bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finis tolueni: a new type of thiolase with an integrated Zn‐finger subunit catalyzes the final step of anaerobic toluene metabolism
Authors: Weidenweber Sina , Schühle Karola , Lippert Marie‐Luise , Mock Johanna , Seubert Andreas , Demmer Ulrike , Ermler Ulrich , Heider Johann
Published: March 2022

Anaerobic toluene degradation involves β‐oxidation of the first intermediate (R)‐2‐benzylsuccinate to succinyl‐CoA and benzoyl‐CoA. Here, we characterize the last enzyme of this pathway, (S)‐2‐benzoylsuccinyl‐CoA thiolase (BbsAB). Although benzoylsuccinyl‐CoA is not available for enzyme assays, the recombinantly produced enzymes from two different species showed the reverse activity, benzoylsuccinyl‐CoA formation from benzoyl‐CoA and succinyl‐CoA. Activity depended on the presence of both subunits, the thiolase family member BbsB and the Zn‐finger protein BbsA, which is affiliated to the DUF35 family of unknown function. We determined the structure of BbsAB from Geobacter metallireducens with and without bound CoA at 1.7 and 2.0 Å resolution, respectively. CoA binding into the well‐known thiolase cavity triggers an induced‐fit movement of the highly disordered covering loop, resulting in its rigidification by forming multiple interactions to the outstretched CoA moiety. This event is coupled with an 8 Å movement of an adjacent hairpin loop of BbsB and the C‐terminal domain of BbsA. Thereby, CoA is placed into a catalytically productive conformation, and a putative second CoA binding site involving BbsA and the partner BbsB′ subunit is simultaneously formed that also reaches the active center. Therefore, while maintaining the standard thioester‐dependent Claisen‐type mechanism, BbsAB represents a new type of thiolase.
Crystal structure of ArOYE6 reveals a novel C‐terminal helical extension and mechanistic insights into the distinct class III OYEs from pathogenic fungi
Authors: Singh Yeshveer , Sharma Ruby , Mishra Manasi , Verma Praveen Kumar , Saxena Ajay Kumar
Published: March 2022

Old yellow enzymes (OYEs) play a critical role in antioxidation, detoxification and ergot alkaloid biosynthesis processes in various organisms. The yeast‐ and bacteria‐like OYEs have been structurally characterized earlier, however, filamentous fungal pathogens possess a novel OYE class, that is, class III, whose biochemical and structural intricacies remain unexplored to date. Here, we present the 1.6 Å X‐ray structure of a class III member, OYE 6 from necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei (ArOYE6), in flavin mononucleotide (FMN)‐bound form (PDB ID‐7FEV) and provide mechanistic insights into their catalytic capability. We demonstrate that ArOYE6 exists as a monomer in solution, forms (β/α)8 barrel structure harbouring non‐covalently bound FMN at cofactor binding site, and utilizes reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate as its preferred reductant. The large hydrophobic cavity situated above FMN, specifically accommodates 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid and N‐ethylmaleimide substrates as observed in ArOYE6‐FMN‐substrate ternary complex models. Site‐directed mutations in the conserved catalytic (His196, His199 and Tyr201) and FMN‐binding (Lys249 and Arg348) residues render the enzyme inactive. Intriguingly, the ArOYE6 structure contains a novel C‐terminus (369–445 residues) made of three α‐helices, which stabilizes the FMN binding pocket as its mutation/truncation lead to complete loss of FMN binding. Moreover, the loss of the extended C‐terminus does not alter the monomeric nature of ArOYE6. In this study, for the first time, we provide the structural and biochemical insights for a fungi‐specific class III OYE homologue and dissect the oxidoreductase mechanism. Our findings hold broad biological significance during host–fungus interactions owing to the conservation of this class among pathogenic fungi, and would have potential implications in the pharmacochemical industry.
Discourses of foreign language development in study abroad: Social networks and other intervening factors
Authors: Mas‐Alcolea Sònia , Torres‐Purroy Helena
Published: March 2022

Many scholars have highlighted the great variability of second language acquisition outcomes and, thus, the inconsistencies and inconclusiveness in the study abroad literature. These have called for longitudinal, case‐based research that focuses on the students’ processes (rather than outcomes) and that showcases the heterogeneity of experiences in two ways: by pointing at students’ socialization abroad as a key aspect affecting outcome and by accounting for other interlinking factors that may affect the students’ different trajectories. From a discourse‐analytic approach, this article presents a longitudinal, qualitative multiple‐case study of the Erasmus experience of nine Catalan‐Spanish undergraduate students in Italy, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The focus will be on the reported linguistic impact of their sojourn abroad; how this is related to the social networks formed abroad; and the factors that shaped the participants’ socialization patterns and ultimately their second language learning and use trajectories.
Sea level rise and climate change acting as interactive stressors on development and dynamics of tropical peatlands in coastal Sumatra and South Borneo since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Hapsari K. Anggi , Jennerjahn Tim , Nugroho Septriono Hari , Yulianto Eko , Behling Hermann
Published: March 2022

Southeast Asian peatlands, along with their various important ecosystem services, are mainly distributed in the coastal areas of Sumatra and Borneo. These ecosystems are threatened by coastal development, global warming and sea level rise (SLR). Despite receiving growing attention for their biodiversity and as massive carbon stores, there is still a lack of knowledge on how they initiated and evolved over time, and how they responded to past environmental change, that is, precipitation, sea level and early anthropogenic activities. To improve our understanding thereof, we conducted multi‐proxy paleoecological studies in the Kampar Peninsula and Katingan peatlands in the coastal area of Riau and Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The results indicate that the initiation timing and environment of both peatlands are very distinct, suggesting that peat could form under various vegetation as soon as there is sufficient moisture to limit organic matter decomposition. The past dynamics of both peatlands were mainly attributable to natural drivers, while anthropogenic activities were hardly relevant. Changes in precipitation and sea level led to shifts in peat swamp forest vegetation, peat accumulation rates and fire regimes at both sites. We infer that the simultaneous occurrence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and SLR resulted in synergistic effects which led to the occurrence of severe fires in a pristine coastal peatland ecosystem; however, it did not interrupt peat accretion. In the future, SLR, combined with the projected increase in frequency and intensity of ENSO, can potentially amplify the negative effects of anthropogenic peatland fires. This prospectively stimulates massive carbon release, thus could, in turn, contribute to worsening the global climate crisis especially once an as yet unknown threshold is crossed and peat accretion is halted, that is, peatlands lose their carbon sink function. Given the current rapid SLR, coastal peatland managements should start develop fire risk reduction or mitigation strategies.
Language differences, cultural identity, and innovation
Authors: Wang Chang'an , Wu Junqian , Ruan Jianqing , Liu Xiaoqian
Published: March 2022

Cultural variations caused by language differences hinder technology diffusion and economic development. Using China's city‐level data, we analyze the effect of language differences in cities on innovation. The result shows the larger the language differences within a city, the lower the innovation of that city. Then, using historical immigration data as an instrumental variable, we find the result is robust. Furthermore, by excluding the competitive channel, language communication, through which language differences influence innovation, we conclude the main channel is cultural identity.
A transdisciplinary review and framework of consumer interactions with embodied social robots: Design, delegate, and deploy
Authors: Blaurock Marah , Čaić Martina , Okan Mehmet , Henkel Alexander P.
Published: March 2022

Social robots are gradually entering the organizational frontline, and research is beginning to unveil the implications for consumer–firm interactions. While empirical studies on human–robot service interaction (HRSI) are scarce in business literature, other scientific fields have generated an abundance of empirical findings that can inform consumer research on successfully integrating embodied social robots in consumer‐facing services. In this light, a systematic literature review was conducted across scientific fields, screening over 13,500 research articles. Through a thorough review process, 199 service‐relevant empirical research articles were identified. Emanating from these data, an organizing meta‐framework is advanced (D3: design, delegate, and deploy). Leveraging this D3 framework, a comprehensive overview of several dimensions of the literature is provided, and key insights for each framework dimension are presented. Based on this overview, implications for whether, how, and when to integrate social robots in practice and a comprehensive future research agenda are developed.
Innovations and applications of 3‐D printing in food sector
Authors: Taneja Akriti , Sharma Ruchi , Ayush Krishna , Sharma Anshu , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Regenstein Joe M. , Barba Francisco J. , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Sharma Somesh
Published: March 2022

3‐D printing is a neoteric technology that can make existing food value chains client‐desirable and sustainable by providing on‐demand food production, enabling automated food personalisation, and minimising food wastage. It can address food scarcity in countries where affordable and fresh ingredients are inaccessible by integrating nutrient‐rich substrates, probiotics, bioactive compounds, and functional ingredients into complex fabricated foods. The global food processing industries are endorsing 3‐D food printing technology to make production more efficient and self‐reliant, anticipating a compound annual growth rate of ~55%. This review paper provides a holistic outlook of the technology beginning with the various techniques utilised for 3‐D printing and printers available in the market. Substantial raw ingredients used for printing and the components in the future precision and personalised foods are discussed. The pros and cons of this technology along with its potential applications and future perspectives of 3‐D food printing are also evaluated.
Chitooligosaccharides from shrimp shell chitosan prepared using H2O2 or ascorbic acid/H2O2 redox pair hydrolysis: characteristics, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Mittal Ajay , Singh Avtar , Hong Hui , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: March 2022

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) prepared from shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell chitosan using H2O2 at different concentrations or ascorbic acid (AsA)/H2O2 redox pair at various concentration ratios using different hydrolysis times and temperatures were characterised. COS produced by 0.05/0.1 (M/M) of AsA/H2O2 redox pair (COS‐RP) showed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, FRAP, metal chelating activity and ORAC (P < 0.05). Based on fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, COS‐HP and COS‐RP had slight difference between functional groups. COS‐RP had low degree of polymerisation (2–8) and average molecular weight (0.7 kDa). Intermolecular hydrogen bonds were broken, and crystallinity of chitosan was decreased after hydrolysis. COS‐RP showed higher zone of inhibition toward tested bacteria than COS‐HP (P < 0.05). 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR spectra also reconfirmed that no drastic alteration in chemical structure of both COS samples took place. Overall, COS prepared using AsA/H2O2 redox pair reaction was recommended due to its higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than that using H2O2 alone.
Novel insights into the effect of withering degree on Dianhong Congou black tea quality
Authors: Wang Huajie , Wang Jinjin , Yuan Haibo , Shen Shuai , Li Jia , Hua Jinjie , Jiang Yongwen
Published: March 2022

Withering degrees (mild, appropriate and severe) have an important effect on the quality of Dianhong Congou black tea. In this study, appropriate withering (AW) promoted the conversion of catechins, yielding theaflavins (TFs) and thearubigins (TRs). This withering degree also resulted in the degradation of flavonoid glycosides, and the formation and conversion of soluble sugars and high‐boiling volatile compounds. The objective colour attributes were significantly higher under AW conditions, in addition to the best sensory qualities, including umami and sweetness flavours. Moreover, nine key non‐volatile compounds (TRs, theabrownins (TBs), fructose, etc.) and seven key volatile components (benzaldehyde, trans‐β‐Ionone, methyl salicylate, etc.) were determined. This research provides theoretical support for in‐depth exploration of the formation mechanism of Dianhong Congou black tea.
Characterisation of dragon fruit peel pectin extracted with natural deep eutectic solvent and sequential microwave‐ultrasound‐assisted approach
Authors: Tien Nguyen Ngoc Thanh , Le Ngoc Lieu , Khoi Tran Tien , Richel Aurore
Published: March 2022

In this research, the physicochemical characteristics (proximate and chemical compositions, monosaccharides profiles, chemical structures, antioxidant activities and rheological properties) of dragon fruit peel pectin extracted with the solvent system of choline chloride‐glucose‐water (5:2:5) and sequential microwave‐ultrasound‐assisted approach (PC‐MUAE), were evaluated, and then compared with those of the commercial pectin and other products from various extraction methods. No remarkable differences in the FTIR spectra of the commercial and extracted samples were observed, leading to the fact that the derived polysaccharides were pectin. The commercial pectin possessed a bright‐yellow colour, while extracted pectin was yellow to brownish. Moreover, the facade of the latter under SEM was rough with miniature heterogeneous fragments. PC‐MUAE was categorised as high methoxyl pectin with the degree of esterification of 59.76% and as a pseudoplastic substance with neutral pH (6.42), average level of solubility (73.90%), high equivalent weight (680.6 g mol−1), high molecular weight (5.05 × 105 Da), high antioxidant activities (total phenolic content of 8.14 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g pectin and 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity of 2.41 µmol Trolox equivalent/g pectin) and high viscosity at all tested domains of shear rate as compared with those of the commercial product and others from various methods. The anhydrouronic acid content of PC‐MUAE was 64.28%, approximately to the minimum level (65%) proposed by FAO and EU. There were arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose detected in extracted pectin. Consequently, PC‐MUAE has the potential characteristics of high methoxyl pectin for the food industries.
Registered nurses’ approach to pressure injury prevention: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Marshall Andrea P. , Lin Frances , Ding Yanming , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: March 2022

Aims

To explore Registered Nurses' approaches to pressure injury prevention, including how they perceive their roles, how they prioritize pressure injury prevention and factors influencing prevention in the Chinese context.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Audio‐recorded, face‐to‐face, semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with Registered Nurses in a large tertiary hospital in China from August to December 2020. Using the System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety Model, the interview guide was developed to describe the work system, processes and outcomes (three domains) associated with nurses' pressure injury prevention practices. Deductive and inductive content analyses were used.

Findings

Twenty‐seven nurses participated in the interviews. Four themes related to two domains of the model emerged: Work system: (i) Nurses lead and coordinate pressure injury prevention; Work processes: (ii) Individualized pressure injury prevention is founded on comprehensive patient assessment; (iii) Collaborating ensures patients receive appropriate pressure injury prevention; and (iv) Competing factors influence the delivery of appropriate pressure injury prevention. One category emerged about work outcome: Nurses strive to do their best in pressure injury prevention but hold major concerns when pressure injuries occur.

Conclusions

Nurses play a leading role in pressure injury prevention delivery but require appropriate resources and assistance and support from other healthcare personnel, patients and carers. Understaffing, lack of resources, complex reporting and poor patient compliance challenge nurses in their delivery of pressure injury prevention.

Impact

Pressure injury prevention is primarily a nursing responsibility therefore nurses' approaches to prevention were explored. Nurses rely on collaboration with others and access to various resources to provide pressure injury prevention. They recognize the patients' and carers' roles and acknowledge the importance of accessing guidance and support from nursing leaders and wound experts. Acknowledging nurses leading role in prevention and ensuring they have adequate resources are important for quality care.
A review on the influence of water on food powder flowability
Authors: Juarez‐Enriquez Edmundo , Olivas Guadalupe Isela , Zamudio‐Flores Paul Baruk , Perez‐Vega Samuel , Salmeron Ivan , Ortega‐Rivas Enrique , Sepulveda David Roberto
Published: March 2022

Powder flow behavior is a complex phenomenon in which the physical and chemical properties of powder particles are involved. One of the main features that alter pharmaceutical and food powders flowability is water content. Water content modifies the arrangement and interaction of the powder’s internal particles. A water content increment in powders is generally associated with a flowability decrease. In this paper, the interaction mechanisms between water and powder particles are reviewed. Also, the most used flowing indexes in powders are analyzed, and their relationship with the water content index. Moisture content and water activity effect on powders flowability, described by Carr index, Hausner ratio, angle of repose, and flow factor are examined. Finally, the structural changes within the powder matrix due to water adsorption, agglomeration of particles, and powder caking are discussed. The water content of powders is hard to handle because it is in a dynamic equilibrium under ambient conditions. In this sense, the water content in powders becomes a critical control point to ensure an enhanced flowing capacity. Small changes in water content may lead the powder to flow or not to flow, with its inherent consequences during their storage or transport. Regarding flow factor and moisture content, an individual behavior for each powder is shown. These results could not be extrapolated. On the contrary, water activity data appear interesting due to the linear relationship with flow factor in almost all the reported powders.
Spatial targeting of nature‐based solutions for flood risk management within river catchments
Authors: Reaney Sim M.
Published: March 2022

A wide range of nature‐based solutions for flood hazard management work by storing and slowing flow within catchments, and therefore, there is a need to identify the optimal locations for implementing these solutions. This paper presents a relative scoring‐based mapping of the likely locations that contribute to the flood peak. Targeting flow reduction and attenuating mitigation actions in these locations can be an effective way to reduce flood damages at impact points downstream. The presented tool, SCIMAP‐Flood, uses information on land cover, hydrological connectivity, flood generating rainfall patterns and hydrological travel time distributions to impacted communities to find the potential source areas of flood waters. The importance of each location in the catchment is weighted based on its contribution to the flood hazard at each of the downstream impact points. In the example application, SCIMAP‐Flood is applied at a 5‐m grid resolution for the River Eden catchment, Cumbria, England, to provide sub‐field scale information at the landscape extent. Therefore, the tool can identify sub‐catchments where more detailed work can test different mitigation measures.
Clinical presentation and etiology of Cushing's syndrome: Data from ERCUSYN
Authors: Valassi Elena
Published: March 2022

This review presents the data on clinical presentation at diagnosis in 1564 patients included in the European Registry on Cushing's syndrome (ERCUSYN), of whom 1045 (67%) had pituitary‐dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) (PIT‐CS), 385 (25%) had adrenal dependent CS (ADR‐CS) and 89 (5%) had ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (ECT‐CS). The most frequent symptoms in the overall series were weight gain (83%), hypertension (79%), skin alterations (76%) and myopathy (70%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 32% and depression in 35% of patients. Skin alterations, menstrual irregularities and reduced libido were more prevalent in PIT‐CS patients compared to ADR‐CS patients, whereas patients with ECT‐CS more frequently had diabetes mellitus, myopathy, hirsutism and vertebral fractures compared to the other etiologies, consistent with a more severe clinical scenario. Reduced libido and bone fractures were more prevalent in men compared to women. Quality of life was poor at diagnosis, irrespective of the etiology of CS, and also associated with the presence of depression at baseline. A delay of 2 years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was also observed, with a high number of specialists consulted, who often missed the correct diagnosis. To develop strategies aimed at shortening the time elapsed to diagnosis, it is important to rapidly start treatment and reduce the burden of the disease on patient psychophysical health and longevity.
Pediatric tinnitus: The role of neuroimaging
Authors: Salman Rida , Chong Insun , Amans Matthew , Hui Ferdinand , Desai Nilesh , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Tran Brandon
Published: March 2022

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound without an external source and can be categorized as either pulsatile or nonpulsatile (ie, continuous). A variety of etiologies have been reported to cause pediatric tinnitus, many with long‐lasting implications due to hearing and concentration impairments. Therefore, imaging can be an essential part of the accurate and timely diagnosis of treatable etiologies. We describe neuroimaging findings in different etiologies of pediatric tinnitus.

Etiologies of pulsatile tinnitus are frequently vascular in nature and include vascular loops, congenital vascular anomalies or variants, high riding jugular bulbs with or without a jugular bulb diverticulum, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, aneurysms, internal auditory canal hemangiomas, and petrous apex cephaloceles. Etiologies of continuous tinnitus frequently affect the middle/inner ear structures and include vestibular schwannomas, cholesteatomas, trauma, Chiari malformations, and labyrinthitis ossificans. CT and MR are often complementary modalities: CT is better suited to evaluate the integrity of the temporal osseous structures and MR is better suited to evaluate the vestibulocochlear nerve and to assess for the presence of any masses or malformations.

Prompt diagnosis of the etiology of tinnitus in pediatric patients is important to avoid any potential long‐term developmental impairments. In the approach to pediatric tinnitus, categorizing the symptoms as either pulsatile versus nonpulsatile and then being aware of the possible causes and imaging findings of either can assist both the clinician and the radiologist in making an expeditious diagnosis.
Accuracy of Fixed Implant‐Supported Dental Prostheses Additively Manufactured by Metal, Ceramic, or Polymer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rutkūnas Vygandas , Gedrimienė Agnė , Auškalnis Liudas , Admakin Oleg , Mangano Francesco
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) in prosthodontics is used as an alternative to casting or milling. Various techniques and materials are available for the additive manufacturing of the fixed and removable tooth‐supported restorations, but there is a lack of evidence on the accuracy of AM fixed implant‐supported prostheses. Recent studies investigated the accuracy of ceramic AM prostheses. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the accuracy of additively manufactured metal, ceramic or polymers, and screw‐ or cement‐retained fixed implant‐supported prostheses.

Materials and Methods

Two calibrated investigators performed an electronic search of relevant publications in the English language following selected PICOS criteria and using a well‐defined search strategy (latest search date—1st of June, 2021). Based on the exclusion criteria (no control group, less than five samples per group, 3D printing of the implant abutment part, only subjective evaluation of accuracy, etc.) studies were not included in the review. Quantitative data of accuracy evaluation such as marginal gap, strain analysis, and linear measurements was extracted and interpreted. QUADAS‐2 tool was used to assess the risk of methodological bias of all included studies.

Results

Sixteen in vitro studies were selected for the final analysis. Six of the selected studies evaluated screw‐retained restorations and 10 cement‐retained implant‐supported restorations. Only 4 publications concluded that AM restorations were more accurate than conventionally made (cast or milled) ones. The most common finding was that AM restorations were more accurate than cast and demonstrated less or similar accuracy compared to milled ones (n = 10 studies). Detected marginal discrepancies mean values of the AM prosthesis varied from 23 to more than 200 µm, but most of them were categorized as clinically acceptable.

Conclusions

AM implant‐supported fixed prostheses demonstrate similar accuracy compared to conventional and computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing techniques in vitro. Detected inaccuracies of AM restorations do not exceed clinically acceptable limits. Clinical studies with longer follow‐up periods are needed to show the reliability of AM prostheses.
Reflecting and forging master narratives: A discursive analysis of a Belgian WWII museum's curatorial selection process
Authors: Schoofs Kim , Van De Mieroop Dorien
Published: March 2022

Sociolinguistics can help us grasp how collective memory cultures are (in part) shaped by representations of historic events through varied linguistic – and other – sources (e.g. education, news media, conversations and museum displays). In this study, we specifically zoom in on the curatorial selection process of a Belgian Second World War (WWII) memorial museum, whilst simultaneously exploring the reflexive relation between this curatorial process and the wider WWII remembrance context. To this end, we compare exhibited video testimony fragments to the full testimonies available in the museum's research centre, to examine which narratives were selected or silenced. Additionally, we confront fine‐grained analyses of the testimonies with master narratives on WWII remembrance. As our analyses illustrate, the exhibited fragments align with these – typically coherent – master narratives, while the full testimonies are complex. Overall, we show that museums not only reflect master narratives, but are also sites for forging them.
Stable persistence of relict populations involved evolutionary shifts of reproductive characters in the genus Tanakaea (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Takahashi Daiki , Isagi Yuji , Li Pan , Qiu Ying‐Xiong , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Suyama Yoshihisa , Matsuo Ayumi , Tsunamoto Yoshihiro , Sakaguchi Shota
Published: March 2022

Tertiary relicts often show evolutionary stasis in morphology and ecology and have been hypothesized to retain stable population sizes in refugia. However, recent studies have reported that some relicts evolutionarily shifted their physiology, ecology, and morphology and experienced various patterns of demography. To understand the historical survival of relict plants, a multidimensional study investigating the evolution of ecological and morphological traits as well as population demographic history is needed. The genus Tanakaea (Saxifragaceae) comprises two species in China and Japan. These species share most vegetative characteristics and are sometimes treated as a single species. The distribution pattern is relictual, as the populations are confined to small areas in mesic warm temperate forests less influenced by Quaternary glacial climates. Focusing on the relictual plant group, this study tested the hypotheses of evolutionary stasis and population stability in long‐term refugia. Genetic analyses using plastome sequences and genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms revealed divergence of the two species approximately 6.8 million years ago and strong genetic differentiation of the regional populations. Demographic analysis revealed that almost all populations retained stable population sizes during glacial–interglacial climate changes, supporting the traditional view. However, morphological assessments revealed a simultaneous shift in breeding systems (from hermaphrodite to dioecy/non‐clonal to clonal reproduction) in Japanese species and intraspecific differentiation of leaf traits. Therefore, the relict species do not show evolutionary stasis in every aspect. Changes in reproductive characteristics may have contributed to their long‐term in situ survival.
Feasibility of electroanatomic mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation in Boxer dogs with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Crooks Alexandra V. , Hsue Weihow , Tschabrunn Cory M. , Gelzer Anna R.
Published: March 2022

Background

Treatment for Boxers with ventricular tachycardia (VT) is limited. Electroanatomic mapping (EAM) facilitates identification of arrhythmogenic substrate for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

Objective

Describe the use of EAM to guide RFCA in Boxers with VT.

Animals

Five client‐owned Boxers with symptomatic VT or persistent VT despite antiarrhythmic medications.

Methods

Case series evaluating clinical, EAM, and before and after RFCA Holter data.

Results

Sustained VT was inducible in 3 dogs, but required aggressive stimulation protocols. Low‐voltage areas consistent with electroanatomic scar were found in 2 dogs, located at the right ventricular (RV) outflow tract and cranial RV. Two dogs had a focal activation pattern of VT and 1 dog had a reentrant mechanism. After RFCA, all dogs no longer collapsed and had fewer runs of VT, 3 of which had 0 runs of VT. Number of ventricular premature beats increased in 3 dogs and decreased in 2 dogs, 1 of which had nearly complete resolution of all arrhythmias. Procedural complications included ventricular fibrillation (n = 2) with successful defibrillation, bruising or hemorrhage at the vascular access site (n = 4), retroperitoneal hemorrhage (n = 1), aortic and mitral regurgitation (n = 1), onset of frequent supraventricular tachycardia (n = 1), and persistent right pelvic limb lameness (n = 1).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Electroanatomic mapping and RFCA are feasible in Boxers with VT. Based on this small cohort, RFCA may help decrease runs of VT and improve clinical signs. The anatomic substrate and electrophysiologic mechanisms are variable and require further study.
Linking citizen science with contamination levels of small water bodies for generation of essential information for conservation and investment
Authors: Aura Christopher Mulanda , Nyamweya Chrisphine S. , Owiti Horace , Lewo Mwarabu Ruth , Ongore Collins Onyango , Musa Safina , Njiru James M. , Abila Richard Oginga
Published: March 2022

Socio‐ecological characteristics of small water bodies (SWBs) are useful in determining the required level of rehabilitation and rebranding for possible blue economic investments. The current study assessed the socio‐ecological aspects of 74 SWBs in central and western counties in Kenya to determine their contamination status. The SWBs were selected to account for sub‐county representation, coverage and permanence of the water source. Respondents assessed in the selected SWBs catchments were identified from riparian communities and policymakers. Physicochemical parameters were assessed using standard methods. Regionally, the SWBs showed significant variations (p < .05) in the main occupation, ownership, restricted access and perceived alternating extreme precipitation ranges. Significant differences in the selected citizen science attributes and SWBs’ dimensions of both depth and size, were linked to higher total and faecal coliforms in western as compared to central Kenya and higher water transparency in the latter. Thus, localized human activities that had significant variations between the two regions are highly likely to have affected the differences in the contamination levels. The socio‐ecological indexing herein can be of general use for determining the contamination status of SWBs as an integrative management tool for possible investment.
A Middle East Cooperation and Security Process: Has the Time Come?
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: March 2022

For many years, there has been discussion of the idea of creating an inclusive regional cooperation and security system in the Middle East. This discussion is gathering increased interest today as several events and trends have focused attention on the rapid changes in the region and how they may be dealt with. These include profound socioeconomic and political pressures in the region; the violent breakdown of governing authority in places like Syria and Yemen; the Iran nuclear issue; perceptions that the regional roles of major external powers, most notably the United States and China, may be changing; and the evolving relationship between Israel and certain Arab countries. This article outlines the ideas and concepts that arose from a multi‐year series of studies on this issue by regional experts as to how such a system might be established and what its key provisions and structures might be. The article describes and proposes a model of an inclusive, multi‐tiered regional process that will encourage regional dialogue on key social, economic, security, and political issues.
Creating one nation? Ethno‐national imaginaries, audiences and the critical reception of TV nation branding messages
Authors: Matthews Julian , Baba Zain Haida
Published: March 2022

Although we are aware that nation branding features across the media, discussion and debate continue over its perceived influence in peoples' everyday understandings and lives. This paper, by way of a response, examines peoples' reactions to specific government campaign messages of patriotism and unity designed to combat internal ethnic conflict in Malaysia. Malaysia, at this time, provides a unique subject of analysis as it includes an instance where a domestically focused nation branding campaign is being employed to instigate unity among ethnic groups residing within a country with a history of ethnic conflict and social engineering policies. The project introduces several TV campaign story examples, identified for their prevalence in the 1Malaysia nation branding campaign, to representatives from three prominent ethnic groups in Malaysia to map their responses. The paper finds that group representatives interpret the stories using their shared insider views of the nation or ‘ethno‐national imaginaries’. Their acceptance of, and critical challenges to, the images and narratives of the TV campaign stories are seen therefore to reflect group representatives' wider positions, interests and participation in an ongoing political conflict shaped within the logics of the Malaysian nation.
Is more less? A comprehensive experimental test of soil depth effects on grassland diversity
Authors: Braun Lara , Kadmon Ronen , Tomiolo Sara , Májeková Maria , Tielbörger Katja
Published: March 2022

Soil depth may affect plant diversity in two apparently opposing manners: on the one hand, deeper soil may increase the available space for below‐ground niche partitioning, on the other hand, soil depth may have a negative effect on plant diversity by increasing productivity and the rate of competitive exclusion. Due to the scarcity of experimental studies that actively manipulate soil depth, the conditions under which each mechanism dominates are still unclear. Here, we studied the interactive effects of soil depth with common land use practices, namely, nutrient addition, trampling by grazers and mowing on plant diversity in grasslands. We manipulated these factors in a full‐factorial manner in grassland mesocosms. Soil depth had a strong positive effect on species richness under mowing, suggesting increased space for niche differentiation in deeper soils. In unmown plots, deep soils harboured a similar diversity of species as shallow soils, and our findings suggest that this effect on diversity is due to larger biomass and lower light availability on deep soils. Fertilization and trampling had no effect on diversity. Overall, our findings indicate that soil depth effects on grassland communities strongly interact with common land use practices. We therefore advocate the inclusion of soil depth effects in manipulative experiments and management plans.
Three highly conserved hydrophobic residues in the predicted α2‐helix of rice NLR protein Pit contribute to its localization and immune induction
Authors: Wang Qiong , Li Yuying , Kosami Ken‐ichi , Liu Chaochao , Li Jing , Zhang Dan , Miki Daisuke , Kawano Yoji
Published: March 2022

Nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) proteins work as crucial intracellular immune receptors. N‐terminal domains of NLRs fall into two groups, coiled‐coil (CC) and Toll‐interleukin 1 receptor domains, which play critical roles in signal transduction and disease resistance. However, the activation mechanisms of NLRs, and how their N‐termini function in immune induction, remain largely unknown. Here, we revealed that the CC domain of a rice NLR Pit contributes to self‐association. The Pit CC domain possesses three conserved hydrophobic residues that are known to be involved in oligomer formation in two NLRs, barley MLA10 and Arabidopsis RPM1. Interestingly, the function of these residues in Pit differs from that in MLA10 and RPM1. Although three hydrophobic residues are important for Pit‐induced disease resistance against rice blast fungus, they do not participate in self‐association or binding to downstream signalling molecules. By homology modelling of Pit using the Arabidopsis ZAR1 structure, we tried to clarify the role of three conserved hydrophobic residues and found that they are located in the predicted α2‐helix of the Pit CC domain and involved in the plasma membrane localization. Our findings provide novel insights for understanding the mechanisms of NLR activation as well as the relationship between subcellular localization and immune induction.
Ethylene responsive factor34 mediates stress‐induced leaf senescence by regulating salt stress‐responsive genes
Authors: Park Sung‐Jin , Park Sanghoon , Kim Yongmin , Hyeon Do Young , Park Hyunsoo , Jeong Junyong , Jeong Ukcheol , Yoon Yeong Seon , You Daesang , Kwak Junmin , Timilsina Rupak , Hwang Daehee , Kim Jeongsik , Woo Hye Ryun
Published: March 2022

Leaf senescence proceeds with age but is modulated by various environmental stresses and hormones. Salt stress is one of the most well‐known environmental stresses that accelerate leaf senescence. However, the molecular mechanisms that integrate salt stress signalling with leaf senescence programmes remain elusive. In this study, we characterised the role of ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR34 (ERF34), an Arabidopsis APETALA2 (AP2)/ERF family transcription factor, in leaf senescence. ERF34 was differentially expressed under various leaf senescence‐inducing conditions, and negatively regulated leaf senescence induced by age, dark, and salt stress. ERF34 also promoted salt stress tolerance at different stages of the plant life cycle such as seed germination and vegetative growth. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the overexpression of ERF34 increased the transcript levels of salt stress‐responsive genes including COLD‐REGULATED15A (COR15A), EARLY RESPONSIVE TO DEHYDRATION10 (ERD10), and RESPONSIVE TO DESICCATION29A (RD29A). Moreover, ERF34 directly bound to ERD10 and RD29A promoters and activated their expression. Our findings indicate that ERF34 plays a key role in the convergence of the salt stress response with the leaf senescence programmes, and is a potential candidate for crop improvement, particularly by enhancing salt stress tolerance.
Mating type and fungicide resistance in populations of Podosphaera xanthii in south Italy
Authors: Pollastro Stefania , Laguardia Cataldo , Dongiovanni Crescenza , Rotondo Palma Rosa , De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Raguseo Celeste , Rotolo Caterina , Gerin Donato , Faretra Francesco
Published: March 2022

Powdery mildew is one of the most common and severe diseases of cucurbits, causing heavy yield losses in all growing areas when not successfully controlled. Two different fungal species, Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces orontii, are generally recognized as causal agents. The results of monitoring carried out in 2016 and 2018 confirmed that P. xanthii is the exclusive pathogen causing cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) in southern Italy. P. xanthii is a bipolar heterothallic fungus; a PCR‐based method for distinguishing MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 idiomorphs was applied for assessing mating type distribution in fungal populations present on cucurbits in different sites. The idiomorph MAT1‐2 was prevalent over the MAT1‐1 in 2016, whereas they were approximately in a 1:1 ratio in 2018; this finding corroborated the hypothesis that the MAT1‐1 idiomorph was more recently introduced in the area. Cyflufenamid‐resistant isolates were widespread in commercial greenhouses and field plantings even though use of this fungicide had been drastically reduced by the farmers 1 year before the monitoring due to the effectiveness losses observed in CPM control. Occurrence of cyflufenamid resistance and its impact on efficacy were evaluated in a field trial comparing different fungicide spray schedules. Cyflufenamid‐resistant isolates were detected even at the first appearance of symptoms on leaves, increasing over time. Isolates resistant to cyflufenamid showed a resistance factor as high as 900. Generally, P. xanthii was better controlled when cyflufenamid was used in integrated strategies rather than in spray schedules based on the exclusive use of the fungicide.
Intercensal Updating Using Structure-Preserving Methods and Satellite Imagery
Authors: Koebe Till , Arias-Salazar Alejandra , Rojas-Perilla Natalia , Schmid Timo
Published: March 2022

Censuses are fundamental building blocks of most modern-day societies, yet collected every 10 years at best. We propose an extension of the widely popular census updating technique structure-preserving estimation by incorporating auxiliary information in order to take ongoing subnational population shifts into account. We apply our method by incorporating satellite imagery as additional source to derive annual small-area updates of multidimensional poverty indicators from 2013 to 2020 for a population at risk: female-headed households in Senegal. We evaluate the performance of our proposal using data from two different census periods.
Graphical Criteria for Efficient Total Effect Estimation Via Adjustment in Causal Linear Models
Authors: Henckel Leonard , Perković Emilija , Maathuis Marloes H.
Published: March 2022

Covariate adjustment is a commonly used method for total causal effect estimation. In recent years, graphical criteria have been developed to identify all valid adjustment sets, that is, all covariate sets that can be used for this purpose. Different valid adjustment sets typically provide total causal effect estimates of varying accuracies. Restricting ourselves to causal linear models, we introduce a graphical criterion to compare the asymptotic variances provided by certain valid adjustment sets. We employ this result to develop two further graphical tools. First, we introduce a simple variance decreasing pruning procedure for any given valid adjustment set. Second, we give a graphical characterization of a valid adjustment set that provides the optimal asymptotic variance among all valid adjustment sets. Our results depend only on the graphical structure and not on the specific error variances or edge coefficients of the underlying causal linear model. They can be applied to directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), completed partially directed acyclic graphs (CPDAGs) and maximally oriented partially directed acyclic graphs (maximal PDAGs). We present simulations and a real data example to support our results and show their practical applicability.
The Kendall and Spearman rank correlations of the bivariate skew normal distribution
Authors: Heinen Andréas , Valdesogo Alfonso
Published: March 2022

We derive the Kendall and Spearman rank correlation coefficients of the bivariate skew normal (SN) distribution. For a given correlation parameter, we provide conditions on the shape parameters, under which the SN is more dependent than the normal in terms of each of the two‐rank correlations. We further show how our results can be used for rank‐based estimation procedures of the correlation parameter and the equal shape parameter of the SN, whose consistency and asymptotic normality we establish.
An experimental investigation of the influence of loneliness on changes in belongingness and desire to escape
Authors: Badcock Anna C. , Carrington‐Jones Phoebe , Stritzke Werner G. K. , Page Andrew C.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Loneliness is a well‐established risk factor for suicide in young adults, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Drawing on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, the Evolutionary Model of Loneliness, and Prospect Theory, we examined if high and low levels of loneliness are associated with different patterns of response to losses or gains of belongingness.

Methods

A sample of 188 students completed the UCLA‐Loneliness scale (version 3) and measures of suicide risk. Participants in the top and bottom tertiles of loneliness scores completed a computerized task designed to induce changes (gains, losses) or consistency in risk factors for suicide (belongingness, burdensomeness) over time, and examined the effect on desire to quit the task.

Results

The results showed that the high loneliness group exhibited a larger magnitude of effect on desire to quit from gaining belongingness than for losing belongingness. In contrast, the low loneliness group showed a larger change in desire to quit from losing belongingness than gaining belongingness.

Conclusion

The findings provide preliminary experimental support for distinct profiles of suicide risk based on prevailing levels of loneliness. The findings are discussed in relation to a need for increased precision in theoretical models of suicide and loneliness.