bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The habitability of large elliptical galaxies
Authors: Whitmire Daniel P 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Based on numbers of stars, supernova rates, and metallicity, a prior study concluded that large elliptical galaxies contain up to 10 000 times more habitable planets than the Milky Way and are thus the ‘cradles of life’. Using the results of their model and taking into account galactic number distributions and supernova rates, I argue here that this result constitutes a violation of the principle of mediocrity as applied to the reference class of all extant technological species. Assuming that we are a typical technological species in the attribute of inhabiting a relatively large disc-dominated galaxy, I outline two hypotheses that could significantly limit the habitability of large elliptical galaxies: (1) massive galactic sterilization events associated with quasar/active galactic nucleus activity and starburst supernovae that occurred when the antecedents of today’s large elliptical galaxies were much more compact; and (2) the probability of habitable planet formation in large elliptical galaxies may be small since a disproportionately larger number of gaseous planets are expected to form as a result of the generally higher metallicity in large elliptical galaxies. Consequently, fewer habitable planets will accrete if the gaseous planets' inward migrations are sufficiently slow. The sterilization events of hypothesis (1) occurred at earlier epochs ($z$ ≥ 1) and so they must be effectively permanent, implying two possible scenarios regarding the origin and evolution of life. In connection with one of these scenarios, independent applications of the principle of mediocrity suggest that M-dwarf stars are not significant hosts of technological life.
Ultrabithorax is a key regulator for the dimorphism of wings, a main cause for the outbreak of planthoppers in rice
Authors: Liu Fangzhou , Li Xiang , Zhao Muhua , Guo Mengjian , Han Kehong , Dong Xinxin , Zhao Jing , Cai Wanlun , Zhang Qifa , Hua Hongxia 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Rice planthoppers, the most devastating rice pests, occur in two wing forms: the short-wing form for rapid population growth and long-wing form for long-distance migration, which together create the mechanism for outbreak. Here we show that Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is a key regulator for switching between the long- and short-wing forms of rice planthoppers. Ubx is expressed in both forewing and hindwing pads, which is different from the canonical model of Ubx expression. In brown planthoppers, expression of Ubx (NlUbx) is regulated by nutritional status of the rice host. High-quality young plants induce NlUbx expression leading to the short-wing form; low-quality ripe plants reduce NlUbx expression resulting in long-wing form. We also showed that NlUbx is regulated by the insulin receptors NlInR1 and NlInR2. The default expression of NlInR1 inhibits NlUbx resulting in long-wings, while high-quality hosts induce NlInR2 expression, which represses NlInR1 thus promoting NlUbx expression to produce short-wings.
Evidence of Failure of Oral Third-Generation Cephalosporin Treatment for Shigella sonnei Infection
Authors: Collins Jennifer P , Friedman Cindy R , Birhane Meseret G , Karp Beth E , Osinski Anthony , Montgomery Mary W , Thomas Deepam , Barkley Jonathan , Sanchez Martha C , Hanna Samir , Adediran Azizat A , Chen Jessica C , Caidi Hayat , Francois Watkins Louise 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In 2017, state health departments notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 4 patients with shigellosis who experienced persistent illness after treatment with oral third-generation cephalosporins. Given increasing antibiotic resistance among Shigella, these cases highlight the need to evaluate the efficacy of oral cephalosporins for shigellosis.
A Qualitative Comparison of Reassurance Approaches Used by Physical Therapists to Address Fears and Concerns of Patients With Nonspecific Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: An Online Survey
Authors: Silva Guerrero Alma Viviana , Setchell Jenny , Maujean Annicke , Sterling Michele 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe study aimed to identify and compare (1) what physical therapists perceive to be the main concerns, fears, and worries that patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) and nontraumatic neck pain (NTNP) have as a result of their condition, and (2) the strategies used by physical therapists to address these fears and concerns.MethodsUsing convenience sampling, 30 physical therapists completed 2 online open-ended surveys. The responses were analyzed using 2 descriptive analytic methods (thematic analysis and constant comparative analysis), and then themes were examined for areas of convergence and divergence.ResultsFour similar themes for both neck pain groups were produced from our analysis of the survey responses: (1) interference with daily life, (2) concerns related to pain, (3) psychological distress, and (4) ``When I will recover?'' Subthemes differed between the groups. For example, the theme “psychological distress” had subthemes of anger and thoughts about no resolution for the WAD group, whereas for the NTNP group, subthemes were anxiety and uncertainty. The only divergent theme was (5) fear avoidance, present in the NTNP group only. Analysis of physical therapist strategies identified 3 consistent themes and 5 divergent themes across the 2 groups.ConclusionsPhysical therapists described a wealth of reassurance strategies for individuals with NTNP and WAD. There were several shared themes but also some discordant ones. Reassurance is multifactorial and needs to be nuanced and not prescriptive.ImpactThese qualitative findings may be key to inform the differentiated content of training programs for physical therapists delivering reassurance for these 2 populations.
Sleep problems in active duty military personnel seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: presence, change, and impact on outcomes
Authors: Taylor Daniel J , Pruiksma Kristi E , Hale Willie , McLean Carmen P , Zandberg Laurie J , Brown Lily , Mintz Jim , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Peterson Alan L , Yarvis Jeffrey S , Dondanville Katherine A , Litz Brett T , Roache John , Foa Edna B 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Study Objectives
To examine sleep disorder symptom reports at baseline and posttreatment in a sample of active duty U.S. Army Soldiers receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Explore sleep-related predictors of outcomes.

Methods
Sleep was evaluated in 128 participants in a parent randomized clinical trial comparing Spaced formats of Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Present Centered Therapy and a Massed format of PE. In the current study, Spaced formats were combined and evaluated separately from Massed.

Results
At baseline, the average sleep duration was &lt; 5 h per night on weekdays/workdays and &lt; 6 h per night on weekends/off days. The majority of participants reported clinically significant insomnia, clinically significant nightmares, and probable sleep apnea and approximately half reported excessive daytime sleepiness at baseline. Insomnia and nightmares improved significantly from baseline to posttreatment in all groups, but many patients reported clinically significant insomnia (&gt;70%) and nightmares (&gt;38%) posttreatment. Excessive daytime sleepiness significantly improved only in the Massed group, but 40% continued to report clinically significant levels at posttreatment. Short sleep (Spaced only), clinically significant insomnia and nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness, and probable sleep apnea (Massed only) at baseline predicted higher PTSD symptoms across treatment course. Short weekends/off days sleep predicted lower PTSD symptom improvement in the Spaced treatments.

Conclusions
Various sleep disorder symptoms were high at baseline, were largely unchanged with PTSD treatment, and were related to worse PTSD treatment outcomes. Studies are needed with objective sleep assessments and targeted sleep disorders treatments in PTSD patients.

Clinical Trial Registration
NCT01049516.
Discrete action control for prosthetic digits
Authors: Krasoulis Agamemnon , Nazarpour Kianoush 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to develop a paradigm for simultaneous and independent control of multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs) for upper-limb prostheses.ApproachWe introduceaction control, a novel method to operate prosthetic digits with surface electromyography (EMG) based on multi-label, multi-class classification. At each time step, the decoder classifies movement intent for each controllable DOF into one of three categories: open, close, or stall (i.e., no movement). We implemented a real-time myoelectric control system using this method and evaluated it by running experiments with one unilateral and two bilateral amputees. Participants controlled a six-DOF bar interface on a computer display, with each DOF corresponding to a motor function available in multi-articulated prostheses.Main resultsWe show that action control can significantly and systematically outperform the state-of-the-art method of position control via multi-output regression in both task- and non-task-related measures. Improvements in median task performance ranged from 20.14% to 62.32% for individual participants. Analysis of a post-experimental survey revealed that all participants rated action higher than position control in a series of qualitative questions and expressed an overall preference for the former.SignificanceAction control has the potential to improve the dexterity of upper-limb prostheses. In comparison with regression-based systems, it only requires discrete instead of real-valued ground truth labels, typically collected with motion tracking systems. This feature makes the system both practical in a clinical setting and also suitable for bilateral amputation. This work is the first demonstration of myoelectric digit control in bilateral upper-limb amputees. Further investigation and pre-clinical evaluation are required to assess the translational potential of the method.
Revised (β-phenyl) stereochemistry of ultrapotent μ opioid BU72
Authors: Munro Thomas A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn its crystal structure in complex with the μ opioid receptor (μOR), the opioid BU72 exhibits extreme deviations from the expected geometry.1Three of these involve the phenyl group. There is also unexplained electron density next to the benzylic carbon. Here I show that inverting the benzylic configuration fills this unexplained density and eliminates the phenyl group outliers, along with all but one of the others. I propose that this is the correct structure of BU72.
Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Lu Jing , Plessis Louis du , Liu Zhe , Hill Verity , Kang Min , Lin Huifang , Sun Jiufeng , François Sarah , Kraemer Moritz U G , Faria Nuno R , McCrone John T , Peng Jingju , Xiong Qianlin , Yuan Runyu , Zeng Lilian , Zhou Pingping , Liang Chuming , Yi Lina , Liu Jun , Xiao Jianpeng , Hu Jianxiong , Liu Tao , Ma Wenjun , Li Wei , Su Juan , Zheng Huanying , Peng Bo , Fang Shisong , Su Wenzhe , Li Kuibiao , Sun Ruilin , bai Ru , Tang Xi , Liang Minfeng , Quick Josh , Song Tie , Rambaut Andrew , Loman Nick , Raghwani Jayna , Pybus Oliver G , Ke Changwen 
Published: April 2020

SummaryCOVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and was first reported in central China in December 2019. Extensive molecular surveillance in Guangdong, China’s most populous province, during early 2020 resulted in 1,388 reported RNA positive cases from 1.6 million tests. In order to understand the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in China we generated 53 genomes from infected individuals in Guangdong using a combination of metagenomic sequencing and tiling amplicon approaches. Combined epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses indicate multiple independent introductions to Guangdong, although phylogenetic clustering is uncertain due to low virus genetic variation early in the pandemic. Our results illustrate how the timing, size and duration of putative local transmission chains were constrained by national travel restrictions and by the province’s large-scale intensive surveillance and intervention measures. Despite these successes, COVID-19 surveillance in Guangdong is still required as the number of cases imported from other countries is increasing.Highlights1.6 million molecular diagnostic tests identified 1,388 SARS-CoV-2 infections in Guangdong Province, China, by 19th March 2020Virus genomes can be recovered using a variety of sequencing approaches from a range of patient samples.Genomic analyses reveal multiple virus importations into Guangdong Province, resulting in genetically distinct clusters that require careful interpretation.Large-scale epidemiological surveillance and intervention measures were effective in interrupting community transmission in Guangdong
Detecting SARS-CoV-2 at point of care: Preliminary data comparing Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to PCR
Authors: Österdahl Marc F , Lee Karla A , Lochlainn Mary Ni , Wilson Stuart , Douthwaite Sam , Horsfall Rachel , Sheedy Alyce , Goldenberg Simon D , Stanley Christopher J , Spector Tim D , Steves Claire J 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe need for a fast and reliable test for COVID-19 is paramount in managing the current pandemic. A cost effective and efficient diagnostic tool as near to the point of care (PoC) as possible would be a game changer in current testing. We tested reverse transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), a method which can produce results in under 30 minutes, alongside standard methods in a real-life clinical setting.MethodsThis service improvement project piloted a research RT-LAMP method on nasal and pharyngeal swabs on 21 residents in a high dependency care home, with two index COVID-19 cases, and compared it to multiplex tandem reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of a single RT-LAMP swab compared to RT-PCR, as per STARD guidelines. We also recorded vital signs of patients to correlate clinical and laboratory information.FindingsThe novel method accurately detected 8/10 PCR positive cases and identified a further 3 positive cases. Eight further cases were negative using both methods. Using repeated RT-PCR as a “gold standard”, the sensitivity and specificity of the novel test were 80% and 73% respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 73% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 83%. We also observed hypothermia to be a significant early clinical sign in a number of COVID-19 patients in this setting.InterpretationRT-LAMP testing for SARS-CoV-2 was found to be promising, fast, easy to use and to work equivalently to RT-PCR methods. Definitive studies to evaluate this method in larger cohorts are underway. RT-LAMP has the potential to transform COVID-19 detection, bringing rapid and accurate testing to the point of care. This method could be deployed in mobile testing units in the community, care homes and hospitals to detect disease early and prevent spread.
The dynamic interplay between ATP/ADP levels and autophagy sustain neuronal migrationin vivo
Authors: Cedric Bressan , Alessandra Pecora , Dave Gagnon , Marina Snapyan , Simon Labrecque , Paul De Koninck , Martin Parent , Armen Saghatelyan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCell migration is a dynamic process that entails extensive protein synthesis and recycling, structural remodeling, and a considerable bioenergetic demand. Autophagy is one of the pathways that maintain cellular homeostasis. Time-lapse imaging of autophagosomes and ATP/ADP levels in migrating cells in the rostral migratory stream of mice revealed that decrease in ATP levels force cells into the stationary phase and induce autophagy. Genetic impairment of autophagy in neuroblasts using either inducible conditional mice or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing decreased cell migration due to the longer duration of the stationary phase. Autophagy is modulated in response to migration-promoting and inhibiting molecular cues and is required for the recycling of focal adhesions. Our results show that autophagy and energy consumption act in concert in migrating cells to dynamically regulate the pace and periodicity of the migratory and stationary phases in order to sustain neuronal migration.HighlightsADP levels dynamically change during cell migrationA decrease in ATP levels leads to cell pausing and autophagy induction via AMPKAutophagy is required to sustain neuronal migration by recycling focal adhesionsAutophagy level is dynamically modulated by migration-promoting and inhibiting cues
A bacterial tragedy of the commons that masks the actual frequency of mutants
Authors: Neves Henrique Iglesias , Machado Gabriella Trombini , dos Santos Ramos Taíssa Cristina , Yang Hyun Mo , Yagil Ezra , Spira Beny 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe frequency of mutants in a population is central to the understanding of evolution. Mutant frequency is usually assessed by plating a bacterial culture on selective medium in which only specific rare mutants can grow, assuming that all mutant cells present on the plate are able to form colonies. Here we show an exception to this rule. Wild-typeEscherichia colicells are unable to grow with glycerol-2-phosphate (G2P) as a carbon source. In contrast, PHO-constitutive mutants can hydrolyse G2P to glycerol and form colonies on plates having G2P as their sole carbon source. However, the frequency of PHO-constitutive colonies on the selective plate is exceptionally low. Here we show that such mutations occur at a relatively high rate, but the growth of the existing mutants is inhibited due to a competition with the surrounding wild-type cells for the limited amounts of glycerol produced by the mutants. This scenario in which neither the wild-type nor the majority of the mutants are able to grow constitutes an unavoidable case of the ‘tragedy of the commons’. Evidence shows that the few mutants that do form colonies derive from micro-clusters of mutants on the selective plate. In addition, a mathematical model describes the fate of the wild-type and mutant populations on the selective plate.
Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1 Decreases Vaginal and Gut Microbiota Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Down-regulates IL-1 beta in Women of Child-Bearing Age and Modulates Bacterial Genes Related to Metabolic Functions
Authors: Anukam Kingsley C , Ejike Chinwe E , Agbakoba Nneka R , Oguejiofor Charlotte B 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionBacterial vaginosis which affects 14-50% of reproductive-aged women in Nigeria is misdiagnosed and under-reported. Treatment option is antibiotics, which leads to recurrent infections. The objectives of this study are three folds, first to determine effects of oral feeding of Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1 on the vaginal and gut microbiota of women diagnosed with BV; to measure the level of two proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta, before and after KCA1 consumption and to determine the relative abundance of bacterial metabolic genes.MethodsSeven women diagnosed with BV by Nugent score (7-10) were recruited to provide vaginal and gut sample before and after 14 days oral intake of 3 grams of Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1. The DNA from the swabs were processed for 16S rRNA metagenomics using Illumina MiSeq platform. The paired-end sequence FASTQ reads were imported into Illumina Basespace pipeline for quality check (QC). In addition, EzBioCloud pipeline was use for alpha and beta diversity estimation using PKSSU4.0 version and open reference UCLUST_MC2 for OTUs picking at 97% cut-off. Blood samples were analyzed using ELISA technique. PICRUSt was used to predict the metabolic functions from the 16S rRNA gene dataset.ResultsOn average, there was no significant difference at p=0.05 in the alpha indices typified by Shannon index. The beta diversity showed different clustering positions with PCoA. However, at individual taxonomic categories, there was a significant decrease in the relative abundance of some genera associated with bacterial vaginosis after KCA1 feeding with a corresponding increase of Lactobacillus genera. Bacterial genes related to defence systems were up-regulated in the vagina. There was a 2-fold down-regulation of IL-1 beta after consumption of KCA1.ConclusionOur findings suggest that Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1 taken orally, lowers pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1 beta and decreases the relative abundance of BV-associated bacteria.
Role of transmembrane helix 6 in substrate recognition of the amino acid transporter MhsT
Authors: Focht Dorota , Neumann Caroline , Lyons Joseph , Bilbao Ander Eguskiza , Blunck Rikard , Malinauskaite Lina , Schwarz Ilona O. , Javitch Jonathan A , Quick Matthias , Nissen Poul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMhsT ofBacillus haloduransis a transporter of hydrophobic amino acids and a homologue of the eukaryotic SLC6 family of Na+-dependent symporters for amino acids, neurotransmitters, osmolytes, or creatine. The broad range of transported amino acids by MhsT prompted the investigation of the substrate recognition mechanism. Here, we report six new substrate-bound structures of MhsT, which, in conjunction with functional studies, reveal how the flexibility of a Gly-Met-Gly (GMG) motif in the unwound region of transmembrane segment 6 (TM6) is central for the recognition of substrates of different size by tailoring the binding site shape and volume. MhsT mutants, harboring substitutions within the unwound GMG loop and substrate binding pocket that mimick the binding sites of eukaryotic SLC6A18/B0AT3 and SLC6A19/B0AT1 transporters of neutral amino acids, exhibited impaired transport of aromatic amino acids that require a large binding site volume. Conservation of a general (G/A/C)ΦG motif among eukaryotic members of SLC6 family suggests a role for this loop in a common mechanism for substrate recognition and translocation by SLC6 transporters of broad substrate specificity.