bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harvest is associated with the disruption of social and fine‐scale genetic structure among matrilines of a solitary large carnivore
Authors: Frank Shane C. , Pelletier Fanie , Kopatz Alexander , Bourret Audrey , Garant Dany , Swenson Jon E. , Eiken Hans Geir , Hagen Snorre B. , Zedrosser Andreas
Published: November 2020

Harvest can disrupt wildlife populations by removing adults with naturally high survival. This can reshape sociospatial structure, genetic composition, fitness, and potentially affect evolution. Genetic tools can detect changes in local, fine‐scale genetic structure (FGS) and assess the interplay between harvest‐caused social and FGS in populations. We used data on 1614 brown bears, Ursus arctos, genotyped with 16 microsatellites, to investigate whether harvest intensity (mean low: 0.13 from 1990 to 2005, mean high: 0.28 from 2006 to 2011) caused changes in FGS among matrilines (8 matrilines; 109 females ≥4 years of age), sex‐specific survival and putative dispersal distances, female spatial genetic autocorrelation, matriline persistence, and male mating patterns. Increased harvest decreased FGS of matrilines. Female dispersal distances decreased, and male reproductive success was redistributed more evenly. Adult males had lower survival during high harvest, suggesting that higher male turnover caused this redistribution and helped explain decreased structure among matrilines, despite shorter female dispersal distances. Adult female survival and survival probability of both mother and daughter were lower during high harvest, indicating that matriline persistence was also lower. Our findings indicate a crucial role of regulated harvest in shaping populations, decreasing differences among “groups,” even for solitary‐living species, and potentially altering the evolutionary trajectory of wild populations.
Membrane insertion mechanism and molecular assembly of the bacteriophage lysis toxin ΦX174‐E
Authors: Mezhyrova Julija , Martin Janosch , Peetz Oliver , Dötsch Volker , Morgner Nina , Ma Yi , Bernhard Frank
Published: November 2020

The bacteriophage ΦX174 causes large pore formation in Escherichia coli and related bacteria. Lysis is mediated by the small membrane‐bound toxin ΦX174‐E, which is composed of a transmembrane domain and a soluble domain. The toxin requires activation by the bacterial chaperone SlyD and inhibits the cell wall precursor forming enzyme MraY. Bacterial cell wall biosynthesis is an important target for antibiotics; therefore, knowledge of molecular details in the ΦX174‐E lysis pathway could help to identify new mechanisms and sites of action. In this study, cell‐free expression and nanoparticle technology were combined to avoid toxic effects upon ΦX174‐E synthesis, resulting in the efficient production of a functional full‐length toxin and engineered derivatives. Pre‐assembled nanodiscs were used to study ΦX174‐E function in defined lipid environments and to analyze its membrane insertion mechanisms. The conformation of the soluble domain of ΦX174‐E was identified as a central trigger for membrane insertion, as well as for the oligomeric assembly of the toxin. Stable complex formation of the soluble domain with SlyD is essential to keep nascent ΦX174‐E in a conformation competent for membrane insertion. Once inserted into the membrane, ΦX174‐E assembles into high‐order complexes via its transmembrane domain and oligomerization depends on the presence of an essential proline residue at position 21. The data presented here support a model where an initial contact of the nascent ΦX174‐E transmembrane domain with the peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase domain of SlyD is essential to allow a subsequent stable interaction of SlyD with the ΦX174‐E soluble domain for the generation of a membrane insertion competent toxin.
Specimen type effect on measured low‐temperature fracture toughness of asphalt concrete
Authors: Shahryari N. , Keymanesh M.R. , Aliha M.R.M.
Published: November 2020

Mode I fracture resistance of two asphalt mixtures (control and modified with low‐density polyethylene [LDPE] as binder additive) was studied experimentally and theoretically. The fracture toughness experiments were conducted on edge notch disc bend, edge notch disc compression and semi‐circular bend configurations under two loading rates and two low temperatures. The fracture resistance was increased by increasing the loading rate, reducing the test temperature and adding the LDPE additive. A discrepancy due to the influence of specimen geometry and its loading type was also observed on the measured critical stress intensity factors, demonstrating the effect of specimen type on mode I fracture behaviour. By considering the maximum normal strain value as constant material property and taking into account the effect ofT‐stress, the fracture toughness value for any of the investigated mode I samples was estimated in terms of the fracture results of the other specimens.
Women and the weight of a pandemic: A survey of four Western US states early in the Coronavirus outbreak
Authors: Raile Amber N. W. , Raile Eric D. , Parker David C. W. , Shanahan Elizabeth A. , Haines Pavielle
Published: November 2020

In the initial months of the COVID‐19 outbreak in the United States, people struggled to adjust to the new normal. The burden of managing changes to home and work life seemed to fall disproportionately to women due to the nature of women's employment and gendered societal pressures. We surveyed residents of four western states in the first months of the outbreak to compare the experiences of women and men during this time. We found that women were disproportionately vulnerable to workplace disruptions, negative impacts on daily life, and increased mental load. Women with children and women who lost their jobs were particularly impacted. These results contribute to the growing body of findings about the disproportionate impacts of crises on women and should inform organizational and government policies to help mitigate these impacts and to enhance societal resilience in future emergencies.
Rheological and equilibrium properties of milk proteins and tara gum mixtures
Authors: Huamaní‐Meléndez Víctor J. , Barragán‐Condori Melquiades , Mauro Maria Aparecida , Darros‐Barbosa Roger
Published: November 2020

The stability of aqueous purified tara gum (TG) mixtures with sodium caseinate (NaCas) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) was investigated. Phase diagram of TG–milk proteins mixtures was obtained by measuring the sedimented fraction or the rheological parameters. The rheological behaviour was also evaluated as function of NaCas and WPC concentration, considering the zero‐shear rate viscosity and the relaxation time as response variables. The rheological parameters were determined by rotational rheometry. The studied solutions presented a meta‐stable condition provided by the increase in viscosity, while mixtures with NaCas at low TG concentrations sedimentation by volume exclusion occurred. The rheological behaviour of NaCas and WPC aqueous solutions approached the Newtonian and shear‐thickening model, respectively. The mixtures with TG showed a pseudoplastic behaviour, approaching the Cross model. The results indicated interaction between TG and the studied proteins, expressed by an increase of zero‐shear viscosity and the relaxation time at higher gum concentration.
Shelf life of cashew nut kernels packed in banana starch‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Tibolla Heloisa , Feltre Gabriela , Sartori Tanara , Czaikoski Aline , Pelissari Franciele M. , Menegalli Florencia C. , Cunha Rosiane L.
Published: November 2020

Starch‐based films incorporated with cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) were tested as packaging to improve the stability of cashew nut kernels (CNKs). CNKs were conditioned in four packings: commercial polyethylene film (PEF), starch film (CF), nanocomposite CHF (starch + CNFs from chemical hydrolysis) and nanocomposite EHF (starch + CNFs from enzymatic hydrolysis). Effect of the packaging methods on peroxides value (POV), acidity value (AV), weight gain (WG), water activity (Aw), hardness and colour properties of the CNKs was investigated. CNKs packed with CHF and EHF showed lower POV (0.91 and 0.92 meqperoxide/kgsample, respectively) after 21 days of storage than other packed (1.07–1.13 meqperoxide/kgsample) and unpacked samples (1.32 meqperoxide/kgsample). CNKs packaged with nanocomposites presented similar WG to samples packaged with PEF and lower values than unpackaged CNKs. Biodegradable nanocomposites films showed potential to be used as packaging for food product, being an effective material for extending oilseeds shelf life.
Prospective evaluation of two specific IgG immunoassays (HemosIL® AcuStar HIT‐IgG and HAT45G®) for the diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Jousselme Emilie , Guéry Eve‐Anne , Nougier Christophe , Sobas Frédéric , Rollin Jérôme , Gruel Yves , Vayne Caroline , Pouplard Claire
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The accurate diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is essential to ensure adequate treatment and prevent complications. First step diagnosis test are immunoassays including enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and rapid immunoassays.

Methods

Using a Bayesian approach, we prospectively evaluated the performance of the IgG PF4/polyvinylsulfonate ELISA and a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), which are specific for IgG and use the same antigenic target to detect HIT antibodies.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐four 184 consecutive patients with an intermediate (n = 159) or high (n = 25) clinical pretest probability of HIT based on the 4Ts score or platelet pattern were included. Both immunoassays (IAs) were performed on all 184 samples, and definite HIT was confirmed with a positive serotonin release assay in 29 patients (12.7%). The sensitivity (Ss) and negative predictive value (NPV) of ELISA were excellent (100%) allowing HIT to be excluded with good confidence when the test was negative. In addition, the Ss and NPV of the CLIA equalled 93.1% and 98.6%, respectively, as it was negative in two definite HIT. When the CLIA was negative, the post‐test probability of HIT was 0.7% in case of intermediate risk. Although there was excellent agreement between CLIA and ELISA results, the quantitative values provided by the two IAs were not correlated.

Conclusion

AcuStar HIT® detects more than 90% of HIT, as do all rapid IAs, and appears to be a good tool for excluding HIT when the pretest probability is intermediate. A chemiluminescent signal higher than 10 IU/mL is highly predictive of definite HIT with a PPV of 100%.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Life and Work of Desmond Tutu
Authors: Maluleke Tinyiko
Published: November 2020

This article explores how mission, forgiveness, and reconciliation have shaped the ministry and work of Desmond Tutu. As much as space permits, it tries to glean the ways in which Tutu has lived out his understanding of mission, forgiveness, and reconciliation in his various roles as lecturer of theology, as Africa director of the Theological Education Fund of the World Council of Churches, as the general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, as president of the All Africa Conference of Churches, as archbishop of Cape Town, and more recently as chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Through a close reading of seminal publications, the article will attempt to draw as complete a picture as possible of his views on forgiveness and reconciliation. To conclude, the essay shall refer to the work of Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice.
Christ's Love as the Basis of the Church's Faith Witness to Muslims
Authors: Wrogemann Henning
Published: November 2020

According to the Christian view, the essence of the triune God is revealed in the relational event between God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible says of this God, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). By way of example, the article explores “God's love” to show that the Qur'an's conception of God is incompatible with key tenets of the New Testament. Thus, when keeping both conceptions of God in view, we cannot speak of one and the same God. Now what does this mean for the pursuit of conciliatory relations between Christians and Muslims? Which relational paradigms need to be kept in mind?

After reflecting on the concepts of neighbourliness, companionship, and hospitality, the article goes on to trace the conceptual outlines of Christian mission as a mission of God's love (missio amoris Dei). Its hypothesis is that a characteristically Christian conception of God can supply useful motifs for appreciative and conciliatory actions by Christians toward Muslims. Finally, the author proposes a theology of interreligious relations (which he has elaborated upon elsewhere) as an alternative approach to conventional theologies of religion.
Quantifying individual and interactive effects of elevated temperature and drought stress on cotton yield and fibre quality
Authors: Gao Min , Xu Bingjie , Wang Youhua , Zhou Zhiguo , Hu Wei
Published: November 2020

The individual effect of high temperatures or water‐deficit stress on cotton has been studied extensively; however, their combined effects were less studied. To that end, an experiment was imposed with a heat‐sensitive (Sumian 15) and a heat‐tolerant (PHY370WR) cultivar in 2016–2018 and two temperature regimes including ambient temperature (AT, 31.0/26.4°C) and elevated temperature (ET, 33.4/28.9°C), and three soil relative water content (SRWC) levels including (75 ± 5)%, (60 ± 5)% and (45 ± 5)% were performed. Results showed that the decline in boll number was the primary driver of yield loss, while the decreases in boll weight minimally impacted yield under drought and combined treatments. Besides, elevated temperature and drought stress performed significant interactions on boll weight (except in 2018) and seed cotton yield (except for Sumian 15 in 2017). Specifically, seed cotton yield was reduced by 23%–35% in Sumian 15 and by 8%–13% in PHY370WR under ET60(ET with SRWC (60 ± 5)%), while the reduction was 44%–54% in Sumian 15 and 37%–43% in PHY370WR under ET45(ET with SRWC (45 ± 5)%), which produced lower yields than any other treatment combination or any single abiotic stress factor. Furthermore, significant interactions between the two stresses were observed in fibre length of Sumian 15 and strength (except for PHY370WR in 2018) and micronaire (except for Sumian 15 in 2017 and for PHY370WR in 2018) of both cultivars. Elevated temperature exacerbated the negative impacts of drought on fibre length but offset them on fibre strength and micronaire. Finally, the economic benefit among different treatments was evaluated. Compared to the control, ET45suffered the biggest economic loss by 2,536.7 USD ha−2in Sumian 15 and by 2,167.8 USD ha−2in PHY370WR, respectively. Quantifying the interactive effects of drought and elevated temperature on cotton yield and fibre quality should allow researchers to better understand the economic implications of these two stresses which often occur concurrently under field conditions.
Feeling of grief and loss in parental caregivers of adults diagnosed with intellectual disability
Authors: Fernández‐Ávalos María Inmaculada , Pérez‐Marfil María Nieves , Ferrer‐Cascales Rosario , Cruz‐Quintana Francisco , Fernández‐Alcántara Manuel
Published: November 2020

Background

The diagnosis of intellectual disability in children can produce complex grief‐related feelings in their parents. Previous studies have focused on the moment of the diagnosis or the early life of the children, and little research has been conducted on their feelings of grief in adulthood. The objective was to analyse the process of grief/loss in parents of adult offspring with intellectual disability.

Method

The intentional sampling included sixteen parents who responded to semi‐structured interviews. A qualitative study was conducted based on grounded theory.

Results

Five categories were identified: “Reception of the diagnosis”, “Emotional bonds with the child”, “Experience of loss and feelings in response to intellectual disability diagnosis”, “Recurrent grief” and “Coping strategies”.

Conclusions

Recurring feelings of loss experienced by parents in relation to their child's diagnosis persist over time. Specialized emotional interventions are needed to help parents to reduce the intensity of their feelings of grief.
Kids helping kids: The lived experience of adolescents who support friends with mental health needs
Authors: Roach Ashley , Thomas Sandra P. , Abdoli Samereh , Wright Megan , Yates Andria L.
Published: November 2020

Problem

Adolescent mental health is a significant health care issue. Friends play an important role in the lives of adolescents with mental health concerns and help to improve outcomes related to depression and suicide. However, little is known about the experiences of adolescents who help their friends with these concerns.

Methods

A phenomenological research design involving unstructured interviews was used to answer the question: what is the lived experience of adolescents who provide support to friends with anxiety, depression, or who express suicidal ideation?” Participants for this study were aged 16–17 and included both males (n = 2) and females (n = 3).

Findings

Participants described their experience as “Kids Helping Kids” which is defined by the following themes: Being Fearful, Maintaining Vigilance, Seeking Knowledge, Keeping Secrets, Involving Others, Setting Boundaries, and Feeling Honored.

Conclusion

Helping a friend with mental health concerns can be challenging yet rewarding. Nurses should be aware of this role that some adolescents undertake and include the friends of adolescents with mental health concerns as part of plans of care.
Analysis of the development and structural drivers of raw‐material use in Germany
Authors: Pfaff Matthias , Walz Rainer
Published: November 2020

In orderto reduce the negative consequences of raw‐material extraction, it is necessary to accurately report raw‐material use and to understand its drivers in society. In this study, we conduct a multi‐regional environmentally extended input–output analysis of Germany's past raw‐material use. We then perform a two‐stage structural decomposition analysis (SDA) of the development of material use in order to identify the main drivers. Although input‐based indicators of Germany's raw‐material use, which also include the material footprint of exports, show slight upward trends between 1995 and 2011, consumption‐based indicators have remained relatively steady in that time frame. On the one hand, this suggests a relative decoupling of Germany's domestic consumption from material use. On the other hand, exports, which contribute significantly to Germany's value‐added creation, have driven up input‐based indicators. The first stage of the SDA reveals that the material intensity of raw‐material provision would have by itself decreased Germany's raw‐material consumption (RMC), whereas changes in the structure of the global economy and in Germany's final demand would have increased it. The second stage of the decomposition reveals that the positive contributions to Germany's RMC are in large part due to shifts toward internationally sourced intermediate and final goods and an overall increase in the level of final demand in Germany.
Vertical or horizontal scalp mobility: What to assess
Authors: Mohmand Mohammad Humayun , Ahmad Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Background

Scalp is comprised of five layers namely skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose areolar tissue, and periosteum, each having distinct characteristics. The scalp mobility plays an important role in scalp wound closure. Thus, the estimation of scalp mobility is necessary to obtain a tension‐free closure and fine scar in hair restoration surgery.

Aims

To know the difference of available number of FUs while using two different scalp mobility methods, that is, horizontal vs vertical methods.

Patients/Methods

The study was conducted in a private hair restoration clinic in the patients undergoing surgery after taking informed consent from all the patients. Any patient with a previous scalp surgery was excluded. The horizontal mobility was calculated using Mayer’s method, and the vertical mobility was calculated using Mohmand 7 Ahmad’s method on the same areas. All the data were recorded and analyzed statistically using Mann‐Whitney test.

Results

A total of 15 patients were included in the study. The average length of the strip was 24.7 cm (range; 20‐29 cm) with hair density of 138.1 cm2 (range; 114‐195.7 cm2). The average strip width was found to be 17.1 mm by using horizontal mobility scale and 19.6 mm by using vertical scalp mobility. The horizontal scale resulted in average strip area of 42.0 cm2 as compared to average area of 49.1 cm2 by using vertical scale. The average number of hair by horizontal scale was calculated to be 5792.8 hairs and 6762.5 hairs by using vertical mobility scale (P < .05). The average number of more hair to be available by using vertical scale was 969.7.

Conclusion

The vertical scale resulted in more number of hair from the donor strip in the same patient.
Cervical Carotid Artery Dolichoectasia as a Marker of Increased Vascular Risk
Authors: Khasiyev Farid , Gutierrez Jose
Published: November 2020

Cervical carotid artery (cCA) dolichoectasia (DE) is characterized by elongation, tortuosity, and/or dilatation. The prevalence of cCA DE has been reported 13‐31% in population‐based and 14‐58% in hospital‐based studies. The exact mechanisms of this aberrant arterial remodeling are unknown. Although atherosclerosis has often been implicated, the evidence has conflicting results that would support atherosclerosis as the underlying pathology. Actually, other nonatherosclerotic mechanisms related to connective tissue remodeling may play a role. Such mechanism is supported by epidemiological evidence that cCA DE is associated with carotid dissections. Similarly, cCA DE has been associated with vascular risk factors, but inconsistently. Fewer studies have evaluated the risk of vascular events in people with cCA DE. Cross‐sectionally, cCA DE is associated with cerebrovascular disease, including white matter hyperintensities, lacunar stroke, and stroke overall. The often‐conflicting results may in part be due to the heterogeneity of the population studies and variable definitions used. Preferential use of objective measure of cCA DE, such as carotid length, is advisable, and may help comparing result among different studies. Prospectively, people with cCA DE have a higher risk of vascular events, although it is uncertain if the risk of stroke is also higher in this population. In the absence of alternative stroke etiologies, stroke patients with cCA DE should be considered to have had a cryptogenic stroke and treated with daily antiplatelet therapy. Further population‐based studies are needed to clarify whether specific therapies may be implement to reduce the risk of events among people with cCA DE.
Melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum in cats: 10 cases (2004–2019)
Authors: Reck A. , Kessler M.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To better characterise signalment, biologic behaviour, and treatment outcome in melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum in cats.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study in cats diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed melanocytic tumours on the nasal planum.

Results

Ten cats were identified with melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum. Pigmentation of the nasal planum seemed to be a predisposing factor. Seven cats were diagnosed histopathologically with a malignant melanoma, three with a benign melanocytoma. One of the cats developed a lymph node metastasis despite diagnosis of a well‐differentiated melanocytic neoplasia. In four cases, a pigmented mass, which was initially stable over a long time, showed a sudden rapid progression suggesting malignant transformation. Treatments included hypofractionated radiation therapy (n = 6) and surgical resection (n = 1). In three cats no further treatment was pursued. Complete (n = 3) and partial (n = 3) remissions were observed in cats treated with radiation therapy; however, all experienced tumour progression or recurrence after a short period of time. Most of the cats (n = 7) had to be euthanased due to tumour progression (median survival time: 265 days).

Clinical Significance

The present case series provides insights in clinical presentation and clinical outcomes of cats with melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum.
Identifying Children with Persistent Developmental Dyscalculia from a 2‐min Test of Symbolic and Nonsymbolic Numerical Magnitude Processing
Authors: Bugden S. , Peters L. , Nosworthy N. , Archibald L. , Ansari D.
Published: November 2020

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a mathematical learning disability that occurs in around 5%–7% of the population. At present, there are only a handful of screening tools to identify children that might be at risk of developing DD. The present study evaluated the classification accuracy of one such tool: The Numeracy Screener, a 2‐min test of symbolic (Arabic numerals) and nonsymbolic (dot arrays) discrimination ability. A sample of 222 children who demonstrated persistent deficits (n = 55), inconsistent deficits (n = 51), or typical performance (n = 116) on standardized tests of math achievement over multiple observations was tested. The Numeracy Screener correctly classified children in all three groups. Notably, the symbolic condition has greater sensitivity in discriminating children with persistent DD from the other two groups. Screening tools that assess early numeracy skills may be promising for identifying children at risk for developing severe mathematical difficulties.
The conserved aromatic residue W122 is a determinant of potyviral coat protein stability, replication, and cell‐to‐cell movement in plants
Authors: Yan Zhi‐Yong , Cheng De‐Jie , Liu Ling‐Zhi , Geng Chao , Tian Yan‐Ping , Li Xiang‐Dong , Valkonen Jari P. T.
Published: November 2020

Coat proteins (CPs) play critical roles in potyvirus cell‐to‐cell movement. However, the underlying mechanism controlling them remains unclear. Here, we show that substitutions of alanine, glutamic acid, or lysine for the conserved residue tryptophan at position 122 (W122) in tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV) CP abolished virus cell‐to‐cell movement in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. In agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana leaf patches, both the CP and RNA accumulation levels of three W122 mutant viruses were significantly reduced compared with those of wild‐type TVBMV, and CP accumulated to a low level similar to that of a replication‐deficient mutant. The results of polyprotein transient expression experiments indicated that CP instability was responsible for the significantly low CP accumulation levels of the three W122 mutant viruses. The substitution of W122 did not affect CP plasmodesmata localization or virus particle formation; however, the substitution significantly reduced the number of virus particles. The wild‐type TVBMV CP could complement the reduced replication and abolished cell‐to‐cell movement of the mutant viruses. When the codon for W122 was mutated to that for a different aromatic residue, phenylalanine or tyrosine, the resultant mutant viruses moved systemically and accumulated up to 80% of the wild‐type TVBMV level. Similar results were obtained for the corresponding amino acids of W122 in the watermelon mosaic virus and potato virus Y CPs. Therefore, we conclude that the aromatic ring in W122 in the core domain of the potyviral CP is critical for cell‐to‐cell movement through the effects on CP stability and viral replication.
miR169c‐NFYA‐C‐ENOD40 modulates nitrogen inhibitory effects in soybean nodulation
Authors: Xu Hanyu , Li Yanjun , Zhang Kefei , Li Mingjia , Fu Siyuan , Tian Yingzhe , Qin Tongfei , Li Xinxin , Zhong Yongjia , Liao Hong
Published: November 2020

Legume crops contribute a great portion of clean nitrogen (N) to agro‐ecosystems through symbiotic N2 fixation in the nodule; however, the nodulation is always inhibited by high N availability which is known as the N inhibitory effect through largely unknown mechanisms.

We functionally investigated miR169c‐GmNFYA‐C‐GmENOD40 under multiple N conditions in soybean (Glycine max) (ENOD, Early Nodulin; NFYA, Nuclear Factor‐Y Subunit A). We elucidated their regulatory roles in soybean nodulation through analyzing expression patterns, micro–messenger RNA (miRNA–mRNA) interactions, phenotypes of transgenic soybean plants and genetic interactions.

We found that miR169c expression was induced by high N, whereas its target GmNFYA‐C was preferentially expressed in nodules and induced by rhizobium inoculation. Overexpression of miR169c inhibited nodulation through targeting 3′‐UTR of GmNFYA‐C, whereas knockout miR169c through CRISPR‐cas9 promoted nodulation. However, overexpression of GmNFYA‐C promoted soybean nodulation through facilitating rhizobium infection and increasing the expression of symbiotic signaling gene GmENOD40. Besides, GmNFYA‐C directly induced the expression of GmENOD40. In addition, overexpression of GmNFYA‐C without the target site of miR169c partially attenuated the inhibitory effect of high N on soybean nodulation.

We discovered a new regulatory pathway involving the miR169c‐NFYA‐C‐ENOD40 module that regulates soybean nodulation in response to N availability. This pathway provides substantial new insights into the mechanisms underlying the N inhibitory effect on nodulation.
Cycling and how to study it: Looking at the New Zealand case
Authors: Latham Alan
Published: November 2020

Cycling has the potential to play a key role in developing environmentally and socially sustainable cities and neighbourhoods in New Zealand. Realising this potential requires understanding how different groups within New Zealand society relate to existing patterns of cycling, and how they might respond to the introduction of a range of new cycling oriented infrastructures. Commenting on articles from the special issue “New research on cycling in New Zealand,” this article argues that human geographers and other social scientists have much to offer policy makers and planners in understanding how a transition to more people oriented, sustainable, urban mobility systems might be fostered.
Adaptive variation and plasticity in non‐structural carbohydrate storage in a temperate tree species
Authors: Blumstein Meghan , Hopkins Robin
Published: November 2020

Trees' total amount of non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) stores and the proportion of these stores residing as insoluble starch are vital traits for individuals living in variable environments. However, our understanding of how stores vary in response to environmental stress is poorly understood as the genetic component of storage is rarely accounted for in studies. Here, we quantified variation in NSC traits in branch samples taken from over 600 clonally transplanted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees grown in two common gardens. We found heritable variation in both total NSC stores and the proportion of stores in starch (H2TNC = 0.19, H2PropStarch = 0.31), indicating a substantial genetic component of variation. In addition, we found high amounts of plasticity in both traits in response to cold temperatures and significant genotype‐by‐environment (GxE) interactions in the total amount of NSC stored (54% of P is GxE). This finding of high GxE indicates extensive variation across trees in their response to environment, which may explain why previous studies of carbohydrate stores' responses to stress have failed to converge on a consistent pattern. Overall, we found high amounts of environmental and genetic variation in NSC storage concentrations, which may bolster species against future climate change.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, HLA‐B*40:468, by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang Linlin , Wang Yan
Published: November 2020

HLA‐B*40:468 showed one nucleotide difference compared to HLA‐B*40:06:01:01 at position 80 (A > C) Histidine to Proline residue 3.
The impact of HIV on hepatocellular cancer survival in Nigeria
Authors: Okeke E. , Mark Davwar P. , Mullen B. , Duguru M. , Agbaji O. , Sagay A. , Murphy R. , Hawkins C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in HIV‐infected individuals. We compared host and tumour characteristics between HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected Nigerians with HCC and examined the impact of HIV on survival.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at Jos University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Nigeria, among adults (>18 years) with HCC enrolled between September 2015 and September 2017 and followed until April 2019. Demographics, tumour characteristics and survival were compared between HCC subjects with and without HIV.

Results

101 (10 HIV‐infected and 91 HIV‐uninfected) subjects were enrolled [male 72%; median age 48 (IQR 35–60)]. 60% HIV‐infected subjects were receiving ART; 90% had CD4 counts ≥ 200/mm3 at HCC diagnosis, and 20% had HIV RNA levels < 20 copies/mL. 57.4% were infected with chronic HBV (HBsAg+). The duration of symptoms was shorter in HIV‐infected vs. HIV‐uninfected subjects [93 (IQR 54–132) vs. 155 (93–248] days; p = 0.02]. At the end of follow‐up, 99 of 101 (98.0%) subjects were confirmed to have died: 9 of 10 (90.0%) HIV‐infected and 90 of 91 (98.9%) HIV‐uninfected. The probability of survival at three months was 22% and 47% in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected subjects, respectively (P = 0.02). Median time to death was significantly shorter in HIV‐infected vs. HIV‐uninfected subjects [24 days (IQR 16–88) vs. 85 days (IQR 34–178), respectively (P = 0.03)].

Conclusions

High early mortality was observed in this cohort of Nigerian adults with HCC. HIV infection was associated with a faster clinical presentation and shorter survival. More aggressive HCC surveillance may be warranted in HIV‐infected subjects, particularly if they are co‐infected with chronic HBV.
Mobilization characteristics, blood graft composition, and outcome in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplantation: Results from the prospective multicenter GOA study
Authors: Partanen Anu , Turunen Antti , Valtola Jaakko , Pyörälä Marja , Vasala Kaija , Kuittinen Outi , Kuitunen Hanne , Penttilä Karri , Keskinen Leena , Kuittinen Taru , Mäntymaa Pentti , Pelkonen Jukka , Varmavuo Ville , Jantunen Esa
Published: November 2020

Background

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common indication for autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT).

Study Design and Methods

This prospective noninterventional study aimed to evaluate the impact of mobilization characteristics and graft cellular content on hematologic recovery and outcome after auto‐SCT among 68 patients with DLBCL.

Results

Better mobilization capacity as manifested by blood CD34+ cell count >32 × 106/L and CD34+ cell yield of the first apheresis >2.75 × 106/kg correlated with faster neutrophil (P = .005 and P = .017) and platelet (P = .002 and P < .001) recovery. A higher number of infused CD34+ cells (> 2.65 × 106/kg) was associated with better 5‐year overall survival (OS; 95% vs 67%, P = .012). The graft CD34+CD133+CD38− cell count >0.07 × 106/kg was predictive of better 5‐year OS (87% vs 63%; P = .008) and higher graft CD3+ cell count (>23.1 × 106/kg) correlated also with better 5‐year OS (80% vs 40%, P = .008). In multivariate analysis only disease status of CR I at auto‐SCT was associated with better progression‐free survival (P = .014) and OS (P = .039).

Conclusion

The mobilization capacity of CD34+ cells impacted on early hematologic recovery in patients with DLBCL after auto‐SCT. Higher graft CD34+ cell count and both CD34+CD133+CD38− and CD3+ cells were also associated with better OS. The effect of optimal graft cellular composition on outcome in DLBCL should be evaluated in a randomized study.
Comparison of ABO isoagglutinin titres by three different methods in group O blood donors
Authors: Pandey Prashant , Setya Divya , Ranjan Shweta , Singh Mukesh Kumar , Singh Manish Kumar
Published: November 2020

Background and aims

Antibody titration by the manual method has certain limitations. The aim of this study was to compare the manual conventional test tube technique (CTT) with semi‐automated, column agglutination technique (CAT) and fully automated haemagglutination/solid‐phase red cell adherence (HA/SPRCA) technology in measuring antibody titres of anti‐A and anti‐B isoagglutinins of blood group O blood donors. The median IgM and IgG antibody titres with 1+, 2+ and 3+ end‐points were determined for each technology, and the agreement and correlation between results of the 3 technologies were evaluated.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective, observational study conducted from October 2018 to March 2020. All consecutive O group blood donors, who donated blood at the Department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary healthcare centre, were included in the study. All samples were consecutively tested by CTT, CAT and HA/SPRCA, and the results were recorded and compared.

Results

A total of 2005 donors were included. Inter‐observer variation was observed in 295 (14.71%) samples by the CTT and in 51 (2.54%) by the CAT. There was 43.4% and 40.3% agreement of anti‐A IgM and IgG titres between CAT (2+ strength) and CTT (1+ strength), respectively. The agreement for anti‐B IgM and IgG titres between CAT (2+ strength) and CTT (1+ strength) was 43.6% and 32%, respectively. While a strong correlation was found between CTT (1+ strength) and CAT (1+, 2+ strengths) for both IgM and IgG measurements of anti‐A and anti‐B isoagglutinins, the correlation between CTT (1+ strength) and HA/SPRCA (1+, 2+ strengths) was found to be weak. The median IgM titres for anti‐A and anti‐B were lower than the median IgG titres.

Conclusion

The antibody titration levels were higher with CAT than with CTT, and those of HA/SPRCA were lower than those of CTT. Transfusion services need to decide which method would provide higher benefit to their patient population.
Grade: incomplete
Authors: Vogel Gretchen , Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: November 2020

As COVID-19 soars in many communities, schools attempt to find ways through the crisis.
Protein storytelling through physics
Authors: Brini Emiliano , Simmerling Carlos , Dill Ken
Published: November 2020

Understanding what drives proteins

Computational molecular physics (CMP) aims to leverage the laws of physics to understand not just static structures but also the motions and actions of biomolecules. Applying CMP to proteins has required either simplifying the physical models or running simulations that are shorter than the time scale of the biological activity. Brini
et al.
reviewed advances that are moving CMP to time scales that match biological events such as protein folding, ligand unbinding, and some conformational changes. They also highlight the role of blind competitions in driving the field forward. New methods such as deep learning approaches are likely to make CMP an increasingly powerful tool in describing proteins in action.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaz3041
Mechanism of protein-guided folding of the active site U2/U6 RNA during spliceosome activation
Authors: Townsend Cole , Leelaram Majety N. , Agafonov Dmitry E. , Dybkov Olexandr , Will Cindy L. , Bertram Karl , Urlaub Henning , Kastner Berthold , Stark Holger , Lührmann Reinhard
Published: November 2020

Splicing machine shifts into gear

Spliceosome activation involves extensive protein exchanges and RNA rearrangements that lead to the formation of a catalytically active U2/U6 RNA structure called B
act
. Previously, little was known about the pathway leading to the U2/U6 active site and how proteins aid in folding the U2/U6 RNA. Using cryo–electron microscopy to determine structures of two human pre-B
act
complexes, Townsend
et al.
uncovered an intricate cascade of coordinated structural changes involving mutually exclusive interactions that facilitate the directionality of the activation process. These structures reveal the assembly pathway of the U2/U6 catalytic RNA and the mechanism whereby proteins facilitate its folding.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc3753
Precise T cell recognition programs designed by transcriptionally linking multiple receptors
Authors: Williams Jasper Z. , Allen Greg M. , Shah Devan , Sterin Igal S. , Kim Ki H. , Garcia Vivian P. , Shavey Gavin E. , Yu Wei , Puig-Saus Cristina , Tsoi Jennifer , Ribas Antoni , Roybal Kole T. , Lim Wendell A.
Published: November 2020

A logic to cell-cell recognition

There has been exciting progress in the field of cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses a patient's own immune system to kill cancer cells. However, achieving precise recognition of cancer cells remains challenging. Cells engineered with synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors bind to specific antigens, and binding induces the expression of defined genes. Williams
et al.
used synNotch modules as transcriptional connectors that daisy-chain together multiple receptors. They engineered T cells that can recognize up to three target antigens expressed on or inside cancer cells and integrated these inputs to achieve NOT, AND, and OR logic. The engineered cells achieved precise recognition of targeted cancer cells.

Science
, this issue p.
1099
Human NLRP1 is a sensor for double-stranded RNA
Authors: Bauernfried Stefan , Scherr Matthias J. , Pichlmair Andreas , Duderstadt Karl E. , Hornung Veit
Published: November 2020

A dsRNA detector in the immune toolkit

Nod-like receptor (NLR) proteins recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns within cells, which triggers the formation of signaling complexes called inflammasomes. These complexes then initiate pyroptosis, a highly inflammatory form of cell death. Recent work has shown that a rhinovirus protease can activate the human NLRP1 inflammasome, but it was unclear whether this is the only pathogen-derived trigger for NLRP1. Bauernfried
et al.
report that long, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) generated in the course of Semliki Forest virus infection binds and activates NLRP1 in epithelial cells. dsRNA binding triggered NLRP1 to acquire adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, a common feature of activated NLR proteins. Thus, in addition to its ability to recognize viral protease activity, human NLRP1 can act as a genuine sensor of virus-associated nucleic acids.

Science
, this issue p.
eabd0811
Mechanism of spliceosome remodeling by the ATPase/helicase Prp2 and its coactivator Spp2
Authors: Bai Rui , Wan Ruixue , Yan Chuangye , Jia Qi , Lei Jianlin , Shi Yigong
Published: November 2020

Remodeling an RNA processing machine

Splicing of precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is carried out by the spliceosome, a highly dynamic, supramolecular complex that undergoes assembly, activation, catalysis, and disassembly. These essential spliceosome remodeling events are driven by a conserved family of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase)/helicases. In the presence of its coactivator Spp2, the ATPase/helicase Prp2 associates with the activated spliceosome and translocates the single-stranded pre-mRNA toward its 3′ end. Bai
et al.
now report the cryo–electron microscopy structures of Prp2 both before and after recruitment into the activated spliceosome. These structures and the associated biochemical analysis reveal how Prp2 remodels the activated spliceosome and how Spp2 safeguards the function of Prp2.

Science
, this issue p.
eabe8863
The development of a family liaison team to improve communication between
intensive care unit patients and their families during the COVID-19
pandemic
Authors: Gabbie Susie , Man Kin , Morgan Gareth , Maity Santanu
Published: November 2020

A family liaison team was developed to improve communication between
intensive care unit patients and their families during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Study to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies for identifying undiagnosed COPD among residents (≥40 years) in four cities in China: protocol for a multicentre cross-sectional study on behalf of the Breathe Well group
Authors: Pan Zihan , Dickens Andrew P , Chi Chunhua , Kong Xia , Enocson Alexandra , Adab Peymane , Cheng Kar Keung , Sitch Alice J , Jowett Sue , Jordan Rachel
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The latest chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) epidemiology survey in China estimated that there were 99 million potential COPD patients in the country, the majority of whom are undiagnosed. Screening for COPD in primary care settings is of vital importance for China, but it is not known which strategy would be the most suitable for adoption in primary care. Studies have been conducted to test the accuracy of questionnaires, expiratory peak flow meters and microspirometers to screen for COPD, but no study has directly evaluated and compared the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these methods in the Chinese setting.

Methods and analysis

We present the protocol for a multicentre cross-sectional study, to be conducted in eight community hospitals from four cities among Chinese adults aged 40 years or older to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different case-finding methods for COPD, and determine the test performance of individual and combinations of screening tests and strategies in comparison with quality diagnostic spirometry. Index tests are screening questionnaires (COPD Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ), COPD Assessment in Primary Care To Identify Undiagnosed Respiratory Disease and Exacerbation Risk Questionnaire (CAPTURE), symptom-based questionnaire, COPD Screening Questionnaire (COPD-SQ)), microspirometer and peak flow. Each participant will complete all of these tests in one assessment. The primary analysis will compare the performance of a screening questionnaire with a handheld device. Secondary analyses will include the comparative performance of each index test, as well as a comparison of strategies where we use a screening questionnaire and a handheld device. Approximately 2000 participants will be recruited over 9 to 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by Peking University Hospital and University of Birmingham. All study participants will provide written informed consent. Study results will be published in appropriate journal and presented at national and international conferences, as well as relevant social media and various community/stakeholder engagement activities.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13357135.