bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It’s so boring – or is it? Examining the role of mindfulness for work performance and attitudes in monotonous jobs
Authors: Wihler Andreas , Hülsheger Ute R. , Reb Jochen , Menges Jochen I.
Published: September 2021

We examine the role of employee mindfulness in the context of highly monotonous work conditions. Integrating research on task monotony with theorizing on mindfulness, we hypothesized that mindfulness is negatively associated with the extent to which employees feel generally bored by their jobs. We further hypothesized that this lower employee boredom would relate to downstream outcomes in the form of job attitudes (job satisfaction and turnover intentions) and task performance. We examined both objective task performance quality and quantity to shed light on the complexity of the mindfulness–task performance relation, which has so far mostly been investigated using subjective supervisor ratings. In a sample of 174 blue‐collar workers in a Mexican company, results showed that employee mindfulness was negatively related to boredom. Further, mindfulness was positively related to job satisfaction and negatively to turnover intentions, partly mediated through boredom. Mindfulness turned out to be a double‐edged sword for task performance in monotonous jobs: Mindfulness was positively related to task performance quality but negatively related to quantity.

Practitioner points

In repetitive, monotonous jobs held by millions of people worldwide, more mindful employees perceive their job as less boring.

Furthermore, mindful employees have higher job satisfaction and are less likely to quit.

With regard to objective job performance, mindfulness can be a double‐edged sword: It positively affects objective performance quality via boredom, but negatively affects objective performance quantity directly.
Development of a reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of strawberry crinkle virus
Authors: Ren Junda , Zhu Yadong , Ran Ce , Han Chenggui , Shang Qiaoxia
Published: September 2021

Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV) has always been one of the major viruses affecting the strawberry production in China. Developing a quick and accurate method of detection is a crucial step for controlling the spread of SCV. In this study, a reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of SCV. RNA was extracted from SCV‐infected strawberry leaves using a commercial extraction kit. According to the sequence of 1553 L protein (RdRp), four primers were developed for RT‐LAMP and a one‐step reaction was carried out at 65℃ for 30 min. Conventional reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed as a comparison. The amplified RT‐LAMP products were separated on agarose gel by running electrophoresis and could be detected by visual inspection using Green‐DNA‐staining dye too. The detection sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP assay was 1000 times higher than that of the conventional RT‐PCR method, and no cross reaction was found with other strawberry viruses. Field samples with the positive rate of about 60% were collected to demonstrate the applicability of the RT‐LAMP for field detection and its high consistency with the traditional RT‐PCR method. The LAMP method described in this report is a sensitive, simple, economy and reliable assay for the rapid detection of SCV infection in strawberry plants.
The ranked species occupancy curves reflect the dominant process of species sorting: Evidence from forest/scrub communities
Authors: Gafta Dan , Stoica Ilie‐Adrian , Coldea Gheorghe
Published: September 2021

Questions

Abiotic filtering, competitive interactions and niche pre‐emption effects, as important drivers of the species sorting in plant communities, were hypothesised to be responsible for the amount of concavity and shoulder distinction in ranked species occupancy curves (RSOCs). In connection with the intermediate productivity hypothesis, we proposed an adjustment and extension of the RSOC models concerning the ecological mechanisms underlying their shaping. We aimed at estimating the effects of the variation in resource availability and functional species composition on the RSOCs of 30 woody vegetation syntaxa.

Location

Low plains to the subalpine belt (southeastern Carpathians) throughout Romania.

Methods

The fraction of vascular plant species with either low (< 3) or large (>7) Ellenberg ecological indicator values were used as proxies for abiotic variables. Both the standardised effect size of homotoneity (SES‐h, estimated by contrasting empirical vs null RSOCs) and the regression parameters of the fitted RSOCs were used, after adjusting them for differences in sampling scale, as shape descriptors.

Results

The empirical RSOCs were all fitted best by the power exponential function. With increasing fraction of ruderal species and canopy openness, the slopes of RSOC's heads became gentler (larger power parameter). Higher levels of soil fertility towards lower elevations translated in reduced concavity of the RSOCs (larger exponential parameter). Larger/smaller SES‐h were associated with richer/poorer habitat‐specific species pools that were ascribed to low‐elevation, open‐canopy vegetation (oak‐dominated forests, shiblyak woodlands, secondary scrubs) and, respectively, (sub)montane, closed‐canopy, mixed beech or spruce forests and sub‐alpine scrubs.

Conclusions

Dense species packing and even niche partitioning in communities developed in moderately productive sites are associated with shoulder‐free, long‐tailed, slightly concave RSOCs. Conversely, strong filtering in stressful environments and/or low light availability under closed, woody canopies are related to steep, short‐tailed, exponential‐like RSOCs. The availability of resources and the equitability of niche partitioning, underlying the process of species sorting during plant community assembly, play a major role in shaping the RSOCs.
A novel quantitative ultrasound technique for identifying non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Gao Feng , He Qiong , Li Gang , Huang Ou‐Yang , Tang Liang‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D. , Luo Jian‐Wen , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

There remains a need to develop a non‐invasive, accurate and easy‐to‐use tool to identify patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Successful clinical and preclinical applications demonstrate the ability of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques to improve medical diagnostics. We aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic tool, based on QUS analysis, for identifying NASH.

Methods

A total of 259 Chinese individuals with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were enrolled in the study. The histological spectrum of NAFLD was classified according to the NASH clinical research network scoring system. Radiofrequency (RF) data, raw data of iLivTouch, was acquired for further QUS analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to select the most useful predictive features.

Results

Eighteen candidate RF parameters were reduced to two significant parameters by shrinking the regression coefficients with the LASSO method. We built a novel QUS score based on these two parameters, and this QUS score showed good discriminatory capacity and calibration for identifying NASH both in the training set (area under the ROC curve [AUROC]: 0.798, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.731‐0.865; Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, P = .755) and in the validation set (AUROC: 0.816, 95% CI 0.725‐0.906; Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, P = .397). Subgroup analysis showed that the QUS score performed well in different subgroups.

Conclusions

The QUS score, which was developed from QUS, provides a novel, non‐invasive and practical way for identifying NASH.
Sulfur abundances and isotopic compositions in bulk carbonaceous chondrites and insoluble organic material: Clues to elemental and isotopic fractionations of volatile chalcophiles
Authors: Alexander Conel M.O’D. , Wynn Jonathan G. , Bowden Roxane
Published: September 2021

The bulk S elemental abundances and δ34S values for 83 carbonaceous chondrites (mostly CMs and CRs) and Semarkona (LL3.0) are reported. In addition, the S elemental abundances and δ34S values of insoluble organic material (IOM) isolated from 25 carbonaceous chondrites (CMs, CRs, and three ungrouped) are presented. The IOM only contributes 2–7% of the S to the bulk meteorites analyzed and exhibits no systematic variations. The average group bulk S abundances are similar to previous measurements. In‐group variations likely reflect variations in matrix abundances, as well as parent body processes and weathering. The S and C abundances are roughly correlated and scatter about a mixing line between CI‐like matrix and C‐free and S‐depleted chondrules. Systematic deviations from this mixing line may indicate different degrees of heating of matrix material in the nebula. There are no systematic variations in average group δ34S values, in contrast to what is seen for the volatile chalcophiles Zn, Te, Se, and Ag, as well as the less volatile siderophile Cu. Renormalization of the elemental and isotopic compositions indicates that the elemental and isotopic fractionations of Zn, Te, and Ag were controlled by the same process, whereas Se is intermediate in its behavior between these three elements and S. The isotopic fractionations could be associated with diffusion of volatile chalcophiles into sulfide at the end of chondrule formation. Copper appears to be distinct in its behavior from the chalcophiles, perhaps because it is more refractory and more siderophile.
Early diagenesis at and below Vera Rubin ridge, Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Turner S. M. R. , Schwenzer S. P. , Bridges J. C. , Rampe E. B. , Bedford C. C. , Achilles C. N. , McAdam A. C. , Mangold N. , Hicks L. J. , Parnell J. , Fraeman A. A. , Reed M. H.
Published: September 2021

Data returned by NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover showed evidence for abundant secondary materials, including Fe‐oxides, phyllosilicates, and an amorphous component on and below Vera Rubin ridge in the Murray formation. We used equilibrium thermochemical modeling to test the hypothesis that altered sediments were deposited as detrital igneous grains and subsequently underwent diagenesis. Chemical compositions of the Murray formations’ altered components were calculated using data returned by the chemistry and mineralogy X‐ray diffraction instrument and the alpha particle X‐ray spectrometer on board Curiosity. Reaction of these alteration compositions with a CO2‐poor and oxidizing dilute aqueous solution was modeled at 25–100 °C, with 10–50% Fe3+/Fetot of the host rock. The modeled alteration assemblages included abundant phyllosilicates and Fe‐oxides at water‐to‐rock ratios >100. Modeled alteration abundances were directly comparable to observed abundances of hematite and clay minerals at a water‐to‐rock ratio of 10,000, for system temperatures of 50–100 °C with fluid pH ranging from 7.9 to 9.3. Modeling results suggest that the hematite–clay mineral assemblage is primarily the result of enhanced groundwater flow compared to the Sheepbed mudstone observed at Yellowknife Bay, and underwent further, localized alteration to produce the mineralogy observed by Curiosity.
Genomic analysis unveils mechanisms of northward invasion and signatures of plateau adaptation in the Asian house rat
Authors: Chen Yi , Hou Guanmei , Jing Meidong , Teng Huajing , Liu Quansheng , Yang Xingen , Wang Yong , Qu Jiapeng , Shi Chengmin , Lu Liang , Zhang Jianxu , Zhang Yaohua
Published: September 2021

The Asian house rat (AHR), Rattus tanezumi, has recently invaded the northern half of China. The AHR is a highly adaptive rat species that has also successfully conquered the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) and replaced the brown rat (BR), R. norvegicus, at the edge of the QTP. Here, we assembled a draft genome of the AHR and explored the mechanisms of its northward invasion and the genetic basis underlying plateau adaptation in this species. Population genomic analyses revealed that the northwardly invasive AHRs consisted of two independent and genetically distinct populations which might result from multiple independent primary invasion events. One invasive population exhibited reduced genetic diversity and distinct population structure compared with its source population, while the other displayed preserved genetic polymorphisms and little genetic differentiation from its source population. Genes involved in G‐protein coupled receptors and carbohydrate metabolism may contribute to the local adaptation of northern AHRs. In particular, RTN4 was identified as a key gene for AHRs in the QTP that favours adaptation to high‐altitude hypoxia. Coincidently, the physiological performance and transcriptome profiles of hypoxia‐exposed rats both showed better hypoxia adaptation in AHRs than in BRs that failed to colonize the heart of the QTP, which may have facilitated the replacement of the BR population by the invading AHRs at the edge of the QTP. This study provides profound insights into the multiple origins of the northwardly invasive AHR and the great tolerance to hypoxia in this species.
Dispersal limitations and long‐term persistence drive differentiation from haplotypes to communities within a tropical sky‐island: Evidence from community metabarcoding
Authors: Gálvez‐Reyes Nancy , Arribas Paula , Andújar Carmelo , Emerson Brent C. , Piñero Daniel , Mastretta‐Yanes Alicia
Published: September 2021

Neutral theory proposes that dispersal stochasticity is one of the main drivers of local diversity. Haplotypes‐level genetic variation can now be efficiently sampled from across whole communities, thus making it possible to test neutral predictions from the genetic to species‐level diversity, and higher. However, empirical data is still limited, with the few studies to date coming from temperate latitudes. Here, we focus on a tropical mountain within the Transmexican Volcanic Belt to evaluate spatially fine‐scale patterns of arthropod community assembly to understand the role of dispersal limitation and landscape features as drivers of diversity. We sampled whole‐communities of arthropods for eight orders at a spatial scale ranging from 50 m to 19 km, using whole community metabarcoding. We explored multiple hierarchical levels, from individual haplotypes to lineages at 0.5, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7.5% similarity thresholds, to evaluate patterns of richness, turnover, and distance decay of similarity with isolation‐by‐distance and isolation‐by‐resistance (costs to dispersal given by landscape features) approaches. Our results showed that distance and altitude influence distance decay of similarity at all hierarchical levels. This holds for arthropod groups of contrasting dispersal abilities, but with different strength depending on the spatial scale. Our results support a model where local‐scale differentiation mediated by dispersal constraints, combined with long‐term persistence of lineages, is an important driver of diversity within tropical sky islands.
Sublingual microcirculation predicts survival after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Voß Fabian , Karbenn Matthias , Hoffmann Till , Schweitzer Julian , Jung Christian , Bernhard Michael , Kienbaum Peter , Kelm Malte , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite successful resuscitation with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the prediction of survival in patients suffering out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains difficult. Several studies have shown alterations in sublingual microcirculation in the critical ill. We hypothesized that early alterations in sublingual microcirculation may predict short‐term survival after OHCA.

Methods

We prospectively included all adults admitted to our university hospital between April and September 2019 with ROSC following OHCA. Sidestream dark‐field microscopy to obtain sublingual microcirculation was performed at admission and after 6, 12 and 24 hours. Primary outcome was survival until discharge.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were included. Six hours after ROSC, the proportion of perfused small vessels (PPVsmall) was lower in non‐survivors than in survivors (85 ± 7.9 vs. 75 ± 6.6%; p = .01). PPVsmall did not correlate with serum lactate. Stratification for survival with cutoff values >78.4% for PPVsmall 6 h post‐admission and <5.15 mmol/l for initial serum lactate as suggested by ROC‐Analyses results in a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative one of 67% for our study population.

Conclusion

Estimating short‐term prognosis of OHCA patients with ROSC may be supported by measuring the PPVsmall at the sublingual microcirculation 6 hours after admission.
A toolbox for conditional control of gene expression in apicomplexan parasites
Authors: Briquet Sylvie , Gissot Mathieu , Silvie Olivier
Published: September 2021

Apicomplexan parasites encompass diverse pathogens for humans and animals, including the causative agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis, Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. Genetic manipulation of these parasites has become central to explore parasite biology, unravel gene function and identify new targets for therapeutic strategies. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the past years with the advent of next generation sequencing and powerful genome editing methods. In particular, various methods for conditional gene expression have been developed in both Plasmodium and Toxoplasma to knockout or knockdown essential genes, or for inducible expression of master developmental regulators or mutant versions of proteins. Conditional gene expression can be achieved at three distinct levels. At the DNA level, inducible site‐specific recombinases allow conditional genome editing. At the RNA level, regulation can be achieved during transcription, using stage‐specific or regulatable promoters, or post‐transcriptionally through alteration of mRNA stability or translation. At the protein level, several systems have been developed for inducible degradation or displacement of a protein of interest. In this review, we provide an overview of current systems for conditional control of gene expression in Plasmodium and Toxoplasma parasites, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each approach.
Motility control through an anti‐activation mechanism in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Alakavuklar Melene A. , Heckel Brynn C. , Stoner Ari M. , Stembel Joseph A. , Fuqua Clay
Published: September 2021

Many bacteria can migrate from a free‐living, planktonic state to an attached, biofilm existence. One factor regulating this transition in the facultative plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens is the ExoR‐ChvG‐ChvI system. Periplasmic ExoR regulates the activity of the ChvG‐ChvI two‐component system in response to environmental stress, most notably low pH. ChvI impacts hundreds of genes, including those required for type VI secretion, virulence, biofilm formation, and flagellar motility. Previous studies revealed that activated ChvG‐ChvI represses expression of most of class II and class III flagellar biogenesis genes, but not the master motility regulator genes visN, visR, and rem. In this study, we characterized the integration of the ExoR‐ChvG‐ChvI and VisNR‐Rem pathways. We isolated motile suppressors of the non‐motile ΔexoR mutant and thereby identified the previously unannotated mirA gene encoding a 76 amino acid protein. We report that the MirA protein interacts directly with the Rem DNA‐binding domain, sequestering Rem and preventing motility gene activation. The ChvG‐ChvI pathway activates mirA expression and elevated mirA is sufficient to block motility. This study reveals how the ExoR‐ChvG‐ChvI pathway prevents flagellar motility in A. tumefaciens. MirA is also conserved among other members of the Rhizobiales suggesting similar mechanisms of motility regulation.
Independent factors of low radiation dose during atrial fibrillation ablation with cryoballoon or radiofrequency: Results from the “Go for zero fluoroscopy” registry
Authors: Gras Matthieu , Garcia Rodrigue , Waldmann Victor , Bergère Vincent , Duncker David , De Potter Tom , Fiedler Lukas , Moscoso Costa Francisco , Antolič Bor , Kosiuk Jedrzej
Published: September 2021

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation is a common procedure requiring in most cases the use of fluoroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with a lower dose of fluoroscopy used during AF ablation with cryoballoon or radiofrequency.

Methods

In this prospective European registry, centers were requested to provide procedural characteristics of consecutive AF ablation cases. Lower doses of fluoroscopy were defined as those with dose‐area‐product (DAP) under the median dose used in the radiofrequency and the cryoballoon ablation groups.

Results

A total of 638 AF ablation procedures were collected (n = 492 for radiofrequency and n = 146 for cryoballoon ablation groups) in 25 centers. The median [IQR] DAP were 926 [349;2092] and 1516 [418;3408] cGy*cm2 in the radiofrequency and cryoballoon groups, respectively. Main factors associated with lower DAP in cryoballoon ablation group were electrophysiology dedicated laboratory (OR 6.04, 95%CI 1.16–31.54; P = .03) and frequent dosimetry report (OR 21.39, 95%CI 5.43–98.54; P = .03). Main factors associated with lower DAP in the radiofrequency ablation group were the use of a chest dosimeter (OR 12.57, 95% CI 2.88‐54.90; P = .01), biplane X‐ray equipment (OR 3.12, 95%CI 1.89‐5.16; P < .01), university hospital (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.35‐3.25; P = .01), electrophysiology dedicated laboratory (OR 2.45, 95%CI 1.48‐4.05; P < .01) and use of contact force enabled catheter (OR 22.60, 95%CI 6.82‐74.88; P < .01).

Conclusion

This real‐life study of fluoroscopy use during AF ablation provides new data about current practices across European countries. Technological advances and quality of the fluoroscopic environment were the main factors associated with lower radiation dose during AF ablation.
Beneficial effects of atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with angina pectoris and coronary sinus reducer
Authors: Khalaph Moneeb , Bergau Leonard , Vanezi Maria , Rudolph Tanja K. , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian
Published: September 2021

Limited data exists about the effectiveness of the coronary sinus reducer (CSR) device in patients with angina pectoris and atrial fibrillation (AF). This case demonstrates beneficial effects of AF ablation in a patient with CSR. We report four major findings: Rhythm control has a relevant effect on angina pectoris symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease and AF. In these patients, AF ablation should be considered at an early stage. Patients with persistent angina pectoris and CSR may require sinus rhythm for an optimal effect of the device. Selected coronary sinus (CS) interventions can still be performed through the mesh of the CSR device.
Same‐day discharge after implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Trongtorsak Angkawipa , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Thangjui Sittinun , Worapongsatitaya Pitchaya , Yodsuwan Ratdanai , Navaravong Leenhapong
Published: September 2021

Background

Due to an increasing need for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement, the cost of healthcare has been rising including the cost of hospital stay after the procedure. We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the safety and feasibility of same‐day discharge (SDD) after cardiac device implantations.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, and Embase databases from inception to March 2021 to identify studies that compared clinical outcomes between SDD group and hospital overnight stay (HO) group after cardiac device implantations. Outcomes included complications after the procedure, mortality, and re‐hospitalization. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects model to calculate pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Eight studies (one randomized control trial, three prospective cohort and four retrospective cohort studies) with a total of 61,602 patients (4153 in SDD group and 57,449 in HO group) were included. SDD was not associated with more procedure‐related complications. The rates of wound problems (0.94% vs 1.84%, pooled OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.2‐3.68, p = .834), pneumothorax (1.15% vs 0.73%, pooled OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 0.26‐7.12, p = .718), hematoma (0.59% vs 2.32%, pooled OR = 0.35, 95%CI:0.01‐9.85, p = .534), lead/device dislodgement (4% vs 2.48%, pooled OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 0.64‐4.54, p = .281), readmission rate (17.6% vs 17.5%, pooled OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.74‐1.21, p = .667), and mortality rate (1.66% vs 1.44%, pooled OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.58‐1.01, p = .059) were similar between in SDD and HO groups respectively.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis suggested that SDD after cardiac device implantations might be a safe and feasible alternative to HO without differences in procedure‐related complications, readmission rates, or mortality rates.
A high‐temperature water vapor equilibration method to determine non‐exchangeable hydrogen isotope ratios of sugar, starch and cellulose
Authors: Schuler Philipp , Cormier Marc‐André , Werner Roland A. , Buchmann Nina , Gessler Arthur , Vitali Valentina , Saurer Matthias , Lehmann Marco M.
Published: September 2021

The analysis of the non‐exchangeable hydrogen isotope ratio (δ2Hne) in carbohydrates is mostly limited to the structural component cellulose, while simple high‐throughput methods for δ2Hne values of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) such as sugar and starch do not yet exist. Here, we tested if the hot vapor equilibration method originally developed for cellulose is applicable for NSC, verified by comparison with the traditional nitration method. We set up a detailed analytical protocol and applied the method to plant extracts of leaves from species with different photosynthetic pathways (i.e., C3, C4 and CAM). δ2Hne of commercial sugars and starch from different classes and sources, ranging from −157.8 to +6.4‰, were reproducibly analysed with precision between 0.2‰ and 7.7‰. Mean δ2Hne values of sugar are lowest in C3 (−92.0‰), intermediate in C4 (−32.5‰) and highest in CAM plants (6.0‰), with NSC being 2H‐depleted compared to cellulose and sugar being generally more 2H‐enriched than starch. Our results suggest that our method can be used in future studies to disentangle 2H‐fractionation processes, for improving mechanistic δ2Hne models for leaf and tree‐ring cellulose and for further development of δ2Hne in plant carbohydrates as a potential proxy for climate, hydrology, plant metabolism and physiology.
Viral suppressor of RNA silencing in vascular plants also interferes with the development of the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Marttinen Eeva M. , Lehtonen Mikko T. , van Gessel Nico , Reski Ralf , Valkonen Jari P. T.
Published: September 2021

Plant viruses are important pathogens able to overcome plant defense mechanisms using their viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSR). Small RNA pathways of bryophytes and vascular plants have significant similarities, but little is known about how viruses interact with mosses. This study elucidated the responses of Physcomitrella patens to two different VSRs. We transformed P. patens plants to express VSR P19 from tomato bushy stunt virus and VSR 2b from cucumber mosaic virus, respectively. RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR were used to detect the effects of VSRs on gene expression. Small RNA (sRNA) sequencing was used to estimate the influences of VSRs on the sRNA pool of P. patens. Expression of either VSR‐encoding gene caused developmental disorders in P. patens. The transcripts of four different transcription factors (AP2/erf, EREB‐11 and two MYBs) accumulated in the P19 lines. sRNA sequencing revealed that VSR P19 significantly changed the microRNA pool in P. patens. Our results suggest that VSR P19 is functional in P. patens and affects the abundance of specific microRNAs interfering with gene expression. The results open new opportunities for using Physcomitrella as an alternative system to study plant–virus interactions.
Changes in US Parents’ Domestic Labor During the Early Days of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Carlson Daniel L. , Petts Richard J. , Pepin Joanna R.
Published: September 2021

Stay‐at‐home orders and the removal of care and domestic supports during the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic substantially disrupted US parents’ work and family lives. Although much is known about changes in US parents’ paid labor arrangements, the evidence regarding changes in unpaid domestic labor has been largely anecdotal. This study uses novel data from 1,025 US parents in different‐sex partnerships to provide a descriptive overview of changes in mothers’ and fathers’ participation in, and division of, housework and childcare from March 2020 to the early days of the pandemic (late April 2020). Findings show an overall increase in domestic responsibilities for mothers who were already doing most of the household labor. Still, both mothers and fathers report a general shift toward more egalitarian divisions of household labor, driven by increases in fathers’ contributions. The shift toward more egalitarian sharing of domestic labor is observed across demographic groups and across types of domestic tasks. Consistent with findings from other countries, egalitarian divisions of domestic labor increased among U.S. parents during the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Mothers, nonetheless, report retaining primary responsibility for domestic labor in the majority of families.
Comparative analyses of responses to exogenous and endogenous antiherbivore elicitors enable a forward genetics approach to identify maize gene candidates mediating sensitivity to herbivore‐associated molecular patterns
Authors: Poretsky Elly , Ruiz Miguel , Ahmadian Nazanin , Steinbrenner Adam D. , Dressano Keini , Schmelz Eric A. , Huffaker Alisa
Published: September 2021

Crop damage by herbivorous insects remains a significant contributor to annual yield reductions. Following attack, maize (Zea mays) responds to herbivore‐associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) and damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activating dynamic direct and indirect antiherbivore defense responses. To define underlying signaling processes, comparative analyses between plant elicitor peptide (Pep) DAMPs and fatty acid–amino acid conjugate (FAC) HAMPs were conducted. RNA sequencing analysis of early transcriptional changes following Pep and FAC treatments revealed quantitative differences in the strength of response yet a high degree of qualitative similarity, providing evidence for shared signaling pathways. In further comparisons of FAC and Pep responses across diverse maize inbred lines, we identified Mo17 as part of a small subset of lines displaying selective FAC insensitivity. Genetic mapping for FAC sensitivity using the intermated B73 × Mo17 population identified a single locus on chromosome 4 associated with FAC sensitivity. Pursuit of multiple fine‐mapping approaches further narrowed the locus to 19 candidate genes. The top candidate gene identified, termed FAC SENSITIVITY ASSOCIATED (ZmFACS), encodes a leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase (LRR‐RLK) that belongs to the same family as a rice (Oryza sativa) receptor gene previously associated with the activation of induced responses to diverse Lepidoptera. Consistent with reduced sensitivity, ZmFACS expression was significantly lower in Mo17 as compared to B73. Transient heterologous expression of ZmFACS in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in a significantly increased FAC‐elicited response. Together, our results provide useful resources for studying early elicitor‐induced antiherbivore responses in maize and approaches to discover gene candidates underlying HAMP sensitivity in grain crops.
Protein kinase D promotes activity‐dependent AMPA receptor endocytosis in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Oueslati Morales Carlos O. , Ignácz Attila , Bencsik Norbert , Sziber Zsofia , Rátkai Anikó Erika , Lieb Wolfgang S. , Eisler Stephan A. , Szűcs Attila , Schlett Katalin , Hausser Angelika
Published: September 2021

α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. The continuous trafficking of AMPARs into and out of synapses is a core feature of synaptic plasticity, which is considered as the cellular basis of learning and memory. The molecular mechanisms underlying the postsynaptic AMPAR trafficking, however, are still not fully understood. In this work, we demonstrate that the protein kinase D (PKD) family promotes basal and activity‐induced AMPAR endocytosis in primary hippocampal neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of PKD increased synaptic levels of GluA1‐containing AMPARs, slowed down their endocytic trafficking and increased neuronal network activity. By contrast, ectopic expression of constitutive active PKD decreased the synaptic level of AMPARs, while increasing their colocalization with early endosomes. Our results thus establish an important role for PKD in the regulation of postsynaptic AMPAR trafficking during synaptic plasticity.
The parable of Black places
Authors: Purifoy Danielle
Published: September 2021

Frequently defined out of modernity, Black places have been left out of scholarship and public discourse on the future, as defined largely by white‐centred neoliberal notions of progress. This essay observes Black place creation and durability in the midst of forces of capitalist displacement and climate change to consider how Black place practices of relationship‐building, interdependence, and solidarity can be viable models for the future of human societies on Earth.
Thrombocytapheresis for acquired von Willebrand syndrome in a patient with essential thrombocythemia and recent multivisceral transplantation
Authors: Oyedeji Oluwayomi , Sheqwara Jawad , Onwubiko Ifeoma , Lopez‐Plaza Ileana , Nagai Shunji , Otrock Zaher K.
Published: September 2021

Background

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is associated with increased risk of bleeding secondary to acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). Bleeding in ET requires urgent platelet reduction by cytoreductive therapy such as hydroxyurea or thrombocytapheresis. We report on the efficacy and safety of thrombocytapheresis in managing AVWS in a patient with ET and multivisceral transplantation.

Case report

The patient was a 51‐year‐old female who underwent multivisceral transplantation. Her postoperative course was complicated by bleeding from oral cavity, IV lines, gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts as well as vaginal bleeding, which coincided with ET flare with a platelet count of 1512 × 109/L. Coagulation studies including von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity, vWF propeptide antigen, and vWF multimer analysis were consistent with AVWS. Hydroxyurea was initiated. However, due to major bleeding, rapidly increasing platelet count, and uncertainty of response to hydroxyurea being given through the enteral tube, thrombocytapheresis was initiated for rapid platelet reduction. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Platelet count was reduced from 1636 × 109/L to 275 × 109/L with rapid cessation of bleeding. The patient's condition stabilized over the next few days; however, bleeding recurred with increasing platelet count, which required a second thrombocytapheresis 8 days after the first one. The patient was maintained on hydroxyurea 500 mg twice/day. At 11‐month follow‐up, she had a normal platelet count and no recurrence of bleeding.

Discussion

Thrombocytapheresis is safe and efficient in managing postoperative bleeding due to ET/AVWS in solid organ transplant patients. The procedure can be an adjunct to bridging therapy before response to hydroxyurea is achieved.
Extensive staging has no prognostic value in dogs with low‐risk mast cell tumours
Authors: Fejös Csilla , Troedson Karin , Ignatenko Nataliia , Zablotski Yury , Hirschberger Johannes
Published: September 2021

In canine mast cell tumours (MCTs), distant metastasis (DM) occurs infrequently. However, high‐risk MCTs or tumours with certain negative prognostic factors (NPFs) are those more prone to develop metastatic disease. Accordingly, a thorough workup might not be necessary for MCTs lacking NPFs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of DM and, therefore, the benefit of extensive staging in dogs presenting with and without NPFs. Furthermore, the association between the selected NPFs and DM was assessed, and factors that may have influenced outcome were evaluated. Dogs presenting with at least one NPF (Patnaik III/Kiupel high‐grade, LN metastasis, rapid growth, ulceration, recurrence, high‐risk location) were defined as high‐risk and without as low‐risk MCTs. Ninety‐nine dogs were included, with 49% of MCTs in the high‐risk and 51% in the low‐risk group. All seven dogs with DM were identified in the high‐risk group; 43% were Patnaik III/Kiupel high‐grade tumours. The median survival time (MST) for this subgroup was 84 days. Patnaik III/Kiupel high‐grade and rapid growth were NPFs significantly associated with DM at staging. Furthermore, a significant difference (p < .001) in MST was demonstrated between the high‐risk and low‐risk groups (899 days vs. not reached). NPFs significantly associated with outcome were rapid growth, presence of DM at staging, and surgical tumour excision. These results indicate that extensive staging in the absence of NPFs does not seem to be beneficial. On the other hand, by using the selected NPFs, a subset of MCTs prone to DM can be identified.
Intergenerational inequities in exposure to climate extremes
Authors: Thiery Wim , Lange Stefan , Rogelj Joeri , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich , Gudmundsson Lukas , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Andrijevic Marina , Frieler Katja , Emanuel Kerry , Geiger Tobias , Bresch David N. , Zhao Fang , Willner Sven N. , Büchner Matthias , Volkholz Jan , Bauer Nico , Chang Jinfeng , Ciais Philippe , Dury Marie , François Louis , Grillakis Manolis , Gosling Simon N. , Hanasaki Naota , Hickler Thomas , Huber Veronika , Ito Akihiko , Jägermeyr Jonas , Khabarov Nikolay , Koutroulis Aristeidis , Liu Wenfeng , Lutz Wolfgang , Mengel Matthias , Müller Christoph , Ostberg Sebastian , Reyer Christopher P. O. , Stacke Tobias , Wada Yoshihide
Published: September 2021

Young generations are severely threatened by climate change
Volume Preserving Simulation of Soft Tissue with Skin
Authors: Sheen Seung Heon , Larionov Egor , Pai Dinesh K.
Published: September 2021

Simulation of human soft tissues in contact with their environment is essential in many fields, including visual effects and apparel design. Biological tissues are nearly incompressible. However, standard methods employ compressible elasticity models and achieve incompressibility indirectly by setting Poisson's ratio to be close to 0.5. This approach can produce results that are plausible qualitatively but inaccurate quantatively. This approach also causes numerical instabilities and locking in coarse discretizations or otherwise poses a prohibitive restriction on the size of the time step. We propose a novel approach to alleviate these issues by replacing indirect volume preservation using Poisson's ratios with direct enforcement of zonal volume constraints, while controlling fine-scale volumetric deformation through a cell-wise compression penalty. To increase realism, we propose an epidermis model to mimic the dramatically higher surface stiffness on real skinned bodies. We demonstrate that our method produces stable realistic deformations with precise volume preservation but without locking artifacts. Due to the volume preservation not being tied to mesh discretization, our method also allows a resolution consistent simulation of incompressible materials. Our method improves the stability of the standard neo-Hookean model and the general compression recovery in the Stable neo-Hookean model.
A GAN-Like Approach for Physics-Based Imitation Learning and Interactive Character Control
Authors: Xu Pei , Karamouzas Ioannis
Published: September 2021

We present a simple and intuitive approach for interactive control of physically simulated characters. Our work builds upon generative adversarial networks (GAN) and reinforcement learning, and introduces an imitation learning framework where an ensemble of classifiers and an imitation policy are trained in tandem given pre-processed reference clips. The classifiers are trained to discriminate the reference motion from the motion generated by the imitation policy, while the policy is rewarded for fooling the discriminators. Using our GAN-like approach, multiple motor control policies can be trained separately to imitate different behaviors. In runtime, our system can respond to external control signal provided by the user and interactively switch between different policies. Compared to existing method, our proposed approach has the following attractive properties: 1) achieves state-of-the-art imitation performance without manually designing and fine tuning a reward function; 2) directly controls the character without having to track any target reference pose explicitly or implicitly through a phase state; and 3) supports interactive policy switching without requiring any motion generation or motion matching mechanism. We highlight the applicability of our approach in a range of imitation and interactive control tasks, while also demonstrating its ability to withstand external perturbations as well as to recover balance. Overall, our approach has low runtime cost and can be easily integrated into interactive applications and games.
Optimal R&D Investment Strategy of Pollution Abatement and Incentive Mechanism Design under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Li Chao , Zuo Na
Published: September 2021

The study examines optimal pollution control R&D investment strategy of firms under asymmetric information and further analyzes the impact of government incentive mechanism on it. We use stochastic optimal control theory to get the exact solution of R&D investment strategy and incentive mechanism. Our analysis reveals that if there is no supervisor, firms choose not to cooperate, but the government can take appropriate incentive compensation to make firms reach Nash equilibrium. If there are supervisors, the optimal strategy of the enterprise is to choose cooperation, and there will be Pareto optimum among the firms. Furthermore, the R&D investment level decreases with increasing environmental uncertainty.
Nutritional Diversity and Antioxidant Activity of Two Indigenous Quince Ecotypes from Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Zahid Noosheen , Maqbool Mehdi , Tahir Majid Mahmood , Hamid Abdul , Ahmad Aqeel , Khalid Muhammad Shafique , Rehman Haseeb ur , Masood Nasir , Awan Shahid Iqbal , Khan Javaid Riffat , Ali Asgar , Ali Shah Syed Zulfiqar
Published: September 2021

Quince fruit is mostly used to produce functional products. Recently, the value of this crop has increased due to demand as industrial raw material. The state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and specifically Rawalakot, District Poonch, is blessed with climatic conditions which are very much suitable for quince production, and therefore, a huge plantation could be found in wild. In this regard, this study was designed to collect two different accessions of quince (apple-shaped quince (ASQ) and pear-shaped quince (PSQ)) from three different locations (Dhamni (elevation: 5431 ft), Shamsabad (elevation: 5374 ft), and Drake (elevation: 3378 ft)) of Rawalakot, District Poonch, and analyze their physicochemical and mineral nutrients of fruit and the soil. Correlation coefficients were established pairwise. Results showed that physicochemical nutrients were significantly (

P
≤
0.05

) higher in ASQ fruits as compared with PSQ fruits. Further, fruits collected from location at higher elevation (Dhamni) showed better results as compared with fruits collected from lower elevations. Moreover, increased amount of nitrogen contents in the soil resulted in increased fruit weight. Similarly, fruit quality indices and bioactive compounds showed a positive correlation with the increased soil nutrient contents. These prediction models for quality of quince could be useful in guiding plant nutrition status and for enhancing fruit production in this region.
Emergence Delirium in a 29-Year-Old Man following an Uneventful Appendectomy
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yang Yong , Chen Yang , Lu Kai , Chen Bing
Published: September 2021

Emergence delirium (ED) is defined as the delirium that occurs during the transition from the sleep state to full consciousness. ED increases the risk for injury, self-extubation, hemorrhages, and prolonged hospitalization and occurs in patients of any age but most often in children and elderly patients. However, ED in young adults is rarely reported. We presented a case of typical ED occurring in a young healthy man following an uneventful appendectomy. The causes of ED can be classified as either predisposing or precipitating factors. In this case, the unnoticeable mental stress may be the predisposing factor and the sevoflurane maintenance of anesthesia may be the precipitating factor. ED occurs at any age of patient and in any minor surgery, and anesthesiologists should do some work to prevent it from happening.
Effects of Insomnia on Peptic Ulcer Disease Using Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Zha Ling-Feng , Dong Jiang-Tao , Wang Jing-Lin , Chen Qian-Wen , Wu Jian-Fei , Zhou Ying-Chao , Nie Shao-Fang , Tu Xin
Published: September 2021

Objectives. Observational studies indicate that insomnia may increase risk of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Our purpose is to clarify the possible causal relationship between insomnia and PUD by Mendelian randomization analyses. Methods. We carried out analyses using summary statistics data for genetic variants reported from a GWAS of insomnia (N = up to 1,331,010 individuals) and from a GWAS of PUD (N = up to 456,327 individuals). Three Mendelian randomization approaches were used to explore whether insomnia might play a causal role in PUD, and pathway and functional enrichment analyses were conducted to anticipate the underlying mechanisms. Results. Conventional Mendelian randomization analysis showed clear causality between insomnia and PUD; 1 SD increased insomnia incident was related to a 19% higher risk of PUD (P = 6.69 × 10−16; OR, 1.19 (95% CI, 1.14‐1.24)). The associations between insomnia and PUD were consistent in the other two analyses performed using the weighted median method (P = 7.75 × 10−7; OR, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09‐1.23)) and MR‐Egger regression (P = 5.00 × 10−3; OR, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.07‐1.50)). Moreover, no evidence indicated a reverse causality between PUD events and insomnia symptoms. Pathway and functional enrichment analyses indicated that the mechanisms of insomnia effect on PUD may be through various ways, such as the immune system and oxidative stress. Conclusions. This Mendelian randomization study suggests insomnia as a causal risk factor for PUD. The potential mechanisms included may be immune and oxidative stress. These findings indicate that improving sleep quality could have substantial health benefits.
Investigation on Rock Strata Fracture Regulation and Rock Burst Prevention in Junde Coal Mine
Authors: Wang Fengnian , Li Gan , Liu Chi
Published: September 2021

Through the establishment of structural mechanics model, this paper analyzes the fracture of super thick rock stratum. Through the model, it can be seen that the fracture of low-level super thick rock stratum produces large elastic energy release and dynamic load, which is easy to produce disasters such as rock burst. The numerical calculation shows that under the influence of low hard and thick rock stratum, the leading area of coal mine roadway will produce energy concentration, and the coal pillar will also produce energy accumulation. Thick rock stratum is in bending state and has large bending elasticity. Coal pillar has large compression elasticity, which is the main reason for rock burst. The accumulation of elastic properties of overburden and rock burst caused by coal pillar energy storage can be effectively controlled by using advanced presplitting blasting, coal seam drilling pressure relief, and strengthening support.