bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular birthdate predicts laminar and regional cholinergic projection topography in the forebrain
Authors: Allaway Kathryn C. , Muñoz William , Tremblay Robin , Sherer Mia , Herron Jacob , Rudy Bernardo , Machold Robert , Fishell Gord
Published: October 2020

The basal forebrain cholinergic system projects broadly throughout the cortex and constitutes a critical source of neuromodulation for arousal and attention. Traditionally, this system was thought to function diffusely. However, recent studies have revealed a high degree of spatiotemporal specificity in cholinergic signaling. How the organization of cholinergic afferents confers this level of precision remains unknown. Here, using intersectional genetic fate mapping, we demonstrate that cholinergic fibers within the cortex exhibit remarkable laminar and regional specificity and that this is organized in accordance with cellular birthdate. Strikingly, birthdated cholinergic projections within the cortex follow an inside-out pattern of innervation. While early born cholinergic populations target deep layers, late born ones innervate superficial laminae. We also find that birthdate predicts cholinergic innervation patterns within the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Our work reveals previously unappreciated specificity within the cholinergic system and the developmental logic by which these circuits are assembled.
Use of immunoglobulin-binding bacterial proteins in immunodetection
Authors: Justiz-Vaillant Angel , Ferrer-Cosme Belkis , Vera Albert
Published: October 2020

One of the aim of this study was to make universal chimeric conjugates to react with both avian and mammalian immunoglobulins in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The periodate method was used in the conjugation process of cross-linking horseradish peroxidase to immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBP) including staphylococcal protein A (SpA), streptococcal protein G (SpG) and peptostreptococcal protein L (SpL). By mixing up these three conjugates another four hybrid protein conjugates were created including protein LA (SpLA), protein LG (SpLG), protein AG (SpAG) and protein LAG (PLAG). Thirty-five ELISAs were standardized by a probabilistic combination of these immunoreagents. By using a panel of mainly mammalian immunoglobulins their reproducibility was checked by the determination of coefficient of variations (CV) for each one of the IgG-IBP binding. The source of immunoglobulins was their purification by affinity chromatography using a commercially available kit (PURE-1A). The other aim was to immunize chicken with the peptide fragment 254-274 of gp120 to produce anti-HIV peptide hyper-immune egg. Cats and rats were fed these eggs for a determined period until they produced the anti-HIV peptide antibody, which was tested by an indirect SpLA-ELISA and dot blot analysis that corroborated the production of anti-HIV antibodies by the mammalian species including positive humans samples for HIV. We conclude that the single and hybrid immunoglobulin-binding protein were effective in their binding capacity to immunoglobulins from a variety of mammalian species. The potential use of this proteins is in the arena of immunodiagnosis and immunoglobulin detection. Dot blot analysis proves effective in the detection of HIV anti-gp120 antibodies in several animal species. These antibodies can be used as reagents in the development of immunodiagnostic tests or experimental vaccines.
Loss of clustered protocadherin diversity alters the spatial distribution of cortical interneurons
Authors: Gallerani Nicholas , Au Edmund
Published: October 2020

Cortical interneurons (cINs) are locally-projecting inhibitory neurons that are distributed throughout the cortex. Due to their relatively limited range of influence, their arrangement in the cortex is critical to their function. cINs achieve this arrangement through a process of tangential and radial migration, and apoptosis during development. In this study, we investigated the role of clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs) in establishing the spatial patterning of cINs. cPcdhs are expressed in cINs, and are known to play key functions in cell spacing and cell survival, but their role in cINs is poorly understood. Using spatial statistical analysis, we found that the two main subclasses of cINs, parvalbumin-expressing (PV) and somatostatin-expressing (SST) cINs, are non-randomly spaced within subclass, but randomly with respect to each other. We also found that the relative laminar distribution of each subclass was distinctly altered in whole α- or β-cluster mutants. Examination of perinatal timepoints revealed that the mutant phenotypes emerged relatively late, suggesting that cPcdhs may be acting during cIN morphological elaboration and synaptogenesis. We then analyzed an isoform-specific knockout for pcdh-αc2 and found that it recapitulated the α-cluster knockout, but only in SST cells, suggesting that subtype-specific expression of cPcdh isoforms may help govern subtype-specific spatial distribution.
Data-driven yield projections suggest large opportunities to improve Europe’s soybean self-sufficiency under climate change
Authors: Guilpart Nicolas , Iizumi Toshichika , Makowski David
Published: October 2020

Currently, demand for soybean in Europe is mostly fulfilled by imports. However, soybean-growing areas across Europe have been rapidly increasing in response to a rising demand for locally-produced, non-GM soybean in recent years. This raises questions about the suitability of European agro-climatic conditions for soybean production. We used data-driven relationships between climate and soybean yield derived from machine-learning techniques to make yield projections under current and future climate with moderate (RCP 4.5) to intense (RCP 8.5) warming, up to the 2050s and 2090s time horizons. Results suggest that a self-sufficiency level of 50% (100%) would be achievable in Europe under historical and future climate if 4-5% (9-12%) of the current European cropland is dedicated to soybean production. The associated increase in soybean area in Europe would bring environmental benefits, with a potential decrease of nitrogen fertilizer use in Europe by 5-8% (13-18%) and a possible reduction of deforestation in biodiversity hotspots in South America. However, it would also lead to an important reduction in the production of other cultivated species in Europe (e.g. cereals) and a potential increase in the use of irrigation water.
Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Reveals Winners and Losers of Global Change in Coastal Waters
Authors: Gallego Ramón , Jacobs-Palmer Emily , Cribari Kelly , Kelly Ryan P.
Published: October 2020

2

Studies of the ecological effects of global change often focus on one or few species at a time. Consequently, we know relatively little about the changes underway at real-world scales of biological communities, which typically have hundreds or thousands of interacting species. Here, we use monthly samples of environmental DNA to survey 222 planktonic taxa along a gradient of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and carbonate chemistry in nearshore marine habitat. The result is a high-resolution picture of changes in ecological communities using a technique replicable across a wide variety of ecosystems. We estimate community-level differences associated with time, space and environmental variables, and use these results to forecast near-term community changes due to warming and ocean acidification. We find distinct communities in warmer and more acidified conditions, with overall reduced richness in diatom assemblages and increased richness in dinoflagellates. Individual taxa finding greater suitable habitat in near-future waters are more taxonomically varied and include the ubiquitous coccolithophoreEmiliania huxleyiand the harmful dinoflagellateAlexandrium sp. These results suggest foundational changes for nearshore food webs under near-future conditions.
Identification, Characterization, and Targeting of a Rare and Temporal Dendritic Cell State that Facilitates Adaptive Immune Responses
Authors: Deak Peter , Studnitzer Bradley , Steinhardt Rachel , Esser-Kahn Aaron
Published: October 2020

The heterogeneity of innate immune cells facilitates efficient antigen presentation and immune activation in the presence of pathogens via cooperativity of various cell subsets and cell states but also obscures the contribution of individual antigen presenting cells (APCs) to overall immune response.1It has been hypothesized that a small number of APCs, which are more sensitive to the initial pathogen stimulus, are responsible for coordinating neighboring APCs in an effort to share the metabolic strain associated with heightened pathogen sensitivity.2In this study, we have identified a temporally-controlled state of dendritic cells (DCs) that demonstrate greater sensitivity to toll-like-receptor (TLR) agonists and secrete the majority of paracrine activating cytokines (TNFα, IL-6…ect). We were able to isolate this distinct population of DCs preferentially phagocytosed the majority of fluorescently labeled, TLR agonist conjugated microparticles (MPs).3We call this population First Responder cells (FRs) due to their ability to first uptake the MPs and activate neighboring APCs via paracrine signaling. We show that FRs exist in this state for <3 hours, cycle through this state on a <24-hour timescale and show a distinct mRNA profile. Furthermore, FRs are necessary for generation of adaptive responses both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that we can improve both IgG titers and CD8 responses in vivo by targeting two highly upregulated receptors on FR cells, DAP12 and PRG2. Given the significance of FR involvement in APC activation, this study has broad immunological value because it offers a critical first evaluation of a new APC cell state but also has important translational value for improving vaccine efficacy via FR targeting.
First report of Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus in Nile tilapia in Brazil
Authors: Pereira Figueiredo Henrique César , Tavares Guilherme Campos , Dorella Fernanda Alves , Câmara Rosa Júlio César , Correia Marcelino Sóstenes Apolo , Pierezan Felipe
Published: October 2020

In June 2020, an atypical fatal outbreak in the Nile tilapia farm was investigated. Twenty-three animals were collected and different tissues were used for bacterial isolation, histopathological and electron microscopic examination, and viral detection using molecular methods. A large number of megalocytes were observed in the histopathological analysis of several tissues. Icosahedral virions, with a diameter of approximately 160 nm, were visualized inside the megalocytes through transmission electron microscopy of the spleen tissue. The virions were confirmed to beinfectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus(ISKNV) through PCR and sequencing analyses of the fish samples. This viral pathogen is fatal in the early stages of Nile tilapia farms in the USA, Thailand, and Ghana; however, until now, there have been no reports from Brazil. In 14 of the sampled fish,Streptococcus agalactiae, Edwardsiella tarda, orAeromonas hydrophila infectionswere also detected. This is the first report of fatal ISKNV infections in the Brazilian Nile tilapia fish farms.
Structure and mechanism of TRAPPIII-mediated Rab1 activation
Authors: Joiner Aaron M.N. , Phillips Ben P. , Yugandhar Kumar , Sanford Ethan J. , Smolka Marcus B. , Yu Haiyuan , Miller Elizabeth A. , Fromme J. Christopher
Published: October 2020

The GTPase Rab1 is a master regulator of both the early secretory pathway and autophagy. Rab1 activation is controlled by its GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor), the multi-subunit TRAPPIII complex. The Trs85 regulatory subunit is critical for robust activation of Rab1 but its mechanistic role within the complex has remained unclear. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of the intact yeast TRAPPIII complex bound to its substrate Rab1/Ypt1. The orientation of the Rab1/Ypt1 hypervariable domain when bound to the complex leads to a model for how TRAPPIII associates with and activates Rab1/Ypt1 at the membrane surface. We identify a conserved amphipathic α-helix motif within Trs85 and demonstrate that this helix is required for stable membrane binding and Rab1/Ypt1 activation by TRAPPIII. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure and function of the yeast TRAPPIII complex and reveal that the key function of Trs85 is to serve as a membrane anchor, via its amphipathic helix, for the entire TRAPPIII complex.
Catechol-Containing Compounds are a Broad Class of Amyloid Inhibitors: Redox State is a Key Determinant of the Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Velander Paul , Wu Ling , Hildreth Sherry B. , Vogelaar Nancy J. , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup , Zhang Shijun , Helm Richard F. , Xu Bin
Published: October 2020

Mechanisms of amyloid inhibition remains poorly understood, in part because most protein targets of amyloid assembly are partially unfolded or intrinsically disordered, which hinders detailed structural characterization of protein-inhibitor complexes and structural-based mechanistic elucidation. Herein we employed a small molecule screening approach to identify inhibitors against three prototype amyloidogenic proteins: amylin, Aβ and tau. One remarkable class of inhibitors identified was catechol-containing compounds and redox-related quinones/anthraquinones. Further mechanistic studies determined that the redox state of the broad class of catechol-containing compounds is a key determinant of the amyloid inhibitor activities.
Helicase-inactivating BRIP1 mutation yields Fanconi anemia with microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities
Authors: Kamal Lara , Pierce Sarah B. , Canavati Christina , Rayyan Amal Abu , Jaraysa Tamara , Lobel Orit , Lolas Suhair , Norquist Barbara M. , Rabie Grace , Zahdeh Fouad , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , King Mary-Claire , Kanaan Moien N.
Published: October 2020

Fanconi anemia is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder characterized by congenital anomalies, bone marrow failure, cancer, and sensitivity of chromosomes to DNA cross-linking agents. One of the 22 genes responsible for Fanconi anemia is BRIP1, in which biallelic truncating mutations lead to Fanconi anemia group J and monoallelic truncating mutations predispose to certain cancers. However, of the more than 1000 reported missense mutations in BRIP1, very few have been functionally characterized. We evaluated the functional consequence of BRIP1 p.R848H (c.2543G > A), which was homozygous in two cousins with low birth weight, microcephaly, upper limb abnormalities, and imperforate anus and for whom chromosome breakage analysis of patient cells revealed increased mitomycin C sensitivity. BRIP1 p.R848H alters a highly conserved residue in the catalytic DNA helicase domain. We show that BRIP1 p.R848H leads to a defect in helicase activity. Heterozygosity at this missense has been reported in multiple cancer patients but, in the absence of functional studies, classified as of unknown significance. Our results support that this mutation is pathogenic for Fanconi anemia in homozygotes and for increased cancer susceptibility in heterozygous carriers.
Alternative conformation of the C-domain of the P140 protein from Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Vizarraga David , Pérez-Luque Rosa , Martín Jesús , Fita Ignacio , Aparicio David
Published: October 2020

The human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium is responsible for urethritis in men, and for cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. The adherence of M. genitalium to host target epithelial cells is mediated through an adhesion complex called Nap, which is essential for infectivity. Nap is a transmembrane dimer of heterodimers of the immunodominant proteins P110 and P140. The M. genitalium genome contains multiple copies of portions that share homology with the extracellular regions of P140 and P110 encoded by the genes mg191 and mg192, respectively. Homologous recombination between the genes and the copies allows the generation of a large diversity of P140 and P110 variants to overcome surveillance by the host immune system. Interestingly, the C-terminal domain (C-domain) of the extracellular region of P140, which is essential for the function of Nap by acting as a flexible stalk anchoring the protein to the mycoplasma membrane, presents a low degree of sequence variability. In the present work, the X-ray crystal structures of two crystal forms of a construct of the P140 C-domain are reported. In both crystal forms, the construct forms a compact octamer with D4 point-group symmetry. The structure of the C-domain determined in this work presents significant differences with respect to the structure of the C-domain found recently in intact P140. The structural plasticity of the C-domain appears to be a possible mechanism that may help in the functioning of the mycoplasma adhesion complex.
Multi-crystal data collection using synchrotron radiation as exemplified with low-symmetry crystals of Dps
Authors: Kovalenko Vladislav , Popov Alexander , Santoni Gianluca , Loiko Natalia , Tereshkina Ksenia , Tereshkin Eduard , Krupyanskii Yurii
Published: October 2020

Multi-crystal data collection using synchrotron radiation was successfully applied to determine the three-dimensional structure of a triclinic crystal form of Dps from Escherichia coli at 2.0 Å resolution. The final data set was obtained by combining 261 partial diffraction data sets measured from crystals with an average size of approximately 5 µm. The most important features of diffraction data measurement and processing for low-symmetry crystals are discussed.
An evaluation of the library connectivity project through the lens of the digital inclusion model
Authors: Ayoung Daniel Azerikatoa , Bugre Charles , Baada Frederic Naazi-Ale
Published: October 2020

Purpose

It has been a decade, as the collaboration between the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) to extend information and communication technology (ICT) and library services to rural deprived, unserved and underserved communities in Ghana dubbed the library connectivity project. This paper aims to evaluate this initiative from the perspective of relevant key stakeholders and through the lens of the digital inclusion model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach to evaluate the library connectivity project offered to deprived communities in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Interviews were conducted with the head librarians, ICT teachers and school librarians. Focus group discussions were held with pupils from four beneficiary schools of the project. The researchers also witnessed four of the outreach programmes and training sessions and observed the mode of instruction.

Findings

The study brought to fore the enormous benefits of the library connectivity project as it aided school pupils to acquire practical ICT skills, which were found to be useful towards their final exam. Despite the enormous benefit of the project, it was bereft with a lot of challenges such as inadequate logistics and personnel thereby restricting the project to very few schools. Low staff motivation and unmotorable roads were also found to be a challenge, which could all be as a result of lack of funds.

Research limitations/implications

The paper underscores the importance of computer and information literacy and reveals how the GhLA is using innovative mobile library services to bridge the digital divide through the library connectivity project.

Originality/value

This paper makes a further contribution to the paucity of literature on the role of mobile libraries in the promotion of computer and information literacy.
Investigating the suitability and cost-benefit of copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete in Zambia: an exploratory study
Authors: Muleya Franco , Mulenga Bodwin , Zulu Sambo Lyson , Nwaubani Sunday , Tembo Chipozya Kosta , Mushota Henry
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the suitability and cost-benefit of using copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete production. The study was motivated by the accumulation and non-use of copper tailings in dams among them tailing dam 25 also known as TD 25 in Kitwe city of the Copperbelt province in Zambia that take up approximately 111 hectares of unused land.

Design/methodology/approach

Laboratory experimental approach of concrete production based on water/cement ratios of 0.3 and 0.5 was used because this was an exploratory study designed to establish the primary performance of concrete. In total, 30 concrete cubes were cast based on the two water-cement ratios. In total, 0% to 30% partial sand replacement with copper tailings was used in both mixes with the 0% copper tailings replacement being the control mix and reference point. Other concrete tests included workability, density, compressive strength and element composition analysis.

Findings

Results revealed that copper tailings from TD 25 were suitable for partial replacement of sand in concrete. Thirty per cent of sand replacement with copper tailings was established as the maximum replacement amount to produce optimum compressive strength values from both mixes. The drier mix of 0.3 water-cement ratios produced higher compressive strength results of 23 MPa at 28 days of concrete curing with 2.34% as optimum concrete cost reduction.

Practical implications

The research results provide the cost-benefit analysis and savings that can be attained from using cheaper copper tailings based concrete. The study further provided the quantity of land available for development arising from absorption of copper tailings as a sustainable construction material. The local authority now has statistics and numerical values that it can use to absorb copper tailings as a concrete raw material.

Originality/value

The study provides guidance on optimum concrete grade produced and cost reduction details of copper tailing-based concrete to support for local authorities in suitable land wand waste management using real data.
Intrapreneurship in teams/groups: self-determination theory and compensation
Authors: Chakrabarty Subrata
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The literature on intrapreneurship recognizes the notion that regular employees can be expected to be entrepreneurial. Using self-determination theory as a basis, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to focus on the role of compensation systems in incentivizing entrepreneurial action by regular employees who constitute the bulk of the organizational workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper suggests that greater clarity on the role of compensation systems in entrepreneurial action by regular employees would require an understanding of how entrepreneurial action happens through relationships among employees. An exploration of both compensation systems and the relationships among employees undertaking entrepreneurial action as part of team/group settings can deepen our understanding of intrapreneurship. Self-determination theory and relationship-focused theory allow for such an exploration.

Findings

The literature on self-determination theory, has identified the needs of autonomy and relatedness among employees. This conceptual paper will propose that the interaction between compensation systems and the needs for autonomy versus relatedness among employees determines the type of relationships chosen for entrepreneurial action. After the chosen type of relationships are formed and entrepreneurial action begins, challenges in the implementation of compensation systems are likely to emerge – distributive justice issues under individual based compensation and free-riding issues under team-based compensation. The entrepreneurial performance of the team/group will likely be influenced by the interaction between the challenges in the implementation of compensation systems and the type of relationships chosen for entrepreneurial action.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper gives a new direction to how collective entrepreneurial processes and outcomes can be understood. Self-determination theory and relationship-focused theory, in unison, can be useful in analyzing the role of intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and relationships during entrepreneurial action.
Determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility assurance: a systematic review of archival research
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the governance-related and financial determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility assurance (CSRA).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a legitimacy theoretical framework and on the business case argument, the author conducts a structured literature review and includes 66 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical (archival) studies on key CSRA proxies (CSRA adoption, choice of CSR assuror and CSRA quality).

Findings

In line with the business case for CSRA, the literature review indicates that internal corporate governance, country-related governance and specific financial determinants as reporting, firm size and industry (sensitivity) have a positive impact on CSRA adoption.

Research limitations/implications

A detailed analysis of CSRA proxies is needed in future archival research to differentiate between symbolic and substantive use of CSRA. In view of the current regulatory initiatives on CSR reporting and their decision usefulness, future research should also analyze in greater depth CSRA proxies as moderator and mediator variables.

Practical implications

With regard to the increased stakeholder demand on CSRA after the financial crisis of 2008–2009, firms should be aware of the value-added of CSRA to increase the decision usefulness of their CSR reports and firm reputation.

Originality/value

The analysis makes useful contributions to prior literature by focussing on empirical quantitative (archival) research method, structuring research on the business case for CSRA with respect to its governance and financial determinants and consequences for firms and stressing moderator analysis in archival CSRA research.
The role of browsers in maintaining the openness of savanna grazing lawns
Authors: Voysey Michael D. , Archibald Sally , Bond William J. , Donaldson Jason E. , Carla Staver A. , Greve Michelle
Published: October 2020

In savannas, ruminant herbivores can have divergent impacts on tree recruitment and subsequent woody cover. Whereas heavy grazing by cattle results in woody thickening, intensive grazing by wildlife instead tends to be associated with lower woody cover.

To disentangle why woody cover is low in areas heavily grazed by wildlife, we investigated (a) whether grazing lawns attract indigenous mammalian browsers, and if a preference for short‐grass habitat decreases with browser body mass as predator susceptibility decreases; and (b) whether browser attraction to grazing lawns translates into the suppression of woody plants, including seedlings and saplings, thus maintaining the openness of heavily grazed short‐grass areas.

In Kruger National Park, South Africa, we contrasted browser abundance (using dung counts) on grazing lawns and on low‐herbivory sites characterised by tall grass. Additionally, a herbivore exclosure experiment was set up to investigate the combined impact of browser removal and grass height habitat type on seedling survival and sapling growth of a dominant woody plant species. Finally, in Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park (HiP), we examined the long‐term (10 years) impact of browser removal on the growth rates of a range of woody species, monitored across ten sites along a gradient of herbivory ranging from grazing lawn to tall grass.

Steenbok and impala selected short‐ over tall grass as preferred browsing sites, while elephant preferred tall grass. Browser abundance on short grass decreased with browser body mass, indicating that predator avoidance might be a key factor driving mesoherbivores to utilise grazing lawns.

Seedling survival was lowest on grazing lawns when browsers were present, with mortality occurring in two out of every three seedlings. Similarly, sapling growth was lowest on grazing lawns, although browser removal had no significant effect. Evidence for increased browser impact on grazing lawns was clearest from our long‐term herbivore exclosure experiment in HiP, which demonstrated that browsers strongly modify the growth rates of woody plants in short‐grass habitats.

Synthesis. These results provide support for the hypothesis that browsers, particularly browsing mesoherbivores and mixed feeders, are attracted to short‐grass habitats, and that they help maintain grazing lawn openness by suppressing seedling survival and woody plant growth where grass is kept short by grazers.
High‐quality chromosome‐level genomes of two tilapia species reveal their evolution of repeat sequences and sex chromosomes
Authors: Tao Wenjing , Xu Luohao , Zhao Lin , Zhu Zexian , Wu Xin , Min Qianwen , Wang Deshou , Zhou Qi
Published: October 2020

Tilapias are one of the most farmed fishes that are coined as “aquatic chicken” by the food industry. Nile tilapia and blue tilapia exhibit very recent transition of sex chromosome systems since their divergence approximately five million years ago, making them a great model for elucidating the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of sex chromosome turnovers. Studies of their sex‐determining pathways are also critical for developing genetic sex control in aquaculture. We report here the newly produced genomes of Nile tilapia and blue tilapia that integrate long‐read sequencing and chromatin conformation data. The two nearly complete genomes have anchored over 97% of the sequences into linkage groups (LGs), and assembled majorities of complex repetitive regions including telomeres, centromeres and rDNA clusters. In particular, we inferred two episodes of repeat expansion at LG3 respectively in the ancestor of cichlids and that of tilapias. The consequential large heterochromatic region concentrated at one end of LG3 comprises tandem arrays of mRNA and small RNA genes, among which we have identified a candidate female determining gene Paics in blue tilapia. Paics shows female‐specific patterns of single‐nucleotide variants, copy numbers and expression patterns in gonads during early gonadogenesis. Our work provides a very important genomic resource for functional studies of cichlids, and suggested that unequal distribution of repeat content that impacts the local recombination rate might make some chromosomes more likely to become sex chromosomes.
A Review of the Taxonomy and Palaeoecology of the Anurognathidae (Reptilia, Pterosauria)
Authors: HONE David W. E.
Published: October 2020

The anurognathids are an enigmatic and distinctive clade of small, non‐pterodactyloid pterosaurs with an unusual combination of anatomical traits in the head, neck, wings and tail. They are known from very limited remains and few have been described in detail, and as a result, much of their biology remains uncertain. This is despite their importance as potentially one of the earliest branches of pterosaur evolution or even lying close to the origins of pterodactyloids. This review covers the taxonomy and palaeoecology of the anurognathids, which remain an interesting branch of pterosaurian evolution.
Optimising sample sizes for animal distribution analysis using tracking data
Authors: Shimada Takahiro , Thums Michele , Hamann Mark , Limpus Colin J. , Hays Graeme C. , FitzSimmons Nancy N. , Wildermann Natalie E. , Duarte Carlos M. , Meekan Mark G.
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of populations is fundamental to management plans for any species. When tracking data are used to describe distributions, it is sometimes assumed that the reported locations of individuals delineate the spatial extent of areas used by the target population.

Here we examine existing approaches to validate this assumption, highlight caveats, and propose a new method for a more informative assessment of the number of tracked animals (i.e. sample size) necessary to identify distribution patterns. We show how this assessment can be achieved by considering the heterogeneous use of habitats by a target species using the probabilistic property of a utilisation distribution. Our methods are compiled in the r package SDLfilter.

We illustrate and compare the protocols underlying existing and new methods using conceptual models and demonstrate an application of our approach using a large satellite tracking dataset of flatback turtles Natator depressus tagged with accurate Fastloc‐GPS tags (n = 69).

Our approach has applicability for the post hoc validation of sample sizes required for the robust estimation of distribution patterns across a wide range of taxa, populations and life‐history stages of animals.
Iterative categorisation (IC) (part 2): interpreting qualitative data
Authors: Neale Joanne
Published: October 2020

Iterative categorisation (IC) is a systematic and transparent technique for analysing qualitative textual data, first presented in Addiction in 2016. IC breaks the analytical process down into stages, separating basic ‘description’ from more advanced ‘interpretation’. This paper focuses on the interpretive analytical stage that is shown to comprise three core processes: (i) conceptualising (undertaken inductively, deductively or abductively); (ii) differentiating; and (iii) externalising. Each process is described, followed by published examples to support what has been explained. As qualitative analyses tend to be recursive rather than linear, the three processes often need to be repeated to account for all the data. Following the stages of IC will ensure that qualitative research generates improved understanding of the phenomena being studied, study findings contribute to and enhance the existing literature, the audience for any qualitative output is broad and international, and any practical implications or study recommendations are relevant to other contexts and settings.
The sixty‐year story of Finnish Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) osteitis
Authors: Korppi Matti
Published: October 2020

Aim

A review published in 2015 showed that 331 Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) osteitis cases were globally reported in 1976‐2012. The 222 Finnish cases from 1960 to 1988 formed two‐thirds of all cases. The present narrative review summarises epidemiological, clinical and immunological findings obtained from this Finnish cohort in relation to data from other countries.

Methods

Six reports including 93 BCG osteitis cases, which were not included in the 2015 review, were identified from PubMed.

Results

In all, 424 BCG osteitis cases have been published. Population‐based data were available only from Finland and Taiwan. The BCG osteitis incidence in Finnish infants was 6.4/100 000/year in 1960‐1988 compared to 3.4/100 000/year in Taiwanese infants in 1998‐2012. The incidence in Finland increased to 36.9/100 000 in 1971‐1977, and the vaccinations were temporarily discontinued. Over half of lesions were in lower limbs and nearly all were solitary in both cohorts. The outcomes after surgery and chemotherapy were good. Immunology of BCG osteitis was studied only in the Finnish cohort. There were deviations from population data in polymorphisms of genes regulating Toll‐like receptors 1, 2 and 6, mannose‐binding lectin and interleukin‐17A.

Conclusion

BCG osteitis after vaccination is rare. Preliminary findings in innate immunity raise a question of genetic background.
Sound Predicts Meaning: Cross‐Modal Associations Between Formant Frequency and Emotional Tone in Stanzas
Authors: Auracher Jan , Menninghaus Winfried , Scharinger Mathias
Published: October 2020

Research on the relation between sound and meaning in language has reported substantial evidence for implicit associations between articulatory–acoustic characteristics of phonemes and emotions. In the present study, we specifically tested the relation between the acoustic properties of a text and its emotional tone as perceived by readers. To this end, we asked participants to assess the emotional tone of single stanzas extracted from a large variety of poems. The selected stanzas had either an extremely high, a neutral, or an extremely low average formant dispersion. To assess the average formant dispersion per stanza, all words were phonetically transcribed and the distance between the first and second formant per vowel was calculated. Building on a long tradition of research on associations between sound frequency on the one hand and non‐acoustic concepts such as size, strength, or happiness on the other hand, we hypothesized that stanzas with an extremely high average formant dispersion would be rated lower on items referring to Potency (dominance) and higher on items referring to Activity (arousal) and Evaluation (emotional valence). The results confirmed our hypotheses for the dimensions of Potency and Evaluation, but not for the dimension of Activity. We conclude that, at least in poetic language, extreme values of acoustic features of vowels are a significant predictor for the emotional tone of a text.
Alcohol controls in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic in India: Commentary on Stockwell et al.
Authors: Mahadevan Jayant , Shukla Lekhansh , Benegal Vivek
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions have resulted in additional challenges for persons with alcohol use disorders as well as for the effective operation of alcohol controls in different societies. The challenges are different in different systems and economies. Crises such as these often provide governments with opportunities to remake systems. We use the recent experience from India, which rapidly shifted between total countrywide prohibition of alcohol and unrestricted sales during this brief period, to argue against using the present crisis to bring about quick changes in alcohol policy in India. Instead, we advocate sustained, incremental pressure to develop and enforce alcohol control measures in public health delivery systems, in addition to demand reduction measures.
COVID‐19 and alcohol in Mexico: A serious health crisis, strong actions on alcohol in response—Commentary on Stockwell et al.
Authors: Medina‐Mora María E. , Cordero‐Oropeza Martha , Rafful Claudia , Real Tania , Villatoro‐Velazquez Jorge A.
Published: October 2020

The present text comments on Stockwell and colleagues' paper documenting the high burden of alcohol use in COVID‐19 related mortality in the USA and Canada in North America and the absence of a control policy in several countries of the world. This comment adds information about the third country in North America, Mexico. It describes alcohol use during the COVID lockdown and its consequences, highlighting the control efforts through public health policies and ponders the weaknesses of the current response to the health crisis and opportunities in the aftermath.
Exploration of an effective training system for diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with magnifying narrow‐band imaging: Prospective research
Authors: Fan Mengke , Qi Cuihua , Wang Weijun , Shi Huiying , Han Chaoqun , Hou Xiaohua , Lin Rong
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

The aim was to explore an effective training system for diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) and its staging with magnifying narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI).

Patients and methods

Fifteen endoscopists with no or less M‐NBI experience participated in this training, which consisted of four stages and five teaching methods (M‐NBI classification criterion, case analysis, hands‐on operation, error correction and SESCC pathological knowledge). M‐NBI images were evaluated and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed.

Results

After training, the accuracy of distinguishing neoplastic esophageal from non‐neoplastic (0.58 ± 0.16 vs. 0.95 ± 0.05, P = 0.000) and diagnosing SESCC staging (0.25 ± 0.26 vs. 0.89 ± 0.08, P = 0.000) with M‐NBI were significantly increased. Participants with no M‐NBI experience achieve equivalent diagnostic accuracy with less experienced trainees after the training (0.91 ± 0.08 vs. 0.92 ± 0.04, P = 0.816). Besides, diagnosis of MM (muscularis mucosa)/SM1 (submucosal) staging tumors (Stage I, 0.47 ± 0.15; Stage II–III–IV, 0.76 ± 0.12) with M‐NBI was difficult for trainees and should be the focus of this training. Every teaching method could improve the diagnostic accuracy for esophageal lesions, especially for case analysis (from 0.59 ± 0.10 to 0.85 ± 0.08, P = 0.000). In addition, the average operation score for trainees was significantly increased after hands‐on teaching (60.40 ± 11.11 vs. 91.80 ± 4.28, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

For novices, this training system showed efficient performance for diagnosing SESCC staging with M‐NBI. Diagnosing MM/SM1 staging SESCC was difficult for beginners, and should be the focus of training.
Nurses’ and physicians’ experiences with diabetes consultations and the use of dialogue tools in the DiaPROM pilot trial: A qualitative study
Authors: Haugstvedt A. , Hernar I. , Graue M. , Strandberg R. B. , Stangeland Lie S. , Sigurdardottir A. K. , Richards D. , Kolltveit B.‐C. H.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To explore nurses’ and physicians’ experiences with diabetes consultations in general and the use of dialogue tools in the Diabetes Patient‐Related Outcome Measures (DiaPROM) pilot trial.

Methods

We used a qualitative explorative design by conducting semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with five nurses and nine physicians engaged in the DiaPROM pilot trial. The pilot trial aimed to test an intervention utilizing the patient‐reported Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) scale and person‐centred communication skills as dialogue tools in clinical consultations with adults with type 1 diabetes. We used thematic analysis to analyse the data.

Results

We generated three themes (each including two subthemes) from the analysis of participants’ experiences: (1) ‘Conflicting demands and priorities’ (subthemes: ‘Balancing guideline recommendations with patients’ main concerns’ and ‘Experiencing that patients need more support to disclose their emotional concerns’); (2) ‘Insights about using dialogue tools’ (subthemes: ‘The benefits and challenges of using the PAID as a dialogue tool’ and ‘Communication techniques are helpful’); and (3) ‘Facilitating new interventions is challenging’ (subthemes: ‘Unclear roles and responsibilities in the multidisciplinary teamwork’ and ‘The capacity sets the limit, not the willingness’).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the physicians and nurses experienced substantial challenges related to time and resources in the use of dialogue tools to support people's emotional concerns in clinical diabetes consultations. Thus, there is a need for healthcare organizations to adjust priorities to focus on the emotional burden of diabetes if the multidisciplinary diabetes teams are to successfully integrate psychosocial support into routine diabetes care.
Cognitive frailty and falls in Chinese elderly people: a population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Ma Y. , Li X. , Pan Y. , Zhao R. , Wang X. , Jiang X. , Li S.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Falling is considered an important public health problem among older people. A recent cross‐sectional study suggested that cognitive frailty (CF) is associated with falls. We aimed to explore whether CF is a risk factor for falls in a population‐based longitudinal study.

Methods

Using data from the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study, physical frailty was assessed according to the modified Fried's phenotype, and the 20% of participants with the lowest scores on the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale were defined as having cognitive impairment (CoI). Cognitive frailty (CF) was defined as the coexistence of physical frailty and CoI, but excluded severe CoI (revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale score ≤ 10). The outcome of number of falls in the previous 12 months was measured using a questionnaire.

Results

At baseline, the prevalence of CF was 2.6% and the prevalence of two or more falls was 6.7%. Cross‐sectional analysis found that two or more falls was associated with physical frailty without CoI (odds ratio [OR] 6.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.17–14.56), pre‐frailty with CoI (OR 4.54, 95% CI 2.44–8.44) and CF (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.18–10.44). Slow gait with CoI was associated with two or more falls (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.08–4.53). At 3‐year follow‐up, the prevalence of two or more falls was 10.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the robust and non‐CoI elderly groups, the CF elderly group had a higher risk of two or more falls (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.11–10.50).

Conclusions

Cognitive frailty was associated with two or more falls at baseline and might be a risk factor for two or more falls after 3 years. Early screening of CF might be beneficial in the prevention of falls.
Minor hallucinations reflect early gray matter loss and predict subjective cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bejr‐kasem H. , Sampedro F. , Marín‐Lahoz J. , Martínez‐Horta S. , Pagonabarraga J. , Kulisevsky J.
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

Well‐structured hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are associated with poor prognosis and dementia. However, the predictive value of minor psychotic phenomena in cognitive deterioration is not well known. Cross‐sectional studies have shown that PD patients with minor hallucinations have more severe cortical atrophy than non‐hallucinators, but baseline and longitudinal studies addressing the evolution of these brain differences are lacking. The impact of developing minor hallucinations on cognitive impairment and cortical atrophy progression in early PD was explored.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐one de novo PD patients from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative for whom brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were available were included. Cognitive outcome at 5 years was compared between patients with and without minor hallucinations during follow‐up. Additionally, using gray matter volume (GMV) voxel‐based morphometry, cross‐sectional (at baseline) and longitudinal (1‐ and 2‐year GMV loss) structural brain differences between groups were studied.

Results

During follow‐up, 35.1% of patients developed minor hallucinations. At 5 years, these patients showed an increased prevalence of subjective cognitive decline compared to non‐hallucinators (44.1% vs. 13.9%; p < 0.001), but not formal cognitive impairment. Additionally, compared to non‐hallucinators, they exhibited reduced GMV at baseline in visuoperceptive areas and increased GMV loss in left temporal areas (p < 0.05 corrected).

Conclusions

Minor hallucinations seem to be an early clinical marker of increased neurodegeneration and are associated with mid‐term subjective cognitive decline. Longer follow‐up analyses would be needed to further define if these findings could reflect a higher risk of future cognitive deterioration.
The Enhanced Resource Guidelines: A Blueprint For Improving Court Practice In Child Welfare Cases
Authors: Gueller Melissa , Wachter Andrew , Tanner Connie Hickman
Published: October 2020

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (“NCJFCJ”) provides training and technical assistance to juvenile and family courts across the country. Since 1995, the NCJFCJ has worked to improve the lives of children and families in child abuse and neglect cases with the Model Courts and Implementation Sites projects using the Enhanced Resource Guidelines as a foundation. This article describes the history and evolution of the Enhanced Resource Guidelines, identifies key principles and practices implemented by demonstration sites, shares lessons learned from judges leading reform efforts, and highlights preliminary results from research and evaluation efforts. Research has indicated that implementation of the Enhanced Resource Guidelines is associated with increased judicial continuity throughout the case, increased engagement of families during hearings, decreased time to permanency, and fewer out of home placements for children. Judicial leaders can make improvements on and off the bench by improving the quality of their hearings and practice as recommended in the Enhanced Resource Guidelines.