bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UHRF1 is indispensable for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and interacts with the DNA damage response pathway in mice
Authors: Xiong Mengneng , Zhou Shumin , Feng Shenglei , Gui Yiqian , Li Jinmei , Wu Yanqing , Dong Juan , Yuan Shuiqiao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
During male meiosis, the constitutively unsynapsed XY chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), and the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is critical for MSCI establishment. Our previous study showed that UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like, with PHD and ring finger domains 1) deletion led to meiotic arrest and male infertility; however, the underlying mechanisms of UHRF1 in the regulation of meiosis remain unclear. Here, we report that UHRF1 is required for MSCI and cooperates with the DDR pathway in male meiosis. UHRF1-deficient spermatocytes display aberrant pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage. In addition, UHRF1 deficiency leads to aberrant recruitment of ATR and FANCD2 on the sex chromosomes and disrupts the diffusion of ATR to the XY chromatin. Furthermore, we show that UHRF1 acts as a cofactor of BRCA1 to facilitate the recruitment of DDR factors onto sex chromosomes for MSCI establishment. Accordingly, deletion of UHRF1 leads to the failure of meiotic silencing on sex chromosomes, resulting in meiotic arrest. In addition to our previous findings, the present study reveals that UHRF1 participates in MSCI, ensuring the progression of male meiosis. This suggests a multifunctional role of UHRF1 in the male germline.
Connectomic analysis of unilateral dual-lead thalamic deep brain stimulation for treatment of multiple sclerosis tremor
Authors: Wong Joshua K. , Patel Bhavana , Middlebrooks Erik H. , Hilliard Justin D. , Foote Kelly D. , Okun Michael S. , Almeida Leonardo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Tremor is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis and can present as a severe postural and action tremor, leading to significant disability. Owing to the diffuse and progressive nature of the disease, it has been challenging to characterize the pathophysiology underlying multiple sclerosis tremor. Deep brain stimulation of the ventralis intermedius and the ventralis oralis posterior thalamic nuclei has been used to treat medically refractory multiple sclerosis tremors with variable results. The aim of this study was to characterize multiple sclerosis tremor at the network level by applying modern connectomic techniques to data from a previously completed single-centre, randomized, single-blind prospective trial of 12 subjects who were treated with unilateral dual-lead (ventralis intermedius + ventralis oralis posterior) thalamic deep brain stimulation. Preoperative T1-weighted MRI and postoperative head CTs were used, along with applied programming settings, to estimate the volume of tissue activated for each patient. The volumes of tissue activated were then used to make voxel-wise and structural connectivity correlations with clinically observed tremor suppression. The volume of the tissue-activated analyses identified the optimal region of stimulation at the ventralis oralis posterior ventralis intermedius border intersecting with the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract. A regression model showed strong connectivity to the supplemental motor area was positively associated with tremor suppression (r = 0.66) in this cohort, whereas connectivity to the primary motor cortex was negatively associated with tremor suppression (r = −0.69), a finding opposite to that seen in ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation for essential tremor. Comparing the structural connectivity to that of an essential tremor cohort revealed a distinct network that lies anterior to the essential tremor network. Overall, the volumes of tissue activated and connectivity observations converge to suggest that optimal suppression of multiple sclerosis tremor will likely be achieved by directing stimulation more anteriorly toward the ventralis oralis posterior and that a wide field of stimulation synergistically modulating the ventralis oralis posterior and ventralis intermedius nuclei may be more effective than traditional ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation at suppressing the severe tremors commonly seen in complex tremor syndromes such as multiple sclerosis tremor.
Determination of Urea in Swimming Pool Water Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Online Postcolumn Derivatization by Xanthydrol
Authors: Zhou Jinsen , Liu Cimin , Chen Yong , Luo Xiaoyan , Deng Dongsheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
A reversed-phase isocratic elution high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with fluorescence detection has been developed to determine urea concentration via online postcolumn derivatization. Swimming pool water samples were filtered through 0.20 μm syringe filters. When the temperature of reaction coil was 40°C, urea was derivatized well with xanthydrol methanol solution (0.1 g/L) containing 0.50% hydrochloric acid with a flow rate of 0.20 mL/min. Successful separation was achieved by using Shim-pack VP-ODS C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column, with a mobile phase containing phosphoric acid solution (0.01 mol/L) at a flow rate of 0.80 mL/min. Retention time and external standard method were used for qualitative and quantitative urea analysis, respectively. Under the established conditions, the limit of detection, linear range, correlation coefficient, recovery and relative standard deviation was 0.09 mg/L, 1.0–100.0 mg/L, 0.9998, 87.0–105.3% and 0.95–4.8%, respectively. Ammonia, thiourea and trichloroisocyanuric acid did not interfere with urea analysis. The method showed satisfactory results with high precision, accuracy, recovery, as well as sensitivity, for the determination of urea in swimming pool water.
Halophytes.tn: an innovative database for Tunisian halophyte plant identification, distribution and characterization
Authors: Merchaoui Henda , Ksouri Riadh , Abdelly Chedly , Hanana Mohsen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Halophytes.tn (http://halophytes.rnrt.tn/) is a web-based database of Tunisian halophyte species. Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants able to grow above 85 mM of salt, even up to 2 M as for Tecticornia spp. Tunisia, a North African country located on the Mediterranean border, covering ∼165 000 km2, harbors several types of saline habitats and biotopes where halophytes preferably vegetate. With ∼6000 worldwide and over 420 Tunisian species, halophytes represent a huge potential in several fields, including desalination, phytoremediation, agrofarming, medicinal use, industrial applications, pharmacology and even nanotechnology. We describe the practical and technical steps followed and bioinformatics tools used to conceive and design the first Tunisian halophytes database, enabling species identification and characterization. As a first version, information about botany, morphology, ecophysiology and biochemistry were provided for the identified species with their sites of growing in Tunisia, first step of biodiversity conservation, management and valorization. The database will be regularly maintained, updated and enriched to achieve the goal of whole Tunisian halophyte species and fit the needs of scientists and all category of users.Database URL: http://halophytes.rnrt.tn/
Neuraminidase inhibitor treatment is associated with decreased mortality in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wu Junfang , Zhao Mingming , Wei Haoran , Li Chenze , Hu Dong , Zheng Lemin , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Neuraminidase inhibitors (NI) on COVID-19 in a retrospective study.Methods and resultsThe study included an overall COVID-19 patients (n = 3267) and a 1:1 propensity score-matched patients (n = 972). The levels of plasma N-acetylneuraminic acid and neuraminidase expression were further evaluated in a panel of hospitalized and 1-month post-infection recovered COVID-19 subjects. The mortality rate in the overall patients was 9.6% (313/3267) and 9.2% (89/972) in the propensity-score matched patients. The NI treatment lowered the mortality rate (5.7% vs. 10.3%) and the critically ill conversion rate (14.1% vs. 19.7%) compare to those in the non-NI group in the overall patients and evaluated in the propensity score-matched patients when applying the multivariate Cox model for adjusting imbalanced confounding factors. Furthermore, NI treatment was associated with attenuated cytokine storm levels and acute heart injury but not liver or kidney injuries. Further analysis in a small panel of patients found the levels of N-acetylneuraminic acid and neuraminidase (dominantly the NEU3 isoform) were elevated in the hospitalized COVID-19 subjects and recovered at the 1-month post-infection stage, suggesting increasing desialylation in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionThese results suggest that NI treatment is associated with decreased mortality in COVID-19 subjects, especially for those subjects with acute heart injury.
Marginal College Wage Premiums Under Selection Into Employment
Authors: Westphal Matthias , Kamhöfer Daniel A , Schmitz Hendrik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe identify female long-term wage returns to college education using the educational expansion between 1960–90 in West Germany as exogenous variation for college enrolment. We estimate marginal treatment effects and propose a simple partial identification technique accounting for women selecting into employment due to having a college education. College-educated women are, on average, more than 18 percentage points more likely to be employed due to having a college education than those without college education. Taking this into account, we bound wage returns to 5.7%–13.9% per year of education completed (average treatment effects on the treated).
Is work–life interference a risk factor for sickness absence? A longitudinal study of the Swedish working population
Authors: Hagqvist Emma , Lidwall Ulrik , Leineweber Constanze 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
While there is increasing literature on the health effects of work–life interference, few studies have investigated the relationship between a direct measure of work–life interference and objective sickness absence measures. The aim of this study is to investigate whether work–life interference is a risk factor for subsequent long-term sickness absence (LTSA).

Methods
Data were derived from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Data were linked to register data on LTSA (having at least one continuous period of medically certified sick leave exceeding 14 days) the following 2 years after each data collection wave. We applied generalized estimating equations, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The sample included 15 244 individuals (43.1% men and 56.9% women). Nearly a fifth of the sample (18.7%, n = 1110) started at least one period of LTSA at any point between 2010 and 2018.

Results
Work–life interference was found to be a risk factor for subsequent LTSA (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.44–1.67) even when adjusting for relevant factors including general health (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.29–1.51). We found no significant moderating effect of gender.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that work–life interference is a risk factor for subsequent LTSA for working men and women in Sweden.
Metabolic profile of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis interactions within dual-species biofilms
Authors: Franco-Duarte Ricardo , Seabra Catarina L , Rocha Silvia M , Henriques Mariana , Sampaio Paula , Teixeira José A , Botelho Cláudia M 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Within the oral cavity, the ability of Candida species to adhere and form biofilms is well-recognized, especially when Candida albicans is considered. Lately, a knowledge gap has been identified regarding dual-species communication of Candida isolates, as a way to increase virulence, with evidences being collected to support the existence of interactions between C. albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The present work evaluated the synergistic effect of the two Candida species, and explored chemical interactions between cells, evaluating secreted extracellular alcohols and their relation with yeasts' growth and matrix composition. A total of four clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis species, isolated from single infections of different patients or from co-infections of a same patient, were tested. It was found that dual-species biofilms negatively impacted the growth of C. parapsilosis and their biofilm matrix, in comparison with mono-species biofilms, and had minor effects on the biofilm biomass. Alcohol secretion revealed to be species- and strain-dependent. However, some dual-species cultures produced much higher amounts of some alcohols (E-nerolidol and E, E-Farnesol) than the respective single cultures, which proves the existence of a synergy between species. These results show evidence that interactions between Candida species affect the biofilm matrix, which is a key element of oral biofilms.
Chromosomal-Level Genome Assembly of the SpringtailTomocerus qinae(Collembola: Tomoceridae)
Authors: Pan Zhixiang , Jin Jianfeng , Xu Cong , Yu Daoyuan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe family Tomoceridae is among the earliest derived collembolan lineages, thus is of key importance in understanding the evolution of Collembola. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of one tomocerid species Tomocerus qinae by combining Nanopore long reads and Hi-C data. The final genome size was 334.44 Mb with the scaffold/contig N50 length of 71.85/13.94 Mb. BUSCO assessment indicated that 96.80% of complete arthropod universal single-copy orthologs (n = 1,013) were present in the assembly. The repeat elements accounted for 26.11% (87.26 Mb) and 494 noncoding RNAs were identified in the genome. A total of 20,451 protein-coding genes were predicted, which captured 96.0% (973) BUSCO genes. Gene family evolution analyses identified 4,825 expanded gene families of T. qinae, among them, 47 experienced significant expansions, and these significantly expanded gene families mainly involved in proliferation and growth. This study provides an important genomic resource for future evolution and comparative genomics analyses of Collembola.
Social-ecological approaches to shellfish aquaculture using qualitative network models
Authors: Ferriss Bridget E , Reum Jonathan C P , Sanderson Beth L , McDonald P Sean 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntegrating social and ecological aspects of bivalve aquaculture in research and management processes can improve understanding of the system as a whole, and facilitate management decision-making. We created social-ecological conceptual models of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum), and Pacific geoduck (Panopea generosa) aquaculture in a USA estuary, which were the basis of qualitative network analysis to compare: (i) social-ecological models versus truncated ecological- and social- only models, and (ii) two geoduck models representing different stakeholder groups’ perspectives on nature-based recreation and environmental stewardship. The social-ecological models predicted different results compared to individual social or ecological models, including for abundance of invertebrates, eelgrass, and marine water quality. The two alternative geoduck models predicted outcomes that varied across multiple social-ecological variables, including the availability of local harvestable food, sense of place, and abundance of invertebrates in structured habitat. Results demonstrate the interconnectedness of the social and ecological components of the aquaculture system, and how predicted outcomes can vary depending on their inclusion in the model. This study also demonstrates the value in considering a suite of models that represents a range of group perspectives to identify areas of conflict and agreement, and to recognize bias inherent in the models.
Spatiotemporal variability of euphausiids in the California Current Ecosystem: insights from a recently developed time series
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth M , Chu Dezhang , Gauthier Stéphane , Parker-Stetter Sandra L , Shelton Andrew O , Thomas Rebecca E 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Euphausiids, or krill, are important energy links between primary producers and higher trophic levels in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), but a thorough understanding of their variability at the coast-wide scale is limited. Using fisheries acoustics data collected during biennial joint US–Canada Integrated Ecosystem and Acoustic Trawl Surveys for Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), we developed a time series (n = 8 years; 2007–2019 odd years inclusive, and 2012) of krill abundance and examined relationships with environmental factors. Krill were located in waters off the west coasts of the United States and Canada, primarily in shallow basins and on the continental shelf, with greatest kernel density estimates near Cape Mendocino and the Juan de Fuca eddy system. Coast-wide krill abundance was variable, and lowest in 2015 during an extended marine heat wave, when 91% were located in British Columbia. Using hierarchical generalized additive models, we predicted greatest krill abundance in cooler waters (0.2°C below the time series average), within 10–20 km of the shelf break, and in bottom depths between 200 and 400 m. This newly developed coast-wide time series of krill abundance and distribution will inform ecosystem-based fisheries management efforts, and offers additional opportunities for studies of krill-dependent fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Silencing at Work: Sexual Harassment, Workplace Misconduct and NDAs
Authors: Barmes Lizzie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article draws on qualitative analysis of a small interview study and of oral evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee (WESC) of the UK Parliament, to explore and contextualize the use in the United Kingdom of NDAs in settlements to silence allegations and experiences of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. This demonstrates the central place of NDAs in the failure of individualist individualized workplace protections effectively to combat this behaviour. Several factors emerge as potentially significant to the ubiquity and substantive content of NDAs in settlements: the influence of modern, technologically inflected routinization and sheer paperwork within organizations and lawyering; interactions between the law in practice and long-standing economic, social and cultural means of subordination, including of women and racialized groups. Illustrations comprise, first, employers’ systemic dominance, mediated by lawyers, being enacted and reinforced through frequent imposition of NDAs, including to protect serial wrongdoers, and, secondly, that the shame and career risk attached to people who experience and complain of ill treatment (not alleged wrongdoers) mean claimants themselves often need the protection of NDAs in settlements. Still, suggestions in the evidence of some organizations altering their use of NDAs provides an invaluable opportunity for future research to illuminate the drivers and long-term consequence of this legalized silencing and of what ought to be done about it. Organizational variety also shows that employers are already in a position differently to reconcile the innate tensions the data exposed between individual, employer, and societal interests in whether mistreatment at work is silenced or exposed. This leads to my final argument that, whatever legal reform occurs, employers and their lawyers ought already to take the obvious first step towards changing the culture, of shifting their default position away from routinely using law to silence complaints about sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. If employers are not even willing to take this small initial step, and their lawyers to back them up, this will raise serious questions about current public commitments finally to tackle workplace wrongdoing, and grave doubts that anything much is going to change in this dimension of working life.
TNFRSF1B and TNF Variants Are Associated With Differences in Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in Patients With Severe COVID-19
Authors: Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Buendía-Roldán Ivette , Ruiz Andy , Palacios Yadira , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , de Jesus Hernández-Zenteno Rafael , Reyes-Melendres Felipe , Zazueta-Márquez Armando , Alarcón-Dionet Aimé , Guzmán-Vargas Javier , Bravo-Gutiérrez Omar Andrés , Quintero-Puerta Teresa , Gutiérrez-Pérez Ilse Adriana , Nava-Quiroz Karol J , Bañuelos-Flores José Luis , Mejía Mayra , Rojas-Serrano Jorge , Ramos-Martínez Espiridión , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Chávez-Galán Leslie , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The impact of genetic variants in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its receptors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity has not been previously explored. We evaluated the association of TNF (rs1800629 and rs361525), TNFRSF1A (rs767455 and rs1800693), and TNFRSF1B (rs1061622 and rs3397) variants with COVID-19 severity, assessed as invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement, and the plasma levels of soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods
The genetic study included 1353 patients. Taqman assays were used to assess the genetic variants. ELISA was used to determine soluble TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in plasma samples from 334 patients.

Results
Patients carrying TT (TNFRSF1B rs3397) exhibited lower PaO2/FiO2 levels than those with CT + CC genotypes. Differences in plasma levels of TNFR1 and TNFR2 were observed according to the genotype of TNFRSF1B rs1061622, TNF rs1800629, and rs361525. According to the studied genetic variants, there were no differences in the soluble TNF-α levels. Higher soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2 levels were detected in patients with COVID-19 requiring IMV.

Conclusions
Genetic variants in TNF and TNFRSFB1 influence the plasma levels of soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2, implicated in COVID-19 severity.
Imperfect Competition in Firm-to-Firm Trade
Authors: Dhyne Emmanuel , Kikkawa Ayumu Ken , Magerman Glenn 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper studies the implications of imperfect competition in firm-to-firm trade. Exploiting data on the universe of sales relationships between Belgian firms, we document that firms’ markups increase in the average input shares among their buyers. Motivated by this fact, we develop and estimate a model where firms charge buyer–supplier-specific markups that depend on the bilateral input shares. We find markup dispersion within firms across buyers creates substantial welfare loss: Aggregate welfare increases by around 6% when firms are banned from charging different markups across buyers.