bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocystis and Nycteria (Haemosporida) parasite infections of bats in the Central Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tsague K. J. A. , Bakwo Fils E. M. , Atagana J. P. , Dongue N. V. , Mbeng D. W. , Schaer J. , Tchuinkam T.
Published: September 2021

Mammalian haemosporidian parasites are classified in ten genera, including Plasmodium, Hepatocystis and Nycteria. A high diversity of haemosporidian parasites has been described from bats, but our understanding of their prevalence, distribution and use of hosts remain fragmented. The haemosporidian parasites of bats in Cameroon have been largely understudied, but here, bats, sampled from different habitat types of the Central Region of Cameroon, were investigated for haemosporidian infections with a combination of microscopic and molecular phylogenetic analysis. An overall prevalence of 18.1% of haemosporidian infections was detected in a total of 155 investigated bats belonging to 14 bat species. For the first time Hepatocystis and Nycteria parasites were detected in bats from Cameroon and molecularly characterized. Hepatocystis infections were exclusively identified in the epauletted fruit bat host species Epomophorus pusillus with a high prevalence of 65.5%, whereas Nycteria infections could be detected in several hosts, namely: Doryrhina cyclops (60.0%), Rhinolophus landeri (20.0%) and one Nycteris grandis. This study unveils evidence that habitat types may play a role in transmission of Hepatocystis parasites on a local scale and it adds important information on the distribution and host specificity of the neglected haemosporidian genus Nycteria.
Frozen data? Polar research and fieldwork in a pandemic era
Authors: Duveau Sophie
Published: September 2021

Drawing on an ethnographic survey in Svalbard before and during the coronavirus outbreak, this commentary reflects on the multiple dimensions of fieldwork highlighted by the pandemic. Firstly, the cancellation of many field campaigns has revealed the decisive role of personnel inhabiting scientific bases in the maintenance of scientific activities in Svalbard. Automatic and remote-controlled instruments are autonomous only in appearance as the crucial phases of data acquisition often call for human presence. Secondly, airborne remote sensing can be perceived as a response to fill data gaps. Although embedded in a long history, the use of remote sensed data has taken on a new meaning in the context of the pandemic. Finally, the fact that several researchers endeavour to go to the field whatever the travel conditions underlines a certain need of being in Svalbard as well as limitations of science performed remotely.
Social and occupational recovery in early psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions
Authors: Frawley E. , Cowman M. , Lepage M. , Donohoe G.
Published: September 2021

Background

Psychosis, even in its early stages, ranks highly among the causes of disability worldwide, resulting in an increased focus on improved recovery of social and occupational functioning. This study aimed to provide an estimate of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for improving functioning in early psychosis. We also sought evidence of superiority between intervention approaches.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO to identify original articles reporting on trials of psychosocial interventions in early-stage psychosis, published up to December 2020 and is reported following PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted on validated measures of functioning from included studies and pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) was estimated.

Results

In total, 31 studies involving 2811 participants were included, focusing on: cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), family-based therapy, supported employment, cognitive remediation training (CRT) and multi-component psychosocial interventions. Across interventions, improved function was observed (SMD = 0.239; 95% confidence interval 0.115–0.364, p < 0.001). Effect sizes varied by intervention type, stage of illness, length and duration of treatment and outcome measure used. In particular, interventions based on CRT significantly outperformed symptom-focused CBT interventions, while multi-component interventions were associated with largest gains.

Conclusions

Psychosocial interventions, particularly when provided as part of a multi-component intervention model and delivered in community-based settings are associated with significant improvements in social and occupational function. This review underscores the value of sensitively tracking and targeting psychosocial function as part of the standard provided by early intervention services.
Gradience in subject–verb number agreement: Can bilinguals tune in?
Authors: Jessen Anna , Schwarz Lara , Felser Claudia
Published: September 2021

This study investigates native German speakers’ and bilingual Turkish/German speakers’ sensitivity to constraints on verbal agreement with pseudo-partitive subjects such as eine Packung Tabletten (“a pack of pills”). Although number agreement with the first noun phrase (headed by a container noun) is considered to be the norm, agreement with the second (containee) noun phrase is also possible. We combined scalar acceptability ratings with a stochastic constraint-based grammatical framework to model the relative strength of the constraints that determine speakers’ agreement preferences and subsequently tested whether these models could correctly predict speakers’ verb choices in a production task. For both participant groups, number match between the container noun phrase and the verb was the strongest determinant of both acceptability and production choices. The relative ranking of the constraints that we identified was the same for both groups, and the lack of age-of-acquisition effects suggests that constraints on variable subject–verb agreement, and their relative strength, are acquirable by both early and later learners of German. Group differences were seen in the absolute constraint weightings, however, with the bilinguals’ agreement preferences being more strongly influenced by number match with the containee phrase, indicating a comparatively greater reliance on surface-level cues to agreement (such as noun proximity) among the bilingual group.
Development of modularized in-pipe inspection robotic system: MRINSPECT VII+
Authors: Jang Heesik , Kim Ho Moon , Lee Min Sub , Song Yong Heon , Lee Yoongeon , Ryew Whee Ryeong , Choi Hyouk Ryeol
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a modularized autonomous pipeline inspection robot called MRINSPECT VII+, which we recently developed. MRINSPECT VII+ is aimed at inspect in-service urban gas pipelines with a diameter of 200 mm. The robot consists of five basic modules: driving, sensing, joint, and battery modules. For nondestructive testing (NDT), an NDT module can be added to the system. The driving module uses a multiaxial differential gear mechanism to provide traction forces to the robot. The sensor module recognizes the pipeline element using position-sensitive detector (PSD) sensors and a CCD camera. The control module contains a computing unit and manages the robot’s autonomous navigation. The battery module supplies power to the system. Each module is connected via backdrivable active joint modules, which provide flexibility while moving inside narrow pipelines. Additionally, the wireless communication module helps the system communicate with the ground station. We tested MRINSPECT VII+ in real pipeline environments and validated its feasibility successfully.
Study of grasp-energy based optimal distribution of contact forces on a humanoid robotic hand during object grasp
Authors: Mukherjee Sourajit , Mahapatra Abhijit , Kumar Amit , Chatterjee Avik
Published: September 2021

A novel grasp optimization algorithm for minimizing the net energy utilized by a five-fingered humanoid robotic hand with twenty degrees of freedom for securing a precise grasp is presented in this study. The algorithm utilizes a compliant contact model with a nonlinear spring and damper system to compute the performance measure, called ‘Grasp Energy’. The measure, subject to constraints, has been minimized to obtain locally optimal cartesian trajectories for securing a grasp. A case study is taken to compare the analytical (applying the optimization algorithm) and the simulated data in MSC.Adams$^{^{\circledR}}$, to prove the efficacy of the proposed formulation.
A dilemma for lexical and Archimedean views in population axiology
Authors: Thornley Elliott
Published: September 2021

Lexical views in population axiology can avoid the Repugnant Conclusion without violating Transitivity or Separability. However, they imply a dilemma: either some good life is better than any number of slightly worse lives, or else the ‘at least as good as’ relation on populations is radically incomplete. In this paper, I argue that Archimedean views face an analogous dilemma. I thus conclude that the lexical dilemma gives us little reason to prefer Archimedean views. Even if we give up on lexicality, problems of the same kind remain.
EPILOGUE
Authors: DeKeyser Robert , Li Shaofeng
Published: September 2021

In this commentary, we summarize the findings of the seven included studies that examined implicit language aptitude from various perspectives and highlight issues to be resolved in the validation of this new construct in second language research. We start by providing an overview of the contributions of the studies. We then identify the lack of convergent validity of the measures of implicit aptitude reported in the included studies and problematize the equally varied nature of the measurement of implicit knowledge—the outcome variable of aptitude research—and related concepts. In particular, by drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical claims, we attempt to clarify the relationships between implicit and explicit knowledge, implicit and explicit learning, and implicit and explicit instruction. Next, we draw attention to the interactions reported by the included studies between aptitude and outcome measures and between aptitude and instruction type, emphasizing the value and importance of interactional research. We conclude by making recommendations for future research.
Common pulmonary vein atresia
Authors: Glenn Thomas , Honold Jose , Printz Beth F. , Mueller Dana
Published: September 2021

A 4-hour-old infant with profound cyanosis on an alprostadil infusion was urgently transferred to Rady Children’s Hospital with suspected CHD. Upon arrival, urgent echocardiography was performed but could not confirm the presence of discrete pulmonary veins or pulmonary venous drainage. Given the difficulty in delineating the anatomy, a cardiac CT scan was performed and demonstrated a nearly atretic common pulmonary vein with multiple small collaterals that drained to systemic veins. Due to the high risk of mortality associated with operative repair, the decision was made to proceed with compassionate withdrawal of care. The described anatomy of common pulmonary vein atresia remains rare, and to our knowledge, fewer than 40 cases have been reported in the literature. Albeit rare, common pulmonary vein atresia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a severely cyanotic neonate.
Paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy with and without endocardial fibroelastosis – a pathological analysis of 89 explants
Authors: Reyes Jeanette A. , Dipchand Anne I. , Chiasson David A.
Published: September 2021

Heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy is a major indication for paediatric cardiac transplantation. Endocardial fibroelastosis is a recognised pathological finding of unknown prognostic significance in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy. To evaluate the nature of the association between left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis and paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy, we reviewed surgical pathology reports of dilated cardiomyopathy explants (1986–2016) in order to characterise the pathological findings and to compare and contrast their frequency among four age groups: less than 1 year; 1–5 years; 6–10 years; and greater than 11 years. The 89 explants (47 males and 42 females) were all characterised by increased weight and left ventricular chamber dilatation without increased wall thickness. Ninety-five per cent of the specimens in the two youngest subsets had left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis. Compared to the oldest age group, recipients aged 1–5 years had a 6-fold increase and those younger than 1 year a 19-fold increase in the odds of observing left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis. Explants with and without endocardial fibroelastosis were otherwise phenotypically similar. In paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy endocardial fibroelastosis is a very common pathological finding, especially in infants and young children. We propose that the descriptive, clinico-pathological designation “Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Endocardial Fibroelastosis” should be adopted to facilitate future investigation into the potential prognostic/therapeutic significance of left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis.
Influence of Educational Background, Childhood Socioeconomic Environment, and Language Use on Cognition among Spanish-Speaking Latinos Living Near the US–Mexico Border
Authors: Kamalyan Lily , Guareña Lesley A. , Díaz-Santos Mirella , Suarez Paola , Cherner Mariana , García Alcorn Marlen Y. , Umlauf Anya , Franklin Donald R. , Rivera Mindt Monica , Artiola i Fortuny Lidia , Heaton Robert K. , Marquine María J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

We investigated the impact of culturally relevant social, educational, and language factors on cognitive test performance among Spanish speakers living near the US–Mexico border.

Methods:

Participants included 254 healthy native Spanish speakers from the Neuropsychological Norms for the US–Mexico Border Region in Spanish (NP-NUMBRS) project (Age: M = 37.3, SD = 10.4; Education: M = 10.7, SD = 4.3; 59% Female). A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered in Spanish. Individual test scaled scores and T-scores (based on region-specific norms adjusted for age, education, and sex) were averaged to create Global Mean Scaled and T-scores. Measures of culturally relevant factors included a self-reported indicator of educational quality/access (proportion of education in Spanish-speaking country, quality of school/classroom setting, stopped attending school to work), childhood socioeconomic environment (parental education, proportion of time living in Spanish-speaking country, childhood socioeconomic and health status, access to basic resources, work as a child), and Spanish/English language use and fluency.

Results:

Several culturally relevant variables were significantly associated with unadjusted Global Scaled Scores in univariable analyses. When using demographically adjusted T-scores, fewer culturally relevant characteristics were significant. In multivariable analyses, being bilingual (p = .04) and working as a child for one’s own benefit compared to not working as a child (p = .006) were significantly associated with higher Global Mean T-score, accounting for 9% of variance.

Conclusions:

Demographically adjusted normative data provide a useful tool for the identification of brain dysfunction, as these account for much of the variance of sociocultural factors on cognitive test performance. Yet, certain culturally relevant variables still contributed to cognitive test performance above and beyond basic demographics, warranting further investigation.
Confronting the Foreigner: Common Policies of Rashid al-Din and Liu Bingzhong on Mongol Rule in Iran and China
Authors: HATEF-NAIEMI ATRI
Published: September 2021

This article discusses the career of three historical figures who had a position of authority in the courts of the Ilkhans and the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire in China: Rashid al-Din Tabib (d. 1318), the Persian statesman and historian; Liu Bingzhong (d. 1274), Qubilai Khan's (r. 1260-94) Chinese counsellor; and Bolad Aqa (d. 1313), the famed Mongol tribesman. This study raises the question of whether Rashid al-Din's policies, when he was in office as the vizier of Ghazan Khan (r. 1295-1304), were modelled in some respects on the approach of the Chinese nobles—Liu in particular—to the Mongols during the early stages of the Mongol rule over China. In addition, taking into account Bolad's noticeable presence in the courts of the Mongols in Ilkhanid Iran and Yuan China, it seeks to shed light on his role as an intermediary and a possible conduit for Chinese political thoughts to reach Rashid al-Din.
Power and Politics of Representation: Picturing Elite Women in Ilkhanid Painting
Authors: CHIDA-RAZVI MEHREEN
Published: September 2021

The first half of the fourteenth century was a discrete period in Ilkhanid Iran during which paintings that pictured elite Mongol women in their true courtly milieu, participating in courtly life and in their contemporary place within societal hierarchies, were produced. It will be argued that a correlation existed between the power wielded by these women in Mongol socio-economic and political spheres and their depictions as formative, important members of the ruling elite; and that the decrease, and ultimate halting, of such representations coincided with changes in their political, cultural and social power. Using Ilkhanid enthronement scenes in the Diez and Istanbul albums to illustrate how visible and prominent the Khātūns were, a fact corroborated by written testimonials of visitors to the Mongol courts, this paper then examines how such images became symbols of legitimacy for later Il-Khans as well as later Persianate rulers in the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. It will be argued that the image of an enthroned royal Ilkhanid couple carried the weight of political and dynastic legitimacy, and that the inclusion of the Mongol Khātūn was integral to this symbolic importance.
Genetic diversity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Sikkim-Himalaya and early insight into their use in genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Chettri Deepak , Anandan A. , Nagireddy Ranjit Kumar , Sabarinathan S. , Sathyanarayana N.
Published: September 2021

The Sikkim-Himalaya represents one of the unique reservoirs of rice genetic resources in India owing to the presence of a large number of landraces adapted to extreme climatic and edaphic conditions. This valuable gene pool is now under threat due to the introduction of high-yielding varieties, wanting suitable genetic intervention for enhancing their productivity, and thus economic viability. Development of lodging resistant, high-yielding varieties tolerant to soil acidity through association mapping aided marker-assisted breeding programmes can help achieve this in a fast and efficient manner. But this requires information on genetic diversity, population structure, etc., of the germplasm collection, which is strikingly lacking. We, therefore, characterized a set of 53 rice landraces from Sikkim to address the above issues. The results revealed moderate diversity, poor divergence and high gene flow in our germplasm collection attesting its utility as an association mapping panel. Further, a total of 115 putative marker-trait associations (P < 0.05, R2 ≥ 10%) were obtained using the general linear model and mixed linear models of which 25 were identical in both. Some of the associated markers were positioned in those regions where Qualitative Trait Loci have been previously identified in rice, providing credence to our results. The resources generated from this study will benefit the rice breeders from this region and elsewhere for targeting the yield and related traits, in addition to conservation efforts by the interested researchers.
A Moment of Reckoning: Transcending Bias, Engaging Race and Racial Formations in Slavic and East European Studies
Authors: Rucker-Chang Sunnie , Ohueri Chelsi West
Published: September 2021

Race and racial formations and categories define global systems of power and are not bound by history or culture. Nevertheless, with few noted exceptions, race as a category of analysis has largely been rejected and rendered inapplicable within Slavic, east European, and Eurasian Studies. This unwillingness to expand categories of critical analysis has created a void in our area and field of study, shaping a false sense of racelessness. Without the inclusion of race critical theories into our classrooms and scholarship, our students are left with minimal tools to address difference and social exclusion. In this article, we turn to critical perspectives to highlight some ways that race is being meaningfully incorporated into scholarship about the region. We illustrate why engagement with race and racialization is helpful for analysis, urgent, and necessary. Finally, we also address how our field can better prepare students as they engage these subjects.
The Invisibility of Race in Sociological Research on Contemporary Russia: A Decolonial Intervention
Authors: Yusupova Marina
Published: September 2021

This essay provides a critical decolonial intervention into the prevalent state of racial exceptionalism in mainstream sociological research on contemporary Russia. Following critical race theory's understanding of race as relationally constituted and rooted in discourses of Europeanness, modernity, and civilization, the essay shows that race is highly prevalent but unacknowledged in sociological studies of Russia. It is argued that dismissing race as analytically irrelevant in Russia seriously limits the sociological ability to explain social inequalities, engage with current global challenges and inadvertently gives racism new legitimacy. Drawing on postcolonial and decolonial critiques of sociology as a form of knowledge production, the essay points towards some ways of decolonizing sociological research concerning the inequalities associated with race and ethnicity in Russia and overcoming racial exceptionalism.
The Afterlife of Soviet Russia's “Refusal to be White”: A Du Boisian Lens on Post-Soviet Russian-US Relations
Authors: Monet Christy
Published: September 2021

In this essay I address a gap in the study of contemporary Russia-US relations. I argue that the concepts of race and racialization are active in these relations and available for analysis, but they continue to receive very little attention as compared to concepts of democratization and securitization. My main intervention is the introduction of “race-conscious reading” as a methodological approach relevant not only to the narrow sphere of Russia-US relations, but to the field of Slavic studies more broadly. Presenting the concept of “race-conscious reading” first, I then sketch out a research agenda that extends W.E.B. Du Bois's race-conscious observation of Soviet Russia's “refusal to be white” into the contemporary era. My goal in sketching out this research agenda is to show how a race-conscious approach to reading post-Soviet Russia-US relations can bring fresh perspectives to long-standing questions—Is Russia part of the west?—and generate new questions of urgent relevance: Is there a difference between American and Russian conceptions of “whiteness,” and how and when do they clash?
The Man Who Struck the Judge with a Fly Swatter: Justice and Performance in Contemporary Kazakhstan
Authors: Shelekpayev Nari
Published: September 2021

This article investigates a series of events that occurred in Quaragandy, a postindustrial city in northern Kazakhstan in the mid-2010s. These events led to Evgenii Tankov, an established lawyer, hitting a judge, Arai Alshynbekov, with a fly swatter during a routine court session. This research demonstrates that Tankov's act was not a flash of rage or a real attempt to harm the judge. It was, instead, a calculated strategy in which a political statement was concealed if not sheathed within the form of a grotesque performance. Tankov knew he would be judged for disrespect towards the court: and yet he used his subsequent trial to demonstrate the moral and intellectual impasse of Kazakhstan's judicial system. This article claims that as a performance, Tankov's case is useful because it allows one to re-think the genre itself. Moreover, it argues that the form of the trial per se became a genre of political agency in contemporary Kazakhstan. As an example of political praxis, this case allows one to question the ways in which non-political actors produce and affirm their identities and create new forms of political agency in a reality in which political behavior is bounded by a postsocialist authoritarian state.
Lernberatung durch Lernberatung lernen
Authors: Holtschmidt Ilona
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Zugänge für die Lernberatung gelingen vorrangig in der Auseinandersetzung mit der eigenen pädagogischen Haltung. Gemeint ist hier die Reflexion der eigenen Lern- und Berufsbiografie – dies ist in meinen durchgeführten Fort- und Weiterbildungen sowie Lehrveranstaltungen in den letzten 20 Jahren mehr als deutlich geworden. Ebenfalls unterstützen förderliche Rahmenbedingungen eine erfolgreiche Implementierung von Lernberatung in Schulen im Gesundheitsbereich.
Studierende unterrichten Studierende
Authors: Kerres Andrea , Wissing Christiane
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Zwei Studiengänge mit unterschiedlichen Zielsetzungen und die Corona-Pandemie – Wie lässt sich das vereinbaren? Auf der einen Seite der Studiengang Pflege Dual, mit dem die Studierenden nach Abschluss ihres Studiums auch die Zusatzqualifikation zur Praxisanleitung erhalten. Auf der anderen Seite der Studiengang Pflegepädagogik, mit dem die Studierenden als Lehrende u. a. an Berufsfachschulen unterrichten dürfen. Das studiengangsübergreifende Modul soll den Lernzielen beider Studiengänge gerecht werden.
Comparison of Atmospheric Refractivity Estimation Methods and Their Influence on Radar Propagation Predictions
Authors: Pastore Douglas M. , Greenway Daniel P. , Stanek Mathew J. , Wessinger Sarah E. , Haack Tracy , Wang Qing , Hackett Erin E.
Published: September 2021

Environmental predictions in the marine atmospheric surface layer (MASL) are imperative to optimize X‐band radar system performance in marine environments. Evaporation ducts (ED) lead to anomalous propagation where characterization of EDs in the MASL occurs primarily through two methods: in‐situ measurements and numerical modeling. This study investigates the differences in co‐located and synchronous refractivity estimations from the CASPER‐East campaign. Propagation predictions are generated for refractive profiles from in‐situ measurements, Monin‐Obukov boundary layer similarity theory, and numerical weather prediction forecasts. Variations in evaporation duct height (EDH) are found to be a primary driver of differences in propagation between the estimated refractivity profiles, where location of the EDH relative to the transmitter changes the sensitivity of propagation predictions to EDH estimates. Differences in propagation are large when EDH estimates span the transmitter height and the lowest EDH across the methods is small, regardless of how much variation there is in EDH estimates. When the lowest EDH is small and EDH estimates span the transmitter height there are differences in physical regimes causing large propagation discrepancies–for example, leakage into versus trapping within the duct. Variation in EDH between the methods is greatest in stable environments. M‐deficit and curvature of the refractive profiles also influence propagation specifically in scenarios when EDH spans the transmitter. When all EDHs are below the transmitter, EDH variance is the primary contributor to propagation variance, but M‐deficit and profile curvature variance play a secondary role. M‐deficits and curvature between the methods agree most often during periods of atmospheric stability.
Compaction of the Groningen Gas Reservoir Sandstone: Discrete Element Modeling Using Microphysically Based Grain‐Scale Interaction Laws
Authors: Mehranpour M. H. , Hangx S. J. T. , Spiers C. J.
Published: September 2021

Reservoir compaction, surface subsidence, and induced seismicity are often associated with prolonged hydrocarbon production. Recent experiments conducted on the Groningen gas field's Slochteren sandstone reservoir rock, at in‐situ conditions, have shown that compaction involves both poroelastic strain and time independent, permanent strain, caused by consolidation and shear of clay films coating the sandstone grains, with grain failure occurring at higher stresses. To model compaction of the reservoir in space and time, numerical approaches, such as the Discrete Element Method (DEM), populated with realistic grain‐scale mechanisms are needed. We developed a new particle‐interaction law (contact model) for classic DEM to explicitly account for the experimentally observed mechanisms of nonlinear elasticity, intergranular clay film deformation, and grain breakage. It was calibrated against both hydrostatic and conventional triaxial compression experiments and validated against an independent set of pore pressure depletion experiments conducted under uniaxial strain conditions, using a range of sample porosities, grain size distributions, and clay contents. The model obtained was used to predict compaction of the Groningen reservoir. These results were compared with field measurements of in‐situ compaction and matched favorably, within field measurement uncertainties. The new model allows systematic investigation of the effects of mineralogy, microstructure, boundary conditions, and loading path on compaction behavior of the reservoir. It also offers a means of generating a data bank suitable for developing generalized constitutive models and for predicting reservoir response to different scenarios of gas extraction, or of fluid injection for stabilization or storage purposes.
Activation of septal OXTr neurons induces anxiety- but not depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Huang Tuanjie , Guan Fangxia , Licinio Julio , Wong Ma-Li , Yang Yunlei
Published: September 2021

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well recognized for eliciting anxiolytic effects and promoting social reward. However, emerging evidence shows that OXT increases aversive events. These seemingly inconsistent results may be attributable to the broad OXT receptor (OXTr) expression in the central nervous system. This study selectively activated septal neurons expressing OXTr using chemogenetics. We found that chemogenetic activation of septal OXTr neurons induced anxiety- but not depressive-like behavior. In addition, septal OXTr neurons projected dense fibers to the horizontal diagonal band of Broca (HDB), and selective stimulation of those HDB projections also elicited anxiety-like behaviors. We also found that septal OXTr neurons express the vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) protein and optogenetic stimulation of septal OXTr projections to the HDB inactivated HDB neurons. Our data collectively reveal that septal OXTr neurons increase anxiety by projecting inhibitory GABAergic inputs to the HDB.
The role of reciprocal fusions in MLL-r acute leukemia: studying the chromosomal translocation t(4;11)
Authors: Wilhelm Alexander , Marschalek Rolf
Published: September 2021

Leukemia patients bearing the t(4;11)(q21;q23) translocations can be divided into two subgroups: those expressing both reciprocal fusion genes, and those that have only the MLL-AF4 fusion gene. Moreover, a recent study has demonstrated that patients expressing both fusion genes have a better outcome than patients that are expressing the MLL-AF4 fusion protein alone. All this may point to a clonal process where the reciprocal fusion gene AF4-MLL could be lost during disease progression, as this loss may select for a more aggressive type of leukemia. Therefore, we were interested in unraveling the decisive role of the AF4-MLL fusion protein at an early timepoint of disease development. We designed an experimental model system where the MLL-AF4 fusion protein was constitutively expressed, while an inducible AF4-MLL fusion gene was induced for only 48 h. Subsequently, we investigated genome-wide changes by RNA- and ATAC-Seq experiments at distinct timepoints. These analyses revealed that the expression of AF4-MLL for only 48 h was sufficient to significantly change the genomic landscape (transcription and chromatin) even on a longer time scale. Thus, we have to conclude that the AF4-MLL fusion protein works through a hit-and-run mechanism, probably necessary to set up pre-leukemic conditions, but being dispensable for later disease progression.
Large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma: consensus statement from The British Thoracic Oncology Group and the Association of Pulmonary Pathologists
Authors: Lindsay Colin R. , Shaw Emily C. , Moore David A. , Rassl Doris , Jamal-Hanjani Mariam , Steele Nicola , Naheed Salma , Dick Craig , Taylor Fiona , Adderley Helen , Black Fiona , Summers Yvonne , Evans Matt , Rice Alexandra , Fabre Aurelie , Wallace William A. , Nicholson Siobhan , Haragan Alex , Taniere Phillipe , Nicholson Andrew G. , Laing Gavin , Cave Judith , Forster Martin D. , Blackhall Fiona , Gosney John , Popat Sanjay , Kerr Keith M.
Published: September 2021

Over the past 10 years, lung cancer clinical and translational research has been characterised by exponential progress, exemplified by the introduction of molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy combinations to stage III and IV non-small cell lung cancer. Along with squamous and small cell lung cancers, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) now represents an area of unmet need, particularly hampered by the lack of an encompassing pathological definition that can facilitate real-world and clinical trial progress. The steps we have proposed in this article represent an iterative and rational path forward towards clinical breakthroughs that can be modelled on success in other lung cancer pathologies.
Characterisation and outcomes of patients referred to a regional cancer of unknown primary team: a 10-year analysis
Authors: Stares Mark , Purshouse Karin , Knowles Gillian , Haigh Rachel , Irvine Jenny , Gatenby Aoife , Patton Rebekah , McGinty Jo , Christie Alan , MacLennan Marjory , Barrie Colin , Clive Sally
Published: September 2021

Background

In the United Kingdom, national guidance published in 2010 recommended the establishment of specialist teams to improve clinical pathways for patients presenting with malignancies of undefined primary origin (MUO) and cancer of unknown primary (CUP). This study sought to define outcomes of patients referred to a regional MUO/CUP service.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on all patients (n = 1225) referred to a regional CUP team over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, clinical, pathological and outcome data were recorded and analysed.

Results

Confirmed CUP (cCUP) was diagnosed in 25% of patients. A primary metastatic cancer was identified in 36%, 5% were diagnosed with provisional CUP (pCUP), 27% retained the diagnosis of MUO and in 8% a non-cancer diagnosis was made. Median survival was low in all patients with a final malignant diagnosis: primary identified 9.0 months, cCUP 4.0 months, pCUP 1.5 months and MUO 1.5 months.

Conclusions

Patients presenting with MUO have poor outcomes irrespective of the final diagnosis. These patients need a patient-centred, streamlined, rapid diagnostic pathway. There are clear benefits to primary and secondary care teams having access to a dedicated, multidisciplinary MUO/CUP service, with clinical nurse specialists supporting the patients, to help facilitate this pathway and ensure early oncology review.
Differential programming enabled functional imaging with Lorentz transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Zhou Tao , Cherukara Mathew , Phatak Charudatta
Published: September 2021

Lorentz transmission electron microscopy is an advanced characterization technique that enables the simultaneous imaging of both the microstructure and functional properties of materials. Information such as magnetization and electric potentials is carried by the phase of the electron wave, and is lost during image acquisition. Various methods have been proposed to retrieve the phase of the electron wavefunction using intensities of the acquired images, most of which work only in the small defocus limit. Imaging at strong defoci not only carries more quantitative phase information, but is essential to the study of weak magnetic and electrostatic fields at the nanoscale. In this work we develop a method based on differentiable programming to solve the inverse problem of phase retrieval. We show that our method maintains a high spatial resolution and robustness against noise even at the upper defocus limit of the microscope. More importantly, our proposed method can go beyond recovering just the phase information. We demonstrate this by retrieving the electron-optical parameters of the contrast transfer function alongside the electron exit wavefunction.
Expansion of the high field-boosted superconductivity in UTe2 under pressure
Authors: Ran Sheng , Saha Shanta R. , Liu I-Lin , Graf David , Paglione Johnpierre , Butch Nicholas P.
Published: September 2021

Magnetic field-induced superconductivity is a fascinating quantum phenomenon, whose origin is yet to be fully understood. The recently discovered spin-triplet superconductor, UTe2, exhibits two such superconducting phases, with the second one reentering in the magnetic field of 45 T and persisting up to 65 T. More surprisingly, in order to induce this superconducting phase, the magnetic field has to be applied in a special angle range, not along any high symmetry crystalline direction. Here we investigated the evolution of this high-field-induced superconducting phase under pressure. Two superconducting phases merge together under pressure, and the zero resistance persists up to 45 T, the field limit of the current study. We also reveal that the high-field-induced superconducting phase is completely decoupled from the first-order field-polarized phase transition, different from the previously known example of field-induced superconductivity in URhGe, indicating superconductivity boosted by a different paring mechanism.
Cyclic pulsation stress promotes bone formation of tissue engineered laminae through the F-actin/YAP-1/β-Catenin signaling axis
Authors: Li Linli , Li Hailong , He Yiqun , Tang Han , Dong Jian , Chen Xujun , Lyu Feizhou , Dong Youhai
Published: September 2021

Mechanical loads are fundamental regulators of bone formation and remodeling. However, the molecular regulation of mechanotransduction during vertebral laminae regeneration remains poorly understood. Here, we found that cerebrospinal fluid pulsation (CSFP) stress—cyclic pulsation stress—could promote the osteogenic and angiogenic abilities of rat mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), thereby promoting tissue-engineered laminae’s bone and blood vessel formation. In the process, F-actin relayed CSFP stress to promote the nuclear translocation of YAP1, which then decreased the degradation and promoted the nuclear translocation of β-Catenin. In turn, the nuclear translocation of β-Catenin promoted the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenic abilities of MSC, thereby promoting tissue-engineered laminae’s bone and blood vessel formation. Thus, we conclude that CSFP promotes the osteogenesis and angiogenesis of tissue-engineered laminae through the F-actin/YAP-1/β-Catenin signaling axis. This study advances our understanding of vertebral laminae regeneration and provides potential therapeutic approaches for spinal degeneration after spinal laminectomy.
Large-scale randomized experiments reveals that machine learning-based instruction helps people memorize more effectively
Authors: Upadhyay Utkarsh , Lancashire Graham , Moser Christoph , Gomez-Rodriguez Manuel
Published: September 2021

We perform a large-scale randomized controlled trial to evaluate the potential of machine learning-based instruction sequencing to improve memorization while allowing the learners the freedom to choose their review times. After controlling for the length and frequency of study, we find that learners for whom a machine learning algorithm determines which questions to include in their study sessions remember the content over ~69% longer. We also find that the sequencing algorithm has an effect on users’ engagement.
Integration of spatial and single-cell transcriptomic data elucidates mouse organogenesis
Authors: Lohoff T. , Ghazanfar S. , Missarova A. , Koulena N. , Pierson N. , Griffiths J. A. , Bardot E. S. , Eng C.-H. L. , Tyser R. C. V. , Argelaguet R. , Guibentif C. , Srinivas S. , Briscoe J. , Simons B. D. , Hadjantonakis A.-K. , Göttgens B. , Reik W. , Nichols J. , Cai L. , Marioni J. C.
Published: September 2021

Molecular profiling of single cells has advanced our knowledge of the molecular basis of development. However, current approaches mostly rely on dissociating cells from tissues, thereby losing the crucial spatial context of regulatory processes. Here, we apply an image-based single-cell transcriptomics method, sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (seqFISH), to detect mRNAs for 387 target genes in tissue sections of mouse embryos at the 8–12 somite stage. By integrating spatial context and multiplexed transcriptional measurements with two single-cell transcriptome atlases, we characterize cell types across the embryo and demonstrate that spatially resolved expression of genes not profiled by seqFISH can be imputed. We use this high-resolution spatial map to characterize fundamental steps in the patterning of the midbrain–hindbrain boundary (MHB) and the developing gut tube. We uncover axes of cell differentiation that are not apparent from single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, such as early dorsal–ventral separation of esophageal and tracheal progenitor populations in the gut tube. Our method provides an approach for studying cell fate decisions in complex tissues and development.
Chromosome-scale genome sequencing, assembly and annotation of six genomes from subfamily Leishmaniinae
Authors: Almutairi Hatim , Urbaniak Michael D. , Bates Michelle D. , Jariyapan Narissara , Kwakye-Nuako Godwin , Thomaz Soccol Vanete , Al-Salem Waleed S. , Dillon Rod J. , Bates Paul A. , Gatherer Derek
Published: September 2021

We provide the raw and processed data produced during the genome sequencing of isolates from six species of parasites from the sub-familyLeishmaniinae:Leishmania martiniquensis(Thailand),Leishmania orientalis(Thailand),Leishmania enriettii(Brazil),Leishmaniasp. Ghana,Leishmaniasp. Namibia andPorcisia hertigi(Panama).De novoassembly was performed using Nanopore long reads to construct chromosome backbone scaffolds. We then corrected erroneous base calling by mapping short Illumina paired-end reads onto the initial assembly. Data has been deposited at NCBI as follows: raw sequencing output in the Sequence Read Archive, finished genomes in GenBank, and ancillary data in BioSample and BioProject. Derived data such as quality scoring, SAM files, genome annotations and repeat sequence lists have been deposited in Lancaster University’s electronic data archive with DOIs provided for each item. Our coding workflow has been deposited in GitHub and Zenodo repositories. This data constitutes a resource for the comparative genomics of parasites and for further applications in general and clinical parasitology.
Prognostic factors in elderly patients with T1 glottic cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Mucha-Małecka Anna , Małecki Krzysztof , Amrogowicz Natalia , Biesaga Beata , Modrzejewski Maciej
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of radiotherapy in elderly T1 glottic cancer patients and prognostic factors with particular focus on comorbidities. Five-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and local control rates were 63%, 92%, and 93%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors had statistically significant impact on local relapse risk and cancer death risk: diabetes, underweight, and fraction dose of 2 Gy. High number of comorbidities, high CCI, and underweight negatively influenced overall survival. A retrospective analysis was performed in a group of 131 T1N0M0 glottic cancer patients aged 70 and above treated with irradiation at the National Institute of Oncology in Cracow between 1977 and 2007. In the analyzed group men prevailed (92%) of mean age of 74 years. Each patient was diagnosed with at least one comorbidity with the following comorbid conditions being most frequent: hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the studied group, the effect of comorbidities on overall survival was evaluated using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Twenty five (19%) patients showed underweight. All patients were irradiated once daily, 5 days a week, to a total dose of 60–70 Gy with a fraction dose of 2 or 2.5 Gy. Radiotherapy is an effective treatment modality in elderly T1 glottic cancer patients. Diabetes as comorbidity, underweight, and conventional dose fractionation decrease the probability of curative effect of radiotherapy in this group of patients, while high number of comorbidities diminishes the probability of long-term survival.
Leptin sensitizing effect of 1,3-butanediol and its potential mechanism
Authors: Isoda Masayo , Ebihara Ken , Sawayama Nagisa , Murakami Akiko , Ebihara Chihiro , Shibuya Koji , Takei Akihito , Takei Shoko , Wakabayashi Tetsuji , Yamamuro Daisuke , Takahashi Manabu , Nagashima Shuichi , Ishibashi Shun
Published: September 2021

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that regulates appetite and energy expenditure via the hypothalamus. Since the majority of obese subjects are leptin resistant, leptin sensitizers, rather than leptin itself, are expected to be anti-obesity drugs. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the hypothalamus plays a key role in the pathogenesis of leptin resistance. ATP-deficient cells are vulnerable to ER stress and ATP treatment protects cells against ER stress. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic effects of oral 1,3-butanediol (BD) administration, which increases plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and hypothalamic ATP concentrations, in diet induced obese (DIO) mice with leptin resistance. BD treatment effectively decreased food intake and body weight in DIO mice. In contrast, BD treatment had no effect in leptin deficient ob/ob mice. Co-administration experiment demonstrated that BD treatment sensitizes leptin action in both DIO and ob/ob mice. We also demonstrated that BD treatment attenuates ER stress and leptin resistance at the hypothalamus level. This is the first report to confirm the leptin sensitizing effect of BD treatment in leptin resistant DIO mice. The present study provides collateral evidence suggesting that the effect of BD treatment is mediated by the elevation of hypothalamic ATP concentration. Ketone bodies and hypothalamic ATP are the potential target for the treatment of obesity and its complications.