bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional Modulation of Frontal Alpha Asymmetry - a Novel Biomarker of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kuusinen Venla , Peräkylä Jari , Sun Lihua , Ogawa Keith H. , Hartikainen Kaisa M.
Published: July 2021

Objective findings of brain injury or dysfunction are typically lacking in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) despite prolonged post-concussion symptoms in some patients. Thus, there is a need for objective biomarkers of MTBI that reflect altered brain physiology underlying subjective symptoms. We have previously reported increased attention to threat-related stimuli in subjects with MTBI, suggesting a physiological vulnerability to depression. Vulnerability to depression has been linked with relatively greater activity of the right than left frontal cortex reflected in inverse pattern in frontal alpha with greater power on the left than right. We investigated whether patients with previous MTBI show this pattern of frontal activity reflected in more negative frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) scores. Furthermore, in search for potential biomarkers of MTBI, we created a novel index, emotional modulation of FAA (eFAA) and investigated whether it correlates with subjective symptoms. EEG was recorded while subjects with previous MTBI and controls performed a computer-based reaction time task integrating different cognitive executive functions and containing either threat-related or emotionally neutral visual stimuli. Post-concussion symptoms and depression were assessed using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and Beck’s depression inventory (BDI). Task-induced FAA was assessed and eFAA calculated by subtracting FAA in the context of neutral stimuli from FAA in the context of emotional stimuli. The MTBI group showed FAA scores reflecting relatively greater right-sided frontal activity compared to healthy controls. eFAA differentiated the symptomatic MTBI from non-symptomatic MTBI group and from healthy controls. eFAA also correlated with RPQ and BDI scores. In conclusion, FAA pattern previously linked with vulnerability to depression, was observed in patients with previous MTBI. Furthermore, eFAA has potential as a biomarker of altered affective brain functions in MTBI.
Multimodal Neuroimaging Predictors of Learning Performance of Sensorimotor Rhythm Up-Regulation Neurofeedback
Authors: Li Linling , Wang Yinxue , Zeng Yixuan , Hou Shaohui , Huang Gan , Zhang Li , Yan Nan , Ren Lijie , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: July 2021

Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback (NFB) is a popular neuromodulation method to help one selectively enhance or inhibit his/her brain activities by means of real-time visual or auditory feedback of EEG signals. Sensory motor rhythm (SMR) NFB protocol has been applied to improve cognitive performance, but a large proportion of participants failed to self-regulate their brain activities and could not benefit from NFB training. Therefore, it is important to identify the neural predictors of SMR up-regulation NFB training performance for a better understanding the mechanisms of individual difference in SMR NFB. Twenty-seven healthy participants (12 males, age: 23.1 ± 2.36) were enrolled to complete three sessions of SMR up-regulation NFB training and collection of multimodal neuroimaging data [resting-state EEG, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI)]. Correlation analyses were performed between within-session NFB learning index and anatomical and functional brain features extracted from multimodal neuroimaging data, in order to identify the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological predictors for NFB learning performance. Lastly, machine learning models were trained to predict NFB learning performance using features from each modality as well as multimodal features. According to our results, most participants were able to successfully increase the SMR power and the NFB learning performance was significantly correlated with a set of neuroimaging features, including resting-state EEG powers, gray/white matter volumes from MRI, regional and functional connectivity (FC) of resting-state fMRI. Importantly, results of prediction analysis indicate that NFB learning index can be better predicted using multimodal features compared with features of single modality. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of multimodal neuroimaging technique as a tool to explain the individual difference in within-session NFB learning performance, and could provide a theoretical framework for early identification of individuals who cannot benefit from NFB training.
Predicting Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment Response in Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients With EGFR Mutation Using Model-Based Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Hou Runping , Li Xiaoyang , Xiong Junfeng , Shen Tianle , Yu Wen , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Zhao Binsheng , Zhao Jun , Fu Xiaolong
Published: July 2021

Background

For stage IV patients harboring EGFR mutations, there is a differential response to the first-line TKI treatment. We constructed three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNN) with deep transfer learning to stratify patients into subgroups with different response and progression risks.

Materials and Methods

From 2013 to 2017, 339 patients with EGFR mutation receiving first-line TKI treatment were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) time and progression patterns were confirmed by routine follow-up and restaging examinations. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the median PFS (<=9 months, > 9 months). We developed a PFS prediction model and a progression pattern classification model using transfer learning from a pre-trained EGFR mutation classification 3D CNN. Clinical features were fused with the 3D CNN to build the final hybrid prediction model. The performance was quantified using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and model performance was compared by AUCs with Delong test.

Results

The PFS prediction CNN showed an AUC of 0.744 (95% CI, 0.645–0.843) in the independent validation set and the hybrid model of CNNs and clinical features showed an AUC of 0.771 (95% CI, 0.676–0.866), which are significantly better than clinical features-based model (AUC, 0.624, P<0.01). The progression pattern prediction model showed an AUC of 0.762(95% CI, 0.643–0.882) and the hybrid model with clinical features showed an AUC of 0.794 (95% CI, 0.681–0.908), which can provide compensate information for clinical features-based model (AUC, 0.710; 95% CI, 0.582–0.839).

Conclusion

The CNN exhibits potential ability to stratify progression status in patients with EGFR mutation treated with first-line TKI, which might help make clinical decisions.
Evaluation of Microwave Ablation in 4T1 Breast Tumor by a Novel VEFGR2 Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Xia Shujun , Ji Ri , Zhan Weiwei , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2021

Objectives

A novel ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) VEGFR2-targeting iron-doped silica (SiO2) hollow nanoparticles (VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs) was prepared and applied in microwave ablation for breast cancer to investigate its value in the evaluation of effectiveness after tumor ablation.

Methods

VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs were prepared by using nano-SiO2, which was regarded as a substrate and etched by ferrous acetate, and then modified with anti-VEGFR2 antibody. Laser confocal microscope and flow cytometry were used to observe its main physicochemical properties, and biological safety was also investigated. After the xenograft tumor was treated with microwave ablation, the extent of perfusion defect was evaluated by ultrasound by injecting VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs.

Results

The average particle size of VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe was 276.64 ± 30.31 nm, and the surface potential was −13.46 ± 2.83 mV. In vitro, the intensity of ultrasound signal increased with UCA concentration. Good biosafety was performed in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The enhanced ultrasound signal was detected in tumors after injection of VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs, covering the whole tumor. The lesions, which were incompletely ablated, presented as contrast agent perfusion at the periphery of the tumor, and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed again after complementary ablation. It was confirmed that all the lesions were completely ablated.

Conclusion

Nano-targeted UCAs VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs had good biosafety and ability of specific imaging, which might be used as a contrast agent in CEUS to evaluate the efficacy of tumor ablation.
YAP1-MAML2 Fusion as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Metaplastic Thymoma
Authors: Zhao Jikai , Zhao Ruiying , Xiang Chan , Shao Jinchen , Guo Lianying , Han Yuchen
Published: July 2021

Background

Metaplastic thymoma is a very rare tumor with only a few case reports documented in literature. Hence, its molecular features have not been well explored.

Material and Methods

Seventeen specimens of metaplastic thymoma were sequenced and retrospectively analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry in the study. In addition, seven cases of micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma and nine cases of type A thymoma were also investigated.

Results

Among these metaplastic thymomas, fifteen cases showed classical histological features, and two cases displayed characteristic micronodular-like growth patterns. DNA and RNA based next-generation sequencing identified and confirmed highly recurrent Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) - Mastermind Like Transcriptional Coactivator 2 (MAML2) translocation (13/17, 76.5%) in metaplastic thymoma but not in micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (0/7, 0%) and type A thymoma (0/9, 0%). In addition, six nonsense mutations were also detected in the metaplastic thymoma. FISH in microdissection specimens indicated that both epithelioid and spindle cell components harbored YAP1-MAML2 gene rearrangements.

Conclusions

Our study explored the genetic alterations in epithelioid and spindle cell components in metaplastic thymoma. Furthermore, YAP1-MAML2 gene rearrangements emerged as a potential diagnostic biomarker helpful for distinguishing metaplastic thymoma from type A and micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma.
Virtual Patient-Specific Quality Assurance of IMRT Using UNet++: Classification, Gamma Passing Rates Prediction, and Dose Difference Prediction
Authors: Huang Ying , Pi Yifei , Ma Kui , Miao Xiaojuan , Fu Sichao , Chen Hua , Wang Hao , Gu Hengle , Shao Yan , Duan Yanhua , Feng Aihui , Wang Jiyong , Cai Ruxin , Zhuo Weihai , Xu Zhiyong
Published: July 2021

The dose verification in radiotherapy quality assurance (QA) is time-consuming and places a heavy workload on medical physicists. To provide a clinical tool to perform patient specific QA accurately, the UNet++ is investigated to classify failed or pass fields (the GPR lower than 85% is considered “failed” while the GPR higher than 85% is considered “pass”), predict gamma passing rates (GPR) for different gamma criteria, and predict dose difference from virtual patient-specific quality assurance in radiotherapy. UNet++ was trained and validated with 473 fields and tested with 95 fields. All plans used Portal Dosimetry for dose verification pre-treatment. Planar dose distribution of each field was used as the input for UNet++, with QA classification results, gamma passing rates of different gamma criteria, and dose difference were used as the output. In the test set, the accuracy of the classification model was 95.79%. The mean absolute error (MAE) were 0.82, 0.88, 2.11, 2.52, and the root mean squared error (RMSE) were 1.38, 1.57, 3.33, 3.72 for 3%/3mm, 3%/2 mm, 2%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, respectively. The trend and position of the predicted dose difference were consistent with the measured dose difference. In conclusion, the Virtual QA based on UNet++ can be used to classify the field passed or not, predict gamma pass rate for different gamma criteria, and predict dose difference. The results show that UNet++ based Virtual QA is promising in quality assurance for radiotherapy.
Identification of the Extradural and Intradural Extension of Pituitary Adenomas to the Suprasellar Region: Classification, Surgical Strategies, and Outcomes
Authors: Yang YouQing , Bao YouYuan , Xie ShenHao , Tang Bin , Wu Xiao , Yang Le , Wu Jie , Ding Han , Li ShaoYang , Zheng SuYue , Hong Tao
Published: July 2021

Objective

Suprasellar pituitary adenomas (PAs) can be located in either extradural or intradural spaces, which impacts surgical strategies and outcomes. This study determined how to distinguish these two different types of PAs and analyzed their corresponding surgical strategies and outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 389 patients who underwent surgery for PAs with suprasellar extension between 2016 to 2020 at our center. PAs were classified into two main grades according to tumor topography and their relationships to the diaphragm sellae (DS) and DS-attached residual pituitary gland (PG). Grade 1 tumors were located extradurally and further divided into grades 1a and 1b, while grade 2 tumors were located intradurally.

Results

Of 389 PAs, 292 (75.1%) were surrounded by a bilayer structure formed by the DS and the residual PG and classified as grade 1a, 63 (16.2%) had lobulated or daughter tumors resulting from the thinning or absence of the residual PG and subsequently rendering the bilayer weaker were classified as Grade 1b, and the remaining 34 (8.7%) PAs that broke through the DS or traversed the diaphragmic opening and encased suprasellar neurovascular structures were classified as Grade 2. We found that the gross total removal of the suprasellar part of grade 1a, 1b, and 2 PAs decreased with grading (88.4%, 71.4%, and 61.8%, respectively). The rate of major operative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hemorrhage, and death, increased with grading.

Conclusions

It is essential to identify whether PAs with suprasellar extension are located extradurally or intradurally, which depends on whether the bilayer structure is intact. PAs with an intact bilayer structure were classified as grade 1. These were extradural and usually had good surgical outcomes and lower complications. PAs with no bilayer structure surrounding them were classified as grade 2. These were intradural, connected to the cranial cavity, and had increased surgical complications and a lower rate of gross total removal. Different surgical strategies should be adopted for extradural and intradural PAs.
Overlapping Features in Kawasaki Disease-Related Arthritis and Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Nationwide Study in Japan
Authors: Kanemasa Hikaru , Nanishi Etsuro , Takada Hidetoshi , Ishimura Masataka , Nishio Hisanori , Honjo Satoshi , Masuda Hiroshi , Nagai Noriko , Nishihara Takahiro , Ishii Tohru , Adachi Takenori , Hara Satoshi , Lin Lisheng , Tomita Yoshie , Kamizono Junji , Komiyama Osamu , Kohdera Urara , Tanabe Saori , Sato Atsuo , Hida Shinya , Yashiro Mayumi , Makino Nobuko , Nakamura Yosikazu , Hara Toshiro , Ohga Shouichi
Published: July 2021

Background: Arthritis may occur after the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD). Most cases are self-limiting; however, some patients require prolonged treatment.

Method: To characterize KD-related arthritis, 14 patients who required arthritis treatment within 30 days after the diagnosis of KD were recruited from the 23rd KD survey in Japan. Twenty-six additional patients were included from our tertiary center and literature review cohorts.

Results: The estimated prevalence of KD-related arthritis in Japan was 48 per 100,000 KD patients. Patients with KD-related arthritis had an older age at onset (52 vs. 28 months, P = 0.002) and higher rate of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in comparison to those without arthritis (86 vs. 17%, P < 0.001). Among 40 patients, 18 had arthritis in the acute phase KD (continued fever-onset type) and 22 did in the convalescent phase (interval fever-onset type). Both showed a similar rate of complete KD or IVIG response. Interval-type patients required biologics for arthritis control less frequently (5 vs. 39%, P = 0.02) and had a higher 2-year off-treatment rate (100 vs. 43%, P = 0.009) than continued-type ones. Interval-types showed lower serum ferritin and interleukin-18 levels than continued-types. When continued-types were grouped according to whether or not they required biologics (n = 7 and n = 11, respectively), the former subgroup had higher ferritin and interleukin-18 levels (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). A canonical discriminant analysis differentiated interval-type from continued-type with the combination of age, time to arthritis, and the ferritin and matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels.

Conclusion: Arthritis requiring treatment is a rare complication of KD. KD-associated arthritis includes interval-type (KD-reactive) and continued-type (true systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA] requiring biologics), and overlapping arthritis, suggesting the pathophysiological continuity of autoinflammation between KD and JIA.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling for Nicotine and Cotinine Clearance in Pregnant Women
Authors: Amice Basile , Ho Harvey , Zhang En , Bullen Chris
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for the absorption, disposition, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine in pregnant women (p-PBPK) are rare. The aim of this short research report is to present a p-PBPK model and its simulations for nicotine and cotinine clearance.

Methods: The maternal-placental-fetal compartments of the p-PBPK model contain a total of 16 compartments representing major maternal and fetal organs and tissue groups. Qualitative and quantitative data of nicotine and cotinine disposition and clearance have been incorporated into pharmacokinetic parameters.

Results: The p-PBPK model reproduced the higher clearance rates of nicotine and cotinine in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Temporal profiles for their disposition in organs such as the brain were also simulated. Nicotine concentration reaches its maximum value within 2 min after an intravenous injection.

Conclusion: The proposed p-PBPK model produces results consistent with available data sources. Further pharmacokinetic experiments are required to calibrate clearance parameters for individual organs, and for the fetus.
Antileishmanial Activity of Flavones-Rich Fraction From Arrabidaea chica Verlot (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Silva-Silva João Victor , Moragas-Tellis Carla Junqueira , Chagas Maria do Socorro dos Santos , Souza Paulo Victor Ramos de , Souza Celeste da Silva Freitas de , Hardoim Daiana de Jesus , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Moreira Davyson de Lima , Dutra Behrens Maria , Calabrese Kátia da Silva , Almeida-Souza Fernando
Published: July 2021

Acknowledging the need of identifying new compounds for the treatment of leishmaniasis, this study aimed to evaluate, from in vitro trials, the activity of flavones from Arrabidaea chica against L. amazonensis. The chromatographic profiles of the hydroethanolic extract and a flavone-rich fraction (ACFF) from A. chica were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array UV-Vis detector (HPLC-DAD-UV) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-ESI-MS-MS). The flavones luteolin (1) and apigenin (2), isolated from chromatographic techniques and identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of 1H and 13C, were also quantified in ACFF, showing 190.7 mg/g and apigenin 12.4 mg/g, respectively. The other flavones were identified by comparing their spectroscopic data with those of the literature. The in vitro activity was assayed against promastigotes and intramacrophagic amastigote forms of L. amazonensis. Cytotoxicity tests were performed with peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. Nitrite quantification was performed with Griess reagent. Ultrastructural investigations were obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Anti-Leishmania assays indicated that the IC50 values for ACFF, apigenin, and luteolin were obtained at 40.42 ± 0.10 and 31.51 ± 1.13 μg/mL against promastigotes, respectively. ACFF and luteolin have concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. ACFF and luteolin also inhibited the intra-macrophagic parasite (IC50 3.575 ± 1.13 and 11.78 ± 1.24 μg/mL, respectively), with a selectivity index of 11.44 for ACFF. Promastigotes exposed to ACFF and luteolin exhibited ultrastructural changes, such as intense cytoplasm vacuolization and mitochondrial swelling. These findings data evidence the antileishmanial action of flavone-rich fractions of A. chica against L. amazonensis, encouraging further studies.
Case Report: Predicting the Range of Lamotrigine Concentration Using Pharmacokinetic Models Based on Monte Carlo Simulation: A Case Study of Antiepileptic Drug-Related Leukopenia
Authors: Zhu Xiuqing , Xiao Tao , Huang Shanqing , Liu Shujing , Li Xiaolin , Shang Dewei , Wen Yuguan
Published: July 2021

Lamotrigine (LTG), a wide-spectrum antiepileptic drug, is frequently associated with cutaneous side-effects, whereas hematological side-effects such as leukopenia have rarely been reported for it. We report the case of a 15-year-old Chinese female epileptic patient weighing 60 kg who developed combined asymptomatic leukopenia after receiving concomitant therapy with LTG and valproate acid (VPA). In this case report, antiepileptic drug-related leukopenia may have occurred in definite relation to an increase in LTG concentration and reversed with the discontinuation of VPA. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to estimate the steady-state serum concentrations (Css) of LTG for different dosing regimens in adolescent Chinese epileptic patients weighing the same as the patient considered in the case study, based on pharmacokinetic (PK) models published in past research. Adjustments to the dosage of LTG for the patient were analyzed to illustrate the application of MC simulations and verify the results. The predicted LTG concentrations within a prediction interval between the 10th and 90th percentiles that represented 80% of the simulated populations, could adequately capture the measured LTG concentrations of the patient, indicating that MC simulations are a useful tool for estimating drug concentrations. Clinicians may benefit from the timely probabilistic predictions of the range of drug concentration based on an MC simulation that considers a large sample of virtual patients. The case considered here highlights the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and implementing model-informed precision dosing in the course of a patient’s individualized treatment to minimize adverse reactions.
Analgesic Effect of Ziziphus abyssinica Involves Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators and Modulation of KATP Channels, Opioidergic and Nitrergic Pathways
Authors: Henneh Isaac Tabiri , Armah Francis Ackah , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Biney Robert Peter , Obese Ernest , Boakye-Gyasi Eric , Adakudugu Emmanuel Awintiig , Ekor Martins
Published: July 2021

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned them as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) as well as β-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the plant for analgesic property. The study also investigated the mechanism responsible for this action in the extract. The antinociceptive potential of ZAE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) was assessed using the tail-immersion test (TIT), acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAT), and formalin test (FT). The extract’s effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain was also assessed by administering carrageenan unilaterally into the rat gastrocnemius muscles and measuring pain at 12 h and 10 days for acute and chronic pain respectively. The involvement of pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β) was assessed. The possible pathways mediating the observed analgesic effect of ZAE were further assessed using the antagonists: naloxone, glibenclamide, NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), atropine, nifedipine, and yohimbine in the FT. Also the analgesic effect of two triterpenoid compounds, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, previously isolated from the plant was assessed using the TIT. The anti-nociceptive activity of ZAE was demonstrated in the TIT by the significant (p < 0.05) increase in tail withdrawal threshold in ZAE-treated mice. ZAE also markedly reduced writhing and paw licking responses in both AAT and FT and significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. ZAE also significantly reversed hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of PGE2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Furthermore, data revealed the involvement of opioidergic, ATP-sensitive K+ channels and NO-cGMP pathways in the analgesic effect of ZAE. Both β-amyrin and polpunonic acid exhibited analgesic activity in the tail suspension test. Our study demonstrates ZAE as an important source of new therapeutic agents for pain management.
The Role of Gasotransmitters in Gut Peptide Actions
Authors: Verbeure Wout , van Goor Harry , Mori Hideki , van Beek André P. , Tack Jan , van Dijk Peter R.
Published: July 2021

Although gasotransmitters nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) receive a bad connotation; in low concentrations these play a major governing role in local and systemic blood flow, stomach acid release, smooth muscles relaxations, anti-inflammatory behavior, protective effect and more. Many of these physiological processes are upstream regulated by gut peptides, for instance gastrin, cholecystokinin, secretin, motilin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and 2. The relationship between gasotransmitters and gut hormones is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the role of NO, CO and H2S on gut peptide release and functioning, and whether manipulation by gasotransmitter substrates or specific blockers leads to physiological alterations.
Percolation Analysis of Brain Structural Network
Authors: Guo Shu , Chen Xiaoqi , Liu Yimeng , Kang Rui , Liu Tao , Li Daqing
Published: July 2021

The brain network is one specific type of critical infrastructure networks, which supports the cognitive function of biological systems. With the importance of network reliability in system design, evaluation, operation, and maintenance, we use the percolation methods of network reliability on brain networks and study the network resistance to disturbances and relevant failure modes. In this paper, we compare the brain networks of different species, including cat, fly, human, mouse, and macaque. The differences in structural features reflect the requirements for varying levels of functional specialization and integration, which determine the reliability of brain networks. In the percolation process, we apply different forms of disturbances to the brain networks based on metrics that characterize the network structure. Our findings suggest that the brain networks are mostly reliable against random or k-core-based percolation with their structure design, yet becomes vulnerable under betweenness or degree-based percolation. Our results might be useful to identify and distinguish brain connectivity failures that have been shown to be related to brain disorders, as well as the reliability design of other technological networks.
Host-Induced Gene Silencing of a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase Using Bean Pod Mottle Virus as a Vehicle Reduces Disease on Soybean
Authors: McCaghey Megan , Shao Dandan , Kurcezewski Jake , Lindstrom Ally , Ranjan Ashish , Whitham Steven A. , Conley Shawn P. , Williams Brett , Smith Damon L. , Kabbage Mehdi
Published: July 2021

A lack of complete resistance in the current germplasm complicates the management of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean. In this study, we used bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) as a vehicle to down-regulate expression of a key enzyme in the production of an important virulence factor in S. sclerotiorum, oxalic acid (OA). Specifically, we targeted a gene encoding oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase (Ssoah1), because Ssoah1 deletion mutants are OA deficient and non-pathogenic on soybean. We first established that S. sclerotiorum can uptake environmental RNAs by monitoring the translocation of Cy3-labeled double-stranded and small interfering RNA (ds/siRNAs) into fungal hyphae using fluorescent confocal microscopy. This translocation led to a significant decrease in Ssoah1 transcript levels in vitro. Inoculation of soybean plants with BPMV vectors targeting Ssoah1 (pBPMV-OA) also led to decreased expression of Ssoah1. Importantly, pBPMV-OA inoculated plants showed enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum compared to empty-vector control plants. Our combined results provide evidence supporting the use of HIGS and exogenous applications of ds/siRNAs targeting virulence factors such as OA as viable strategies for the control of SSR in soybean and as discovery tools that can be used to identify previously unknown virulence factors.
Overcoming the Challenges to Enhancing Experimental Plant Biology With Computational Modeling
Authors: Dale Renee , Oswald Scott , Jalihal Amogh , LaPorte Mary-Francis , Fletcher Daniel M. , Hubbard Allen , Shiu Shin-Han , Nelson Andrew David Lyle , Bucksch Alexander
Published: July 2021

The study of complex biological systems necessitates computational modeling approaches that are currently underutilized in plant biology. Many plant biologists have trouble identifying or adopting modeling methods to their research, particularly mechanistic mathematical modeling. Here we address challenges that limit the use of computational modeling methods, particularly mechanistic mathematical modeling. We divide computational modeling techniques into either pattern models (e.g., bioinformatics, machine learning, or morphology) or mechanistic mathematical models (e.g., biochemical reactions, biophysics, or population models), which both contribute to plant biology research at different scales to answer different research questions. We present arguments and recommendations for the increased adoption of modeling by plant biologists interested in incorporating more modeling into their research programs. As some researchers find math and quantitative methods to be an obstacle to modeling, we provide suggestions for easy-to-use tools for non-specialists and for collaboration with specialists. This may especially be the case for mechanistic mathematical modeling, and we spend some extra time discussing this. Through a more thorough appreciation and awareness of the power of different kinds of modeling in plant biology, we hope to facilitate interdisciplinary, transformative research.
Water Soaking Disorder in Strawberries: Triggers, Factors, and Mechanisms
Authors: Hurtado Grecia , Knoche Moritz
Published: July 2021

Water soaking is an important surface disorder of strawberries that limits unprotected field production. The objective was to identify the mechanism(s) of water soaking. Symptomatic fruit show pale, deliquescent patches of skin. This damage extends into the flesh. Numerous cuticular microcracks occurred in water-soaked areas. Water soaking occurred only if the skin was exposed to liquid water. Water soaking was more rapid when the cuticle had been abraded. Water soaking, anthocyanin leakage, and water uptake all increased with incubation time. There was a lag phase for water soaking and anthocyanin leakage, but not for water uptake. Susceptibility to water soaking increased with fruit ripening and mass. Incubation in isotonic PEG 6000 increased cuticular microcracking but decreased water soaking and water uptake. Incubation in hypotonic fruit juice (natural and artificial) increased water soaking incidence and severity but reduced water uptake. Incubation in dilute citric and malic acids increased plasma membrane permeability as indexed by anthocyanin leakage and increased water soaking. Thus, water soaking involves cuticular microcracking, localized water uptake, bursting of cells, and the release of organic acids into the apoplast. The damage propagates from cell to cell.
Localizing Global Solidarity: Humanitarian Aid in Lesvos
Authors: Shults Lee Michael , Haaland Hanne , Wallevik Hege
Published: July 2021

The so-called “refugee crisis” in Lesvos, Greece provides a poignant example of situated, local suffering that has called for the coordination of global resources to provide relief. Some of the first to respond were local and international Citizen Initiatives for Global Solidarity (CIGS). While a growing role for CIGS has been interpreted as a call for more global involvement, arguments for the increased localization of relief efforts suggest the need for aid agents to maintain a reflexive awareness of the potential for an influx of outside assistance to disempower those most affected. We argue that barriers to implementing the localization of humanitarian aid can be better understood by positioning this localization alongside theories of global solidarity. This paper pairs theoretical contributions from the fields of moral and political philosophy with an analysis of interview material gathered in Lesvos between 2015 and 2019. Our goal is to use narratives of conflicting interests in Lesvos to explore conceptual distinctions concerning solidarity and emphasize the importance of the localization of global solidarity in humanitarian aid. We conclude that while global solidarity represents a demanding effort to identify with distant others and provide aid, the intensity and transformative potential of the process of “making the crisis one’s own” through solidary engagement can overshadow the importance of local ownership of crisis management.
Reading and Writing Skills in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Baixauli Inmaculada , Rosello Belen , Berenguer Carmen , Téllez de Meneses Montserrat , Miranda Ana
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to extend the knowledge about academic achievement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To this end, first, we analyzed differences in a wide range of reading and writing skills in adolescents with ASD without intellectual disability (ASD-WID) and adolescents with typical development (TD). Second, these two groups were compared on academic outcomes in core subjects and indicators of successful transition to secondary school. Third, the potential contribution of literacy skills to academic outcomes was examined in the two groups. Participants were 56 adolescents between 12 and 14 years old, 30 with ASD-WID and 26 with TD. Results showed no significant differences between the two groups on measures of reading fluency or literal and inferential comprehension. However, the performance of the group with ASD was significantly lower on reading comprehension processes that assess cognitive flexibility. Regarding their written expression skills, significant differences were observed between the group with ASD and the group with TD on most of the indicators analyzed as: productivity, lexical diversity, and overall coherence (resolution component). In addition, findings showed that the deficits in reading and writing observed in the adolescents with ASD significantly affected their academic achievement, which was lower than that of their peers with TD and below what would be expected based on their intellectual capacity. Moreover, their families’ perceptions of the transition to high school reflected worse adjustment and lower self-esteem, confidence, and motivation.
Higher Education Instructors’ Usage of and Learning From Student Evaluations of Teaching – Do Achievement Goals Matter?
Authors: Hein Julia , Janke Stefan , Rinas Raven , Daumiller Martin , Dresel Markus , Dickhäuser Oliver
Published: July 2021

Identifying what motivates and hinders higher education instructors in their self-regulated learning from student evaluations of teaching (SETs) is important for improving future teaching and facilitating student learning. According to models of self-regulated learning, we propose a model for the usage of SETs as a learning situation. In a longitudinal study, we investigate the associations between achievement goals and the usage of and learning from SETs in the context of higher education. In total, 407 higher education instructors (46.4% female; 38.60 years on average) with teaching commitments in Germany or Austria reported their achievement goals in an online survey. Out of these participants, 152 instructors voluntarily conducted SET(s) and subsequently reported their intentions to act on the feedback and improve future teaching in a short survey. Using structural equation modeling, we found, in line with our hypotheses, that learning avoidance, appearance approach, and appearance avoidance goals predicted whether instructors voluntarily conducted SET(s). As expected, learning approach and (avoidance) goals were positively associated with intentions to act on received SET-results and improve future teaching. These findings support our hypotheses, are in line with assumptions of self-regulated learning models, and highlight the importance of achievement goals for instructors’ voluntary usage of and intended learning from SET(s). To facilitate instructors’ learning from SET-results, our study constitutes a first step for future intervention studies to build on. Future researchers and practitioners might support instructors’ professional learning by encouraging them to reflect on their SET-results.
The Audience-Tuning Effect of Negative Stereotypes in Communication
Authors: Ye Junhui , Zhao Lei , Huang Zijuan , Meng Fanxing
Published: July 2021

Shared reality theory states that people allow others to influence their own judgments and behaviors when a shared reality is achieved (Hardin and Higgins, 1996; Echterhoff et al., 2009a). Based on this theory, this research has explored how audience attitude affects the communicator’s memory of negative stereotype-related information in interpersonal communication. Two experiments have been conducted, using the negative stereotypes of Chinese “rich second-generation” as the research materials. The results show that the audience-tuning effect of negative stereotypes does in fact occur in interpersonal communication. The participants have tuned their descriptions of both stereotype-related and neutral information to suit their audience’s attitude toward the target. The audience-tuning affects the participants’ recall valence of stereotype-related information while not affecting the recall valence of neutral information. The relational motivation moderates the effect of audience-tuning on the communicator’s memory of stereotype-related information. Only participants who communicated with a desired audience displayed an audience-congruent memory bias of stereotype-related information. The results of this research reveal the bidirectional nature of stereotype-sharedness in interpersonal communication. In actual interpersonal communication, the audience could express a positive attitude toward the target who suffers from negative stereotypes, and the communicator would then convey and recall the stereotype-related information in a more positive manner based on the audience-tunning effect, which could ultimately help to decrease negative stereotypes in communication.
The Bilingual Home Language Boost Through the Lens of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sheng Li , Wang Danyang , Walsh Caila , Heisler Leah , Li Xin , Su Pumpki Lei
Published: July 2021

Usage-based accounts of language acquisition suggest that bilingual language proficiency is dynamic and susceptible to changes in language use. The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented modifications in the language learning environment of developing bilinguals. Drawing on this unique opportunity, we analyzed existing data of two matched groups of Mandarin-English bilingual children (ages 4 to 8 years,n= 38), one tested before (pre-COVID group) and the other during (COVID group) the pandemic. The dataset comprises responses to a language environment questionnaire, and scores on a sentence comprehension task and a sentence recall task in the bilinguals’ two languages. Questionnaire data revealed a richer Mandarin language environment for children in the COVID group compared to peers in the pre-COVID group. On both comprehension and production tasks, the two groups performed comparably in English but the COVID group showed better performance in Mandarin than the pre-COVID group. Within the pre-COVID group, English was stronger than Mandarin in both comprehension and production. Within the COVID group, the two languages were balanced in comprehension and Mandarin was stronger than English in production. Moreover, language use variables were correlated with production performance in both languages. These patterns illustrate the intimate relationships between language use and bilingual language proficiency through the lens of COVID-19 induced language environment modification.
Employment Precarity Strengthens the Relationships Between the Dark Triad and Professional Commitment
Authors: Kaufmann Leah M. , Wheeler Melissa A. , Sojo Victor E.
Published: July 2021

The Dark Triad traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy have been found to negatively impact work behaviors including information sharing, reporting of unethical conduct, and mistreatment of colleagues and subordinates. However, research has found the Dark Triad can also be related to forms of organizational commitment which underpin positive work behaviors, including engaging in tasks and duties beyond those required (i.e., “going above and beyond”). Professional commitment is a broader form of commitment that has been found to be significantly related to organizational commitment, sharing antecedents, and having similar outcomes. Professional commitment, the affective, normative, and continuance commitment toward one's profession or occupation, has the benefit of applying to individuals employed by organizations as well as those working for themselves or between jobs. In this research, we explore relationships between professional commitment, using previous research on the relationship between the dark triad traits of Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism and organizational commitment, as a basis for predictions. We also explored two forms of precarious employment (career interruptions and part-time or casual work) as possible moderators of the dark triad-professional commitment relationship. Participants were 184 Australian professionals (52.2% men), a slight majority of whom had experienced a career interruption (69.6%) or a year or more of part-time or casual employment (70.7%). The results showed that psychopathy had a negative association with affective commitment, whereas Machiavellianism was positively related to normative commitment, and narcissism was positively related to normative and continuance commitment. Using regression analysis, we found that among individuals who have worked in part-time/casual employment longer, Machiavellianism and psychopathy had significantly stronger negative associations with affective commitment. In contrast, among individuals who have had a significant career interruption, Machiavellianism had significantly stronger positive association with continuance commitment. These findings help expand our understanding of both the dark triad and its contingent impact on workers' attachment to their profession.
The Role of Cerebral Metabolism in Improving Time Pressured Decisions
Authors: Vu An Thanh , Feinberg David A.
Published: July 2021

Speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) theory dictates that decisions can be made more quickly by sacrificing accuracy. Here we investigate whether the human brain can operate in a brief metabolic overdrive to overcome SAT and successfully make decisions requiring both high levels of speed and accuracy. In the context of BOLD fMRI we expect “a brief metabolic overdrive” to involve an increase in cerebral oxygen metabolism prior to increased cerebral blood flow–a phenomenon known as the “initial dip” which results from a sudden drop in oxyhemoglobin in perfusing blood. Human subjects performed a motion discrimination task consisting of different difficulties while emphasizing either accuracy (i.e., without time pressure) or both speed and accuracy (i.e., with time pressure). Using simultaneous multi-slice fMRI, for very fast (333 ms) measurement of whole brain BOLD activity, revealed two modes of physiological overdrive responses when subjects emphasized both speed and accuracy. The majority of subjects exhibited the hypothesized enhancement of initial dip amplitude in posterior visual cortex (PVC) with the size of the enhancement significantly correlated with improvement in behavioral performance. For these subjects, the traditionally analyzed post-stimulus overshoot was not affected by task emphasis. These results demonstrate the complexity and variability of the BOLD hemodynamic response. The discovered relationships between BOLD response and behavior were only observed when subjects emphasized both speed and accuracy in more difficult trials suggesting that the brain can perform in a state of metabolic overdrive with enhanced neural processing of sensory information specifically in challenging situations.
The Khoekhoegowab Personality Inventory: The Comparative Validity of a Locally Derived Measure of Traits
Authors: Thalmayer Amber Gayle , Saucier Gerard , Shino Elizabeth N. , Job Sylvanus
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study explores a personality inventory derived from the results of an indigenous lexical study of personality. From the 272 most commonly used personality descriptors in Khoekhoegowab, the most-spoken of extant Khoesan click languages of southern Africa, an 11-factor model of personality-trait structure was identified. Here, the Khoekhoegowab Personality Inventory (KPI) was created based on those results. Its psychometric properties, the convergent and divergent validity of its scales, and its incremental validity over Big Five and Six traits for predicting physical and mental health, religious practice and attitudes, and income are reported.

Methods: Two to five key terms were selected for each of 10 KPI scales: Temperance, Prosocial Diligence, Gossip, Honesty/Morality, Temper, Implacability, Humility, Vanity, Resiliency vs. Agitation, and Courage vs. Fear. These 38 total items were administered to a large sample of adult speakers of Khoekhoegowab in Namibia (N = 632), together with five imported inventories translated into Khoekhoegowab: the 30-item Questionnaire Big Six (QB6), General Self-Reported Health, the Cascades Mental Health Assessment, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Duke Religion Index. The properties and intercorrelations of KPI subscales are explored, and their predictive ability for the other variables is compared to that of the QB6.

Results: Due to the small number of items on each scale, poor internal consistency was anticipated, but the KPI scales' properties were somewhat better than those of the QB6. R-square change by the inventories as a whole, after accounting for age and gender, indicted that the KPI scales explained more variance than the QB6 scales in almost all criterion variables. Replication of established associations for Big Six traits was mixed: associations were largely as expected for Resiliency, Conscientiousness, and Honesty, but less so for Agreeableness and Extraversion.

Conclusions: The KPI had some advantages over the QB6 in predicting physical and mental health. In particular, the four items of Resiliency vs. Agitation predicted lower scores on all physical and mental problem scales. Given psychological-care needs in Namibia, this might be used as a non-intrusive screener. Measurement challenges common to both surveys are discussed, possible solutions, and the utility of higher-order structures are discussed.