bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury deposition in Western Tethys during the Carnian Pluvial Episode (Late Triassic)
Authors: Mazaheri-Johari Mina , Gianolla Piero , Mather Tamsin A. , Frieling Joost , Chu Daoliang , Dal Corso Jacopo
Published: August 2021

The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a time of biological turnover and environmental perturbations. Within the CPE interval, C-isotope and sedimentary records indicate multiple pulses of depleted carbon into the atmosphere–ocean system linked to discrete enhancements of the hydrological cycle. Data suggest a similar cascade of events to other extinctions, including being potentially driven by emplacement of a large igneous province (LIP). The age of the Wrangellia LIP overlaps that of the CPE, but a direct link between volcanism and the pulsed CPE remains elusive. We present sedimentary Hg concentrations from Western Tethys successions to investigate volcanic activity through the previously established CPE global negative C-isotope excursions (NCIEs). Higher Hg concentrations and Hg/TOC are recorded just before and during NCIEs and siliciclastic inputs. The depositional settings suggest volcanic Hg inputs into the basins over the NCIEs rather than increases of Hg drawdown or riverine transport. Differences in Hg and Hg/TOC signals between the basins might be linked to coeval LIP style or the temporal resolution of the sedimentary successions. Overall, our new data provide support for a link between pulses of Wrangellia LIP volcanism, NCIEs, and humid phases that mark the CPE in the Western Tethys.
Whole-genome sequencing of endangered Zhoushan cattle suggests its origin and the association of MC1R with black coat colour
Authors: Jiang Lihua , Kon Tetsuo , Chen Chunyan , Ichikawa Ryota , Zheng Qiyuan , Pei Liyi , Takemura Ikuyo , Nsobi Lauden Hagai , Tabata Hiromasa , Pan Hao , Omori Yoshihiro , Ogura Atsushi
Published: August 2021

Zhoushan cattle are an endangered cattle breed in the Zhoushan islands in China. Since Zhoushan cattle have been bred in isolation, they show unique characteristics, such as dark black coat colour. However, no studies have been conducted on the genome of Zhoushan cattle. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of seven individuals of Zhoushan cattle and nine cattle in Wenling, geographically close to the Zhoushan islands. By integrating our data and publicly-available data, we found that Zhoushan cattle are genetically highly similar toBos indicuscattle in south-eastern China. Furthermore, by identifying the genomic regions shared between Zhoushan cattle and Angus cattle, aBos taurusbreed, we found that the p.F195L mutation in melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor (MC1R) could be associated with their dark black coat colour. Taken together, our results provide a valuable resource for characterising the uniqueness of Zhoushan cattle.
2-Carba-lysophosphatidic acid is a novel β-lysophosphatidic acid analogue with high potential for lysophosphatidic acid receptor activation and autotaxin inhibition
Authors: Fukasawa Keiko , Gotoh Mari , Uwamizu Akiharu , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Ishikawa Masaki , Shimizu Yoshibumi , Yamamoto Shinji , Iwasa Kensuke , Yoshikawa Keisuke , Aoki Junken , Murakami-Murofushi Kimiko
Published: August 2021

Cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid mediator that, along with its chemically stabilized analogue 2-carba-cyclic phosphatidic acid (2ccPA), induces various biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Although cPA is similar to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in structure and synthetic pathway, some of cPA biological functions apparently differ from those reported for LPA. We previously investigated the pharmacokinetic profile of 2ccPA, which was found to be rapidly degraded, especially in acidic conditions, yielding an unidentified compound. Thus, not only cPA but also its degradation compound may contribute to the biological activity of cPA, at least for 2ccPA. In this study, we determined the structure and examined the biological activities of 2-carba-lysophosphatidic acid (2carbaLPA) as a 2ccPA degradation compound, which is a type of β-LPA analogue. Similar to LPA and cPA, 2carbaLPA induced the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and showed potent agonism for all known LPA receptors (LPA1–6) in the transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) shedding assay, in particular for LPA3 and LPA4. 2carbaLPA inhibited the lysophospholipase D activity of autotaxin (ATX) in vitro similar to other cPA analogues, such as 2ccPA, 3-carba-cPA, and 3-carba-LPA (α-LPA analogue). Our study shows that 2carbaLPA is a novel β-LPA analogue with high potential for the activation of some LPA receptors and ATX inhibition.
Discrimination of adhesion and viscoelasticity from nanoscale maps of polymer surfaces using bimodal atomic force microscopy
Authors: Rajabifar Bahram , Bajaj Anil , Reifenberger Ronald , Proksch Roger , Raman Arvind
Published: August 2021

Bimodal atomic force microscopy in which two microcantilever eigenmodes are simultaneously excited augments the number of observables. This provided set of channels enables estimating the viscoelastic and adhesive properties of soft polymeric surfaces.
Novel optimization perspectives for thermoelectric properties based on Rashba spin splitting: a mini review
Authors: Tian Qikun , Zhang Wenqi , Qin Zhenzhen , Qin Guangzhao
Published: August 2021

This review discussed the typical high ZT materials, traditional optimized strategies, and focused on the Rashba-type thermoelectric (TE) materials, which highlights the development and challenges of Rashba effect in breaking the bottleneck of ZT.
Access to diverse organosulfur compounds via arynes: a comprehensive review on Kobayashi's aryne precursor
Authors: Hazarika Hemanta , Gogoi Pranjal
Published: August 2021

This review provides a collective and informative aspect on the potential applications of Kobayashi's aryne precursor as a versatile building block for the synthesis of organosulfur compounds.
On-surface synthesis of organocopper metallacycles through activation of inner diacetylene moieties
Authors: Cirera Borja , Riss Alexander , Mutombo Pingo , Urgel José I. , Santos José , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Widmer Roland , Stolz Samuel , Sun Qiang , Bommert Max , Fasel Roman , Jelínek Pavel , Auwärter Willi , Martín Nazario , Écija David
Published: August 2021

The diacetylene skeletons of DNBD precursors are attacked on Cu(111) by copper adatoms resulting in the synthesis of organocopper metallacycles.
A note on “Variable Neighborhood Search Based Algorithms for Crossdock Truck Assignment”
Authors: Gelareh Shahin
Published: August 2021

Some implementations of variable neighborhood search based algorithms were presented in “Daquinet al. RAIRO: OR55(2021) 2291—2323”. This work is based on model in “Miaoet al. Eur. J. Oper. Res.192(2009) 105–115” which has been proven to be incorrect. We reiterate and elaborate on the deficiencies in the latter and show that the authors in the former were already aware of the deficiencies in the latter and the proposed minor amendment does not overcome any of such deficiencies.
Determining the best set of molecular descriptors for a Toxicity classification problem
Authors: Toppur Badri , Jaims K.J.
Published: August 2021

The safety norms for drug design are very strict with at least three stages of trials. One test, early on in the trials, is about the cardiotoxicity of the molecules, that is, whether the compound blocks any heart channel. Chemical libraries contain millions of compounds. Accuratea prioriandin silicoclassification of non-blocking molecules, can reduce the screening for an effective drug, by half. The compound has to be checked for other risk factors alongside its therapeutic effect; these tests can also be done using a computer. Actual screening in a research laboratory is very expensive and time consuming. To enable the computer modelling, the molecules are provided in Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry (SMILE) format. In this study, they have been decoded using the chem-informatics development kit written in the Java language. The kit is accessed in the R statistical software environment through therJavapackage, that is further wrapped in thercdkpackage. The strings representing the molecular structure, are parsed by thercdkfunctions, to provide structure-activity descriptors, that are known, to be good predictors of biological activity. These descriptors along with the known blocking behaviour of the molecule, constitute the input to the Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Support-Vector-Machine, Logistic Regression, and Artificial Neural Network algorithms. This paper reports the results of the data analysis project with shareware tools, to determine the best subset of molecular descriptors, from the large set that is available.
Auditive Phänomene als Differenzialdiagnostik zum Tinnitus
Authors: Marek Astrid
Published: August 2021

Einleitung Im auditorischen System ist subjektiver Tinnitus als Phantomwahrnehmung bekannt. Menschen berichten auch über illusionäre Fehlwahrnehmungen von realen Höreindrücken und über komplexe szenenhafte akustische Phantasmen ohne externen Hörreiz. Die genauen pathophysiologischen Zusammenhänge der auditiven Phänomene sind noch ungeklärt. Wichtige Komorbiditäten sind Schwerhörigkeit, Hirnerkrankungen und psychische Störungen.

Methode In einer Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank PubMed wurden Publikationen bis März 2021 zu den Suchbegriffen Tinnitus, Palinakusis, Pareidolie, Synästhesie, Aura und akustische Halluzination im Hinblick auf Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zum subjektiven Tinnitus ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Subjektiver Tinnitus kann gemeinsam mit anderen auditiven Phänomenen in einem Individuum auftreten. Diagnostisch wichtig ist der Zusammenhang zwischen Hörverlust und Tinnitus sowie zwischen Tinnitus und Hörminderung im entsprechenden Frequenzbereich. Bei Schwerhörigkeit können weitere auditive Phänomene auftreten.

Schlussfolgerung Das Auftreten verschiedener auditiver Phänomene gleichzeitig bei einer Person lässt ein auditorisches Wahrnehmungskontinuum mit gemeinsamen physiologischen Verarbeitungsstrukturen annehmen. Personen mit Schwerhörigkeit sollten nach den verschiedenen auditiven Phänomenen gefragt werden. Bei allen auditiven Phänomenen sollte die audiometrische Untersuchung zum diagnostischen Standard gehören.
Sexual Function and Associated Factors in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Trento Socorro Rejany Sales Silva , Madeiro Alberto , Rufino Andréa Cronemberger
Published: August 2021

Objective To assess the sexual function and associated factors in postmenopausal women.

Methods This a descriptive, cross-sectional study with 380 women aged 40 to 65 years, users of public health services in 2019. Questionnaires were applied on demographic characteristics, on climacteric symptoms (menopause rating scale) and on sexual function (sexual quotient, female version). Bivariate and multiple analyses by logistic regression were performed, with adjusted odds ratios (ORad) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).

Results More than half (243/64%) of the participating women were at risk of sexual dysfunction, with lower scores in the domains of sexual desire and interest, comfort, orgasm, and satisfaction. Women with a partner (ORad 2.07; 95%CI 1.03–4.17) and those who reported sleep problems (ORad 2.72; 95%CI 1.77–4.19), depressed mood (ORad 2.03; 95%CI 1.32–3.10), sexual complaints (ORad 8.16; 95%CI 5.06–13.15), and vaginal dryness (ORad 3.44; 95%CI 2.22–5.32) showed greater chance of sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion There was a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with the influence of conjugality and climacteric symptoms on sexual function.
Crossover behavior seen in symmetries of rare earth nickelate solutions
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: August 2021

A study of rare earth nickelates found a mixing of symmetries during phase transition.
Flagellated Janus particles exhibit improved dynamic propulsion
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: August 2021

Catalytic Janus particles undergo a hybridization making them more adaptable for the healthcare industry.
Phase transitions in cadmium sulfide nanoparticles
Authors: Rose Moly M. , Sheela Christy R. , Asenath Benitta T. , Thampi Thanka Kumaran J.
Published: August 2021

CdS nanoparticles were synthesized by the microwave assisted chemical precipitation method and solvothermal method. X-ray power diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the crystalline structure, morphology, and size of the synthesized samples. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the synthesized samples are of two different forms, cubic and hexagonal. The DC electrical resistance of the two samples was measured in the temperature range 300–500 K. Near room temperature cubic nanoparticles behave as a semiconductor, and hexagonal nanoparticles show the behavior of an insulator. The temperature resistance curves of the cubic sample show a transition from the cubic to hexagonal phase above 340 K. The temperature resistance curve of the hexagonal sample also shows a discontinuity at 463 K due to the transition from the hexagonal to cubic phase. The thermogravimetric analysis of the two samples also confirms the two transitions. UV, PL, and Raman spectra of the two forms are compared.
A separable nonlinear least squares approach for double-diode photovoltaic model parameter extraction
Authors: Xu Jie , Chen Deyuan , Bai Gang , Li Wei
Published: August 2021

Parameter extraction of the double-diode photovoltaic model is a highly nonconvex optimization problem, and up until now, many metaheuristic methods have been proposed to try to avoid local minima. However, these metaheuristic methods will output different results in repeated tests and need to manually set lower and upper bounds for all parameters. In this work, a deterministic numerical method is proposed for the double-diode model parameter extraction through a separable nonlinear least squares approach. In this approach, the complexity of the optimization problem is greatly lowered by the reduction of independent parameters, and the solution can be easily obtained by deterministic search algorithms without manual preset or intervention. The proposed method is first validated on two commonly used case studies of curve data fitting, showing a comparable performance to the best reported metaheuristic methods. Then, the method is extended to parameter extraction from manufacturer datasheets, in which only three important I–V data points are available. Finally, the method is tested on a large-scale dataset containing more than one million I–V curves provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The result of the large-scale test proves the superiority of the double-diode model over the single-diode counterpart in precise modeling of photovoltaic modules.
All-or-none amyloid disassembly via chaperone-triggered fibril unzipping favors clearance of α-synuclein toxic species
Authors: Franco Aitor , Gracia Pablo , Colom Adai , Camino José D. , Fernández-Higuero José Ángel , Orozco Natalia , Dulebo Alexander , Saiz Leonor , Cremades Nunilo , Vilar Jose M.G. , Prado Adelina , Muga Arturo
Published: August 2021

Significance

Although the human disaggregase machinery has been shown to disassemble mature α-synuclein amyloid fibrils, the molecular mechanism that drives the process has remained elusive. In this work, we show that amyloid disassembly is initiated by the destabilization of the fibril ends, followed by the fast propagation of protofilament unzipping and depolymerization along the fibril axis. This mechanism results in an all-or-none disaggregation of individual aggregates, avoiding the accumulation of harmful intermediate aggregated species. We specifically show that chaperones preferentially target the most toxic α-synuclein species, namely oligomers and short fibrils. Thus, our data provide a better understanding of the chaperone-mediated disaggregation at the molecular level, a crucial step to identify potential targets for the treatment of amyloid-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Cutting properties of aluminum matrix composites
Authors: Chen Yijin , Vinogradov D V , Kurganov S V
Published: August 2021

Promising aluminum matrix composite experimental samples were obtained for the study of cutting properties. The peculiarities of the drilling process, as the most demanded and indicative process of machining, were assessed by the axial cutting force, torque, and chip shape. Studies of composite samples of various compositions with the initial matrix alloy made it possible to establish the basic laws of material behavior, to reveal the influence of reinforcing components, and to give recommendations on the drilling of the materials.

Comparative analysis and comprehensive studies showed that the reinforcement of aluminum matrix composites affects the structure. The modifying effect of the reinforcement, expressed in the refinement of the grain structure, affects the hardness of the material. The strengthening effect of various reinforcements was accompanied by not so unambiguous behavior in the evaluation of machinability. With the introduction of SiC, the cutting force was decreased, but the conditions for chip removal deteriorated. When copper was added, cutting forces and torque were reduced by 2 times about the initial matrix alloy. The torque was further reduced when drilling a specimen with Cu-Al2O3 complex reinforcement. It can be argued that according to a comprehensive assessment of the cutting ability, the material with the addition of copper and nanoparticles of aluminum oxide shows the best characteristics.
Faunal Exploitation Strategies During the Later Pleistocene in Southern Africa
Authors: Dusseldorp Gerrit L. , Reynard Jerome P.
Published: August 2021

Analysis of Late Pleistocene fauna exploitation (~130,000–12,000 years ago) in southern Africa is of global academic relevance. Faunal analyses from southern African sites have led to the development of influential hypotheses on the evolution of modern human hunting methods and subsistence economies.

In the 1970s and 1980s, analysis of faunal remains from the Middle Stone Age site Klasies River informed the hypothesis that Middle Stone Age humans were less effective hunters than ethnographically documented hunter-gatherers. This was based on the underrepresentation of dangerous prey species in the bone assemblages. The development of detailed taphonomic research in the 1990s and 2000s demonstrated that the accumulation of faunal assemblages was the result of complex processes involving both human and nonhuman agents. These studies helped establish that Middle Stone Age hunters were as capable as those in ethnographically documented societies. Since then, important progress has been made in the identification of the weapons systems that were used to hunt animals. Analyses of lithic implements indicate bow-and-arrow use in southern Africa going back to at least 65,000 years ago.

Animal exploitation strategies do change over time. Hunting strategies probably focused on large antelope during the Middle Pleistocene, and the importance of smaller animals increased This change was likely caused by a shift in prey populations that stemmed from a combination of environmental change and perhaps human population pressure.

Late Pleistocene archaeological sites show increasing evidence for intensification; that is, an increase in the amount of food extracted from the environment by more thorough processing of prey, exploitation of new prey types, and development of new exploitation strategies. This pattern is usually linked to animal overexploitation and may be a result of human population expansion or environmental change if decreasing productivity limits the supply of animal prey. Notable examples of this are shellfish middens at coastal sites, the abundance of tortoises, and the presence of large numbers of small mammals that were likely snared instead of pursued.
The Economic and Health Impacts of Inadequate Sanitation
Authors: Andrés Luis , Joseph George , Rana Suneira
Published: August 2021

Nearly half of the world’s population, 4.2 billion people, lack access to a hygienic sanitation facility. About 673 million people regularly defecate outdoors, in the open. Many of those who still lack access to sanitation services are among the most challenging populations to reach: the poorest, the most remote, and the most marginalized. Inadequate sanitation is also a major cause of death and disease in countries around the world, causing 432,000 diarrheal deaths annually and contributing to several neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worm infections, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. It also contributes to malnutrition, adversely affecting early childhood development and thus affecting long-term outcomes, such as educational attainment and earnings in later life. The disease burden of inadequate sanitation overwhelmingly falls on the poor. Sanitation infrastructure access can result in direct benefits that households receive when they have access to sanitation services and an external benefit or externality produced by a community’s access to clean sanitation infrastructure. Thus, for the full benefits of sanitation infrastructure to be realized, efforts should focus on improving community-wide coverage of improved sanitation and eliminating open defecation. This expands the menu of policy options available for targeting conditions like anemia and undernutrition and would require a significant shift in thinking for many researchers and policymakers, who tend to overlook the important role of disease in determining “nutritional” outcomes.

Beyond their intrinsic value to human health and well-being, improved sanitation services would play a contributory and catalytic role in furthering progress toward other development goals, particularly those relating to education, and sustainable economic growth. Thus, furthering people’s access to adequate sanitation services is a necessary milestone in the global stride toward a sustainable, high quality of life for all.
Neoliberal Managerialism and the Human Services
Authors: Abramovitz Mimi , Zelnick Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Neoliberalism emerged in the United States in the mid-1970s in response to the second economic crisis of the 20th century. Seeking to undo the New Deal enacted in response to the 1930s economic collapse, neoliberalism redistributes income upward and downsizes the state using tax cuts, budget cuts, privatization, devolution, and reducing the power of social movements. Privatization, a key neoliberal strategy, is typically understood as shifting responsibility for entitlement programs such as Social Security or Medicare from public to the private sector. Managerialism (i.e., the adoption of business principle and practices) refers to operationalization privatization within human service agencies. The growing dominance of managerialist productivity, accountability efficiency, and standardization has redefined the landscape of the human services The troubling impact on service provision, working conditions, and the well-being of human service workers leads us to ask if the social work mission will become a casualty of managerialism.
Critical Race Theory and Macro Social Work Practice
Authors: Bousseau Aswood , Martell Diane
Published: August 2021

American racism has produced systems of oppression that continue to impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the United States. Critical race theory (CRT) asserts that racism is a longstanding, pervasive, and permanent component of social structure. Perceptions of and concepts relating to race are used to manipulate societal conditions to add value to and benefit the dominant, white population. CRT can be used as a lens to (a) understand current social and economic conditions, (b) analyze policies including municipal, state, and federal laws, regulations, and court decisions, and (c) develop and implement policies and programs that increase racial justice. For social work administrators, CRT provides a framework for identifying and assessing implicit and explicit racism in internal and external organizational policies, structures, and practices. In community work, CRT places race and racism at the center of localized patterns of disempowerment and inequality.
Suicide and Public Policy
Authors: Stanley Janelle , Strole Sarah
Published: August 2021

The historical context of suicidal behavior and public policies addressing suicide arose simultaneously within the United States, and both reflect a culture of discrimination and economic disenfranchisement. Systems of oppression including anti-Black racism, restrictive immigration policy, displacement of American Indigenous communities, religious moralism, and the capitalist economic structure perpetuate high-risk categories of suicidality. Suicidal behavior, protective factors, and risk factors, including firearms, are examined in the context of twentieth and early twenty first century public policy. Recommendations for public policy will be discussed with consideration for policies that impact communities disproportionately and social work ethics, such as right to die laws and inconsistent standards of care.
Maslinic acid activates mTORC1 and human TGR5 and induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Murata Shotaro , Sasaki Takashi , Yamauchi Yuki , Shimizu Makoto , Sato Ryuichiro
Published: August 2021

Maslinic acid, a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene in more than 30 plants (including olives), reportedly increases human muscle mass and muscle strength; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard diet or supplemented with 0.27% maslinic acid for 4 weeks, and their skeletal muscle mass was measured. Mice that consumed maslinic acid displayed significant increases in gastrocnemius and soleus muscle mass. Cultured mouse-C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were treated with mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or protein kinase b (Akt) inhibitor, and protein synthesis was quantified. Maslinic acid accelerated protein synthesis via mTORC1 activation independent of Akt. Furthermore, maslinic acid activated human Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) more strongly than mouse TGR5, augmenting the expression of several genes related to muscular hypertrophy. Maslinic acid activated mTORC1 and human TGR5, implying its contribution to human muscular hypertrophy through these effects.
Single-Dose Messenger RNA Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Healthcare Workers Extending 16 Weeks Postvaccination: A Test-Negative Design From Québec, Canada
Authors: Carazo Sara , Talbot Denis , Boulianne Nicole , Brisson Marc , Gilca Rodica , Deceuninck Geneviève , Brousseau Nicholas , Drolet Mélanie , Ouakki Manale , Sauvageau Chantal , Barkati Sapha , Fortin Élise , Carignan Alex , De Wals Philippe , Skowronski Danuta M , De Serres Gaston
Published: August 2021

Background

In Canada, first and second doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were uniquely spaced 16 weeks apart. We estimated 1- and 2-dose mRNA vaccine effectiveness (VE) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Québec, Canada, including protection against varying outcome severity, variants of concern (VOCs), and the stability of single-dose protection up to 16 weeks postvaccination.

Methods

A test-negative design compared vaccination among SARS-CoV-2 test–positive and weekly matched (10:1), randomly sampled, test-negative HCWs using linked surveillance and immunization databases. Vaccine status was defined by 1 dose ≥14 days or 2 doses ≥7 days before illness onset or specimen collection. Adjusted VE was estimated by conditional logistic regression.

Results

Primary analysis included 5316 cases and 53 160 controls. Single-dose VE was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68%–73%) against SARS-CoV-2 infection; 73% (95% CI, 71%–75%) against illness; and 97% (95% CI, 92%–99%) against hospitalization. Two-dose VE was 86% (95% CI, 81%–90%) and 93% (95% CI, 89%–95%), respectively, with no hospitalizations. VE was higher for non-VOCs than VOCs (73% Alpha) among single-dose recipients but not 2-dose recipients. Across 16 weeks, no decline in single-dose VE was observed, with appropriate stratification based upon prioritized vaccination determined by higher vs lower likelihood of direct patient contact.

Conclusions

One mRNA vaccine dose provided substantial and sustained protection to HCWs extending at least 4 months postvaccination. In circumstances of vaccine shortage, delaying the second dose may be a pertinent public health strategy.
R-estimators in GARCH models: asymptotics and applications
Authors: Liu Hang , Mukherjee Kanchan
Published: August 2021

The quasi-maximum likelihood estimation is a commonly-used method for estimating the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic parameters. However, such estimators are sensitive to outliers and their asymptotic normality is proved under the finite fourth moment assumption on the underlying error distribution. In this paper, we propose a novel class of estimators of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic parameters based on ranks of the residuals, called R-estimators, with the property that they are asymptotically normal under the existence of a finite $2+\delta$ moment of the errors and are highly efficient. We propose a fast algorithm for computing the R-estimators. Both real data analysis and simulations show the superior performance of the proposed estimators under the heavy-tailed and asymmetric distributions.
Investigation of the stability and risks of fomite transmission of human coronavirus OC43 on leather
Authors: Shivkumar Maitreyi , Adkin Pat , Owen Lucy , Laird Katie
Published: August 2021

Limited research exists on the potential for leather to act as a fomite of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or endemic coronaviruses including human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43; this is important for settings such as the shoe manufacturing industry. Antiviral coating of leather hides could limit such risks. This study aimed to investigate the stability and transfer of HCoVOC43 on different leathers, as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, and assess the antiviral efficacy of a silver-based leather coating. The stability of HCoV-OC43 (6.6 log10) on patent, full-grain calf, corrected grain finished and nubuck leathers (silver additive-coated and uncoated) was measured by titration on BHK-21 cells. Transfer from leather to cardboard and stainless steel was determined. HCoV-OC43 was detectable for 6 h on patent, 24 h on finished leather and 48 h on calf leather; no infectious virus was recovered from nubuck. HCoV-OC43 transferred from patent, finished and calf leathers onto cardboard and stainless steel up to 2 h post-inoculation (≤3.1–5.5 log10), suggesting that leathers could act as fomites. Silver additive-coated calf and finished leathers were antiviral against HCoV-OC43, with no infectious virus recovered after 2 h and limited transfer to other surfaces. The silver additive could reduce potential indirect transmission of HCoV-OC43 from leather.
Simple-to-use CRISPR-SpCas9/SaCas9/AsCas12a vector series for genome editing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Doi Goro , Nakagawa Shitomi , Kusumoto Emiko , Ito Takashi
Published: August 2021

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas system has been implemented for various organisms and becomes increasingly popular even in the genetically tractable budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Because each CRISPR/Cas system recognizes only the sequences flanked by its unique protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), a certain single system often fails to target a region of interest due to the lack of PAM, thus necessitating the use of another system with a different PAM. Three CRISPR/Cas systems with distinct PAMs, namely SpCas9, SaCas9, and AsCas12a, have been successfully used in yeast genome editing. Their combined use should expand the repertoire of editable targets. However, currently available plasmids for these systems were individually developed under different design principles, thus hampering their seamless use in the practice of genome editing. Here, we report a series of Golden Gate Assembly-compatible backbone vectors designed under a unified principle to exploit the three CRISPR/Cas systems in yeast genome editing. We also created a program to assist the design of genome-editing plasmids for individual target sequences using the backbone vectors. Genome editing with these plasmids demonstrated practically sufficient efficiency in the insertion of gene fragments to essential genes (median 52.1%), the complete deletion of an open reading frame (median 78.9%), and the introduction of single amino acid substitutions (median 79.2%). The backbone vectors with the program would provide a versatile toolbox to facilitate the seamless use of SpCas9, SaCas9, and AsCas12a in various types of genome manipulation, especially those that are difficult to perform with conventional techniques in yeast genetics.
Longitudinal Relation Between Structural Network Efficiency, Cognition, and Gait in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Cai Mengfei , Jacob Mina A , Norris David G , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Tuladhar Anil M
Published: August 2021

Background

To investigate changes in gait performance over time and how these changes are associated with the decline in structural network efficiency and cognition in older patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).

Methods

In a prospective, single-center cohort with 217 older participants with SVD, we performed 1.5T MRI scans, cognitive tests, and gait assessments evaluated by Timed UP and Go (TUG) test twice over 4 years. We reconstructed the white matter network for each subject based on diffusion tensor imaging tractography, followed by graph-theoretical analyses to compute the global efficiency. Conventional MRI markers for SVD, that is, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, number of lacunes, and microbleeds, were assessed.

Results

Baseline global efficiency was not related to changes in gait performance, while decline in global efficiency over time was significantly associated with gait decline (ie, increase in TUG time), independent of conventional MRI markers for SVD. Neither baseline cognitive performance nor cognitive decline was associated with gait decline.

Conclusions

We found that disruption of the white matter structural network was associated with gait decline over time, while the effect of cognitive decline was not. This suggests that structural network disruption has an important role in explaining the pathophysiology of gait decline in older patients with SVD, independent of cognitive decline.
A Dilute-and-Shoot UHPLC–MS/MS Isotope Dilution Method for Simultaneous Determination and Confirmation of 11 Mycotoxins in Dried Distiller’s Grains with Solubles
Authors: Nochetto Cristina B , Li Hui
Published: August 2021

Background

Natural contamination with mycotoxins in dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) as a mainstream animal feed ingredient poses a risk to animal health.

Objective

A regulatory method was needed for the agency to simultaneously detect 11 mycotoxins of high regulatory priority in DDGS.

Methods

A DDGS sample (10 g) was extracted twice with acetonitrile-water under mildly acidic condition. Two aliquots from the combined crude extract were taken and processed separately: (1) diluted 400-fold with solvent for analysis of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2; and (2) with the pH adjusted to 7.5, and then diluted 15.7-fold for analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Uniformly labeled 13C-isotopologues of these mycotoxins were added as internal standards to the diluted extracts for quantitative analysis by ultra-high-performance LC–tandem MS.

Results

The linear quantitation ranges (µg/kg) were: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, 1.57–105; zearalenone, 16.3–1090; T-2 toxin, 3.14–208; HT-2 toxin, 48.2–3220; ochratoxin A, 0.47–31.4; deoxynivalenol, 240–16 000; fumonisin B1 and B2, 320–21 200. Accuracies for these analytes at each of three fortification levels ranged from 70.7 to 100%, with corresponding RSDs between 1.4 and 10.5%. True recoveries were all higher than 83%.

Conclusion

This method was successfully validated to meet the agency’s performance guidelines for regulatory methods.

Highlights

This method is easy, quick, and robust to simultaneously quantify and confirm the presence of 11 regulated mycotoxins in DDGS.
Ad-pinitol transporter, LjPLT11, regulates plant growth and nodule development inLotus japonicus
Authors: Tian Lu , Liu Leru , Xu Shaoming , Deng Rufang , Wu Pingzhi , Jiang Huawu , Wu Guojiang , Chen Yaping
Published: August 2021

Polyol transporters have been functionally characterized in yeast and Xenopus laevis oocytes as H+-symporters with broad substrate specificity, but little is known about their physiological roles in planta. To extend this knowledge, we investigated the role of LjPLT11 in Lotus japonicus–Mesorhizobium symbiosis. Functional analyses of LjPLT11 in yeast characterized it as an energy-independent transporter of xylitol, two O-methyl inositols, xylose, and galactose. We showed that LjPLT11 is located on peribacteroid membranes and functions as a facilitative transporter of d-pinitol within infected cells of L. japonicus nodules. Knock-down of LjPLT11 (LjPLT11i) in L. japonicus accelerated plant growth under nitrogen sufficiency, but resulted in abnormal bacteroids with corresponding reductions in nitrogenase activity in nodules and plant growth in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. LjPLT11i nodules had higher osmotic pressure in cytosol, and lower osmotic pressure in bacteroids, than wild-type nodules both 3 and 4 weeks after inoculation of Mesorhizobium loti. Levels and distributions of reactive oxygen species were also perturbed in infected cells of 4-week-old nodules in LjPLT11i plants. The results indicate that LjPLT11 plays a key role in adjustment of the levels of its substrate pinitol, and thus maintenance of osmotic balance in infected cells and peribacteroid membrane stability during nodule development.
Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of the Arabidopsis quiescent centre
Authors: Lu Ran , Canher Balkan , Bisht Anchal , Heyman Jefri , De Veylder Lieven
Published: August 2021

Quiescent centre (QC) cells represent an integral part of the root stem cell niche. They typically display a low division frequency that has been reported to be controlled by hormone signaling and different regulators, including the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 115 (ERF115) transcription factor and D-type cyclins. Here, we applied a three-dimensional (3D) imaging to visualize the Arabidopsis QC cell number, volume and division patterns, including visualization of anticlinal divisions that cannot be deduced from longitudinal 2D imaging. We found that 5-day-old seedlings possess on average eight QC cells which are organized in a monolayered disc. In a period of 7 d, half of the QC cells undergo anticlinal division in a largely invariant space. Ectopic expression of ERF115 and CYCLIN D1;1 (CYCD1;1) promote both anticlinal and periclinal QC cell divisions, the latter resulting in a dual-layered QC zone holding up to 2-fold more QC cells compared with the wild type. In contrast, application of cytokinin or ethylene results in an increase in the number of periclinal, but a decrease in anticlinal QC divisions, suggesting that they control the orientation of QC cell division. Our data illustrate the power of 3D visualization in revealing unexpected QC characteristics.
Intoxicating Blackness: Addiction and Ambivalent Sounds of Fugitive Life in James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues”
Authors: Walter Patrick F
Published: August 2021

This article examines the intersection of drug-use, aesthetics, and Blackness at work in James Baldwin’s short story “Sonny’s Blues” (1957). While much of the scholarship on Baldwin’s story has dwelt on the significance of music, far less attention has been paid to the equally prominent and related theme of drug addiction and intoxication. Through an historical contextualization and analysis of the story, I provide an exegesis of Baldwin’s unique theorization of drug addiction, or what I am calling intoxicating Blackness, particularly as it relates to black aesthetics. By surveying formulations of drug addiction in European thought and the counter-discourse of black radical thought, I argue that Baldwin’s short story figures an innovative notion of being on drugs. Unlike subsequent, often disparaging depictions of addiction in the political discourse of the Black Power Movement and other late twentieth-century black popular culture, ‘Sonny’s Blues’ represents addiction as a cite of possibility. Baldwin suggests that an openness to intoxication and addiction, although perilous for the addict, might function as an aesthetic of black fugitivity and that any sort of black life might be thought of as a dangerous, fugitive narcotic. To elaborate on this theory of intoxicating Blackness, I consider it in relation to Western philosophical, legal, and psychoanalytic paradigms of addiction, as well as conceptualizations of Blackness and fugitivity in the work of thinkers such as Sylvia Wynter, Fred Moten, and Frantz Fanon.
What Do People Want in a Smoking Cessation App? An Analysis of User Reviews and App Quality
Authors: Bendotti Hollie , Lawler Sheleigh , Ireland David , Gartner Coral , Hides Leanne , Marshall Henry M
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Mobile smoking cessation (mCessation) apps have the potential to complement and enhance existing interventions, but many are of low quality. Exploring app reviews can provide a broader understanding of user experiences and engagement, to enhance the quality, acceptability, and effectiveness of future developments.

Methods

Publicly available user reviews and ratings of smoking cessation apps were mined from Google Play and the App Store via a targeted two-stage search strategy. English language smoking cessation apps with at least 20 consumer reviews between 2011 and 2020 were included. User reviews were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s framework. Apps were independently scored using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS) and compared to average user star ratings.

Results

Forty-eight versions of 42 apps, encompassing 1414 associated reviews, met eligibility criteria. Inductive coding of reviews produced 1084 coding references including reviews coded across multiple nodes. Themes generated included: (1) supportive characteristics/tools; (2) useability; (3) influence on smoking behavior; (4) benefits of quitting; and (5) role as a supplementary tool for quitting. The mean MARS score of 36 free and accessible apps was 3.10 (SD 0.71) with mean scores ranging from 2.00 to 4.47. An inverse relationship between MARS scores and average user star ratings was observed.

Conclusions

App personalization, relationality, functionality, and credibility were important to users, and should be considered as key design components for future apps. Differences between user star ratings and MARS scores may illustrate competing priorities of consumers and researchers, and the importance of a codesign development method.

Implications

This is the first study to use unsolicited user reviews from a large population to understand the general mCessation user experience in relation to making a quit attempt. Our findings highlight specific features favored and disliked by users, including their influence on engagement, and supports previous findings that mCessation applications need to be highly tailorable, functional, credible, and supportive. We recommend a consumer-driven, co-design approach for future mCessation app developments to optimize user acceptability and engagement.
Vancomycin or Daptomycin for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy: Does It Make a Difference in Patient Satisfaction?
Authors: Wu Katherine H , Sakoulas George , Geriak Matthew
Published: August 2021

A 5-question telephone survey was administered to compare satisfaction between patients receiving vancomycin vs daptomycin outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Twenty-seven patients completed the survey (40%). Vancomycin had higher daily interference score than daptomycin (P = .03). All patients receiving daptomycin reported a satisfaction score ≥8/10, as compared to 67% of patients who received vancomycin (P < .03). OPAT antibiotics with less cumbersome administration regimens may translate into higher patient satisfaction and quicker return to life normalcy.
The Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens PpKAI2L receptors for strigolactones and related compounds function via MAX2-dependent and -independent pathways
Authors: Lopez-Obando Mauricio , Guillory Ambre , Boyer François-Didier , Cornu David , Hoffmann Beate , Le Bris Philippe , Pouvreau Jean-Bernard , Delavault Philippe , Rameau Catherine , de Saint Germain Alexandre , Bonhomme Sandrine
Published: August 2021

In angiosperms, the α/β hydrolase DWARF14 (D14), along with the F-box protein MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2), perceives strigolactones (SL) to regulate developmental processes. The key SL biosynthetic enzyme CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE8 (CCD8) is present in the moss Physcomitrium patens, and PpCCD8-derived compounds regulate moss extension. The PpMAX2 homolog is not involved in the SL response, but 13 PpKAI2LIKE (PpKAI2L) genes homologous to the D14 ancestral paralog KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) encode candidate SL receptors. In Arabidopsis thaliana, AtKAI2 perceives karrikins and the elusive endogenous KAI2-Ligand (KL). Here, germination assays of the parasitic plant Phelipanche ramosa suggested that PpCCD8-derived compounds are likely noncanonical SLs. (+)-GR24 SL analog is a good mimic for PpCCD8-derived compounds in P. patens, while the effects of its enantiomer (−)-GR24, a KL mimic in angiosperms, are minimal. Interaction and binding assays of seven PpKAI2L proteins pointed to the stereoselectivity toward (−)-GR24 for a single clade of PpKAI2L (eu-KAI2). Enzyme assays highlighted the peculiar behavior of PpKAI2L-H. Phenotypic characterization of Ppkai2l mutants showed that eu-KAI2 genes are not involved in the perception of PpCCD8-derived compounds but act in a PpMAX2-dependent pathway. In contrast, mutations in PpKAI2L-G, and -J genes abolished the response to the (+)-GR24 enantiomer, suggesting that PpKAI2L-G, and -J proteins are receptors for moss SLs.
A digital sensor to measure real-time leaf movements and detect abiotic stress in plants
Authors: Geldhof Batist , Pattyn Jolien , Eyland David , Carpentier Sebastien , Van de Poel Bram
Published: August 2021

Plant and plant organ movements are the result of a complex integration of endogenous growth and developmental responses, partially controlled by the circadian clock, and external environmental cues. Monitoring of plant motion is typically done by image-based phenotyping techniques with the aid of computer vision algorithms. Here we present a method to measure leaf movements using a digital inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. The lightweight sensor is easily attachable to a leaf or plant organ and records angular traits in real-time for two dimensions (pitch and roll) with high resolution (measured sensor oscillations of 0.36 ± 0.53° for pitch and 0.50 ± 0.65° for roll). We were able to record simple movements such as petiole bending, as well as complex lamina motions, in several crops, ranging from tomato to banana. We also assessed growth responses in terms of lettuce rosette expansion and maize seedling stem movements. The IMU sensors are capable of detecting small changes of nutations (i.e. bending movements) in leaves of different ages and in different plant species. In addition, the sensor system can also monitor stress-induced leaf movements. We observed that unfavorable environmental conditions evoke certain leaf movements, such as drastic epinastic responses, as well as subtle fading of the amplitude of nutations. In summary, the presented digital sensor system enables continuous detection of a variety of leaf motions with high precision, and is a low-cost tool in the field of plant phenotyping, with potential applications in early stress detection.