bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectral analysis of the quiescent low-mass X-ray binary in the globular cluster M30
Authors: Echiburú C S , Guillot S , Zhao Y , Heinke C O , Özel F , Webb N A 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
We present a recent Chandra observation of the quiescent low-mass X-ray binary containing a neutron star (NS), located in the globular cluster M30. We fit the thermal emission from the NS to extract its mass and radius. We find no evidence of flux variability between the two observations taken in 2001 and 2017, nor between individual 2017 observations, so we analyse them together to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. We perform simultaneous spectral fits using standard light-element composition atmosphere models (hydrogen or helium), including absorption by the interstellar medium, correction for pile-up of X-ray photons on the detector, and a power law for count excesses at high photon energy. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach, we extract mass and radius credible intervals for both chemical compositions of the atmosphere: $\mbox{$R_{\rm NS}$}=7.94\mbox{{$\scriptstyle ^{ + 0.76}_{- 1.21}$}}$ km and $\mbox{$M_{\rm NS}$}\lt 1.19$ M⊙ assuming pure hydrogen, and $\mbox{$R_{\rm NS}$}=10.50\mbox{{$\scriptstyle ^{ + 2.88}_{- 2.03}$}}$ km and $\mbox{$M_{\rm NS}$}\lt 1.78$ M⊙ for helium, where the uncertainties represent the 90 per cent credible regions. For H, the small radius is difficult to reconcile with most current nuclear physics models (especially for nucleonic equations of state) and with other measurements of NS radii, with recent preferred values generally in the 11–14 km range. Whereas for He, the measured radius is consistent with this range. We discuss possible sources of systematic uncertainty that may result in an underestimation of the radius, identifying the presence of surface temperature inhomogeneities as the most relevant bias. According to this, we conclude that either the atmosphere is composed of He or it is anH atmosphere with a significant contribution of hotspots to the observed radiation.
Peter Pan discs: finding Neverland’s parameters
Authors: Coleman Gavin A L , Haworth Thomas J 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Peter Pan discs are a recently discovered class of long-lived discs around low-mass stars that survive for an order of magnitude longer than typical discs. In this paper, we use disc evolutionary models to determine the required balance between initial conditions and the magnitude of dispersal processes for Peter Pan discs to be primordial. We find that we require low transport (α ∼ 10−4), extremely low external photoevaporation (${\le}10^{-9}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\, {\rm yr^{-1}}$), and relatively high disc masses (&gt;0.25M*) to produce discs with ages and accretion rates consistent with Peter Pan discs. Higher transport (α = 10−3) results in disc lifetimes that are too short and even lower transport (α = 10−5) leads to accretion rates smaller than those observed. The required external photoevaporation rates are so low that primordial Peter Pan discs will have formed in rare environments on the periphery of low-mass star-forming regions, or deeply embedded, and as such have never subsequently been exposed to higher amounts of UV radiation. Given that such an external photoevaporation scenario is rare, the required disc parameters and accretion properties may reflect the initial conditions and accretion rates of a much larger fraction of the discs around low-mass stars.
A memory of eS25 loss drives resistance phenotypes
Authors: Johnson Alex G , Flynn Ryan A , Lapointe Christopher P , Ooi Yaw Shin , Zhao Michael L , Richards Christopher M , Qiao Wenjie , Yamada Shizuka B , Couthouis Julien , Gitler Aaron D , Carette Jan E , Puglisi Joseph D 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In order to maintain cellular protein homeostasis, ribosomes are safeguarded against dysregulation by myriad processes. Remarkably, many cell types can withstand genetic lesions of certain ribosomal protein genes, some of which are linked to diverse cellular phenotypes and human disease. Yet the direct and indirect consequences from these lesions are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we studied in vitro and cellular consequences that follow genetic knockout of the ribosomal proteins RPS25 or RACK1 in a human cell line, as both proteins are implicated in direct translational control. Prompted by the unexpected detection of an off-target ribosome alteration in the RPS25 knockout, we closely interrogated cellular phenotypes. We found that multiple RPS25 knockout clones display viral- and toxin-resistance phenotypes that cannot be rescued by functional cDNA expression, suggesting that RPS25 loss elicits a cell state transition. We characterized this state and found that it underlies pleiotropic phenotypes and has a common rewiring of gene expression. Rescuing RPS25 expression by genomic locus repair failed to correct for the phenotypic and expression hysteresis. Our findings illustrate how the elasticity of cells to a ribosome perturbation can drive specific phenotypic outcomes that are indirectly linked to translation and suggests caution in the interpretation of ribosomal protein gene mutation data.
A universal method for the rapid isolation of all known classes of functional silencing small RNAs
Authors: Grentzinger Thomas , Oberlin Stefan , Schott Gregory , Handler Dominik , Svozil Julia , Barragan-Borrero Veronica , Humbert Adeline , Duharcourt Sandra , Brennecke Julius , Voinnet Olivier 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Diverse classes of silencing small (s)RNAs operate via ARGONAUTE-family proteins within RNA-induced-silencing-complexes (RISCs). Here, we have streamlined various embodiments of a Q-sepharose-based RISC-purification method that relies on conserved biochemical properties of all ARGONAUTEs. We show, in multiple benchmarking assays, that the resulting 15-min benchtop extraction procedure allows simultaneous purification of all known classes of RISC-associated sRNAs without prior knowledge of the samples-intrinsic ARGONAUTE repertoires. Optimized under a user-friendly format, the method – coined ‘TraPR’ for Trans-kingdom, rapid, affordable Purification of RISCs – operates irrespectively of the organism, tissue, cell type or bio-fluid of interest, and scales to minute amounts of input material. The method is highly suited for direct profiling of silencing sRNAs, with TraPR-generated sequencing libraries outperforming those obtained via gold-standard procedures that require immunoprecipitations and/or lengthy polyacrylamide gel-selection. TraPR considerably improves the quality and consistency of silencing sRNA sample preparation including from notoriously difficult-to-handle tissues/bio-fluids such as starchy storage roots or mammalian plasma, and regardless of RNA contaminants or RNA degradation status of samples.
Novel Administration of Clofazimine for the Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Infection
Authors: Valinetz Ethan , Stankiewicz Karita Helen , Pottinger Paul S , Jain Rupali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Clofazimine has demonstrated in vitro activity against many nontuberculous mycobacteria. We present the case of a woman with cystic fibrosis who developed disseminated macrolide-resistant Mycobacterium avium infection following lung transplantation treated in part with clofazimine. We describe the novel administration of clofazimine via gastrostomy tube.
A virtuous circle? The effects of university–industry relationships in a region with low absorptive capacity
Authors: Vega-Jurado Jaider , Manjarrés-Henríquez Liney , Fernández-de-Lucio Ignacio , Naranjo-Africano Gloria 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article examines the effects of university–industry relationships (UIRs) in a Spanish region—Valencian Community—with low absorptive capacity. The analysis considers two effects of UIRs, one on business innovation and the other on the scientific production of academic researchers. The results reveal that UIRs have no significant effects on either firms’ technological innovation or academic scientific production. Therefore, these results suggest that, in territories with low absorptive capacity, UIRs, mainly R&D-based, do not produce the effects found in other contexts, which requires some rethinking about these types of territories.
Lysine (protein) requirements of lactating sows
Authors: Greiner Laura , Srichana Pariat , Usry James L , Neill Casey , Allee Gary L , Connor Joseph , Touchette Kevin J , Knight Christopher D 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the lysine (Lys) requirements of lactating sows. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric 3.46 Mcal ME/kg and met or exceeded National Research Council recommendations. In all studies, sow feed intake, body weight loss/gain, subsequent reproduction, and litter growth rate (LGR) were evaluated. The data were analyzed as randomized complete block design using generalized linear model in SAS with parity as a block. Two hundred and sixty-four primiparous sows (PIC Camborough 22) were randomly allotted to one of five lactation treatments (total Lys of 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.15%, 1.25%, and 1.35%) in Exp. 1 from August 2005 through October 2005. As daily total dietary Lys intake increased from 52.10 to 77.53 g, piglet ADG and daily litter gain linearly improved (P &lt; 0.01). From February 2007 through April 2007, 336 multiparous sows (parity 4 and older, PIC Camborough 29) were randomly allotted to one of five lactation treatments (total Lys 0.85%, 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.15%, or 1.25%) in Exp. 2. As dietary total Lys increased from 0.85% to 1.25% of the diet, there were no significant differences in litter performance, such as ADG, daily litter gain, and the number of pigs weaned. Experiment 3 was conducted from October 2008 through January 2009. Two hundred and seventy-nine primiparous gilts (PIC Camborough 29) were randomly allotted to one of five lactation treatments (total Lys 1.14%, 1.25%, 1.35%, 1.46%, and 1.57%). Actual total Lys intakes increased from 56.74 to 77.12 g/d. Feeding total dietary Lys quadratically decreased (P &lt; 0.01) weaning-to-estrus interval and increased percentage bred by 10 d (P = 0.02). In Exp. 4, 200 sows (parity 4 and older, PIC Camborough 29) were randomly allotted to one of five treatments (0.85%, 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.15%, or 1.25% total Lys) from January 2008 through March 2008. As dietary total Lys increased from 42.40 to 66.15 g/d, sow body weight and LGRs were not influenced by dietary total Lys intakes. In Exp. 5, 324 parity 3 sows (PIC Camborough 29) were randomly allotted to one of five treatments (0.77%, 0.92%, 1.08%, 1.23%, and 1.38% total Lys) from August 2009 through October 2009. As daily dietary total Lys intake increased from 39.44 to 67.32 g, the percentage of sows bred by 10 d increased (P = 0.02), as well as the LGR. A broken-line quadratic regression analysis demonstrated that the total Lys requirement for LGR for parity 1 females is calculated as 72.68 − [6.04 × (3.55 − LGR)] and for parity 3+ females as 92.03 − [11.9 × (4.24 − LGR)].
Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law: The Reinsurer’s Perspective
Authors: Witthoff Eberhard 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The global economic impact of reinsurance has increased significantly in recent years, leading to a desire for more certainty in the legal interpretation of reinsurance contracts as the number of disputes increases. Reinsurance contract wordings are not regulated by any overarching statutory law or regulations, in part due to the transnational nature of most reinsurance business. Additionally, reinsurance contracts have historically been interpreted by applying only general principles of contract law and good faith obligations with a heavy emphasis on the parties practice, usage and custom. This has led to significant uncertainty with respect to reinsurance disputes. The Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law (PRICL), published in 2019, aim to bring certainty to reinsurance contracts by improving wordings and developing widely accepted rules of interpretation.
An audit of uncertainty in multi-scale cardiac electrophysiology models
Authors: Clayton Richard H. , Aboelkassem Yasser , Cantwell Chris D. , Corrado Cesare , Delhaas Tammo , Huberts Wouter , Lei Chon Lok , Ni Haibo , Panfilov Alexander V. , Roney Caroline , dos Santos Rodrigo Weber 
Published: May 2020

Models of electrical activation and recovery in cardiac cells and tissue have become valuable research tools, and are beginning to be used in safety-critical applications including guidance for clinical procedures and for drug safety assessment. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for a more detailed and quantitative understanding of the ways that uncertainty and variability influence model predictions. In this paper, we review the sources of uncertainty in these models at different spatial scales, discuss how uncertainties are communicated across scales, and begin to assess their relative importance. We conclude by highlighting important challenges that continue to face the cardiac modelling community, identifying open questions, and making recommendations for future studies.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Uncertainty quantification in cardiac and cardiovascular modelling and simulation’.
Personalization of electro-mechanical models of the pressure-overloaded left ventricle: fitting of Windkessel-type afterload models
Authors: Marx Laura , Gsell Matthias A. F. , Rund Armin , Caforio Federica , Prassl Anton J. , Toth-Gayor Gabor , Kuehne Titus , Augustin Christoph M. , Plank Gernot 
Published: May 2020

Computer models of left ventricular (LV) electro-mechanics (EM) show promise as a tool for assessing the impact of increased afterload upon LV performance. However, the identification of unique afterload model parameters and the personalization of EM LV models remains challenging due to significant clinical input uncertainties. Here, we personalized a virtual cohort of
N
= 17 EM LV models under pressure overload conditions. A global–local optimizer was developed to uniquely identify parameters of a three-element Windkessel (Wk3) afterload model. The sensitivity of Wk3 parameters to input uncertainty and of the EM LV model to Wk3 parameter uncertainty was analysed. The optimizer uniquely identified Wk3 parameters, and outputs of the personalized EM LV models showed close agreement with clinical data in all cases. Sensitivity analysis revealed a strong dependence of Wk3 parameters on input uncertainty. However, this had limited impact on outputs of EM LV models. A unique identification of Wk3 parameters from clinical data appears feasible, but it is sensitive to input uncertainty, thus depending on accurate invasive measurements. By contrast, the EM LV model outputs were less sensitive, with errors of less than 8.14% for input data errors of 10%, which is within the bounds of clinical data uncertainty.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Uncertainty quantification in cardiac and cardiovascular modelling and simulation’.
Accounting for variability in ion current recordings using a mathematical model of artefacts in voltage-clamp experiments
Authors: Lei Chon Lok , Clerx Michael , Whittaker Dominic G. , Gavaghan David J. , de Boer Teun P. , Mirams Gary R. 
Published: May 2020

Mathematical models of ion channels, which constitute indispensable components of action potential models, are commonly constructed by fitting to whole-cell patch-clamp data. In a previous study, we fitted cell-specific models to hERG1a (Kv11.1) recordings simultaneously measured using an automated high-throughput system, and studied cell-cell variability by inspecting the resulting model parameters. However, the origin of the observed variability was not identified. Here, we study the source of variability by constructing a model that describes not just ion current dynamics, but the entire voltage-clamp experiment. The experimental artefact components of the model include: series resistance, membrane and pipette capacitance, voltage offsets, imperfect compensations made by the amplifier for these phenomena, and leak current. In this model, variability in the observations can be explained by either cell properties, measurement artefacts, or both. Remarkably, by assuming that variability arises exclusively from measurement artefacts, it is possible to explain a larger amount of the observed variability than when assuming cell-specific ion current kinetics. This assumption also leads to a smaller number of model parameters. This result suggests that most of the observed variability in patch-clamp data measured under the same conditions is caused by experimental artefacts, and hence can be compensated for in post-processing by using our model for the patch-clamp experiment. This study has implications for the question of the extent to which cell-cell variability in ion channel kinetics exists, and opens up routes for better correction of artefacts in patch-clamp data.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Uncertainty quantification in cardiac and cardiovascular modelling and simulation’.
Influence of countries adopted policies for COVID-19 reduction under the view of the airborne transmission framework
Authors: Telles Charles Roberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDaily new cases dataset since January 2020 were used to search for evidences of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission as the main nowadays cause of constant infection rates among countries. Despite traditional forms of transmission of this virus (droplets and aerosols in medical facilities), new evidence suggests aerosols forming patterns in the atmosphere as a main factor of community transmission outside medical spaces. Following these findings, this research focused on comparing some countries and the adopted policy used as preventive framework for virus community transmission. Countries social distancing policy aspect, of one to two meters of physical distance, was statistically analyzed from January to early May 2020, and countries were divided into those implementing only social physical distance and those implementing distancing with additional transmission isolation (with masks and city disinfection). Correlating countries social distancing policy adoption with other preventive measures such as social isolation and COVID-19 testing, a new indicator results, derived from SIR models and Weibull parameterization, show that only social physical distance measure could act as a factor for SARS-CoV-2 transmission with respect to atmosphere carrier potential. In this sense, the type of social distancing framework adopted by some countries without additional measures might represent a main model for the constant reproductive spread patterns of SARS-CoV-2 within the community transmission. Finally, the findings have important implications for the policy making to be adopted globally as well as individual-scale preventive methods.
Seminal plasma exosomes evoke calcium signals via the CatSper channel to regulate human sperm function
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Song Dandan , Kang Hang , Zhou Wenwen , Chen Houyang , Zeng Xuhui 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTSeminal plasma exosomes (SPE) have been proposed to regulate intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and sperm function. However, neither the underlying mechanisms by which [Ca2+]i is regulated by SPE nor the physiological and pathological significance of the SPE-evoked calcium signal are fully understood. Here, we successfully isolated and characterized SPE by several methods, including transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking and nanoflow cytometry analysis. Application of SPE dose-dependently increased human sperm [Ca2+]i via extracellular Ca2+influx. The Ca2+influx was mediated by the sperm-specific CatSper channel, because the SPE-elevated [Ca2+]i was suppressed by a CatSper inhibitor, and SPE potentiated the CatSper current in human sperm. The role of CatSper in the SPE-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was further confirmed by the absence of the SPE-induced [Ca2+]i increase and CatSper current in a CatSper-deficient sample. Furthermore, both protein and no-protein components in SPE were shown to contribute to the elevated [Ca2+]i, as well as the hyperactivated motility of human sperm. Interestingly, when sperm were stimulated with exosomes derived from asthenozoospermic semen, the elevation of [Ca2+]i was significantly lower than that by exosomes isolated from normal seminal plasma. The SPE from normal seminal plasma improved the motility of sperm from asthenozoospermic samples. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that SPE modulates Ca2+signaling and human sperm function by activating a CatSper channel. The application of SPE to enhance sperm motility may provide a new clinical avenue for asthenozoospermic men.
Cell-state transitions and collective cell movement generate an endoderm-like region in gastruloids
Authors: Hashmi Ali , Tlili Sham , Perrin Pierre , Martinez-Arias Alfonso , Lenne Pierre-François 
Published: May 2020

AbstractShaping the animal body plan is a complex process that involves the spatial organization and patterning of the different germ layers. Recent advances in live imaging have started to unravel the cellular choreography underlying this process in mammals, however, the sequence of events transforming an unpatterned cell ensemble into structured territories is largely unknown. Here, using gastruloids −3D aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells-we study the formation of one of the three germ layers, the endoderm. We show that the endoderm is generated from an epiblast-like homogeneous state by a three-step mechanism: (i) a loss of E-cadherin mediated contacts in parts of the aggregate leading to the appearance of islands of E-cadherin expressing cells surrounded by cells devoid of E-cadherin, (ii) a separation of these two populations with islands of E-cadherin expressing cells flowing toward the aggregate tip, and (iii) their differentiation into an endoderm population. During the flow, the islands of E-cadherin expressing cells are surrounded by cells expressing T-Brachyury, reminiscent of the process occurring at the primitive streak. Consistent with recent in vivo observations, the endoderm formation in the gastruloids does not require an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, but rather a maintenance of an epithelial state for a subset of cells coupled with fragmentation of E-cadherin contacts in the vicinity, and a sorting process. Our data emphasize the role of signaling and tissue flows in the establishment of the body plan.