bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective theory of the mind and suicide in women with borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia: a comparative study
Authors: Abdo Moustafa Mohamed Mohamed , Mohamed Ahmed Saad , Hammed Marwa Abd Elmeguid , Hashem Reem Elsayed , El Nagar Zeinab Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Background

Theory of mind (ToM) is one of the essential components of social cognition. Affective ToM enables us to interpret other’s feelings and behaviors. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia are two distinct mental disorders, yet they have a mutual deficit in interpreting emotions, thoughts, and intentions which may lead to a higher incidence of suicidality. Studies that involved social cognition, particularly ToM in schizophrenia, or BPD have controversial results. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing affective ToM functioning in female patients with BPD, schizophrenia, and healthy controls. In addition, identifying the possible impact and any correlation exists between the affective ToM and liability for suicide in those patients. Sixty individuals were recruited from the Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and assigned into 3 groups where group A involved 20 BPD patients, group B involved 20 schizophrenic patients, and group C were healthy persons as a control. Assessment of affective ToM was done using Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), and probability of suicide was measured using Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).

Results

Regarding ToM, the three groups were assessed using RMET and the results revealed a significantly higher mean score (hypermentalization) in BPD patients than both schizophrenic patients and controls. While schizophrenic patients had significantly lower mean scores than the control group (hypomentalization). As well, BPD patients had a significantly higher suicide probability total score than Schizophrenic patients and in all subdomains except for the hostility subdomain that was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients. Interestingly, in BPD, the suicide probability total score was positively correlated with RMET.

Conclusions

BPD patients have enhanced affective ToM and hypermentalization that is significantly associated with increased suicide probability in those patients, while in schizophrenia, hypomentalization could not be linked to increased suicide probability. Rehabilitation and proper management of ToM abnormalities might be a crucial tool in suicide prevention in mental illnesses, particularly, BPD.
Evaluation of anti-epithelial-mesenchymal transition property of Garcinia mangostana rind extract
Authors: Muralidharan Suganthi , Vellaichamy Adaikkalam
Published: November 2021

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) helps solid tumors to lose their intercellular adhesive property and drives metastasis. As mangosteen fruit is known for many beneficial effects including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-tumorigenic properties and has been used widely in traditional medicine, we interrogated its possible anti-metastatic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Results

We found that aqueous mangosteen rind extract (MRE) inhibited growth of MCF-7 and altered the transcript levels of ERα, ERβ, and EGFR genes. Additionally, the MRE changed the expression of important markers of EMT, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Snail, and MMP-9. Moreover, MRE inhibited migration of MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MRE suppresses growth and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MCF-7 cells.
Hidden order behind the cooperation
Authors: Wei Junjie , Han Dun
Published: November 2021

Cooperation is ubiquitous in human as well as animals societies, however, the study of the driving forces behind cooperation is still an open question. Thus, exploring the hidden order related to cooperation has become a hot issue recently. Fortunately, evolutionary game theory and network science provide some new research perspectives for the cooperative behavior. In this letter, we focus on the present study of cooperation mechanism, and further put forward some feasible research prospects from the perspective of evolutionary game by arranging and researching the thread of history. Specifically, we first summarize the cooperation research status from the aspects of network topology and individuals' strategy updating rules etc., and we then discuss the hidden order behind the emergence and maintenance of cooperation, the development trends are presented in the last.
Propaganda in the Guise of News
Authors: Bauer A. J.
Published: November 2021

In the late 1940s, conservative radio commentator Fulton Lewis Jr. was embroiled in controversy after publicly criticizing consumer cooperatives for taking advantage of a federal tax loophole. Coinciding with the Federal Communications Commission’s reconsideration of its Mayflower doctrine—a ban on broadcast editorials—the dispute served as fodder for New Deal–era progressive media reformers. This article unpacks Lewis’s mostly forgotten role as an unwitting catalyst of progressive media regulations through reconsidering the FCC’s 1948 Mayflower hearings, which resulted in the fairness doctrine (1949–87). This doctrine mandated that broadcasters present controversial issues of public concern in an ideologically balanced manner. Lewis’s news-breaking thus became framed as a problem in need of federal regulatory solution by reformers who sought to sublimate radio into an idealized liberal public sphere. These reforms, however, framed political disagreement as an epistemological crisis and, in doing so, unintentionally bolstered a conservative critical disposition toward the mainstream press, exemplified in the “liberal media” trope.
An Interview with Dr. Andie Tucher, Columbia Journalism School
Authors: Fabian Steven
Published: November 2021

Columbia School of Journalism professor Andie Tucher talks about her forthcoming book on the history of fake news in the United States. She explains how, despite the fact that fake news has a long history in America, earlier incarnations were far less harmful than our current “post-truth” era. She also defines and examines what she calls “fake journalism,” which uses the conventions of objective journalism but in deceptive ways to mislead people into accepting lies as truth.
Mitotic chromosome condensation requires phosphorylation of the centromeric protein KNL-2 in C. elegans
Authors: Wenda Joanna M. , Prosée Reinier F. , Gabus Caroline , Steiner Florian A.
Published: November 2021

Centromeres are chromosomal regions that serve as sites for kinetochore formation and microtubule attachment, processes that are essential for chromosome segregation during mitosis. Centromeres are almost universally defined by the histone variant CENP-A. In the holocentric nematode C. elegans, CENP-A deposition depends on the loading factor KNL-2. Depletion of either CENP-A or KNL-2 results in defects in centromere maintenance, chromosome condensation and kinetochore formation, leading to chromosome segregation failure. Here, we show that KNL-2 is phosphorylated by CDK-1 in vitro, and that mutation of three C-terminal phosphorylation sites causes chromosome segregation defects and an increase in embryonic lethality. In strains expressing phosphodeficient KNL-2, CENP-A and kinetochore proteins are properly localised, indicating that the role of KNL-2 in centromere maintenance is not affected. Instead, the mutant embryos exhibit reduced mitotic levels of condensin II on chromosomes and significant chromosome condensation impairment. Our findings separate the functions of KNL-2 in CENP-A loading and chromosome condensation, and demonstrate that KNL-2 phosphorylation regulates the cooperation between centromeric regions and the condensation machinery in C. elegans.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A cytosolic reductase pathway is required for efficient N-glycosylation of an STT3B-dependent acceptor site
Authors: van Lith Marcel , Pringle Marie Anne , Fleming Bethany , Gaeta Giorgia , Im Jisu , Gilmore Reid , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: November 2021

N-linked glycosylation of proteins entering the secretory pathway is an essential modification required for protein stability and function. Previously, it has been shown that there is a temporal relationship between protein folding and glycosylation, which influences the occupancy of specific glycosylation sites. Here, we used an in vitro translation system that reproduces the initial stages of secretory protein translocation, folding and glycosylation under defined redox conditions. We found that the efficiency of glycosylation of hemopexin was dependent upon a robust NADPH-dependent cytosolic reductive pathway, which could be mimicked by the addition of a membrane-impermeable reducing agent. We identified a hypoglycosylated acceptor site that is adjacent to a cysteine involved in a short-range disulfide. We show that efficient glycosylation at this site is influenced by the cytosolic reductive pathway acting on both STT3A- and STT3B-dependent glycosylation. Our results provide further insight into the important role of the endoplasmic reticulum redox conditions in glycosylation site occupancy and demonstrate a link between redox conditions in the cytosol and glycosylation efficiency.
The US Pretrial System: Balancing Individual Rights and Public Interests
Authors: Dobbie Will , Yang Crystal S.
Published: November 2021

In this article, we review a growing empirical literature on the effectiveness and fairness of the US pretrial system and discuss its policy implications. Despite the importance of this stage of the criminal legal process, researchers have only recently begun to explore how the pretrial system balances individual rights and public interests. We describe the empirical challenges that have prevented progress in this area and how recent work has made use of new data sources and quasi-experimental approaches to credibly estimate both the individual harms (such as loss of employment or government assistance) and public benefits (such as preventing non-appearance at court and new crimes) of cash bail and pretrial detention. These new data and approaches show that the current pretrial system imposes substantial short-and long-term economic harms on detained defendants in terms of lost earnings and government assistance, while providing little in the way of decreased criminal activity for the public interest. Non-appearances at court do significantly decrease for detained defendants, but the magnitudes cannot justify the economic harms to individuals observed in the data. A second set of studies shows that that the costs of cash bail and pretrial detention are disproportionately borne by Black and Hispanic individuals, giving rise to large and unfair racial differences in cash bail and detention that cannot be explained by underlying differences in pretrial misconduct risk. We then turn to policy implications and describe areas of future work that would enable a deeper understanding of what drives these undesirable outcomes.
Surgical treatment of sagittal band injuries and classification according to operative findings
Authors: Lee Kyung Jin , Song Cheon Ho , Kim Jin Soo , Koh Sung Hoon , Lee Dong Chul , Roh Si Young , Park Jung Hyun
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe indications for surgery in patients with acute closed sagittal band injuries are still undetermined. The purpose of this study was to classify the types of injuries based on intraoperative findings of patients who underwent surgery for sagittal injuries, and to present the treatment plans and surgical methods.MethodsTwenty-five patients who had undergone surgical exploration for closed sagittal band injuries between January 2011 and December 2020 were included in the study, comprising 17 patients with acute injuries (within 3 weeks), four patients with chronic injuries, and four patients who underwent surgery because symptoms did not improve in response to conservative treatment. Patients with laceration, fracture, and rheumatoid arthritis were excluded.ResultsSagittal band injuries were classified into two groups: superficial sagittal band (SSB) and proper sagittal band (PSB) injuries. SSB injuries were observed in 75.0% of spontaneous rupture cases and PSB injuries were observed in 66.7% of traumatic rupture cases. SSB injuries were observed in 83.3% of Rayan and Murray classification type II cases and PSB injuries were observed in 61.5% of type III cases (p=0.041). PSB injuries were present in all four patients who underwent surgery because conservative treatment failed.ConclusionWe successfully corrected sagittal band injuries with extensor digitorum communis tendon instability through surgical treatment. Sagittal band injuries can be classified into two types depending on the anatomical injury pattern; SSB and PSB injuries. The surgical method and treatment plan can be chosen based on this classification.
Impacto del contacto con la realidad empresarial en el rendimiento académico en contabilidad de costes
Authors: Cervera Oliver Mercedes , Pérez Espés Cristina , Romero Funez Domi
Published: November 2021

En los últimos años se observa cada vez mayor falta de motivación y menor rendimiento en los estudiantes de Contabilidad de Costes (CC). Con este trabajo se propone adaptar la metodología docente aplicada en el aula a los estilos de aprendizaje de los alumnos. Este estudio comprende dos cursos académicos (2018/2019 y 2019/2020), diferenciados en dos fases. En la primera, se lleva a cabo la revisión de la literatura, así como el análisis de los estilos de aprendizaje de los alumnos de CC en el curso 2018/2019. Los resultados obtenidos nos indican el tipo de metodología docente a introducir, que en este caso consiste en la realización de tres actividades con el propósito de acercar a los alumnos a la realidad empresarial de forma conexa al avance en los contenidos del programa de la asignatura. En la segunda fase, se analiza si las calificaciones medias de los estudiantes de CC del curso 2019/2020 tras la realización de estas actividades (grupo experimental) son mejores respecto a los alumnos que no las realizaron (grupo de control). Los resultados obtenidos no evidencian que el rendimiento de los alumnos del grupo experimental sea mejor que el del grupo de control, afirmación extensible al caso de los alumnos con preferencia de aprendizaje kinestésico.
Managing the Transition to a Dual Business Model: Tradeoff, Paradox, and Routinized Practices
Authors: Visnjic Ivanka , Jovanovic Marin , Raisch Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Building on an in-depth study of a manufacturing company’s shift from a product to a product-service business model, we explore how single-focus companies transition to a dual orientation. Although companies generally use highly sophisticated practices to manage a dual orientation, those that transition to one successfully start with less sophisticated practices. Early on, the use of simple tradeoff practices, which maintain the product and service logics, helps single-focus companies explore the emergent tensions that their transition to a dual orientation causes. Conversely, adopting more sophisticated practices at this early stage overwhelms them. At a later stage, these companies’ growing understanding of the tensions allows them to experiment with more comprehensive paradox practices that transcend the product and service logics. Conversely, maintaining simple practices at this stage prevents them from gaining the solution experience required to complete the transition. The evolutionary process culminates in sophisticated routinized practices that institutionalize recurrent tensions’ solution, while allowing for further experimentation to deal with new tensions. The different practices’ appropriate sequence and pacing during the evolutionary process facilitate companies’ transition to a dual orientation.
Enhanced efficiency of graded-bandgap thin-film solar cells due to concentrated sunlight
Authors: Ahmad Faiz , Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Monk Peter B.
Published: November 2021

A systematic study was performed with a coupled optoelectronic model to
examine the effect of the concentration of sunlight on the
efficiencies of CIGS, CZTSSe and AlGaAs thin-film solar cells with a
graded-bandgap absorber layer. Efficiencies of 34.6% for CIGS
thin-film solar cells and 29.9% for CZTSSe thin-film solar cells are
predicted with a concentration of 100 suns, the respective one-sun
efficiencies being 27.7% and 21.7%. An efficiency of 36.7% is
predicted for AlGaAs thin-film solar cells with a concentration of 60
suns, in comparison to 34.5% one-sun efficiency. Sunlight
concentration does not affect the per-sun electron–hole-pair (EHP)
generation rate but reduces the per-sun EHP recombination rate either
near the front and back faces or in the graded-bandgap regions of the
absorber layer, depending upon the semiconductor used for that layer,
and this is the primary reason for the improvement in efficiency.
Other effects include the enhancement of open-circuit voltage, which
can be positively correlated to the higher short-circuit current
density. Sunlight concentration can therefore play a significant role
in enhancing the efficiency of thin-film solar cells.
Thermal absorber with epsilon-near-zero metamaterial based on 2D square spiral design
Authors: Abdel-Latif Ghada Yassin , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A.
Published: November 2021

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, design of a wavelength-selective solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) absorber based on a 2D square spiral grating is numerically proposed and analyzed. The suggested STPV absorber is made of tungsten (W) with a spacer of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). In particular, the AZO is epsilon-near-zero material where its dielectric permittivity can be engineered over a broad wavelength range in the near-infrared. The refractory AZO-W metamaterial exhibits marked radiative optical properties, which control the thermal absorption through an engineered dielectric response function. The geometrical parameters and optical properties of the proposed design are studied using the finite difference time domain method to maximize the absorption through the studied wavelength range. The physical mechanism beyond the geometrical effects is also investigated with the inductor and capacitor model. The 2D square spiral STPV absorber achieves the photon-to-heat conversion efficiency of 75.2% at 1000 K. It is also found that the absorption of the proposed STPV absorber is insensitive to the incident angles from normal incident to 60º for transverse magnetic and transverse electric polarizations. The absorption enhancement is due to the effective coupling among the magnetic polariton, surface plasmon polariton, and intrinsic losses of the tungsten metal.
Determination of the temperature-dependent optical properties of amorphous silicon films at elevated temperatures
Authors: Fuchs Florian , Vedder Christian , Stollenwerk Jochen , Loosen Peter
Published: November 2021

The temperature-dependent optical properties of PECVD deposited amorphous silicon films are determined for radiation wavelengths of 1000 nm up to 2000 nm in a temperature range of up to 1110 K. The measurements are performed at heating rates of over 2300 K/s in order to shift the onset of solid-phase crystallization of the amorphous material to temperatures above 1110 K and to make the optical properties of amorphous silicon accessible for examination. In this work, the laser-based measurement setup, the experimental procedure, the simulation methods, and the resulting material-specific data are shown.
Particle swarm optimization of SPM-enabled spectral selection to achieve an octave-spanning wavelength-shift
Authors: Diao Xincai , Chen Runzhi , Chang Guoqing
Published: November 2021

SPM-enabled spectral selection (SESS) constitutes a powerful fiber-optic technique to generate wavelength broadly tunable femtosecond pulses. In the current demonstration, the maximum tuning range is 400 nm and the energy conversion efficiency from the pump source to the outmost spectral lobes is ∼25%. In this submission, we apply the particle swarm optimization method to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation to identify the optimal parameters that maximize both the tuning range and the conversion efficiency. We show that SESS in an optical fiber with the optimized dispersion can deliver SESS pulses tunable in one octave wavelength range and the conversion efficiency can be as high as 80%. We further show the feasibility of experimental implementation based on specially designed fibers or on-chip waveguides.
Excitation of high order orbital angular momentum modes in ultra-short chiral long period fiber gratings
Authors: Huang Zheng , Bai Zhiyong , Zhu Guoxuan , Huang Churou , Chen Jiayan , Liu Shen , Fu Cailing , He Jun , Wang Yiping
Published: November 2021

A class of ultra-short chiral long period fiber gratings (CLPFGs) are prepared by writing a spiral curve on the surface of a six-mode fiber. The CLPFGs are applied to excite ±2nd- and ±3rd-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The coupling efficiency of the CLPFG in these modes can be as high as 99%, when the length is only 0.5cm. The polarization characteristic of the excited higher-order OAM modes in CLPFGs was theoretically analyzed and experimentally investigated. Results show that the obtained ±2nd- and ±3rd-order OAM modes are polarization independent, as expected.
Helicity-dependent continuous varifocal metalens based on bilayer dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Yanqun , Chen Li , Tang Shiwei , Xu Peipeng , Ding Fei , Fang Zhuoran , Majumdar Arka
Published: November 2021

Metasurfaces offer a unique platform to realize flat lenses, reducing the size and complexity of imaging systems and thus enabling new imaging modalities. In this paper, we designed a bilayer helicity-dependent continuous varifocal dielectric metalens in the near-infrared range. The first layer consists of silicon nanopillars and functions as a half-wave plate, providing the helicity-dependent metasurface by combining propagation phase and geometric phase. The second layer consists of phase-change material Sb2S3 nanopillars and provides tunable propagation phases. Upon excitation with the circularly polarized waves possessing different helicities, the metalens can generate helicity-dependent longitudinal focal spots. Under the excitation of linear polarized light, the helicity-dependent dual foci are generated. The focal lengths in this metalens can be continuously tuned by the crystallization fraction of Sb2S3. The zoom range is achieved from 32.5 µm to 37.2 µm for right circularly polarized waves and from 50.5 µm to 60.9 µm for left circularly polarized waves. The simulated focusing efficiencies are above 75% and 87% for the circularly and linearly polarized waves, respectively. The proposed metalens has potential applications in miniaturized devices, including compact optical communication systems, imaging, and medical devices.
Combination of statistics and deep learning-based illumination estimation methods
Authors: Chang Youngha , Iiyama Takuya , Mukai Nobuhiko
Published: November 2021

Illumination estimation is a fundamental prerequisite for many computer vision applications. Various statistics and deep learning-based estimation methods have been proposed, and further studies are ongoing. In this study, we first perform a comparative analysis of representative statistics and deep learning-based methods and subsequently investigate combining them to improve the illumination estimation accuracy. We use hyperspectral images as the training data and support vector regression to combine the methods. Based on the results, we confirm that their combination enhances their accuracy.
Simple self-calibrating polarimeter for measuring the Stokes parameters of light
Authors: Wirthl Vitaly , Panda Cristian D. , Hess Paul W. , Gabrielse Gerald
Published: November 2021

A simple, self-calibrating, rotating-waveplate polarimeter is largely insensitive to light intensity fluctuations and is shown to be useful for determining the Stokes parameters of light. This study shows how to minimize the in situ self-calibration time, the measurement time, and the measurement uncertainty. The suggested methods are applied to measurements of spatial variations in the linear and circular polarizations of laser light passing through glass plates with a laser intensity dependent birefringence. These are crucial measurements for the ACME electron electric dipole measurements, requiring accuracies in circular and linear polarization fraction of about 0.1% and 0.4%, with laser intensities up to 100 mW/mm2 incident into the polarimeter.
Efficient, high-CRI white LEDs by combining traditional phosphors with cadmium-free InP/ZnSe red quantum dots
Authors: Karadza Bega , Van Avermaet Hannes , Mingabudinova Leila , Hens Zeger , Meuret Youri
Published: November 2021

Quantum dots (QDs) offer an interesting alternative for traditional phosphors in on-chip light-emitting diode (LED) configurations. Earlier studies showed that the spectral efficiency of white LEDs with high color rendering index (CRI) values could be considerably improved by replacing red-emitting nitride phosphors with narrowband QDs. However, the red QDs in these studies were cadmium-based, which is a restricted element in the EU and certain other countries. The use of InP-based QDs, the most promising Cd-free alternative, is often presented as an inferior solution because of the broader linewidth of these QDs. However, while narrow emission lines are the key to display applications that require a large color gamut, the spectral efficiency penalty of this broader emission is limited for lighting applications. Here, we report efficient, high-CRI white LEDs with an on-chip color converter coating based on red InP/ZnSe QDs and traditional green/yellow powder phosphors. Using InP/ZnSe QDs with a quantum yield of nearly 80% and a full width at half-maximum of 45 nm, we demonstrate high spectral efficiency for white LEDs with very high CRI values. One of the best experimental results in terms of both luminous efficacy and color rendering performance is a white LED with an efficacy of 132 lm/W, and color rendering indices of

R
a

≈
90

,

R
9
≈
50

for CCT

≈
 
4000
 
K

. These experimental results are critically compared with theoretical benchmark values for white LEDs with on-chip downconversion from both phosphors and red Cd-based QDs. The various loss mechanisms in the investigated white LEDs are quantified with an accurate simulation model, and the main impediments to an even higher efficacy are identified as the blue LED wall-plug efficiency and light recycling in the LED package.
Ultrahigh detectivity, high-speed and low-dark current AlGaN solar-blind heterojunction field-effect phototransistors realized using dual-float-photogating effect
Authors: Wang Kai , Qiu Xinjia , Lv Zesheng , Song Zhiyuan , Jiang Hao
Published: November 2021

High detectivity is essential for solar-blind deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light detection because the DUV signal is extremely weak in most applications. In this work, we report ultrahigh-detectivity AlGaN-based solar-blind heterojunction-field-effect phototransistors fabricated utilizing dual-float-photogating effect. The

p

+

-

Al

0.4

GaN

layer and

Al

0.4

GaN

absorber layer deposited on the

Al

0.6

GaN

barrier serve as top pin-junction photogate, while the thin

Al

0.4

GaN

channel layer with a strong polarization field inside acts as virtual back photogate. Due to the effective depletion of the two-dimensional electron gas at the

Al

0.6

Ga

0.4

N
/

Al

0.4

Ga

0.6

N

heterointerface by the top photogate, the dark current was suppressed below 2 pA in the bias range of 0 to 10 V. A high photo-to-dark current ratio over

10

8

and an optical gain of

7.5
×

10

4

were demonstrated at a bias of 5 V. Theoretical analysis indicates that the optical gain can be attributed to the joint action of the floating top and back photogates on the channel current. As a result, a record high flicker noise (Johnson and shot noise) limited specific detectivity of

2.84
×

10

15

(
2.91
×

10

17

)
  
cm
 

Hz

0.5

 

W

−
1

was obtained. Furthermore, high response speed at the microsecond level was also shown in the devices. This work provides a promising and feasible approach for high-sensitivity DUV detection.
Neuroblastoma signalling models unveil combination therapies targeting feedback-mediated resistance
Authors: Dorel Mathurin , Klinger Bertram , Mari Tommaso , Toedling Joern , Blanc Eric , Messerschmidt Clemens , Nadler-Holly Michal , Ziehm Matthias , Sieber Anja , Hertwig Falk , Beule Dieter , Eggert Angelika , Schulte Johannes H. , Selbach Matthias , Blüthgen Nils
Published: November 2021

Very high risk neuroblastoma is characterised by increased MAPK signalling, and targeting MAPK signalling is a promising therapeutic strategy. We used a deeply characterised panel of neuroblastoma cell lines and found that the sensitivity to MEK inhibitors varied drastically between these cell lines. By generating quantitative perturbation data and mathematical modelling, we determined potential resistance mechanisms. We found that negative feedbacks within MAPK signalling and via the IGF receptor mediate re-activation of MAPK signalling upon treatment in resistant cell lines. By using cell-line specific models, we predict that combinations of MEK inhibitors with RAF or IGFR inhibitors can overcome resistance, and tested these predictions experimentally. In addition, phospho-proteomic profiling confirmed the cell-specific feedback effects and synergy of MEK and IGFR targeted treatment. Our study shows that a quantitative understanding of signalling and feedback mechanisms facilitated by models can help to develop and optimise therapeutic strategies. Our findings should be considered for the planning of future clinical trials introducing MEKi in the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Serotonin transporter-mediated molecular axis regulates regional retinal ganglion cell vulnerability and axon regeneration after nerve injury
Authors: Kingston Rody , Amin Dwarkesh , Misra Sneha , Gross Jeffrey M. , Kuwajima Takaaki
Published: November 2021

Molecular insights into the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic neuropathies and after ocular trauma can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving RGCs. However, little is known about what molecular contexts determine RGC susceptibility. In this study, we show the molecular mechanisms underlying the regional differential vulnerability of RGCs after optic nerve injury. We identified RGCs in the mouse peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) retina as the earliest population of RGCs susceptible to optic nerve injury. Mechanistically, the serotonin transporter (SERT) is upregulated on VT axons after injury. Utilizing SERT-deficient mice, loss of SERT attenuated VT RGC death and led to robust retinal axon regeneration. Integrin β3, a factor mediating SERT-induced functions in other systems, is also upregulated in RGCs and axons after injury, and loss of integrin β3 led to VT RGC protection and axon regeneration. Finally, RNA sequencing analyses revealed that loss of SERT significantly altered molecular signatures in the VT retina after optic nerve injury, including expression of the transmembrane protein, Gpnmb. GPNMB is rapidly downregulated in wild-type, but not SERT- or integrin β3-deficient VT RGCs after injury, and maintaining expression of GPNMB in RGCs via AAV2 viruses even after injury promoted VT RGC survival and axon regeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the SERT-integrin β3-GPNMB molecular axis mediates selective RGC vulnerability and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury.
Kdr genotyping (V1016I, F1534C) of the Nav channel of Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquito populations in Harris County (Houston), Texas, USA, after Permanone 31–66 field tests and its influence on probability of survival
Authors: Hernandez Jonathan R. , Longnecker Michael , Fredregill Chris L. , Debboun Mustapha , Pietrantonio Patricia V.
Published: November 2021

Aedes aegypti (L.) is an important mosquito vector of emerging arboviruses such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. To quell potential disease outbreaks, its populations are controlled by applying pyrethroid insecticides, which selection pressure may lead to the development of insecticide resistance. Target site insensitivity to pyrethroids caused by non-synonymous knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel is a predominant mechanism of resistance in mosquitoes. To evaluate the potential impact of pyrethroid resistance on vector control, Ae. aegypti eggs were collected from eight mosquito control operational areas in Harris County, Texas, and emerged females were treated in field tests at four different distances from the pyrethroid Permanone 31–66 source. The females were genotyped by melting curve analyses to detect two kdr mutations (V1016I and F1534C) in the NaV channel. Harris County females had higher survivorship rates at each distance than the pyrethroid-susceptible Orlando strain females. Survivorship increased with distance from the pyrethroid source, with 39% of field-collected mosquitoes surviving at 7.62 m and 82.3% at 22.86 m from the treatment source. Both the V1016I and F1534C pyrethroid resistant genotypes were widely distributed and at high frequency, with 77% of the females being double homozygous resistant (II/CC), this being the first report of kdr mutations in Ae. aegypti in Harris County. Analysis of the probability of survival for each mutation site independently indicated that the CC genotype had similar probability of survival as the FC heterozygous, while the II genotype had higher survival than both the VI and VV, that did not differ. The double homozygous resistant genotype (II/CC) had the highest probability of survival. A linear model estimated probability of survival for areas and genotypes. The high frequency and widespread distribution of double-homozygote pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti may jeopardize disease vector control efforts in Harris County.
A robust, semi-automated approach for counting cementum increments imaged with synchrotron X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Newham Elis , Gill Pamela G. , Robson Brown Kate , Gostling Neil J. , Corfe Ian J. , Schneider Philipp
Published: November 2021

Cementum, the tissue attaching mammal tooth roots to the periodontal ligament, grows appositionally throughout life, displaying a series of circum-annual incremental features. These have been studied for decades as a direct record of chronological lifespan. The majority of previous studies on cementum have used traditional thin-section histological methods to image and analyse increments. However, several caveats have been raised in terms of studying cementum increments in thin-sections. Firstly, the limited number of thin-sections and the two-dimensional perspective they impart provide an incomplete interpretation of cementum structure, and studies often struggle or fail to overcome complications in increment patterns that complicate or inhibit increment counting. Increments have been repeatedly shown to both split and coalesce, creating accessory increments that can bias increment counts. Secondly, identification and counting of cementum increments using human vision is subjective, and it has led to inaccurate readings in several experiments studying individuals of known age. Here, we have attempted to optimise a recently introduced imaging modality for cementum imaging; X-ray propagation-based phase-contrast imaging (PPCI). X-ray PPCI was performed for a sample of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) lower first molars (n = 10) from a laboratory population of known age. PPCI allowed the qualitative identification of primary/annual versus intermittent secondary increments formed by splitting/coalescence. A new method for semi-automatic increment counting was then integrated into a purpose-built software package for studying cementum increments, to count increments in regions with minimal complications. Qualitative comparison with data from conventional cementochronology, based on histological examination of tissue thin-sections, confirmed that X-ray PPCI reliably and non-destructively records cementum increments (given the appropriate preparation of specimens prior to X-ray imaging). Validation of the increment counting algorithm suggests that it is robust and provides accurate estimates of increment counts. In summary, we show that our new increment counting method has the potential to overcome caveats of conventional cementochronology approaches, when used to analyse three-dimensional images provided by X-ray PPCI.
Socioeconomic and health impacts of fall armyworm in Ethiopia
Authors: Abro Zewdu , Kimathi Emily , De Groote Hugo , Tefera Tadele , Sevgan Subramanian , Niassy Saliou , Kassie Menale
Published: November 2021

Since 2016, fall armyworm (FAW) has threatened sub-Saharan ‘Africa’s fragile food systems and economic performance. Yet, there is limited evidence on this transboundary pest’s economic and food security impacts in the region. Additionally, the health and environmental consequences of the insecticides being used to control FAW have not been studied. This paper presents evidence on the impacts of FAW on maize production, food security, and human and environmental health. We use a combination of an agroecology-based community survey and nationally representative data from an agricultural household survey to achieve our objectives. The results indicate that the pest causes an average annual loss of 36% in maize production, reducing 0.67 million tonnes of maize (0.225 million tonnes per year) between 2017 and 2019. The total economic loss is US$ 200 million, or 0.08% of the gross domestic product. The lost production could have met the per capita maize consumption of 4 million people. We also find that insecticides to control FAW have more significant toxic effects on the environment than on humans. This paper highlights governments and development partners need to invest in sustainable FAW control strategies to reduce maize production loss, improve food security, and protect human and environmental health.
Future-relevant memories are not selectively strengthened during sleep
Authors: Ashton Jennifer E. , Cairney Scott A.
Published: November 2021

Overnight consolidation processes are thought to operate in a selective manner, such that important (i.e. future-relevant) memories are strengthened ahead of irrelevant information. Using an online protocol, we sought to replicate the seminal finding that the memory benefits of sleep are enhanced when people expect a future test [Wilhelm et al., 2011]. Participants memorised verbal paired associates to a criterion of 60 percent (Experiment 1) or 40 percent correct (Experiment 2) before a 12-hour delay containing overnight sleep (sleep group) or daytime wakefulness (wake group). Critically, half of the participants were informed that they would be tested again the following day, whereas the other half were told that they would carry out a different set of tasks. We observed a robust memory benefit of overnight consolidation, with the sleep group outperforming the wake group in both experiments. However, knowledge of an upcoming test had no impact on sleep-associated consolidation in either experiment, suggesting that overnight memory processes were not enhanced for future-relevant information. These findings, together with other failed replication attempts, show that sleep does not provide selective support to memories that are deemed relevant for the future.
Effect of PTPN22, FAS/FASL, IL2RA and CTLA4 genetic polymorphisms on the risk of developing alopecia areata: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis
Authors: Gil-Quiñones S. R. , Sepúlveda-Pachón I. T. , Sánchez Vanegas G. , Gutierrez-Castañeda L. D.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Genetic association studies on alopecia areata (AA) performed in various populations have shown heterogeneous results. The aim of the current review was to synthesize the results of said studies to estimate the impact of FAS, FASL, PTPN22, CTLA4 and IL2RA gene polymorphisms on AA susceptibility.

Design

A systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and LILACS databases. Studies published up to June 2020 were included. The results available in the grey literature including the Open Grey and Google Scholar databases were also used. The texts of potentially related studies were screened by individual reviewers. Evidence of publication bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. The quantitative synthesis was performed using the fixed effect model.

Results

Out of 1784 articles, we identified 18 relevant articles for the qualitative synthesis and 16 for the quantitative synthesis. In a study of rs2476601 polymorphism of PTPN22 gene, including 1292 cases and 1832 controls, a correlation was found with the risk of developing AA in the allelic model (OR1.49 [95% C:1.13–1.95]), the heterozygous codominant (OR1.44 [95% CI:1:19–1.76]) and dominant model (OR1.43 [95% CI:1.18–1.73]). No association was found between the presence of FASL, PTPN22, CTLA and IL2RA gene polymorphisms with AA susceptibility.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the T allele of the single nucleoid polymorphism (SNP) rs2476601 in PTPN22 gene is a risk factor for developing alopecia areata. However, more robust studies defining the ethnic background of the population of origin are required, so that the risk identified in the present study can be validated. Additionally, a greater number of studies is necessary to evaluate the role of the FAS, FASL, PTPN22, CTLA4 and IL2RA genetic variants, given the heterogenous results found in the literature.
Development of at-home sample collection logistics for large-scale seroprevalence studies
Authors: Aatresh Aishani V. , Cummings Kate , Gerstein Hilary , Knight Christopher S. , Limberopolous Andreas , Stasi Megan A. , Bedugnis Alice , Somberg Kenneth A. , França Camila T. , Mina Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Serological studies rely on the recruitment of representative cohorts; however, such efforts are specially complicated by the conditions surrounding the COVID19 pandemic.

Methods

We aimed to design and implement a fully remote methodology for conducting safe serological surveys that also allow for the engagement of representative study populations.

Results

This design was well-received and effective. 2,066 participants ≥18 years old were enrolled, reflecting the ethnic and racial composition of Massachusetts. >70% of them reported being satisfied/extremely satisfied with the online enrollment and at-home self-collection of blood samples. While 18.6% reported some discomfort experienced with the collection process, 72.2% stated that they would be willing to test weekly if enrolled in a long-term study.

Conclusions

High engagement and positive feedback from participants, as well as the quality of self-collected specimens, point to the usefulness of this fully remote, self-collection-based study design for future safer and efficient population-level serological surveys.
In-silico genome wide analysis of Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase gene family in C. sinensis
Authors: Paul Abhirup , Srivastava Anurag P. , Subrahmanya Shreya , Shen Guoxin , Mishra Neelam
Published: November 2021

Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) form the upstream component of MAPK cascade. It is well characterized in several plants such as Arabidopsis and rice however the knowledge about MAPKKKs in tea plant is largely unknown. In the present study, MAPKKK genes of tea were obtained through a genome wide search using Arabidopsis thaliana as the reference genome. Among 59 candidate MAPKKK genes in tea, 17 genes were MEKK-like, 31 genes were Raf-like and 11 genes were ZIK- like. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships were established along with structural analysis, which includes gene structure, its location as well as conserved motifs, cis-acting regulatory elements and functional domain signatures that were systematically examined. Also, on the basis of one orthologous gene found between tea and Arabidopsis, functional interaction was carried out in C. sinensis based on an Arabidopsis association model. The expressional profiles indicated major involvement of MAPKKK genes from tea in response to various abiotic stress factors. Taken together, this study provides the targets for additional inclusive identification, functional study, and provides comprehensive knowledge for a better understanding of the MAPKKK cascade regulatory network in C. sinensis.
Accuracy of deep learning-based computed tomography diagnostic system for COVID-19: A consecutive sampling external validation cohort study
Authors: Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Kataoka Yuki , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Matsumoto Junichi , Kumasawa Junji , Tochitatni Kentaro , Funakoshi Hiraku , Hosoda Tomohiro , Kugimiya Aiko , Shirano Michinori , Hamabe Fumiko , Iwata Sachiyo , Fukuma Shingo ,   Japan COVID-19 AI team
Published: November 2021

Ali-M3, an artificial intelligence program, analyzes chest computed tomography (CT) and detects the likelihood of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on scores ranging from 0 to 1. However, Ali-M3 has not been externally validated. Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of Ali-M3 for detecting COVID-19 and discuss its clinical value. We evaluated the external validity of Ali-M3 using sequential Japanese sampling data. In this retrospective cohort study, COVID-19 infection probabilities for 617 symptomatic patients were determined using Ali-M3. In 11 Japanese tertiary care facilities, these patients underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. They also underwent chest CT to confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19. Of the 617 patients, 289 (46.8%) were RT-PCR-positive. The area under the curve (AUC) of Ali-M3 for predicting a COVID-19 diagnosis was 0.797 (95% confidence interval: 0.762‒0.833) and the goodness-of-fit was P = 0.156. With a cut-off probability of a diagnosis of COVID-19 by Ali-M3 set at 0.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 80.6% and 68.3%, respectively. A cut-off of 0.2 yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 89.2% and 43.2%, respectively. Among the 223 patients who required oxygen, the AUC was 0.825. Sensitivity at a cut-off of 0.5% and 0.2% was 88.7% and 97.9%, respectively. Although the sensitivity was lower when the days from symptom onset were fewer, the sensitivity increased for both cut-off values after 5 days. We evaluated Ali-M3 using external validation with symptomatic patient data from Japanese tertiary care facilities. As Ali-M3 showed sufficient sensitivity performance, despite a lower specificity performance, Ali-M3 could be useful in excluding a diagnosis of COVID-19.
Protein conformational transitions explored by a morphing approach based on normal mode analysis in internal coordinates
Authors: Lee Byung Ho , Park Soon Woo , Jo Soojin , Kim Moon Ki
Published: November 2021

Large-scale conformational changes are essential for proteins to function properly. Given that these transition events rarely occur, however, it is challenging to comprehend their underlying mechanisms through experimental and theoretical approaches. In this study, we propose a new computational methodology called internal coordinate normal mode-guided elastic network interpolation (ICONGENI) to predict conformational transition pathways in proteins. Its basic approach is to sample intermediate conformations by interpolating the interatomic distance between two end-point conformations with the degrees of freedom constrained by the low-frequency dynamics afforded by normal mode analysis in internal coordinates. For validation of ICONGENI, it is applied to proteins that undergo open-closed transitions, and the simulation results (i.e., simulated transition pathways) are compared with those of another technique, to demonstrate that ICONGENI can explore highly reliable pathways in terms of thermal and chemical stability. Furthermore, we generate an ensemble of transition pathways through ICONGENI and investigate the possibility of using this method to reveal the transition mechanisms even when there are unknown metastable states on rough energy landscapes.