bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researches of ice-forming efficiency of products of sublimation of pyrotechnic compositions consisting of silver iodide agi particles and zinc oxide nanotubes
Authors: Khuchunaev B M , Baysiev Kh-M Kh , Gekkieva S O , Budaev A Kh
Published: February 2021

The article is a continuation of experimental research on the search for new, more effective compositions for active effects on clouds and fogs. The paper also presents the results of studies of the ice-forming efficiency of pyrotechnic compositions based on AgI and zinc oxide nanotubes. The dependence of the specific yield of ice-forming active particles for various zinc contents in the initial composition of AD-1 was revealed.
Self-lubricating nanocomposite coatings using MAO to improve tribological properties of 6061 aluminum alloy
Authors: Cai Hailong , Zhang Chao , Li Hongtao , Jiang Bailing
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to prepare self-lubricating micro-arc oxidation (MAO)/graphite composite coatings on 6061 aluminium alloy by adding graphite nanoparticles into an alkaline electrolyte during the MAO process. The microstructure, phase composition and element distribution of MAO coatings were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The results showed that graphite nanoparticles can be coated uniformly in the MAO coatings, and the porosity and surface roughness of the MAO coatings were reduced by the addition of graphite nanoparticles. However, when the content of graphite nanoparticles was more than 6 g l−1, graphite aggregation occurred. The wear resistance of the coatings was investigated using the ball-on-disk friction tester. After incorporating the graphite nanoparticles, the MAO coatings showed excellent self-lubricating properties and a reduction in the friction coefficient during the wear process. In addition, the MAO coatings showed the best result with the addition of 4 g l−1 graphite nanoparticles compared with all the other composite coatings under investigation. In conclusion, the incorporation of graphite nanoparticles improved the wear properties of the MAO coatings.
Centre–periphery approaches based on geography, ecology and historical climate stability: what explains the variation in morphological traits of Bulnesia sarmientoi?
Authors: Camps Gonzalo A , Cosacov Andrea , Sérsic Alicia N
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

The centre–periphery hypothesis posits that higher species performance is expected in geographic and ecological centres rather than in peripheral populations. However, this is not the commonly found pattern; therefore, alternative approaches, including the historical dimension of species geographical ranges, should be explored. Morphological functional traits are fundamental determinants of species performance, commonly related to environmental stability and productivity. We tested whether or not historical processes may have shaped variations in tree and leaf traits of the Chaco tree Bulnesia sarmientoi.

Methods

Morphological variation patterns were analysed from three centre–periphery approaches: geographical, ecological and historical. Tree (stem and canopy) and leaf (leaf size and specific leaf area) traits were measured in 24 populations across the species range. A principal component analysis was performed on morphological traits to obtain synthetic variables. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test which of the implemented centre–periphery approaches significantly explained trait spatial patterns.

Key Results

The patterns retrieved from the three centre–periphery approaches were not concordant. The historical approach revealed that trees were shorter in centre populations than in the periphery. Significant differences in leaf traits were observed between the geographical centre and the periphery, mainly due to low specific leaf area values towards the geographical centre. We did not find any pattern associated with the ecological centre–periphery approach.

Conclusions

The decoupled response between leaf and tree traits suggests that these sets of traits respond differently to processes occurring at different times. The geographical and historical approaches showed centres with extreme environments in relation to their respective peripheries, but the historical centre has also been a climatically stable area since the Last Glacial Maximum. The historical approach allowed for the recovery of historical processes underlying variation in tree traits, highlighting that centre–periphery delimitations should be based on a multi-approach framework.
Comprehensive assessment of machine learning-based methods for predicting antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Fuyi , Leier André , Xiang Dongxu , Shen Hsin-Hui , Marquez Lago Tatiana T , Li Jian , Yu Dong-Jun , Song Jiangning
Published: February 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a unique and diverse group of molecules that play a crucial role in a myriad of biological processes and cellular functions. AMP-related studies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to antimicrobial resistance, which is becoming an emerging global concern. Systematic experimental identification of AMPs faces many difficulties due to the limitations of current methods. Given its significance, more than 30 computational methods have been developed for accurate prediction of AMPs. These approaches show high diversity in their data set size, data quality, core algorithms, feature extraction, feature selection techniques and evaluation strategies. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey on a variety of current approaches for AMP identification and point at the differences between these methods. In addition, we evaluate the predictive performance of the surveyed tools based on an independent test data set containing 1536 AMPs and 1536 non-AMPs. Furthermore, we construct six validation data sets based on six different common AMP databases and compare different computational methods based on these data sets. The results indicate that amPEPpy achieves the best predictive performance and outperforms the other compared methods. As the predictive performances are affected by the different data sets used by different methods, we additionally perform the 5-fold cross-validation test to benchmark different traditional machine learning methods on the same data set. These cross-validation results indicate that random forest, support vector machine and eXtreme Gradient Boosting achieve comparatively better performances than other machine learning methods and are often the algorithms of choice of multiple AMP prediction tools.
Comprehensive characterization of alternative splicing in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yangjun , Wu Xiaoliang , Li Jingzhen , Sun Kui , Li Heng , Yan Libin , Duan Chen , Liu Haoran , Chen Ke , Ye Zhangqun , Liu Mugen , Xu Hua
Published: February 2021

Irregular splicing was associated with tumor formation and progression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and many other cancers. By using splicing data in the TCGA SpliceSeq database, RCC subtype classification was performed and splicing features and their correlations with clinical course, genetic variants, splicing factors, pathways activation and immune heterogeneity were systemically analyzed. In this research, alternative splicing was found useful for classifying RCC subtypes. Splicing inefficiency with upregulated intron retention and cassette exon was associated with advanced conditions and unfavorable overall survival of patients with RCC. Splicing characteristics like splice site strength, guanine and cytosine content and exon length may be important factors disrupting splicing balance in RCC. Other than cis-acting and trans-acting regulation, alternative splicing also differed in races and tissue types and is also affected by mutation conditions, pathway settings and the response to environmental changes. Severe irregular splicing in tumor not only indicated terrible intra-cellular homeostasis, but also changed the activity of cancer-associated pathways by different splicing effects including isoforms switching and expression regulation. Moreover, irregular splicing and splicing-associated antigens were involved in immune reprograming and formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Overall, we have described several clinical and molecular features in RCC splicing subtypes, which may be important for patient management and targeting treatment.
The timely overestimation of Spanish GDP in the great recession
Authors: Barba J C , Laborda J , Laborda R
Published: February 2021

The inefficient institutional design of the Euro allowed guaranteed bank liabilities to be converted into government debt, deepening the Great-Recession in Southern European countries. A recessive feedback process occurred through an increase in sovereign debt risk premiums in a cycle of global risk aversion. However, there was one fact that limited these negative effects. We refer to the overestimation of Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) in the public accounts for the period 2007–2013. We quantified the unexplained overestimation of Spain’s GDP for the period 2007–2013 using three different methodologies, which leads us to a similar conclusion: Spain’s GDP was overestimated by between 17% and 18%. We demonstrate that this overestimation allowed for significant savings in interest payments through a lower risk premium. This overestimation, unknown to investors, shows that markets are not efficient, and that information is incomplete. It is necessary to understand the role of debt under Hyman Minsky financial instability hypothesis.
Antithrombotic therapy in diabetes: which, when, and for how long?
Authors: Ajjan Ramzi A , Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Badimon Lina , Vilahur Gemma , Gorog Diana A , Angiolillo Dominick J , Russell David A , Rocca Bianca , Storey Robert F
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and also results in significant morbidity. Premature and more aggressive atherosclerotic disease, coupled with an enhanced thrombotic environment, contributes to the high vascular risk in individuals with DM. This prothrombotic milieu is due to increased platelet activity together with impaired fibrinolysis secondary to quantitative and qualitative changes in coagulation factors. However, management strategies to reduce thrombosis risk remain largely similar in individuals with and without DM. The current review covers the latest in the field of antithrombotic management in DM. The role of primary vascular prevention is discussed together with options for secondary prevention following an ischaemic event in different clinical scenarios including coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral artery diseases. Antiplatelet therapy combinations as well as combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents are examined in both the acute phase and long term, including management of individuals with sinus rhythm and those with atrial fibrillation. The difficulties in tailoring therapy according to the variable atherothrombotic risk in different individuals are emphasized, in addition to the varying risk within an individual secondary to DM duration, presence of complications and predisposition to bleeding events. This review provides the reader with an up-to-date guide for antithrombotic management of individuals with DM and highlights gaps in knowledge that represent areas for future research, aiming to improve clinical outcome in this high-risk population.
Left atrial phasic transport function closely correlates with fibrotic and arrhythmogenic atrial tissue degeneration in atrial fibrillation patients: cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking and voltage mapping
Authors: Schönbauer Robert , Tomala Jakub , Kirstein Bettina , Huo Yan , Gaspar Thomas , Richter Utz , Piorkowski Judith , Schönbauer Marie-Sophie , Fiedler Lukas , Roithinger Franz Xaver , Hengstenberg Christian , Mascherbauer Julia , Ulbrich Stefan , Piorkowski Christopher
Published: February 2021

Aims

To characterize the association of phasic left atrial (LA) transport function and LA fibrosis guided by multimodality imaging containing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) feature tracking and bipolar voltage mapping.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients presenting for first-time ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent CMR prior to the ablation procedure. LA phasic indexed volumes (LA-Vi) and emptying fractions (LA-EF) were calculated and CMR feature tracking guided LA wall motion analysis was performed. LA bipolar voltage mapping was carried out in sinus rhythm to find areas of low voltage as a surrogate for fibrosis and arrhythmogenesis. One hundred and sixty-eight patients were enrolled. Low-voltage areas (LVAs) were present in 70 patients (42%). Contrary to LA volume, CMR based LA-EF [odds ratio (OR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.96, P = 0.005] and LA booster pump strain rate (SR) (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, P = 0.001) significantly predicted presence and extent of LVA in multivariate logistic regression analysis for patients scanned in SR. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, LA-EF <40% carried a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 76% (area under the curve 0.8; 95% CI 0.71–0.89) to predict presence of LVA. For patients scanned in AF only minimal LA-Vi on CMR (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.10; P = 0.002) predicted presence of LVA.

Conclusion

For patients scanned in SR LA-EF and LA booster pump SR are closely linked to the presence and extent of LA LVA.
Evolution and Diversity of Semaphorins and Plexins in Choanoflagellates
Authors: Junqueira Alves Chrystian , Silva Ladeira Júlia , Hannah Theodore , Pedroso Dias Roberto J , Zabala Capriles Priscila V , Yotoko Karla , Zou Hongyan , Friedel Roland H
Published: February 2021

Semaphorins and plexins are cell surface ligand/receptor proteins that affect cytoskeletal dynamics in metazoan cells. Interestingly, they are also present in Choanoflagellata, a class of unicellular heterotrophic flagellates that forms the phylogenetic sister group to Metazoa. Several members of choanoflagellates are capable of forming transient colonies, whereas others reside solitary inside exoskeletons; their molecular diversity is only beginning to emerge. Here, we surveyed genomics data from 22 choanoflagellate species and detected semaphorin/plexin pairs in 16 species. Choanoflagellate semaphorins (Sema-FN1) contain several domain features distinct from metazoan semaphorins, including an N-terminal Reeler domain that may facilitate dimer stabilization, an array of fibronectin type III domains, a variable serine/threonine-rich domain that is a potential site for O-linked glycosylation, and a SEA domain that can undergo autoproteolysis. In contrast, choanoflagellate plexins (Plexin-1) harbor a domain arrangement that is largely identical to metazoan plexins. Both Sema-FN1 and Plexin-1 also contain a short homologous motif near the C-terminus, likely associated with a shared function. Three-dimensional molecular models revealed a highly conserved structural architecture of choanoflagellate Plexin-1 as compared to metazoan plexins, including similar predicted conformational changes in a segment that is involved in the activation of the intracellular Ras-GAP domain. The absence of semaphorins and plexins in several choanoflagellate species did not appear to correlate with unicellular versus colonial lifestyle or ecological factors such as fresh versus salt water environment. Together, our findings support a conserved mechanism of semaphorin/plexin proteins in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics in unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Is criminalization the answer? Perspectives of community members and police on menstrual seclusion policy in Far-West Nepal
Authors: Baumann Sara E , Merante Monica M , Wiltrout Christopher T , Cutlip Trevor , Finkel Müge , Maharjan Bipu , Lhaki Pema , Burke Jessica G
Published: February 2021

Chhaupadi is a form of menstrual seclusion practiced in Nepal in which women and girls are isolated during their menstrual cycles and follow numerous restrictions. The tradition dates back centuries and can have serious physical and mental health consequences. While the practice was criminalized in 2017 with fines and jail time, this legislative action comes after more than a decade of legal history, from an initial ban in 2006, to declaring it a form of violence against women in 2009, and finally, its criminalization in 2017. Exploring levels of awareness regarding the 2017 chhaupadi criminalization, perceptions of the legal penalties, and whether or not criminalization will lead to behaviour change are imperative next steps for informing the development of evidence-based interventions targeting chhaupadi. In this qualitative investigation conducted in Kalikot district, six focus group discussions and 33 in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 81 participants. School-going girls, girls who have dropped out of school before completing twelfth grade, mothers, fathers, teachers, health care providers, religious leaders, traditional healers, grandmothers and police participated in the study. The results indicate that criminalization is generally perceived as a positive step for initiating chhaupadi behaviour change, and one-third of participants expressed that they plan to change their behaviours after learning that chhaupadi is publishable with fines and/or jail time. However, accurate information about the criminal code is extremely low and therefore interventions ensuring communities and law enforcement are informed of the criminalization and associated penalties are urgently needed. In addition, even after its criminalization, chhaupadi behaviour change is anticipated to be gradual and is expected to require long-term interventions targeting social pressure associated with upholding the tradition and raising awareness via appropriate trainings, engaging the media, and beyond.
Two steps forward, one step back: the lead up to tobacco plain packaging policy in Turkey
Authors: Selamoğlu Melis , Fawkes Sally , Önal Ayşe Emel , Gleeson Deborah
Published: February 2021

The Turkish government first announced its intention to proceed with tobacco plain packaging legislation in 2011; however, it was 7 years before the legislation passed in December 2018. This study (conducted in 2018 before the legislation was passed) explored the policy context in Turkey between the first announcement that plain packaging legislation would be introduced and the passage of the legislation in 2018, and identified barriers and facilitators influencing its introduction. Publicly available documents relevant to plain packaging in Turkey were analysed. Interviews were conducted in 2018 with ten key informants including academics, bureaucrats in government ministries and leaders of non-government organizations (NGOs). Thematic analysis was undertaken, using a framework for systematically analysing how issues reach the policy agenda. The introduction of plain packaging legislation proved to be problematic, with many false starts and delays. Findings suggest these were mainly due to political barriers including changes in government, tobacco industry opposition and the national economic crisis. However, plain packaging legislation in Turkey managed to advance on the policy agenda, primarily through the collaborative advocacy efforts of NGOs, academics, and leadership from particular tobacco control advocates and politicians. Turkey’s experience provides lessons for the wider uptake of tobacco plain packaging legislation, illustrating the critical importance of building effective coalitions between a range of stakeholders and political support within government while raising public awareness.

Lay summary

This research provides insights into the barriers and facilitators of decision making and action that shaped the process of introducing tobacco plain packaging legislation in Turkey. Major barriers that slowed Turkey’s progress in enacting plain packaging included the financial and national economic crisis in 2018, changes in health ministers and opposition by the tobacco industry. A major facilitator of the policy process was the collaborative advocacy efforts of non-government organizations, academics, politicians and the leadership of certain tobacco control advocates. The insights from this case study may help other low- and middle-income countries to anticipate and successfully navigate the challenges involved in introducing tobacco plain packaging, an important policy measure for reducing the burden of tobacco-related disease in their populations, and its social and economic impacts. Building effective coalitions and fostering and supporting leadership are important strategies for the successful introduction of plain packaging legislation.
Young@Heart clinic: a feasibility study of an undergraduate pharmacy student-led blood pressure and healthy lifestyle clinic
Authors: Nazar Hamde , Rathbone Adam P , Richardson Charlotte , Livsey Lynne , Husband Andrew Kenneth
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Student-led clinics offer a work-based learning (WBL) opportunity for undergraduate healthcare students to engage with professional activities in a real-life setting. Participation is posited to provide experiential learning and prepare students for clinical practice. This study aims to assess the feasibility of establishing and engaging undergraduate students in one such initiative through the collaboration between one School of Pharmacy and local authority.

Methods

The clinic was developed using a logic model and delivered in 2019–2020. A service specification and training were developed and provided to volunteering undergraduate pharmacy students. Anonymised service data were collected and process outcomes around student and public engagement were recorded to assess feasibility for longer-term embedding into the undergraduate programme.

Key findings

The clinic was operational for 20 days from November 2019 to February 2020. Student volunteers (n = 43, 36.7%) were trained and provided blood pressure screening and healthy living advice to 131 members of the public. Student drop-out occurred due to the voluntary nature of the initiative.

Conclusions

Collaborative working with the local authority facilitated this WBL experience outside conventional clinical environments. The study demonstrated the potential for students to participate in service provision. This offers value to the local population through a health prevention service when a structured approach to the design and delivery of the educational experience is undertaken. The study provides insight into how the WBL can work, what it requires (e.g. resource, preparation), and learning to inform the wider implementation of this WBL into the undergraduate curriculum.
Benefits of Aerosolized Phages for the Treatment of Pneumonia Due to Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus: An Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Prazak Josef , Valente Luca G , Iten Manuela , Federer Lea , Grandgirard Denis , Soto Sara , Resch Gregory , Leib Stephen L , Jakob Stephan M , Haenggi Matthias , Cameron David R , Que Yok-Ai
Published: February 2021

Background

The optimal method for delivering phages in the context of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is unknown. In the current study, we assessed the utility of aerosolized phages (aerophages) for experimental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia.

Methods

Rats were ventilated for 4 hours before induction of pneumonia. Animals received one of the following: (1) aerophages; (2) intravenous (IV) phages; (3) a combination of IV and aerophages; (4) IV linezolid; or (5) a combination of IV linezolid and aerophages. Phages were administered at 2, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and linezolid was administered at 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours. The primary outcome was survival at 96 hours. Secondary outcomes were bacterial and phage counts in tissues and histopathological scoring of the lungs.

Results

Aerophages and IV phages each rescued 50% of animals from severe MRSA pneumonia (P < .01 compared with placebo controls). The combination of aerophages and IV phages rescued 91% of animals, which was higher than either monotherapy (P < .05). Standard-of-care antibiotic linezolid rescued 38% of animals. However, linezolid and aerophages did not synergize in this setting (55% survival).

Conclusions

Aerosolized phage therapy showed potential for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia in an experimental animal model and warrants further investigation for application in humans.
Human Rights and Investor–State Dispute Settlement Reform: Fitting a Square Peg into a Round Hole?
Authors: Duggal Kabir A N , Diamond Nicholas J
Published: February 2021

Investor–State dispute settlement (ISDS) is undergoing a seismic shift, not least regarding its relationship with human rights. We apply the three ‘generations’ of human rights framework to ISDS reform, underscoring fundamental tensions between ISDS and human rights considerations. The resultant tensions are as varied as calls for reform spanning, inter alia, permissive human rights provisions in international investment agreements, inconsistent State practices regarding human rights in model agreements, and case law that largely ignores human rights considerations. We acknowledge these tensions, noting where they persist, as well as where the seeds of reform have already been sewn. We contend that ongoing ISDS reform efforts provide opportunities to infuse the ISDS architecture with a newfound emphasis on all generations of human rights, thereby overcoming many of the persistent tensions that have previously encumbered efforts to develop synergies between ISDS and international human rights law.
A review of anti-tumour effects of ginsenoside in gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Xu Jing , Pan Yunxia , Liu Yanyan , Na Sha , Zhou Hui , Li Lu , Chen Fengyuan , Song Hang
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Gastrointestinal cancer, one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in the world, refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and other organs. Although conventional therapy has been successful to some extent in cancer treatment, drug resistance and cancer recurrence still limit the therapeutic efficacy. There is increasing evidence indicating that ginsenoside, as a kind of high nutritional value and widely used traditional Chinese medicine, could contribute to the promotion of treatment in GI cancer, which deserves further investigation.

Key findings

Based on previous studies, the possible mechanisms mainly include regulation of autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. However, no studies recently have conducted a more in-depth review of the anti-cancer effects of ginsenoside in GI cancer.

Therefore, this review will summarise and analyse the latest developments in the anti-tumour effects of ginsenosides in GI cancer, thus may promote further research of the anti-tumour efficacy of ginsenoside.
Pulse Arrival Time Is Associated With Hemorrhagic Volume in a Porcine Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Booth Gregory J , Cole Jacob , Geiger Phillip , Adams Jacob , Barnhill Joshua , Hughey Scott
Published: February 2021

Background

Hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable death worldwide, and early identification can be lifesaving. Pulse wave contour analysis has previously been used to infer hemodynamic variables in a variety of settings. We hypothesized that pulse arrival time (PAT), a form of pulse wave contour analysis which is assessed via electrocardiography (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG), is associated with hemorrhage volume.

Methods

Yorkshire-Cross swine were randomized to hemorrhage (30 mL/kg over 20 minutes) vs. control. Continuous ECG and PPG waveforms were recorded with a novel monitoring device, and algorithms were developed to calculate PAT and PAT variability throughout the respiratory cycle, termed “PAT index” or “PAT_I.” Mixed effects models were used to determine associations between blood loss and PAT and between blood loss and PAT_I to account for clustering within subjects and investigate inter-subject variability in these relationships.

Results

PAT and PAT_I data were determined for ∼150 distinct intervals from five subjects. PAT and PAT_I were strongly associated with blood loss. Mixed effects modeling with PAT alone was substantially better than PAT_I alone (R2 0.93 vs. 0.57 and Akaike information criterion (AIC) 421.1 vs. 475.5, respectively). Modeling blood loss with PAT and PAT_I together resulted in slightly improved fit compared to PAT alone (R2 0.96, AIC 419.1). Mixed effects models demonstrated significant inter-subject variability in the relationships between blood loss and PAT.

Conclusions

Findings from this pilot study suggest that PAT and PAT_I may be used to detect blood loss. Because of the simple design of a single-lead ECG and PPG, the technology could be packaged into a very small form factor device for use in austere or resource-constrained environments. Significant inter-subject variability in the relationship between blood loss and PAT highlights the importance of individualized hemodynamic monitoring.
20 yr of observations of PM 1-188: its chemical abundances and extraordinary kinematics
Authors: Peña Miriam , Hernández-Martínez Liliana , Ruiz-Escobedo Francisco
Published: February 2021

The analysis of 20 yr of spectrophotometric data of the double-shell planetary nebula (PN) PM 1-188 is presented, aiming to determine the time evolution of the emission lines and the physical conditions of the nebula, as a consequence of the systematic fading of its [WC 10] central star whose brightness has declined by about 10 mag in the past 40 yr. Our main results include that the [O iii], [O ii], and [N ii] line intensities are increasing with time in the inner nebula as a consequence of an increase in electron temperature from 11 000 K in 2005 to more than 14 000 K in 2018, due to shocks. The intensities of the same lines are decreasing in the outer nebula, due to a decrease in temperature, from 13 000 to 7000 K, in the same period. The chemical compositions of the inner and outer shells are derived and they are similar. Both nebulae present subsolar O, S, and Ar abundances, while they are He, N, and Ne rich. For the outer nebula, the values are 12 + log He/H = 11.13 ± 0.05, 12 + log O/H = 8.04 ± 0.04, 12 + log N/H = 7.87 ± 0.06, 12 + log S/H = 7.18 ± 0.10, and 12 + log Ar = 5.33 ± 0.16. The O, S, and Ar abundances are several times lower than the average values found in disc non-Type I PNe, and are reminiscent of some halo PNe. From high-resolution spectra, an outflow in the N–S direction was found in the inner zone. Position–velocity diagrams show that the outflow expands at velocities in the −150 to 100 km s−1 range, and both shells have expansion velocities of about 40 km s−1.
A machine learning approach to measuring the quenched fraction of low-mass satellites beyond the Local Group
Authors: Baxter Devontae C , Cooper M C , Fillingham Sean P
Published: February 2021

Observations suggest that satellite quenching plays a major role in the build-up of passive, low-mass galaxies at late cosmic times. Studies of low-mass satellites, however, are limited by the ability to robustly characterize the local environment and star formation activity of faint systems. In an effort to overcome the limitations of existing data sets, we utilize deep photometry in Stripe 82 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, in conjunction with a neural network classification scheme, to study the suppression of star formation in low-mass satellite galaxies in the local Universe. Using a statistically driven approach, we are able to push beyond the limits of existing spectroscopic data sets, measuring the satellite quenched fraction down to satellite stellar masses of ∼107 M⊙ in group environments (Mhalo = 1013−14 h−1 M⊙). At high satellite stellar masses (≳1010 M⊙), our analysis successfully reproduces existing measurements of the quenched fraction based on spectroscopic samples. Pushing to lower masses, we find that the fraction of passive satellites increases, potentially signalling a change in the dominant quenching mechanism at M⋆ ∼ 109 M⊙. Similar to the results of previous studies of the Local Group, this increase in the quenched fraction at low satellite masses may correspond to an increase in the efficacy of ram-pressure stripping as a quenching mechanism in groups.
Complex structure of a proto-brown dwarf
Authors: Riaz B , Machida M N
Published: February 2021

We present ALMA 12CO (2–1), 13CO (2–1), C18O (2–1) molecular line observations of a very young proto-brown dwarf system, ISO-OPH 200. We have conducted physical+chemical modelling of the complex internal structure for this system using the core collapse simulations for brown dwarf formation. The model at an age of ∼6000 yr can provide a good fit to the observed kinematics, spectra, and reproduce the complex structures seen in the moment maps. Results from modelling indicate that 12CO emission is tracing an extended (∼1000au) molecular outflow and a bright shock knot, 13CO is tracing the outer (∼1000 au) envelope/pseudo-disc, and C18O is tracing the inner (∼500 au) pseudo-disc. The source size of ∼8.6 au measured in the 873-μm image is comparable to the inner Keplerian disc size predicted by the model. A 3D model structure of ISO-OPH 200 suggests that this system is viewed partially through a wide outflow cavity resulting in a direct view of the outflow and a partial view of the envelope/pseudo-disc. We have argued that ISO-OPH 200 has been mis-classified as a Class Flat object due to the unusual orientation. The various signatures of this system, notably, the young ∼616-yr outflow dynamical age and high outflow rate (∼1 × 10−7 M⊙ yr−1), silicate absorption in the 10-$\rm{\mu m}$ mid-infrared spectrum, pristine ISM-like dust in the envelope/disc, comparable sizes of the extended envelope and outflow, indicate that ISO-OPH 200 is an early Class 0 stage system formed in a star-like mechanism via gravitational collapse of a very low mass core.
Description of a new Late Cretaceous species ofBulimulusLeach, 1814 (Orthalicoidea: Bulimulidae) using geometric morphometric analysis
Authors: Cabrera Fernanda , Breure Abraham S H , Norbis Walter , Martínez Sergio
Published: February 2021

In the Late Cretaceous fossil record of Uruguay, three morphotypes of Bulimulus (Bulimulidae) have been recorded: Bulimulus klappenbachi and two undescribed ones. A geometric morphometric analysis was conducted to show whether the three morphotypes represent one or more species. With this aim, the three fossils were compared with three extant species of the same genus: Bulimulus bonariensis, B. guadalupensis and B. rushi. Variability within and among these three well-known extant species was tested to evaluate differences in the fossil morphotypes. Twenty-eight landmarks were selected (9 permanent landmarks and 19 semi-landmarks) and principal component analysis and canonical variate analysis were performed. Results indicate that only one of the unnamed morphotypes can be described as a new species and that the other is a variant of B. klappenbachi. The latter fossil species is described as Bulimulus frenguellii n. sp.
Incidence of hyperaccumulation and tissue-level distribution of manganese, cobalt, and zinc in the genus Gossia (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Abubakari Farida , Nkrumah Philip Nti , Fernando Denise R , Brown Gillian K , Erskine Peter D , Echevarria Guillaume , van der Ent Antony
Published: February 2021

The rare phenomenon of plant manganese (Mn) hyperaccumulation within the Australian flora has previously been detected in the field, which suggested that the tree genus Gossia (Myrtaceae) might contain new Mn hyperaccumulators. We conducted the first growth experiment on Gossia using a multi-factorial dosing trial to assess Mn, cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn) (hyper)accumulation patterns in selected Gossia species (G. fragrantissima and G. punctata) after a systematic assessment of elemental profiles on all holdings of the genus Gossia at the Queensland Herbarium using handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. We then conducted detailed in situ analyses of the elemental distribution of Mn, Co, Zn and other elements at the macro (organ) and micro (cellular) levels with laboratory- and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Gossia pubiflora and Gossia hillii were newly discovered to be Mn hyperaccumulator plants. In the dosing trial, G. fragrantissima accumulated 17 400 µg g−1 Mn, 545 µg g−1 Co, and 13 000 µg g−1 Zn, without signs of toxicity. The laboratory-based XFM revealed distinct patterns of accumulation of Co, Mn, and Zn in G. fragrantissima, while the synchrotron XFM showed their localization in foliar epidermal cells, and in the cortex and phloem cells of roots. This study combined novel analytical approaches with controlled experimentation to examine metal hyperaccumulation in slow-growing tropical woody species, thereby enabling insight into the phenomenon not possible through field studies.
Oligomeric quaternary structure of Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis Lhr helicases is nucleated by a novel C-terminal domain composed of five winged-helix modules
Authors: Warren Garrett M , Wang Juncheng , Patel Dinshaw J , Shuman Stewart
Published: February 2021

Mycobacterium smegmatis Lhr (MsmLhr; 1507-aa) is the founder of a novel clade of bacterial helicases. MsmLhr consists of an N-terminal helicase domain (aa 1–856) with a distinctive tertiary structure (Lhr-Core) and a C-terminal domain (Lhr-CTD) of unknown structure. Here, we report that Escherichia coli Lhr (EcoLhr; 1538-aa) is an ATPase, translocase and ATP-dependent helicase. Like MsmLhr, EcoLhr translocates 3′ to 5′ on ssDNA and unwinds secondary structures en route, with RNA:DNA hybrid being preferred versus DNA:DNA duplex. The ATPase and translocase activities of EcoLhr inhere to its 877-aa Core domain. Full-length EcoLhr and MsmLhr have homo-oligomeric quaternary structures in solution, whereas their respective Core domains are monomers. The MsmLhr CTD per se is a homo-oligomer in solution. We employed cryo-EM to solve the structure of the CTD of full-length MsmLhr. The CTD protomer is composed of a series of five winged-helix (WH) modules and a β-barrel module. The CTD adopts a unique homo-tetrameric quaternary structure. A Lhr-CTD subdomain, comprising three tandem WH modules and the β-barrel, is structurally homologous to AlkZ, a bacterial DNA glycosylase that recognizes and excises inter-strand DNA crosslinks. This homology is noteworthy given that Lhr is induced in mycobacteria exposed to the inter-strand crosslinker mitomycin C.
Discovery and engineering of small SlugCas9 with broad targeting range and high specificity and activity
Authors: Hu Ziying , Zhang Chengdong , Wang Shuai , Gao Siqi , Wei Jingjing , Li Miaomiao , Hou Linghui , Mao Huilin , Wei Yanyan , Qi Tao , Liu Hongmao , Liu Dong , Lan Feng , Lu Daru , Wang Hongyan , Li Jixi , Wang Yongming
Published: February 2021

The compact CRISPR/Cas9 system, which can be delivered with their gRNA and a full-length promoter for expression by a single adeno-associated virus (AAV), is a promising platform for therapeutic applications. We previously identified a compact SauriCas9 that displays high activity and requires a simple NNGG PAM, but the specificity is moderate. Here, we identified three compact Cas9 orthologs, Staphylococcus lugdunensis Cas9 (SlugCas9), Staphylococcus lutrae Cas9 (SlutrCas9) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus Cas9 (ShaCas9), for mammalian genome editing. Of these three Cas9 orthologs, SlugCas9 recognizes a simple NNGG PAM and displays comparable activity to SaCas9. Importantly, we generated a SlugCas9-SaCas9 chimeric nuclease, which has both high specificity and high activity. We finally engineered SlugCas9 with mutations to generate a high-fidelity variant that maintains high specificity without compromising on-target editing efficiency. Our study offers important minimal Cas9 tools that are ideal for both basic research and clinical applications.
A ProQ/FinO family protein involved in plasmid copy number control favours fitness of bacteria carryingmcr-1-bearing IncI2 plasmids
Authors: Yang Jun , Wang Hai-Hong , Lu Yaoyao , Yi Ling-Xian , Deng Yinyue , Lv Luchao , Burrus Vincent , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: February 2021

The plasmid-encoded colistin resistance gene mcr-1 challenges the use of polymyxins and poses a threat to public health. Although IncI2-type plasmids are the most common vector for spreading the mcr-1 gene, the mechanisms by which these plasmids adapt to host bacteria and maintain resistance genes remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the regulatory mechanism for controlling the fitness cost of an IncI2 plasmid carrying mcr-1. A putative ProQ/FinO family protein encoded by the IncI2 plasmid, designated as PcnR (plasmid copy number repressor), balances the mcr-1 expression and bacteria fitness by repressing the plasmid copy number. It binds to the first stem-loop structure of the repR mRNA to repress RepA expression, which differs from any other previously reported plasmid replication control mechanism. Plasmid invasion experiments revealed that pcnR is essential for the persistence of the mcr-1-bearing IncI2 plasmid in the bacterial populations. Additionally, single-copy mcr-1 gene still exerted a fitness cost to host bacteria, and negatively affected the persistence of the IncI2 plasmid in competitive co-cultures. These findings demonstrate that maintaining mcr-1 plasmid at a single copy is essential for its persistence, and explain the significantly reduced prevalence of mcr-1 following the ban of colistin as a growth promoter in China.
Serum biomarkers of iron stores are associated with worse physical health-related quality of life in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients with or without anemia
Authors: Guedes Murilo , Muenz Daniel , Zee Jarcy , Lopes Marcelo Barreto , Waechter Sandra , Stengel Bénédicte , Massy Ziad A , Speyer Elodie , Ayav Carole , Finkelstein Fredric , Sesso Ricardo , Pisoni Ronald L , Robinson Bruce M , Pecoits-Filho Roberto
Published: February 2021

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common condition in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients that is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. However, the effect of ID on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population is unknown. We analyzed data from a multinational cohort of NDD-CKD Stages 3–5 patients to test the association between transferrin saturation (TSAT) index and ferritin with HRQoL.

Methods

Patients from Brazil (n = 205), France (n = 2015) and the USA (n = 293) in the Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (CKDopps, 2013–2019) were included. We evaluated the association of TSAT and ferritin (and functional and absolute ID, defined as TSAT ≤20% and ferritin ≥300 or <50 ng/mL) on pre-specified HRQoL measures, including the 36-item Kidney Disease Quality of Life physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) as the primary outcomes. Models were adjusted for confounders including hemoglobin (Hb).

Results

TSAT ≤15% and ferritin <50 ng/mL and ≥300 ng/mL were associated with worse PCS scores, but not with MCS. Patients with composite TSAT ≤20% and ferritin <50 or ≥300 ng/mL had lower functional status and worse PCS scores than those with a TSAT of 20–30% and ferritin 50–299 ng/mL. Patients with a lower TSAT were less likely to perform intense physical activity. Adjustment for Hb only slightly attenuated the observed effects.

Conclusions

Low TSAT levels, as well as both low TSAT with low ferritin and low TSAT with high ferritin, are associated with worse physical HRQoL in NDD-CKD patients, even after accounting for Hb level. Interventional studies of iron therapy on HRQoL among NDD-CKD individuals are needed to confirm these findings.
Increased risk of ischaemic heart disease after kidney donation
Authors: Haugen Anders J , Hallan Stein , Langberg Nina E , Dahle Dag Olav , Pihlstrøm Hege , Birkeland Kåre I , Reisæter Anna V , Midtvedt Karsten , Hartmann Anders , Holdaas Hallvard , Mjøen Geir
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous reports suggest increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality after kidney donation. In this study we investigate the occurrence of ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and cancer in live kidney donors compared with healthy controls eligible for donation.

Methods

Different diagnoses were assessed in 1029 kidney donors and 16 084 controls. The diagnoses at follow-up were self-reported for the controls and registered by a physician for the donors. Stratified logistic regression was used to estimate associations with various disease outcomes, adjusted for gender, age at follow-up, smoking at baseline, body mass index at baseline, systolic blood pressure at baseline and time since the donation.

Results

The mean observation time was 11.3 years [standard deviation (SD) 8.1] for donors versus 16.4 years (SD 5.7) for controls. The age at follow-up was 56.1 years (SD 12.4) in donors versus 53.5 years (SD 11.1) in controls and 44% of donors were males versus 39.3% in the controls. At follow-up, 35 (3.5%) of the donors had been diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease versus 267 (1.7%) of the controls. The adjusted odds ratio for ischaemic heart disease was 1.64 (confidence interval 1.10–2.43; P = 0.01) in donors compared with controls. There were no significant differences for the risks of cerebrovascular disease, diabetes or cancer.

Conclusions

During long-term follow-up of kidney donors, we found an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease compared with healthy controls. This information may be important in the follow-up and selection process of living kidney donors.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Authors: Godfrey Kelli , Albright David L.
Published: February 2021

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a method of cognitive-behavioral treatment used for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This intervention was created in the 1980s and has been proven to be effective across differing populations such military veterans, sexual assault survivors, emergency service workers, survivors of child abuse, and others who suffer from PTSD or PTSD symptoms. CPT is typically a twelve-session therapy intervention where each session lasts fifty minutes. It can be used in individual therapy, a group setting, or a combination of the two. CPT is based on the social cognitive theory and focuses on repairing the negative experiences and thoughts stemming from the experienced trauma causing PTSD. CPT is evidence-based treatment that challenges cognitive distortions regarding trauma but also assists in dealing with any cognitive distortions, including future traumas. The Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies fully endorse CPT and suggest it as a first-line therapy for PTSD. However, further research is still needed for evaluation when patients who have co-occurring morbidities such as substance abuse disorders, which may prevent them from fully engaging in the treatment process, such as homework completion. The first phase of cognitive processing therapy is educational: providing education on PTSD as well as the thoughts and emotions that stem from their trauma. The second phase focuses on the formal processing of the trauma. During this phase, the therapist often uses Socratic questioning to explore complex issues and encourage the client to think differently about their trauma based upon their own conclusions and perspectives. Through this, the clinician is able to help the client focus on changing their beliefs of self-blame. The final phase focuses on fortifying the new thoughts from the previous phase and focuses on building upon safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy.