bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LSB steganography detection in monochromatic still images using artificial neural networks
Authors: Miranda Julián D. , Parada Diego J.
Published: September 2021

Embedding graphic content in multimedia through steganography is a useful and fast practice to hide information. However, detecting the use of this technique is complex and sometimes unsuccessful because variations are not visually perceptible. This article proposes the use of a binary classification model based on artificial neural networks to detect the presence of LSB steganography on monochromatic still images of 256x256 and 8 bits, based on the Standford Genome Project. The steganograms were generated by varying the payload from 0.1 to 0.5 to obtain image pairs of carriers and steganograms. For each steganogram, the following features were extracted from image histograms: kurtosis, skewness, standard deviation, range, median, harmonic mean, Hjorth mobility, and complexity. The results show that the classifier reaches a 91.45% accuracy in detecting LSB steganography when learning from all payloads, as well as a 96.78% individual classification accuracy in the best case with a payload of 0.5.
New relaxed stability and stabilization conditions for both discrete and differential linear repetitive processes
Authors: Boski Marcin , Maniarski Robert , Paszke Wojciech , Rogers Eric
Published: September 2021

The paper develops new results on stability analysis and stabilization of linear repetitive processes. Repetitive processes are a distinct subclass of two-dimensional (2D) systems, whose origins are in the modeling for control of mining and metal rolling operations. The reported systems theory for them has been applied in other areas such iterative learning control, where, uniquely among 2D systems based designs, experimental validation results have been reported. This paper uses a version of the Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov Lemma to develop new less conservative conditions for stability in terms of linear matrix inequalities, with an extension to control law design. Differential and discrete dynamics are analysed in an unified manner, and supporting numerical examples are given.
Generation of test matrices with specified eigenvalues using floating-point arithmetic
Authors: Ozaki Katsuhisa , Ogita Takeshi
Published: September 2021

This paper concerns test matrices for numerical linear algebra using an error-free transformation of floating-point arithmetic. For specified eigenvalues given by a user, we propose methods of generating a matrix whose eigenvalues are exactly known based on, for example, Schur or Jordan normal form and a block diagonal form. It is also possible to produce a real matrix with specified complex eigenvalues. Such test matrices with exactly known eigenvalues are useful for numerical algorithms in checking the accuracy of computed results. In particular, exact errors of eigenvalues can be monitored. To generate test matrices, we first propose an error-free transformation for the product of three matrices YSX. We approximate S by ${S^{\prime }}$

S

′

to compute ${YS^{\prime }X}$
Y

S

′

X
without a rounding error. Next, the error-free transformation is applied to the generation of test matrices with exactly known eigenvalues. Note that the exactly known eigenvalues of the constructed matrix may differ from the anticipated given eigenvalues. Finally, numerical examples are introduced in checking the accuracy of numerical computations for symmetric and unsymmetric eigenvalue problems.
Industry Unbound
Authors: Waldman Ari Ezra
Published: September 2021

In Industry Unbound, Ari Ezra Waldman exposes precisely how the tech industry conducts its ongoing crusade to undermine our privacy. With research based on interviews with scores of tech employees and internal documents outlining corporate strategies, Waldman reveals that companies don't just lobby against privacy law; they also manipulate how we think about privacy, how their employees approach their work, and how they weaken the law to make data-extractive products the norm. In contrast to those who claim that privacy law is getting stronger, Waldman shows why recent shifts in privacy law are precisely the kinds of changes that corporations want and how even those who think of themselves as privacy advocates often unwittingly facilitate corporate malfeasance. This powerful account should be ready by anyone who wants to understand why privacy laws are not working and how corporations trap us into giving up our personal information.
The Politics of Legal Expertise in EU Policy-Making
Authors: Leino-Sandberg Päivi
Published: September 2021

Legal advisers working in the institutions of the European Union exercise significant power, but very little is known about their work. Notwithstanding the handful of cases where legal matters find their way into the news, legal advice remains invisible in EU policy making. For more than ten years Päivi Leino-Sandberg was a part of the invisible community of EU legal advisers, and participated in the exercise of their power. In this book, she shares her insights about how law and lawyers work in the EU institutions, and what their role and impact is on EU decisions from within the decision-making structure. She draws on interviews with over sixty EU lawyers and policymakers: legal experts who interpret the Treaties within the Institutions, draft legislation and defend the Institutions before the EU Court. Telling the true stories behind key negotiations, this book explores the interplay and tensions between legal requirements and political ambitions.
Crossing Religious Boundaries
Authors: Janson Marloes
Published: September 2021

Religious pluralism, as encountered in multi-faith settings such as Nigeria's biggest city Lagos, challenges much of what we have long taken for granted about religion, including the ready-made binaries of Christianity versus Islam, religion versus secularism, religious monism versus polytheism, and tradition versus modernity. In this book, Marloes Janson offers a rich ethnography of religions, religious pluralism and practice in Lagos, analysing how so-called 'religious shoppers' cross religious boundaries, and the coexistence of different religious traditions where practitioners engage with these simultaneously. Prompted to develop a broader conception of religion that shifts from a narrow analysis of religious traditions as mutually exclusive, Janson instead offers a perspective that focuses on the complex dynamics of their actual entanglements. Including real-life examples to illustrate religion in Lagos through religious practice and lived experiences, this study takes account of the ambivalence, inconsistency and unpredictability of lived religion, proposing assemblage as an analytical frame for exploring the conceptual and methodological possibilities that may open as a result.
Militant Competition
Authors: Conrad Justin , Spaniel William
Published: September 2021

Militant groups often use violence, perversely, to gain attention and resources. In this book, the authors analyze how terrorist and rebel organizations compete with one another to secure funding and supporters. The authors develop a strategic model of competitive violence among militant groups and test the model's implications with statistical analysis and case studies. A series of model extensions allow the authors to incorporate the full range of strategic actors, focusing in particular on government efforts to counter and deter violence. The results indicate that the direct effects of competition are not as clear as they may seem, and interventions to alter competitive incentives may backfire if states are not careful. This is a timely contribution to a growing body of political economy research on militant group fragmentation, rivalry, fratricide and demonstrative violence.
Understanding stressor–strain relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of social support, adjustment to remote work, and work–life conflict
Authors: van Zoonen Ward , Sivunen Anu , Blomqvist Kirsimarja , Olsson Thomas , Ropponen Annina , Henttonen Kaisa , Vartiainen Matti
Published: September 2021

This study investigates how the transition to remote work during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is experienced by employees. We investigate to what extent perceived work stressors relate to psychological strain through perceptions of social support, work–life conflict, and adjustment to remote work. The findings expound the mechanisms underlying psychological strain in the context of sudden organizational change. Specifically, this study shows that both challenge stressors and hindrance stressors have negative impact on adjustment to remote work, whereas hindrance stressors are more strongly negatively related to social support. The study further demonstrates that there is hardly any buffering impact of job control, work structuring, and communication technology use on the implications of these work stressors. These findings contribute to our theoretical understanding and provide actionable implications for organizational policies in facilitating employees' adaptation to remote work.
MANY FINITE-DIMENSIONAL LIFTING BUNDLE GERBES ARE TORSION
Authors: ROBERTS DAVID MICHAEL
Published: September 2021

Many bundle gerbes are either infinite-dimensional, or finite-dimensional but built using submersions that are far from being fibre bundles. Murray and Stevenson [‘A note on bundle gerbes and infinite-dimensionality’, J. Aust. Math. Soc.90(1) (2011), 81–92] proved that gerbes on simply-connected manifolds, built from finite-dimensional fibre bundles with connected fibres, always have a torsion
$DD$
-class. I prove an analogous result for a wide class of gerbes built from principal bundles, relaxing the requirements on the fundamental group of the base and the connected components of the fibre, allowing both to be nontrivial. This has consequences for possible models for basic gerbes, the classification of crossed modules of finite-dimensional Lie groups, the coefficient Lie-2-algebras for higher gauge theory on principal 2-bundles and finite-dimensional twists of topological K-theory.
Manufacturers’ perceptions of the decision-making process for new drug reimbursement in South Korea
Authors: Son Kyung-Bok , Park Sylvia , You Myoungsoon
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate manufacturers’ perceptions of the decision-making process for new drug reimbursement and to formulate implications in operating a health technology assessment system. In 2019, we conducted a questionnaire survey and a semistructured group interview for domestic (n = 6) and foreign manufacturers (n = 9) who had vast experience in introducing new medicines into the market through a health technology assessment. Representatives of manufacturers indicated that disease severity, budget impact, existence of alternative treatment, and health-related quality of life were relevant criteria when assessing reimbursement decisions. Compared with domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers were risk takers when making reimbursement decisions in terms of adopting a new drug and managing pharmaceutical expenditure. However, foreign manufacturers were risk-averse when evaluating new drugs with uncertainties based on real-world data such as clinical effectiveness. Based on manufacturers’ perceptions of the decision-making process for new drug reimbursement, there is room for improvement in health technology assessment systems. Explaining the underlying reasons behind their decisions, unbiased participation by various stakeholders and their embedded roles in the decision-making process need to be emphasized. However, the measures suggested in this study should be introduced with cautions. The process of health technology assessment might be a target for those who undermine the system in pursuit of their private interests.
In vitro embryo production from early antral follicles of goats fed with a whole full-fat linseed based diet
Authors: Cadenas J. , Sá N.A.R. , Ferreira A.C.A. , Paes V.M. , Aguiar F.L.N. , Fernandes C.C.L , Rossetto R. , Alves B.G. , Apgar G.A. , Magalhães-Padilha D.M. , Rondina D. , Figueiredo J.R.
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to use an in vitro follicle culture (IVFC) biotechnique as a tool to evaluate the influence of whole flaxseed as a feed supplementation in the diet on the in vitro development of caprine early antral follicles (EAFs) and further embryo production. In total, 18 adult goats were homogeneously allocated into two diet groups: Control and Flaxseed. EAFs from both experimental groups (300–400 µm) were isolated and cultured in vitro for 18 days. After IVFC, recovered cumulus–oocyte complexes were submitted to in vitro maturation, and subsequently to IVF and in vitro embryo culture. The endpoints evaluated were follicular growth and morphology, oocyte recovery rate and diameter, sperm penetration, pronuclei formation, embryo development, and estradiol production. The addition of the whole flaxseed in the diet did not affect (P > 0.05) follicular growth and diameter. A higher (P < 0.05) percentage of oocytes ≥ 110 µm was recovered from the flaxseed treatment. However, the sperm penetration rate was higher (P < 0.05) in the control treatment when compared with the flaxseed treatment, but no differences were found regarding the rate of fertilization nor cleaved embryos. In conclusion, dietary flaxseed increased the recovery rate of fully grown oocytes, but it did negatively affect the sperm penetration rate, even though there was no further effect on the cleavage rate.
Tradeoffs between fertility and child development attributes: evidence from coral bleaching in Indonesia
Authors: Chaijaroen Pasita
Published: September 2021

Coral bleaching is associated with large income shocks and a substantial decrease in protein consumption among the affected fishery households in Indonesia [Chaijaroen (2019) Long-lasting income shocks and adaptations: evidence from coral bleaching in Indonesia. Journal of Development Economics136, 119–136]. According to the health and economics literature, early childhood exposures to shocks such as those from coral bleaching can have long-lasting effects on health, schooling, and other later-life outcomes. This paper explores how the mass coral bleaching in 1998 affected household decisions on fertility and child development. Using the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) and a triple differences approach, results from 2000 suggest an increase in fertility and an increased likelihood of severe childhood stunting among the affected households. For comparison, rainfall shocks are associated with a decrease in fertility and smaller adverse effects on child health and schooling outcomes. This study suggests that the effects of coral bleaching might have been underestimated, and our findings yield more targeted policy recommendations on climate shock mitigation.
Assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) germplasm of the Northwestern Himalaya using SSR markers
Authors: Wani Aijaz A. , Hussain Khalid , Zargar Showkat A. , Ahmad Faizan , Mahajan Reetika , Zargar Sajad Majeed , Khuroo Anzar A.
Published: September 2021

Apricot is considered an ecologically and economically important tree species of the stone-fruit crops that is widely grown in temperate regions of the world. Very few studies on apricot genetic diversity assessment have been carried out from the regions of Kashmir and Ladakh. In this backdrop, the present study was carried out to analyse the genetic diversity and population structure of 120 apricot genotypes collected from both the regions using 21 SSR markers. A total of 52 alleles were amplified with average values of marker index (MI) = 0.7084, resolving power (RP) = 2.8690, polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.3132, Na = 2.317, Ne = 1.720,I= 0.572, Ho = 0.284, He = 0.360 and an average polymorphism of 91.2% per assay indicating high level of genetic diversity. The neighbour-joining (NJ) dendrogram generated three main clusters among selected apricot genotypes independent of their geographical locations. Interestingly, the result of the dendrogram coincides with the results of structure analysis which showed that the 120 apricot genotypes could be assigned to three (K= 3) sub-populations and the grouping of genotypes did not follow their geographical location suggesting that they share the same genetic pool. Moreover, analysis of molecular variance showed that 73% of the variation was attributed to differences within the individuals, 25% among individuals while only 2% of the variation was observed among the populations. The present study represents the most comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of apricot genotypes in Kashmir and Ladakh regions of India.
The Future of Anglican Studies
Authors: Joslyn-Siemiatkoski Daniel , McDougall Joy Ann , Larson-Miller Lizette , Kujawa-Holbrook Sheryl A. , Pui-lan Kwok , Percy Martyn , MacDougall Scott , Fowl Stephen , Chapman Mark David
Published: September 2021

The papers in this forum offer an interdisciplinary assessment of the state of the field of Anglican Studies and perspectives on future trajectories. The first three papers, on liturgy, history, and world Anglicanism, offer an assessment of the respective state of these areas of Anglican Studies. The second set, on theology, sociology of religion, and biblical studies, stake out positions on how these disciplines inform the work of Anglican Studies. A concluding essay offers a synthesis of these papers, focusing on the themes of local contexts for Anglicanism, a further complexification of decolonizing processes in Anglicanism, and the critical role of conversation in Anglican Studies regarding disciplines, languages, and power dynamics.
A compact CPW-fed monopole antenna for multi-band application
Authors: Zhou YunYan , Zhao NianShun , Ning RenXia , Bao Jie
Published: September 2021

A compact coplanar waveguide-fed monopole antenna is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is composed of three monopole branches. In order to achieve the miniaturization, the longest branch was bent. The antenna is printed on an FR4 dielectric substrate, having a compact size of 0.144λ0 × 0.105λ0 × 0.003λ0 at its lowest resonant frequency of 900 MHz. The multiband antenna covers five frequency bands: 820–990 MHz, 1.87–2.08 GHz, 2.37–2.93 GHz, 3.98–4.27 GHz, and 5.47–8.9 GHz, which covers the entire radio frequency identification bands (860–960 MHz, 2.4–2.48 GHz, and 5.725–5.875 GHz), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) bands (890–960 MHz and 1.850–1.990 GHz), WLAN bands (2.4–2.484 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz), WiMAX band (2.5–2.69 GHz), X-band satellite communication systems (7.25–7.75 GHz and 7.9–8.4 GHz), and sub 6 GHz in 5G mobile communication system (3.3–4.2 GHz and 4.4–5.0 GHz). Also, the antenna has good radiation characteristics in the operating band, which is nearly omnidirectional. Both the simulated and experimental results are presented and compared and a good agreement is established. The proposed antenna operates in five frequency bands with high gain and good radiation characteristics, which make it a suitable candidate in terminal devices with multiple communication standards.
Small Climate Changes Could Be Magnified by Natural Processes
Authors: Benningfield Damond
Published: September 2021

A new study uses modeling techniques to uncover how small incidents of warming may be turned into hyperthermal events lasting thousands of years.
Possible Precursory Slow‐Slip to Two ML∼3 Mainevents of the Diemtigen Microearthquake Sequence, Switzerland
Authors: Simon V. , Kraft T. , Diehl T. , Tormann T.
Published: September 2021

How earthquakes initiate is still a largely debated question in earthquake science. On the lab scale, rupture initiation is well studied, and detailed models of how rupture nucleation evolves have been developed. Contrarily, for real earthquakes, only a few high‐resolution observations of this process are available today, mostly limited to mainshock magnitudes > M5. Consequently, there is still no consensus on whether and how laboratory results can be transferred to real earthquakes. Here we show that rupture nucleation phenomena observed on the lab scale can also be imaged on the microearthquake‐scale with little instrumental effort. Our results highlight the potential of the applied analysis workflow to significantly improve the observation quality of seismicity patterns and immediate foreshock phenomena in microearthquake sequences. Our approach can help to narrow the existing observational gap to the lab scale and may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of earthquake initiation in the future.
Cross‐ Coherence of the Outer Radiation Belt During Storms and the Role of the Plasmapause
Authors: Walton S. D. , Forsyth C. , Rae I. J. , Watt C. E. J. , Thompson R. L. , Horne R. B. , Meredith N. P. , Rodger C. J. , Walach M.‐T. , Clilverd M. A. , Glauert S. A.
Published: September 2021

The high energy electron population in Earth's outer radiation belt is extremely variable, changing by multiple orders of magnitude on timescales that vary from under an hour to several weeks. These changes are typically linked to geomagnetic activity such as storms and substorms. In this study, we seek to understand how coherent changes in the radiation belt are across all radial distances, in order to provide a spatial insight into apparent global variations. We do this by calculating the correlation between fluxes on differentmeasured by the PET instrument aboard the SAMPEX spacecraft for times associated with 15 large storms. Our results show that during these times, variations in the0.63 MeV electron flux are coherent outside the minimum plasmapause location and also coherent inside the minimum plasmapause location, when flux is present. However, variations in the electron fluxes inside the plasmapause show little correlation with those outside the plasmapause. During storm recovery and possibly main phases, flux variations are coherent across allregardless of plasmapause location, due to a rapid decrease, followed by an increase in radiation belt fluxes across all.
Investigating Ionospheric Perturbations Following the 2020 Beirut Explosion Event
Authors: Jonah Olusegun F. , Vergados Panagiotis , Krishnamoorthy Siddharth , Komjathy Attila
Published: September 2021

We assess the detection of the August 4, 2020 chemical explosion in Beirut, Lebanon (33°N, 35°E). We use ionospheric total electron content (TEC) observations from a regional network of ground‐based Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to study the ionospheric variability and wave perturbations generated by the Beirut explosion. Our analysis reveals that the induced wave structures arrived in the ionosphere 10 ± 2 min after the explosion, which is a strong indication of acoustic gravity wave activity. These wave structures are characterized with ΔTEC of 0.06 TECU moving at ∼750 m/s in south‐east direction away from the explosion epicenter. The continuous wavelet analysis we applied shows a dominant wave periodicity of 1.5–2.5 min (6.78–11 mHz) in the ionosphere. Furthermore, we use measurements from ERA‐interim analysis to establish the ambient neutral atmospheric conditions before the Beirut explosion event. Finally, the observed ionospheric wave perturbations appear to be in good agreement with the expected arrival of acoustic gravity waves generated following the explosion.
IQSEC2 mutation associated with epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism results in hyperexcitability of patient-derived neurons and deficient synaptic transmission
Authors: Brant Boris , Stern Tchelet , Shekhidem Huda Adwan , Mizrahi Liron , Rosh Idan , Stern Yam , Ofer Polina , Asleh Ayat , Umanah George K. Essien , Jada Reem , Levy Nina S. , Levy Andrew P. , Stern Shani
Published: September 2021

Mutations in the IQSEC2 gene are associated with drug-resistant, multifocal infantile and childhood epilepsy; autism; and severe intellectual disability (ID). We used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to obtain hippocampal neurons to investigate the neuropathology of IQSEC2-mediated disease. The neurons were characterized at three-time points during differentiation to assess developmental progression. We showed that immature IQSEC2 mutant dentate gyrus (DG) granule neurons were extremely hyperexcitable, exhibiting increased sodium and potassium currents compared to those of CRISPR-Cas9-corrected isogenic controls, and displayed dysregulation of genes involved in differentiation and development. Immature IQSEC2 mutant cultured neurons exhibited a marked reduction in the number of inhibitory neurons, which contributed further to hyperexcitability. As the mutant neurons aged, they became hypoexcitable, exhibiting reduced sodium and potassium currents and a reduction in the rate of synaptic and network activity, and showed dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic transmission and neuronal differentiation. Mature IQSEC2 mutant neurons were less viable than wild-type mature neurons and had reduced expression of surface AMPA receptors. Our studies provide mechanistic insights into severe infantile epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay associated with this mutation and present a human model for studying IQSEC2 mutations in vitro.
Interleukin-34 promotes tumorigenic signals for colon cancer cells
Authors: Franzè Eleonora , Marafini Irene , Troncone Edoardo , Salvatori Silvia , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common forms of malignancy in the Western world. Accumulating evidence indicates that colon carcinogenesis is tightly controlled by tumour-associated immune cells and stromal cells, which can either stimulate or suppress CRC cell growth and survival, mainly via the production of cytokines. Interleukin-34 (IL-34), a cytokine known to regulate mainly monocyte/macrophage survival and function, is highly produced within the CRC microenvironment by several cell types, including cancer cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulates the pro-tumoural functions of such cells. In this article, we summarize the available data supporting the multiple effects of IL-34 in human CRC.
SPRY4 acts as an indicator of osteoarthritis severity and regulates chondrocyte hypertrophy and ECM protease expression
Authors: Park Sunghyun , Arai Yoshie , Bello Alvin , Park Hansoo , Kim Dohyun , Park Kyung-Soon , Lee Soo-Hong
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes serious changes in the metabolic and signaling pathways of chondrocytes, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. However, the role of sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 4 (SPRY4), an inhibitor of MAPK, in the human cartilage tissues and chondrocytes remains to be understood. Here, using SPRY4 gene delivery into healthy and degenerated chondrocytes, we elucidated the role of SPRY4 in preventing chondrocyte hypertrophy. In addition to using the human cartilage tissues with the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, the role of SPRY4 in cartilage tissues and chondrocytes was explored through their molecular and histological analyses. In order to determine the effects of SPRY4 on healthy human chondrocyte hypertrophy, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down SPRY4. Lentiviral transduction of SPRY4 into degenerated human chondrocytes allowed us to investigate its ability to prevent hypertrophy. SPRY4 expression levels were higher in healthy human cartilage tissue and chondrocytes than in degenerated human cartilage tissues and hypertrophy-induced chondrocytes. The knockdown of SPRY4 in healthy chondrocytes caused an increase in hypertrophy, senescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protease expression. However, all these factors decreased upon overexpression of SPRY4 in degenerated chondrocytes via regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. We conclude that SPRY4 is a crucial indicator of osteoarthritis (OA) severity and could play an important role in preventing OA in the cartilage by inhibiting chondrocyte hypertrophy.
PIGG defines the Emm blood group system
Authors: Lane William J. , Aeschlimann Judith , Vege Sunitha , Lomas-Francis Christine , Burgos Anna , Mah Helen H. , Halls Justin B. L. , Baeck Peter , Ligthart Peter C. , Veldhuisen Barbera , Shah Ripal J. , Joshi Sanmukh R. , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: September 2021

Emm is a high incidence red cell antigen with eight previously reported Emm− probands. Anti-Emm appears to be naturally occurring yet responsible for a clinically significant acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Previous work suggests that Emm is located on a GPI-anchored protein, but the antigenic epitope and genetic basis have been elusive. We investigated samples from a South Asian Indian family with two Emm− brothers by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Additionally, samples from four unrelated Emm− individuals were investigated for variants in the candidate gene. Filtering for homozygous variants found in the Emm− brothers and by gnomAD frequency of < 0.001 resulted in 1818 variants with one of high impact; a 2-bp deletion causing a frameshift and premature stop codon in PIGG [NM_001127178.3:c.2624_2625delTA, p.(Leu875*), rs771819481]. PIGG encodes for a transferase, GPI-ethanolaminephosphate transferase II, which adds ethanolamine phosphate (EtNP) to the second mannose in a GPI-anchor. The four additional unrelated Emm− individuals had various PIGG mutations; deletion of Exons 2–3, deletion of Exons 7–9, insertion/deletion (indel) in Exon 3, and new stop codon in Exon 5. The Emm− phenotype is associated with a rare deficiency of PIGG, potentially defining a new Emm blood group system composed of EtNP bound to mannose, part of the GPI-anchor. The results are consistent with the known PI-linked association of the Emm antigen, and may explain the production of the antibody in the absence of RBC transfusion. Any association with neurologic phenotypes requires further research.
Impacts of environmental conditions, and allelic variation of cytosolic glutamine synthetase on maize hybrid kernel production
Authors: Amiour Nardjis , Décousset Laurent , Rouster Jacques , Quenard Nicolas , Buet Clément , Dubreuil Pierre , Quilleré Isabelle , Brulé Lenaïg , Cukier Caroline , Dinant Sylvie , Sallaud Christophe , Dubois Frédéric , Limami Anis M. , Lea Peter J. , Hirel Bertrand
Published: September 2021

Cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1) is the enzyme mainly responsible of ammonium assimilation and reassimilation in maize leaves. The agronomic potential of GS1 in maize kernel production was investigated by examining the impact of an overexpression of the enzyme in the leaf cells. Transgenic hybrids exhibiting a three-fold increase in leaf GS activity were produced and characterized using plants grown in the field. Several independent hybrids overexpressing Gln1-3, a gene encoding cytosolic (GS1), in the leaf and bundle sheath mesophyll cells were grown over five years in different locations. On average, a 3.8% increase in kernel yield was obtained in the transgenic hybrids compared to controls. However, we observed that such an increase was simultaneously dependent upon both the environmental conditions and the transgenic event for a given field trial. Although variable from one environment to another, significant associations were also found between two GS1 genes (Gln1-3 and Gln1-4) polymorphic regions and kernel yield in different locations. We propose that the GS1 enzyme is a potential lead for producing high yielding maize hybrids using either genetic engineering or marker-assisted selection. However, for these hybrids, yield increases will be largely dependent upon the environmental conditions used to grow the plants.
Phylogeographic reconstruction of the marbled crayfish origin
Authors: Gutekunst Julian , Maiakovska Olena , Hanna Katharina , Provataris Panagiotis , Horn Hannes , Wolf Stephan , Skelton Christopher E. , Dorn Nathan J. , Lyko Frank
Published: September 2021

The marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) is a triploid and parthenogenetic freshwater crayfish species that has colonized diverse habitats around the world. Previous studies suggested that the clonal marbled crayfish population descended as recently as 25 years ago from a single specimen of P. fallax, the sexually reproducing parent species. However, the genetic, phylogeographic, and mechanistic origins of the species have remained enigmatic. We have now constructed a new genome assembly for P. virginalis to support a detailed phylogeographic analysis of the diploid parent species, Procambarus fallax. Our results strongly suggest that both parental haplotypes of P. virginalis were inherited from the Everglades subpopulation of P. fallax. Comprehensive whole-genome sequencing also detected triploid specimens in the same subpopulation, which either represent evolutionarily important intermediate genotypes or independent parthenogenetic lineages arising among the sexual parent population. Our findings thus clarify the geographic origin of the marbled crayfish and identify potential mechanisms of parthenogenetic speciation.
Platinized graphene fiber electrodes uncover direct spleen-vagus communication
Authors: Gonzalez-Gonzalez Maria A. , Bendale Geetanjali S. , Wang Kezhong , Wallace Gordon G. , Romero-Ortega Mario
Published: September 2021

Neural interfacing nerve fascicles along the splenic neurovascular plexus (SNVP) is needed to better understand the spleen physiology, and for selective neuromodulation of this major organ. However, their small size and anatomical location have proven to be a significant challenge. Here, we use a reduced liquid crystalline graphene oxide (rGO) fiber coated with platinum (Pt) as a super-flexible suture-like electrode to interface multiple SNVP. The Pt-rGO fibers work as a handover knot electrodes over the small SNVP, allowing sensitive recording from four splenic nerve terminal branches (SN 1–4), to uncover differential activity and axon composition among them. Here, the asymmetric defasciculation of the SN branches is revealed by electron microscopy, and the functional compartmentalization in spleen innervation is evidenced in response to hypoxia and pharmacological modulation of mean arterial pressure. We demonstrate that electrical stimulation of cervical and sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve (VN), evokes activity in a subset of SN terminal branches, providing evidence for a direct VN control over the spleen. This notion is supported by adenoviral tract-tracing of SN branches, revealing an unconventional direct brain-spleen projection. High-performance Pt-rGO fiber electrodes, may be used for the fine neural modulation of other small neurovascular plexus at the point of entry of major organs as a bioelectronic medical alternative.
High efficiency green InP quantum dot light-emitting diodes by balancing electron and hole mobility
Authors: Chao Wei-Chih , Chiang Tzu-Hsuan , Liu Yi-Chun , Huang Zhi-Xuan , Liao Chia-Chun , Chu Chen-Hsien , Wang Chih-Hsing , Tseng Huan-Wei , Hung Wen-Yi , Chou Pi-Tai
Published: September 2021

The industrialization of quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) requires the use of less hazardous cadmium-free quantum dots, among which ZnSe-based blue and InP-based green and red quantum dots have received considerable attention. In comparison, the development of InP-based green QLEDs is lagging behind. Here, we prepare green InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots with a diameter of 8.6 nm. We then modify the InP quantum dot emitting layer by passivation with various alkyl diamines and zinc halides, which decreases electron mobility and enhances hole transport. This, together with optimizing the electron transport layer, leads to green 545 nm InP QLEDs with a maximum quantum efficiency (EQE) of 16.3% and a current efficiency 57.5 cd/A. EQE approaches the theoretical limit of InP quantum dots, with an emission quantum yield of 86%.
Effects of laboratory domestication on the rodent gut microbiome
Authors: Bowerman Kate L , Knowles Sarah C L , Bradley Janette E , Baltrūnaitė Laima , Lynch Michael D J , Jones Kathryn M , Hugenholtz Philip
Published: September 2021

The domestication of the laboratory mouse has influenced the composition of its native gut microbiome, which is now known to differ from that of its wild ancestor. However, limited exploration of the rodent gut microbiome beyond the model species Mus musculus has made it difficult to interpret microbiome variation in a broader phylogenetic context. Here, we analyse 120 de novo and 469 public metagenomically-sequenced faecal and caecal samples from 16 rodent hosts representing wild, laboratory and captive lifestyles. Distinct gut bacterial communities were observed between rodent host genera, with broadly distributed species originating from the as-yet-uncultured bacterial genera UBA9475 and UBA2821 in the families Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae, respectively. In laboratory mice, Helicobacteraceae were generally depleted relative to wild mice and specific Muribaculaceae populations were enriched in different laboratory facilities, suggesting facility-specific outgrowths of this historically dominant rodent gut family. Several bacterial families of clinical interest, including Akkermansiaceae, Streptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, were inferred to have gained over half of their representative species in mice within the laboratory environment, being undetected in most wild rodents and suggesting an association between laboratory domestication and pathobiont emergence.
A simple and innovative sample preparation method for on-site SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics
Authors: Lee Songhyun , Song Junkyu , Kim Sanghyo
Published: September 2021

Nucleic acid amplification is a widely used diagnostic tool, although it requires a relatively time-consuming and complicated extraction step. For POC application, this system is innovative and easy for sample preparation.
Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheet/G-quadruplex as a new complex DNAzyme with highly enhanced peroxidase-mimic activity
Authors: Yao Yao , Xue Mingliang , Mao Wei , Li Yana , Zhu Anni , Chen Tianyu , Shen Wei , Liu Chang , Chen Lizhuang , Tang Sheng
Published: September 2021

Ni/Fe-LDH/G-quadruplex (without hemin) with enhanced peroxidase-mimic activity was designed as a novel DNAzyme.
LT-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2: a unique co-free cathode for high energy Li-ion cells
Authors: Shi Boyu , Gim Jihyeon , Li Linze , Wang Chongmin , Vu Anh , Croy Jason R. , Thackeray Michael M. , Lee Eungje
Published: September 2021

A new ‘low-temperature (LT)’ polymorph of LT-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2, which has a lithiated-spinel-like structure, shows high capacity with stable cycle stability.
Stereoselective synthesis of chiral δ-lactones via an engineered carbonyl reductase
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Zheng Yu-Cong , Bai Yun-Peng
Published: September 2021

A carbonyl reductase variant, SmCRM5, from Serratia marcescens was obtained through structure-guided directed evolution. The variant showed improved specific activity (U mg−1) towards most of the 16 tested substrates and gave high stereoselectivities of up to 99% in the asymmetric synthesis of 13 γ-/δ-lactones.
First-principles studies on optical absorption of [010] screw dislocation in KDP crystals
Authors: Jiang Xuanyu , Li Yang , Wei Liening , Xu Mingxia , Zhang Lisong , Chen Jun , Sun Xun
Published: September 2021

The stress caused by the [010] dislocation in KDP deforms the crystal structure, introduces extra optical absorption and narrows the band gap.
Improved quantitative crystal-structure comparison using powder diffractograms via anisotropic volume correction
Authors: Mayo R. Alex , Johnson Erin R.
Published: September 2021

A new anisotropic volume correction improves quantitative crystal structure comparison. Benchmarking against the 6th crystal structure prediction blind test data results in identification of two previously uncredited matching structures.
Effects of electrostatic interactions on global folding and local conformational dynamics of a multidomain Y-family DNA polymerase
Authors: Nie Qing-Miao , Sun Li-Zhen , Li Hai-Bin , Chu Xiakun , Wang Jin
Published: September 2021

Electrostatic interactions can facilitate the folding of the multidomain DNA polymerase Dpo4 by refining the folding order of the individual domain and promote the functional conformational dynamics of Dpo4 during the DNA-binding recognition.
Stereoselective total synthesis of obolactones and 7′,8′-dihydroobolactones
Authors: Saini Deepak , Kumar Praveen , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: September 2021

A concise stereoselective total synthesis of two diastereomeric obolactones and 7′,8′-dihydroobolactones has been achieved using a metal-free catalytic δ-hydroxyalkynone rearrangement and ring-closing metathesis.
Direct synthesis of metal selenide hybrids as superior sodium storage anodes
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhong Wei , Tan Pingping , Liu Shuang , Liu Yijun , Wang Yanyan , Niu Yubin , Xu Maowen
Published: September 2021

The sodium-ion full cell constructed with FeSe2/CoSe2 as the anode and Na3(VPO4)2F3 as the cathode exhibits excellent long cycle durability.
The Role of Spontaneous Repetitions During Treatment of Morphosyntactic Forms for Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Nicholas Katrina , Plante Elena , Gómez Rebecca , Vance Rebecca
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Children with developmental language disorder sometimes spontaneously repeat clinician models of morphemes targeted for treatment. We examine how spontaneous repeating of clinician models in the form of recasts associates with improved child production of those emerging morphemes.

Method

Forty-seven preschool children with developmental language disorder participated in Enhanced Conversational Recast therapy and were monitored for spontaneous repetitions of morphemes modeled by the clinician through conversational recasting. We calculated proportion of correct and incorrect productions elicited during treatment and for generalization probes as well as treatment effect sizes. We then used odds ratios to determine the probability that a spontaneous repetition may precede treatment gains and calculated correlations of correct repetitions with correct in-treatment productions of targets and treatment effect sizes.

Results

Spontaneous repetitions were highly likely to happen just prior to meaningful treatment progress. Children with higher frequencies of correct spontaneous repetitions of morpheme targets also showed higher frequencies of correct productions of these forms during the course of treatment. Furthermore, children with an earlier onset of repetitions and higher frequencies of correct repetitions showed overall larger effect sizes at the end of treatment.

Conclusions

Children's use of correct forms in their repetitions may serve as a self-scaffold for mastering productions of the correct form via structural priming mechanisms. Tracking spontaneously repeated targets may be a useful milestone for identifying response to treatment.
Exploring the Complexity of Aphasia With Network Analysis
Authors: Ashaie Sameer , Castro Nichol
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Aphasia is a complex, neurogenic language disorder, with different aphasia syndromes hallmarked by impairment in fluency, auditory comprehension, naming, and/or repetition. Broad, standardized assessments of language domains and specific language and cognitive assessments provide a holistic impairment profile of a person with aphasia. While many recognize the correlations between assessments, there remains a need to continue understanding the complexity of relationships between assessments for the purpose of better characterization of language impairment profiles of persons with aphasia. We explored the use of network analysis to identify the complex relationships between a variety of language assessments.

Method

We computed a regularized partial correlation network and a directed acyclic graph network to estimate the relations between different aphasia assessments in 128 persons with aphasia.

Results

Western Aphasia Battery–Revised Comprehension subtest was the most central assessment in the aphasia symptom network, whereas the Philadelphia Naming Test had the most putative causal influence on other assessments. Additionally, the language assessments segregated into three empirically derived communities denoting phonology, semantics, and syntax. Furthermore, several assessments, including the Philadelphia Naming Test, belonged to multiple communities, suggesting that certain assessments may capture multiple language impairments.

Conclusion

We discuss the implications of using a network analysis approach for clinical intervention and driving forward novel questions in the field of clinical aphasiology.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16620229
Invasive species in the grasslands of the Central Caucasus
Authors: Chadaeva Victoria , Tsepkova Nelli , Pshegusov Rustam , Stepanyan Elena , Zhashuev Albert , Maremkulova Alina , Khanov Zalim
Published: September 2021

Biological invasions and grassland transformation are significant problems in pasture ecosystems of the Central Caucasus. The aim was to study the main patterns of invasive processes in grasslands and included identification the main vegetation parameters and abiotic factors affecting the invasion and distribution of alien species (Erigeron annuus,Ambrosia artemisiifolia, andXanthium albinum) in plant communities. We assessed vegetation parameters of steppe grasslands with the presence of alien species within 122 model plots on plains, in foothills and low mountains (250-1000 m above sea level). We also modeled the current habitats of the species in grasslands of the Central Caucasus by using the Maxent method. The most suitable for invasion and distribution ofErigeron annuusare productive grasslands (NDVI is 0.25 and more) of the foothills and low mountains with a moderately warm humid climate (average annual temperature is 5-10°C; precipitation of the most humid quarter is 240-300 mm). The most suitable forAmbrosia artemisiifoliaare medium-productive grasslands (NDVI is 0.25-0.38) of the foothills and low mountains with low vegetation coverage (65-85%) and moderately humid climate (precipitation of the most humid quarter is 225-275 mm). The most suitable forXanthium albinumat present are dry unproductive disturbed grasslands of plains.
Floristic findings in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic (Central Caucasus)
Authors: Stepanyan Elena , Chadaeva Victoria , Tsepkova Nelli
Published: September 2021

The article presents information on floristic findings in the Kabardino-Balkari Republic. As a result of expedition research in 2020-2021 and inventory studies in the Herbarium of the Tembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories RAS, we revealed nine species new to the Kabardino-Balkar Republic and new locations of ten vascular plants species. Species new to the region flora were Carex acuta, Genista angustifolia, Amorpha fruticosa, Ambrosia psilostachya, Mercurialis annua, Echinocystis lobata, Phlomis majkopensis, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Bidens frondosa. New locations of seven species were identified for the Balkarskiy floristic region. These were three native species (Carex flacca subsp. erythrostachys, C. songorica, Eriophorum latifolium) and four alien species (Oenothera biennis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Sigesbeckia orientalis, Bidens frondosa). Carex elongata, Genista angustifolia, Ambrosia psilostachya, Mercurialis annua, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Amaranthus albus and alien species Acer negundo were revealed for the Tsentralno-Elbrusskiy and Kabardinskiy floristic regions, respectively. We also found the alien species Amorpha fruticosa, Echinocystis lobata and rare steppe species Phlomis majkopensis, Glaucium corniculatum in the Tursko-Sunzhensky floristic region. We provided data on floristic findings indicating the coordinates of the locations, species habitat preferences, and distribution in the Caucasus according to earlier literary sources.