bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical application of hormone gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH‐A) stimulates reproduction in the endangered Texas blind salamander (Eurycea rathbuni)
Authors: Glass Campbell Lindsay , Anderson Kelsey A. , Marcec‐Greaves Ruth
Published: December 2021

We present a landmark success of a pilot study in the noninvasive, topical hormonal stimulation of reproduction of salamanders using Texas blind salamanders (Eurycea rathbuni) as a model species. Improved reproduction is a critical milestone in the conservation of imperiled species. Captive reproduction of amphibians is often challenging due to specific and ambiguous environmental cues for each species. The Texas blind salamander is a federally listed troglobitic amphibian found only in the Edwards Aquifer beneath San Marcos, Texas. This species is long‐lived, paedomorphic, and obligately aquatic. As with other cave‐dwelling organisms, Texas blind salamanders exhibits delayed reproductive maturity and low reproductive output. The US Fish & Wildlife San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center maintains a captive assurance population of wild individuals to supplement natural populations in the case of a catastrophic impacts on the wild population. Despite housing this species since the 1980s, unassisted reproductive events remain infrequent and unpredictable. In 2020, we developed the noninvasive use of the topical application of GnRH‐A to stimulate reproduction in 12 females combined with 12 males during a pilot study, that resulted in 11 clutches over a five‐month period. These findings mark a significant increase from normally low production of 4.5 clutches annually (average from 2007 to 2019) and represent a landmark success for captive propagation of this species.
Assessment of the importance of increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture on global ecosystem productivity using solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: Dang Chaoya , Shao Zhenfeng , Huang Xiao , Qian Jiaxin , Cheng Gui , Ding Qing , Fan Yewen
Published: December 2021

The accurate assessment of the global gross primary productivity (GPP) of vegetation is the key to estimating the global carbon cycle. Temperature (Ts) and soil moisture (SM) are essential for vegetation growth. It is acknowledged that the global Ts has shown an increasing trend, yet SM has shown a decreasing trend. However, the importance of SM and Ts changes on the productivity of global ecosystems remains unclear, as SM and Ts are strongly coupled through soil‐atmosphere interactions. Using solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) as a proxy for GPP and by decoupling SM and Ts changes, our investigation shows Ts plays a more important role in SIF in 60% of the vegetation areas. Overall, increased Ts promotes SIF by mitigating the resistance from SM’s reduction. However, the importance of SM and Ts varies, given different vegetation types. The results show that in the humid zone, the variation of Ts plays a more important role in SIF, but in the arid and semi‐arid zones, the variation of SM plays a more important role; in the semi‐humid zone, the disparity in the importance of SM and Ts is difficult to unravel. In addition, our results suggest that SIF is very sensitive to aridity gradients in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems. By decoupling the intertwined SM‐Ts impact on SIF, our study provides essential evidence that benefits future investigation on the factors the influence ecosystem productivity at regional or global scales.
Sima, a Drosophila homolog of HIF‐1α, in fat body tissue inhibits larval body growth by inducing Tribbles gene expression
Authors: Noguchi Koji , Yokozeki Kyosuke , Tanaka Yuko , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Nakajima Kazuki , Nishimura Takashi , Goda Nobuhito
Published: December 2021

Limited oxygen availability impairs normal body growth, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In Drosophila, hypoxic responses in the larval fat body (FB) disturb the secretion of insulin‐like peptides from the brain, inhibiting body growth. However, the cell‐autonomous effects of hypoxia on the insulin‐signaling pathway in larval FB have been underexplored. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of overexpression of Sima, a Drosophila hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) α homolog and a key component of HIF‐1 transcription factor essential for hypoxic adaptation, on the insulin‐signaling pathway in larval FB. Forced expression of Sima in FB reduced the larval body growth with reduced Akt phosphorylation levels in FB cells and increased hemolymph sugar levels. Sima‐mediated growth inhibition was reversed by overexpression of TOR or suppression of FOXO. After Sima overexpression, larvae showed higher expression levels of Tribbles, a negative regulator of Akt activity, and a simultaneous knockdown of Tribbles completely abolished the effects of Sima on larval body growth. Furthermore, a reporter analysis revealed Tribbles as a direct target gene of Sima. These results suggest that Sima in FB evokes Tribbles‐mediated insulin resistance and consequently protects against aberrant insulin‐dependent larval body growth under hypoxia.
Exploration of the utility of the Nursing Process and the Clinical Reasoning Cycle as a framework for forensic mental health nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Maguire Tessa , Garvey Loretta , Ryan Jo , Willetts Georgina , Olasoji Michael
Published: December 2021

Forensic mental health nursing (FMHN) is a specialized field, designed to meet the needs of people who have a serious mental illness across the criminal justice system, inpatient services and community. Frameworks can assist assessment, planning, intervention, documentation and evaluation of nursing care. However, there is no prior research investigating frameworks in FMHN. This study aimed to explore the Nursing Process (NP) and the Clinical Reasoning Cycle (CRC), with nurses, to determine a suitable framework for use service‐wide. A Nominal Group Technique was used to facilitate exploration of the two frameworks, where open‐ended verbal and written responses collected from a Nominal Group were thematically analysed, and the participants voted on their preferred framework. Seventeen nurses from a state‐wide forensic mental health (FMH) service participated. The four main themes were as follows: challenges to current practice, limitations of the NP, perceived benefits of the CRC and addressing implementation. Consensus was reached with the nurses selecting the CRC as the framework of choice. This is the first study to explore frameworks to guide practice in FMHN. Nurses in this study considered the CRC to be a suitable framework for novice through to expert, offering a contemporary framework to guide nursing care in complex FMH settings. Some adjustments to the existing cycle were suggested to emphasize recovery‐oriented practice, and inclusion of family and carers. Any changes to the cycle warrant exploration with the interdisciplinary team and consumer carer workforce.
Comparative survival of environmental and clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates in a variety of diverse host cells
Authors: Vang Charmie K. , Dawrs Stephanie N. , Oberlag Nicole M. , Gilmore Anah E. , Hasan Nabeeh A. , Honda Jennifer R.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus (MABS) is an emerging, opportunistic pathogen found globally in freshwater biofilms and soil. Typically, isolates are treated as a uniform group of organisms and very little is known about their comparative survival in healthy host cells. We posit that environmentally- and clinically derived isolates, show differential infectivity in immune cells and resistance to innate defenses.

Methods and Results

Six MABS isolates were tested including three water biofilm/soil and three sputum-derived isolates. A clinical MABS type strain and an environmental isolate of Arthrobacter were also included. MABS counts were significantly higher compared to Arthrobacter after co-culture with Acanthamoeba lenticulata, BEAS-2B epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages and the THP-1 macrophage cell line. A rough sputum-derived MABS isolate emerged as an isolate with higher virulence compared to others tested, as both a pellicle and cord former, survivor in the human cell models tested, inducer of high and prolonged production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the capacity to evade LL-37.

Conclusions

Findings support intraspecies variation between MABS isolates.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These data indicate subversion of host immune defenses by environmental and clinical MABS isolates is nuanced and maybe isolate dependent, providing new information regarding the pathogenesis of NTM infections.
The life history of longnose emperors (Lethrinus olivaceus) and a data‐limited assessment of their stock to support fisheries management at Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia
Authors: Filous Alexander , Daxboeck Charles , Beguet Teva , Cook Chuck
Published: December 2021

The spawning aggregations of coral reef species support artisanal fisheries throughout the Pacific Islands, but they are vulnerable to overexploitation and need improved fisheries management. To this aim, the authors employed a combination of fishery methods including life‐history studies to estimate the age, growth and reproductive parameters of longnose emperor (Lethrinus olivaceus), and a length‐based stock assessment to provide the community of Rangiroa Atoll with an assessment of their longnose emperor spawning aggregation fishery. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of this species were estimated to be L∞ = 80 (75–87) cm TL, K = 0.18 (0.15–0.24), t0 = −0.82 (−1.43−0.27) with a mean natural mortality rate of 0.309 ± 0.038. The sex ratios observed in this study support the belief that this species exhibits functional protogyny with females reaching sexual maturity at 38 cm TL and approximately 3 years of age, and sex change occurring at approximately 45 cm TL and 4 years of age. The spawning potential ratio (SPR) of the longnose emperor stock was estimated to be between 19% and 28% across the years of this study, and simulations of SPR and yield per‐recruit indicate that if the community wanted to conserve >30% of the stock's SPR, the ideal minimum size limit for this species is 50 cm TL. The results provide the baseline life‐history information required to evaluate the fisheries for this species in the South Pacific region and support community‐led management actions for this spawning aggregation fishery on Rangiroa Atoll.
Speech and language therapy services for people with Down syndrome: The disparity between research and practice
Authors: Frizelle Pauline , Ceroni Anna , Bateman Lorna , Hart Nicola
Published: December 2021

The need for speech and language therapy (SLT) for people with Down syndrome (DS) is well documented. However, there is a significant disparity between research and practice. This study addresses two of the three pillars of evidence‐based practice by 1) quantitatively profiling some key features of the 2019 public SLT service in Ireland, and referencing this against current best evidence; 2) asking parents, and adults with DS what supports they need in relation to an adequate SLT service. Adults with DS (n = 33) and parents of those with DS (n = 557), completed an anonymous survey online. The function of the survey was to collect information on: SLT service provision; levels of satisfaction with services; and SLT supports required. Based on parent responses, only 44% of participants (n = 253) were offered public SLT services in 2019. The mode waiting time was 1–2 years and the average number of sessions across the age groups was 5 per year. There was a strong association between age and number of sessions. Individual therapy was the most common model of service. A total of 40% of parents reported a 0 level of satisfaction. Seven key themes emerged from the qualitative support data. None of the participating adults received public SLT services in 2019. Our aspiration for evidence‐based SLT practice is far from being realized. The average number of sessions reported, does not in any way approximate the intervention intensity specified in evidence‐based interventions. Our limited service, at all ages, has detrimental implications for people with DS and our negligible adult service is in breach of human rights. Targeted, strategic investment is needed to allow practice to be aligned with best evidence; to support and treat people with DS effectively; to allow them to reach their maximum potential; and to exercise their right to communicate.
Recent advances in understanding the ecology of the filamentous bacteria responsible for activated sludge bulking
Authors: Nittami T. , Batinovic S.
Published: December 2021

Activated sludge bulking caused by filamentous bacteria is still a problem in wastewater treatment plants around the world. Bulking is a microbiological problem, and so its solution on species-specific basis is likely to be reached only after their ecology, physiology and metabolism is better understood. Culture-independent molecular methods have provided much useful information about this group of organisms, and in this review, the methods employed and the information they provide are critically assessed. Their application to understanding bulking caused by the most frequently seen filament in Japan, ‘Ca. Kouleothrix’, is used here as an example of how these techniques might be used to develop control strategies. Whole genome sequences are now available for some of filamentous bacteria responsible for bulking, and so it is possible to understand why these filaments might thrive in activated sludge plants, and provide clues as to how eventually they might be controlled specifically.
Birth timing after the long feeding migration in northern elephant seals
Authors: Condit Richard , Beltran Roxanne S. , Robinson Patrick W. , Crocker Daniel E. , Costa Daniel P.
Published: December 2021

Northern elephant seals migrate long distances from feeding grounds to raise pups during a brief period on breeding beaches. Because gestation sets a parturition date months in advance, timing of the arrival must be precise; an early arrival would waste foraging time, but a late arrival would cause parturition failure. We used satellite‐tracked animals to examine this timing, establishing arrival and birth dates in 106 migrating females and estimating how far they traveled in the days just before birth. Females arrived a mean of 5.5 days prior to birth (range 1–11, SD = 1.5), and females arriving later in the breeding season had 1.8‐day shorter prebirth intervals relative to early arrivers. There was no correlation between female body condition, nor female age, and the prebirth interval. The last 15 days prior to birth, animals traveled as far as 1,465 km. Those farthest from the colony traveled >100 km per day, three times faster than animals near the colony at the same time. Despite migrations covering several thousand kilometers while pregnant, female elephant seals were able to time their arrival within days. This allows them to maintain a precise annual birth cycle for many years consecutively.
The function of chloroplast ferredoxin‐NADP+ oxidoreductase positively regulates the accumulation of bamboo mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Chen I‐Hsuan , Chen Xiang‐Yu , Chiu Guan‐Zhi , Huang Ying‐Ping , Hsu Yau‐Heiu , Tsai Ching‐Hsiu
Published: December 2021

A gene down‐regulated in Nicotiana benthamiana after bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) infection had high identity to the nuclear‐encoded chloroplast ferredoxin NADP+ oxidoreductase gene (NbFNR). NbFNR is a flavoenzyme involved in the photosynthesis electron transport chain, catalysing the conversion of NADP+ into NADPH. To investigate whether NbFNR is involved in BaMV infection, we used virus‐induced gene silencing to reduce the expression of NbFNR in leaves and protoplasts. After BaMV inoculation, the accumulation of BaMV coat protein and RNA was significantly reduced. The transient expression of NbFNR fused with orange fluorescent protein (OFP) localized in the chloroplasts and elevated the level of BaMV coat protein. These results suggest that NbFNR could play a positive role in regulating BaMV accumulation. Expressing a mutant that failed to translocate to the chloroplast did not assist in BaMV accumulation. Another mutant with a catalytic site mutation could support BaMV accumulation to some extent, but accumulation was significantly lower than that of the wild type. In an in vitro replication assay, the replicase complex with FNR inhibitor, heparin, the RdRp activity was reduced. Furthermore, BaMV replicase was revealed to interact with NbFNR in yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments. Overall, these results suggest that NbFNR localized in the chloroplast with functional activity could efficiently assist BaMV accumulation.
Anthropology by Data Science
Authors: Paff Stephen
Published: December 2021

This essay explores how to broaden the scope of what constitutes anthropological and ethnographic research by cross‐fertilizing with data science. I discuss four types of relationships anthropologists have sought to foster with data science: anthropology of data science, anthropology over data science, anthropology with data science, and, the least developed of the four, anthropology by data science. Data science as a field has cultivated abductive, bottom‐up forms of quantitative research, which provide useful quantitative parallels to similarly abductive, bottom‐up qualitative techniques in ethnographic research. Anthropologists should adopt an anthropology by data science perspective through incorporating machine‐learning and other data science techniques into anthropological research. Nick Seaver's concept of bastard disciplines and methodologies provides a helpful framework for such work. [data science, machine learning, ethnography, anthropology]
“One of the most important subjects for a healthcare worker”: Cross‐sectional student evaluation of family violence best practice response curriculum
Authors: Ison Jessica , Hooker Leesa , Allen‐Leap Molly , Newton Michelle , Taft Angela
Published: December 2021

Family violence can affect the health and well‐being of victim‐survivors. Nurses and other healthcare providers are well placed to respond to family violence, yet evidence shows that nurses have limited knowledge of family violence and students are unprepared for this work. The objective of this study was to evaluate a pilot of the subject Family Violence Best Practice Response for undergraduate nurses and other healthcare students at an Australian university. The study used a cross‐sectional pre‐posttest design. Survey instruments included a modified version of the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) tool and the World Health Organization Curriculum evaluation tools. Sixty‐four students enrolled in the pilot. Participants made significant improvements in their feelings of preparedness to complete family violence work and in their perceived knowledge across a range of clinical practices and knowledge domains. Qualitative data showed students enjoyed the subject and gained valuable knowledge of how to inquire and validate disclosures. Healthcare professionals should receive training and be ready and able to identify and sensitively respond to victim‐survivors of family violence when they enter the workforce.
Nutritional status associated with clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19: A multicenter prospective study in Egypt
Authors: Youssef Naglaa , Elbadry Mohamed , Al Shafie Ahmad , Abdalazeem Amr , Hasan Salwa , Tahoon Marwa , Omran Dalia , El Kassas Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Few studies have addressed the relationship between the nutritional status of patients with COVID‐19 and their disease course. This multicenter prospective study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and its association with their clinical outcomes. Sociodemographic, physical, clinical, and nutritional data of 121 patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were collected upon admission and at discharge from three COVID‐19 quarantine hospitals in Egypt via a questionnaire and a standardized scale. The majority (73.6%) of the patients had a reduced dietary intake over the last week before admission, and 57% were severely ill. Overall, 14% had a high risk of malnutrition on admission, increasing to 26.3% at discharge. Malnutrition was present in most (85.7%) of the intensive care unit patients and deaths, compared with recovered patients (14%). We concluded that malnutrition might worsen the clinical outcomes and increase the morbidity and mortality of COVID‐19 patients. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to manage patients with COVID‐19, considering their nutritional status before and during infection, with early detection of high‐risk patients in order to design and provide the appropriate nutritional support.
On the expansion of biological functions of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases
Authors: Vandhana Theruvothu Madathil , Reyre Jean‐Lou , Sushmaa Dangudubiyyam , Berrin Jean‐Guy , Bissaro Bastien , Madhuprakash Jogi
Published: December 2021

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) constitute an enigmatic class of enzymes, the discovery of which has opened up a new arena of riveting research. LPMOs can oxidatively cleave the glycosidic bonds found in carbohydrate polymers enabling the depolymerisation of recalcitrant biomasses, such as cellulose or chitin. While most studies have so far mainly explored the role of LPMOs in a (plant) biomass conversion context, alternative roles and paradigms begin to emerge. In the present review, we propose a historical perspective of LPMO research providing a succinct overview of the major achievements of LPMO research over the past decade. This journey through LPMOs landscape leads us to dive into the emerging biological functions of LPMOs and LPMO‐like proteins. We notably highlight roles in fungal and oomycete plant pathogenesis (e.g. potato late blight), but also in mutualistic/commensalism symbiosis (e.g. ectomycorrhizae). We further present the potential importance of LPMOs in other microbial pathogenesis including diseases caused by bacteria (e.g. pneumonia), fungi (e.g. human meningitis), oomycetes and viruses (e.g. entomopox), as well as in (micro)organism development (including several plant pests). Our assessment of the literature leads to the formulation of outstanding questions, promising for the coming years exciting research and discoveries on these moonlighting proteins.
Philosophical foundations of mixed methods research
Authors: Shan Yafeng
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a critical review of the debate over the philosophical foundations of mixed methods research and examines the notion of philosophical foundations. It distinguishes axiology‐oriented from ontology‐oriented philosophical foundations. It also identifies three different senses of philosophical foundations of mixed methods research. The weak sense of philosophical foundations (e.g., pragmatism) merely allows the possibility of the integration of both quantitative and qualitative methods/data/designs. The moderate sense of philosophical foundations (e.g., transformativism) provide a good reason to use mixed methods in (at least some) social scientific research. The strong sense of philosophical foundations (e.g., dialectical pluralism) justifies a normative thesis that mixed methods research should be encouraged in (at least some) social scientific research.
High-Dimensional Quantile Regression: Convolution Smoothing and Concave Regularization
Authors: Tan Kean Ming , Wang Lan , Zhou Wen-Xin
Published: December 2021

ℓ 1 -penalized quantile regression (QR) is widely used for analysing high-dimensional data with heterogeneity. It is now recognized that the ℓ1-penalty introduces non-negligible estimation bias, while a proper use of concave regularization may lead to estimators with refined convergence rates and oracle properties as the signal strengthens. Although folded concave penalized M-estimation with strongly convex loss functions have been well studied, the extant literature on QR is relatively silent. The main difficulty is that the quantile loss is piecewise linear: it is non-smooth and has curvature concentrated at a single point. To overcome the lack of smoothness and strong convexity, we propose and study a convolution-type smoothed QR with iteratively reweighted ℓ1-regularization. The resulting smoothed empirical loss is twice continuously differentiable and (provably) locally strongly convex with high probability. We show that the iteratively reweighted ℓ1-penalized smoothed QR estimator, after a few iterations, achieves the optimal rate of convergence, and moreover, the oracle rate and the strong oracle property under an almost necessary and sufficient minimum signal strength condition. Extensive numerical studies corroborate our theoretical results.
Trends in mathematics specialist literature: Analyzing research spanning four decades
Authors: Baker Courtney K. , Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie , Harbour Kristin E. , Hjalmarson Margret A. , Livers Stefanie D. , Edwards Katherine Comey
Published: December 2021

For the past forty years, United States school districts have increasingly hired mathematics specialists to support the teaching and learning of mathematics. Despite the prevalence of this professional development structure, this is a relatively new research topic for the mathematics education field. In this paper, we report findings from an exploration of literature between 1981 and 2018 to examine the role of mathematics specialists (MSs). In particular, we examine: (a) MS positioning across research; (b) historical trends of school‐based MS research; and (c) orientations of school‐based MSs within research. Using the McGatha and Rigelman framework as an analytic lens, we found that beyond the positions identified in their framework (coach, intervention specialist, teacher), there were four additional MS positionings within the research (learner, other p‐12 stakeholder, university stakeholder, unknown). Ultimately, we forward an expansion to the McGatha and Rigelman framework to include these new categories, as well as contextual descriptions and working definitions to support future research in more accurately and robustly capturing the ways in which MSs are investigated and reported on in research.
Reduction of blood group A antigen on erythrocytes in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome harboring somatic mutations in RUNX1 and GATA2
Authors: Hayakawa Akira , Sano Rie , Takahashi Yoichiro , Okawa Takafumi , Kubo Rieko , Harada Megumi , Fukuda Haruki , Yokohama Akihiko , Handa Hiroshi , Kawabata‐Iwakawa Reika , Tsuneyama Hatsue , Tsukada Junichi , Kominato Yoshihiko
Published: December 2021

Background

Reduction of blood group ABO antigens on red blood cells (RBCs) is well known in patients with leukemias, and this reduction of ABO expression is strongly associated with DNA methylation of the ABO promoter. Previously, we reported a two‐nucleotide deletion in RUNX1 encoding an abnormally elongated protein lacking the trans‐activation domain in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) showing A‐antigen loss on RBCs. This prompted us to investigate the underlying mechanism responsible for A‐antigen reduction on RBCs in another patient with MDS.

Study Design and Methods

Screening of somatic mutations was carried out using a targeted sequencing panel with genomic DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patient and eleven MDS controls without A‐ or B‐antigen loss. DNA methylation of the ABO promoter was examined by bisulfite genomic sequencing. Transient transfection assays were performed for functional evaluation of mutations.

Results

Screening of somatic mutations showed missense mutations in RUNX1 and GATA2 in the patient, while no mutation was found in exons of those genes in the controls. There was no significant difference in ABO promoter methylation between the patient and the controls. Transient transfection experiments into COS‐7 and K562 cells suggested that the amino acid substitutions encoded by those mutations reduced or lost the trans‐activation potential of the ABO expression.

Conclusion

Considering the discrepancy between the variant frequencies of these mutations and the ratios of the RBCs with A‐antigens loss, the antigen reduction might be associated with these somatic mutations and hypermethylation of the ABO promoter.
Atomistic Insights Into Anti-Wear Mechanisms and Protective Tribofilm Formation in Polytetrafluoroethylene Composites
Authors: Sun Wei , Ye Jiaxin , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Kun
Published: December 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has a low friction coefficient but poor wear resistance (k ∼ 10−3 mm3/Nm) against various surfaces. Early mechanical modeling suggests the enhanced anti-wear performance of PTFE composites (k ∼ 10−5 mm3/Nm) relies on preferential load support by fillers. Recent studies found that tribochemical polarization of PTFE could trigger the formation of highly protective transfer films, thus resulting in exceptionally low wear-rates (k ∼ 10−7 mm3/Nm) in certain composites. Although tribochemical interactions were believed to play an important role in the wear reduction mechanisms, the atomistic details have yet to be fully described. Environmental and computational experiments in this study allowed detailed mechanistic investigations of four representative metal-, ceramic-, carbon-, and polymer-filled PTFE composites. Results found that (1) in dry argon environment, filler load support and composite microstructure dominate the wear resistance and (2) in humid air, the formation of a protective, polarized transfer film could further reduce composite wear-rate by tenfold or more. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the hypothesis that strong electrophilic atoms at certain solid surfaces tend to mechanochemically defluorinate PTFE molecule, which leads to tribochemical production and accumulation of polarized PTFE near the sliding surfaces. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the strengthening of nonbonding interactions (e.g., electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding) by polar polymer filler (i.e., PAI) or carboxylated PTFE could improve transfer film cohesion and adhesion strength, which was likely responsible for the additional wear reduction in humid air for certain PTFE composites. The relation between the atomistic interactions and the macroscopic wear behavior of composites was systematically discussed.
Autonomous materials synthesis via hierarchical active learning of nonequilibrium phase diagrams
Authors: Ament Sebastian , Amsler Maximilian , Sutherland Duncan R. , Chang Ming-Chiang , Guevarra Dan , Connolly Aine B. , Gregoire John M. , Thompson Michael O. , Gomes Carla P. , van Dover R. Bruce
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence accelerates the search and discovery of new metastable materials for energy applications.
Client binding shifts the populations of dynamic Hsp90 conformations through an allosteric network
Authors: Lopez Abraham , Dahiya Vinay , Delhommel Florent , Freiburger Lee , Stehle Ralf , Asami Sam , Rutz Daniel , Blair Laura , Buchner Johannes , Sattler Michael
Published: December 2021

ATP-driven conformational selection of Hsp90 conformations modulates the binding of clients and co-chaperones.
IL-17–dependent fibroblastic reticular cell training boosts tissue protective mucosal immunity through IL-10–producing B cells
Authors: Wu Dongwen , Poholek Catherine H. , Majumder Saikat , Liu Qixing , Revu Shankar K. , Mohib Kanishka , Rothstein David M. , McGeachy Mandy J.
Published: December 2021

Prior experience of pathogen-associated stimuli reduces morbidity and mortality to newly encountered infections through innate immune training, which can be enhanced by childhood vaccination. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are stromal cells in lymphoid organs that support lymphocyte localization and survival and modulate adaptive immune responses. IL-17 signaling is important for FRC metabolism and proliferation during inflammatory responses. Here, we show that FRC-intrinsic IL-17 signaling was required for protective antibody-mediated immunity to the gut bacterial pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium.
We asked whether prior activation of FRC through nonspecific inflammatory “training” of the gut would alter subsequent immune response to
C. rodentium
. Inflammatory training increased the number of activated FRC in mesenteric LN (MLN) and enhanced the antibody response to
C. rodentium
in an IL-17–dependent manner. FRC demonstrated cardinal features of innate immune training, including increased epigenetic markers of activation and increased metabolic response to infection. Enhanced responses were still evident 6 weeks after training. The kinetics of bacterial infection were not changed by inflammatory training, but colon inflammation was paradoxically reduced. Mechanistically, IL-10 production by activated B cells was required for colon protective effects of inflammatory training. Enhancing tissue protective B cell responses thus led to increased production of antibody and IL-10, allowing clearance of infection with reduced tissue inflammation. These data identify a new mode of immune training through FRC to modulate future adaptive responses and better preserve host health.
Humanization of T cell–mediated immunity in mice
Authors: Moore Michael J. , Zhong Maggie , Hansen Johanna , Gartner Hans , Grant Craig , Huang Mei , Harris Faith M. , Tu Naxin , Bowerman Natalie A. , Edelmann Kurt H. , Barry Thomas , Herbin Olivier , Tay Chin-Siean , DiLillo David J. , Decker Corinne E. , Levenkova Natasha , Shevchuk James , Dhanik Ankur , Meagher Karoline A. , Karr Amanda , Roos Jan , Lee Wen-yi , Suh David , Eckersdorff Mark , Meagher T. Craig , Koss Matthew , Esau Lakeisha , Sleeman Matthew A. , Babb Robert , Chen Gang , Kyratsous Christos A. , Poueymirou William T. , McWhirter John R. , Voronina Vera A. , Guo Chunguang , Gurer Cagan , Yancopoulos George D. , Murphy Andrew J. , Macdonald Lynn E.
Published: December 2021

Knock-in mice with humanized TCR, MHC, and co-receptor genes enable therapeutic human TCR discovery and functional assessment in mice.
Quantitative analysis of hillshed geomorphology and critical zone function: Raising the hillshed to watershed status
Authors: Brecheisen Zachary S. , Richter Daniel D. , Moon Seulgi , Halpin Patrick N.
Published: December 2021

Landscapes are frequently delineated by nested watersheds and river networks ranked via stream orders. Landscapes have only recently been delineated by their interfluves and ridge networks, and ordered based on their ridge connectivity. There are, however, few studies that have quantitatively investigated the connections between interfluve networks and landscape morphology and environmental processes. Here, we ordered hillsheds using methods complementary to traditional watersheds, via a hierarchical ordering of interfluves, and we defined hillsheds to be landscape surfaces from which soil is shed by soil creep or any type of hillslope transport. With this approach, we demonstrated that hillsheds are most useful for analyses of landscape structure and processes. We ordered interfluve networks at the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory (CZO), a North American Piedmont landscape, and demonstrated how interfluve networks and associated hillsheds are related to landscape geomorphology and processes of land management and land-use history, accelerated agricultural gully erosion, and bedrock weathering depth (i.e., regolith depth). Interfluve networks were ordered with an approach directly analogous to that first proposed for ordering streams and rivers by Robert Horton in the GSA Bulletin in 1945. At the Calhoun CZO, low-order hillsheds are numerous and dominate most of the observatory's ~190 km2 area. Low-order hillsheds are relatively narrow with small individual areas, they have relatively steep slopes with high curvature, and they are relatively low in elevation. In contrast, high-order hillsheds are few, large in individual area, and relatively level at high elevation. Cultivation was historically abandoned by farmers on severely eroding low-order hillsheds, and in fact agriculture continues today only on high-order hillsheds. Low-order hillsheds have an order of magnitude greater intensity of gullying across the Calhoun CZO landscape than high-order hillsheds. In addition, although modeled regolith depth appears to be similar across hillshed orders on average, both maximum modeled regolith depth and spatial depth variability decrease as hillshed order increases. Land management, geomorphology, pedology, and studies of land-use change can benefit from this new approach pairing landscape structure and analyses.
Distribution of Microfossils in the Vendian Deposits of the Orsha Depression of the East European Platform, Belarus
Authors: Golubkova E. Yu. , Kuzmenkova O. F. , Kushim E. A. , Laptsevich A. G. , Mankievič S. S. , Plotkina Yu. V.
Published: December 2021

Abstract—

The complete sections of the Lower and Upper Vendian of the East European Platform were opened in the boreholes of Belarus. This allows us to consider this region as a stratotype area. In order to update the paleontological characteristics of the Vendian, organic-walled microfossils from the Bogushevsk-1, Bogushevsk-2 (Liozno), and Lepel-1 reference boreholes drilled in the north of the Orsha Depression were studied. The transitive assemblage I with Leiosphaeridia minutissima–Leiosphaeridia tenuissima was recognized in the Lower Vendian Liozno Formation of the Volyn Series and the Upper Vendian Kotlin Formation. The Redkino microfossil assemblages were identified at three stratigraphic levels in the Nizy, Selyava, and Chernitsa formations: assemblage II with Morania zinkovi, assemblage III with Morania zinkovi–Tynnia precambrica, and assemblage IV withMoraniazinkovi–Tynnia precambrica–Striatella coriacea, respectively. The Kotlin assemblage V with Vendotaenia antiqua–Primoflagella speciosa was distinguished in the upper part of the Kotlin Formation (Bogushevsk-1 borehole). On the basis of the taxonomic composition, assemblages III and IV are correlated with the first Redkino biota of the Starorusskaya Formation; assemblage V is correlated with the third Kotlin biota of the Vasileostrovskaya Formation of the northwestern part of Russia. Our data show a high biostratigraphic potential of organic-walled microfossils, which should be used to substantiate regional stratigraphic units of the Upper Vendian in the updated stratigraphic scheme of the East European Platform.
Erratum to: The Near Islands (the Aleutian Arc): History of Vegetation in the Holocene
Authors: Smyshlyaeva O. I. , Severova E. E. , Khasanov B. F. , Krylovich O. A. , Kuzmicheva E. A. , Savinetsky A. B.
Published: December 2021

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359021660018
A complex case of a granulosa cell tumour
Authors: Agius Theresa , Gatt Michaela , Falzon Dylan , Babic Darko
Published: December 2021

This is a case of a 73-year-old woman who first presented in 2020 with a fullness in her abdomen. After several thorough investigations and unforeseen complications, the fullness was diagnosed as a granulosa cell tumour. In 2003, she had been diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumour of the ovary. Complete excision was performed, however she was not given a follow-up appointment after the procedure. This case highlights the importance of frequent follow-up of these tumours, the high recurrence rate, the severe complications which may result and the awareness of possible variations in this tumour’s histologic appearance.
Ustekinumab is effective for perianal fistulising Crohn's disease: a real-world experience and systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Godoy Brewer Gala M , Salem George , Afzal Muhammad A , Limketkai Berkeley N , Haq Zadid , Tajamal Maryam , Melia Joanna , Lazarev Mark , Selaru Florin M , Parian Alyssa M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Perianal Crohn’s disease (pCD) is a debilitating complication affecting up to 30% of Crohn’s disease (CD) population, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life. Despite the growing armamentarium of medications for luminal CD, their efficacy in pCD remains poorly studied.

Aim

To determine the efficacy of ustekinumab, a biologic approved for luminal CD, in pCD through a retrospective cohort study and systematic review.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on patients with CD with active perianal fistulae treated with ustekinumab from September 2013 to August 2019 was performed to determine perianal fistula response and remission at 6 and 12 months after ustekinumab induction. A systematic review was performed to further establish rates of fistula response and remission with ustekinumab.

Results

At 6 months, 48.1% (13/27) patients achieved fistula response with none achieving fistula remission on provider exam, and 59.3% (16/27) achieved patient-reported symptomatic improvement with 3.7% (1/27) achieving symptomatic remission. At 1 year, on provider exam, 55.6% (5/9) had fistula response with none achieving fistula remission, and 100% (9/9) had symptomatic improvement with 22.2% (2/9) achieving symptomatic remission. There were no major safety signals during 1-year follow-up. The systematic review of 25 studies found 44% (92/209) of patients with active perianal fistulas had a clinical response within 6 months of follow-up, and 53.9% (85/152) of patients with 12 months of follow-up achieved clinical response.

Conclusion

Ustekinumab presents a safe and effective therapy for treatment of pCD. Prospective, randomised trials are needed to further elucidate long-term efficacy of ustekinumab for pCD.
Cut it out or wait it out? Case series of middle fossa arachnoid cysts presenting with psychiatric symptoms and a discussion of the ethics of neurosurgical management
Authors: Steyn Petrus Johannes , Van den Heuvel Leigh Luella
Published: December 2021

Arachnoid cysts have been linked to neuropsychiatric morbidity. We describe two patients presenting with dissociative and manic symptoms believed to be associated with middle fossa arachnoid cysts. They were managed medically and remitted eventually, but symptoms were resistant. We briefly review the literature to discuss mechanisms by which cysts could cause symptoms and consider whether neurosurgical management would be appropriate. Although neurosurgery can be considered, its role is currently limited by practical and ethical considerations.
Incidence rates of systemic lupus erythematosus in the USA: estimates from a meta-analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national lupus registries
Authors: Izmirly Peter M , Ferucci Elizabeth D , Somers Emily C , Wang Lu , Lim S Sam , Drenkard Cristina , Dall'Era Maria , McCune W Joseph , Gordon Caroline , Helmick Charles , Parton Hilary
Published: December 2021

Objective

To estimate the annual incidence rate of SLE in the USA.

Methods

A meta-analysis used sex/race/ethnicity-specific data spanning 2002–2009 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention network of four population-based state registries to estimate the incidence rates. SLE was defined as fulfilling the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Given heterogeneity across sites, a random effects model was employed. Applying sex/race/ethnicity-stratified rates, including data from the Indian Health Service registry, to the 2018 US Census population generated estimates of newly diagnosed SLE cases.

Results

The pooled incidence rate per 100 000 person-years was 5.1 (95% CI 4.6 to 5.6), higher in females than in males (8.7 vs 1.2), and highest among black females (15.9), followed by Asian/Pacific Islander (7.6), Hispanic (6.8) and white (5.7) females. Male incidence was highest in black males (2.4), followed by Hispanic (0.9), white (0.8) and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.4) males. The American Indian/Alaska Native population had the second highest race-specific SLE estimates for females (10.4 per 100 000) and highest for males (3.8 per 100 000). In 2018, an estimated 14 263 persons (95% CI 11 563 to 17 735) were newly diagnosed with SLE in the USA.

Conclusions

A network of population-based SLE registries provided estimates of SLE incidence rates and numbers diagnosed in the USA.
The ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic: the ethics of emerging inequalities amongst healthcare workers
Authors: Shelton Clifford , El-Boghdadly Kariem , Appleby John B
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities, including among the healthcare workforce. Based on recent literature and drawing on our experiences of working in operating theatres and critical care in the UK’s National Health Service during the pandemic, we review the role of personal protective equipment and consider the ethical implications of its design, availability and provision at a time of unprecedented demand. Several important inequalities have emerged, driven by factors such as individuals purchasing their own personal protective equipment (either out of choice or to address a lack of provision), inconsistencies between guidelines issued by different agencies and organisations, and the standardised design and procurement of equipment required to protect a diverse healthcare workforce. These, we suggest, have resulted largely because of a lack of appropriate pandemic planning and coordination, as well as insufficient appreciation of the significance of equipment design for the healthcare setting. As with many aspects of the pandemic, personal protective equipment has created and revealed inequalities driven by economics, gender, ethnicity and professional influence, creating a division between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ of personal protective equipment. As the healthcare workforce continues to cope with ongoing waves of COVID-19, and with the prospect of more pandemics in the future, it is vital that these inequalities are urgently addressed, both through academic analysis and practical action.
British doctors’ work–life balance and home-life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Parida Swati , Aamir Abdullah , Alom Jahangir , Rufai Tania A , Rufai Sohaib R
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To assess British doctors’ work–life balance, home-life satisfaction and associated barriers.

Study design

We designed an online survey using Google Forms and distributed this via a closed social media group with 7031 members, exclusively run for British doctors. No identifiable data were collected and all respondents provided consent for their responses to be used anonymously. The questions covered demographic data followed by exploration of work–life balance and home-life satisfaction across a broad range of domains, including barriers thereto. Thematic analysis was performed for free-text responses.

Results

417 doctors completed the survey (response rate: 6%, typical for online surveys). Only 26% reported a satisfactory work–life balance; 70% of all respondents reported their work negatively affected their relationships and 87% reported their work negatively affected their hobbies. A significant proportion of respondents reported delaying major life events due to their working patterns: 52% delaying buying a home, 40% delaying marriage and 64% delaying having children. Female doctors were most likely to enter less-than-full-time working or leave their specialty. Thematic analysis revealed seven key themes from free-text responses: unsocial working, rota issues, training issues, less-than-full-time working, location, leave and childcare.

Conclusions

This study highlights the barriers to work–life balance and home-life satisfaction among British doctors, including strains on relationships and hobbies, leading to many doctors delaying certain milestones or opting to leave their training position altogether. It is imperative to address these issues to improve the well-being of British doctors and improve retention of the current workforce.