bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide modulates hemolysin expression under anaerobiosis and contributes to fitness in vivo in uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Xinyang , Huang Dongyan , Zhao Zihui , Cai Xuwang , Cai Wentong , Li Ganwu
Published: September 2021

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Successful urinary tract colonization requires appropriate expression of virulence factors in response to host environmental cues, such as limited oxygen and iron availability. Hemolysin is a pore‐forming toxin, and its expression correlates with the severity of UPEC infection. Previously, we showed that hemolysin expression is enhanced under anaerobic conditions; however, the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms involved remain undefined. Here, a transposon‐based forward screen identified bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide cofactor (bis‐MGD) biosynthesis as an important factor for a full transcription of hemolysin under anaerobiosis but not under aerobiosis. bis‐MGD positively influences hemolysin transcription via c3566‐c3568, an operon immediately upstream of and cotranscribed with hlyCABD. Furthermore, suppressor mutation analysis identified the nitrogen regulator NtrC as a direct repressor of c3566‐c3568‐hlyCABD expression, and intact bis‐MGD biosynthesis downregulated ntrC expression, thus at least partially explaining the positive role of bis‐MGD in modulating hemolysin expression. Finally, bis‐MGD is involved in hemolysin‐mediated uroepithelial cell death and contributes to the competitive fitness of UPEC in a murine model of UTI. Collectively, our data establish that bis‐MGD biosynthesis plays a crucial role in UPEC fitness in vivo, thus providing a potential target for combatting UTIs.
Declarations of Independence after the Cold War: Abandoning grievance and avoiding rupture
Authors: Kartsonaki Argyro , Pavković Aleksandar
Published: September 2021

Declarations of Independence (DoIs) tend to employ the grievance topoi as a means to legitimize their demands for statehood. We find, however, that after the end of the Cold War a new subgenre of DoIs emerged, which deploys topoi not referring to grievances against the host state. These DoIs focus on commitments the secessionist state makes towards existing states. We analyse four DoIs, that of Slovenia, Croatia, Abkhazia, and Kosovo using Wodak et al.'s Critical Discourse Analysis and Wendt's categorization of state identity. Our findings show that these secessionist states pledge to adhere to the internationally recognized norms of democracy, rule of law, and human rights and put forward a discourse of “belonging” to a family of states defined by these norms. They call therefore for international recognition based on their commitment to socialization avoiding the rupture with the host state and the issue of breach of territorial integrity.
Investigation of the usability of kisspeptin and oxidative stress parameters in the early diagnosis of asymptomatic cystic endometrial hyperplasia in dogs
Authors: Kurt Serdal , Eşki Funda , Mis Leyla
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to investigate the differences in oxidative stress index (OSI) and kisspeptin levels in clinically asymptomatic dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) compared to healthy and pregnant dogs, and to determine the usability of the obtained results in the diagnosis of asymptomatic CEH. The study comprised three groups; a healthy (n = 8), a pregnant (n = 10) and a CEH (n = 10). All dogs in the three groups were included in the study at the 30 ± 3th day after estrus, and blood samples were collected for analysis of kisspeptin, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and some biochemical parameters (TSH; thyroid stimulating hormone, ALT; alanine aminotransferase, AST; aspartate aminotransferase, ALP; alkaline phosphatase, LDH; lactate dehydrogenase, CRE; creatine and BUN; blood urea nitrogen). In addition, OSI value was calculated. P4 and ALT and BUN levels were significantly lower and higher in CEH group than the pregnant group, respectively (p < .05). While kisspeptin and TAS levels were significantly lower in CEH group compared to the healthy and pregnant groups (p < .01), OSI level increased dramatically. In conclusion, it was confirmed that CEH clearly affected kisspeptin and OSI levels, and it is thought that these parameters may be an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection of CEH after further studies.
Litter removal reduces seed predation in restored prairies during times when seed predation would otherwise be high
Authors: Anderegg Genevieve C. , Henn Jonathan J. , Orrock John L. , Damschen Ellen I.
Published: September 2021

Understanding patterns of seed predation in tallgrass prairie restorations is vital because seed additions are often used by managers to increase diversity and promote native species. However, the success of seed additions depends on the extent of seed predation. It is not clear how seed predation varies through time and to what extent it is affected by various commonly used management techniques in grasslands (e.g. spring or fall prescribed burns, mowing). We examined how predation of Sorghastrum nutans seeds changed during eight trials between June 2018 and April 2019 in plots that received one of four different plant litter removal treatments (fall mow, fall burn, spring burn, and unaltered control). Granivory varied throughout the year, reaching its peak in the late fall and early winter. However, we found that seed predators consumed significantly fewer seeds when litter was removed following fall burn and fall mow treatment applications. These treatments occurred during times when granivory was otherwise high in areas where litter remained intact (control and spring burn plots). Our findings highlight the importance of management decisions and how they interact with granivory in grassland restorations. Both time of year and litter cover determine seed predation rates; seed predators consume more seeds when seeds are abundant but rely on intact litter cover while foraging. This suggests that if seeds are added during the fall, litter should be removed to minimize the loss of seeds to granivory. Alternatively, seed additions during the spring are likely to experience lower rates of seed predation.
A pragmatic outreach pilot to understand and overcome barriers to COVID‐19 vaccination in abdominal organ transplant
Authors: Serper Marina , Liu Chung‐Heng , Blumberg Emily A. , Burdzy Alexander E. , Veasey Stephanie , Halpern Samantha , Lander Elaine , Sigafus Matthew R. , Bloom Roy D. , Dunn Ty B. , Abt Peter L. , Reddy K. Rajender , Mehta Shivan J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk for adverse outcomes with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19). Early data show a lower severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike antibody immune response among SOTRs leading to patient concerns about vaccine efficacy. Public health messaging has largely left out immunocompromized individuals leading to a higher risk of vaccine misinformation. The American Society of Transplantation recommends COVID‐19 vaccination for all SOTRs; however, patient concerns and beliefs about vaccination are largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a transplant‐center‐based, pragmatic pilot trial to encourage COVID‐19 vaccination among 103 unvaccinated SOTRs. We assessed vaccine concerns, barriers to vaccination, answered questions about efficacy, side effects, and clinical recommendations.

Results

A total of 24% (n = 25) of SOTRs reported that they will schedule COVID‐19 vaccination after the study call, 46% reported that they will consider vaccination in the future, and 30% said they will not consider vaccination. Older age and White race were associated with lower willingness to schedule the vaccine, whereas Black race and longer time from transplant were associated with higher willingness. Common vaccine concerns included lack of long‐term data, inconsistent messaging from providers, scheduling inconvenience, and insufficient resources. Follow‐up approximately 1 month after the initial outreach found 52% (n = 13) of liver transplant recipients, and 10% (n = 3) of kidney transplant recipients subsequently received COVID‐19 vaccines for a vaccination rate of 29% among respondents.

Conclusion

Transplant center‐based vaccine outreach efforts can decrease misinformation and increase vaccination uptake; however, vaccine‐related mistrust remains high.
Factors contributing to a positive childbirth experience for women in a hospital setting: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Price Tara S. , Andries Chelsey , Palokas Michelle , Christian Robin
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The objective of this umbrella review is to identify and evaluate the factors that contribute to a positive childbirth experience in laboring women in the hospital setting.

Introduction:

Childbirth is a milestone for women. Overall, the experience can positively or negatively affect self-esteem, bonding, future childbirth decisions, and overall health and well-being. Understanding of the mother's perception and expectation of the childbirth event is needed to promote positive experiences and outcomes.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider qualitative systematic reviews that include pregnant women, women in active labor, or women who have recently given birth. This review will consider systematic reviews conducted in a hospital setting in any geographical location reporting on women's positive childbirth experiences, and the factors that led to positive experiences.

Methods:

The search strategy will aim to locate qualitative systematic reviews. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, JBI Evidence Synthesis, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Sources of unpublished reviews and gray literature to be searched include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Sciences and Engineering Collection and OpenGrey. Systematic reviews published since 2001 in the English language will be included. Data will be extracted from systematic reviews by two independent reviewers and findings from the included reviews, as they relate to the umbrella review question, will be presented in tabular format with a supplemental narrative to ensure interpretability.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021251796
First report of damage and population dynamics of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Euterpe oleracea (Arecaceae) in the State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Nuvoloni Felipe Micali , Andrade Laiza Mirelle Santos , Castro Elizeu Barbosa , Rezende José Marcos , Araújo Marcel Santos De
Published: September 2021

The presence of the red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, was recorded on açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Arecaceae), in Porto Seguro, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. We evaluated the population dynamics of R. indica from September 2019 to February 2020. The population outbreak and most severe damage caused by R. indica was observed in February, a period of highest temperatures and low relative humidity. This is the first report of damage caused by the red palm mite on E. oleracea in Brazil. Management practices must be implemented to avoid intercropping açaí with other hosts of this mite e.g. coconut, banana and palm trees  in order to minimize the occurrence and damage of R. indica on such agrosystems.
Exploration of the nonideal behavior observed in engineered, multilayer MgO/Ag/MgO photocathodes
Authors: Lee ZhengRong , Spentzouris Linda , Mascheck Manfred , Terry Jeff
Published: September 2021

Improving photocathode performance by increasing electron emission while lowering the angular spread of emitted electrons can improve particle accelerator performance, expanding the reach of both fundamental and applied science. Materials science expertise is needed to design new photocathodes with these desired properties. In this work, we have undertaken a study of the electronic structure of the interfaces in a multilayer photocathode structure consisting of MgO/Ag/MgO to explore how the fabrication process can lead to nonideal interfaces compared to those constructed in simulations. To study how the fabrication affects the interfaces, hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to probe the chemistry of the buried interfaces within the thin film multilayer structure of Ag and MgO. In these multilayer structures, we observed that the silver layers were predominantly metallic. A small high binding energy (ΔE=0.69 eV) peak was also observed in the Ag 3d core level in the samples. This peak is shifted in the opposite direction of the binding energy shift in silver oxides, suggesting that this peak is not due to formation of silver oxides at the interfaces with the MgO. Two possible explanations for the origin of this peak then are charge transfer at the interface from the Ag to the oxide monolayer or the formation of silver nanoparticles during the growth process. Based upon simple depth profiling analysis, we postulate that the former is the more likely explanation but cannot rule out the latter. In addition, the O 1s and Mg 1s core level indicated the presence of Mg(OH)2. The MgO layers react with H2O in the vacuum chamber or ideal gas used as a buffer during sample transfer. Since the theory predicts strong dependence upon the number of MgO layers surrounding the Ag, the formation of Mg(OH)2 likely contributes to the nonideal behavior, even given the similarity in the electronic structure to MgO (large bandgap insulator) and Mg(OH)2. The speed at which this reaction occurs would significantly limit the lifetime and the utility of the MgO/Ag multilayer photocathodes. In order to custom engineer multilayer photocathodes, complete control over the growth process will be needed to ensure that the ideal surfaces are formed. Using nonreactive materials would greatly increase the lifetime of the engineered photocathodes.
Theoretical analysis of a contactless transportation system for cylindrical objects based on ultrasonic levitation
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Eser Martin , Sun Xiaodong , Sepahvand Kian K. , Marburg Steffen
Published: September 2021

Contactless transportation systems based on near-field acoustic levitation have the benefit of compact design and easy control which are able to meet the cleanliness and precision demands required in precision manufacturing. However, the problems involved in contactless positioning and transporting cylindrical objects have not yet been addressed. This paper introduces a contactless transportation system for cylindrical objects based on grooved radiators. A groove on the concave surface of the radiator produces an asymmetrical pressure distribution which results in a thrusting force to drive the levitator horizontal movement. The pressure distribution between the levitator and the radiator is acquired by solving the Reynolds equation. The levitation and the thrusting forces are obtained by integrating the pressure and the pressure gradient over the concave surface, respectively. The predicted results of the levitation force agree well with experimental observations from the literature. Parameter studies show that the thrusting force increases and converges to a stable value as the groove depth increases. An optimal value for the groove arc length is found to maximize the thrusting force, and the thrusting force increases as the groove width, the radiator vibration amplitude, and the levitator weight increase.
Augmenting the living plant mesophyll into a photonic capacitor
Authors: Gordiichuk Pavlo , Coleman Sarah , Zhang Ge , Kuehne Matthias , Lew Tedrick T. S. , Park Minkyung , Cui Jianqiao , Brooks Allan M. , Hudson Karaghen , Graziano Anne M. , Marshall Daniel J. M. , Karsan Zain , Kennedy Sheila , Strano Michael S.
Published: September 2021

Living plants are turned into light-storing and emitting photonic devices by infiltrating them with phosphorescent nanoparticles.
Mitigation of
Pseudomonas syringae
virulence by signal inactivation
Authors: Sieber Simon , Mathew Anugraha , Jenul Christian , Kohler Tobias , Bär Max , Carrión Víctor J. , Cazorla Francisco M. , Stalder Urs , Hsieh Ya-Chu , Bigler Laurent , Eberl Leo , Gademann Karl
Published: September 2021

Chemical inactivation of a volatile signal is a novel approach to attenuate the virulence of a devastating plant pathogen.
Highly porous nanofiber-supported monolayer graphene membranes for ultrafast organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Shen Liang , Shi Qi , Zhang Shengping , Gao Jie , Cheng David Chi , Yi Ming , Song Ruiyang , Wang Luda , Jiang Jianwen , Karnik Rohit , Zhang Sui
Published: September 2021

Via molecular design, versatile electrospun nanofibers enable nanoporous graphene for ultrafast organic solvent nanofiltration.
Aligned 2D carbon nanotube liquid crystals for wafer-scale electronics
Authors: Jinkins Katherine R. , Foradori Sean M. , Saraswat Vivek , Jacobberger Robert M. , Dwyer Jonathan H. , Gopalan Padma , Berson Arganthaël , Arnold Michael S.
Published: September 2021

Highly ordered liquid crystals of carbon nanotubes are aligned at 2D liquid/liquid interfaces, yielding uniform FETs.
Superstructured mesocrystals through multiple inherent molecular interactions for highly reversible sodium ion batteries
Authors: Qiu Xiaoling , Wang Xiaoling , He Yunxiang , Liang Jieying , Liang Kang , Tardy Blaise L. , Richardson Joseph J. , Hu Ming , Wu Hao , Zhang Yun , Rojas Orlando J. , Manners Ian , Guo Junling
Published: September 2021

Multiple inherent molecular interactions of natural polyphenols enable the assembly of quaternary ordered superstructures.
Hygromechanical mechanisms of wood cell wall revealed by molecular modeling and mixture rule analysis
Authors: Zhang Chi , Chen Mingyang , Keten Sinan , Coasne Benoit , Derome Dominique , Carmeliet Jan
Published: September 2021

A state-of-the-art atomistic model of wood cell wall S2 layer reveals the mechanisms of wood moisture-related mechanics.
A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of anthropomorphism in human-robot interaction
Authors: Roesler E. , Manzey D. , Onnasch L.
Published: September 2021

This meta-analysis quantifies whether and under which circumstances anthropomorphic features of robots facilitate HRI.
A markerless platform for ambulatory systems neuroscience
Authors: Silvernagel Michael P. , Ling Alissa S. , Nuyujukian Paul ,   for the Brain Interfacing Laboratory
Published: September 2021

We present a markerless, full-body motion tracking and synchronized wireless neural recording platform for large animals.
Local delivery of mRNA-encoded cytokines promotes antitumor immunity and tumor eradication across multiple preclinical tumor models
Authors: Hotz Christian , Wagenaar Timothy R. , Gieseke Friederike , Bangari Dinesh S. , Callahan Michelle , Cao Hui , Diekmann Jan , Diken Mustafa , Grunwitz Christian , Hebert Andy , Hsu Karl , Bernardo Marie , Karikó Katalin , Kreiter Sebastian , Kuhn Andreas N. , Levit Mikhail , Malkova Natalia , Masciari Serena , Pollard Jack , Qu Hui , Ryan Sue , Selmi Abderaouf , Schlereth Julia , Singh Kuldeep , Sun Fangxian , Tillmann Bodo , Tolstykh Tatiana , Weber William , Wicke Lena , Witzel Sonja , Yu Qunyan , Zhang Yu-An , Zheng Gang , Lager Joanne , Nabel Gary J. , Sahin Ugur , Wiederschain Dmitri
Published: September 2021

Local immunotherapy with an mRNA mixture encoding four cytokines mobilizes a systemic antitumor response and promotes tumor eradication.
Single-cell profiling of human bone marrow progenitors reveals mechanisms of failing erythropoiesis in Diamond-Blackfan anemia
Authors: Iskander Deena , Wang Guanlin , Heuston Elisabeth F. , Christodoulidou Chrysi , Psaila Bethan , Ponnusamy Kanagaraju , Ren Hongwei , Mokhtari Zeinab , Robinson Mark , Chaidos Aristeidis , Trivedi Pritesh , Trasanidis Nikolaos , Katsarou Alexia , Szydlo Richard , Palii Carmen G. , Zaidi Mehmood H. , Al-Oqaily Qais , Caputo Valentina S. , Roy Anindita , Harrington Yvonne , Karnik Leena , Naresh Kikkeri , Mead Adam J. , Thongjuea Supat , Brand Marjorie , de la Fuente Josu , Bodine David M. , Roberts Irene , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: September 2021

Genotype-phenotype correlations are revealed by bone marrow single-cell RNA sequencing in Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
The Spectrum of Spontaneous Rifampin Resistance Mutations in the Bacillus subtilis
rpoB
Gene Depends on the Growth Environment
Authors: Leehan Joss D. , Nicholson Wayne L.
Published: September 2021

The
rpoB
gene encodes the beta subunit of RNA polymerase, and mutations in
rpoB
are key determinants of resistance to the clinically important antibiotic rifampin. We show here that the spectrum of mutations in
Bacillus subtilis
rpoB
depends on the medium in which the cells are cultivated. The results show that the growth environment not only plays a role in natural selection and fitness but also influences the probability of mutation at particular bases within the target gene.
Insights into the Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles by the Genus
Shewanella
Authors: Rajput Vishnu D. , Minkina Tatiana , Kimber Richard L. , Singh Vipin Kumar , Shende Sudhir , Behal Arvind , Sushkova Svetlana , Mandzhieva Saglara , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: September 2021

The exploitation of microorganisms for the fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered considerable research interest globally. The microbiological transformation of metals and metal salts into respective NPs can be achieved under environmentally benign conditions, offering a more sustainable alternative to chemical synthesis methods.
The Molecular Basis of Acinetobacter baumannii Cadmium Toxicity and Resistance
Authors: Alquethamy Saleh F. , Adams Felise G. , Maharjan Ram , Delgado Natasha N. , Zang Maoge , Ganio Katherine , Paton James C. , Hassan Karl A. , Paulsen Ian T. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Cain Amy K. , Eijkelkamp Bart A.
Published: September 2021

Cadmium toxicity is a widespread problem, yet the interaction of this heavy metal with biological systems is poorly understood. Some microbes have evolved traits to proactively counteract cadmium toxicity, including
Acinetobacter baumannii
, which is notorious for persisting in harsh environments.
Natural-Product-Based Solutions for Tropical Infectious Diseases
Authors: Adegboye Oyelola , Field Matt A. , Kupz Andreas , Pai Saparna , Sharma Dileep , Smout Michael J. , Wangchuk Phurpa , Wong Yide , Loiseau Claire
Published: September 2021

About half of the world’s population and 80% of the world’s biodiversity can be found in the tropics. Many diseases are specific to the tropics, with at least 41 diseases caused by endemic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Such diseases are of increasing concern, as the geographic range of tropical diseases is expanding due to climate change, urbanization, change in agricultural practices, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
Aspergillus Test Profiles and Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ergün Mehmet , Brüggemann Roger J. M. , Alanio Alexandre , Dellière Sarah , van Arkel Andreas , Bentvelsen Robbert G. , Rijpstra Tom , van der Sar-van der Brugge Simone , Lagrou Katrien , Janssen Nico A. F. , Buil Jochem B. , van Dijk Karin , Melchers Willem J. G. , Reijers Monique H. E. , Schouten Jeroen A. , Wauters Joost , Cordey Alan , Soni Shuchita , White P. Lewis , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Verweij Paul E.
Published: September 2021

The literature regarding COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has shown conflicting observations, including survival of CAPA patients not receiving antifungal therapy and discrepancy between CAPA diagnosis and autopsy findings. To gain insight into the pathophysiology of CAPA, we performed a case-control study in which we compared
Aspergillus
test profiles in CAPA patients and controls in relation to intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.
Use of Fosfomycin Etest To Determine
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates of
Enterobacterales
Other than Escherichia coli, Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli, and Gram-Positive Cocci
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Baxter Melanie R. , Golden Alyssa R. , Adam Heather J. , Walkty Andrew , Lagacé-Wiens Philippe R. S. , Zhanel George G.
Published: September 2021

Clinical isolates of
Enterobacterales
other than
Escherichia coli
(EOTEC), nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, and Gram-positive cocci were tested for susceptibility to fosfomycin using Etest and reference agar dilution. Applying EUCAST (v. 11.0, 2021) intravenous fosfomycin breakpoints, Etest MICs for EOTEC showed essential agreement (EA), categorical agreement (CA), major error (ME), and very major error (VME) rates of 70.4%, 88.4%, 4.1%, and 32.1%, respectively.
Endogenous Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) siRNA Transcription May Interfere with Exogenous FeLV Infection
Authors: Chiu Elliott S. , McDonald Coby A. , VandeWoude Sue
Published: September 2021

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are increasingly implicated in host cellular processes and susceptibility to infectious agents, specifically regarding interactions with exogenous retroviral progenitors (XRVs). Exogenous feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and its endogenous counterpart (enFeLV) represent a well-characterized, naturally occurring XRV-ERV dyad.
Cytoplasmic Tail Truncation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Enhances Titer of Pseudotyped Vectors but Masks the Effect of the D614G Mutation
Authors: Chen Hsu-Yu , Huang Chun , Tian Lu , Huang Xiaoli , Zhang Chennan , Llewellyn George N. , Rogers Geoffrey L. , Andresen Kevin , O’Gorman Maurice R. G. , Chen Ya-Wen , Cannon Paula M.
Published: September 2021

Pseudotyped viral vectors are useful tools to study the properties of viral fusion proteins, especially those from highly pathogenic viruses. The Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been investigated using pseudotyped lentiviral and VSV vector systems, where truncation of its cytoplasmic tail is commonly used to enhance Spike incorporation into vectors and to increase the titers of the resulting vectors.
Two Interferon-Stimulated Response Elements Cooperatively Regulate Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression in West Nile Virus-Infected IFNAR
−/−
Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts
Authors: Cui Dan , Espínola Emilio E. , Arora Komal , Brinton Margo A.
Published: September 2021

Type 1 IFN signaling in mammalian cells induces formation of the ISGF3 transcription factor complex, which binds to interferon stimulated response elements (ISREs) in the promoters of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the cell nucleus. Flavivirus proteins counteract type I IFN signaling by preventing either the formation or nuclear localization of ISGF3.
Capsid-E2 Interactions Rescue Core Assembly in Viruses That Cannot Form Cytoplasmic Nucleocapsid Cores
Authors: Button Julie M. , Mukhopadhyay Suchetana
Published: September 2021

Structural viral proteins have multiple roles during entry and assembly. The capsid protein (CP) of alphaviruses has one domain that interacts with the viral genome and another domain that interacts with the E2 spike protein.
Truncation of the Cytoplasmic Tail of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Increases Virion Production by Improving Env Cleavage and Plasma Membrane Localization
Authors: Wang Xue-Feng , Wang Yu-Hong , Bai Bowen , Zhang Mengmeng , Chen Jie , Zhang Xiangmin , Gao Min , Wang Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

The mature lentivirus envelope glycoprotein (Env) is composed of a surface unit (SU) and a transmembrane unit (TM), which are cleaved products of the Env precursor. After mature Env is heterodimerically formed from the cleavage of the Env precursor, it is trafficked to the plasma membrane (PM) for incorporation and virion assembly.
A Bifluorescent-Based Assay for the Identification of Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Chiem Kevin , Morales Vasquez Desarey , Silvas Jesus A. , Park Jun-Gyu , Piepenbrink Michael S. , Sourimant Julien , Lin Michelle J. , Greninger Alexander L. , Plemper Richard K. , Torrelles Jordi B. , Walter Mark R. , de la Torre Juan C. , Kobie James K. , Ye Chengjin , Martinez-Sobrido Luis
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible of the COVID-19 pandemic that has warped daily routines and socioeconomics. There is still an urgent need for prophylactics and therapeutics to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
A Biosafety Level 2 Mouse Model for Studying Betacoronavirus-Induced Acute Lung Damage and Systemic Manifestations
Authors: Andrade Ana Cláudia dos Santos Pereira , Campolina-Silva Gabriel Henrique , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , de Oliveira Leonardo Camilo , Lacerda Larisse de Souza Barbosa , Pimenta Jordane C , de Souza Filipe Resende Oliveira , de Meira Chaves Ian , Passos Ingredy Beatriz , Teixeira Danielle Cunha , Bittencourt-Silva Paloma Graziele , Valadão Priscila Aparecida Costa , Rossi-Oliveira Leonardo , Antunes Maisa Mota , Figueiredo André Felipe Almeida , Wnuk Natália Teixeira , Temerozo Jairo R. , Ferreira André Costa , Cramer Allysson , Oliveira Cleida Aparecida , Durães-Carvalho Ricardo , Weis Arns Clarice , Guimarães Pedro Pires Goulart , Costa Guilherme Mattos Jardim , de Menezes Gustavo Batista , Guatimosim Cristina , da Silva Glauber Santos Ferreira , Souza Thiago Moreno L. , Barrioni Breno Rocha , Pereira Marivalda de Magalhães , de Sousa Lirlândia Pires , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos
Published: September 2021

Mouse models have long been used as valuable
in vivo
platforms to investigate the pathogenesis of viral infections and effective countermeasures. The natural resistance of mice to the novel betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has launched a race toward the characterization of SARS-CoV-2 infection in other animals (e.g., hamsters, cats, ferrets, bats, and monkeys), as well as adaptation of the mouse model, by modifying either the host or the virus.
Identification and Characterization of Rift Valley Fever Virus-Specific T Cells Reveals a Dependence on CD40/CD40L Interactions for Prevention of Encephalitis
Authors: Barbeau Dominique J. , Cartwright Haley N. , Harmon Jessica R. , Spengler Jessica R. , Spiropoulou Christina F. , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , McElroy Anita K.
Published: September 2021

The prevention of RVFV encephalitis requires intact adaptive immunity. In this study, we developed reagents to detect RVFV-specific T cells and provide evidence for Tfh cells and CD40/CD40L interactions as critical mediators of this protection.
Reproducibility of the Ribosomal RNA Synthesis Ratio in Sputum and Association with Markers of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Burden
Authors: Musisi Emmanuel , Dide-Agossou Christian , Al Mubarak Reem , Rossmassler Karen , Ssesolo Abdul Wahab , Kaswabuli Sylvia , Byanyima Patrick , Sanyu Ingvar , Zawedde Josephine , Worodria William , Voskuil Martin I. , Savic Rada M. , Nahid Payam , Davis J. Lucian , Huang Laurence , Moore Camille M. , Walter Nicholas D.
Published: September 2021

This study takes a major next step toward practical application of a novel pharmacodynamic marker that we believe will have transformative implications for tuberculosis. This article follows our recent report inNature Communicationsthat an assay called the rRNA synthesis (RS) ratio indicates the treatment-shortening of drugs and regimens.
Mr-AbaA Regulates Conidiation by Interacting with the Promoter Regions of Both
Mr-veA
and
Mr-wetA
in Metarhizium robertsii
Authors: Wu Hao , Tong Youmin , Zhou Rong , Wang Yulong , Wang Zhangxun , Ding Ting , Huang Bo
Published: September 2021

Metarhizium robertsii
is an emerging model entomopathogenic fungus for developing biopesticides; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of its conidiation is very important for its application. In this study, we revealed that the transcription factor Mr-AbaA is involved in the control of aerial conidiation and blastospore separation in submerged culture.
Novel Antifungal Activity of Q-Griffithsin, a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Lectin
Authors: Nabeta Henry W. , Kouokam Joseph C. , Lasnik Amanda B. , Fuqua Joshua L. , Palmer Kenneth E.
Published: September 2021

Fungal infections contribute to morbidity and mortality annually, and the number of organisms that are nonresponsive to the current available drug regimens are on the rise. There is a need to develop new agents to counter these infections and to add to the limited arsenal available to treat fungal infections.
Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Validation in a Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Duffy Shannon C. , Venkatesan Manigandan , Chothe Shubhada , Poojary Indira , Verghese Valsan Philip , Kapur Vivek , Behr Marcel A. , Michael Joy Sarojini
Published: September 2021

Vaccination against tuberculosis with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) can lead to adverse events, including a rare but life-threatening complication of disseminated BCG. This complication often occurs in young children with immunodeficiencies and is associated with an ∼60% mortality rate.
Three-stage modification of lithospheric mantle: Evidence from petrology, in-situ trace elements, and Sr isotopes of mantle xenoliths in the Cenozoic basalts, northeastern North China Craton
Authors: Xu Xinran , Tang Yanjie , Ying Jifeng , Zhao Xinmiao , Xiao Yan
Published: September 2021

We present mineralogical and geochemical compositions of mantle xenoliths from two Cenozoic basalt localities of the northeastern North China Craton. These xenoliths include lherzolite, harzburgite, and websterite. They are generally fertile in major elements and different from the typical cratonic lithosphere, which is consistent with previous hypotheses regarding craton destruction. The ratios of 87Sr/86Sr and (La/Yb)N of clinopyroxenes (Cpx) in one lherzolite are relatively low in the core but high in the rim. The center of the Cpx grain has a high U concentration. Changes in trace elements and Sr isotopes indicate that later stage high 87Sr/86Sr melt metasomatism superimposed on the early hydrous melt/fluid. The Cpxs in some xenoliths are low in Ti/Eu but high in Ca/Al and light rare earth elements, which indicates carbonate melt metasomatism. 87Sr/86Sr is increased in the core and decreased in the rim of most Cpx grains, which reflects the superposition of two-stage metasomatism. The early agent should be high in 87Sr/86Sr, and the recent agent should be low in 87Sr/86Sr. The Cpxs in olivine websterite are low in 87Sr/86Sr (0.70220–0.70320), which reflects the recent metasomatism of asthenosphere-derived melt. Collectively, these observations reflect a three-stage modification of the lithospheric mantle. First-stage hydrous melt/fluid could come from the dehydration of young subducted plates. Second-stage melt/fluid of high 87Sr/86Sr could derive from the partial melting of the subducted altered oceanic crust, and the recent melt/fluid of low 87Sr/86Sr should be from the asthenosphere.
Tunnel valley infill and genesis revealed by high-resolution 3-D seismic data
Authors: Kirkham James D. , Hogan Kelly A. , Larter Robert D. , Self Ed , Games Ken , Huuse Mads , Stewart Margaret A. , Ottesen Dag , Arnold Neil S. , Dowdeswell Julian A.
Published: September 2021

Landforms produced beneath former ice sheets offer insights into inaccessible subglacial processes and present analogues for how current ice masses may evolve in a warming climate. Large subglacial channels cut by meltwater erosion (tunnel valleys [TVs]) have the potential to provide valuable empirical constraints for numerical ice-sheet models concerning realistic melt rates, water routing, and the interplay between basal hydrology and ice dynamics. However, the information gleaned from these features has thus far been limited by an inability to adequately resolve their internal structures. We use high-resolution three-dimensional (HR3-D) seismic data (6.25 m bin size, ∼4 m vertical resolution) to analyze the infill of buried TVs in the North Sea. The HR3-D seismic data represent a step-change in our ability to investigate the mechanisms and rates at which TVs are formed and filled. Over 40% of the TVs examined contain buried glacial landforms including eskers, crevasse-squeeze ridges, glacitectonic structures, and kettle holes. As most of these landforms had not previously been detected using conventional 3-D seismic reflection methods, the mechanisms that formed them are currently absent from models of TV genesis. The ability to observe such intricate internal structures opens the possibility of using TVs to reconstruct the hydrological regimes of former mid-latitude ice sheets as analogues for contemporary ones.
Boninitic blueschists record subduction initiation and subsequent accretion of an arc–forearc in the northeast Proto-Tethys Ocean
Authors: Fu Dong , Huang Bo , Johnson Tim E. , Wilde Simon A. , Jourdan Fred , Polat Ali , Windley Brian F. , Hu Zhaochu , Kusky Timothy
Published: September 2021

Subduction of oceanic lithosphere is a diagnostic characteristic of plate tectonics. However, the geodynamic processes from initiation to termination of subduction zones remain enigmatic mainly due to the scarcity of appropriate rock records. We report the first discovery of early Paleozoic boninitic blueschists and associated greenschists from the eastern Proto-Tethyan North Qilian orogenic belt, northeastern Tibet, which have geochemical affinities that are typical of forearc boninites and island arc basalts, respectively. The boninitic protoliths of the blueschists record intra-oceanic subduction initiation at ca. 492–488 Ma in the eastern North Qilian arc/forearc–backarc system, whereas peak blueschist facies metamorphism reflects subsequent subduction of the arc/forearc complex to high pressure at ca. 455 Ma. These relations therefore record the life circle of an intra-oceanic subduction zone within the northeastern Proto-Tethys Ocean. The geodynamic evolution provides an early Paleozoic analogue of the early development of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc and its later subduction beneath the extant Japanese arc margin. This finding highlights the important role of subduction of former upper plate island arc/forearcs in reducing the likelihood of preservation of initial subduction-related rock records in ancient orogenic belts.
Patients with mesenchymal tumours and highFusobacterialesprevalence have worse prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC)
Authors: Salvucci Manuela , Crawford Nyree , Stott Katie , Bullman Susan , Longley Daniel B , Prehn Jochen H M
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Transcriptomic-based subtyping, consensus molecular subtyping (CMS) and colorectal cancer intrinsic subtyping (CRIS) identify a patient subpopulation with mesenchymal traits (CMS4/CRIS-B) and poorer outcome. Here, we investigated the relationship between prevalence ofFusobacterium nucleatum(Fn) andFusobacteriales, CMS/CRIS subtyping, cell type composition, immune infiltrates and host contexture to refine patient stratification and to identify druggable context-specific vulnerabilities.

Design

We coupled cell culture experiments with characterisation ofFn/Fusobacterialesprevalence and host biology/microenviroment in tumours from two independent colorectal cancer patient cohorts (Taxonomy: n=140, colon and rectal cases of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-COAD-READ) cohort: n=605).

Results

In vitro,Fninfection induced inflammation via nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/tumour necrosis factor alpha in HCT116 and HT29 cancer cell lines. In patients, highFn/Fusobacterialeswere found in CMS1, microsatellite unstable () tumours, with infiltration of M1 macrophages, reduced M2 macrophages, and high interleukin (IL)-6/IL-8/IL-1β signalling. Analysis of the Taxonomy cohort suggested thatFnwas prognostic for CMS4/CRIS-B patients, despite having lowerFnload than CMS1 patients. In the TCGA-COAD-READ cohort, we likewise identified a differential association betweenFusobacterialesrelative abundance and outcome when stratifying patients in mesenchymal (either CMS4 and/or CRIS-B) versus non-mesenchymal (neither CMS4 nor CRIS-B). Patients with mesenchymal tumours and highFusobacterialeshad approximately twofold higher risk of worse outcome. These associations were null in non-mesenchymal patients. Modelling the three-way association betweenFusobacterialesprevalence, molecular subtyping and host contexture with logistic models with an interaction term disentangled the pathogen–host signalling relationship and identified aberrations (including NOTCH, CSF1-3 and IL-6/IL-8) as candidate targets.

Conclusion

This study identifies CMS4/CRIS-B patients with highFn/Fusobacterialesprevalence as a high-risk subpopulation that may benefit from therapeutics targeting mesenchymal biology.
Seasonal patterns in nutritional condition of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in the southern Northwest Territories and northeastern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Cook John G. , Kelly Allicia P. , Cook Rachel C. , Culling Brad , Culling Diane , McLaren Ashley , Larter Nicholas C. , Watters Megan
Published: September 2021

Evaluating nutritional condition provides insights of nutritional influences on wildlife populations. We sampled three measures of condition — body fat, body mass, and loin thickness — of adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in boreal settings in the Northwest Territories (NT), Canada, in December and March, 2016–2018, and in mountain and boreal settings in British Columbia (BC), Canada, in December and February, 2014–2015. We evaluated the effect of calf-rearing on condition in December, compared influences of summer–autumn versus winter on condition over winter, and developed an annual profile of nutritional condition with estimates from caribou dying in summer. Mean December body fat was 8.4% in females with calves and 11.4% in females without calves, demonstrating the influence of lactation on condition. Over winter, nutritional condition did not decline in northeastern BC and it declined slightly in NT: body fat by 0.55 percentage points, mass by 2.8 kg, and loin thickness did not change. Body fat peaked in December, changed little over winter, but declined to a minimum by early summer, temporally coinciding with elevated rates of adult female mortality. Consistent with those of other ungulate studies worldwide, our findings suggest a need to focus on nutritional limitations operating in late spring through early autumn.
Design and Realisation of Scalable Business Process Management Systems for Deployment in the Cloud
Authors: Ouyang Chun , Adams Michael , Hofstede Arthur H. M. Ter , Yu Yang
Published: September 2021

Business Process Management Systems
(
BPMSs
) provide automated support for the execution of business processes in modern organisations. With the emergence of cloud computing, BPMS deployment considerations are shifting from traditional on-premise models to the
Software-as-a-Service
(
SaaS
) paradigm, aiming at delivering Business Process Automation as a Service. However, scaling up a traditional BPMS to cope with simultaneous demand from multiple organisations in the cloud is challenging, since its underlying system architecture has been designed to serve a single organisation with a single process engine. Moreover, the complexity in addressing both the dynamic execution environment and the elasticity requirements of users impose further challenges to deploying a traditional BPMS in the cloud. A typical SaaS often deploys multiple instances of its core applications and distributes workload to these application instances via load balancing. But, for
stateful
and often long-running process instances, standard stateless load balancing strategies are inadequate. In this article, we propose a conceptual design of BPMS capable of addressing dynamically varying demands of end users in the cloud, and present a prototypical implementation using an open source traditional BPMS platform. Both the design and system realisation offer focused strategies on achieving scalability and demonstrates the system capabilities for supporting both upscaling, to address large volumes of user demand or workload, and downscaling, to release underutilised computing resources, in a cloud environment.
University Operations During a Pandemic: A Flexible Decision Analysis Toolkit
Authors: Kharkwal Himanshu , Olson Dakota , Huang Jiali , Mohan Abhiraj , Mani Ankur , Srivastava Jaideep
Published: September 2021

Modeling infection spread during pandemics is not new, with models using past data to tune simulation parameters for predictions. These help in understanding of the healthcare burden posed by a pandemic and responding accordingly. However, the problem of how college/university campuses should function during a pandemic is new for the following reasons: (i) social contact in colleges are structured and can be engineered for chosen objectives; (ii) the last pandemic to cause such societal disruption was more than 100 years ago, when higher education was not a critical part of society; (iii) not much was known about causes of pandemics, and hence effective ways of safe operations were not known; and (iv) today with distance learning, remote operation of an academic institution is possible. As one of the first to address this problem, our approach is unique in presenting a flexible simulation system, containing a suite of model libraries, one for each major component. The system integrates agent-based modeling and the stochastic network approach, and models the interactions among individual entities (e.g., students, instructors, classrooms, residences) in great detail. For each decision to be made, the system can be used to predict the impact of various choices, and thus enables the administrator to make informed decisions. Although current approaches are good for infection modeling, they lack accuracy in social contact modeling. Our agent-based modeling approach, combined with ideas from Network Science, presents a novel approach to contact modeling. A detailed case study of the University of Minnesota’s Sunrise Plan is presented. For each decision made, its impact was assessed, and results were used to get a measure of confidence. We believe that this flexible tool can be a valuable asset for various kinds of organizations to assess their infection risks in pandemic-time operations, including middle and high schools, factories, warehouses, and small/medium-sized businesses.
CHA: Categorical Hierarchy-based Attention for Next POI Recommendation
Authors: Zang Hongyu , Han Dongcheng , Li Xin , Wan Zhifeng , Wang Mingzhong
Published: September 2021

Next
Point-of-interest (POI)
recommendation is a key task in improving location-related customer experiences and business operations, but yet remains challenging due to the substantial diversity of human activities and the sparsity of the check-in records available. To address these challenges, we proposed to explore the category hierarchy knowledge graph of POIs via an attention mechanism to learn the robust representations of POIs even when there is insufficient data. We also proposed a spatial-temporal decay LSTM and a Discrete Fourier Series-based periodic attention to better facilitate the capturing of the personalized behavior pattern. Extensive experiments on two commonly adopted real-world
location-based social networks (LBSNs)
datasets proved that the inclusion of the aforementioned modules helps to boost the performance of next and next new POI recommendation tasks significantly. Specifically, our model in general outperforms other state-of-the-art methods by a large margin.