bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation, selection, and the prevalence of the Caenorhabditis elegans heat-sensitive mortal germline phenotype
Authors: Saber Sayran , Snyder Michael , Rajaei Moein , Baer Charles F 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans strains with the heat-sensitive mortal germline phenotype become progressively sterile over the course of a few tens of generations when maintained at temperatures near the upper range of C. elegans’ tolerance. Mortal germline is transgenerationally heritable, and proximately under epigenetic control. Previous studies have suggested that mortal germline presents a relatively large mutational target and that mortal germline is not uncommon in natural populations of C. elegans. The mortal germline phenotype is not monolithic. Some strains exhibit a strong mortal germline phenotype, in which individuals invariably become sterile over a few generations, whereas other strains show a weaker (less penetrant) phenotype in which the onset of sterility is slower and more stochastic. We present results in which we (1) quantify the rate of mutation to the mortal germline phenotype and (2) quantify the frequency of mortal germline in a collection of 95 wild isolates. Over the course of ∼16,000 meioses, we detected one mutation to a strong mortal germline phenotype, resulting in a point estimate of the mutation rate UMrt≈ 6×10−5/genome/generation. We detected no mutations to a weak mortal germline phenotype. Six out of 95 wild isolates have a strong mortal germline phenotype, and although quantification of the weak mortal germline phenotype is inexact, the weak mortal germline phenotype is not rare in nature. We estimate a strength of selection against mutations conferring the strong mortal germline phenotype s¯≈0.1%, similar to selection against mutations affecting competitive fitness. The appreciable frequency of weak mortal germline variants in nature combined with the low mutation rate suggests that mortal germline may be maintained by balancing selection.
Simulated distributions from negative experiments highlight the importance of the body mass index distribution in explaining depression–body mass index genetic risk score interactions
Authors: Casanova Francesco , O’Loughlin Jessica , Lewis Cathryn , Frayling Timothy M , Wood Andrew R , Tyrrell Jessica 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Depression and obesity are complex global health problems. Recent studies suggest that a genetic predisposition to obesity might be accentuated in people with depression, but these analyses are prone to bias. Here, we tested the hypothesis that depression accentuates genetic susceptibility to obesity and applied negative control experiments to test whether any observed interactions were real or driven by confounding and statistical biases.

Methods
We used data from up to 378 000 Europeans in UK Biobank, a 73 variant body mass index (BMI) genetic risk score, two depression measures [depression symptoms (DS), major depression (MD)] and an antidepressant usage variable available. We tested whether (i) depression and (ii) antidepressant treatment accentuated genetic susceptibility to obesity. Finally, we performed negative control experiments by sampling individuals at random so that they had BMI distributions identical to depression cases and controls.

Results
Depression was associated with an accentuation of an individual’s genetic risk of obesity with evidence of interactions for both DS and MD (Pinteraction = 7 × 10–4 and 7 × 10–5 respectively). Antidepressant usage within DS cases accentuated genetic obesity risk (Pinteraction = 9 × 10–4), but not for MD (Pinteraction = 0.13). Negative control experiments suggested that the observed interactions for MD (empirical-P = 0.067) may be driven by statistical biases or confounding factors but were not possible with the larger DS groups. Antidepressant usage interaction also appears to be driven by statistical artefacts (empirical-P = 0.510 using MD and 0.162 using DS).

Conclusion
We have highlighted the importance of running negative experiments to confirm putative interactions in gene–environment studies. We provide some tentative evidence that depression accentuates an individual’s genetic susceptibility to higher BMI but demonstrated that the BMI distributions within cases and controls might drive these interactions.
Spatial–temporal characteristics and scenario simulation of carbon emissions from energy consumption based on multiscale in the affected areas of the lower Yellow River
Authors: Liu Zhenyue , Yang Dan , Zhang Pengyan , Jiang Ling , Li Yanyan , Rong Tianqi , Song Meiling 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The future development of the world is threatened due to global warming and climate change mainly driven by carbon emissions. Conducting an extensive study on the influencing factors of regional energy consumption and prediction through scenario simulation is of great significance for China in order to meet its aim of achieving carbon peak by 2030. The affected areas of the lower Yellow River are one of the main grain-producing areas in China, and it is facing a strong demand for urbanization and rapid economic development. Based on the night light data, this study demonstrates that the carbon emissions from energy consumption in the study area showed an upward trend from 2000 to 2018 with obvious spatial distribution differences. Economic development had a significant positive effect on the increase in carbon emissions from energy consumption; energy consumption intensity showed a significant negative effect. The study area achieves the carbon peak target in 2027 only under the low-carbon scenario. This study is helpful to realize ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin and also has reference significance for other developing countries.
Supporting the pandemic response and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines: a case for stronger priority setting and health system governance in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Otuto Amarauche , Kapiriri Lydia , Essue Beverley 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Priority setting and health system governance are critical for optimising healthcare interventions and determining how best to allocate limited resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has buttressed the need for these especially now that vaccines are available to curb the spread of the disease. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), vaccine coverage remains low, due in large part to sub-optimal priority setting and health system governance which has led to inequities in access and has fuelled vaccine hesitancy. An analysis of the situation in Nigeria identified key issues that have affected the health system response to COVID-19 and impeded timely access to the vaccine. These include weak vaccine procurement strategies, limited evidence on strategies for prioritising recipients and approaches for rolling out mass vaccination programmes for the entire population, lack of a communication strategy to reduce the incidence of vaccine hesitancy and failures to proactively address vaccine hesitancy through the implementation of vaccination programmes. Nigeria and other many other LMICs are still facing the prospect of subsequent and potentially worsening waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without effective priority setting, there is a risk that the country will not accelerate vaccine rollout quickly enough to achieve high coverage rates that will ensure herd immunity. In the context of existing weaknesses in health system governance, there is an urgent need to strengthen priority settings in Nigeria and identify and implement context-specific solutions that can improve vaccine coverage for the population.
Enhancing Meningococcal Genomic Surveillance in the Meningitis Belt Using High-Resolution Culture-Free Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Itsko Mark , Topaz Nadav , Ousmane-Traoré Sani , Popoola Micheal , Ouedraogo Rasmata , Gamougam Kadidja , Sadji Adodo Yao , Abdul-Karim Abass , Lascols Christine , Wang Xin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Rollout of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine in Africa started in 2010, aiming to eliminate meningitis outbreaks, in meningitis belt countries. Since then, studies have been conducted, primarily using isolates, to assess the vaccine impact on the distribution of meningococcal strains in the region. Here, we implemented an innovative, culture-free whole-genome sequencing approach on almost 400 clinical specimens collected between 2017 and 2019 from meningococcal meningitis cases in 6 African countries. About 50% of specimens provided high-quality whole-genome sequence data for comprehensive molecular profiling of the meningococcal pathogen. Three major clonal complexes were identified: CC11 associated with serogroup W, CC181 associated with serogroup X, and CC10217 associated with serogroup C, which continues to rise as a predominant clonal complex in the region. Genomic surveillance for meningococcal meningitis can be significantly improved using culture-free methods to increase data representativeness and monitor changes in epidemiological landscape, especially for countries with low culture rate.
Development of a professional competency framework for Australian sonographers—perspectives for developing competencies using a Delphi methodology
Authors: Childs Jessie , Thoirs Kerry , Quinton Ann , Osborne Brooke , Edwards Christopher , Stoodley Paul , Lombardo Paul , Mcdonald Sandra , Slade Debbie , Chandler Amanda , Taylor Lucy , Long Jodie , Pollard Karen , Halligan Toni 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Professional competencies are important for enhancing alignment between the needs of education, industry and health consumers, whilst describing public expectations around health professionals. The development of competency standards for the sonography profession defines the behaviours, skills and knowledge sonographers should demonstrate for each learning and experience level.

Objective
The objective of this project was to develop a set of professional competency standards for the sonography profession which described in depth the behaviours, skills and knowledge sonographers should demonstrate across multiple learning and experience levels.

Methods
Representatives of three Australian ultrasound professional associations and seven tertiary institutions involved in entry-level sonographer education in Australia formed a research team (RT). The RT recruited an expert panel that responded to six survey rounds. Using a Delphi methodology, the results and free-text comments from each previous round were fed back to participants in the subsequent survey rounds to achieve a consensus.

Results
The project developed a professional competency framework for sonographers, which included four major domains: detailed competency standards, sonographer knowledge, sonographer attitudes and a holistic competency matrix [https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.17148035.v2.]

Conclusion
The Delphi methodology is an effective way to develop professional competency standards. This paper describes the methods and challenges in developing such standards for sonographers which could be translated to other health professionals.
Comparison of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Cobalt Chloride for Ablation of the Lateral Line System in Giant Danios
Authors: Mekdara P J , Tirmizi S , Schwalbe M A B , Tytell E D 
Published: March 2022

Synopsis
The mechanoreceptive lateral line system in fish is composed of neuromasts containing hair cells, which can be temporarily ablated by aminoglycoside antibiotics and heavy metal ions. These chemicals have been used for some time in studies exploring the functional role of the lateral line system in many fish species. However, little information on the relative effectiveness and rate of action of these chemicals for ablation is available. In particular, aminoglycoside antibiotics are thought to affect canal neuromasts, which sit in bony or trunk canals, differently from superficial neuromasts, which sit directly on the skin. This assumed ablation pattern has not been fully quantified for commonly used lateral line ablation agents. This study provides a detailed characterization of the effects of two aminoglycoside antibiotics, streptomycin sulfate and neomycin sulfate, and a heavy metal salt, cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2), on the ablation of hair cells in canal and superficial neuromasts in the giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus) lateral line system, as a model for adult teleost fishes. We also quantified the regeneration of hair cells after ablation using CoCl2 and gentamycin sulfate to verify the time course to full recovery, and whether the ablation method affects the recovery time. Using a fluorescence stain, 4-Di-2-ASP, we verified the effectiveness of each chemical by counting the number of fluorescing canal and superficial neuromasts present throughout the time course of ablation and regeneration of hair cells. We found that streptomycin and neomycin were comparably effective at ablating all neuromasts in less than 12 h using a 250 μM dosage and in less than 8 h using a 500 μM dosage. The 500 μM dosage of either streptomycin or neomycin can ablate hair cells in superficial neuromasts within 2–4 h, while leaving those in canal neuromasts mostly intact. CoCl2 (0.1 mM) worked the fastest, ablating all of the hair cells in less than 6 h. Complete regeneration of the neuromasts in the lateral line system took 7 days regardless of chemicals used to ablate the hair cells. This study adds to the growing knowledge in hearing research about how effective specific chemicals are at ablating hair cells in the acoustic system of vertebrates.
Odd-chain fatty acids as an alternative method to predict ruminal microbial nitrogen flow of feedlot Nellore steers fed grain-based diets supplemented with different nitrogen sources
Authors: Campos Letícia M , Souza Vinícius C , Granja-Salcedo Yury T , Messana Juliana D , Prestegaard-Wilson Jacquelyn M , Ganga Maria Júlia G , Dias Ana Veronica L , Costa Vladimir E , Berchielli Telma T 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the use of total odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) as a marker to estimate microbial nitrogen flow (MicN) and calculate the efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) in Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets supplemented with different nitrogen supplements (NS). Ruminally and duodenally cannulated Nellore steers (n = 6; 354 ± 12 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 repeated switchback design balanced for residual effects. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial of three nitrogen (N) supplements (urea plus soybean meal; corn gluten meal; dried distillers’ grains plus solubles) and three microbial markers (OCFA; double-labeled urea, 15N; microbial nucleic acid bases, MNAB). The total mixed ration was composed of fresh chopped sugarcane as the forage source in an 83:17 concentrate: forage ratio (dry matter basis). Linear regression was used to develop predictions of MicN from OCFA using 15N and MNAB as response variables. Microbial N flow was underestimated by the MNAB marker compared to 15N. Neither NS nor their respective interactions with the marker methods (MM) affected MicN or EMNS (P &gt; 0.05). However, MicN was different for 15N and MNAB (P &gt; 0.001 for both treatments). Marker methods affected EMNS in all energetic bases (total digestible carbohydrates P &lt; 0.001; rumen-fermentable carbohydrates P &lt; 0.001; organic matter truly degradable in the rumen P &lt; 0.001). Equations that utilized OCFA as a regressor to predict MicN under different MM resulted in good fits of the data as observed by the coefficient of determination (R2; 15N = 0.78; MNAB = 0.69). Microbial N flow estimated from OCFA was overpredicted (15N by 7.46%; MNAB by 4.30%) compared with observed values. The OCFA model presented a small slope bias when methodological validation was applied (15N = 0.96%; MNAB = 3.90%), ensuring reliability of the proposed alternative method. Based on the conditions of this experiment, OCFA may be a suitable alternative to other methods that quantify MicN under different dietary conditions.
A supraclavicular cystic lymphangioma in adult: a rare entity
Authors: Rasmont Céline , Deleuze Catherine , Ivanov Todor , Ferdin Fabian , Lemaitre Jean 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Cystic lymphangioma is a benign congenital disease that is more seen in head and neck regions. We report a case of a 54-year-old man with a growing supraclavicular mass. The ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a cystic lymphangioma. The mass was surgically totally removed without any recurrence. Histology examination confirmed the diagnosis. Cystic lymphangioma in adults is a rare entity and the literature on the subject is poor with no global recommendations.
Removing interlopers from intensity mapping probes of primordial non-Gaussianity
Authors: Chen Chang , Pullen Anthony R 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Line intensity mapping (LIM) has the potential to produce highly precise measurements of scale-dependence bias from primordial non-Gaussianity (PNG) due to its ability to map much larger volumes than are available from galaxy surveys. However, LIM experiences contamination from foreground emission, including interloping emission lines from other redshifts that alter the power spectra of the maps at these scales, potentially biasing measurements of fNL. Here, we model the effect of line interlopers on upcoming LIM probes of PNG from inflation. As an example, we consider the $[\rm C\,{{\small II}}]$ line at target redshift zt = 3.6 to probe PNG, with the important systematic concern being foreground contamination from CO lines residing at redshifts different from the target redshift. We find interloper lines can lead to a significant bias if we neglect the interlopers in the parameter estimation. Including the interlopers in the parameter estimation would cause an increase in errors for our PNG constraints, leading to a false positive for non-standard inflation models. We model how well the cross-correlation technique could reduce this interloper contamination using $[\rm C\,{\small II}]$ and CO(4–3) at the same redshift and find the uncertainty of fNL reduces by factors of 2 and 6 for local and orthogonal shape PNG, respectively, and by a factor of 5 for local shape if we consider seven interloper lines. This shows that when jointly fitting the auto- and cross-spectrum in the presence of interlopers, the errors are comparable to those from fitting without interlopers, almost eliminating the effect of interlopers when measuring non-Gaussianity.
Resilience of sloshing cold fronts against subsequent minor mergers
Authors: Vaezzadeh Iraj , Roediger Elke , Cashmore Claire , Hunt Matthew , ZuHone John , Forman William , Jones Christine , Kraft Ralph , Nulsen Paul , Su Yuanyuan , Churazov Eugene 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTMinor mergers are common in galaxy clusters. They have the potential to create sloshing cold fronts (SCFs) in the intracluster medium of the cluster. However, the resilience of SCFs to subsequent minor mergers is unknown. Here we investigate the extent to which SCFs established by an off-axis minor merger are disrupted by a subsequent minor merger. We perform a suite of 13 hydrodynamic + N-body simulations of idealized triple cluster mergers in which we vary the approach direction and impact parameter of the tertiary cluster. Except for ∼1 Gyr after the first core passage of the tertiary cluster, clear SCFs are present in all merger configurations. Subsequent head-on minor mergers reduce the number of SCFs significantly, while subsequent off-axis minor mergers only moderately reduce the number of SCFs. In particular, outer ($\gtrapprox 500\,$kpc) SCFs are resilient. The results of this work indicate that SCFs are easily formed in the course of a minor merger and are long-lived even if a further minor merger takes place. SCFs thus should be ubiquitous, but deriving the merger history of a given cluster based on its observed SCFs might be more complex than previously thought.
Hypermassive quark cores
Authors: Lopes Luiz L , Biesdorf Carline , Menezes Debora P 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Using a quantum hadrodynamics (QHD) and MIT-based models, we construct hybrid stars within the Maxwell criteria of hadron-quark phase transition. We are able to produce a hybrid star with maximum mass of 2.15 M⊙. Furthermore, a 2.03-M⊙ star with a quark core corresponding to more than $80{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of both, its total mass and radius, is also possible.
De Novo Assembly of 20 Chicken Genomes Reveals the Undetectable Phenomenon for Thousands of Core Genes on Microchromosomes and Subtelomeric Regions
Authors: Li Ming , Sun Congjiao , Xu Naiyi , Bian Peipei , Tian Xiaomeng , Wang Xihong , Wang Yuzhe , Jia Xinzheng , Heller Rasmus , Wang Mingshan , Wang Fei , Dai Xuelei , Luo Rongsong , Guo Yingwei , Wang Xiangnan , Yang Peng , Hu Dexiang , Liu Zhenyu , Fu Weiwei , Zhang Shunjin , Li Xiaochang , Wen Chaoliang , Lan Fangren , Siddiki Amam Zonaed , Suwannapoom Chatmongkon , Zhao Xin , Nie Qinghua , Hu Xiaoxiang , Jiang Yu , Yang Ning 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe gene numbers and evolutionary rates of birds were assumed to be much lower than those of mammals, which is in sharp contrast to the huge species number and morphological diversity of birds. It is, therefore, necessary to construct a complete avian genome and analyze its evolution. We constructed a chicken pan-genome from 20 de novo assembled genomes with high sequencing depth, and identified 1,335 protein-coding genes and 3,011 long noncoding RNAs not found in GRCg6a. The majority of these novel genes were detected across most individuals of the examined transcriptomes but were seldomly measured in each of the DNA sequencing data regardless of Illumina or PacBio technology. Furthermore, different from previous pan-genome models, most of these novel genes were overrepresented on chromosomal subtelomeric regions and microchromosomes, surrounded by extremely high proportions of tandem repeats, which strongly blocks DNA sequencing. These hidden genes were proved to be shared by all chicken genomes, included many housekeeping genes, and enriched in immune pathways. Comparative genomics revealed the novel genes had 3-fold elevated substitution rates than known ones, updating the knowledge about evolutionary rates in birds. Our study provides a framework for constructing a better chicken genome, which will contribute toward the understanding of avian evolution and the improvement of poultry breeding.