bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting the conformational effects of α-O-GalNAc and α-O-Man glycan protein modifications and their impact on the mucin-like region of alpha-dystroglycan
Authors: Borgert Andrew , Foley B Lachele , Live David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We have carried out a comparative study of the conformational impact of modifications to threonine residues of either α-O-Man or α-O-GalNAc in the context of a sequence from the mucin-like region of α-dystroglycan. Both such modifications can coexist in this domain of the glycoprotein. Solution NMR experiments and molecular dynamics calculations were employed. Comparing the results for an unmodified peptide Ac- PPTTTTKKP-NH2 sequence from α-dystroglycan, and glycoconjugates with either modification on the Ts, we find that the impact of the α-O-Man modification on the peptide scaffold is quite limited, while that of the α-O-GalNAc is more profound. The results for the α-O-GalNAc glycoconjugate are consistent with what has been seen earlier in other systems. Further examination of the NMR-based structure and the MD results suggest a more extensive network of hydrogen bond interactions within the α-O-GalNAc-threonine residue than has been previously appreciated, which influences the properties of the protein backbone. The conformational effects are relevant to the mechanical properties of α-dystroglycan.
Equivariant KK-Theory and the Continuous Rokhlin Property
Authors: Gardella Eusebio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe introduce and study the continuous Rokhlin property for actions of compact groups on $C^*$-algebras. An important technical result is a characterization of the continuous Rokhlin property in terms of asymptotic retracts. As a consequence, we derive strong $KK$-theoretical obstructions to the continuous Rokhlin property. Using these, we show that the Universal Coefficient Theorem (UCT) is preserved under formation of crossed products and passage to fixed point algebras by such actions, even in the absence of nuclearity. Our analysis of the $KK$-theory of the crossed product allows us to prove a ${{\mathbb {T}}}$-equivariant version of Kirchberg–Phillips: two circle actions with the continuous Rokhlin property on Kirchberg algebras are conjugate whenever they are $KK^{{{\mathbb {T}}}}$-equivalent. In the presence of the UCT, this is equivalent to having isomorphic equivariant $K$-theory. We moreover characterize the $KK^{{{\mathbb {T}}}}$-theoretical invariants that arise in this way. Finally, we identify a $KK^{{{\mathbb {T}}}}$-theoretic obstruction to the continuous property, which is shown to be the only obstruction in the setting of Kirchberg algebras. We show by means of explicit examples that the Rokhlin property is strictly weaker than the continuous Rokhlin property.
Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of ridinilazole and six comparators against Chinese, Japanese and South Korean strains of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Collins Deirdre A , Wu Yuan , Tateda Kazuhiro , Kim Hee-Jung , Vickers Richard J , Riley Thomas V 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea in high-income countries. Fluoroquinolone resistance enabled the emergence and intercontinental spread of the epidemic ribotype (RT) 027 strain of C. difficile in the early 2000s. Despite frequent inappropriate antimicrobial use in Asia, RT 027 is rarely isolated in the region, but the often fluoroquinolone- and clindamycin-resistant RT 017 strain predominates.

Objectives
This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ridinilazole, a novel antimicrobial agent with highly specific activity for C. difficile, against clinical strains of C. difficile from Asia.

Methods
C. difficile strains from Japan (n = 64), South Korea (n = 32) and China (n = 44) were tested by the agar dilution method for susceptibility to ridinilazole, metronidazole, vancomycin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin, rifaximin and fidaxomicin.

Results
All strains were susceptible to ridinilazole, with low MICs (0.03–0.25 mg/L). Several strains showed multiresistance profiles, particularly RT 017 (100% clindamycin resistant, 91.3% moxifloxacin resistant, 82.6% rifaximin resistant) and RT 369 (94.4% clindamycin resistant, 100% moxifloxacin resistant). Rifaximin resistance was absent in all strains from Japan. Multiresistance to clindamycin, moxifloxacin and rifaximin was found in 19 RT 017 strains (from China and South Korea), 2 RT 001 strains (South Korea) and 1 RT 046 strain (South Korea).

Conclusions
Ridinilazole showed potent activity against a range of Asian C. difficile strains, which otherwise frequently displayed resistance to several comparator antimicrobial agents. Ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance profiles is required to monitor and control the spread of resistant strains.
Effect of Visual Cues and a Fermentation-Based Attractant Blend on Trap Catch of Two Invasive Drosophila Flies in Berry Crops in Mexico
Authors: Cruz-Esteban Samuel , Garay-Serrano Edith , Rojas Julio C 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDrosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are invasive pests of economic importance worldwide. This study was undertaken as a first step to investigate the interaction between visual and chemical cues on the captures of D. suzukii and Z. indianus under field conditions. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of color cardboards and their combinations on the capture of these drosophilids by attractant-baited multihole traps in blackberry and blueberry crops. Color had a significant effect on the captures of D. suzukii and Z. indianus by attractant-baited traps in both crops. Overall, attractant-baited traps with yellow and yellow + green cards captured the highest number of flies compared to attractant-baited traps using cards of other colors or without cards. Multihole traps without attractant and color cardboards caught very few flies of both species. In general, more females than male D. suzukii were captured, but no sexual differences were found in the captures of Z. indianus. The results obtained will be useful for the development of a monitoring or mass trapping system for the management of D. suzukii and Z. indianuspopulations in Mexico.
Heterozygosity-Fitness Correlations in a Continental Island Population of Thorn-Tailed Rayadito
Authors: Botero-Delgadillo Esteban , Quirici Verónica , Vásquez Rodrigo A , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHeterozygosity-fitness correlations (HFCs) have been used to monitor the effects of inbreeding in threatened populations. HFCs can also be useful to investigate the potential effects of inbreeding in isolated relict populations of long-term persistence and to better understand the role of inbreeding and outbreeding as drivers of changes in genetic diversity. We studied a continental island population of thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) inhabiting the relict forest of Fray Jorge National Park, north-central Chile. This population has experienced a long-term, gradual process of isolation since the end of the Tertiary. Using 10 years of field data in combination with molecular techniques, we tested for HFCs to assess the importance of inbreeding depression. If inbreeding depression is important, we predict a positive relationship between individual heterozygosity and fitness-related traits. We genotyped 183 individuals at 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci and used 7 measures of reproductive success and estimates of apparent survival to calculate HFCs. We found weak to moderate statistical support (P-values between 0.05 and 0.01) for a linear effect of female multi-locus heterozygosity (MLH) on clutch size and nonlinear effects on laying date and fledging success. While more heterozygous females laid smaller clutches, nonlinear effects indicated that females with intermediate values of MLH started laying earlier and had higher fledging success. We found no evidence for effects of MLH on annual fecundity or on apparent survival. Our results along with the long-term demographic stability of the study population contradict the hypothesis that inbreeding depression occurs in this population.
Young Newcomers’ Convoy of Social Relations: The Supportive Network of Accompanied Refugee Minors in Urban Belgium
Authors: Huysmans Minne , Lambotte Deborah , Muls Jaël , Vanhee Jan , Meurs Pieter , Verté Dominique 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSocial networks play a crucial role in migration processes, facilitating adaption and well-being. Yet, accessing and establishing supportive ties in the host society are far from evident. This study voices the ways by which Accompanied Refugee Minors (ARM) (re)create supportive networks across multiple borders shortly after arrival into an urban environment, by applying Kahn and Antonucci’s Convoy Model of social relations. In order to do so, 25 ARM who recently migrated to urban Belgium were interviewed. Most of the ARM have little links to their new living environment. Their fragile networks are homogenous and seldomly connect to the urban context they live in. This group of newcomers is positioned in an intermediate position: on the one hand, they are mostly seen as ‘accompanied’ children where parents are seen as primary source of support; on the other hand, they are young refugees, both enhancing exclusionary aspects in their connection to the broader society surrounding them.
The Capability ‘To Be Secure’: Media Coverage of African Asylum Seekers During Covid-19 in Israel
Authors: Shomron Baruch 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe health and economic consequences of Covid-19 have not affected the different groups in society equally, particularly the weakest communities, chief among them asylum seekers who have been hit the hardest. This study focuses on the Israeli media’s role during this crisis, and whether they have advocated or hindered African asylum seekers capability ‘to be secure’. This capability is the most important in the capabilities approach, as it advocates not only quality of life but also life itself. The study reveals mixed results as the Israeli media both hinders and advocates for asylum seekers’ security during the Covid-19 pandemic. By mapping out the themes of the media coverage, this study serves as a roadmap for policymakers and media organizations for the improvement of asylum seekers’ security through mass media coverage. Furthermore, this study contributes to the debate regarding the role media should play in society, especially regarding asylum seekers in their time of need.
Determining the Hubble constant without the sound horizon scale: measurements from CMB lensing
Authors: Baxter Eric J , Sherwin Blake D 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Measurements of the Hubble constant, H0, from the cosmic distance ladder are currently in tension with the value inferred from Planck observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and other high-redshift data sets if a flat Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model is assumed. One of the few promising theoretical resolutions of this tension is to invoke new physics that changes the sound horizon scale in the early Universe; this can bring CMB and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) constraints on H0 into better agreement with local measurements. In this paper, we discuss how a measurement of the Hubble constant can be made from the CMB without using information from the sound horizon scale, rs. In particular, we show how measurements of the CMB lensing power spectrum can place interesting constraints on H0 when combined with measurements of either supernovae or galaxy weak lensing, which constrain the matter density parameter. The constraints arise from the sensitivity of the CMB lensing power spectrum to the horizon scale at matter–radiation equality (in projection); this scale could have a different dependence on new physics than the sound horizon. From an analysis of current CMB lensing data from Planck and Pantheon supernovae with conservative external priors, we derive an rs-independent constraint of $H_0 = 73.5\pm 5.3\, {\rm km}\,{\rm s}^{-1}\,{\rm Mpc}^{-1}$. Forecasts for future CMB surveys indicate that improving constraints beyond an error of $\sigma (H_0) = 3\, {\rm km}\,{\rm s}^{-1}\,{\rm Mpc}^{-1}$ will be difficult with CMB lensing, although applying similar methods to the galaxy power spectrum may allow for further improvements.
Active galactic nucleus feedback in an elliptical galaxy with the most updated AGN physics: Parameter explorations
Authors: Yao Zhiyuan , Yuan Feng , Ostriker Jeremiah P 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
In a previous work, we have proposed a sub-grid model of active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback by taking into account the state-of-the-art AGN physics, and used that model to study the effect of AGN feedback on the evolution of an isolated elliptical galaxy by performing 2D high-resolution (i.e. the Bondi radius is well resolved) simulations. In that work, typical values of model parameters were adopted. In this work, we extend that study by exploring the effects of uncertainties of parameter values. Such a study is also useful for us to understand the respective roles of various components of the model. These parameters include the mass flux and velocity of AGN wind and radiative efficiency in both the hot and cold feedback modes, and the initial black hole (BH) mass. We find that the velocity of AGN wind in the hot mode is the most important quantity to control the typical accretion rate and luminosity of AGN, and the mass growth of the BH. The effect of the wind on star formation is less sensitive. Within the limited parameter range explored in this work, a stronger AGN wind suppresses star formation within ∼100 pc but enhances star formation beyond this radius, while the star formation integrated over the evolution time and the whole galaxy roughly remain unchanged. AGN radiation suppresses the BH accretion in a mild way, but dust is not considered here. Finally, a smaller initial BH mass results in a more violent evolution of the BH accretion rate. The corresponding AGN spends more time in the high-luminosity state and the percentage of BH mass growth is higher. Our results indicate the robustness of AGN feedback in keeping the galaxy quenched.
From hydrodynamics to N-body simulations of star clusters: mergers and rotation
Authors: Ballone Alessandro , Torniamenti Stefano , Mapelli Michela , Di Carlo Ugo N , Spera Mario , Rastello Sara , Gaspari Nicola , Iorio Giuliano 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
We present a new method to obtain more realistic initial conditions for N-body simulations of young star clusters. We start from the outputs of hydrodynamical simulations of molecular cloud collapse, in which star formation is modelled with sink particles. In our approach, we instantaneously remove gas from these hydrodynamical simulation outputs to mock the end of the gas-embedded phase, induced by stellar feedback. We then enforce a realistic initial mass function by splitting or joining the sink particles based on their mass and position. Such initial conditions contain more consistent information on the spatial distribution and the kinematical and dynamical states of young star clusters, which are fundamental to properly study these systems. For example, by applying our method to a set of previously run hydrodynamical simulations, we found that the early evolution of young star clusters is affected by gas removal and by the early dry merging of sub-structures. This early evolution can either quickly erase the rotation acquired by our (sub-)clusters in their embedded phase or ‘fuel’ it by feeding of angular momentum by sub-structure mergers, before two-body relaxation acts on longer time-scales
A deafness-associated tRNA mutation caused pleiotropic effects on the m1G37 modification, processing, stability and aminoacylation of tRNAIle and mitochondrial translation
Authors: Meng Feilong , Zhou Mi , Xiao Yun , Mao Xiaoting , Zheng Jing , Lin Jiaxi , Lin Tianxiang , Ye Zhenzhen , Cang Xiaohui , Fu Yong , Wang Meng , Guan Min-Xin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Defects in the posttranscriptional modifications of mitochondrial tRNAs have been linked to human diseases, but their pathophysiology remains elusive. In this report, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying a deafness-associated tRNAIle 4295A&gt;G mutation affecting a highly conserved adenosine at position 37, 3′ adjacent to the tRNA’s anticodon. Primer extension and methylation activity assays revealed that the m.4295A&gt;G mutation introduced a tRNA methyltransferase 5 (TRMT5)-catalyzed m1G37 modification of tRNAIle. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the m.4295A&gt;G mutation affected tRNAIle structure and function, supported by increased melting temperature, conformational changes and instability of mutated tRNA. An in vitro processing experiment revealed that the m.4295A&gt;G mutation reduced the 5′ end processing efficiency of tRNAIle precursors, catalyzed by RNase P. We demonstrated that cybrid cell lines carrying the m.4295A&gt;G mutation exhibited significant alterations in aminoacylation and steady-state levels of tRNAIle. The aberrant tRNA metabolism resulted in the impairment of mitochondrial translation, respiratory deficiency, decreasing membrane potentials and ATP production, increasing production of reactive oxygen species and promoting autophagy. These demonstrated the pleiotropic effects of m.4295A&gt;G mutation on tRNAIle and mitochondrial functions. Our findings highlighted the essential role of deficient posttranscriptional modifications in the structure and function of tRNA and their pathogenic consequence of deafness.
Neurophysiologic Mapping of Thalamocortical Tract in Asleep Craniotomies: Promising Results From an Early Experience
Authors: Simon Mirela V , Lee Daniel K , Choi Bryan D , Talati Pratik A , Yang Jimmy C , Koch Matthew J , Jones Pamela S , Curry William T 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Subcortical mapping of the corticospinal tract has been extensively used during craniotomies under general anesthesia to achieve maximal resection while avoiding postoperative motor deficits. To our knowledge, similar methods to map the thalamocortical tract (TCT) have not yet been developed.

OBJECTIVE
To describe a neurophysiologic technique for TCT identification in 2 patients who underwent resection of frontoparietal lesions.

METHODS
The central sulcus (CS) was identified using the somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) phase reversal technique. Furthermore, monitoring of the cortical postcentral N20 and precentral P22 potentials was performed during resection. Subcortical electrical stimulation in the resection cavity was done using the multipulse train (case #1) and Penfield (case #2) techniques.

RESULTS
Subcortical stimulation within the postcentral gyrus (case #1) and in depth of the CS (case #2), resulted in a sudden drop in amplitudes in N20 (case #1) and P22 (case #2), respectively. In both patients, the potentials promptly recovered once the stimulation was stopped. These results led to redirection of the surgical plane with avoidance of damage of thalamocortical input to the primary somatosensory (case #1) and motor regions (case #2). At the end of the resection, there were no significant changes in the median SSEP. Both patients had no new long-term postoperative sensory or motor deficit.

CONCLUSION
This method allows identification of TCT in craniotomies under general anesthesia. Such input is essential not only for preservation of sensory function but also for feedback modulation of motor activity.
Biodegradable metals for bone fracture repair in animal models: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Jiazhen , Shang Zhizhong , Jiang Yanbiao , Zhang Kui , Li Xinggang , Ma Minglong , Li Yongjun , Ma Bin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Biodegradable metals hold promises for bone fracture repair. Their clinical translation requires pre-clinical evaluations including animal studies, which demonstrate the safety and performance of such materials prior to clinical trials. This evidence-based study investigates and analyzes the performance of bone fractures repair as well as degradation properties of biodegradable metals in animal models. Data were carefully collected after identification of population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes and study design, as well as inclusion criteria combining biodegradable metals and animal study. Twelve publications on pure Mg, Mg alloys and Zn alloys were finally included and reviewed after extraction from a collected database of 2122 publications. Compared to controls of traditional non-degradable metals or resorbable polymers, biodegradable metals showed mixed or contradictory outcomes of fracture repair and degradation in animal models. Although quantitative meta-analysis cannot be conducted because of the data heterogeneity, this systematic review revealed that the quality of evidence for biodegradable metals to repair bone fractures in animal models is ‘very low’. Recommendations to standardize the animal studies of biodegradable metals were proposed. Evidence-based biomaterials research could help to both identify reliable scientific evidence and ensure future clinical translation of biodegradable metals for bone fracture repair.
Enhancing the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of magnesium potassium phosphate cement by incorporating oxygen-carboxymethyl chitosan
Authors: Gong Changtian , Fang Shuo , Xia Kezhou , Chen Jingteng , Guo Liangyu , Guo Weichun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Incorporating bioactive substances into synthetic bioceramic scaffolds is challenging. In this work, oxygen-carboxymethyl chitosan (O-CMC), a natural biopolymer that is nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible, was introduced into magnesium potassium phosphate cement (K-struvite) to enhance its mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. This study aimed to develop O-CMC/magnesium potassium phosphate composite bone cement (OMPC), thereby combining the optimum bioactivity of O-CMC with the extraordinary self-setting properties and mechanical intensity of the K-struvite. Our results indicated that O-CMC incorporation increased the compressive strength and setting time of K-struvite and decreased its porosity and pH value. Furthermore, OMPC scaffolds remarkably improved the proliferation, adhesion and osteogenesis related differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, O-CMC introduced suitable physicochemical properties to K-struvite and enhanced its cytocompatibility for use in bone regeneration.
Adverse Selection in the Marriage Market: HIV Testing and Marriage in Rural Malawi
Authors: Angelucci Manuela , Bennett Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Asymmetric information in the marriage market may cause adverse selection and delay marriage if partner quality is revealed over time. Sexual safety is an important but hidden partner attribute, especially in areas where HIV is endemic. A model of positive assortative matching with both observable (attractiveness) and hidden (sexual safety) attributes predicts that removing the asymmetric information about sexual safety accelerates marriage and pregnancy for safe respondents, and more so if they are also attractive. Frequent HIV testing may enable safe people to signal and screen. Consistent with these predictions, we show that a high-frequency, “opt-out” HIV testing intervention changed beliefs about partner’s safety and accelerated marriage and pregnancy, increasing the probabilities of marriage and pregnancy by 26 and 27$\%$ for baseline-unmarried women over 28 months. Estimates are larger for safe and attractive respondents. Conversely, a single-test intervention lacks these effects, consistent with other HIV testing evaluations in the literature. Our findings suggest that an endogenous response to HIV risk may explain why the HIV/AIDS epidemic has coincided with systematic marriage and pregnancy delays.