bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A low density wave's spiral pattern speed, from the tracer separations (age gradient) across a spiral arm in the Milky Way
Authors: Vallée Jacques P 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
We observe the density wave's angular pattern speed Ωp to be near 12–17 km s−1 kpc−1, by the separation between a typical optical H ii region (from the spiral arm's dust lane) and using a H ii-evolution time model TH ii to yield its relative speed, and independently by the separation between a typical radio maser (from the spiral arm's dust lane) with a maser model. The assumption of a fixed circular rotational speed of the gas and stars with galactic radius is employed (neglecting spiral perturbation at mid-radii, nuclear bar influence at small radii, and tidal effects at large radii).
Fluctuating Environments Maintain Genetic Diversity through Neutral Fitness Effects and Balancing Selection
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Farah , Tranchina Daniel , Gresham David 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Genetic variation is the raw material upon which selection acts. The majority of environmental conditions change over time and therefore may result in variable selective effects. How temporally fluctuating environments impact the distribution of fitness effects and in turn population diversity is an unresolved question in evolutionary biology. Here, we employed continuous culturing using chemostats to establish environments that switch periodically between different nutrient limitations and compared the dynamics of selection to static conditions. We used the pooled Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploid gene deletion collection as a synthetic model for populations comprising thousands of unique genotypes. Using barcode sequencing, we find that static environments are uniquely characterized by a small number of high-fitness genotypes that rapidly dominate the population leading to dramatic decreases in genetic diversity. By contrast, fluctuating environments are enriched in genotypes with neutral fitness effects and an absence of extreme fitness genotypes contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity. We also identified a unique class of genotypes whose frequencies oscillate sinusoidally with a period matching the environmental fluctuation. Oscillatory behavior corresponds to large differences in short-term fitness that are not observed across long timescales pointing to the importance of balancing selection in maintaining genetic diversity in fluctuating environments. Our results are consistent with a high degree of environmental specificity in the distribution of fitness effects and the combined effects of reduced and balancing selection in maintaining genetic diversity in the presence of variable selection.
Blasticidin S inhibits mammalian translation and enhances production of protein encoded by nonsense mRNA
Authors: Powers Kyle T , Stevenson-Jones Flint , Yadav Sathish K N , Amthor Beate , Bufton Joshua C , Borucu Ufuk , Shen Dakang , Becker Jonas P , Lavysh Daria , Hentze Matthias W , Kulozik Andreas E , Neu-Yilik Gabriele , Schaffitzel Christiane 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Deciphering translation is of paramount importance for the understanding of many diseases, and antibiotics played a pivotal role in this endeavour. Blasticidin S (BlaS) targets translation by binding to the peptidyl transferase center of the large ribosomal subunit. Using biochemical, structural and cellular approaches, we show here that BlaS inhibits both translation elongation and termination in Mammalia. Bound to mammalian terminating ribosomes, BlaS distorts the 3′CCA tail of the P-site tRNA to a larger extent than previously reported for bacterial ribosomes, thus delaying both, peptide bond formation and peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis. While BlaS does not inhibit stop codon recognition by the eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1), it interferes with eRF1’s accommodation into the peptidyl transferase center and subsequent peptide release. In human cells, BlaS inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and, at subinhibitory concentrations, modulates translation dynamics at premature termination codons leading to enhanced protein production.
Association of serum levels of inflammatory markers and adipokines with joint symptoms and structures in participants with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhu Jimin , Ruan Guangfeng , Cen Han , Meng Tao , Zheng Shuang , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Baikun , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Winzenberg Tania , Wluka Anita E , Cicuttini Flavia , Wang Binghui , Ding Changhai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the longitudinal associations of serum inflammatory markers and adipokines with joint symptoms and structures in participants with knee OA.

Methods
Two hundred participants (46.5% female, mean age 63.1 years, mean BMI 29.5 kg/m2) from Tasmania, part of the VIDEO (Vitamin D Effect on OA) study, were randomly selected in the current study. Serum levels of 19 biomarkers, scores of WOMAC and MRI-assessed knee structures were evaluated at baseline and month 24. The patterns of biomarkers were derived from principal component analysis and their association with knee symptoms and structures were examined using adjusted generalized estimating equations.

Results
Five components explained 78% of the total variance. IL-1β, -2, -4, -6, -8, -17 A, -17 F, -21, -22 and -23 loaded the highest on the first component, which was associated with increased bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and WOMAC dysfunction score. IL-10, -12 and GM-CSF loaded on the second component, which was associated with increased cartilage volume, and decreased effusion synovitis and WOMAC scores. Leptin, adipsin and CRP loaded on the third component, which was positively associated with WOMAC scores. Resistin loaded on the fourth component, which was associated with increased BMLs and cartilage defects. Apelin-36 and adiponectin loaded on the fifth component, which was associated with increased BMLs.

Conclusion
Various inflammatory and metabolic components were associated differently with joint symptoms and structural changes in knee OA, suggesting a complex inflammatory and metabolic interrelationship in the pathogenesis of knee OA.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Control Hemocyte Trafficking in Innate Immunity of Manduca sexta
Authors: Vishnuvardhan Smitha , Boe Jordan Paul , Greenlee Kendra J 
Published: June 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of conserved, proteolytic enzymes. MMPs can degrade most extracellular matrix proteins. As such; they are key enzymes in remodeling processes, such as molting and metamorphosis. They are also known to be upregulated in many disease states, where they may cause tissue damage. Yet their presence may be beneficial, as their inhibition may result in worsening of symptoms or increased mortality. We tested the hypothesis that MMPs play a role in innate immunity in the tobacco hornworm caterpillar, Manduca sexta. We infected 5th instar caterpillars with E. coli DH5α in the presence or absence of the MMP inhibitor, GM6001. Larvae infected with E. coli DH5α had significantly more circulating hemocytes when compared to the larvae which received an MMP inhibitor, suggesting that MMPs may be important for hemocyte recruitment from the fat body. The majority of the circulating hemocytes were granulocytes, a cell type that phagocytoses forein bodies, including pathogens. In addition, we used flow cytometry to assess phagocytic ability. Hemocytes in the presence of the MMP inhibitor were less able to phagocytose sephadex beads, supporting the hypothesis that this MMP may contribute to cellular innate immune function.This work was funded in part by NDSU, NSFEPSCoR #EPS‐00447679, and NIH 2P20RR015566.
Nursing Faculty Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Authors: Sacco Tara L. , Kelly Michelle M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

AIM
The specific aim of the study was to describe nursing faculty experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND
Academic nursing experiences were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is concern that the resulting stress threatens nursing faculty emotional well-being.

METHOD
A descriptive, quantitative study was conducted, exploring faculty academic and clinical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, including perception of institutional support provided; faculty burnout, satisfaction, and well-being; and student support needs and well-being.

RESULTS
Analyses were performed on 117 quantitative and 49 qualitative responses. Participants perceived support from academic institutions and increased need to provide emotional support to students. Most reported negative effects on well-being but did not report high levels of burnout.

CONCLUSION
Nursing faculty are essential to the profession. Stress responses from the COVID-19 pandemic may not be fully realized. Nursing faculty require proactive and sustained institutional and personal support to provide exceptional ongoing education, build resilience, and support students.
Comparing Mid-Term Outcomes Between ACDF and Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy in the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Emami Arash , Coban Daniel , Changoor Stuart , Dunn Conor , Sahai Nikhil , Sinha Kumar , Hwang Ki Soo , Faloon Michael 
Published: June 2021

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.
To compare minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in the treatment of unilateral cervical radiculopathy.

Summary of Background Data.
MI-PCF has been shown to be equally effective as ACDF in treating cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis and similar pathologies. Additionally, it has been hypothesized that preserving motion and avoiding fusion reduces risk for adjacent segment disease, but potentially increases risk for subsequent revision to an ACDF. With similar short-term outcomes and substantial advantages, MI-PCF may be an effective alternative to ACDF for addressing appropriate cervical pathology.

Methods.
A retrospective review was performed to identify patients between 2009 and 2013 who underwent ACDF or MI-PCF with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Demographic data was recorded. Revision rates and average time to revision between cohorts were compared. Clinical outcomes were assessed at each follow-up visit with Neck Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale for neck and Visual Analog Scale for arm pain scores. All complications were reviewed. Standard binomial and categorical comparative analysis were performed.

Results.
A total of 251 consecutive patients were included (205 ACDF, 46 MI-PCF). Mean follow-ups for the ACDF and MI-PCF groups were 98.3 and 95.9 months, respectively. Complication rates were 2.9% and 2.2% for the ACDF and MI-PCF cohorts, respectively (P = 0.779). Revision rates were 7.8% for the ACDF cohort and 8.7% for the MI-PCF cohort (P = 0.840). Both cohorts experienced significant improvements in their clinical scores compared with their preoperative values. Final Visual Analog Scale for neck pain (ACDF: 2.6; MI-PCF: 1.6) and Visual Analog Scale for arm pain (ACDF: 1.1; MI-PCF: 0.4) scores differed significantly at final follow-up (P =  < 0.001; P =  < 0.001).

Conclusion.
MI-PCF is a safe and effective alternative to ACDF in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy, demonstrating substantial benefit. After final follow-up, MI-PCF demonstrated superior improvements in Visual Analog Scale scores, without increased complication or revision rates.

Level of Evidence: 3
Highly-specific memory B cells generation after the 2nd dose of BNT162b2 vaccine compensate for the decline of serum antibodies and absence of mucosal IgA
Authors: Mortari Eva Piano , Russo Cristina , Vinci Maria Rosaria , Terreri Sara , Salinas Ane Fernandez , Piccioni Livia , Alteri Claudia , Colagrossi Luna , Coltella Luana , Ranno Stefania , Linardos Giulia , Agosta Marilena , Albano Christian , Agrati Chiara , Castilletti Concetta , Meschi Silvia , Romania Paolo , Roscilli Giuseppe , Pavoni Emiliano , Camisa Vincenzo , Santoro Annapaola , Brugaletta Rita , Magnavita Nicola , Ruggiero Alessandra , Cotugno Nicola , Amodio Donato , Atti Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli , Giorgio Daniela , Russo Nicoletta , Salvatori Guglielmo , Corsetti Tiziana , Locatelli Franco , Perno Carlo Federico , Zaffina Salvatore , Carsetti Rita 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSpecific memory B cells and antibodies are reliable read-out of vaccine efficacy. We analyzed these biomarkers after one and two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine. The second dose significantly increases the level of highly-specific memory B cells and antibodies. Two months after the second dose, specific antibody levels decline, but highly specific memory B cells continue to increase thus predicting a sustained protection from COVID-19.
Graphical Abstract
Shrimp parvovirus circular DNA fragments arise from both endogenous viral elements (EVE) and the infecting virus
Authors: Taengchaiyaphum Suparat , Buathongkam Phasini , Sukthaworn Suchitraporn , Wongkhaluang Prapatsorn , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Flegel Timothy William 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTSome insects use endogenous reverse transcriptase (RT) to make variable viral copy DNA (vcDNA) fragments from viral RNA in linear (lvcDNA) and circular (cvcDNA) forms. The latter form is easy to extract selectively. The vcDNA produces small interfering RNA (siRNA) variants that inhibit viral replication via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. The vcDNA is also autonomously inserted into the host genome as endogenous viral elements (EVE) that can also result in RNAi. We hypothesized that similar mechanisms occurred in shrimp. We used the insect methods to extract circular viral copy DNA (cvcDNA) from the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infected with a virus originally named infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). Simultaneous injection of the extracted cvcDNA plus IHHNV into whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) resulted in a significant reduction in IHHNV replication when compared to shrimp injected with IHHNV only. Next generation sequencing (NGS) revealed that the extract contained a mixture of two general IHHNV-cvcDNA types. One showed 98 to 99% sequence identity to GenBank record AF218266 from an extant type of infectious IHHNV. The other type showed 98% sequence identity to GenBank record DQ228358, an EVE formerly called non-infectious IHHNV. The startling discovery that EVE could also give rise to cvcDNA revealed that cvcDNA provided an easy means to identify and characterize EVE in shrimp and perhaps other organisms. These studies open the way for identification, characterization and use of protective cvcDNA as a potential shrimp vaccine and as a tool to identify, characterize and select naturally protective EVE to improve shrimp tolerance to homologous viruses in breeding programs.
ROS/RNS balancing, aerobic fermentation regulation and cell cycle control – a complex early trait (‘CoV-MAC-TED’) for combating SARS-CoV-2-induced cell reprogramming
Authors: Costa José Hélio , Mohanapriya Gunasekaran , Revuru Bharadwaj , Noceda Carlos , Lima Thiers Karine Leitão , Aziz Shahid , Srivastava Shivani , Oliveira Manuela , Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis , Kumari Aprajita , Sircar Debabrata , Kumar Sarma Rajeev , Achra Arvind , Sathishkumar Ramalingam , Adholeya Alok , Arnholdt-Schmitt Birgit 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn a perspective entitled ‘From plant survival under severe stress to anti-viral human defense’ we raised and justified the hypothesis that transcript level profiles of justified target genes established fromin vitrosomatic embryogenesis (SE) induction in plants as a reference compared to virus-induced profiles can identify differential virus signatures that link to harmful reprogramming. A standard profile of selected genes named ‘ReprogVirus’ was proposed forin vitro-scanning of early virus-induced reprogramming in critical primary infected cells/tissues as target trait. For data collection, the ‘ReprogVirus platform’ was initiated. This initiative aims to identify in a common effort across scientific boundaries critical virus footprints from diverse virus origins and variants as a basis for anti-viral strategy design. This approach is open for validation and extension.In the present study, we initiated validation by experimental transcriptome data available in public domain combined with advancing plant wet lab research. We compared plant-adapted transcriptomes according to ‘RegroVirus’ complemented by alternative oxidase (AOX) genes duringde novoprogramming under SE-inducing conditions within vitrocorona virus-induced transcriptome profiles. This approach enabled identifying amajorcomplextrait forearlyde novoprogramming during SARS-CoV-2 infection, called ‘CoV-MAC-TED’. It consists of unbalanced ROS/RNS levels, which are connected to increased aerobic fermentation that links to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and progression of cell cycle.We conclude that anti-viral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies need to rigorously target ‘CoV-MAC-TED’ in primary infected nose and mouth cells through prophylactic and very early therapeutic strategies. We also discuss potential strategies in the view of the beneficial role of AOX for resilient behavior in plants.Furthermore, following the general observation that ROS/RNS equilibration/redox homeostasis is of utmost importance at the very beginning of viral infection, we highlight that ‘de-stressing’ disease and social handling should be seen as essential part of anti-viral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies.
Balanced-detection visible-light optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rubinoff Ian , Miller David A. , Kuranov Roman , Wang Yuanbo , Fang Raymond , Volpe Nicholas J. , Zhang Hao F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIncreases in speed and sensitivity enabled rapid clinical adoption of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in ophthalmology. Recently visible-light OCT (vis-OCT) achieved ultrahigh axial resolution, improved tissue contrast, and new functional imaging capabilities, demonstrating the potential to improve clincal care further. However, limited speed and sensitivity caused by the high relative intensity noise (RIN) in supercontinuum lasers impeded the clinical adoption of vis-OCT. To overcome these limitations, we developed balanced-detection vis-OCT (BD-vis-OCT), which uses two calibrated spectrometers to cancel noises common to sample and reference arms, including RIN. We analyzed the RIN to achieve a robust pixel-to-pixel calibration between the two spectrometers and showed that BD-vis-OCT enhanced system sensitivity by up to 22.2 dB. We imaged healthy volunteers at an A-line rate of 125 kHz and a field-of-view as large as 10 mm × 4 mm. We found that BD-vis-OCT revealed retinal anatomical features previously obscured by the noise floor.
Cell-to-cell variability in inducible Caspase9-mediated cell death
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Ren Huixia , Li Yanjun , Qin Shanshan , Yang Xiaojing , Tang Chao 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTiCasp9 suicide gene has been widely used as a promising killing strategy in various cell therapies. However, different cells show significant heterogeneity in response to apoptosis inducer, posing challenges in clinical applications of killing strategy. The cause of the heterogeneity remains elusive so far. Here, by simultaneously monitoring the dynamics of iCasp9 dimerization, Caspase3 activation and cell fate in single cells, we found that the heterogeneity was mainly due to cell-to-cell variability in initial iCasp9 expression and XIAP/Caspase3 ratio. Moreover, multiple-round drugging cannot increase the killing efficiency. Instead, it will place selective pressure on protein levels, especially on the level of initial iCasp9, leading to drug resistance. We further show this resistance can be largely eliminated by combinatorial drugging with XIAP inhibitor at the end, but not at the beginning, of the multiple-round treatments. Our results unveil the source of cell fate heterogeneity and drug resistance in iCasp9-mediated cell death, which may enlighten better therapeutic strategies for optimized killing.
Effect of temperature on process and kinetic parameters of the hydrogen evolution reaction of X80 under CP
Authors: Wu Shixiong , Gao Zhiming , Xia Da-Hai , Wu Meijun , Liu Yingjie , Hu Wenbin 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to study the effect of temperature on the process and kinetic parameters of the hydrogen evolution reaction of X80 under cathodic protection (CP) in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach
Potentiodynamic polarization combined with the hydrogen permeation test is used to analyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process and the rate-determining step for which is diagnosed through the electrochemical impedance spectrum method. Then, the influence of temperature on kinetic parameters of HER can be known from the results obtained by using the Iver-Pickering-Zamenzadeh model for data analysis.

Findings
The results show that the HER proceeds through Volmer–Tafel route with the Volmer reaction acting as the rate-controlling step; Increasing temperature gives a higher activity of the HER on X80, it also accelerates the hydrogen desorption and diffusion of hydrogen into the metal.

Originality/value
There exist few studies on the topic of how temperature affects the HER process. It is imperative to conduct a relevant study to give some instruction in cathodic protection system design and this paper fulfills this need.
Exploring the nonlinear effect of size on profitability: evidence from an insurance brokerage industry in an emerging market
Authors: Kotey Richard Angelous , Akomatey Richard , Kusi Baah Aye 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study examines the possible nonlinear effect of size on stakeholder and shareholder profitability in the Ghanaian insurance brokerage industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a panel dataset of 64 Ghanaian insurance brokerage firms spanning 2011–2015. Static [ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effect and random effect and dynamic (two-step generalized method of moments (GMM))] estimation techniques are employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe study finds the existence of both economies and diseconomies of scale and scope theories in the Ghanaian insurance brokerage industry confirming the existence of nonlinear nexus between size and performance. This finding is consistent for both stakeholder and shareholder profit performance. Thus, the results show that size improves profitability of insurance brokerage firms, but beyond a certain threshold, the relationship turns negative as size negatively affects profitability.Practical implicationsThe research findings have implications for both policy and research; the study recommends that Ghanaian brokerage managers should understand that not all growth is good and exercise a duty of care when applying growth strategies by monitoring size effect on performance so as not to go beyond the inflection point. Further research can be done to examine this effect in other contexts, timeframes and jurisdictions.Originality/valueThis research is unique in that it employs a panel dataset consisting of 96% of insurance brokerage firms in Ghana whilst employing both static and nonstatic regression models to examine the effect of size. The research analysis adopted is robust, and the findings are significant. Also, the lack of empirical studies on the operations and dealings of auxiliary institutions such as the insurance brokerage firms adds value to this research.