bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of structural and morphological properties of high energy ion irradiated KNN films
Authors: Shyam Radhe , Negi Deepak , Das Apurba , Dobbidi Pamu , Nelamarri Srinivasa Rao
Published: May 2021

The transfer of high localized energy density to target matrix via swift heavy ion provides a domain to engineer the properties of materials in a systematic and controlled mode. The present study describes the influence of ion irradiation on structural properties and surface morphology of (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) films of thickness 650–750 nm irradiated with 100 MeV Ni ions at different fluences varying from 1 × 1012 to 1 × 1013 ions cm−2. Multiple ion impact induced reduction in crystalline behavior of KNN perovskite is observed as an effect of ion fluence. The films show partially amorphized nature with ion fluence, and are remained in crystalline perovskite phase after irradiation with decreased peak intensities. Quantitative surface roughness and surface scaling study via power spectral density (PSD) analysis were carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) micrographs. The root mean square roughness decreased at 1 × 1012 ions cm−2 and thereafter, increased monotonously with increasing ion fluence. The adatoms mobility and coalescence effect might have caused the variation in roughness. From the PSD results, modification of surface morphology of films irradiated at 1 × 1012 ions cm−2 is attributed to the competing mechanisms of viscous flow and evaporation-recondensation processes. At higher fluence, the evolution mechanism of morphology is turned out to be the combined effect of evaporation-recondensation and diffusion processes. The microstructures obtained using scanning electron microscopy are correlated with the AFM results. The dominating processes of irradiation induced modification in the morphology of KNN films are studied in detail, and this study will be useful from both fundamental and applied perspectives.
Control of magnetization dynamics by substrate orientation in YIG thin films
Authors: Gurjar Ganesh , Sharma Vinay , Patnaik S , Kuanr Bijoy K
Published: May 2021

Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) and bismuth (Bi) substituted YIG (Bi0.1Y2.9Fe5O12, BYG) films are grown in-situ on single crystalline Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG) substrates [with (100) and (111) orientations] using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. As the orientation of the Bi-YIG film changes from (100) to (111), the lattice constant is enhanced from 12.384 Å to 12.401 Å due to orientation dependent distribution of Bi3+ ions at dodecahedral sites in the lattice cell. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show smooth film surfaces with roughness 0.308 nm in Bi-YIG (111). The change in substrate orientation leads to the modification of Gilbert damping which, in turn, gives rise to the enhancement of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) line width. The best values of Gilbert damping are found to be (0.54 ± 0.06) × 10−4, for YIG (100) and (6.27 ± 0.33) × 10−4, for Bi-YIG (111) oriented films. Angle variation (ϕ) measurements of the Hr are also performed, that shows a four-fold symmetry for the resonance field in the (100) grown film. In addition, the value of effective magnetization (4πMeff) and extrinsic linewidth (ΔH0) are observed to be dependent on substrate orientation. Hence PLD growth can assist single-crystalline YIG and BYG films with a perfect interface that can be used for spintronics and related device applications.
Sn3O4-SnO2 heterostructure for highly sensitive and selective NO2 sensing at low operating temperature
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Lu Suyang , Shang Yunfan , Zeng Wenwen , Zhan Haoran , Mei Jun , He Zhoukun
Published: May 2021

In this work, monophasic Sn3O4 and biphasic Sn3O4-SnO2 heterostructure composed of plentiful nanosheets were synthesized by using a simple one-step solvothermal method. Their morphology, structure, and composition were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM. Also their NO2 sensing performance were tested systematacially. The results demonstrated that the gas sensor based on the Sn3O4-SnO2 composites exhibits excellent NO2 sensing performance including low operating temperature, high sensitivity and outstanding selectivity. Its sensitivity to 1 ppm NO2 is as high as 1395.0 ppm−1 while the operating temperature is as low as 50 °C. Its excellent NO2 sensing performance could be attributed to the formation of Sn3O4-SnO2 heterojunction which modulated the electrons effectively, abundant oxygen vacancies and high specific surface area which enhanced the adsorption of NO2.
Hyperelliptic integrals and mirrors of the Johnson–Kollár del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Corti Alessio , Gugiatti Giulia
Published: May 2021

For all integers

k
>
0

k>0

, we prove that the hypergeometric function
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="ModifyingAbove upper I With caret Subscript k Baseline left-parenthesis alpha right-parenthesis equals sigma-summation Underscript j equals 0 Overscript normal infinity Endscripts StartFraction left-parenthesis left-parenthesis 8 k plus 4 right-parenthesis j right-parenthesis factorial j factorial Over left-parenthesis 2 j right-parenthesis factorial left-parenthesis left-parenthesis 2 k plus 1 right-parenthesis j right-parenthesis factorial Superscript 2 Baseline left-parenthesis left-parenthesis 4 k plus 1 right-parenthesis j right-parenthesis factorial EndFraction alpha Superscript j">

I
^

k

(
α
)
=

∑

j
=
0

∞

(

(
8
k
+
4
)
j

)

!
j
!

(
2
j
)
!

(

(
2
k
+
1
)
j

)

!
2

(

(
4
k
+
1
)
j

)

!

 

α
j

\widehat {I}_k(\alpha )=\sum _{j=0}^\infty \frac {\bigl ((8k+4)j\bigr )!j!}{(2j)!\bigl ((2k+1)j\bigr )!^2 \bigl ((4k+1)j\bigr )!} \ \alpha ^j

\]
is a period of a pencil of curves of genus

3
k
+
1

3k+1

. We prove that the function

I
^

k

\widehat {I}_k

is a generating function of Gromov–Witten invariants of the family of anticanonical del Pezzo hypersurfaces

X
=

X

8
k
+
4

⊂

P

(
2
,
2
k
+
1
,
2
k
+
1
,
4
k
+
1
)

X=X_{8k+4} \subset \mathbb {P}(2,2k+1,2k+1,4k+1)

. Thus, the pencil is a Landau–Ginzburg mirror of the family. The surfaces

X
X

were first constructed by Johnson and Kollár. The feature of these surfaces that makes our mirror construction especially interesting is that

|

−

K
X

|

=

|

O

X

(
1
)

|

=
∅

|-K_X|=|\mathcal {O}_X (1)|=\varnothing

. This means that there is no way to form a Calabi–Yau pair

(
X
,
D
)

(X,D)

out of

X
X

and hence there is no known mirror construction for

X
X

other than the one given here. We also discuss the connection between our construction and work of Beukers, Cohen and Mellit on hypergeometric functions.
Peroxisomes exhibit compromised structure and matrix protein content in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells
Authors: Knoblach Barbara , Ishida Ray , Hobman Tom C. , Rachubinski Richard A.
Published: May 2021

Peroxisomes are central to mounting an antiviral response. We show that infection of cells by SARS-CoV-2 compromises peroxisome structure and matrix protein content. Inactivation of peroxisome-mediated antiviral signaling by disruption of peroxisomes may be a key strategy by which SARS-CoV-2 circumvents a primary defense mechanism against it.
Proposed guidance on cost-avoidance studies in pharmacy practice
Authors: Patanwala Asad E , Narayan Sujita W , Haas Curtis E , Abraham Ivo , Sanders Arthur , Erstad Brian L
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Cost-avoidance studies of pharmacist interventions are common and often the first type of study conducted by investigators to quantify the economic impact of clinical pharmacy services. The purpose of this primer is to provide guidance for conducting cost-avoidance studies pertaining to clinical pharmacy practice.

Cost-avoidance studies represent a paradigm conceptually different from traditional pharmacoeconomic analysis. A cost-avoidance study reports on cost savings from a given intervention, where the savings is estimated based on a counterfactual scenario. Investigators need to determine what specifically would have happened to the patient if the intervention did not occur. This assessment can be fundamentally flawed, depending on underlying assumptions regarding the pharmacists’ action and the patient trajectory. It requires careful identification of the potential consequence of nonaction, as well as probability and cost assessment. Given the uncertainty of assumptions, sensitivity analyses should be performed. A step-by-step methodology, formula for calculations, and best practice guidance is provided.

Conclusions

Cost-avoidance studies focused on pharmacist interventions should be considered low-level evidence. These studies are acceptable to provide pilot data for the planning of future clinical trials. The guidance provided in this article should be followed to improve the quality and validity of such investigations.
There is no tenable notion of global metainferential validity
Authors: Golan Rea
Published: May 2021

The use of models to assign truth values to sentences and to counterexemplify invalid inferences is a basic feature of model theory. Yet sentences and inferences are not the only phenomena that model theory has to take care of. In particular, the development of sequent calculi raises the question of how metainferences are to be accounted for from a model-theoretic perspective. Unfortunately there is no agreement on this matter. Rather, one can find in the literature two competing model-theoretic notions of metainferential validity, known as the ‘global’ notion and the ‘local’ notion. In this article, I argue that, given certain plausible considerations about metainferential validity, the global notion collapses into the local notion.
Susceptibility to Xylella fastidiosa and functional xylem anatomy in Olea europaea: revisiting a tale of plant–pathogen interaction
Authors: Petit Giai , Bleve Gianluca , Gallo Antonia , Mita Giovanni , Montanaro Giuseppe , Nuzzo Vitale , Zambonini Dario , Pitacco Andrea
Published: May 2021

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited bacterium causing the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome, which is currently devastating the agricultural landscape of Southern Italy. The bacterium is injected into the xylem vessels of leaf petioles after the penetration of the insect vector’s stylet. From here, it is supposed to colonize the xylem vasculature moving against water flow inside conductive vessels. Widespread vessel clogging following the bacterial infection and causing the failure of water transport seemed not to fully supported by the recent empirical xylem anatomical observations in infected olive trees. We tested the hypothesis that the higher susceptibility to the X. fastidiosa’s infection in Cellina di Nardò compared with Leccino is associated to the higher vulnerability to air embolism of its larger vessels. Such hypothesis is motivated by the recognized ability of X. fastidiosa in degrading pit membranes and also because air embolism would possibly provide microenvironmental conditions more favourable to its more efficient aerobic metabolism. We revised the relevant literature on bacterium growth and xylem physiology, and carried out empirical field, mid-summer measurements of xylem anatomy and native embolism in olive cultivars with high (Cellina di Nardò) and low susceptibility (Leccino) to the infection by X. fastidiosa. Both cultivars had similar shoot mass traits and vessel length (~80 cm), but the highly susceptible one had larger vessels and a lower number of vessels supplying a given leaf mass. Native air embolism reduced mean xylem hydraulic conductance by ~58 % (Cellina di Nardò) and ~38 % (Leccino). The higher air-embolism vulnerability of the larger vessels in Cellina di Nardò possibly facilitates the X. fastidiosa’s infection compared to Leccino. Some important characteristics of the vector–pathogen–plant interactions still require deep investigations acknowledging both the pathogen metabolic pathways and the biophysical principles of xylem hydraulics.
3DBionotes COVID-19 edition
Authors: Macias Jose Ramon , Sanchez-Garcia Ruben , Conesa Pablo , Ramirez-Aportela Erney , Martinez Gonzalez Marta , Wert-Carvajal Carlos , Parra-Perez Alberto M , Segura Mora Joan , Horrell Sam , Thorn Andrea , Sorzano Carlos O S , Carazo Jose Maria
Published: May 2021

The web platform 3DBionotes-WS integrates multiple web services and an interactive web viewer to provide a unified environment in which biological annotations can be analyzed in their structural context. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, new structural data from many viral proteins have been provided at a very fast pace. This effort includes many cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies, together with more traditional ones (X-rays, NMR), using several modeling approaches and complemented with structural predictions. At the same time, a plethora of new genomics and interactomics information (including fragment screening and structure-based virtual screening efforts) have been made available from different servers. In this context, we have developed 3DBionotes-COVID-19 as an answer to: (i) the need to explore multiomics data in a unified context with a special focus on structural information and (ii) the drive to incorporate quality measurements, especially in the form of advanced validation metrics for cryo-EM.

Availability and implementation

https://3dbionotes.cnb.csic.es/ws/covid19.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Loss of Mafb and Maf distorts myeloid cell ratios and disrupts fetal mouse testis vascularization and organogenesis†
Authors: Li Shu-Yun , Gu Xiaowei , Heinrich Anna , Hurley Emily G , Capel Blanche , DeFalco Tony
Published: May 2021

Testis differentiation is initiated when Sry in pre-Sertoli cells directs the gonad toward a male-specific fate. Sertoli cells are essential for testis development, but cell types within the interstitial compartment, such as immune and endothelial cells, are also critical for organ formation. Our previous work implicated macrophages in fetal testis morphogenesis, but little is known about genes underlying immune cell development during organogenesis. Here, we examine the role of the immune-associated genes Mafb and Maf in mouse fetal gonad development, and we demonstrate that deletion of these genes leads to aberrant hematopoiesis manifested by supernumerary gonadal monocytes. Mafb; Maf double knockout embryos underwent initial gonadal sex determination normally, but exhibited testicular hypervascularization, testis cord formation defects, Leydig cell deficit, and a reduced number of germ cells. In general, Mafb and Maf alone were dispensable for gonad development; however, when both genes were deleted, we observed significant defects in testicular morphogenesis, indicating that Mafb and Maf work redundantly during testis differentiation. These results demonstrate previously unappreciated roles for Mafb and Maf in immune and vascular development and highlight the importance of interstitial cells in gonadal differentiation.
The tree of participation: a new model for inclusive decision-making
Authors: Bell Karen , Reed Mark
Published: May 2021

Community development often involves organizing participatory decision-making processes. The challenge is for this to be meaningful. Participatory decision-making has the potential to increase the transparency, accountability, equity and efficiency with which public administration serves the least privileged in society. However, in practice, it often fails to bring about these outcomes. A number of academics and practitioners have, therefore, theorized how participatory decision-making processes can better empower marginalized groups. By critically reviewing this body of work and empirically grounding the debate in recent practice, we aimed to develop a theoretically rigorous, easily applicable and holistic model of an inclusive participatory decision-making process that can work across a range of contexts. The empirical strand included surveying public engagement practitioners and participants about the participatory events they had organized or attended. These empirical findings were combined with insights from the theoretical literature to devise a new conceptual model of emancipatory, inclusive and empowering participatory decision-making – the ‘Tree of Participation’. The model can be useful to both organizers of participatory processes, as a check for empowering and inclusive practice, and to disadvantaged groups, as a set of expectations and demands when engaging in public decision-making.
Micro grid for All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Madurai
Authors: Palanichamy C , Naveen P
Published: May 2021

In 2018, the Government of India approved the establishment of the New All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Thoppur, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. As the most important amenity for continuing primary care and rescue response is a healthcare facility, a secure electricity supply becomes an imperative necessity. Hence, as the energy supplier for the new AIIMS, Madurai, this paper proposes a microgrid combined with the utility grid. The microgrid consists of a 4-MW photovoltaic system, a 1.8-MW wind-turbine energy-conversion system, a backup diesel generator capable of meeting the forecasted maximum demand and a 1-MW battery energy-storage system. The AIIMS Microgrid will have a service providing a capacity of 20 MVA following integration with the utility grid. The proposed microgrid would be the first attempt at healthcare facilities in India since its first day of work to ensure the availability of electricity. It would have a 9.8% return on investment, a 13.6% internal rate of return and a payback period of 6.75 years once it is operational, as well as an attractive levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of USD 0.07547/kWh. It would provide an environmentally friendly atmosphere by avoiding an annual emission of 6 261 132 kg of carbon dioxide, 27 362 kg of sulphur dioxide and 12 838 kg of nitrogen oxides as compared to power supplied entirely from the utility grid.
Simultaneous Determination of Five Coumarins in Peucedanum Decursivum Radix by UPLC
Authors: Ma Sinan , Li Qian , Feng Yanmei , Chen Yuying , Yu Ping , Ding Xiaoqin
Published: May 2021

Objective

To establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for simultaneous determination of umbelliferonel, nodakenin, psoralen, xanthotoxin and bergapten contents in Peucedanum decursivum Radix.

Methods

The analysis was achieved on a Symmetry®C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm), with acetonitrile and water as the mobile phase in gradient elution mode. The column temperature was maintained at 30°C, with flow rate 1.0 mL·min−1. The injection volume of sample was 10 μL. The ultraviolet detection wavelength was set at the maximum absorption wavelength 325 nm for umbelliferonel and nodakenin, 259 nm for psoralen, xanthotoxin and bergapten, respectively.

Results

The five kinds of coumarins in Peucedanum decursivum Radix were separated well and the linear relation was obtained (R2 ≥ 0.9998). The average recoveries were 101.31, 105.27, 90.85, 106.42 and 90.19%, respectively, with Relative standard deviation (RSD) 3.07, 3.17, 1.62, 2.53 and 4.54%, respectively.

Conclusions

The established method was accurate and feasible, which could be used as the basis of quality control of Peucedanum decursivum Radix.
How Does the Application ofBeauveria bassianaand Compost on Corn Crops Affect the Survival and Genetic Diversity ofPhyllophaga obsoleta(Coleoptera: Melolonthinae)?
Authors: Dávila-Orozco Guillermo , Cruz-Salazar Bárbara , Ruiz-Montoya Lorena
Published: May 2021

The knowledge of the diversity and genetic structure of pest insects under management contributes to the improvement of control strategies. An experiment was run to investigate whether the addition of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) (BB) and compost to soil affects the presence and genetic diversity of adults and larvae of Phyllophaga obsoleta Blanch (Coleoptera: Melolonthinae) larvae in maize crops. We collected adults in and used mating pairs under four treatments (BB, compost, soil, blank). Genetic diversity and structure were determined through five allo/iso-enzymatic loci. Beauveria bassiana affected the presence and mortality of P. obsoleta in the laboratory but not under field conditions. The genetic diversity of P. obsoleta ranged from moderate to high (Ho = 0.26–0.31), with a low genetic differentiation among localities or treatments (Phi < 0.05), indicating high levels of gene flow. Our results showed a weak effect of B. bassiana on P. obsoleta in the field. Still, our laboratory observations suggest that the fungus may be a suitable alternative for biological control.
Direct comparison of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and I in the early differentiation of type 1 vs. type 2 myocardial infarction
Authors: Nestelberger Thomas , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Giménez Maria Rubini , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Ratmann Paul David , Badertscher Patrick , Wildi Karin , Wussler Desiree , Koechlin Luca , Arslani Ketina , Zimmermann Tobias , Freese Michael , Rinderknecht Therese , Miró Òscar , Martin-Sanchez F Javier , Kawecki Damian , Geigy Nicolas , Keller Dagmar , Twerenbold Raphael , Müller Christian ,   for the APACE investigators
Published: May 2021

Aims

To directly compare the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) T vs. hs-cTnI in the early non-invasive differentiation of Type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI) due to plaque rupture and atherothrombosis from Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) due to supply–demand mismatch.

Methods and results

In a prospective multicentre diagnostic study, two independent cardiologists centrally adjudicated the final diagnosis of T1MI vs. T2MI according to the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI), using all available clinical information including cardiac imaging in patients presenting with acute chest pain. Diagnostic accuracy was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). The most extensively validated hs-cTnT-Elecsys and hs-cTnI-Architect assays were measured at presentation, 1 h, and 2 h. Among 5887 patients, 1106 (19%) had a final diagnosis of MI, including 860 (78%) T1MI and 246 (22%) T2MI. The AUC of hs-cTnT-Elecsys to differentiate T1MI from T2MI was moderate and comparable to that provided by hs-cTnI-Architect: hs-cTnT-Elecsys AUC-presentation 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–0.71], AUC-1 h 0.70 (95% CI 0.66–0.74), and AUC-2 h 0.71 (95% CI 0.66–0.75) vs. hs-cTnI-Architect AUC-presentation 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.74), AUC-1 h 0.72 (95% CI 0.68–0.76), and AUC-2 h 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.78), all P = not significant (NS). Similarly, the AUC of absolute changes was moderate and comparable for hs-cTnT-Elecsys and hs-cTnI-Architect (all P = NS). Cut-off concentrations achieving at least 90% specificity for the differentiation of T1MI vs. T2MI were >114 ng/L for hs-cTnT-Elecsys [odds ratio (OR) 4.2, 95% CI 2.7–6.6] and >371 ng/L for hs-cTnI-Architect (OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.6–6.2).

Conclusion

hs-cTnT-Elecsys and hs-cTnI-Architect provided comparable, albeit only moderate, diagnostic accuracy for the early differentiation of T1MI vs. T2MI.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00470587, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00470587.
Right ventricle assessment in patients with pulmonary embolism at low risk for death based on clinical models: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Becattini Cecilia , Maraziti Giorgio , Vinson David R , Ng Austin C C , den Exter Paul L , Côté Benoit , Vanni Simone , Doukky Rami , Khemasuwan Danai , Weekes Anthony J , Soares Thiago Horta , Ozsu Savas , Polo Friz Hernan , Erol Serhat , Agnelli Giancarlo , Jiménez David
Published: May 2021

Aims

 Patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) at low risk for short-term death are candidates for home treatment or short-hospital stay. We aimed at determining whether the assessment of right ventricle dysfunction (RVD) or elevated troponin improves identification of low-risk patients over clinical models alone.

Methods and results

 Individual patient data meta-analysis of studies assessing the relationship between RVD or elevated troponin and short-term mortality in patients with acute PE at low risk for death based on clinical models (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index or Hestia). The primary study outcome was short-term death defined as death occurring in hospital or within 30 days. Individual data of 5010 low-risk patients from 18 studies were pooled. Short-term mortality was 0.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4–1.3]. RVD at echocardiography, computed tomography or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro BNP (NT-proBNP) was associated with increased risk for short-term death (1.5 vs. 0.3%; OR 4.81, 95% CI 1.98–11.68), death within 3 months (1.6 vs. 0.4%; OR 4.03, 95% CI 2.01–8.08), and PE-related death (1.1 vs. 0.04%; OR 22.9, 95% CI 2.89–181). Elevated troponin was associated with short-term death (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.06–7.26) and death within 3 months (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.75–7.74).

Conclusion

  RVD assessed by echocardiography, computed tomography, or elevated BNP/NT-proBNP levels and increased troponin are associated with short-term death in patients with acute PE at low risk based on clinical models. RVD assessment, mainly by BNP/NT-proBNP or echocardiography, should be considered to improve identification of low-risk patients that may be candidates for outpatient management or short hospital stay.
Identification of the MuRF1 Skeletal Muscle Ubiquitylome Through Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Baehr Leslie M , Hughes David C , Lynch Sarah A , Van Haver Delphi , Maia Teresa Mendes , Marshall Andrea G , Radoshevich Lilliana , Impens Francis , Waddell David S , Bodine Sue C
Published: May 2021

MuRF1 (TRIM63) is a muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase and component of the ubiquitin proteasome system. MuRF1 is transcriptionally upregulated under conditions that cause muscle loss, in both rodents and humans, and is a recognized marker of muscle atrophy. In this study, we used in vivo electroporation to determine whether MuRF1 overexpression alone can cause muscle atrophy and, in combination with ubiquitin proteomics, identify the endogenous MuRF1 substrates in skeletal muscle. Overexpression of MuRF1 in adult mice increases ubiquitination of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins, increases expression of genes associated with neuromuscular junction instability, and causes muscle atrophy. A total of 169 ubiquitination sites on 56 proteins were found to be regulated by MuRF1. MuRF1-mediated ubiquitination targeted both thick and thin filament contractile proteins, as well as, glycolytic enzymes, deubiquitinases, p62, and VCP. These data reveal a potential role for MuRF1 in not only the breakdown of the sarcomere but also the regulation of metabolism and other proteolytic pathways in skeletal muscle.
Targeted RNA-seq improves efficiency, resolution, and accuracy of allele specific expression for human term placentas
Authors: Wu Weisheng , Lovett Jennie L , Shedden Kerby , Strassmann Beverly I , Vincenz Claudius
Published: May 2021

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism that results in allele-specific expression (ASE) based on the parent of origin. It is known to play a role in the prenatal and postnatal allocation of maternal resources in mammals. ASE detected by whole transcriptome RNA-seq (wht-RNAseq) has been widely used to analyze imprinted genes using reciprocal crosses in mice to generate large numbers of informative SNPs. Studies in humans are more challenging due to the paucity of SNPs and the poor preservation of RNA in term placentas and other tissues. Targeted RNA-seq (tar-RNAseq) can potentially mitigate these challenges by focusing sequencing resources on the regions of interest in the transcriptome. Here, we compared tar-RNAseq and wht-RNAseq in a study of ASE in known imprinted genes in placental tissue collected from a healthy human cohort in Mali, West Africa. As expected, tar-RNAseq substantially improved the coverage of SNPs. Compared to wht-RNAseq, tar-RNAseq produced on average four times more SNPs in twice as many genes per sample and read depth at the SNPs increased fourfold. In previous research on humans, discordant ASE values for SNPs of the same gene have limited the ability to accurately quantify ASE. We show that tar-RNAseq reduces this limitation as it unexpectedly increased the concordance of ASE between SNPs of the same gene, even in cases of degraded RNA. Studies aimed at discovering associations between individual variation in ASE and phenotypes in mammals and flowering plants will benefit from the improved power and accuracy of tar-RNAseq.
An 11-gene signature for the prediction of systemic recurrences in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cai Jia-Wei , Huang Xiao-Ming , Li Xiao-Lan , Qin Si , Rong Yu-Ming , Chen Xi , Weng Jing-Rong , Zou Yi-Feng , Lin Xu-Tao
Published: May 2021

Background

Prognosis varies among patients within the same colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) stage, indicating the need for reliable molecular markers to enable individualized treatment. This study aimed to investigate gene signatures that can be used for better prognostic prediction of COAD.

Methods

Gene-expression profiles of COAD patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (n = 332) and The Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 431). The relationship between gene signature and relapse-free survival was analysed in the training set (n = 93) and validated in the internal validation set (n = 94) and external validation sets (n = 145 and 431).

Results

Overall, 11 genes (N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 [NDRG1], fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [FLT1], lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP], fatty acid binding protein 4 [FABP4], adiponectin gene [ADIPOQ], angiotensinogen gene [AGT], activin A receptor, type II-like kinase 1 [ACVRL1], CC chemokine ligand 11 [CCL11], cell division cycle 42 [CDC42], T-cell receptor alpha variable 9_2 [TRAV9_2], and proopiomelanocortin [POMC]) were identified by univariable and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. Based on the risk-score model, the patients were grouped into the high-risk or low-risk groups using the median risk score as the cut-off. The area under the curve (AUC) values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence were 0.970, 0.849, and 0.859, respectively. Patients in the high-risk group had significantly poorer relapse-free survival than did those in the low-risk group. The predictive accuracy of the 11-gene signature was proven in the validation sets. Our gene signature showed better predictive performance for 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence than did the other four models.

Conclusions

The 11-gene signature showed good performance in predicting recurrence in COAD. The accuracy of the signature for prognostic classification requires further confirmation.
A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Yan Bin , Ou Houding , Wei Lan , Wang Xiuqin , Yu Xiaofei , Liu Jianfeng , Yang Maofa
Published: May 2021

The moth Ephestia elutella (Hübner), is a storage pest that feeds on tobacco, cacao beans, cereals, dried fruits, and nuts. We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly containing 576.94 Mb using Nanopore long reads (approximately 130×) and Hi-C data (approximately 134×). The final assembly contained 804 scaffolds, with an N50 length of 19.00 Mb, and 94.96% (547.89 Mb) of the assembly was anchored into 31 pseudochromosomes. We masked 58.12% (335.32 Mb) of the genome as repetitive elements, identified 727 noncoding RNAs, and predicted 15,637 protein-coding genes. Gene family evolution and functional enrichment analyses revealed significantly expanded gene families primarily involved in digestion, detoxification, and chemosensation. Strong chromosomal syntenic relationships were also observed among E. elutella, silkworm, and tobacco cutworm. This study could provide a valuable genomic basis for better understanding the biology of E. elutella.
Petro-mineralogical controls on coda attenuation in volcanic rock samples
Authors: Di Martino María Del Pilar , De Siena Luca , Healy David , Vialle Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Seismic attenuation measurements, especially those obtained from coda decay analysis, are becoming a key data source for the characterization of the heterogeneous Earth due to their sensitivity to small-scale heterogeneities. However, the relation between the scattering attenuation measured from coda waves and physical rock properties is still unclear. The goal of this study is to identify the main petrophysical and mineralogical factors controlling coda attenuation in volcanic rocks at the laboratory scale, as a necessary step before modelling seismic waves in real volcanic media. Coda wave attenuation was estimated from ultrasonic S-wave waveforms. To quantify the heterogeneity of the rocks and link them with this attenuation parameter, we performed several categorizations of the pore and grain systems of volcanic samples. Considering that seismic attenuation in rock samples can be modelled using the framework of wave propagation in random media, a statistical analysis of shear wave velocity fluctuations was performed: this analysis gives correlation lengths ranging from 0.09 to 1.20 mm, which represents the length scale of heterogeneity in the samples. The individual evaluation of the pore space and mineral content revealed that the pores of the samples (characterized by large vesicles) have a bigger effect than the grains on the heterogeneity level. We have developed a framework where intrinsic properties of the host rocks drive seismic attenuation by correlating the petro-mineralogical characteristics obtained from image data processing and analysis, with the coda attenuation measured at ultrasonic frequencies. There is conclusive evidence that porosity alone is not the primary controller of coda attenuation: it is also changed by the alteration level (i.e. oxidation, coating of the vesicles, secondary minerals) and the size of grains and pores. Among all the parameters analysed, it appears that the pore space topology is the main contributor to scattering attenuation in the volcanic samples.
Behind the scenes with basophils: an emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Shah Hemali , Eisenbarth Stephanie , Tormey Christopher A , Siddon Alexa J
Published: May 2021

Though basophils were originally viewed as redundant blood ‘mast cells’, the implementation of flow cytometry has established basophils as unique leukocytes with critical immunomodulatory functions. Basophils play an active role in allergic inflammation, autoimmunity, and hematological malignancies. They are distinguishable from other leukocytes by their characteristic metachromatic deep-purple cytoplasmic, round granules. Mature basophils are phenotypically characterized by surface expression of IL-3Rα (CD123); IL-3 drives basophil differentiation, degranulation, and synthesis of inflammatory mediators including type 2 cytokines. Basophil degranulation is the predominant source of histamine in peripheral blood, promoting allergic responses. Basophils serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by secreting IL-4 which supports eosinophil migration, monocyte differentiation into macrophages, B-cell activation, and CD4 T-cell differentiation into Th2 cells. Further, basophilia is a key phenomenon in myeloid neoplasms, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for which it is a diagnostic criterion. Increased circulating basophils, often with aberrant immunophenotype, have been detected in patients with CML and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The significance of basophils’ immunoregulatory functions in malignant and non-malignant diseases is an active area of research. Ongoing and future research can inform the development of immunotherapies that target basophils to impact allergic, autoimmune, and malignant disease states. This review article aims to provide an overview of basophil biology, identification strategies, and roles and dysregulation in diseases.
Internet use, employment performance and the health of Chinese residents
Authors: Yang Kewen
Published: May 2021

Using data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016, this study examines the effects of Internet use on Chinese resident health and the role of employment performance in this process. The results show that Internet use had a significant positive effect on the health of Chinese residents. After addressing potential endogeneity by applying appropriate instrumental variable estimation, the main findings remain robust. Heterogeneity analysis found that the Internet is conducive to improving the health of older, less-educated and female residents, which suggests that the Internet can narrow the health gap of residents with different ages, education levels and genders. Through the analysis of the impact mechanism, it was found that although Chinese residents can improve their health by enhancing their employment performance with the help of the Internet, the mediating effect accounts for <20%, indicating that the role of employment performance in the process of improving the health of Chinese residents through Internet use is very limited. Finally, suggestions are given to promote the healthy development of China via the effects of Internet use.
Use of a Daratumumab-Specific Immunofixation Assay to Assess Possible Immunotherapy Interference at a Major Cancer Center: Our Experience and Recommendations
Authors: Kirchhoff Daniel C , Murata Kazunori , Thoren Katie L
Published: May 2021

Background

The incorporation of monoclonal antibodies, such as daratumumab, into multiple myeloma treatment regimens has led to the issue of false-positive interference in both serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (IF). The Hydrashift assay removes daratumumab interference from IF, allowing for correct interpretation. Here, we retrospectively examined the use of the Hydrashift assay at a large cancer center and provide guidelines on its most appropriate use.

Methods

38 patients with distinct daratumumab peaks on their SPEP were selected and were used to quantify the daratumumab peak on SPEP using the Sebia Phoresis software. A retrospective review of all Hydrashift assays ordered at our institution from July 2018 to March 2020 was performed. Data collected included patient clone type, IF migration patterns, and Hydrashift result. Serial quantification of SPEP results was performed as the corresponding IF transitioned from a true positive to a false positive.

Results

Daratumumab adds a maximum magnitude of 0.20 g/dL on SPEP. Serial SPEP quantification showed IF transitioned from true positive to false positive when M-spikes ranged from 0.09 g/dL to 0.11 g/dL. Over 20 months, our laboratory performed 280 Hydrashift assays on 96 patients, 43/96 of whom had comigrating daratumumab/IgG-K IF bands.

Conclusions

The Hydrashift assay is typically unnecessary in patients with large M-spikes, >0.25 g/dL, regardless of clone type. When patient history is available, we recommend the Hydrashift assay be used in patients with comigrating daratumumab/IgG-K bands with M-spikes of <0.25 g/dL.
Understanding the Relationship Between Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Damage, Varietal Resistance, and Cover Crop Use in Organic Sweetpotato
Authors: Pellegrino Alyssa M , Woodley Alex L , Huseth Anders S
Published: May 2021

North Carolina is the largest producer of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatus L.) in the United States but only a small percentage of total production is organic. Transition to organic sweetpotato production has been limited, in part due to a lack of effective non-chemical strategies to control wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). To help bridge this knowledge gap, this study focused on documenting the relationship between wireworm damage to sweetpotato roots and the use of cover crops, a common way to maintain soil health in organic production. This study also tested a wireworm-resistant variety (Monaco) against the widely cultivated susceptible variety (Covington). Two different field studies were used to test the interaction between cover crops and insect-resistant sweetpotato varieties. We first examined a reduced-till cover crop system where cover crop residue remained on the soil surface when transplanting sweetpotato. The following year, we tested a fully incorporated cover crop system with spring termination and intensive tillage before sweetpotato transplanting. To complement these field studies, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of the wireworm-resistant variety with two susceptible sweetpotato varieties. Results show that varietal resistance had a strong effect on the amount of wireworm damage observed, with susceptible sweetpotato having more direct wireworm damage than the resistant variety. The effect of the cover crop was not found to be significant in any trial. This study provides important context about the role of varietal resistance in organic production and relatively low risk of cover crop use.
Intrapelvic entrapment of sacral nerve roots by abnormal bundles of the piriformis muscle: description of an extra-spinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia
Authors: Sermer Corey , Li Adrienne L K , Fernandes Gustavo L , Ribeiro Augusta M , Polesello Giancarlo , Tokechi Denise , Cancelliere Laura , Lemos Nucelio
Published: May 2021

Piriformis syndrome is a well-known extra-spinal cause of sciatica characterized by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve by variant bundles of the piriformis muscles in the deep gluteal space. In this case series, we describe the entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by a variant bundle of the piriformis muscle originating medially to the sacral foramina, the surgical technique for the laparoscopic treatment of this condition, and the outcomes of the first eight cases treated with this technique. Five female and three male patients presenting with sciatica, pudendal pain and lower urinary tract symptoms underwent a laparoscopic exploration of the intrapelvic portion of the sacral nerve roots and transection of the abnormal piriformis bundle. Surgical technique is demonstrated in the Supplementary Video. Clinical success was achieved in seven of the eight patients, with a reduction of pain numeric rating scale from 8.5 (±1.2; 7–10) pre-operatively to 2.1 (±2.6; 0–7), 1-year following surgery. In conclusion, entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by variant bundles of the piriformis originating medially to the sacral foramina are an extraspinal cause of sciatica, which can be treated though a laparoscopic approach.
Functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts and life stages in an old-growth temperate forest
Authors: Jiang Feng , Jin Guangze
Published: May 2021

Aims

Functional traits are usually used to predict plant demographic rates without considering environmental contexts. However, previous studies have consistently found that traits have low explanatory power for plant demographic rates. We hypothesized that accounting for environmental contexts instead of focusing on traits alone could improve our understanding of how traits influence plant demographic rates.

Methods

We used generalized linear mixed-effect models to analyse the effects of functional traits (related to leaf, stem, seed and whole plant), environmental gradients (soil nutrients, water and elevation) and their interactions on the survival dynamics of 14 133 saplings and 3289 adults in a 9-ha old-growth temperate forest plot.

Important Findings

We found that environmental variables, neighbour crowding and traits alone (i.e. main effects) influenced plant survival. However, the effects of the latter two variables varied between saplings and adults. The trait–environment interactions influenced plant survival, such that resource conservative traits increased plant survival under harsh conditions but decreased survival under mild conditions. The elevational gradient was the most important environmental factor driving these effects in our plot. Our results support the hypothesis that functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts in local communities. These results also imply that one species with limited trait variation cannot occupy all environments, which can promote species diversity.
Strategies for probing absorption and translocation of foliar-applied nutrients
Authors: Otto Rafael , Marques João Paulo Rodrigues , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace
Published: May 2021

This article comments on:

Li C, Wu J, Pax F, Blamey F, Wang L, Zhou L, Paterson DJ, van der En A, Fernández V, Lombi E, Wang Y, Kopittke PM. 2021. Non-glandular trichomes of sunflower are important in the absorption and translocation of foliar-applied Zn. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 5079–5092.
Recognized Investment Exchanges (RIEs) and Recognized Clearing Houses (RCHs)
Authors: Penn Bob , Forzani Alex , Allen & Overy LLP
Published: May 2021

This chapter summarizes and discusses the UK regulatory framework for recognized investment exchanges (RIEs) and recognized clearing houses (RCHs) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). It considers the framework in light of the current and forthcoming European legislation. It also examines the applicability of the framework to RIEs and RCHs in the context of the recast Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II), European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) and the UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit). This chapter outlines the central role of exchanges and clearing houses in the operation of financial markets. It explains that the exchanges offer marketplaces for the trading of financial instruments, provide market data which facilitates trading, and establish standards for the offering of securities, while clearing houses manage the performance of financial contracts between the point of execution and final settlement and mitigating the risk and consequences of default.
Fintech and Financial Markets Infrastructure—A Legal and Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Perkins Joanna
Published: May 2021

This chapter explores the potential and challenges faced by blockchain technology in the context of six key activities: payment services, securities trading, securities clearing, securities settlement, custody, and the trading of derivatives. It describes each of the six key activities and the law as it currently stands, the potential for technological change, and the ways in which the applicable law and regulation might need to be amended or supplemented. It also explains blockchain as a specific application of a technology known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) that relies on peer—to—peer networking, distributed data storage, and cryptography. This chapter refers to both the general technology and the specific application as DLT. It also mentions hash as the immutable cryptographic signature that records transactions in the blockchain.
Regulation and Consolidation of European Markets and Exchanges
Authors: Nobel Peter , Kaempf Markus
Published: May 2021

This chapter puts an emphasis on the regulation of marketed products, conduct of the issuers and operators, and the distribution of financial instruments. It mentions the basic provision on cross—border investment in the European Union (EU) that is found in Art 63 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which guarantees the free movement of capital. It also explains the difference of the freedom of movement of capital from all other economic freedoms provided by TFEU. This chapter describes how market participants from non—EU countries benefit from the freedom of movement of capital, which does not need any implementing legislation at member State level. It also discusses how the freedom of capital movement lays down a general prohibition that goes beyond the mere elimination of unequal treatment on grounds of nationality.