bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociable Components of Information Encoding in Human Perception
Authors: Vidaurre Diego , Cichy Radoslaw M , Woolrich Mark W
Published: June 2021

Brain decoding can predict visual perception from non-invasive electrophysiological data by combining information across multiple channels. However, decoding methods typically conflate the composite and distributed neural processes underlying perception that are together present in the signal, making it unclear what specific aspects of the neural computations involved in perception are reflected in this type of macroscale data. Using MEG data recorded while participants viewed a large number of naturalistic images, we analytically decomposed the brain signal into its oscillatory and non-oscillatory components, and used this decomposition to show that there are at least three dissociable stimulus-specific aspects to the brain data: a slow, non-oscillatory component, reflecting the temporally stable aspect of the stimulus representation; a global phase shift of the oscillation, reflecting the overall speed of processing of specific stimuli; and differential patterns of phase across channels, likely reflecting stimulus-specific computations. Further, we show that common cognitive interpretations of decoding analysis, in particular about how representations generalize across time, can benefit from acknowledging the multicomponent nature of the signal in the study of perception.
Improved Auditory Function Caused by Music Versus Foreign Language Training at School Age: Is There a Difference?
Authors: Tervaniemi Mari , Putkinen Vesa , Nie Peixin , Wang Cuicui , Du Bin , Lu Jing , Li Shuting , Cowley Benjamin Ultan , Tammi Tuisku , Tao Sha
Published: June 2021

In adults, music and speech share many neurocognitive functions, but how do they interact in a developing brain? We compared the effects of music and foreign language training on auditory neurocognition in Chinese children aged 8–11 years. We delivered group-based training programs in music and foreign language using a randomized controlled trial. A passive control group was also included. Before and after these year-long extracurricular programs, auditory event-related potentials were recorded (n = 123 and 85 before and after the program, respectively). Through these recordings, we probed early auditory predictive brain processes.

To our surprise, the language program facilitated the children’s early auditory predictive brain processes significantly more than did the music program. This facilitation was most evident in pitch encoding when the experimental paradigm was musically relevant. When these processes were probed by a paradigm more focused on basic sound features, we found early predictive pitch encoding to be facilitated by music training.

Thus, a foreign language program is able to foster auditory and music neurocognition, at least in tonal language speakers, in a manner comparable to that by a music program. Our results support the tight coupling of musical and linguistic brain functions also in the developing brain.
Case report of a very late dual coronary stent thrombosis in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Lannou Simon , Bergez Léa , Mansencal Nicolas
Published: June 2021

Background 

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability and a high rate of thrombosis. Few cases of coronary stent thrombosis associated with COVID-19 have been reported.

Case summary 

In this report, we describe the case of a 65-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who was admitted following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest related to an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction revealing a very late dual coronary stent thrombosis of the left anterior descending and posterior descending arteries. Ten days prior to admission, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and treated with dexamethasone, which led to rapid clinical improvement. After resuscitation, coronary angiography revealed an acute thrombotic occlusion in the two previous drug-eluting stents (implanted in 2010 and 2018), with a high thrombus burden. He was successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. The patient did not present any further complications during his hospital stay and was transferred to a cardiac rehabilitation centre.

Discussion 

Dual stent thrombosis is an exceptional event highlighting the high procoagulant state promoted by coronavirus 19. This case suggests that strengthening of antithrombotic therapy in CAD patients presenting with COVID-19 should be discussed.
Effect of the timing of second molar bonding on the duration of the mandibular arch levelling: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dritsas Konstantinos , Alharbi Majed , Kouvelis Georgios , Kloukos Dimitrios , Gkantidis Nikolaos
Published: June 2021

Introduction

This study investigated the effect of the timing of second molar bonding on the time required for the levelling of the mandibular dental arch.

Trial design

Single-centre two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial using random permuted blocks. Allocation concealment was achieved through sealed envelopes. There was blinding in outcome assessment, but not of patient or operator.

Methods

Thirty-six patients (12–18 years old) with mild to moderate crowding and fully erupted mandibular second molars were assigned randomly (1:1 ratio) in two groups. Group A started fixed orthodontic treatment by bracket bonding in both jaws. Initial wire was 0.014” NiTi. Lower second molar tubes were bonded at the time of 0.016” x 0.022” NiTi wire placement. Group B was same as Group A, but second lower molars were bonded at the first appointment. Placement of the 0.017” x 0.025” stainless steel wire in the mandibular arch was considered the primary endpoint of the trial, indicating the completion of the levelling phase. The days required from bonding to the endpoint comprised the main outcome. Non-parametric statistics were applied.

Results

There were two dropouts in each group. The compared groups had similar baseline characteristics regarding age, sex, overjet, overbite, space in the dental arch, average Curve of Spee (CoS), and maximum CoS. Group A tended to require more days for levelling (median: 203 days) than Group B (median: 168 days). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.128). From the tested occlusal factors, only initial overjet was found to be moderately associated with the days required to complete levelling of the mandibular arch (r = 0.45, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

In the frame of the current study, the duration of the levelling phase of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was not affected by the timing of second molar inclusion in the appliance. Future research could aim in cases with deep CoS to generalize the present findings and in larger sample sizes.
Clinical Correlates and Implications of the Reliability of the Frailty Index in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Dinh , Moodie Erica M , Keezer Mark R , Wolfson Christina
Published: June 2021

Background

Deficit accumulation frailty indices (FIs) are widely used to characterize frailty. FIs vary in number and composition of items; the impact of this variation on reliability and clinical applicability is unknown.

Method

We simulated 12 000 studies using a set of 70 candidate deficits in 12 080 community-dwelling participants 65 years and older. For each study, we varied the number (5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 45) and composition (random selection) of items defining the FI and calculated descriptive and predictive estimates: frailty score, prevalence, frailty cutoff, mortality odds ratio, predicted probability of mortality for FI = 0.28 (prevalence threshold), and FI cutoff predicting 10% mortality over the follow-up. We summarized the estimates’ medians and spreads (0.025–0.975 quantiles) by number of items and calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

Medians of frailty scores were 0.11–0.12 with decreasing spreads from 0.04–0.24 to 0.10–0.14 for 5-item and 45-item FIs. The median cutoffs identifying 15% as frail was 0.19–0.20 and stable; the spreads decreased with more items. However, medians and spreads for the prevalence of frailty (median: 11%–3%), mortality odds ratio (median: 1.24–2.19), predicted probability of mortality (median: 8%–17%), and FI cutoff predicting 10% mortality (median: 0.38–0.20) varied markedly. ICC increased from 0.19 (5-item FIs) to 0.84 (45-item FIs).

Conclusions

Variability in the number and composition of items of individual FIs strongly influences their reliability. Estimates using FIs may not be sufficiently stable for generalizing results or direct application. We propose avenues to improve the development, reporting, and interpretation of FIs.
Postabortion care availability, facility readiness and accessibility in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Bell Suzanne O , Shankar Mridula , Ahmed Saifuddin , OlaOlorun Funmilola , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Guiella Georges , Moreau Caroline
Published: June 2021

Postabortion care (PAC) is an essential component of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) and is necessary to prevent unsafe abortion-related maternal mortality, but we know little regarding the preparedness of facilities to provide PAC services, the distribution of these services and disparities in their accessibility in low-resource settings. To address this knowledge gap, this study aims to describe PAC service availability, evaluate PAC readiness and measure inequities in access to PAC services in seven states of Nigeria and nationally in Côte d’Ivoire. We used survey data from reproductive-age women and the health facilities that serve the areas where they live. We linked facility readiness information, including PAC-specific signal functions, to female data using geospatial information. Findings revealed less than half of facilities provide basic PAC services in Nigeria (48.4%) but greater PAC availability in Côte d’Ivoire (70.5%). Only 33.5% and 36.9% of facilities with the capacity to provide basic PAC and only 23.9% and 37.5% of facilities with the capacity to provide comprehensive PAC had all the corresponding signal functions in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, respectively. With regard to access, while ∼8 out of 10 women of reproductive age in Nigeria (81.3%) and Côte d’Ivoire (79.9%) lived within 10 km of a facility providing any PAC services, significantly lower levels of the population lived <10 km from a facility with all basic or comprehensive PAC signal functions, and we observed significant inequities in access for poor, rural and less educated women. Addressing facilities’ service readiness will improve the quality of PAC provided and ensure postabortion complications can be treated in a timely and effective manner, while expanding the availability of services to additional primary-level facilities would increase access—both of which could help to reduce avoidable abortion-related maternal morbidity and mortality and associated inequities.
Implementation of DoE and Risk-Based Enhanced Analytical Quality by Design Approach to Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Stability Study of Bosutinib
Authors: Prajapati Pintu B , Bagul Nilesh , Kalyankar Gajanan
Published: June 2021

Background

Bosutinib is a small-molecule BCR-ABL and Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. According to published literature, no stability-indicating reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC method has been reported for the estimation of bosutinib.

Objective

A stability-indicating RP-HPLC method has been developed for the stability study of bosutinib, using a risk- and design of experiments (DoE)-based enhanced analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach.

Method

The risk-based AQbD approach was applied by risk parameter identification and risk assessment by risk priority number (RPN) ranking and filtering, as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q9 guidelines. The DoE-based AQbD approach was implemented by response surface analysis using a central composite design. The risks of critical method risk parameters were mitigated by navigation of design space and framing of control strategy.

Results

Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column and acetonitrile–1.0% triethylamine (v/v) in water (pH 7.0, adjusted by ortho-phosphoric acid). The developed method was validated according to ICH Q2 (R1). The developed and validated method was applied for the assay of bosutinib in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The developed method was extended for an oxidative degradation kinetic study of bosutinib at different pH conditions.

Conclusions

The developed RP-HPLC method can be used as an analytical tool for quality control and stability studies of pharmaceutical dosage forms of bosutinib in the pharmaceutical industry.

Highlights

The development and validation of a stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the estimation of bosutinib by implementation of a DoE- and risk-based enhanced AQbD approach. The method was applied to assay pharmaceutical dosage forms and in an oxidative degradation kinetic study.
Self-Selection into Corrupt Judiciaries
Authors: Gans-Morse Jordan
Published: June 2021

Drawing on experimental games and a survey conducted with university students at an elite legal academy in Ukraine, this study compares the behavioral, attitudinal, and demographic traits of students aspiring to public sector legal careers as judges, prosecutors, and investigators with their counterparts aiming to pursue private sector legal careers as defense attorneys and commercial lawyers. I find evidence that students pursuing public sector legal careers display more willingness to cheat or bribe in experimental games as well as lower levels of altruism. These findings indicate that corruption in some societies may persist in part from the self-selection into government institutions of citizens with a higher propensity to seek profit from illicit activities. Moreover, the findings suggest that such corrupt self-selection can infect a country’s judicial and law enforcement apparatus, with potentially dire implications for the rule of law.
Parents’ Empathic Accuracy: Associations With Type 1 Diabetes Management and Familism
Authors: Main Alexandra , Kho Carmen , Miramontes Maritza , Wiebe Deborah J , Çakan Nedim , Raymond Jennifer K
Published: June 2021

Objective

To (1) test associations between parents’ empathic accuracy for their adolescents’ positive and negative emotions and adolescents’ physical and mental health (HbA1c, diabetes self-care, and depressive symptoms) in a predominantly Latinx sample of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents, and (2) explore how familism values were associated with parent empathic accuracy and adolescent physical and mental health in this population.

Methods

Parents and adolescents engaged in a discussion about a topic of frequent conflict related to the adolescents’ diabetes management. Parents and adolescents subsequently completed a video recall task in which they rated their own and their partner’s emotions once per minute; parents’ empathic accuracy was calculated from an average discrepancy between parent and adolescent ratings of the adolescent’s emotions. Adolescents reported on their depressive symptoms and both parents and adolescents reported on adolescents’ diabetes self-care and their own familism values; HbA1c was obtained from medical records.

Results

Results from structural equation modeling revealed that parents’ empathic accuracy for adolescents’ negative (but not positive) emotions was uniquely associated with adolescents’ HbA1c, self-care, and depressive symptoms. There was limited evidence that familism was related to parent empathic accuracy or adolescent physical and mental health.

Conclusions

Promoting parents’ empathic accuracy for adolescents’ negative emotions in the context of type 1 diabetes management may have important implications for adolescents’ mental and physical health.
Quercetin decreases the antinociceptive effect of diclofenac in an arthritic gout-pain model in rats
Authors: Ventura-Martínez Rosa , Déciga-Campos Myrna , Bustamante-Marquina Araceli , Ángeles-López Guadalupe Esther , Aviles-Herrera José , González-Trujano Maria Eva , Navarrete-Vázquez Gabriel
Published: June 2021

Objective

To analyse the antinociceptive interaction between quercetin (QUER) and diclofenac (DIC) in experimental arthritic gout-pain.

Methods

The antinociceptive effect of DIC and QUER alone and in combination were evaluated using an arthritic gout-pain model. Pain was induced through intra-articular administration of uric acid in the rats and the treatments were administered 2 h later. Additionally, the cyclooxygenase (COX) activity was determined in rats treated with DIC, QUER and their combination.

Key findings

DIC induced a maximal effect of 69.7 ± 2.7% with 3.1 mg/kg; whereas QUER only produced 17.6 ± 2.6% with the maximal dose (316 mg/kg). Ten of twelve DIC + QUER combinations showed a lesser antinociceptive effect than DIC alone did (P < 0.05). Moreover, DIC reduced total-COX (70.4 ± 1.3 versus 52.4 ± 1.8 and 77.4 ± 9.0 versus 56.1 ± 1.3, P < 0.05) and COX-2 (60.1 ± 1.0 versus 42.4 ± 1.8 and 58.1 ± 2.4 versus 48.7 ± 1.3, P < 0.05) activity after 1 and 3 h, respectively. Nevertheless, only the COX-2 activity induced by DIC was prevented in the presence of QUER (63.2 ± 3.0 versus 60.1 ± 1.0 and 56.6 ± 1.3 versus 58.1 ± 2.4 at 1 and 3 h, respectively).

Conclusions

All these data demonstrated that the simultaneous administration of QUER + DIC produces an unfavorable interaction on the antinociceptive effect of DIC. Therefore, this combination might not be recommendable to relieve arthritic gout-pain.
Updating the steady-state model of C4 photosynthesis
Authors: von Caemmerer Susanne
Published: June 2021

C4 plants play a key role in world agriculture. For example, C4 crops such as maize and sorghum are major contributors to food production in both developed and developing countries, and the C4 grasses sugarcane, miscanthus, and switchgrass are major plant sources of bioenergy. In the challenge to manipulate and enhance C4 photosynthesis, steady-state models of leaf photosynthesis provide an important tool for gas exchange analysis and thought experiments that can explore photosynthetic pathway changes. Here a previous C4 photosynthetic model developed by von Caemmerer and Furbank has been updated with new kinetic parameterization and temperature dependencies added. The parameterization was derived from experiments on the C4 monocot, Setaria viridis, which for the first time provides a cohesive parameterization. Mesophyll conductance and its temperature dependence have also been included, as this is an important step in the quantitative correlation between the initial slope of the CO2 response curve of CO2 assimilation and in vitro phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity. Furthermore, the equations for chloroplast electron transport have been updated to include cyclic electron transport flow, and equations have been added to calculate the electron transport rate from measured CO2 assimilation rates.
The impact of ionized outflows from z ∼ 2.5 quasars is not through instantaneous in situ quenching: the evidence from ALMA and VLT/SINFONI
Authors: Scholtz J , Harrison C M , Rosario D J , Alexander D M , Knudsen K K , Stanley F , Chen Chian-Chou , Kakkad D , Mainieri V , Mullaney J
Published: June 2021

We present high-resolution (∼2.4 kpc) ALMA band 7 observations (rest-frame λ ∼ 250 $\mu$m) of three powerful z ∼ 2.5 quasars (Lbol = 1047.3–1047.5 erg s−1). These targets have previously been reported as showing evidence for suppressed star formation based on cavities in the narrow H α emission at the location of outflows traced with [O iii] emission. Here, we combine the ALMA observations with a re-analysis of the VLT/SINFONI data to map the rest-frame far-infrared emission, H α emission, and [O iii] emission. In all targets, we observe high velocity [O iii] gas (i.e. W80 ∼ 1000–2000 km s−1) across the whole galaxy. We do not identify any H α emission that is free from contamination from AGN-related processes; however, based on SED analyses, we show that the ALMA data contain a significant dust-obscured star formation component in two out of the three systems. This dust emission is found to be extended over ≈1.5–5.5 kpc in the nuclear regions, overlaps with the previously reported H α cavities and is co-spatial with the peak in surface brightness of the [O iii] outflows. In summary, within the resolution and sensitivity limits of the data, we do not see any evidence for a instantaneous shut down of in situ star formation caused directly by the outflows. However, similar to the conclusions of previous studies and based on our measured star formation rates, we do not rule out that the global host galaxy star formation could be suppressed on longer time-scales by the cumulative effect of quasar episodes during the growth of these massive black holes.
Magnetization of the intergalactic medium in the IllustrisTNG simulations: the importance of extended, outflow-driven bubbles
Authors: Arámburo-García Andrés , Bondarenko Kyrylo , Boyarsky Alexey , Nelson Dylan , Pillepich Annalisa , Sokolenko Anastasia
Published: June 2021

We study the effects of galaxy formation physics on the magnetization of the intergalactic medium (IGM) using the IllustrisTNG simulations. We demonstrate that large-scale regions affected by the outflows from galaxies and clusters contain magnetic fields that are several orders of magnitude stronger than in unaffected regions with the same electron density. Moreover, like magnetic fields amplified inside galaxies, these magnetic fields do not depend on the primordial seed, i.e. the adopted initial conditions for magnetic field strength. We study the volume filling fraction of these strong field regions and their occurrence in random lines of sight. As a first application, we use these results to put bounds on the photon–axion conversion from spectral distortion of the CMB. As photon–axion coupling grows with energy, stronger constraints could potentially be obtained using data on the propagation of gamma-ray photons through the IGM. Finally, we also briefly discuss potential applications of our results to the Faraday Rotation measurements.
Selective cytotoxicity of cyclometalated gold(III) complexes on Caco-2 cells is mediated by G2/M cell cycle arrest
Authors: Abás Elisa , Bellés Andrea , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Laguna Mariano , Grasa Laura
Published: June 2021

New cyclometalated gold(III) complexes with a general structure [Au(C^N)(SR)2] or [Au(C^N)Cl(SR)], where C^N is a biphenyl ligand such as 2-(p-tolyl)pyridinate (tpy), 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy) and 2-benzylpyridinate (bzp) (SR = Spym, S(Me)2pym, 2-thiouracil (2-TU) and thiourea), and also with ethynyl moieties of the type [Au(C^N)(C≡C-Ar)2] (Ar = p-toluene and 2-pyridine) have been synthesized. All of them have been characterized, including X-ray studies of complex [Au(bzp)Cl(Spym)], and these studies have permitted to elucidate that leaving chloride ligand is trans located to CAr atom. After the full characterization, physicochemical properties were measured by evaluating drug-like water solubility and cell permeability (partition coefficient). All these experiments pointed that our complexes present adequate properties to be used as anticancer drugs. Although not all the complexes showed antiproliferative effects on Caco-2 cells, those that did were more cytotoxic than cisplatin; and complex [Au(tpy)Cl(2-TU)] is even more active than auranofin. In addition to this effectiveness, no evidence of cytotoxic effects was observed on considered normal cells (with the exception of [Au(bzp)Cl(2-TU)]. Further action mechanisms studies were performed using these selective complexes, showing cell cycle arrest on the G2/M phase, a proapoptotic behaviour and also the modification of some genes involved in tumorigenesis. Thus, as a result of this investigation, we present a new family of 17 cyclometalated complexes, 6 of them being selective and possible candidates to be used against colon cancer.
Deep and accurate detection of m6A RNA modifications using miCLIP2 and m6Aboost machine learning
Authors: Körtel Nadine , Rücklé Cornelia , Zhou You , Busch Anke , Hoch-Kraft Peter , Sutandy F X Reymond , Haase Jacob , Pradhan Mihika , Musheev Michael , Ostareck Dirk , Ostareck-Lederer Antje , Dieterich Christoph , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Niehrs Christof , Rausch Oliver , Dominissini Dan , König Julian , Zarnack Kathi
Published: June 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic mRNAs and influences many aspects of RNA processing. miCLIP (m6A individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation) is an antibody-based approach to map m6A sites with single-nucleotide resolution. However, due to broad antibody reactivity, reliable identification of m6A sites from miCLIP data remains challenging. Here, we present miCLIP2 in combination with machine learning to significantly improve m6A detection. The optimized miCLIP2 results in high-complexity libraries from less input material. Importantly, we established a robust computational pipeline to tackle the inherent issue of false positives in antibody-based m6A detection. The analyses were calibrated with Mettl3 knockout cells to learn the characteristics of m6A deposition, including m6A sites outside of DRACH motifs. To make our results universally applicable, we trained a machine learning model, m6Aboost, based on the experimental and RNA sequence features. Importantly, m6Aboost allows prediction of genuine m6A sites in miCLIP2 data without filtering for DRACH motifs or the need for Mettl3 depletion. Using m6Aboost, we identify thousands of high-confidence m6A sites in different murine and human cell lines, which provide a rich resource for future analysis. Collectively, our combined experimental and computational methodology greatly improves m6A identification.
Rrp1 translocase and ubiquitin ligase activities restrict the genome destabilising effects of Rad51 in fission yeast
Authors: Muraszko Jakub , Kramarz Karol , Argunhan Bilge , Ito Kentaro , Baranowska Gabriela , Kurokawa Yumiko , Murayama Yasuto , Tsubouchi Hideo , Lambert Sarah , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Dziadkowiec Dorota
Published: June 2021

Rad51 is the key protein in homologous recombination that plays important roles during DNA replication and repair. Auxiliary factors regulate Rad51 activity to facilitate productive recombination, and prevent inappropriate, untimely or excessive events, which could lead to genome instability. Previous genetic analyses identified a function for Rrp1 (a member of the Rad5/16-like group of SWI2/SNF2 translocases) in modulating Rad51 function, shared with the Rad51 mediator Swi5-Sfr1 and the Srs2 anti-recombinase. Here, we show that Rrp1 overproduction alleviates the toxicity associated with excessive Rad51 levels in a manner dependent on Rrp1 ATPase domain. Purified Rrp1 binds to DNA and has a DNA-dependent ATPase activity. Importantly, Rrp1 directly interacts with Rad51 and removes it from double-stranded DNA, confirming that Rrp1 is a translocase capable of modulating Rad51 function. Rrp1 affects Rad51 binding at centromeres. Additionally, we demonstrate in vivo and in vitro that Rrp1 possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity with Rad51 as a substrate, suggesting that Rrp1 regulates Rad51 in a multi-tiered fashion.
Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach for Lumbar 4/5 Ipsilateral and Contralateral Decompression: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Perez-Roman Roberto J , Wang Michael Y
Published: June 2021

Lumbar radiculopathy often results from direct compression of the exiting nerve roots. This may be caused mainly by spondylotic changes with any contribution from components like a herniated disc, facet overgrowth, and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, or any combination of them. There are a wide range of surgical treatments directed at decompressing the neural elements. Over the last decade, endoscopic spine surgery has gained popular interest because of potential benefits, including decreased bony removal, less muscle disruption, and enhanced visualization.
1
A unilateral endoscopic surgical approach can accomplish an effective bilateral decompression using the ipsilateral-contralateral technique.
2
This method allows for addressing both central and bilateral recess stenoses. We present a case of a 48-yr-old female with persistent bilateral lower extremity radicular pain worse on the left side with severe lumbar 4/5 stenosis and a left-sided synovial cyst causing significant foraminal narrowing. This 2-dimensional video illustrates the technique used for an endoscopic interlaminar approach for lumbar 4/5 ipsilateral and contralateral decompression. We highlight key elements regarding the positioning, workflow, and surgical technique to successfully perform this approach. Patient consented to the procedure.
Research progress in molecular dynamics simulation of CNT and graphene reinforced metal matrix composites
Authors: Xing Changsheng , Sheng Jie , Wang Lidong , Fei Weidong
Published: June 2021

Carbon nanomaterials are considered as one of the ideal choices for high-performance metal matrix composite reinforcements and one of the key directions of scientific research in recent years. Molecular dynamics simulation could be used conveniently to construct different composite material systems and study the properties of carbon nanomaterials reinforced metal matrix composites under different conditions. This review mainly introduces the molecular dynamic research progress of carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene-reinforced metal (Cu, Al, Ni) composites. The potential functions of the carbon nanomaterials reinforced metal matrix composite simulation systems are briefly introduced. The dependence of the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites on the sizes, volume fraction and distribution states of CNT and graphene is detailed and discussed. Finally, we briefly summarize the future development direction of the molecular dynamic simulation with respect to carbon nanomaterials reinforced metal matrix composites.
First observation of a nuclear s-state of a $\Xi$ hypernucleus, $^{15}_{\Xi}{\rm C}$
Authors: Yoshimoto M , Ahn J K , Bassalleck B , Ekawa H , Endo Y , Fujita M , Han Y , Hashimoto T , Hayakawa S H , Hicks K , Hoshino K , Hoshino S , Hwang S H , Ichikawa Y , Ichikawa M , Imai K , Ishikawa Y , Kanauchi H , Kasagi A , Kim S H , Kinbara S , Lin P M , Ma T L , Miwa K , Moe A T , Nagase Y , Nakazawa K , Nanamura T , Naruki M , Nyaw A N L , Pochodzalla J , Sako H , Sato S , Soe M M , Soe M K , Sohn J Y , Takahashi H , Takahashi T , Tamura H , Tanida K , Theint A M M , Tint K T , Ukai M , Yamamoto T O , Yang S B , Yoon C S , Yoshida J , Zhang D H , Zhang Z
Published: June 2021

Bound systems of $\Xi^-$–$^{14}_{}{\rm N}$ are studied via $\Xi^-$ capture at rest followed by emission of a twin single-$\Lambda$ hypernucleus in the emulsion detectors. Two events forming extremely deep $\Xi^-$ bound states were obtained by analysis of a hybrid method in the E07 experiment at J-PARC and reanalysis of the E373 experiment at KEK-PS. The decay mode of one event was assigned as $\Xi^-+^{14}\!\,\!\!{\rm N}\to^{5}_{\Lambda}\!\!\!{\rm He} + ^{5}_{\Lambda}\!\!{\rm He} + ^{4}\!\!{\rm He} + \mathrm{n}$. Since there are no excited states for daughter particles, the binding energy of the $\Xi^-$ hyperon, $B_{\Xi^-}$, in the $^{14}_{}{\rm N}$ nucleus was uniquely determined to be $6.27 \pm 0.27$ MeV. Another $\Xi^-$–$^{14}_{}{\rm N}$ system via the decay $^{9}_{\Lambda}{\rm Be} + ^{5}_{\Lambda}\!\!\!{\rm He} + \mathrm{n}$ brings a $B_{\Xi^-}$ value, $8.00 \pm 0.77$ MeV or $4.96 \pm 0.77$ MeV, where the two possible values of $B_{\Xi^-}$ correspond to the ground and the excited states of the daughter $^{9}_{\Lambda}{\rm Be}$ nucleus, respectively. Because the $B_{\Xi^-}$ values are larger than those of the previously reported events (KISO and IBUKI), which are both interpreted as the nuclear $1p$ state of the $\Xi^-$–$^{14}_{}{\rm N}$ system, these new events give the first indication of the nuclear $1s$ state of the $\Xi$ hypernucleus, $^{15}_{\Xi}{\rm C}$.
The Indigenous Peoples in time of a global pandemic
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a grave threat to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) around the world. In a recent correspondence, the author explores the vulnerabilities at the local level during COVID-19. IPs experience a high degree of socio-economic marginalization and are at disproportionate risk in public health emergencies, becoming even more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to factors such as their lack of access to effective monitoring and early-warning systems, and adequate health and social services. This correspondence calls for a ‘multisectoral strategy of intervention’ and a ‘preferential option for the indigenous peoples’ during this global pandemic.
Tuberculous meningitis in the elderly
Authors: Rahman N , Pannu A K , Yadav R , Sethi S , Saroch A , Garg M , Kumar D , Bhalla A
Published: June 2021

Objective

Although the elderly population remains at high risk for tuberculosis, studies addressing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in this age group are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the spectrum and outcome of geriatric TBM and document differences between older and young patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the adult TBM patients admitted at PGIMER, Chandigarh (India). Consecutive older patients aged 60 years and above were enrolled from January 2019 to December 2020, and young adults aged 18–59 years were enrolled from July 2019 to December 2019.

Results

Fifty-five older patients with a mean age of 66.6 years and 73 young patients with a mean age of 35.1 years were enrolled. At admission, older patients were more likely to have altered mental status (96.4% vs. 78.1%, P = 0.003) and advanced disease with British medical research council staging 2 or 3 (98.2% vs. 89.0%, P = 0.043); however, headache (38.2% vs. 67.1%, P = 0.001), vomiting (18.2% vs. 35.6%, P = 0.030) and fever (80.0% vs. 91.8%, P = 0.052) were less common. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities were less marked in older patients, with a significant difference in median total cells (70 vs. 110/µl, P = 0.013). Hydrocephalous and infarct were common neuroimaging abnormalities in both groups; however, tuberculomas were significantly less in the elderly (15.1% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.012). Older patients had a significantly low survival rate (56.4% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Significant differences in clinical, CSF and radiological characteristics exist between elderly and young TBM patients, with survival remains dismal in the elderly.
Quasi-Experimental Shift-Share Research Designs
Authors: Borusyak Kirill , Hull Peter , Jaravel Xavier
Published: June 2021

Many studies use shift-share (or “Bartik”) instruments, which average a set of shocks with exposure share weights. We provide a new econometric framework for shift-share instrumental variable (SSIV) regressions in which identification follows from the quasi-random assignment of shocks, while exposure shares are allowed to be endogenous. The framework is motivated by an equivalence result: the orthogonality between a shift-share instrument and an unobserved residual can be represented as the orthogonality between the underlying shocks and a shock-level unobservable. SSIV regression coefficients can similarly be obtained from an equivalent shock-level regression, motivating shock-level conditions for their consistency. We discuss and illustrate several practical insights of this framework in the setting of Autor et al. (2013), estimating the effect of Chinese import competition on manufacturing employment across U.S. commuting zones.
Everyday Perspectives on Security and Insecurity in Japan: A Survey of Three Women’s Organizations
Authors: HAGSTRÖM Linus , HA Thao-Nguyen , ÖBERG Dan
Published: June 2021

The existing research on Japanese security focuses mainly on the nation state and conceives of male elites as the key bearers of relevant knowledge about the phenomenon. This article problematizes these biases by zeroing in on women’s everyday-oriented perspectives, which fall outside the scope of security politics as traditionally conceived. More specifically, it analyzes the rich material provided by a survey of the members of three major Japanese women’s organizations, using a mixed-method approach premised on statistical methods and qualitative content analysis. The results show that the Japanese women in our sample accommodate and reproduce content from dominant elite views about security and insecurity. However, they also challenge and at times ignore these perspectives by identifying a host of other insecurities as more pressing in their daily lives, notably those related to environmental degradation and Japan’s political development.
Evolvability of Tooth Location in Teleost Fishes
Authors: Stock David W.
Published: June 2021

The form and distribution of teeth in vertebrates are closely related to feeding mode, but the pattern of dental diversification may differ substantially among related taxa. Whether these differences are the result of differences in ecological opportunities or in the evolvability of such taxa is rarely distinguished. The orders Cypriniformes (carps, loaches, minnows, and relatives) and Characiformes (tetras, piranhas, and relatives) are dominant elements of the freshwater fish fauna, with over 4200 and 2300 species, respectively. Both groups exhibit a diversity of feeding modes, ranging from detritivory to herbivory to carnivory, but differ significantly in the location of dentition. Teeth in cypriniforms are restricted to the posterior ventral pharynx, while in characiforms they are variably present on the dorsal as well as ventral pharynx, the oral jaw margins, and bones of the palate. The dentition of both groups represents reduction from the ancestral condition of teleost (modern ray‐finned) fishes, in which teeth were present on virtually all of the bones lining the oral and pharyngeal cavities. We hypothesized that differences in tooth location in the groups may reflect differences in the retention of ancestral developmental potential for dentition, a form of evolvability. To test this hypothesis, we ubiquitously and continuously expressed a tooth initiation signal, the ectodysplasin ligand, in the cypriniform zebrafish (Danio rerio) and found that potential for ectopic dentition was limited to the upper pharynx. In contrast, similar expression of ectodysplasin in the characiform Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) resulted in ectopic teeth widely distributed in the oral and pharyngeal cavities. Included among the bones bearing ectopic teeth were the ectopterygoids and endopterygoids, palatal bones on which teeth are variably present in characiforms. To investigate whether the retained potential for dentition has been utilized in the diversification of characiforms, we mapped palatal tooth characters on previously‐published phylogenies of the group and found evidence for the evolutionary reappearance of teeth on both the ectopterygoids and endopterygoids. Taken together, our results suggest that the evolvability of tooth location differs among teleost fish lineages and that such differences may have led to differences in patterns of dental diversification.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by NSF grants IOS‐0446720, IOS‐1121855, and NIH grant R03 DE016328‐01.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Folding of a Membrane Protein into Nanodiscs
Authors: Asamoto DeeAnn K. , Kim Judy E.
Published: June 2021

Nanodiscs (NDs) have emerged as a valuable bilayer mimetic for the study of membrane proteins. This presentation focuses on the dynamics and folding mechanisms of a model β‐barrel membrane protein, OmpA, into preformed NDs. We present digestion as well as fluorescence and UV resonance Raman experiments to elucidate the spontaneous folding reaction of OmpA into NDs. The kinetics and yields of folding into NDs are compared to those of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs). The data indicate that NDs are an excellent alternative membrane mimic to SUVs, and provide insight into the folding mechanisms of OmpA.

Support or Funding Information

NSF, NIH Molecular Biophysics Training Grant

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Cisplatin Induces Differential Expression of SnoRNAs and Affects Ribosome Methylation
Authors: Reister Emily , DeRose Victoria J.
Published: June 2021

Although the chemotherapy drug cisplatin has been used in cancer treatment since the 1970s, a full understanding of the mechanisms by which it functions is still lacking. While the influence of DNA damage has been extensively studied as one cellular response to cisplatin, recent data indicate that non‐DNA targets, including RNA and proteins, also play important roles. To gain insight into the non‐DNA damage‐based effects induced by this drug, full RNA‐seq analysis of triple negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐468 cells treated at therapeutic concentrations of cisplatin between 30 minutes and 24 hours was performed. The resulting data provide insight into the complex nature of the cellular response to cisplatin, including observation of novel responses. In one unexpected response, the expression of numerous snoRNAs decreases as early as 30 minutes post‐treatment. Located in the nucleolus, snoRNAs are necessary components in ribosome processing. A subgroup of the downregulated snoRNAs direct modification of helix 69 on the 28s ribosome, and correct modification of helix 69 is necessary for proper ribosomal formation and translation termination. Further quantification of methylation at helix 69 and other locations suggests that cisplatin induces changes in snoRNA expression and leads to dysregulation of rRNA modification, likely altering ribosome activity upon drug treatment through a nucleolar response.

Support or Funding Information

NIH Graduate Training in Molecular Biology and Biophysics Grant (T32GM007759‐37), NSF (CHE‐1710721), and UO Bioinformatics and Genomics Masters Program

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The evolution of dynamic amino acid interaction networks around the catalytic cycle of α tryptophan synthase
Authors: Boehr David D. , O'Rourke Kathleen F. , D'Amico Rebecca N. , Sahu Debashish
Published: June 2021

Networks of noncovalent interactions play important roles in the structural dynamics of globular proteins. Allosteric signals can propagate from the surface of an enzyme into its active site through these amino acid interaction networks. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift covariance analyses1 on a catalytically inactive variant of the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase to map amino acid interaction networks across its entire catalytic cycle. We used site‐specific Ala‐to‐Gly substitutions at loop residues to generate small network perturbations2. The amino acid substitutions lead to chemical shift changes both local and remote from the site(s) of perturbations. Residues with covarying chemical shift changes across this series of perturbations are proposed to be involved in the same conformational change, and thus belong to the same amino acid interaction network3.

Our studies indicate that different enzyme states have different sets of chemical shift correlations, the chemical shift correlations change as a function of the catalytic cycle, and the changes in chemical shift correlations are coordinated with each other. These studies indicate that long‐range interaction networks systematically strengthen (or weaken) as a function of catalytic cycle progression.

Most residues identified in these networks are dynamic on the μs‐ms timescale according to NMR 15N R2 relaxation dispersion studies4. Amino acid substitutions at surface‐exposed, network positions lead to the suppression of these structural dynamics and abrogate the stimulation of the alpha subunit's catalytic activity by the beta subunit. The evolving long‐range interaction networks are likely important in positioning catalytic machinery, controlling protein structural dynamics, and coordinating functional interactions with the beta subunit. In general, amino acid interaction networks offer opportunities to modify state‐specific enzyme function and regulation.

Support or Funding Information

NSF MCB‐1615032

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Directed Evolution of an Adenylation Domain Specificity Code
Authors: Vinnik Vladimir , Throckmorton Kurt , Cook Taylor B. , Pfleger Brian F. , Thomas Michael G.
Published: June 2021

Non‐ribosomal peptides (NRPs) are a medically and agriculturally important class of natural products found in bacteria and fungi that are biosynthesized by non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). Adenylation (A) domains of NRPSs have a high degree of specificity for the substrate they recognize and are therefore referred to as the gatekeepers of NRPS enzymology. The specificity of A domains is determined by ten residues in the substrate‐binding pocket; thus, these residues are known as the A domain specificity code. To produce new NRPs, efforts have been made to rationally alter A domain specificity by changing the specificity code, but these experiments have typically resulted in proteins with broadened specificity or poor function. We hypothesize that an NRPS‐based genetic selection system is needed to better understand the specificity code by allowing us to identify functional A domains with altered specificity codes in a high‐throughput manner. We used directed evolution to examine the flexibility of the specificity code of EntF from the enterobactin (ENT) siderophore biosynthetic system in E. coli. Proper assembly of ENT requires L‐Ser incorporation and thereby provides a genetic selection for functional L‐Ser recognition. We created several entF A domain libraries, each randomizing different but overlapping subsets of five specificity code residues using NNK‐containing primers. These libraries were used to complement an E. coli ΔentF mutant in trans, selecting for functional A domain variants on iron‐limiting media. We determined that certain positions in the specificity code have strict requirements, while others are tolerant of substitutions and often contain residues not observed in known L‐Ser codes. All the isolated EntF variants retain specificity solely for L‐Ser and have biological and kinetic activity comparable to that of wildtype EntF. This work expands our understanding of A domain specificity and will aid in engineering of NRPSs to produce new natural products.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation grant 1716594.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.