bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth in a macro‐Mincer model: Good results with schooling and experience interactions
Authors: Breton Theodore R. , Breton Andrew S.
Published: February 2021

We investigate why macro‐Mincer models have been unable to identify a positive longitudinal effect of schooling on GDP over short periods. We first determine that the best Mincer model of workers’ cross‐sectional earnings includes two schooling‐experience interactions and no independent effect of experience. In the results for this model, about half of the effect of additional schooling occurred in the initial five‐year period and the remaining effect was delayed up to 40 years. We then show that this same lagged pattern successfully explains the effect of schooling on GDP in 98 countries over five‐year intervals during 1975‐2005. Over this period an additional year of schooling raised GDP by 5.8% on average, but by less initially due to the interaction effect with experience. The effects on GDP were consistent with the cumulative effects of schooling on workers’ earnings. We conclude that average years of schooling is an inaccurate measure of a country’s human capital unless the interactive effect with experience is taken into account.
Distal‐to‐proximal joint mechanics redistribution is a main contributor to reduced walking economy in older adults
Authors: Delabastita Tijs , Hollville Enzo , Catteau Andreas , Cortvriendt Philip , De Groote Friedl , Vanwanseele Benedicte
Published: February 2021

Age‐related neural and musculoskeletal declines affect mobility and the quality of life of older adults. To date, the mechanisms underlying reduced walking economy in older adults still remain elusive. In this study, we wanted to investigate which biomechanical factors were associated with the higher energy cost of walking in older compared with young adults. Fourteen younger (24 ± 2 years) and fourteen older (74 ± 4 years) adults were tested. Plantarflexor strength and Achilles tendon stiffness were evaluated during a dynamometer test. Medial gastrocnemius fascicle length, ground reaction forces, joint kinematics, and oxygen consumption were measured during walking treadmill at 0.83 and 1.39 m.s−1. Energy cost of walking, lower‐limb joint mechanics, muscle‐tendon unit, and tendinous tissues length were calculated. The energy cost of walking was higher at 0.83 m.s‐1 (+16%; P = .005) and plantarflexor strength lower (−31%; P = .007) in older adults. Achilles tendon stiffness and medial gastrocnemius fascicle length changes did not differ between older and young adults. The reduction in ankle mechanics was compensated by increases in hip mechanics in older adults during walking. The hip extensor moment was the only significant predictor of the energy cost of walking (adjusted R2: 0.35‐0.38). The higher energy cost in older adults is mainly associated with their distal‐to‐proximal redistribution of joint mechanics during walking possibly due to plantarflexor weakness. In our study, medial gastrocnemius fascicle and tendinous tissue behavior did not explain the higher energy cost of walking in older compared to young adults.
Changes in physical activity behavior and development of cardiovascular risk in children
Authors: Lona Giulia , Hauser Christoph , Köchli Sabrina , Infanger Denis , Endes Katharina , Faude Oliver , Hanssen Henner
Published: February 2021

The study aimed to investigate the association of changes in physical activity, screen time, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with development of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and retinal microvascular health in children over four years. In 2014, 391 children aged 6‐8 years were screened, and thereof 262 children were reexamined after four years following standardized protocols. Retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular diameters were measured by a retinal vessel analyzer. CRF was objectively assessed by a 20 m shuttle run, physical activity, and screen time by use of a questionnaire. Children who achieved higher CRF levels reduced their BMI (β [95% CI] −0.35 [−0.46 to −0.25] kg/m2 per stage, P ≤ .001) and thereby developed wider CRAE (β [95% CI] 0.25 [0.24 to 0.48] µm per stage, P = .03) at follow‐up. Moreover, children with elevated or high systolic BP at baseline, but lower levels of screen time during the observation period, had wider CRAE at follow‐up (β [95% CI] −0.37 [−0.66 to −0.08] µm per 10 min/d, P = .013). Change in CRF was not directly associated with better microvascular health at follow‐up. However, an increase of CRF over four years was associated with a reduced BMI and consequently wider retinal arterioles at follow‐up. In children with elevated or high systolic BP, a reduction of screen time significantly improved retinal microvascular health as a primary prevention strategy to promote childhood health and combat development of manifest CV disease later in life.
Dog leukocyte antigen‐88*034:01 presents nonamer peptides from canine distemper virus hemagglutinin, large polymerase, and matrix proteins
Authors: Nemec Paige S. , Holmes Jennifer C. , Hess Paul R.
Published: February 2021

Canine spontaneous cancers may offer greater fidelity than rodent models in advancing clinical immunotherapies. Boxers in particular are distinguished as study subjects by their popularity, and high incidence of human‐relevant cancers. Further, the MHC class I allele DLA‐88*034:01, with a known motif, dominates the breed, facilitating discovery of shared CTL responses against mutation‐origin neoepitopes by standard prediction methods. We experimentally confirmed the allomorph's binding motif by developing an MHC surface stabilization assay. The assay validated four DLA‐88*034:01‐presented peptides from canine distemper virus, ubiquitously administered in routine vaccines, for positive controls in future CTL studies. In turn, these viral peptides substantiated motif‐based prediction for DLA‐88*034:01. The study adds new tools for studying neoepitope‐specific CTL in Boxers to foster canine comparative oncology.
Disseminated lomentosporiosis in a heart transplant recipient: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Valerio Maricela , Vásquez Víctor , Álvarez‐Uria Ana , Zatarain‐Nicolás Eduardo , Pavone Paolo , Martínez‐Jiménez María del Carmen , Barrio‐Gutiérrez José María , Cuerpo Gregorio , Guinea‐Ortega Jesús , Vena Antonio , Peligros‐Gómez María Isabel , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia
Published: February 2021

Background

Lomentospora prolificans (formerly S prolificans) is a saprophyte fungi that causes opportunistic infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Resulting disseminated infections are difficult to treat and have a high mortality. Indications for antifungal prophylaxis after heart transplantation (HT) include CMV disease, reoperation, renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and high environmental exposure to Aspergillus spores. However, the risk of breakthrough infections, such as Lomentosporiosis, remains a cause of concern.

Methods

We report the clinical findings, microbiology, treatment and outcome of a disseminated Lomentosporiosis in a heart transplant recipient with ECMO and antifungal prophylaxis.

Results

A 25‐year‐old male with complex grown‐up congenital heart disease (GUCHD) was admitted for HT. He presented severe post‐surgical complications including acute kidney injury and right heart and respiratory failure requiring venoarterial‐ECMO, continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) and later on (+14) a ventricular assist device (VAD). Ganciclovir, cotrimoxazole, and antifungal prophylaxis with anidulafungin at standard doses had been started on day + 3 post HT. The patient presented seizures (+4), pancytopenia with mild neutropenia (days + 6 to + 11), influenza B (+7), and bacteremic Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) (+10). On days + 14 to + 16 Lomentospora prolificans was recovered from blood cultures, broncho aspirate, catheter tip, and skin biopsy. Despite treatment with L‐AMB, voriconazole and terbinafine the patients died on day 17 after HT. Necropsy revealed disseminated infection with fungal invasion in central nervous system, heart, lung, cutaneous, and subcutaneous tissue. Broth microdilution tests demonstrated resistance to all antifungals.

Conclusions

Lomentosporiosis is a rare complication that may emerge as a breakthrough invasive fungal infection in heart transplant recipients on ECMO despite antifungal prophylaxis.
Clinical course of severe COVID19 treated with tocilizumab and antivirals post‐allogeneic stem cell transplant with extensive chronic GVHD
Authors: Mirgh Sumeet , Gokarn Anant , Punatar Sachin , Chichra Akanksha , Singh Anuj , Rajendra Akhil , Babu Goli Vasu , Trivedi Bhakti , Joshi Amit , Patkar Nikhil , Tembhare Prashant , Subramanian P. G. , Shetty Nitin , Chavan Preeti , Bhat Vivek , Gupta Sudeep , Khattry Navin
Published: February 2021

Recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) are an immunocompromised group who are likely to develop severe complications and mortality because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We report here a 61‐year‐old male patient of primary myelofibrosis who underwent an allo‐HSCT 6 years earlier, had chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) involving the liver, lung, eyes, and skin, (with recurrent episodes of pulmonary infections) who developed severe COVID‐19. The patient was treated with tocilizumab, and a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, interferon‐β1b. He was discharged after 31 days with full recovery. Tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against IL6, has been shown to benefit respiratory manifestations in severe COVID19. However, this is first report, to our knowledge, of its use and benefit in a post HSCT recipient.
Analytical quality performance goals for symmetric dimethylarginine in cats
Authors: Baral Randolph M , Freeman Kathleen P , Flatland Bente
Published: February 2021

Background

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in people, dogs, and cats. Initial assays used a liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LC) technique. A veterinary immunoassay has been developed for use in commercial laboratories and point‐of‐care (POC) laboratory equipment. There have been no independent assessments of these assays, and analytical performance goals for SDMA testing have not been defined.

Objectives

This study sought to establish analytical performance goals for SDMA in cats from (a) biological variation (BV) data and (b) expert opinion.

Methods

Analytical performance goals were determined from a prior BV study of SDMA in cats and a survey of veterinary internists who have used SDMA in practice.

Results

Biological variation‐based performance goals included an imprecision of ±10% (immunoassay and LC), bias of ±8% (immunoassay and LC), and total error of ±24% (immunoassay and LC). Expert opinion performance goals were ±0.10 μmol/L (±2 μg/dL), or ±0.15 μmol/L (±3 μg/dL), varying with starting SDMA concentrations.

Conclusions

This study recommends analytical performance goals for SDMA based on BV and expert opinion. Wide dispersion of SDMA results using currently available assays implies that clinicians risk attaching medical significance to small SDMA changes that actually reflect analytical variability.
Aspects of Equiano's travels, the autobiography of a Nigerian in late eighteenth‐century England
Authors: Jowitt David , Pam Keziah
Published: February 2021

This paper is a study of the English of Olaudah Equiano. His autobiography, published in 1789, was the first book written in English by a Nigerian. It tells how, sold when a boy into slavery and transported to the Caribbean, he later purchased his freedom, settled in England, and became a prominent abolitionist. Literary English of the late eighteenth century adhered to neo‐classical models, with complex sentences and a Latinate vocabulary, and these features are much in evidence in Equiano's writing. The principal focus of the paper is on his use of tenses, especially the present perfect, which in Equiano's day was used much as it is now; but he sometimes uses it in ways that are difficult to account for. Thus his mastery of the language was not flawless; but the flaws do not compromise the literary merits of the work or impede our understanding of it.
The middle cerebral artery blood velocity response to acute normobaric hypoxia occurs independently of changes in ventilation in humans
Authors: AlSalahi Sultan E. , Junejo Rehan T. , Bradley Chris , Balanos George M. , Siebenmann Christoph , Fisher James P.
Published: February 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the ventilatory response to moderate acute hypoxia increase cerebral perfusion independently of changes in arterial oxygen tension in humans?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The ventilatory response does not increase middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity during moderate isocapnic acute hypoxia beyond that elicited by reduced oxygen saturation.

Hypoxia induces ventilatory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adjustments to defend against reductions in systemic oxygen delivery. We aimed to determine whether the ventilatory response to moderate acute hypoxia increases cerebral perfusion independently of changes in arterial oxygenation. Eleven young healthy individuals were exposed to four 15 min experimental conditions: (1) normoxia (partial pressure of end‐tidal oxygen,  = 100 mmHg), (2) hypoxia ( = 50 mmHg), (3) normoxia with breathing volitionally matched to levels observed during hypoxia (hyperpnoea;  = 100 mmHg) and (4) hypoxia ( = 50 mmHg) with respiratory frequency and tidal volume volitionally matched to levels observed during normoxia (i.e., restricted breathing (RB)). Isocapnia was maintained in all conditions. Middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA Vmean), assessed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound, was increased during hypoxia (58 ± 12 cm/s, P = 0.04) and hypoxia + RB (61 ± 14 cm/s, P < 0.001) compared to normoxia (55 ± 11 cm/s), while it was unchanged during hyperpnoea (52 ± 13 cm/s, P = 0.08). MCA Vmean was not different between hypoxia and hypoxia + RB (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the hypoxic ventilatory response does not increase cerebral perfusion, indexed using MCA Vmean, during moderate isocapnic acute hypoxia beyond that elicited by reduced oxygen saturation.
High-Temperature Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al
Authors: Samuel. S Calvin , Chodancar Yash , Kanther Smit , M. Arivarasu , Ram Prabhu T.
Published: February 2021

In this study, the microstructure, high-temperature tribological performance, and mechanical properties of solution-aged Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al were investigated. The microstructure of solution-aged Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al reveals a bimodal α and β microstructure with uniformly dispersed α precipitates in the β matrix phase. The hot tribological performance of solution-aged Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al was investigated at different temperatures (28, 250, 350, and 450 °C) in a high-temperature pin-on-disc configuration. The wear mechanisms were evaluated at the worn-out surface using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The abrasive wear mechanism is predominant at 28 °C and 250 °C testing conditions, whereas the oxidation and delamination are dominant wear mechanisms at 350 °C and 450 °C testing conditions. The worn-out surface at different temperature conditions was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) analysis. The absence of protective oxide formation at 28 °C and intermittent protective oxide formation at 250 °C testing condition are ineffective in protecting the surface from wear damages and high wear loss. The protective tribo-oxide formations at 350 °C and 450 °C are continuous and provide improved wear resistance behavior of the material. The V2O5-rich tribo-oxide layer formation at 350 °C offers excellent wear resistance and protection against wear damages among the testing conditions. The Vickers microhardness study of the samples tested at different temperature conditions shows significant differences in the hardness magnitude at the cross section.
Analysis of Incomplete Film in Parallel Plates Including Inlet Tube and Groove
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Zhang Haibo , Kligerman Yuri , Goltsberg Roman , Etsion Izhak
Published: February 2021

To clarify the realistic upstream boundary conditions of hydrodynamic bearings, the oil spread in a complex system of parallel plates including an inlet tube and axial groove is studied by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The effects of various design parameters including clearance, velocity of bottom plate, and inlet mass flowrate on oil spread-length are presented and explained. By intensive parametric study for these parameters, an empirical expression for the oil spread-length is derived. A groove with blind ends significantly increases the efficiency of the system. A comparison with experimental observation validates the present model as a proper one for accurately solving oil spread in similar systems.
Can the biomolecular corona induce an allergic reaction?—A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Muehe Anne , Nejadnik Hossein , Muehe Henrik , Rosenberg Jarrett , Gharibi Hassan , Saei Amir Ata , Lyu Shu-Chen , Nadeau Kari C. , Mahmoudi Morteza , Daldrup-Link Heike E.
Published: February 2021

Ferumoxytol nanoparticles are being used clinically for the treatment of anemia and molecular imaging in patients. It is well documented that while most patients tolerate ferumoxytol well, a small percentage of patients (i.e., 0.01%) develop severe allergic reactions. The purpose of our proof-of-concept study was to determine whether patients with or without hypersensitivity reactions have specific protein corona profiles around ferumoxytol nanoparticles. In a retrospective, institutional review board approved pilot study, we enrolled 13 pediatric patients (5 girls, 8 boys, mean age 16.9 ± 8.2 years) who received a ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and who did (group 1, n = 5) or did not (group 2, n = 8) develop an allergic reaction. Blood samples of these patients were incubated with ferumoxytol, and the formation of a hard protein corona around ferumoxytol nanoparticles was measured by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We also performed in vitro immune response analyses to randomly selected coronas from each group. Our results provide preliminary evidence that ex vivo analysis of the biomolecular corona may provide useful and predictive information on the possibility of severe allergic reactions to ferumoxytol nanoparticles. In the future, patients with predisposition of an allergic reaction to ferumoxytol may be diagnosed based on the proteomic patterns of the corona around ferumoxytol in their blood sample.
Interaction between epilaryngeal and laryngeal adjustments in regulating vocal fold contact pressure
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyan
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the peak vocal fold contact pressure at different conditions of epilaryngeal narrowing and laryngeal adjustments. The results show that for a given subglottal pressure, the peak vocal fold contact pressure may increase or decrease with epilaryngeal narrowing, depending on a complex interaction between vocal fold vertical thickness, initial glottal angle, and subglottal pressure. However, epilaryngeal narrowing also significantly increases vocal efficiency so that for a target sound pressure level, the peak vocal fold contact pressure decreases with epilaryngeal narrowing. Overall, the peak vocal fold contact pressure and respiratory effort can be minimized by epilaryngeal narrowing, adopting a small initial glottal angle, and an intermediate vocal fold thickness.
Evolutionary Genomic and Bacterial Genome-Wide Association Study of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
paratuberculosis
and Dairy Cattle Johne's Disease Phenotypes
Authors: Richards Vincent P. , Nigsch Annette , Pavinski Bitar Paulina , Sun Qi , Stuber Tod , Ceres Kristina , Smith Rebecca L. , Robbe Austerman Suelee , Schukken Ynte , Grohn Yrjo T. , Stanhope Michael J.
Published: February 2021

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
(MAP) is the causative agent of Johne's disease in ruminants, which has important health consequences for dairy cattle and enormous economic consequences for the dairy industry. Understanding which genes in this bacterium are correlated with key disease phenotypes can lead to functional experiments targeting these genes and ultimately lead to improved control strategies.
Distinct Group B
Streptococcus
Sequence and Capsule Types Differentially Impact Macrophage Stress and Inflammatory Signaling Responses
Authors: Flaherty Rebecca A. , Aronoff David M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Petroff Margaret G. , Manning Shannon D.
Published: February 2021

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that can contribute to the induction of preterm birth in colonized pregnant women and to severe neonatal disease. Many questions regarding the mechanisms that drive GBS-associated pathogenesis remain unanswered, and it is not yet clear why virulence has been observed to vary so extensively across GBS strains.
Molecular Dynamics for Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery
Authors: Palmer Nicholas , Maasch Jacqueline R. M. A. , Torres Marcelo D. T. , de la Fuente-Nunez César
Published: February 2021

Although antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly significant public health concern, there have only been two new classes of antibiotics approved for human use since the 1960s. Understanding the mechanisms of action of antibiotics is critical for novel antibiotic discovery, but novel approaches are needed that do not exclusively rely on experiments. Molecular dynamics simulation is a computational tool that uses simple models of the atoms in a system to discover nanoscale insights into the dynamic relationship between mechanism and biological function.
A Putative Amphipathic Alpha Helix in Hepatitis B Virus Small Envelope Protein Plays a Critical Role in the Morphogenesis of Subviral Particles
Authors: Yang Sisi , Shen Zhongliang , Kang Yaoyue , Sun Liren , Viswanathan Usha , Guo Hongying , Zhou Tianlun , Dai Xinghong , Chang Jinhong , Zhang Jiming , Guo Ju-Tao
Published: February 2021

SVPs are the predominant viral product produced by HBV-infected hepatocytes. Their levels exceed those of virion particles by 10,000- to 100,000-fold in the blood of HBV-infected individuals.
Complete Genome Sequence of Desulfobulbus oligotrophicus Prop6, an Anaerobic
Deltabacterota
Strain That Lacks Mercury Methylation Capability
Authors: Podar Peter T. , Peyton Kellie , Soren Ally , Wilpiszeski Regina L. , Gilmour Cynthia C. , Elias Dwayne A. , Podar Mircea
Published: February 2021

Desulfobulbus oligotrophicus
strain Prop6 is a sulfate-reducing, propionate-oxidizing deltabacterota from sewage sludge.
Desulfobulbus
species are found in anoxic environments, in animal microbiota, and some produce the neurotoxin methylmercury. The 3.1-Mbp
D. oligotrophicus
genome sequence enables studies of diverse environmental adaptations and the evolutionary genomics of mercury methylation mechanisms.
Draft Genome Sequence of Comamonas aquatilis Strain LK (= CSUR P6418 = CECT 9772), Isolated from the Planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Kangale Luis Johnson , Levasseur Anthony , Raoult Didier , Ghigo Eric , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: February 2021

Comamonas aquatilis
was defined as a new
Comamonas
species based on its 16S rRNA sequence, but the genome from the type strain SB30-Cr27-3
T
(= CIP 111491
T
 = CCM 8815
T
) is not available. We have cultivated from the planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea
a
Comamonas aquatilis
strain, LK (= CSUR P6418 = CECT 9772), that exhibits 100% 16S rRNA sequence similarity to strain SB30-Cr27-3
T
.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Soil Actinomycete,
Protaetiibacter
sp. Strain SSC-01
Authors: Duan Huiquan , Fernando Chamil E. , Crupper Scott S. , Fields Stephen D.
Published: February 2021

The family
Microbacteriaceae
represents a diverse and important group of soil bacteria in the phylum
Actinobacteria
. Here, we report the genome sequence of a soil
Microbacteriaceae
strain,
Protaetiibacter
sp. strain SSC-01, the second putative species of the genus. Iron acquisition and xylose metabolism are central pathways identified in the annotated genome.
Genome Sequences of
Gordonia
Bacteriophages Jodelie19, BlingBling, and Burnsey
Authors: Harrington D’Andrew L. , Barten Hannah R. , Audannio Elizabeth I. , Bragg Fredrick A. , Garcia Karla A. , Niswonger Katelyn M. , MacAllister John R. , McCarroll Ariana M. , O’Sullivan Devon M. , Torres Silvio E. , Stanley Craig D. , Yalzadeh Dariush , Kimberley Kendra W. , McKenna Chelsey C. , Theoret James R. , Yoon Earl J. , Windsor Erin J.
Published: February 2021

Jodelie19, BlingBling, and Burnsey are bacteriophages identified using host bacteria of the genus
Gordonia
. Jodelie19 is a lytic phage found in
Gordonia rubripertincta
NRRL B-16540. The temperate phage BlingBling and lytic phage Burnsey were both isolated using the host bacterium
Gordonia terrae
3612.
Analysis of Bacteroides fragilis Clinical Strains Isolated in Kazakhstan
Authors: Zholdybayeva Elena , Kozhahmetova Saniya , Tarlykov Pavel , Atavliyeva Sabina , Mukhtarova Kymbat , Syzdykov Tleuli , Khasenov Ruslan , Shevtsov Alexsandr , Amirgazin Asylulan , Daniyarov Asset , Ramankulov Yerlan
Published: February 2021

Our aim was to study the nucleotide sequences of 9 previously undescribed strains of
B. fragilis
collected from patients with intra-abdominal diseases at city hospitals in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing of Microbial Biofilms from Marsberg Copper Mine, Germany
Authors: Arif Sania , Schliekmann Elias , Hoppert Michael
Published: February 2021

The 16S rRNA amplicons from biofilms inhabiting rocks near various water bodies of Marsberg Copper Mine (Rhenish Massif, Germany) reveal the diversity of their microbial communities. The abundance of
Chloroflexi
and
Cyanobacteria
taxa in the biofilms near leachate streams indicated the selective enrichment of
Ktedonobacteria
and
Oxyphotobacteria
members.
Draft Genome Sequence of Antarctic Psychrotroph Streptomyces fildesensis Strain INACH3013, Isolated from King George Island Soil
Authors: Lavin Paris , Henríquez-Castillo Carlos , Yong Sheau Ting , Valenzuela-Heredia Daniel , Oses Romulo , Frez Katherine , Borba Marcela P. , Purcarea Cristina , Wong C. M. V. L.
Published: February 2021

The draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces fildesensis
strain INACH3013, a psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from Northwest Antarctic soil, was reported. The genome sequence totaling 9,306,785 bp resulted from 122 contigs characterized by a GC content of 70.55%.
Uveitis for the non-ophthalmologist
Authors: Burkholder Bryn M , Jabs Douglas A
Published: February 2021

The uveitides are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation inside the eye. The uveitides are classified as infectious or non-infectious. The non-infectious uveitides, which are presumed to be immune mediated, can be further divided into those that are associated with a known systemic disease and those that are eye limited,—ie, not associated with a systemic disease. The ophthalmologist identifies the specific uveitic entity by medical history, clinical examination, and ocular imaging, as well as supplemental laboratory testing, if indicated. Treatment of the infectious uveitides is tailored to the particular infectious organism and may include regional and/or systemic medication. First line treatment for non-infectious uveitides is corticosteroids that can be administered topically, as regional injections or surgical implants, or systemically. Systemic immunosuppressive therapy is used in patients with severe disease who cannot tolerate corticosteroids, require chronic corticosteroids at >7.5 mg/day prednisone, or in whom the disease is known to respond better to immunosuppression. Management of many of these diseases is optimized by coordination between the ophthalmologist and rheumatologist or internist.
Medical use and misuse of psychoactive prescription medications among US youth and young adults
Authors: Agaku Israel , Odani Satomi , Nelson Jantel
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate prevalence and correlates of medical use and misuse of psychoactive prescription medications among US youth and young adults.

Design

Cross-sectional, self-reported surveys from the 2015–2018 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Sampling was probabilistic and nationally representative.

Setting

The target population included individuals from households, non-institutional group quarters (eg, college dormitories) and civilians living on military bases. Questionnaires were completed using computer-assisted self-interview methods.

Participants

Our analytical sample included youth and young adults aged 12–25 years (n=110 556). Psychoactive prescription medication misuse was a report by the respondent that they had used psychoactive prescription medications in the past year in any way not directed or prescribed for them. Medical use was defined as past-year use without a report of misuse. Because certain variables were assessed only among adults, our multivariable analysis to identify correlates of misuse was restricted to young adults aged 18–25 years (n=55 690).

Results

Among US youth aged 12–17 years, 25.0% reported use of any psychoactive prescription medication assessed, and 5.7% reported past-year use of at least two psychoactive prescription medications. Among youth who used any psychoactive prescription medications, 20.9% (1.3 million) reported misuse; 3.4% were classified as having substance use disorder. Past-year use of each psychoactive prescription medication was: opioids (19.0%), stimulants (7.2%), tranquillisers (4.3%) and sedatives (2.2%). Among users of each psychoactive prescription medication, the estimated percentage reporting misuse was as follows: opioids (17.6%, 0.8 million), stimulants (24.2%, 0.4 million), tranquillisers (40.1%, 0.4 million) and sedatives (14.2%, 80 000). Among users of each psychoactive prescription medication, the estimated percentage having substance use disorder was as follows: opioids 2.6%, stimulants 3.0%, tranquillisers 7.0% and sedatives 3.6%. Analyses among young adults aged 18–25 years revealed that, compared with never users of non-prescription substances (including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin), opioid misuse increased with: more recent use of non-prescription substances (adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs)=8.26, 2.75 and 2.41 for past ≤30-day, ≤12-month and >12-month use, respectively); and a higher number of substances used (APRs=1.69, 3.44, 6.82, 10.60 and 20.60 for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5+ substances, respectively) (all p<0.05). Similar patterns were seen for stimulants, tranquillisers and sedatives.

Conclusions

It is important to monitor the diversity of medication misuse behaviours among youth and young adults, given their potential for abuse liability. Modifiable risk factors for prescription substance misuse, such as tobacco and other non-prescription substance use, underscore the need for comprehensive approaches towards health promotion among youth and young adults.
The endless battle between phages and CRISPR–Cas systems in Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Philippe Cécile , Moineau Sylvain
Published: February 2021

This review describes the contribution of basic research on phage–bacteria interactions to the understanding of CRISPR–Cas systems and their various applications. It focuses on the natural function of CRISPR–Cas systems as adaptive defense mechanisms against mobile genetic elements such as bacteriophage genomes and plasmids. Some of the advances in the characterization of the type II-A CRISPR–Cas system of Streptococcus thermophilus and Streptococcus pyogenes led to the development of the CRISPR–Cas9 genome-editing technology. We mostly discuss the 3 stages of the CRISPR–Cas system in S. thermophilus, namely the adaptation stage, which is unique to this resistance mechanism; the CRISPR RNA biogenesis; and the DNA-cutting activity in the interference stage to protect bacteria against phages. Finally, we look into applications of CRISPR–Cas in microbiology, including overcoming limitations in genome editing.
Fall-applied cattle manure did not provide nitrogen fertilizer value to spring cereal crops
Authors: Ejack Leanne , Hung Chih-Yu , Whalen Joann K.
Published: February 2021

Fall-applied manure may have nitrogen (N) fertilizer value for spring-seeded crops. We applied liquid or solid cattle manure to plots on a sandy-loam soil in southern Quebec in fall. The following spring, half of each plot received urea fertilizer before planting the spring cereal crop. Total N content of the spring cereal at tillering, flowering, and maturity was lower in subplots without urea, and yields were up to 183% less in the no-urea subplots, regardless of whether liquid or solid manure was applied in fall. Fall-applied manure did not provide plant-available N to spring cereals under our growing conditions.
An investigation on the possibility to improve the corrosion and cavitation resistance of SS304 steel by NiTi coatings
Authors: Zeng Qunfeng , Khanlari Khashayar , Lin Naiming
Published: February 2021

Equiatomic and near equiatomic NiTi alloys, showing good mechanical and thermal shape memory properties, are widely exploited in different industrial applications. In addition, NiTi alloys have promising anti-cavitation and corrosion-resistance properties. These advantages have provided opportunities to exploit NiTi alloys as the coatings for protecting materials used in the industrial applications. This study is a preliminary investigation aiming to evaluate the feasibility to form NiTi alloy coatings on SS304 steel by tungsten inert argon arc welding (TIG) technology. The microstructure analysis shows that the crystalline phases in NiTi coatings on SS 304 steel are TiNi-B2, TiNi-B19’ and Ni3Ti. The potential of the NiTi coatings to enhance the corrosion resistance and cavitation resistance behaviors of steel exposed to seawater is studied. NiTi coatings, with two different thicknesses of about 1.2 and 2 mm, having homogenous microstructures were successfully deposited on SS304 steel using TIG technology. Results of tests, done in aqueous solutions simulating seawater, showed that the formation of the oxide films on the surface of NiTi coatings increased the corrosion resistance and wear resistance and decreased the damage caused by the cavitation. Moreover, it was understood that the NiTi coatings with 2 mm in thickness show the superior performances than those with 1.2 mm in thickness. The tribological mechanisms responsible for the unique properties of NiTi alloy coatings were investigated. The wear-resistance behaviors of NiTi alloy coatings are greatly influenced by the friction conditions. Increasing load decreased CoF and the wear rate of the coatings were almost constant, which was attributed to the pseudoelasticity of NiTi alloy. The attractive properties of NiTi alloys that makes it most influential materials for industrial applications have also been discussed.
Multi-angle study of the effects of different wave flow field plates on fuel cell performance
Authors: Hu Hao , Xu Xiaoming , Mei Nan , Li Chen
Published: February 2021

The flow field plate is an important component of the fuel cell, and makes the flow state of the reactant gas produce obvious changes. In this paper, the method of computational fluid dynamics was used to study the influence of the waveform channel on the internal parameters of the fuel cell. Through analysis, the optimal cathode flow field waveform at different temperatures was determined. It was found that the waveform flow field plate is very limited in improving the average current density. The existence of the waveform would obviously change the distribution of liquid water. This paper has contributed to the full commercialization of fuel cells.
Theoretical Perspectives of China–Hong Kong Relations: Contextualizing Their Joint Anti-COVID-19 Fourth Wave Mitigation Efforts
Authors: Lim Tai Wei
Published: February 2021

To understand various ideas/concepts/views about the Sino-Hong Kong (HK) relations, this paper utilizes the case study of their bilateral cooperation in coping with the COVID-19 fourth wave to study the various collaborative strategies applied in managing common challenges like a recurring wave of pandemic outbreak in the setting of Hong Kong. The materials utilized for the paper are updated secondary resources from the mass media due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic at the point of writing. Utilizing interpretive work, this paper compares some features of Sino-HK cooperation with the different schools of thought to suggest different priorities at play when forging bilateral cooperation to meet a common challenge. It also highlights the constant navigation of interests between Lam’s administration and Beijing. Some contours of such bilateral cooperation may even be indicative of how the two governments may cooperate in the future, especially in the issues of common interests and of no-detriment nature.
Assessing the Moderating Effect of Security Technologies on Employees Compliance with Cybersecurity Control Procedures
Authors: Onumo Aristotle , Ullah-Awan Irfan , Cullen Andrea
Published: February 2021

The increase in cybersecurity threats and the challenges for organisations to protect their information technology assets has made adherence to organisational security control processes and procedures a critical issue that needs to be adequately addressed. Drawing insight from organisational theory literature, we develop a multi-theory model, combining the elements of the theory of planned behaviour, competing value framework, and technology—organisational and environmental theory to examine how the organisational mechanisms interact with espoused cultural values and employee cognitive belief to influence cybersecurity control procedures. Using a structured questionnaire, we deployed structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the survey data obtained from public sector information technology organisations in Nigeria to test the hypothesis on the relationship of socio-organisational mechanisms and techno-cultural factors with other key determinants of employee security behaviour. The results showed that knowledge of cybersecurity and employee cognitive belief significantly influence the employees’ intentions to comply with organisational cybersecurity control mechanisms. The research further noted that the influence of organisational elements such as leadership on employee security behaviour is mediated by espoused cultural values while the impact of employee cognitive belief is moderated by security technologies. For effective cybersecurity compliance, leaders and policymakers are therefore to promote organisational security initiatives that ensure incorporation of cybersecurity principles and practices into job descriptions, routines, and processes. This study contributes to behavioural security research by highlighting the critical role of leadership and cultural values in fostering organisational adherence to prescribed security control mechanisms.
Control and Optimization of Air Traffic Networks
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Karthik , Balakrishnan Hamsa
Published: February 2021

The air transportation system connects the world through the transport of goods and people. However, operational inefficiencies such as flight delays and cancellations are prevalent, resulting in economic and environmental impacts. In the first part of this article, we review recent advances in using network analysis techniques to model the interdependencies observed in the air transportation system and to understand the role of airports in connecting populations, serving air traffic demand, and spreading delays. In the second part, we present some of our recent work on using operational data to build dynamical system models of air traffic delay networks. We show that Markov jump linear system models capture many of the salient characteristics of these networked systems. We illustrate how these models can be validated and then used to analyze system properties such as stability and to design optimal control strategies that limit the propagation of disruptions in air traffic networks.
Genetics of Pediatric Immune-Mediated Diseases and Human Immunity
Authors: Schmitt Erica G. , Cooper Megan A.
Published: February 2021

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a rapidly growing, heterogeneous group of genetically determined diseases characterized by defects in the immune system. While individually rare, collectively PIDs affect between 1/1,000 and 1/5,000 people worldwide. The clinical manifestations of PIDs vary from susceptibility to infections to autoimmunity and bone marrow failure. Our understanding of the human immune response has advanced by investigation and discovery of genetic mechanisms of PIDs. Studying patients with isolated genetic variants in proteins that participate in complex signaling pathways has led to an enhanced understanding of host response to infection, and mechanisms of autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Identifying genetic mechanisms of PIDs not only furthers immunological knowledge but also benefits patients by dictating targeted therapies or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we highlight several of these areas in the field of primary immunodeficiency, with a focus on the most recent advances.
A Common Space Approach to Comparative Neuroscience
Authors: Mars Rogier B. , Jbabdi Saad , Rushworth Matthew F.S.
Published: February 2021

Comparative neuroscience is entering the era of big data. New high-throughput methods and data-sharing initiatives have resulted in the availability of large, digital data sets containing many types of data from ever more species. Here, we present a framework for exploiting the new possibilities offered. The multimodality of the data allows vertical translations, which are comparisons of different aspects of brain organization within a single species and across scales. Horizontal translations compare particular aspects of brain organization across species, often by building abstract feature spaces. Combining vertical and horizontal translations allows for more sophisticated comparisons, including relating principles of brain organization across species by contrasting horizontal translations, and for making formal predictions of unobtainable data based on observed results in a model species.
The Persistence of Racial Cues and Appeals in American Elections
Authors: Stephens-Dougan LaFleur
Published: February 2021

This article reviews the literature on the persistence of racial cues and appeals in American elections. I focus on three central themes: racial priming, the influence of the Obama presidential campaigns on racial cues, and racial appeals in the context of a diversifying United States. I identify linkages across these domains while also suggesting avenues for future research. I argue that in the context of a diversifying United States, scholars should develop more measures that capture attitudes that are specific to groups other than African Americans. The nation's growing racial and ethnic diversity is also an opportunity to develop and test more theories that explain the political behavior of racial and ethnic minorities beyond the traditional black–white divide. Finally, since much of the research on racial cues focuses on whites’ racial animus, I suggest that scholars spend more time exploring how racial cues influence the behavior of whites with positive racial attitudes.
High-Performance PVDF-HFP Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte Modified by Core-Shell SiO2-PMMA for Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Khan Shahid , Fang Chaoyan , Ma Yecheng , Haq Mahmood ul , Nisar Mohammad , Xu Gang , Liu Yong , Han Gaorong
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of inorganic core-shell SiO2 nanoparticles modified with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer, on the optical and electrochemical properties of poly vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). The core-shell SiO2 nanoparticles were first modified with PMMA to improve its dispersibility and compatibility in the polymer matrix. The morphology and structural properties of the core-shell SiO2 nanoparticles before and after modification were characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis. Then the modified SiO2 nanoparticles were used to prepare the composite GPE, composed of chemically modified core-shell structured SiO2-PMMA and PVDF-HFP polymer matrix. The transformation of nano-silica to SiO2-PMMA nanoparticles shows the better compatibility of PMMA and PVDF-HFP that favours the silica to be well dispersed in the organic matrix and significantly improve the doping effect. Various concentrations of modified SiO2-PMMA were used to dope PVDF-HFP GPEs. The results indicate that the 10% doping shows the highest ionic conductivity i.e. 2.22 × 10−3 s cm−1. In addition, the composite GPEs show the high transmittance and good thermal stability; therefore it can add important insight into developing high-performance materials for electrochromic devices.
The Synergistic Effect of Gd Modification on Improving the Electrochemical Performance of LiNi0.88Co0.09Al0.03O2 Cathode Materials
Authors: Xiong Yike , Cao Guolin , Li Yunjiao , Zhu Jie , Zheng Junchao , Tan Zhouliang , Xi Xiaoming , Yang Jiachao
Published: February 2021

Ni-rich cathode materials in the field of Li-ion batteries have been facing problems, such as poor cycle life and unstable crystal structure, which continue to baffle researchers. Herein, because of the extraordinary electric and magnetic properties of Gd, the dual Gd-modified Ni-rich cathode material LiNi0.88Co0.09Al0.03O2 (NCA) was successfully prepared in a high temperature solid-state method. As a result, the synergistic modification facilitates the migration of Li+ and protects the structure of electrode material. The dual Gd-modified NCA material exhibits capacity of 176 mAh·g−1 with retention reaching 89.3% at 1 C over 3.0–4.3 V at 25 °C after 100 cycles, whereas the pristine NCA material only delivers 151 mAh·g−1 with the retention of 77.0%. Otherwise, the capacity retention at 8 C as well as 55 °C improved sharply to over 80%. The significant improvement of rate and high temperature performance are attributed to the dual modification of Gd. This study will provide a new idea for the modification of Ni-rich layered cathode materials.
Direct Electrochemical Reduction of Natural Ilmenite into Ferrotitanium Alloys in a Molten Salt of LiCl-Li2O
Authors: Yoo BungUk , Ri Vladislav , Kwon SukCheol , Cho SooHaeng , Nersisyan Hayk. H. , Park Kyoung-Tae , Lee JongHyeon
Published: February 2021

This paper reports a promising method to decrease the operating temperature during electrolysis of natural ilmenite to produce a porous and laminar flake-type intermetallic ferrotitanium (FexTi, x = 1, 2) with a thickness of less than 1 μm by choosing a LiCl-Li2O electrolyte with a lower operating temperature (625 °C) under an inert atmosphere. Results indicate that the Li2O content in the electrolyte has a key effect on the phase transformation of natural ilmenite occurring in the electrochemical reduction process. Full conversion of natural ilmenite into ferrotitanium products can be achieved when the Li2O amount in the electrolyte and the cell voltage are approximately 1 wt.% and −2.5 V, respectively. In addition, the electrochemical reduction mechanism of natural ilmenite is proposed and discussed based on our experimental results and thermodynamic analysis.
Optical clearing reveals TNBS-induced morphological changes of VGLUT2-positive nerve fibers in mouse colorectum
Authors: Guo Tiantian , Patel Shivam , Shah Dhruv , Chi Ling , Emadi Sharareh , Pierce David M. , Han Martin , Brumovsky Pablo R. , Feng Bin
Published: February 2021

We conducted genetic labeling and optical clearing to visualize extrinsic sensory nerve fibers in whole-mount colorectum, which revealed widespread presence of axons in the submucosal layer. Remarkably, axons in the submucosa were meandering and curvy, in contrast to axons in other layers generally aligned with the basal tissues. Intracolonic TNBS treatment led to pronounced changes of nerve fiber density and curviness, suggesting nerve fiber morphologies as potentially contributing factors to sensory sensitization.