bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heritability of fat distributions in male mice from the founder strains of the Diversity Outbred mouse population
Authors: Keenan Brendan T , Webster Jeanette C , Wiemken Andrew S , Lavi-Romer Nir , Nguyen Teresa , Svenson Karen L , Galante Raymond J , Churchill Gary A , Pickup Stephen , Pack Allan I , Schwab Richard J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Specific fat distributions are risk factors for complex diseases, including coronary heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea. To demonstrate the utility of high-diversity mouse models for elucidating genetic associations, we describe the phenotyping and heritability of fat distributions within the five classical inbred and three wild-derived founder mouse strains of the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred mice. Measurements of subcutaneous and internal fat volumes in the abdomen, thorax and neck, and fat volumes in the tongue and pericardium were obtained using magnetic resonance imaging in male mice from the A/J (n = 12), C57BL/6J (n = 17), 129S1/SvlmJ (n = 12), NOD/LtJ (n = 14), NZO/HILtJ (n = 12), CAST/EiJ (n = 14), PWK/PhJ (n = 12), and WSB/EiJ (n = 15) strains. Phenotypes were compared across strains using analysis of variance and heritability estimated as the proportion of phenotypic variability attributable to strain. Heritability ranged from 44 to 91% across traits, including &gt;70% heritability of tongue fat. A majority of heritability estimates remained significant controlling for body weight, suggesting genetic influences independent of general obesity. Principal components analysis supports genetic influences on overall obesity and specific to increased pericardial and intra-neck fat. Thus, among the founder strains of the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred mice, we observed significant heritability of subcutaneous and internal fat volumes in the neck, thorax and abdomen, pericardial fat volume and tongue fat volume, consistent with genetic architecture playing an important role in explaining trait variability. Findings pave the way for studies utilizing high-diversity mouse models to identify genes affecting fat distributions and, in turn, influencing risk for associated complex disorders.
Genomic region associated with pod color variation in pea (Pisum sativum)
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Hirakawa Hideki , Isobe Sachiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pea (Pisum sativum) was chosen as the research material by Gregor Mendel to discover the laws of inheritance. Out of seven traits studied by Mendel, genes controlling three traits including pod shape, pod color, and flower position have not been identified to date. With the aim of identifying the genomic region controlling pod color, we determined the genome sequence of a pea line with yellow pods. Genome sequence reads obtained using a Nanopore sequencing technology were assembled into 117,981 contigs (3.3 Gb), with an N50 value of 51.2 kb. A total of 531,242 potential protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 519,349 (2.8 Gb) were located within repetitive sequences (2.8 Gb). The assembled sequences were ordered using a reference as a guide to build pseudomolecules. Subsequent genetic and association analyses led to the identification of a genomic region that controls pea pod color. DNA sequences at this genomic location and transcriptome profiles of green and yellow pod lines were analyzed, and genes encoding 3' exoribonucleases were selected as potential candidates controlling pod color. The results presented in this study are expected to accelerate pan-genome studies in pea and facilitate the identification of the gene controlling one of the traits studied by Mendel.
High resolution reconstructions of the Southwest Indian Ridge, 52 Ma to present: implications for the breakup and absolute motion of the Africa plate
Authors: DeMets C , Merkouriev S , Sauter D 
Published: March 2021

SUMMARY
We reconstruct the post-52 Ma seafloor spreading history of the Southwest Indian Ridge at 44 distinct times from inversions of ≈20 000 magnetic reversal, fracture zone and transform fault crossings, spanning major regional tectonic events such as the Arabia–Eurasia continental collision, the Arabia Peninsula’s detachment from Africa, the arrival of the Afar mantle plume below eastern Africa and the initiation of rifting in eastern Africa. Best-fitting and noise-reduced rotation sequences for the Nubia–Antarctic, Lwandle–Antarctic and Somalia–Antarctic Plate pairs indicate that spreading rates everywhere along the ridge declined gradually by ≈50 per cent from ≈31 to 19–18 Ma. A concurrent similar-magnitude slowdown in the component of the Africa Plate’s absolute motion parallel to Southwest Indian Ridge spreading suggests that both were caused by a 31–18 Ma change in the forces that drove and resisted Africa’s absolute motion. Possible causes for this change include the effects of the Afar mantle plume on eastern Africa or the Arabia Peninsula’s detachment from the Somalia Plate, which culminated at 20–18 Ma with the onset of seafloor spreading in the Gulf of Aden. At earlier times, an apparently robust but previously unknown ≈6-Myr-long period of rapid kinematic change occurred from 43 to 37 Ma, consisting of a ≈50 per cent spreading rate slowdown from 43 to 40 Ma followed by a full spreading rate recovery and 30–40° clockwise rotation of the plate slip direction from 40 to 37 Ma. Although these kinematic changes coincided with a reconfiguration of the palaeoridge geometry, their underlying cause is unknown. Southwest Indian Ridge abyssal hill azimuths are consistent with the slip directions estimated with our newly derived Somalia–Antarctic and Lwandle–Antarctic angular velocities, adding confidence in their reliability. Lwandle–Antarctica Plate motion has closely tracked Somalia–Antarctic Plate motion since 50 Ma, consistent with slow-to-no motion between the Lwandle and Somalia plates for much of that time. In contrast, Nubia–Somalia rotations estimated from our new Southwest Indian Ridge rotations indicate that 189 ± 34 km of WNW–ESE divergence between Nubia and Somalia has occurred in northern Africa since 40 Ma, including 70–80 km of WNW–ESE divergence since 17–16 Ma, slow to no motion from 26 to 17 Ma, and 109 ± 38 km of WNW–ESE divergence from 40 to ≈26 Ma absent any deformation within eastern Antarctica before 26 Ma.
Exploring the factors in information seeking behavior: a perspective from multinational COPD online forums
Authors: Boyce LeAnn , Harun Ahasan , Prybutok Gayle , Prybutok Victor R 
Published: March 2021

Summary
This research establishes a theoretical framework for evaluating antecedents of the information seeking behaviors of online forum participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated the proposed framework using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) after gathering data using a cross-sectional survey. We subsequently assessed the framework using importance−performance map analysis (IPMA). Findings suggest that perceived ease of use does not singularly influence COPD forum users’ information seeking behavior. IPMA analysis reveals that the opportunity to interact with other forum members creates the greatest impact on COPD forum users’ mindsets, among all the indicators. For healthcare professionals, the results of this study provide a blueprint in terms of utilizing COPD online forums to foster recurrent associations among forum administrators and users and by creating a strong social and informational resource for COPD information seekers.
Salvage NAD+ biosynthetic pathway enzymes moonlight as molecular chaperones to protect against proteotoxicity
Authors: Pinkerton Meredith , Ruetenik Andrea , Bazylianska Viktoriia , Nyvltova Eva , Barrientos Antoni 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Human neurodegenerative proteinopathies are disorders associated with abnormal protein depositions in brain neurons. They include polyglutamine (polyQ) conditions such as Huntington’s disease (HD) and α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Overexpression of NMNAT/Nma1, an enzyme in the NAD+ biosynthetic salvage pathway, acts as an efficient suppressor of proteotoxicities in yeast, fly and mouse models. Screens in yeast models of HD and PD allowed us to identify three additional enzymes of the same pathway that achieve similar protection against proteotoxic stress: Npt1, Pnc1 and Qns1. The mechanism by which these proteins maintain proteostasis has not been identified. Here, we report that their ability to maintain proteostasis in yeast models of HD and PD is independent of their catalytic activity and does not require cellular protein quality control systems such as the proteasome or autophagy. Furthermore, we show that, under proteotoxic stress, the four proteins are recruited as molecular chaperones with holdase and foldase activities. The NAD+ salvage proteins act by preventing misfolding and, together with the Hsp90 chaperone, promoting the refolding of extended polyQ domains and α-synuclein (α-Syn). Our results illustrate the existence of an evolutionarily conserved strategy of repurposing or moonlighting housekeeping enzymes under stress conditions to maintain proteostasis. We conclude that the entire salvage NAD+ biosynthetic pathway links NAD+ metabolism and proteostasis and emerges as a target for therapeutics to combat age-associated neurodegenerative proteotoxicities.
Application and discussion on entransy analysis of ammonia/salt absorption heat pump systems
Authors: Yang Lei , Huang Sihao , Lu Zhenneng , Gong Yulie , Li Huashan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the application of the entransy analysis in ammonia/salt absorption heat pump (AHP) systems. The results of the entransy analysis are compared with those of energy analysis and exergy analysis under typical and various operating conditions. Entransy dissipation and exergy loss in each component, as well as coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency and entransy efficiency of systems, are discussed. The changing trends of entransy dissipation in each component are similar under various operating conditions. However, the entransy analysis performs better than the exergy analysis in evaluating the irreversible loss of each component. Moreover, the differences between the exergy analysis and entransy analysis are mainly in absorber, generator and SHE. Especially in the NH3/NaSCN system, the proportion of entransy dissipation in generator is 60.8%, which is almost twice of the proportion of exergy loss (34.9%). In addition, under various operating conditions, entransy efficiency and COP have roughly the same changing trend. Meanwhile, entransy efficiency is more reasonable than exergy efficiency in evaluating the performance of systems under the absorption temperature, which varies from 30°C to 50°C. These comparison results demonstrate that the entransy analysis is appropriate to evaluate the performance of ammonia/salt AHP systems and suitable for analyzing the irreversibility of each component.
Antimicrobial resistance surveillance of Clostridioides difficile in Australia, 2015–18
Authors: Putsathit Papanin , Hong Stacey , George Narelle , Hemphill Christine , Huntington Peter G , Korman Tony M , Kotsanas Despina , Lahra Monica , McDougall Rodney , McGlinchey Andrew , Moore Casey V , Nimmo Graeme R , Prendergast Louise , Robson Jennifer , Waring Lynette , Wehrhahn Michael C , Weldhagen Gerhard F , Wilson Richard M , Riley Thomas V , Knight Daniel R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile was listed as an urgent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat in a report by the CDC in 2019. AMR drives the evolution of C. difficile and facilitates its emergence and spread. The C. difficile Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CDARS) study is nationwide longitudinal surveillance of C. difficile infection (CDI) in Australia.

Objectives
To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of C. difficile isolated in Australia between 2015 and 2018.

Methods
A total of 1091 strains of C. difficile were collected over a 3 year period by a network of 10 diagnostic microbiology laboratories in five Australian states. These strains were tested for their susceptibility to nine antimicrobials using the CLSI agar incorporation method.

Results
All strains were susceptible to metronidazole, fidaxomicin, rifaximin and amoxicillin/clavulanate and low numbers of resistant strains were observed for meropenem (0.1%; 1/1091), moxifloxacin (3.5%; 38/1091) and vancomycin (5.7%; 62/1091). Resistance to clindamycin was common (85.2%; 929/1091), followed by resistance to ceftriaxone (18.8%; 205/1091). The in vitro activity of fidaxomicin [geometric mean MIC (GM) = 0.101 mg/L] was superior to that of vancomycin (1.700 mg/L) and metronidazole (0.229 mg/L). The prevalence of MDR C. difficile, as defined by resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes, was low (1.7%; 19/1091).

Conclusions
The majority of C. difficile isolated in Australia did not show reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials recommended for treatment of CDI (vancomycin, metronidazole and fidaxomicin). Resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones was low and MDR was uncommon; however, clindamycin resistance was frequent. One fluoroquinolone-resistant ribotype 027 strain was detected.
The Bentley Battle: Family firm triumphs over luxury car manufacturer in trade mark dispute
Authors: Strath Janet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bentley Motors Ltd v Bentley 1962 Ltd [2020] EWCA Civ 1726, 16 December 2020
The Court of Appeal of England and Wales has upheld the decision of the High Court that the luxury car manufacturer Bentley Motors infringed registered trade marks belonging to small family-owned company Bentley Clothing, by using the identical trade mark on clothing and headgear.
Maternal Childhood Adversity as a Risk for Perinatal Complications and NICU Hospitalization
Authors: Ciciolla Lucia , Shreffler Karina M , Tiemeyer Stacy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
To examine maternal childhood adversity in relation to increased risk for maternal and infant perinatal complications and newborn Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admittance.

Methods
A sample of 164 women recruited at their first prenatal appointment participated in a longitudinal study through 6 weeks postdelivery. Participants self-reported on their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), negative health risks (overweight/obesity, smoking, and alcohol use), adverse infant outcomes, NICU admittance, and maternal perinatal complications across three pregnancy assessments and one post-birth assessment. Logistic binomial regression analyses were used to examine associations between maternal ACEs and adverse infant outcomes, NICU admittance, and maternal perinatal complications, controlling for pregnancy-related health risks.

Results
Findings showed that women with severe ACEs exposure (6+ ACEs) had 4 times the odds of reporting at least one adverse infant outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 4.33, 95% CI: 1.02–18.39), almost 9 times the odds of reporting a NICU admission (OR = 8.70, 95% CI: 1.34–56.65), and 4 times the odds of reporting at least one maternal perinatal outcome (OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.43–13.39).

Conclusions
The findings demonstrate the extraordinary risk that mothers’ ACEs pose for infant and maternal health outcomes over and above the associations with known maternal health risks during pregnancy, including overweight/obesity, smoking, and alcohol use. These results support a biological intergenerational transmission framework, which suggests that risk from maternal adversity is perpetuated in the next generation through biophysical and behavioral mechanisms during pregnancy that negatively affect infant health outcomes.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Working Memory Training in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hardy Steven J , Bills Sarah E , Meier Emily R , Schatz Jeffrey C , Keridan Katie J , Wise Shane , Hardy Kristina K 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveYouth with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive deficits including problems with working memory (WM), but few interventions to improve functioning exist. This study sought to determine the feasibility and efficacy of home-based, digital WM training on short-term memory and WM, behavioral outcomes, and academic fluency using a parallel group randomized controlled trial design.Methods47 children (7–16 years) with SCD and short-term memory or WM difficulties were randomized to Cogmed Working Memory Training at home on a tablet device (N = 24) or to a standard care Waitlist group (N = 23) that used Cogmed after the waiting period. Primary outcomes assessed in clinic included performance on verbal and nonverbal short-term memory and WM tasks. Secondary outcomes included parent-rated executive functioning and tests of math and reading fluency.ResultsIn the evaluable sample, the Cogmed group (N = 21) showed greater improvement in visual WM compared with the Waitlist group (N = 22; p = .03, d = 0.70 [CI95 = 0.08, 1.31]). When examining a combined sample of participants, those who completed ≥10 training sessions exhibited significant improvements in verbal short-term memory, visual WM, and math fluency. Adherence to Cogmed was lower than expected (M = 9.07 sessions, SD = 7.77), with 19 participants (41%) completing at least 10 sessions. Conclusions: Visual WM, an ability commonly affected by SCD, is modifiable with cognitive training. Benefits extended to verbal short-term memory and math fluency when patients completed a sufficient training dose. Additional research is needed to identify ideal candidates for training and determine whether training gains are sustainable and generalize to real-world outcomes.
Acute compartment syndrome resultant from alcohol abuse
Authors: Reed Logan A , Miller Derek , Harbour Angela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a severe rise in pressure within a fascial compartment thereby leading to impaired microvascular perfusion of the limb. Therefore, ACS is a surgical emergency and if not treated immediately, permanent neurovascular and muscular compromise can ensue. When compartment syndrome is suspected, clinical recognition and timely assessment of the limb is essential to preventing limb ischemia. The classic cause of ACS is trauma; however, coagulopathies have been known to incite these events. Hemorrhage into a compartment can cause ACS but is rare in the literature. Here we present a case of thrombophilia resulting from pathological liver disease, leading to ACS that ultimately led to limb exsanguination. Education on early recognition of liver disease as an indirect underlying cause of ACS is imperative in order to prevent the dangerous sequelae that follow ACS.
Shakespeare’s Bombastic Blanks
Authors: Stagg Robert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article takes seriously Robert Greene and/or Henry Chettle’s 1592 claim that there is something bombastic about Shakespeare’s blank verse by focusing on its so-called ‘metrical end-stop’. After sketching a survey of the metrical end-stop in early blank verse, it considers the resources with which Shakespeare sought to shift his verse style away from that particular prosodic feature. The article concludes by thinking about the late blank verse of The Winter’s Tale as a metrical rejoinder to Greene, whose Pandosto it versifies—though it is a rejoinder that ultimately proves equivocal.
Dynamics and Catalytic Mechanism of Histone Demethylase PHF8
Authors: Christov Christo , Chaturvedi Shobhit , Ramanan Rajeev , Karabencheva‐Christova Tatyana 
Published: March 2021

PHF8 is histone lysine demethylase that demethylates dimethylated lysine residues in H3 histone protein. The enzyme is involved in key events of the epigenetic regulation and has been linked to mental retardation and other pathologies. While success in understanding structure‐function relationships of this enzyme was achieved using X‐ray crystallographic, biochemical and mutagenic studies, so far there is no knowledge about its reaction mechanism and the effect of the conformational dynamics on the enzyme structure and functions.In order to provide understanding into this missing areas, we performed combination from molecular dynamics simulations (MD), Electronic Structure (ES) and Combined Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) Calculations. The MD studies provided atomistic insights into the effects of the conformational dynamics and collective motions into enzyme structure, interactions with the co‐substrates. The QM/MM studies revealed the mechanistic aspect of the oxygen activation processes as well the hydrogen abstraction (HAT) and rebound hydroxylation steps. Furthermore, HAT step is calculated to be the rate‐limiting step. We explored the effects of conformational dynamics and effects of mutations on the HAT step. The results demonstrate the potential of multiscale computational methods to provide an insight that complement the experimental methods.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.