclusions: The Phoenix device can be used for the effective endovascular treatment of CFA lesions, due to its reasonable safety profile and mid-term results.
Gap in Exoplanet Size Shifts with Age
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: June 2021

Smaller planets are scarcer in younger systems and larger planets are lacking in older systems, according to new research that analyzed hundreds of exoplanets.
Effects of increased body mass index on employment status: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Campbell Desmond D. , Green Michael , Davies Neil , Demou Evangelia , Ward Joey , Howe Laura D. , Harrison Sean , Johnston Keira J. A. , Strawbridge Rona J. , Popham Frank , Smith Daniel J. , Munafò Marcus R. , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal
Published: June 2021

Background

The obesity epidemic may have substantial implications for the global workforce, including causal effects on employment, but clear evidence is lacking. Obesity may prevent people from being in paid work through poor health or through social discrimination. We studied genetic variants robustly associated with body mass index (BMI) to investigate its causal effects on employment.

Dataset/methods

White UK ethnicity participants of working age (men 40–64 years, women 40–59 years), with suitable genetic data were selected in the UK Biobank study (N = 230,791). Employment status was categorised in two ways: first, contrasting being in paid employment with any other status; and second, contrasting being in paid employment with sickness/disability, unemployment, early retirement and caring for home/family. Socioeconomic indicators also investigated were hours worked, household income, educational attainment and Townsend deprivation index (TDI). We conducted observational and two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses to investigate the effect of increased BMI on employment-related outcomes.

Results

Regressions showed BMI associated with all the employment-related outcomes investigated. MR analyses provided evidence for higher BMI causing increased risk of sickness/disability (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04, 1.11, per 1 Kg/m2BMI increase) and decreased caring for home/family (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 0.99), higher TDI (Beta 0.038, 95% CI 0.018, 0.059), and lower household income (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99). In contrast, MR provided evidence for no causal effect of BMI on unemployment, early retirement, non-employment, hours worked or educational attainment. There was little evidence for causal effects differing by sex or age. Robustness tests yielded consistent results.

Discussion

BMI appears to exert a causal effect on employment status, largely by affecting an individual’s health rather than through increased unemployment arising from social discrimination. The obesity epidemic may be contributing to increased worklessness and therefore could impose a substantial societal burden.
A translational perspective on the anti-anhedonic effect of ketamine and its neural underpinnings
Authors: Pulcu Erdem , Guinea Calum , Cowen Philip J. , Murphy Susannah E. , Harmer Catherine J.
Published: June 2021

Anhedonia, a pronounced reduction in interest or pleasure in any of life’s daily activities, is a cardinal symptom of major depression. In this Perspective article, we synthesise the recent evidence from rodent, monkey and human neuroimaging literature to highlight how the habenula, a small evolutionarily conserved subcortical structure located in the midbrain, may orchestrate the behavioural expression of anhedonia across fronto-mesolimbic networks. We then review how this circuitry can be modulated by ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist with rapid antidepressant properties. We propose that experimental paradigms founded in reinforcement learning and value-based decision-making can usefully probe this network and thereby help elucidate the mechanisms underlying ketamine’s rapid antidepressant action.
LINC00842 inactivates transcription co-regulator PGC-1α to promote pancreatic cancer malignancy through metabolic remodelling
Authors: Huang Xudong , Pan Ling , Zuo Zhixiang , Li Mei , Zeng Lingxing , Li Rui , Ye Ying , Zhang Jialiang , Wu Guandi , Bai Ruihong , Zhuang Lisha , Wei Lusheng , Zheng Yanfen , Su Jiachun , Deng Junge , Deng Shuang , Zhang Shaoping , Zhu Shihao , Che Xu , Wang Chengfeng , Wu Chen , Chen Rufu , Lin Dongxin , Zheng Jian
Published: June 2021

The molecular mechanism underlying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) malignancy remains unclear. Here, we characterize a long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC00842 that plays a role in PDAC progression. LINC00842 expression is upregulated in PDAC and induced by high concentration of glucose via transcription factor YY1. LINC00842 binds to and prevents acetylated PGC-1α from deacetylation by deacetylase SIRT1 to form PGC-1α, an important transcription co-factor in regulating cellular metabolism. LINC00842 overexpression causes metabolic switch from mitochondrial oxidative catabolic process to fatty acid synthesis, enhancing the malignant phenotypes of PDAC cells. High LINC00842 levels are correlated with elevated acetylated- PGC-1α levels in PDAC and poor patient survival. Decreasing LINC00842 level and inhibiting fatty acid synthase activity significantly repress PDAC growth and invasiveness in mouse pancreatic xenograft or patient-derived xenograft models. These results demonstrate that LINC00842 plays a role in promoting PDAC malignancy and thus might serve as a druggable target.
Gut microbiota mediate the FGF21 adaptive stress response to chronic dietary protein-restriction in mice
Authors: Martin Anthony , Ecklu-Mensah Gertrude , Ha Connie W. Y. , Hendrick Gustaf , Layman Donald K. , Gilbert Jack , Devkota Suzanne
Published: June 2021

Chronic dietary protein-restriction can create essential amino acid deficiencies and induce metabolic adaptation through the hepatic FGF21 pathway which serves to maintain host fitness during prolonged states of nutritional imbalance. Similarly, the gut microbiome undergoes metabolic adaptations when dietary nutrients are added or withdrawn. Here we confirm previous reports that dietary protein-restriction triggers the hepatic FGF21 adaptive metabolic pathway and further demonstrate that this response is mediated by the gut microbiome and can be tuned through dietary supplementation of fibers that alter the gut microbiome. In the absence of a gut microbiome, we discover that FGF21 is de-sensitized to the effect of protein-restriction. These data suggest that host-intrinsic adaptive pathways to chronic dietary protein-restriction, such as the hepatic FGF21 pathway, may in-fact be responding first to adaptive metabolic changes in the gut microbiome.
Acoustoelectronic nanotweezers enable dynamic and large-scale control of nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Peiran , Rufo Joseph , Chen Chuyi , Xia Jianping , Tian Zhenhua , Zhang Liying , Hao Nanjing , Zhong Zhanwei , Gu Yuyang , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Huang Tony Jun
Published: June 2021

The ability to precisely manipulate nano-objects on a large scale can enable the fabrication of materials and devices with tunable optical, electromagnetic, and mechanical properties. However, the dynamic, parallel manipulation of nanoscale colloids and materials remains a significant challenge. Here, we demonstrate acoustoelectronic nanotweezers, which combine the precision and robustness afforded by electronic tweezers with versatility and large-field dynamic control granted by acoustic tweezing techniques, to enable the massively parallel manipulation of sub-100 nm objects with excellent versatility and controllability. Using this approach, we demonstrated the complex patterning of various nanoparticles (e.g., DNAs, exosomes, ~3 nm graphene flakes, ~6 nm quantum dots, ~3.5 nm proteins, and ~1.4 nm dextran), fabricated macroscopic materials with nano-textures, and performed high-resolution, single nanoparticle manipulation. Various nanomanipulation functions, including transportation, concentration, orientation, pattern-overlaying, and sorting, have also been achieved using a simple device configuration. Altogether, acoustoelectronic nanotweezers overcome existing limitations in nano-manipulation and hold great potential for a variety of applications in the fields of electronics, optics, condensed matter physics, metamaterials, and biomedicine.
The Atr-Chek1 pathway inhibits axon regeneration in response to Piezo-dependent mechanosensation
Authors: Li Feng , Lo Tsz Y. , Miles Leann , Wang Qin , Noristani Harun N. , Li Dan , Niu Jingwen , Trombley Shannon , Goldshteyn Jessica I. , Wang Chuxi , Wang Shuchao , Qiu Jingyun , Pogoda Katarzyna , Mandal Kalpana , Brewster Megan , Rompolas Panteleimon , He Ye , Janmey Paul A. , Thomas Gareth M. , Li Shuxin , Song Yuanquan
Published: June 2021

Atr is a serine/threonine kinase, known to sense single-stranded DNA breaks and activate the DNA damage checkpoint by phosphorylating Chek1, which inhibits Cdc25, causing cell cycle arrest. This pathway has not been implicated in neuroregeneration. We show that in Drosophila sensory neurons removing Atr or Chek1, or overexpressing Cdc25 promotes regeneration, whereas Atr or Chek1 overexpression, or Cdc25 knockdown impedes regeneration. Inhibiting the Atr-associated checkpoint complex in neurons promotes regeneration and improves synapse/behavioral recovery after CNS injury. Independent of DNA damage, Atr responds to the mechanical stimulus elicited during regeneration, via the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo and its downstream NO signaling. Sensory neuron-specific knockout of Atr in adult mice, or pharmacological inhibition of Atr-Chek1 in mammalian neurons in vitro and in flies in vivo enhances regeneration. Our findings reveal the Piezo-Atr-Chek1-Cdc25 axis as an evolutionarily conserved inhibitory mechanism for regeneration, and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating nervous system trauma.
The combined action of CTCF and its testis-specific paralog BORIS is essential for spermatogenesis
Authors: Rivero-Hinojosa Samuel , Pugacheva Elena M. , Kang Sungyun , Méndez-Catalá Claudia Fabiola , Kovalchuk Alexander L. , Strunnikov Alexander V. , Loukinov Dmitri , Lee Jeannie T. , Lobanenkov Victor V.
Published: June 2021

CTCF is a key organizer of the 3D genome. Its specialized paralog, BORIS, heterodimerizes with CTCF but is expressed only in male germ cells and in cancer states. Unexpectedly, BORIS-null mice have only minimal germ cell defects. To understand the CTCF-BORIS relationship, mouse models with varied CTCF and BORIS levels were generated. Whereas Ctcf+/+Boris+/+, Ctcf+/−Boris+/+, and Ctcf+/+Boris−/− males are fertile, Ctcf+/−Boris−/− (Compound Mutant; CM) males are sterile. Testes with combined depletion of both CTCF and BORIS show reduced size, defective meiotic recombination, increased apoptosis, and malformed spermatozoa. Although CM germ cells exhibit only 25% of CTCF WT expression, chromatin binding of CTCF is preferentially lost from CTCF-BORIS heterodimeric sites. Furthermore, CM testes lose the expression of a large number of spermatogenesis genes and gain the expression of developmentally inappropriate genes that are “toxic” to fertility. Thus, a combined action of CTCF and BORIS is required to both repress pre-meiotic genes and activate post-meiotic genes for a complete spermatogenesis program.
Dissecting regulatory pathways for transcription recovery following DNA damage reveals a non-canonical function of the histone chaperone HIRA
Authors: Bouvier Déborah , Ferrand Juliette , Chevallier Odile , Paulsen Michelle T. , Ljungman Mats , Polo Sophie E.
Published: June 2021

Transcription restart after a genotoxic challenge is a fundamental yet poorly understood process. Here, we dissect the interplay between transcription and chromatin restoration after DNA damage by focusing on the human histone chaperone complex HIRA, which is required for transcription recovery post UV. We demonstrate that HIRA is recruited to UV-damaged chromatin via the ubiquitin-dependent segregase VCP to deposit new H3.3 histones. However, this local activity of HIRA is dispensable for transcription recovery. Instead, we reveal a genome-wide function of HIRA in transcription restart that is independent of new H3.3 and not restricted to UV-damaged loci. HIRA coordinates with ASF1B to control transcription restart by two independent pathways: by stabilising the associated subunit UBN2 and by reducing the expression of the transcription repressor ATF3. Thus, HIRA primes UV-damaged chromatin for transcription restart at least in part by relieving transcription inhibition rather than by depositing new H3.3 as an activating bookmark.
Despite vaccination, China needs non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent widespread outbreaks of COVID-19 in 2021
Authors: Yang Juan , Marziano Valentina , Deng Xiaowei , Guzzetta Giorgio , Zhang Juanjuan , Trentini Filippo , Cai Jun , Poletti Piero , Zheng Wen , Wang Wei , Wu Qianhui , Zhao Zeyao , Dong Kaige , Zhong Guangjie , Viboud Cécile , Merler Stefano , Ajelli Marco , Yu Hongjie
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 vaccination is being conducted in over 200 countries and regions to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission and return to a pre-pandemic lifestyle. However, understanding when non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) can be lifted as immunity builds up remains a key question for policy makers. To address this, we built a data-driven model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission for China. We estimated that, to prevent the escalation of local outbreaks to widespread epidemics, stringent NPIs need to remain in place at least one year after the start of vaccination. Should NPIs alone be capable of keeping the reproduction number (Rt) around 1.3, the synergetic effect of NPIs and vaccination could reduce the COVID-19 burden by up to 99% and bring Rt below the epidemic threshold in about 9 months. Maintaining strict NPIs throughout 2021 is of paramount importance to reduce COVID-19 burden while vaccines are distributed to the population, especially in large populations with little natural immunity.
Climate and the latitudinal limits of subtropical reef development
Authors: Toth Lauren T. , Precht William F. , Modys Alexander B. , Stathakopoulos Anastasios , Robbart Martha L. , Hudson J. Harold , Oleinik Anton E. , Riegl Bernhard M. , Shinn Eugene A. , Aronson Richard B.
Published: June 2021

Climate plays a central role in coral-reef development, especially in marginal environments. The high-latitude reefs of southeast Florida are currently non-accreting, relict systems with low coral cover. This region also did not support the extensive Late Pleistocene reef development observed in many other locations around the world; however, there is evidence of significant reef building in southeast Florida during the Holocene. Using 146 radiometric ages from reefs extending ~ 120 km along Florida’s southeast coast, we test the hypothesis that the latitudinal extent of Holocene reef development in this region was modulated by climatic variability. We demonstrate that although sea-level changes impacted rates of reef accretion and allowed reefs to backstep inshore as new habitats were flooded, sea level was not the ultimate cause of reef demise. Instead, we conclude that climate was the primary driver of the expansion and contraction of Florida’s reefs during the Holocene. Reefs grew to 26.7° N in southeast Florida during the relatively warm, stable climate at the beginning of the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM) ~ 10,000 years ago, but subsequent cooling and increased frequency of winter cold fronts were associated with the equatorward contraction of reef building. By ~ 7800 years ago, actively accreting reefs only extended to 26.1° N. Reefs further contracted to 25.8° N after 5800 years ago, and by 3000 years ago reef development had terminated throughout southern Florida (24.5–26.7° N). Modern warming is unlikely to simply reverse this trend, however, because the climate of the Anthropocene will be fundamentally different from the HTM. By increasing the frequency and intensity of both warm and cold extreme-weather events, contemporary climate change will instead amplify conditions inimical to reef development in marginal reef environments such as southern Florida, making them more likely to continue to deteriorate than to resume accretion in the future.
Deep weathering in the semi-arid Coastal Cordillera, Chile
Authors: Krone Laura V. , Hampl Ferdinand J. , Schwerdhelm Christopher , Bryce Casey , Ganzert Lars , Kitte Axel , Übernickel Kirstin , Dielforder Armin , Aldaz Santiago , Oses-Pedraza Rómulo , Perez Jeffrey Paulo H. , Sanchez-Alfaro Pablo , Wagner Dirk , Weckmann Ute , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm
Published: June 2021

The weathering front is the boundary beneath Earth’s surface where pristine rock is converted into weathered rock. It is the base of the “critical zone”, in which the lithosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere interact. Typically, this front is located no more than 20 m deep in granitoid rock in humid climate zones. Its depth and the degree of rock weathering are commonly linked to oxygen transport and fluid flow. By drilling into fractured igneous rock in the semi-arid climate zone of the Coastal Cordillera in Chile we found multiple weathering fronts of which the deepest is 76 m beneath the surface. Rock is weathered to varying degrees, contains core stones, and strongly altered zones featuring intensive iron oxidation and high porosity. Geophysical borehole measurements and chemical weathering indicators reveal more intense weathering where fracturing is extensive, and porosity is higher than in bedrock. Only the top 10 m feature a continuous weathering gradient towards the surface. We suggest that tectonic preconditioning by fracturing provided transport pathways for oxygen to greater depths, inducing porosity by oxidation. Porosity was preserved throughout the weathering process, as secondary minerals were barely formed due to the low fluid flow.
Prospective validation of an 11-gene mRNA host response score for mortality risk stratification in the intensive care unit
Authors: Moore Andrew R. , Roque Jonasel , Shaller Brian T. , Asuni Tola , Remmel Melissa , Rawling David , Liesenfeld Oliver , Khatri Purvesh , Wilson Jennifer G. , Levitt Joseph E. , Sweeney Timothy E. , Rogers Angela J.
Published: June 2021

Several clinical calculators predict intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, however these are cumbersome and often require 24 h of data to calculate. Retrospective studies have demonstrated the utility of whole blood transcriptomic analysis in predicting mortality. In this study, we tested prospective validation of an 11-gene messenger RNA (mRNA) score in an ICU population. Whole blood mRNA from 70 subjects in the Stanford ICU Biobank with samples collected within 24 h of Emergency Department presentation were used to calculate an 11-gene mRNA score. We found that the 11-gene score was highly associated with 60-day mortality, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68 in all patients, 0.77 in shock patients, and 0.98 in patients whose primary determinant of prognosis was acute illness. Subjects with the highest quartile of mRNA scores were more likely to die in hospital (40% vs 7%, p < 0.01) and within 60 days (40% vs 15%, p = 0.06). The 11-gene score improved prognostication with a categorical Net Reclassification Improvement index of 0.37 (p = 0.03) and an Integrated Discrimination Improvement index of 0.07 (p = 0.02) when combined with Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. The test performed poorly in the 95 independent samples collected > 24 h after emergency department presentation. Tests will target a 30-min turnaround time, allowing for rapid results early in admission. Moving forward, this test may provide valuable real-time prognostic information to improve triage decisions and allow for enrichment of clinical trials.
Transformation of organic micropollutants along hyporheic flow in bedforms of river-simulating flumes
Authors: Jaeger Anna , Posselt Malte , Schaper Jonas L. , Betterle Andrea , Rutere Cyrus , Coll Claudia , Mechelke Jonas , Raza Muhammad , Meinikmann Karin , Portmann Andrea , Blaen Phillip J. , Horn Marcus A. , Krause Stefan , Lewandowski Jörg
Published: June 2021

Urban streams receive increasing loads of organic micropollutants from treated wastewaters. A comprehensive understanding of the in-stream fate of micropollutants is thus of high interest for water quality management. Bedforms induce pumping effects considerably contributing to whole stream hyporheic exchange and are hotspots of biogeochemical turnover processes. However, little is known about the transformation of micropollutants in such structures. In the present study, we set up recirculating flumes to examine the transformation of a set of micropollutants along single flowpaths in two triangular bedforms. We sampled porewater from four locations in the bedforms over 78 days and analysed the resulting concentration curves using the results of a hydrodynamic model in combination with a reactive transport model accounting for advection, dispersion, first-order removal and retardation. The four porewater sampling locations were positioned on individual flowpaths with median solute travel times ranging from 11.5 to 43.3 h as shown in a hydrodynamic model previously. Highest stability was estimated for hydrochlorothiazide on all flowpaths. Lowest detectable half-lives were estimated for sotalol (0.7 h) and sitagliptin (0.2 h) along the shortest flowpath. Also, venlafaxine, acesulfame, bezafibrate, irbesartan, valsartan, ibuprofen and naproxen displayed lower half-lives at shorter flowpaths in the first bedform. However, the behavior of many compounds in the second bedform deviated from expectations, where particularly transformation products, e.g. valsartan acid, showed high concentrations. Flowpath-specific behavior as observed for metformin or flume-specific behavior as observed for metoprolol acid, for instance, was attributed to potential small-scale or flume-scale heterogeneity of microbial community compositions, respectively. The results of the study indicate that the shallow hyporheic flow field and the small-scale heterogeneity of the microbial community are major controlling factors for the transformation of relevant micropollutants in river sediments.
Life-course pathways from childhood socioeconomic status to type 2 diabetes in mid-late Chinese adulthood
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Jiang Xue , Sha Mengqi , Zhou Qiong , Li Wen , Guo Yuqing , Ou Zhengyan , Cao Junli
Published: June 2021

The relationship between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains inconclusive, and the pathways and mechanisms driving this relationship have yet to be clarified. This study aimed to examine the pathways linking childhood SES to T2D prevalence in mid-late adulthood in a low- and middle-income country. The incidence of T2D diagnosed in mid-late Chinese adulthood was assessed using self-reports from the Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Childhood SES was assessed by the education, occupation, survivorship of the parents and the financial situation of the family, whereas adulthood SES was assessed by education and wage. This study performed structural equation modeling to clarify the direct and indirect pathways from childhood SES to T2D via childhood health, childhood food shortage, adulthood SES and physical activity. A total of 15,132 participants were included, and the prevalence of T2D was 5.24%. This study found that childhood SES was directly associated with T2D in mid-late adulthood, the probability of developing T2D increased by 9.20% of the standard deviation for each decrease in standard deviation in childhood SES. Childhood SES was indirectly associated with T2D via adulthood SES, physical activity, childhood health and food shortage. Adulthood SES and physical activity mainly mediated the indirect pathway from childhood SES and T2D. This study showed direct and indirect pathways from disadvantaged childhood SES to increased risk of T2D in mid-late Chinese adulthood. Childhood SES, adulthood SES, physical activity, childhood health and food shortage were identified as life-course interventional targets that should be considered in the development of effective strategies to reduce the burden of T2D and SES-related health inequities in childhood.
Near cut-off wavelength operation of resonant waveguide grating biosensors
Authors: Kovacs Balint , Kraft Fabio Aldo , Szabo Zsolt , Nazirizadeh Yousef , Gerken Martina , Horvath Robert
Published: June 2021

Numerical simulations and analytical calculations are performed to support the design of grating-coupled planar optical waveguides for biological sensing. Near cut-off and far from cut-off modes are investigated, and their characteristics and suitability for sensing are compared. The numerical simulations reveal the high sensitivity of the guided mode intensity near the cut-off wavelength for any refractive index change along the waveguide. Consequently, it is sufficient to monitor the intensity change of the near cut-off sensing mode, which leads to a simpler sensor design compared to those setups where the resonant wavelength shift of the guided mode is monitored with high precision. The operating wavelength and the sensitivity of the proposed device can be tuned by varying the geometrical parameters of the corrugated waveguide. These results may lead to the development of highly sensitive integrated sensors, which have a simple design and therefore are cost-effective for a wide range of applications. These numerical findings are supported with experimental results, where the cut-off sensing mode was identified.
Reduced alpha amplitudes predict perceptual suppression
Authors: Poland Eva , Bhonsle Aishwarya , Steinmann Iris , Wilke Melanie
Published: June 2021

The amplitude of prestimulus alpha oscillations over parieto-occipital cortex has been shown to predict visual detection of masked and threshold-level stimuli. Whether alpha activity similarly predicts target visibility in perceptual suppression paradigms, another type of illusion commonly used to investigate visual awareness, is presently unclear. Here, we examined prestimulus alpha activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of healthy participants in the context of a generalized flash suppression (GFS) task during which salient target stimuli are rendered subjectively invisible in a subset of trials following the onset of a full-field motion stimulus. Unlike for masking or threshold paradigms, alpha (8–12 Hz) amplitude prior to motion onset was significantly higher when targets remained subjectively visible compared to trials during which the targets became perceptually suppressed. Furthermore, individual prestimulus alpha amplitudes strongly correlated with the individual trial-to-trial variability quenching following motion stimulus onset, indicating that variability quenching in visual cortex is closely linked to prestimulus alpha activity. We conclude that predictive correlates of conscious perception derived from perceptual suppression paradigms differ substantially from those obtained with “near threshold paradigms”, possibly reflecting the effectiveness of the suppressor stimulus.
Estimating the viscosity of volcanic melts from the vibrational properties of their parental glasses
Authors: Cassetta Michele , Di Genova Danilo , Zanatta Marco , Boffa Ballaran Tiziana , Kurnosov Alexander , Giarola Marco , Mariotto Gino
Published: June 2021

The numerical modelling of magma transport and volcanic eruptions requires accurate knowledge of the viscosity of magmatic liquids as a function of temperature and melt composition. However, there is growing evidence that volcanic melts can be prone to nanoscale modification and crystallization before and during viscosity measurements. This challenges the possibility of being able to quantify the crystal-free melt phase contribution to the measured viscosity. In an effort to establish an alternative route to derive the viscosity of volcanic melts based on the vibrational properties of their parental glasses, we have subjected volcanologically relevant anhydrous glasses to Brillouin and Raman spectroscopic analyses at ambient conditions. Here, we find that the ratio between bulk and shear moduli and the boson peak position embed the melt fragility. We show that these quantities allow an accurate estimation of volcanic melts at eruptive conditions, without the need for viscosity measurements. An extensive review of the literature data confirms that our result also holds for hydrous systems; this study thus provides fertile ground on which to develop new studies of the nanoscale dynamics of natural melts and its impact on the style of volcanic eruptions.
The effects of dynamic daylight-like light on the rhythm, cognition, and mood of irregular shift workers in closed environment
Authors: Nie Jingxin , Zhou Tianhang , Chen Zhizhong , Dang Weimin , Jiao Fei , Zhan Jinglin , Chen Yifan , Chen Yiyong , Pan Zuojian , Kang Xiangning , Wang Yongzhi , Wang Qi , Tang Yan , Dong Wentian , Zhou Shuzhe , Ma Yantao , Yu Xin , Zhang Guoyi , Shen Bo
Published: June 2021

Shift workers are mostly suffered from the disruption of circadian rhythm and health problems. In this study, we designed proper light environment to maintain stable circadian rhythm, cognitive performance, and mood status of shift workers. We used five-channel light-emitting diodes to build up the dynamic daylight-like light environment. The illuminance, correlated color temperature, and circadian action factor of light were tunable in the ranges of 226 to 678 lx, 2680 to 7314 K, and 0.32 to 0.96 throughout the day (5:30 to 19:40). During the nighttime, these parameters maintained about 200 lx, 2700 K, and 0.32, respectively. In this light environment, three subjects had engaged in shift work for 38 consecutive days. We measured plasma melatonin, activity counts, continuous performance tests, and visual analogue scale on mood to assess the rhythm, cognitive performance, and mood of subjects. After 38-day shift work, the subjects’ peak melatonin concentration increased significantly. Their physiological and behavioral rhythms maintained stable. Their cognitive performance improved significantly after night work, compared with that before night work. Their mood status had no significant change during the 38-day shift work. These results indicated that the light environment was beneficial to maintain circadian rhythm, cognitive performance and mood status during long-term shift work in closed environment.