bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of RNA recognition by the FinO domain of the Escherichia coli ProQ protein
Authors: Stein Ewa M , Kwiatkowska Joanna , Basczok Maciej M , Gravel Chandra M , Berry Katherine E , Olejniczak Mikołaj 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The regulation of gene expression by small RNAs in Escherichia coli depends on RNA binding proteins Hfq and ProQ, which bind mostly distinct RNA pools. To understand how ProQ discriminates between RNA substrates, we compared its binding to six different RNA molecules. Full-length ProQ bound all six RNAs similarly, while the isolated N-terminal FinO domain (NTD) of ProQ specifically recognized RNAs with Rho-independent terminators. Analysis of malM 3′-UTR mutants showed that tight RNA binding by the ProQ NTD required a terminator hairpin of at least 2 bp preceding an 3′ oligoU tail of at least four uridine residues. Substitution of an A-rich sequence on the 5′ side of the terminator to uridines strengthened the binding of several ProQ-specific RNAs to the Hfq protein, but not to the ProQ NTD. Substitution of the motif in the malM-3′ and cspE-3′ RNAs also conferred the ability to bind Hfq in E. coli cells, as measured using a three-hybrid assay. In summary, these data suggest that the ProQ NTD specifically recognizes 3′ intrinsic terminators of RNA substrates, and that the discrimination between RNA ligands by E. coli ProQ and Hfq depends both on positive determinants for binding to ProQ and negative determinants against binding to Hfq.
Rapid, Noninvasive Diagnosis of Balamuthia mandrillaris Encephalitis by a Plasma-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Test
Authors: Kalyatanda Gautam , Rand Kenneth , Lindner Martin S , Hong David K , Sait Albayram Mehmet , Gregory Jason , Kresak Jesse , Ibne Karim M Ali , Cope Jennifer R , Roy Shantanu , Gary Joy M , Reddy Varalakshmi , Ahmed Asim A 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGranulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris is a rare subacute infection with exceptionally high mortality. Diagnosis is typically made by brain biopsy or at autopsy. Detection of Balamuthia mandrillaris cell-free DNA by next-generation sequencing of plasma enabled rapid, noninvasive diagnosis in a case of amoebic encephalitis.
Proximity, NIMBYism, and Public Support for Energy Infrastructure
Authors: Konisky David M , Ansolabehere Stephen , Carley Sanya 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe public opinion literature examining the role of proximity and not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitudes in people’s judgments about energy projects has come to inconclusive findings. We argue that these mixed results are due to vast differences and significant limitations in research designs, which we mitigate through a large study (n = 16,200) of Americans’ attitudes toward energy projects. Our approach examines a diverse set of energy projects in development, explicitly compares the attitudes of individuals living in the vicinity of projects with those farther away, and includes the careful measurement of the NIMBY concept. The analyses show little evidence that proximity in general or NIMBY objections in particular are important determinants of project support. Instead, other factors are more important, including perceptions of local environmental quality, risk orientation, concern about climate change, and trust in energy companies.
Relational work in Nicaragua’s low-wage labor market
Authors: Ibañez Lindsey M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn low-wage labor markets, job seekers often rely on referrals from network members to find work. For job seekers, the challenge is to mobilize personal relationships to find work, and for contacts, the objective is to minimize risk while maintaining their relationships. Most of what we know about the low-wage job search comes from studies of societies with highly developed labor market institutions and social safety nets, leaving a gap in our understanding of less-institutionalized settings. This article analyzes the social processes through which job seekers and their contacts manage the risk and uncertainty of the low-wage labor market while managing their relationships with each other in Nicaragua, where steady employment is scarce and institutional supports are few. By applying the relational work framework, which is ideal for studying exchanges that occur among interpersonal relations in contexts of uncertainty, this study shows how job seekers and contacts pursue their goals of employment and risk management while maintaining their relations. Deceptive relational work is deployed by job seekers and contacts to preserve relationships when exchange is either impossible or undesirable, and the deceptive relational work of contacts disadvantages job seekers.
Modeling Mito-nuclear Compatibility and Its Role in Species Identification
Authors: Princepe Débora , De Aguiar Marcus A M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMitochondrial genetic material (mtDNA) is widely used for phylogenetic reconstruction and as a barcode for species identification. The utility of mtDNA in these contexts derives from its particular molecular properties, including its high evolutionary rate, uniparental inheritance, and small size. But mtDNA may also play a fundamental role in speciation—as suggested by recent observations of coevolution with the nuclear DNA, along with the fact that respiration depends on coordination of genes from both sources. Here, we study how mito-nuclear interactions affect the accuracy of species identification by mtDNA, as well as the speciation process itself. We simulate the evolution of a population of individuals who carry a recombining nuclear genome and a mitochondrial genome inherited maternally. We compare a null model fitness landscape that lacks any mito-nuclear interaction against a scenario in which interactions influence fitness. Fitness is assigned to individuals according to their mito-nuclear compatibility, which drives the coevolution of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Depending on the model parameters, the population breaks into distinct species and the model output then allows us to analyze the accuracy of mtDNA barcode for species identification. Remarkably, we find that species identification by mtDNA is equally accurate in the presence or absence of mito-nuclear coupling and that the success of the DNA barcode derives mainly from population geographical isolation during speciation. Nevertheless, selection imposed by mito-nuclear compatibility influences the diversification process and leaves signatures in the genetic content and spatial distribution of the populations, in three ways. First, speciation is delayed and the resulting phylogenetic trees are more balanced. Second, clades in the resulting phylogenetic tree correlate more strongly with the spatial distribution of species and clusters of more similar mtDNA’s. Third, there is a substantial increase in the intraspecies mtDNA similarity, decreasing the number of alleles substitutions per locus and promoting the conservation of genetic information. We compare the evolutionary patterns observed in our model to empirical data from copepods (Tigriopus californicus). We find good qualitative agreement in the geographic patterns and the topology of the phylogenetic tree, provided the model includes selection based on mito-nuclear interactions. These results highlight the role of mito-nuclear compatibility in the speciation process and its reconstruction from genetic data.[Mito-nuclear coevolution; mtDNA barcode; parapatry; phylogeny.]
Effect of summer warming on growth, photosynthesis and water status in female and male Populus cathayana: implications for sex-specific drought and heat tolerances
Authors: Liu Junyan , Zhang Rong , Xu Xiao , Fowler Joshua C , Miller Tom E X , Dong Tingfa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEffects of climate warming on tree growth and physiology may be driven by direct thermal effects and/or by changes in soil moisture. Dioecious tree species usually show sexual spatial segregation along abiotic gradients; however, few studies have assessed the sex-specific responses to warming in dioecious trees. We investigated the sex-specific responses in growth, photosynthesis, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC), water-use efficiency and whole-plant hydraulic conductance (KP) of the dioecious tree species Populus cathayana Rehd. under +4 °C elevated temperature with and without supplemental water. For both sexes, high-temperature treatments significantly decreased growth (height and biomass), photosynthetic rate (A), the ratio of A to dark respiration rate, stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate, NSC, leaf water potential and KP, but increased water-use efficiency (estimated from carbon isotope composition). Under warming with supplemental water, most traits of females did not change relative to ambient conditions, but traits of males decreased, resulting in greater sexual differences. Females showed a lower KP, and their gs and A responded more steeply with water-related traits than males. These results show that the effect of summer warming on growth and photosynthesis was driven mainly by soil moisture in female P. cathayana, while male performance was mainly related to temperature. Females may experience less thermal stress than males due to flexible water balance strategy via stomata regulation and water use.
An improved method for quantifying total fine root decomposition in plantation forests combining measurements of soil coring and minirhizotrons with a mass balance model
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Minick Kevan J , Li Tonghua , Williamson James C , Gavazzi Michael , McNulty Steven , King John S 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Accurate measurement of total fine root decomposition (the amount of dead fine roots decomposed per unit soil volume) is essential for constructing a soil carbon budget. However, the ingrowth/soil core-based models are dependent on the assumptions that fine roots in litterbags/intact cores have the same relative decomposition rate as those in intact soils and that fine root growth and death rates remain constant over time, while minirhizotrons cannot quantify the total fine root decomposition. To improve the accuracy of estimates for total fine root decomposition, we propose a new method (balanced hybrid) with two models that integrate measurements of soil coring and minirhizotrons into a mass balance model. Model input parameters were fine root biomass, necromass and turnover rate for Model 1, and fine root biomass, necromass and death rate for Model 2. We tested the balanced hybrid method in a loblolly pine plantation forest in coastal North Carolina, USA. The total decomposition rate of absorptive fine roots (ARs) (a combination of first- and second-order fine roots) using Models 1 and 2 was 107 ± 13 g m−2 year−1 and 129 ± 12 g m−2 year−1, respectively. Monthly total AR decomposition was highest from August to November, which corresponded with the highest monthly total ARs mortality. The ARs imaged by minirhizotrons well represent those growing in intact soils, evident by a significant and positive relationship between the standing biomass and the standing length. The total decomposition estimate in both models was sensitive to changes in fine root biomass, turnover rate and death rate but not to change in necromass. Compared with Model 2, Model 1 can avoid the technical difficulty of deciding dead time of individual fine roots but requires greater time and effort to accurately measure fine root biomass dynamics. The balanced hybrid method is an improved technique for measuring total fine root decomposition in plantation forests in which the estimates are based on empirical data from soil coring and minirhizotrons, moving beyond assumptions of traditional approaches.
Hip Fracture Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Early Results From New York
Authors: LeBrun Drake G. , Konnaris Maxwell A. , Ghahramani Gregory C. , Premkumar Ajay , DeFrancesco Chris J. , Gruskay Jordan A. , Dvorzhinskiy Aleksey , Sandhu Milan S. , Goldwyn Elan M. , Mendias Christopher L. , Ricci William M. 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
To evaluate inpatient outcomes among patients with hip fracture treated during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

Design:
Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Setting:
One Level 1 trauma center and one orthopaedic specialty hospital in New York City.

Patients/Participants:
Fifty-nine consecutive patients (average age 85 years, range: 65–100 years) treated for a hip fracture (OTA/AO 31, 32.1) over a 5-week period, March 20, 2020, to April 24, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

Main Outcome Measurements:
COVID-19 infection status was used to stratify patients. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit, unexpected intubation, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, urinary tract infection, and transfusion. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, treatment characteristics, and COVID-related symptomatology were also evaluated.

Results:
Ten patients (15%) tested positive for COVID-19 (COVID+) (n = 9; 7 preoperatively and 2 postoperatively) or were presumed positive (n = 1), 40 (68%) patients tested negative, and 9 (15%) patients were not tested in the primary hospitalization. American Society of Anesthesiologists' scores were higher in the COVID+ group (d = −0.83; P = 0.04); however, the Charlson Comorbidity Index was similar between the study groups (d = −0.17; P = 0.63). Inpatient mortality was significantly increased in the COVID+ cohort (56% vs. 4%; odds ratio 30.0, 95% confidence interval 4.3–207; P = 0.001). Including the one presumed positive case in the COVID+ cohort increased this difference (60% vs. 2%; odds ratio 72.0, 95% confidence interval 7.9–754; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists' scores but similar baseline comorbidities with significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality compared with those without concomitant COVID-19 infection.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comminuted Fibular Head Fractures With Posterolateral Knee Instability: A Novel Repair Technique Using a Tension-Slide Device
Authors: Cinats David J. , Stone Trevor 
Published: June 2020

Summary:
Comminuted proximal fibula fractures or arcuate fractures (OTA/AO 4F1B fractures) can defunction the posterolateral corner (PLC) and result in posterolateral knee instability. Ongoing posterolateral knee instability can limit function, cause significant pain, and lead to early knee arthrosis. The anatomy of the PLC and proximal fibula limits the options for repair of this injury. The ideal method for osteosynthesis of these injuries has not been established. The goals of treatment include reconstitution of posterolateral stability, restoration of the anatomic relationship of PLC structures, and restoration of bone stock that would permit future reconstruction. This article characterizes the injury pattern, outlines the technique, and provides the clinical and radiographic outcomes of osteosynthesis of comminuted fibular head fractures using a novel application of the tension-slide technique.
Emission of Ultraviolet Radiation from 220 to 280 NM by a Cold Physical Plasma Generating Device
Authors: Kletschkus Karsten , Gelbrich Nadine , Burchardt Martin , Kramer Axel , Bekeschus Sander , Stope Matthias B. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The generation of cold physical plasma at atmospheric pressure (cold atmospheric plasma: CAP) generates different reactive molecular species as well as radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) range. The therapy of tumor diseases has proven to be a new promising area of application for CAP treatment. With regard to the routine use of CAP in cancer therapy, however, application safety must be ensured both for the patient and for the operator. In this study, the intensity of UVC radiation of the CAP device MiniJet-R (HF Technik, Aachen, Germany) was measured in the range from 220 to 280 nm depending on various device-specific parameters. Depending on the distance to the CAP flame, the UVC intensity reaches values up to 124.5±11 mW m−2. It should be noted here that the UVC radiation generated by the CAP is emitted in all orientations in the room but is also shielded by the geometry of the handpiece of the CAP device. The device-specific settings for the flow rate of the carrier gas, argon, and the power level at the high-frequency (HF) generator of the CAP device also influence the intensity of the UVC radiation. With regard to the medical use of the CAP device, it can be stated that there is an exposure to UVC radiation, which, depending on the duration of treatment, can also be above the maximum value legally specified in Europe. Shielding components on the CAP device can reduce UVC exposure to the operator as well as adverse side effects to the patient.
Long-Term Maintenance of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density After Corneal Transplantation
Authors: Kayukawa Kanae , Kitazawa Koji , Wakimasu Koichi , Patel Sanjay V. , Bush John , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To investigate the key factors associated with eyes with an endothelial cell density (ECD) of ≥2000 cells/mm2 at 5 years after corneal transplantation.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 174 eyes that underwent penetrating keratoplasty by 1 corneal specialist surgeon at the Baptist Eye Institute, Kyoto, Japan, from 1998 through 2011 and that were carefully followed for over 5 years postoperative. In all operated eyes, corneal ECD was measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years postoperative. Multivariate analysis with adjustment for preoperative donor ECD was performed between eyes with an ECD of ≥2000 cells/mm2 and those with an ECD of <2000 cells/mm2 at 5 years postoperative.

Results:
Of the 174 eligible eyes, 16 eyes (9.2%) had an ECD of ≥2000 cells/mm2 at 5 years postoperative, and the annual rate of endothelial cell loss (mean ± SD) was 2.3% ± 3.7%. Multivariate analysis findings revealed that the donor-associated and surgery-related factors were not significant factors. Only the recipient diagnosis of bullous keratopathy was significantly associated with an ECD of <2000 cells/mm2 at 5 years postoperative. Of those 16 eyes, 6 (37.5%) had a recipient diagnosis of bullous keratopathy.

Conclusions:
None of the donor- and surgery-related factors, previously recognized as associated with a lower endothelial cell loss after penetrating keratoplasty, were found to be significant in this study, thus suggesting that there are still unknown factors associated with maintaining a higher ECD over the long-term postoperative period.
Historical and Current Perspectives of Synthetic Marijuana
Authors: Vera Lisa , Bernstein Kunsook , Lee Seatbyul 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Synthetic marijuana use has increased significantly since 2008 among young adults in the United States, as have adverse reactions to it, leading to a dramatic increase in emergency department visits. However, much of the research conducted on it has been case studies, which report detrimental symptoms on an individual basis. Only a limited number of studies aim to better understand the larger parameters of this epidemic to assist health care providers and policy makers, including early detection, intervention, and adequate treatment. In addition, there has been limited critical review of this substance to help health care professionals educate the public about the negative health effects of using this drug. This article explores the critical reviews of synthetic marijuana, also commonly known as “K2” and “Spice,” synthesizing information from literature reviews, case studies, media information, and government websites. Findings were organized by synthetic marijuana's history, description, adverse reactions including withdrawal symptoms and death incidents, detection screening, treatment, and legislative issues. Health care providers need to understand the detrimental effects of this illicit and harmful substance to both the body and mind and sometimes irreversible damage caused to individuals who consume it. Policy makers, the public, and affected individuals and their family members need to be educated as well.
A Mixed Methods Pilot Study on the Short-Term Physiological Effects of Vaping and Attitudes Regarding Its Use and Health Effects in Samples of Young Adults
Authors: McClelland Molly , Sesoko Channing , MacDonald Douglas A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Vaping is a fairly new and legal way young people are inhaling substances into their lungs. Very little is currently known about the immediate physiological impact or the psychosocial reasons surrounding vape use. This study used a mixed methods approach to (a) understand the short-term physiological implications of vape use compared with people who do not vape and (b) investigate the reasons people choose to vape compared with those who choose not to vape. Twenty-four people participated in the study: 12 self-identified as nonvapers, and 12 self-identified as people who vape. All participants were between 18 and 24 years old. Qualitative analysis suggested people vape because they think it is cool, think it is less risky than smoking, and enjoy the social aspects of vaping. People who choose not to vape are concerned about the unknown health implications, think it is a waste of resources, and are apathetic toward it. Quantitative results revealed statistically significant increases in heart rate and decreases in the percentage of blood oxygenation after 20 minutes of vape use. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood sugar scores did not significantly change after 20 minutes of vape use. Differences in the frequencies of men and women across the two groups were found. Significant differences found for systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulmonary function test became nonsignificant after controlling for gender. Both long- and short-term effects of vaping need to be further evaluated. The psychosocial reasons why certain people vape whereas others in the same peer group do not also need to be better understood.
Screening for Adolescent Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Palmer Joshua , Nativio Donna 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are a new form of tobacco and marijuana administration that obscures the dangers of substance use and can be appealing to adolescents with a multitude of adolescent appeals and the use of electronic technology. As adolescent incidence of ENDS uses increases, health providers stand to lose ground with the past successes of tobacco- and substance-related health promotion as adolescents are initiated with the new technology. These risks identify the need for quality screening or the specific inclusion of ENDS products into our established screening methods. In addition, those who screen positive are provided quality interventions, such as motivational interviewing, that are effective and developmentally appropriate. By increasing our knowledge of ENDS, including them specifically in our regular screenings, and supporting adolescents in positive health choices, successful aversion of lifelong health risks can be overcome.