bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LYSIMETER STUDIES AT THE SOIL FERTILITY RESEARCH STATION, HAMILTON
Authors: Annett H.E.
Published: October 2021

This research station has undertaken a study of the water requirements of pasture in connection with its investigation of the system of overhead irrigation. No work had previously been published in New Zealand regarding the loss of water and soil nutrients in drainage water.
SHORT-ROTATION RYEGRASS, IN THE AUCKLAND PROVINCE
Authors: Bell J.E.
Published: October 2021

Short-rotation ryegrass has been fairly closely observed since its introduction to the Auckland Province about seven years ago in farmers' fields and ,in trials. To define its place on .farms in this province it must be compared with Italian ryegrass and perennia! ryegrass. These two plants have played and important part in the agricultural development of the province and high production has been obtained on those farms only where ryegrass is the dominant species in the pastures.
EFFECT OF PASTURE STRAINS AND FERTILISERS O N THE PRODUCTION OF FAT LAMBS AND WOOL
Authors: Clarke E.A.
Published: October 2021

1. As a result of the use of strains of perennial ryegrass and white clover and varying applications of artificial fertilisers, pastures differing widely in total annual and seasonal production have been established. 2. No differences in the thrift and productivity of ewes and lambs grazed continuously and. fed to appetite on the different pastures could be observed under a management system aimed at keeping the sward between about 1 and 4 inches in height at all times. 3. In particular, pastures containing white clover of high prussic-acid glucoside content showed no ill effects on thrift or production in ewes confined to these pastures for four years. 4. The more productive the pasture, the more pronounced were the seasonal variations in production and the greater were the problems of efficient pasture control. 5. It is postulated that criticism of these pastures on the grounds that they promote ill-thrift in stock has its genesis in a general inability to effect adequate control at all times.
THE PASSAGE OF WHITE CLOVER SEEDS THROUGH THE BODY OF SHEEP AND THE EFFECT ON GERMINATION CAPACITY
Authors: Suckling F.E.T.
Published: October 2021

To maintain a high rate of production from pastures one essential is an adequate supply of nitrogen, and this supply can be assured most economically by introducing strong-growing clovers into the sward. Sufficient clover plants can be readily established on arable. land by employing a suitable seed mixture when the pasture is renewed. On unploughable land, however, there are no opportunities for the complete renewal of pasture, and other methods of introducing clovers have to be found.
THE AGRICULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY OF NEW ZEALAND BLUEGRASS AGROPYRON SCABRUM
Authors: Connor H.E.
Published: October 2021

This paper will chiefly concern itself with a discussion of what are generally referred to as the low tussock ,grasslands of the high country, called by Cockayne the montane tussock grasslands. I wish to make it clear that I am not concerning myself with those areas of tussoek which can be brought in under the plough and which are usually known as lowland low tussock grassland.
EARTHWORMS AND SOIL FERTILITY
Authors: Nielson R.L.
Published: October 2021

In recent years the fauna of the soil has been receiving more attention and interest has centred especially on earthworms and the functions they subserve. A number of experiments have been devised in order to learn more of their influence on the relations between plant and soil, and among the accounts of recent work that of Hopp and Slater (1) is one of the more important. These two workers in a series ' of five pot experiments showed that with different crops and soils of varying fertility the earthworms consistently increased the plant yields. The increases varied between 43 per cent. for millet in one soil and 350 per cent. for wheat in another. The addition of dead earthworms also significantly increased the yields, but to a less degree than was the case with living ones.
THE CHANGING TUSSOCK GRASSLANDS
Authors: Dick R.D.
Published: October 2021

A century ago the tussock grasslands covkred over 50 per cent. of the South Island. Today over 30 per cent of this island is referred to as tussock grasslands. On the hills, downs, and plains, land where the plough could go, the natural grasslands have been changed into areas growing crops and introduced pastures. Beyond the reach of the plough in the mountainous region where, the soils are poor and the climate severe the tussock grassltinds continue the struggle to perpetuate-their kind: As part of the great grassland formation which. has been estimated to cover about l/5 of the land surface of the globe, the tussock grasslands form a tiny but quite unique seg-, ment. On the mountain ranges eastwards of the Main Divide of the Southern Alps there has developed a type of grassland with several characteristics peculiar unto itself.
FIELD DAY ON PROPERTY OF .MR F. R. CLARKE, LEVELS
Authors: Clarke Mr F.R.
Published: October 2021

Some 650 members attended the field day on the property of Mr F. R. Clarke, Levels, and were welcomed by the president of the association.
FIELD DAY AT PROPERTY OF MR C. F. SHUTTLEWORTH, 88 VALLEY, WAKEFIELD
Authors: Shuttleworth Mr
Published: October 2021

The area of the Moutere gravels amounts to 300,000 to 400,000 acres. Where it was grazeable it carried about one ewe to four acres in its natural state, running them badly at that with about 41b. of wool.
LOCAL WEED PROBLEMS
Authors: Matthews L.J.
Published: October 2021

In the past the farmer in Hawkes Bay regarded weeds as a natural hazard. As such he accepted them. With the development of selective weedkillers.there is at least a straw for him to clutch at. In a 1954 survey the most important problems listed for Hawkes Bay were the pasture weeds, barley grass, thistles, blackberry and gorse, and the crop weeds in lucerne, red clover, brassicas, small seed crops and peas. The list also included over 20 other prevalent weeds, docks, weeds in drains, etc. In this paper I intend discussing the more important problems for which chemical weedkillers are of value.
FARMING IN HAWKES BAY
Authors: Scott R.H.
Published: October 2021

You are in sunny Hawkes Bay, the word "sunny" having become synonymous with the name Hawkes Bay, and there is justification for this when one examines the sunshine records for the district. This city of Napier enjoys an average of 2,420 hours of sunshine per annum which, if you look at it on a daily basis, is equivalent to just over 6% hours of sunshine per day for every day of the year. Lying to the south-east of the North Island as it does, and protected from the prevailing westerly winds by the Ruahine Ranges on its western boundary, and to a more limited extent from the southerly winds by the hills to the 'south, it escapes much of the cloud that districts to the west of the ranges experience.
RESULTS OF CLIMATE STUDIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR SEASONAL PRODUCTIVITY OF PASTURES
Authors: Mitchell K.J.
Published: October 2021

It is accepted virtually to the stage of being axiomatic that our climate has been of key importance in allowing us to develop an efficient pastoral industry
FARMING IN GLSBORNE AND EAST COAST DISTRICTS
Authors: Chamberlain H. de O.
Published: October 2021

On 7 October 1769 Captain Cook sailed into a beautiful open bay after making his first landfall on the New Zealand coast. Two days later he hauled about and set out of the bay with neither the water nor the provisions he needed. "Poverty Bay" he called it and Poverty Bay it has been called to this day, in spite of efforts to rename the area "Gisborne-East Coast" and various other more suitable names.
Relationship Between Learning Style With Student Learning Outcomes on Structure and Function of Plants
Authors: Hidayati Elma Nur , Hidayat Ara , Ukit Ukit
Published: November 2021

Learning styles can make students learn easily, fun, meaningfully that will improve their learning outcomes. This study aimed to determine the correlation between learning styles and student’s learning outcomes in online learning about structure and function of plant. The correlation test method was used and samples were chosen using simple random sampling, consisting of 68 students in class VIII SMPN 2 Pangkalpinang. The data were collected using interview, questionnaire, documentation methods, and analyzed by Pearson product moment correlation test. The results showed that about 72% students in class VIII SMPN 2 Pangkalpinang tended to have a visual learning style and 75% with completed learning-outcomes. The correlation test indicated that there was no significant relationship between learning styles and their learning outcomes, by evidence and determination value of 0.111 more than 0.05 and 3.8% simultaneously. There is no correlation between learning styles and learning outcomes, presumably because learning styles only contribute 3.8% in which other 96.2% were determined by other factors such as teacher motivation and teaching strategies. However, although there is no correlation, learning styles still contribute to student’s learning success. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research related to other factors that may affect student learning outcomes.
Kedudukan Hukum Tenaga Honorer Setelah Berlakunya Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 2014 Tentang Aparatur Sipil Negara
Authors: Masna Masna , Sensu La , Jafar Kamaruddin
Published: November 2021

Wewenang pemerintah adalah penyelenggaraan pembangunan di segala aspek termasuk di dalamnya adalah pengangkatan Pegawai Negeri Sipil dan Pengangkatan Tenaga Honorer. Dengan berlakunya Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 2014 tentang Aparatur Sipil Negara keberadaan tenaga honorer ini kemudian dihapus. Istilah tenaga honorer tidak ada dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 5 tahun 2014 ini dan digantikan dengan istilah pegawai pemerintah dengan penggunaan kontrak (PPPK). Metode yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini adalah metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian normatif. Penelitian normatif merupakan penelitian hukum, sebab didasarkan pada pengkajian aturan hukum yang terkait dengan fakta hukum, serta posisi hukum adalah menguji fakta sehingga menghasilkan beberapa model pendekatan normatif seperti pendekatan undang-undang, pendekatan kasus dan pendekatan konseptual sesuai dengan kebutuhan penelitian ini. Adapun hasil penelitian adalah Kedudukan Pegawai Pemerintah dengan Perjanjian Kerja (PPPK) adalah sebagai Unsur Aparatur Negara. Sebagai unsur aparatur sipil negara maka Pegawai Pemerintah dengan Perjanjian Kerja mesti melaksanakan kebijakan yang ditetapkan oleh pimpinan instansi pemerintah dan harus bebas dari pengaruh intervensi dari semua golongan dan partai politik. Pegawai Pemerintah dengan Perjanjian Kerja juga mempunyai hak-hak mendapatkan gaji dan tunjangan, cuti, perlindungan jaminan kematian, bantuan hukum dan pengembangan kompetensi. Pegawai Pemerintah dengan Perjanjian Kerja memperoleh hak yang berbeda dengan PNS.
Pembebasan Bersyarat Bagi Narapidana Terorisme
Authors: Saputra Rusnadi Dwi , Herman Herman , Haris Oheo K.
Published: November 2021

Pemberian Pembebasan Bersyarat Terhadap Narapidana Pelaku Tindak Pidana Terorisme Dalam Perspektif Hak-hak Narapidana serta ratio legis Terhadap Pembatasan Pemberian Pembebasan Bersyarat terhadap Narapidana Tindak Pidana Terorisme. Dalam tesis penulis memfokuskan Pembebasan Bersyarat Terhadap Narapidana Pelaku Tindak Pidana Terorisme Dalam Perspektif Hak-hak Narapidana bahwa Pembebasan bersyarat merupakan hak asasi manusia yang kemudian hak asasi tersebut dituangkan dalam produk hukum yang diatur dalam Undang-Undang No. 39 tahun 1999 tentang hak asasi manusia dimana dinyatakan bahwa salah satu Hak bagi narapidana teroris adalah memperoleh pembebasan bersyarat. Pemenuhan hak narapidana pelaku tindak pidana terorisme untuk memperoleh pembebasan bersyarat, sesuai dengan konsep keadilan restoratif atau restorative justice yang mengedepankan adanya pemulihan hak terhadap pelaku tindak pidana terorisme. Sedangkan Ratio Legis Pemberian Bersyarat Bagi Narapidana Terorisme, didasarkan pada prinsip pemberian hak dan tanggung jawab pemerintah bahwa Pembebasan bersyarat tersebut dimaksudkan sebagai sisa pidana terakhir dalam rangka pengembalian terpidana dengan baik ke masyarakat. Terkait dengan kejahatan terorisme maka proses pemidanaan terhadap pelaku untuk menjaga stabilitas keamanan negara. Selain itu, Program deradikalisasi sebagai upaya pemerintah untuk mereduksi kegiatan radikal dan menetralisasi paham radikal bagi masyarakat yang terlibat tindak pidana terorisme program ini dilakukan sebagai upaya dalam pembebasan bersyarat bagi narapidana terorisme.
Izin Dewan Pengawas dalam Kewenangan Penyadapan Komisi Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Korupsi
Authors: Wulandari Oktavia , Sinapoy Muhammad Sabaruddin , Jafar Kamaruddin
Published: November 2021

Kedudukan Dewan Pengawas di dalam kelembagaan KPK adalah sebagai Lembaga Pengawas. Menempatkan dewan Pengawas sebagai pemberi izin penyadapan tentu saja bertentangan dengan peraturan perundang-undangan dan teori/konsep hukum. Izin Dewan Pengawas terkait tindakan penyadapan juga bertentangan dengan kerahasiaan penyadapan. Sebab sangat riskan terjadinya kebocoran karena Dewan Pengawas dibentuk dan keanggotaannya dipilih langsung oleh Presiden RI dan tentu saja dalam pelaksanaan tupoksinya akan sangat berpengaruh dengan wajah kekuasaan yang membentuknya terlebih ketika perkaranya menyangkut dengan penguasa organisasi kekuasaan Republik Indonesia tersebut.
Analisis Hukum Penyelenggaraan Bantuan Hukum oleh Pemerintah Daerah
Authors: Risnawati Evi , Dewa Muhammad Jufri , Tatawu Guasman
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menganalisis pengalokasian anggaran bantuan hukum oleh pemerintah melalui Anggaran Pendapatan Belanja Negara dan Anggaran Pendapatan Belanja Daerah. Menganalisis Kewenangan Pemerintah Daerah dalam penyelenggaraan bantuan hukum. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian hukum yang menggunakan pendekatan undang-undang, dan konseptual. Penelitian menjawab masalah yakni pengalokasian Anggaran Bantuan Hukum oleh Pemerintah melalui APBN-APBD dilaksanakan berdasarkan UU Bankum, serta Peraturan Menteri Dalam Negeri tentang pedoman penyusunan APBD yakni dana untuk penyelenggaraan bantuan hukum secara nasional dibebankan kepada APBN, untuk ditingkat daerah dana penyelenggaraan bantuan hukum dibebankan dalam APBD di masing-masing daerah didasarkan pada data mengenai kebutuhan hukum daerah, indeks biaya daerah dan kemampuan keuangan daerah. Kewenangan Pemerintah Daerah dalam penyelenggaraan Bantuan Hukum yakni mengalokasikan anggaran bantuan hukum melalui APBD, melaksanakan kewenangan secara teknis dalam penyelenggaraan bantuan hukum yang dengan tetap mengikuti peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku, yakni dengan melibatkan Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum dan HAM dan melaporkan kegiatan penyelenggaraan bantuan hukum kepada Menteri dan Menteri Dalam Negeri.
Analisis Hukum Penjatuhan Sanksi Administratif Terhadap Notaris oleh Majelis Pengawas Notaris
Authors: Rasyid Mim Nasrah , Dewa Muhammad Jufri , Sinapoy Muhammad Sabaruddin
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menganalisis pembuktian Majelis Pengawas Notaris terhadap notaris merangkap jabatan sebagai advokat. Menganalisis faktor-faktor yang menjadi pertimbangan hukum bagi majelis pengawas notaris dalam menjatuhkan sanksi administratif terhadap notaris yang terbukti merangkap jabatan sebagai advokat. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian hukum yang menggunakan pendekatan perundang-undangan, konseptual, dan kasus. Penelitian ini menjawab masalah yakni Majelis Pengawas Notaris berwenang untuk memeriksa pelanggaran perilaku dan pelaksanaan jabatan notaris. Majelis pengawas notaris menafsirkan bahwa notaris merangkap jabatan sebagai advokat dikategorikan sebagai pelanggaran berat, namun terdapat perbedaan pada penerapan sanksinya berdasarkan karakteristik putusan di setiap tingkatan Majelis Pengawas Notaris.
COP26 Futures We Want - Kenya Country Profile
Authors: Mogo Ebele R.I. , Wesonga John M. , Gichuyia Linda Nkatha , Shuckburgh Emily
Published: November 2021

This country profile for Kenya has been developed with the input from in-country academic experts, including Prof John M. Wesonga (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology) and Dr Linda Nkatha Gichuyia (University of Nairobi), in the context of the BEIS COP26 Futures We Want project. It provides a review of the available evidence on the risks, solutions and opportunities for Kenya and Kenyan society to contribute towards a global transition to a net zero future that is inclusive, resilient and desirable by all.
Topological Analysis of the Carbon-Concentrating CETCH Cycle and a Photorespiratory Bypass Reveals Boosted CO2-Sequestration by Plants
Authors: Osmanoglu Özge , Khaled AlSeiari Mariam , AlKhoori Hasa Abduljaleel , Shams Shabana , Bencurova Elena , Dandekar Thomas , Naseem Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Synthetically designed alternative photorespiratory pathways increase the biomass of tobacco and rice plants. Likewise, some in planta–tested synthetic carbon-concentrating cycles (CCCs) hold promise to increase plant biomass while diminishing atmospheric carbon dioxide burden. Taking these individual contributions into account, we hypothesize that the integration of bypasses and CCCs will further increase plant productivity. To test this in silico, we reconstructed a metabolic model by integrating photorespiration and photosynthesis with the synthetically designed alternative pathway 3 (AP3) enzymes and transporters. We calculated fluxes of the native plant system and those of AP3 combined with the inhibition of the glycolate/glycerate transporter by using the YANAsquare package. The activity values corresponding to each enzyme in photosynthesis, photorespiration, and for synthetically designed alternative pathways were estimated. Next, we modeled the effect of the crotonyl-CoA/ethylmalonyl-CoA/hydroxybutyryl-CoA cycle (CETCH), which is a set of natural and synthetically designed enzymes that fix CO₂ manifold more than the native Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle. We compared estimated fluxes across various pathways in the native model and under an introduced CETCH cycle. Moreover, we combined CETCH and AP3-w/plgg1RNAi, and calculated the fluxes. We anticipate higher carbon dioxide–harvesting potential in plants with an AP3 bypass and CETCH–AP3 combination. We discuss the in vivo implementation of these strategies for the improvement of C3 plants and in natural high carbon harvesters.
Mitophagy Protects the Retina Against Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy-Driven Hypoxia via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Signaling
Authors: Sun Yimeng , Wen Feng , Yan Chun , Su Lishi , Luo Jiawen , Chi Wei , Zhang Shaochong
Published: November 2021

Anti-VEGF drugs are first-line treatments for retinal neovascular diseases, but these anti-angiogenic agents may also aggravate retinal damage by inducing hypoxia. Mitophagy can protect against hypoxia by maintaining mitochondrial quality, thereby sustaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here we report that the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab upregulated the hypoxic cell marker HIF-1α in photoreceptors, Müller cells, and vascular endothelial cells of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model mice, as well as in hypoxic cultured 661W photoreceptors, MIO-MI Müller cells, and human vascular endothelial cells. Bevacizumab also increased expression of mitophagy-related proteins, and mitophagosome formation both in vivo and in vitro, but did not influence cellular ROS production or apoptosis rate. The HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 blocked mitophagy, augmented ROS production, and triggered apoptosis. Induction of HIF-1α and mitophagy were associated with upregulation of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1), and overexpression of these proteins in culture reversed the effects of HIF-1α inhibition. These findings suggest that bevacizumab does induce retinal hypoxia, but that concomitant activation of the HIF-1α-BNIP3/FUNDC1 signaling pathway also induces mitophagy, which can mitigate the deleterious effects by reducing oxidative stress secondary. Promoting HIF-1α-BNIP3/FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy may enhance the safety of anti-VEGF therapy for retinal neovascular diseases and indicate new explanation and possible new target of the anti-VEGF therapy with suboptimal effect.
Luteolin Modulates Neural Stem Cells Fate Determination: In vitro Study on Human Neural Stem Cells, and in vivo Study on LPS-Induced Depression Mice Model
Authors: Achour Mariem , Ferdousi Farhana , Sasaki Kazunori , Isoda Hiroko
Published: November 2021

Luteolin is a natural flavone with neurotrophic effects observed on different neuronal cell lines. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of luteolin on hNSCs fate determination and the LPS-induced neuroinflammation in a mouse model of depression with astrocytogenesis defect. hNSCs were cultured in basal cell culture medium (control) or medium supplemented with luteolin or AICAR, a known inducer of astrogenesis. A whole-genome transcriptomic analysis showed that luteolin upregulated the expressions of genes related to neurotrophin, dopaminergic, hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways, and downregulated the genes involved in p53, TNF, FOXO, and Notch signaling pathways. We also found that astrocyte-specific gene GFAP, as well as other genes of the key signaling pathways involved in astrogenesis such as Wnt, BMP, and JAK-STAT pathways were upregulated in luteolin-treated hNSCs. On the other hand, neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis-related genes, TUBB3, NEUROD 1 and 6, and MBP, were downregulated in luteolin-treated hNSCs. Furthermore, immunostaining showed that percentages of GFAP+ cells were significantly higher in luteolin- and AICAR-treated hNSCs compared to control hNSCs. Additionally, RT-qPCR results showed that luteolin upregulated the expressions of GFAP, BMP2, and STAT3, whereas the expression of TUBB3 remained unchanged. Next, we evaluated the effects of luteolin in LPS-induced mice model of depression that represents defects in astrocytogenesis. We found that oral administration of luteolin (10 mg/Kg) for eight consecutive days could decrease the immobility time on tail suspension test, a mouse behavioral test measuring depression-like behavior, and attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses by significantly decreasing IL-6 production in mice brain-derived astrocytes and serum, and TNFα and corticosterone levels in serum. Luteolin treatment also significantly increased mature BDNF, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels in the hypothalamus of LPS-induced depression mice. Though the behavioral effects of luteolin did not reach statistical significance, global gene expression analyses of mice hippocampus and brain-derived NSCs highlighted the modulatory effects of luteolin on different signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Altogether, our findings suggest an astrocytogenic potential of luteolin and its possible therapeutic benefits in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. However, further studies are required to identify the specific mechanism of action of luteolin.
Fitting and Cross-Validating Cox Models to Censored Big Data With Missing Values Using Extensions of Partial Least Squares Regression Models
Authors: Bertrand Frédéric , Maumy-Bertrand Myriam
Published: November 2021

Fitting Cox models in a big data context -on a massive scale in terms of volume, intensity, and complexity exceeding the capacity of usual analytic tools-is often challenging. If some data are missing, it is even more difficult. We proposed algorithms that were able to fit Cox models in high dimensional settings using extensions of partial least squares regression to the Cox models. Some of them were able to cope with missing data. We were recently able to extend our most recent algorithms to big data, thus allowing to fit Cox model for big data with missing values. When cross-validating standard or extended Cox models, the commonly used criterion is the cross-validated partial loglikelihood using a naive or a van Houwelingen scheme —to make efficient use of the death times of the left out data in relation to the death times of all the data. Quite astonishingly, we will show, using a strong simulation study involving three different data simulation algorithms, that these two cross-validation methods fail with the extensions, either straightforward or more involved ones, of partial least squares regression to the Cox model. This is quite an interesting result for at least two reasons. Firstly, several nice features of PLS based models, including regularization, interpretability of the components, missing data support, data visualization thanks to biplots of individuals and variables —and even parsimony or group parsimony for Sparse partial least squares or sparse group SPLS based models, account for a common use of these extensions by statisticians who usually select their hyperparameters using cross-validation. Secondly, they are almost always featured in benchmarking studies to assess the performance of a new estimation technique used in a high dimensional or big data context and often show poor statistical properties. We carried out a vast simulation study to evaluate more than a dozen of potential cross-validation criteria, either AUC or prediction error based. Several of them lead to the selection of a reasonable number of components. Using these newly found cross-validation criteria to fit extensions of partial least squares regression to the Cox model, we performed a benchmark reanalysis that showed enhanced performances of these techniques. In addition, we proposed sparse group extensions of our algorithms and defined a new robust measure based on the Schmid score and the R coefficient of determination for least absolute deviation: the integrated R Schmid Score weighted. The R-package used in this article is available on the CRAN, http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/plsRcox/index.html. The R package bigPLS will soon be available on the CRAN and, until then, is available on Github https://github.com/fbertran/bigPLS.
Low-Cost Citizen Science Effectively Monitors the Rapid Expansion of a Marine Invasive Species
Authors: Encarnação João , Baptista Vânia , Teodósio Maria Alexandra , Morais Pedro
Published: November 2021

Citizen science and informed citizens have become fundamental in providing the first records and accounts about the expansion of numerous non-indigenous species. However, implementing a successful citizen science campaign can be expensive and particularly difficult for aquatic species. Here, we demonstrate how a low-cost citizen science campaign and its outreach plan in social and traditional media enabled to track the expansion of the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 along the coast of Algarve (southern Portugal, Europe). We describe the outreach strategy and a cost-benefit analysis of the first year of the citizen science campaign. Social media platforms allowed us to reach a significant number of citizens (over 31,500 clicks in Facebook publications), while traditional media gave national visibility to the citizen science campaign and biological invasions. In only 1 year, we documented the spread of the invasive Atlantic blue crab across the entire 140 km of the Algarve coast with 166 valid observations referring to 1747 specimens, submitted by 62 citizen scientists. We spent 0 € on the citizen science campaign, but considering the time invested in the campaign the cost would have summed up to 3,751 €, while the total minimum cost for one scientist to go to the field and retrieve the equivalent information would have exceeded 11,000 €. We used free online tools of communication to obtain the records about the Atlantic blue crab, instead of a dedicated web platform or mobile app, and handled social media accounts ourselves, which saved us at least 18,815 €. The citizen science campaign revealed that the Atlantic blue crab is unequivocally established in southern Portugal and that females appear to exhibit summer migrations to coastal areas to spawn as in the native area. Overall, our low-cost citizen science campaign effectively documented the rapid spread of a marine invasive species while providing some insights into its ecology. Our strategy can be easily replicated and implemented elsewhere in the world to tackle the ever-growing problem of biological invasions while increasing the scientific literacy of local populations.
Lichen Planus
Authors: Boch Katharina , Langan Ewan A. , Kridin Khalaf , Zillikens Detlef , Ludwig Ralf J. , Bieber Katja
Published: November 2021

Lichen planus (LP) is a T cell-mediated disease affecting the stratified squamous epithelia of the skin and/or mucus membrane. Histologically, the disease is characterized by a lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate and vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer of the epidermis. LP has three major subtypes: Cutaneous, mucosal and appendageal LP. Rarely, it may affect the nails in the absence of skin and/or mucosal changes. LP may also be induced by several drugs, typically anti-hypertensive medication or be associated with infections, particularly viral hepatitis. The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and characteristic histological findings. Although the disease is often self-limiting, the intractable pruritus and painful mucosal erosions result in significant morbidity. The current first-line treatment are topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. In addition, immunosuppressants may be used as corticosteroid-sparing agents. These, however are often not sufficient to control disease. Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics (anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL17) have emerged as novel future treatment options. Thus, one may expect a dramatic change of the treatment landscape of LP in the near future.
Cultivation and Genomic Characterization of the Bile Bacterial Species From Cholecystitis Patients
Authors: Yan Qiulong , Zhang Siyi , Li Shenghui , Wang Guangyang , Zhang Aiqin , Jin Taiyang , Zhang Yue , Lv Qingbo , Xiao Manchun , Sun Yuanyuan , Li Xiang , Cui Song , Li Rui , Ma Xiaochi , Wang Chao , Tian Xiangge , Duan Xiaohui , Xin Yi , Mao Xianhai , Ma Yufang
Published: November 2021

The microbes in human bile are closely related to gallbladder health and other potential disorders. Although the bile microbial community has been investigated by recent studies using amplicon or metagenomic sequencing technologies, the genomic information of the microbial species resident in bile is rarely reported. Herein, we isolated 138 bacterial colonies from the fresh bile specimens of four cholecystitis patients using a culturome approach and genomically characterized 35 non-redundant strains using whole-genome shotgun sequencing. The bile bacterial isolates spanned 3 classes, 6 orders, 10 families, and 14 genera, of which the members of Enterococcus, Escherichia–Shigella, Lysinibacillus, and Enterobacter frequently appeared. Genomic analysis identified three species, including Providencia sp. D135, Psychrobacter sp. D093, and Vibrio sp. D074, which are not represented in existing reference genome databases. Based on the genome data, the functional capacity between bile and gut isolates was compared. The bile strains encoded 5,488 KEGG orthologs, of which 4.9% were specific to the gut strains, including the enzymes involved in biofilm formation, two-component systems, and quorum-sensing pathways. A total of 472 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified from the bile genomes including multidrug resistance proteins (42.6%), fluoroquinolone resistance proteins (12.3%), aminoglycoside resistance proteins (9.1%), and β-lactamase (7.2%). Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that some bile bacteria have the capabilities for bile salt deconjugation or biotransformation (of primary bile acids into secondary bile acids). Although the physiological or pathological significance of these bacteria needs further exploration, our works expanded knowledge about the genome, diversity, and function of human bile bacteria.
Temporary Unilateral Hearing Loss Impairs Spatial Auditory Information Processing in Neurons in the Central Auditory System
Authors: Thornton Jennifer L. , Anbuhl Kelsey L. , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: November 2021

Temporary conductive hearing loss (CHL) can lead to hearing impairments that persist beyond resolution of the CHL. In particular, unilateral CHL leads to deficits in auditory skills that rely on binaural input (e.g., spatial hearing). Here, we asked whether single neurons in the auditory midbrain, which integrate acoustic inputs from the two ears, are altered by a temporary CHL. We introduced 6 weeks of unilateral CHL to young adult chinchillas via foam earplug. Following CHL removal and restoration of peripheral input, single-unit recordings from inferior colliculus (ICC) neurons revealed the CHL decreased the efficacy of inhibitory input to the ICC contralateral to the earplug and increased inhibitory input ipsilateral to the earplug, effectively creating a higher proportion of monaural responsive neurons than binaural. Moreover, this resulted in a ∼10 dB shift in the coding of a binaural sound location cue (interaural-level difference, ILD) in ICC neurons relative to controls. The direction of the shift was consistent with a compensation of the altered ILDs due to the CHL. ICC neuron responses carried ∼37% less information about ILDs after CHL than control neurons. Cochlear peripheral-evoked responses confirmed that the CHL did not induce damage to the auditory periphery. We find that a temporary CHL altered auditory midbrain neurons by shifting binaural responses to ILD acoustic cues, suggesting a compensatory form of plasticity occurring by at least the level of the auditory midbrain, the ICC.
Neuronal Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Bioenergetic Failure in Inflammation-Associated Depression
Authors: Casaril Angela Maria , Dantzer Robert , Bas-Orth Carlos
Published: November 2021

Depression is a leading cause of disability and affects more than 4% of the population worldwide. Even though its pathophysiology remains elusive, it is now well accepted that peripheral inflammation might increase the risk of depressive episodes in a subgroup of patients. However, there is still insufficient knowledge about the mechanisms by which inflammation induces alterations in brain function. In neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, extensive studies have reported that inflammation negatively impacts mitochondrial health, contributing to excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, energy deficits, and eventually neuronal death. In addition, damaged mitochondria can release a wide range of damage-associated molecular patterns that are potent activators of the inflammatory response, creating a feed-forward cycle between oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, inflammation, and neuronal dysfunction. Surprisingly, the possible involvement of this vicious cycle in the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated depression remains understudied. In this mini-review we summarize the research supporting the association between neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and bioenergetic failure in inflammation-associated depression to highlight the relevance of further studies addressing this crosstalk.
Working With Environmental Noise and Noise-Cancelation: A Workload Assessment With EEG and Subjective Measures
Authors: Pieper Kerstin , Spang Robert P. , Prietz Pablo , Möller Sebastian , Paajanen Erkki , Vaalgamaa Markus , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas
Published: November 2021

As working and learning environments become open and flexible, people are also potentially surrounded by ambient noise, which causes an increase in mental workload. The present study uses electroencephalogram (EEG) and subjective measures to investigate if noise-canceling technologies can fade out external distractions and free up mental resources. Therefore, participants had to solve spoken arithmetic tasks that were read out via headphones in three sound environments: a quiet environment (no noise), a noisy environment (noise), and a noisy environment but with active noise-canceling headphones (noise-canceling). Our results of brain activity partially confirm an assumed lower mental load inno noiseandnoise-cancelingcompared tonoisetest condition. The mean P300 activation at Cz resulted in a significant differentiation between theno noiseand the other two test conditions. Subjective data indicate an improved situation for the participants when using the noise-canceling technology compared to “normal” headphones but shows no significant discrimination. The present results provide a foundation for further investigations into the relationship between noise-canceling technology and mental workload. Additionally, we give recommendations for an adaptation of the test design for future studies.
A Systematic Review of Brainstem Contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Seif Ala , Shea Carly , Schmid Susanne , Stevenson Ryan A.
Published: November 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one in 66 children in Canada. The contributions of changes in the cortex and cerebellum to autism have been studied for decades. However, our understanding of brainstem contributions has only started to emerge more recently. Disruptions of sensory processing, startle response, sensory filtering, sensorimotor gating, multisensory integration and sleep are all features of ASD and are processes in which the brainstem is involved. In addition, preliminary research into brainstem contribution emphasizes the importance of the developmental timeline rather than just the mature brainstem. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to compile histological, behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological evidence from human and animal studies about brainstem contributions and their functional implications in autism. Moreover, due to the developmental nature of autism, the review pays attention to the atypical brainstem development and compares findings based on age. Overall, there is evidence of an important role of brainstem disruptions in ASD, but there is still the need to examine the brainstem across the life span, from infancy to adulthood which could lead the way for early diagnosis and possibly treatment of ASD.
Integrated Analysis of FAM57A Expression and Its Potential Roles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Junwei , Liu Yun , Zhao Caiyan
Published: November 2021

Background

Family with sequence similarity 57 member A (FAM57A) is a membrane associated gene contributing to lung carcinogenesis. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers, whether FAM57A exerts similar roles has been rarely reported. Herein, the biological functions and clinical significance of FAM57A in HCC were explored.

Methods

Initially the differential expression of FAM57A between nontumor and HCC tissues was validated using a number of publicly accessible databases and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test as well as logistic regression were employed to analyze the association of FAM57A expression with clinical characteristics of HCC. The Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were conducted to assess the prognostic significance. Besides, with the coexpression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the molecular pathomechanisms that were mediated by FAM57A in HCC were elucidated. Furthermore, the correlations between FAM57A expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) or immune checkpoint genes were analyzed. Finally, in vitro cell functional assay was carried out to preliminarily verify the role of FAM57A in HCC.

Results

FAM57A expression was demonstrated to be higher in HCC samples than in nontumor samples (all p-values <0.05), statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics (clinical stage, T stage, pathological grade), and inversely correlated to HCC patient survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that FAM57A expression could independently predict prognosis in HCC patients. Functional enrichment analyses further indicated that FAM57A was involved in multiple tumor-related pathways. FAM57A expression was positively correlated with TIICs, gene markers of TIICs, as well as immune checkpoint genes. Also, high expression of FAM57A predicted a poor prognosis for HCC based on immune cell subgroups. Functional assay of FAM57A knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in HCC cells.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that FAM57A could be used as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response for HCC patients and might function as an oncogene to promote HCC progression.
Simultaneous Esophageal and Tracheal Obstructions Caused by a Pair of Magnetic Beads in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Ren Huan , Shi Dong , Gu Zhaowei , Cao Zhiwei
Published: November 2021

Esophageal and tracheal foreign body ingestion trigger common pediatric emergencies. In this case report, we describe a pediatric patient with simultaneous tracheal and esophageal obstruction caused by foreign bodies. A child aged 2 years and 1 month swallowed a pair of metallic magnetic beads at the same time; one bead entered the trachea and the other bead entered the esophagus. We suspected that the two magnetic beads were mutually attracted and thus became trapped in their respective lumina. The tracheal foreign body was uneventfully removed; this dislodged the esophageal foreign body, which was then excreted. There were no serious complications in the present case, but parents and medical personnel should be mindful of the potential hazards associated with ingestion of multiple magnetic foreign bodies. A high index of suspicion is appropriate. Investigations must be carefully planned. Treatment should not be delayed; the consequences of delay may be serious.
An Unexpected Hepatic Hydrothorax After a Successful Kasai Portoenterostomy: A Case Report
Authors: Ranucci Giulia , Di Dato Fabiola , Liccardo Daniela , Spada Marco , Maggiore Giuseppe , Iorio Raffaele
Published: November 2021

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) represents a rare complication of portal hypertension among adult cirrhotic patients. Here, we describe a pediatric case of HH, observed in a biliary atresia infant. The child presented with recurrent right-sided pleural effusion, after a successful Kasai portoenterostomy with restoration of bile flow and without overt signs of hepatic failure. Recurrence of HH led the patient to liver transplant despite a low pediatric end-stage liver disease value. Although rare, HH can also occur in children and should be suspected in patients with portal hypertension and respiratory distress. HH may be an indication for liver transplantation.
Cultivation of Entrepreneurial Psychology and Innovation Ability by New Media Art Under the Reform of Publishing Industry
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Song Fangbin
Published: November 2021

In order to optimize the resource allocation of the traditional publishing industry in the new media era, it is proposed to integrate the traditional publishing and digital publishing industries to solve the problem of unbalanced resource distribution under dual-track conditions. Professional talents with innovative entrepreneurial ability and psychology in colleges and universities are cultivated to promote the integration and reform process of the publishing industry under the background of new media art. First, the study analyzes the digital reform issues facing the development of the publishing industry in the new media era. Second, in view of the development situation of the publishing industry in the Yangtze River Delta, it is proposed to establish a development model of integrated publishing in the Yangtze River Delta through resource allocation. Then, under the new media art form, the teaching mode of creative and entrepreneurial talents training in art colleges and universities is optimized to cultivate students’ innovative ability and entrepreneurial positive psychology. The research results show that the number of books printed in Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta is 13,000 types per year, and the number is still rising; however, periodicals and newspapers are affected by the new media industry, and the number of publications is declining. The printing volume has dropped by 50% in 9years; the questionnaire survey results show that 68% of the students are very interested in entrepreneurial activities, but 53% of the students have not carried out entrepreneurial activities at all, indicating that the students’ entrepreneurial ability is insufficient. The results provide a reference for studying the reform direction of the publishing industry and cultivating entrepreneurial talents in the context of new media.
Research on the Emotions Based on Brain-Computer Technology: A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda
Authors: Yan Wei , Liu Xiaoju , Shan Biaoan , Zhang Xiangxian , Pu Yi
Published: November 2021

This study conducts a scientific analysis of 249 literature on the application of brain-computer technology in emotion research. We find that existing researches mainly focus on engineering, computer science, neurosciences neurology and psychology. PR China, United States, and Germany have the largest number of publications. Authors can be divided into four groups: real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) research group, brain-computer interface (BCI) impact factors analysis group, brain-computer music interfacing (BCMI) group, and user status research group. Clustering results can be divided into five categories, including external stimulus and event-related potential (ERP), electroencephalography (EEG), and information collection, support vector machine (SVM) and information processing, deep learning and emotion recognition, neurofeedback, and self-regulation. Based on prior researches, this study points out that individual differences, privacy risk, the extended study of BCI application scenarios and others deserve further research.
Neuropsychological Research in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Kashyap Himani , Abramovitch Amitai
Published: November 2021

Neuropsychological functions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been extensively investigated. Despite some common findings across studies indicating deficient test performance across cognitive domains with small to medium effect sizes, results remain inconsistent and heterogeneous. However, multiple past attempts to identify moderators that may account for such variability have been unrewarding. Typical moderators including symptom severity, age at onset, medication status, and comorbid conditions failed to provide sufficient explanatory power. It has then been posited that these inconsistencies may be attributed to the inherent heterogeneous nature of the disorder (i.e., symptom dimensions), or to the natural fluctuation in symptom severity. However, recent meta-analyses suggest that these factors may not account for the persistent unexplained variability. Other potential factors—some of which are unique to neuropsychological testing—received scarce research attention, including definition of cognitive impairments, specificity and selection of test and outcome measures, and their limited ecological validity. Other moderators, particularly motivational aspects, and metacognitive factors (e.g., self-efficacy) were not previously addressed despite their potential association to OCD, and their documented impact on cognitive function. The aim of the present mini-review is to provide an updated succinct overview of the current status of the neuropsychological literature in OCD and expanding upon oft-neglected potential moderators and their putative impact on neuropsychological findings in OCD. Our goal is to highlight important avenues for further research and provide a road map for investigators in order to advance our understanding of cognitive functions in OCD that has been stagnant in the past decade.