bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize AFP1 confers antifungal activity by inhibiting chitin deacetylases from a broad range of fungi
Authors: Ma Lay-Sun , Tsai Wei-Lun , Kalunke Raviraj M. , Xu Meng-Yun , Lin Yu-Han , Damei Florensia Ariani , Lee Hui-Chun
Published: November 2021

Adapted plant pathogenic fungi deacetylate chitin to chitosan to avoid host perception and disarm the chitin-triggered plant immunity. Whether plants have evolved factors to counteract this fungal evasion mechanism in the plant-pathogen interface remains obscure. Here, we decipher the underlying mechanism of maize cysteine-rich receptor-like secreted proteins (CRRSPs)-AFP1, which exhibits mannose-binding dependent antifungal activity. AFP1 initials the action by binding to specific sites on the surface of yeast-like cells, filaments, and germinated spores of the biotrophic fungi Ustilago maydis. This could result in fungal cell growth and cell budding inhibition, delaying spore germination and subsequently reducing fungal viability in a mannose-binding dependence manner. The antifungal activity of AFP1 is conferred by its interaction with the PMT-dependent mannosylated chitin deacetylases (CDAs) and interfering with the conversion of chitin. Our finding that AFP1 targets CDAs from pathogenic fungi and nonpathogenic budding yeast suggests a potential application of the CRRSP in combating fungal diseases and reducing threats posed by the fungal kingdom.
Strontium isotopes reveal diverse life history variations, migration patterns, and habitat use for Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus) in Arctic, Alaska
Authors: Leppi Jason C. , Rinella Daniel J. , Wipfli Mark S. , Brown Randy J. , Spaleta Karen J. , Whitman Matthew S.
Published: November 2021

Conservation of Arctic fish species is challenging partly due to our limited ability to track fish through time and space, which constrains our understanding of life history diversity and lifelong habitat use. Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus) is an important subsistence species for Alaska’s Arctic Indigenous communities, yet little is known about life history diversity, migration patterns, and freshwater habitat use. Using laser ablation Sr isotope otolith microchemistry, we analyzed Colville River Broad Whitefish87Sr/86Sr chronologies (n = 61) to reconstruct movements and habitat use across the lives of individual fish. We found evidence of at least six life history types, including three anadromous types, one semi-anadromous type, and two nonanadromous types. Anadromous life history types comprised a large proportion of individuals sampled (collectively, 59%) and most of these (59%) migrated to sea between ages 0–2 and spent varying durations at sea. The semi-anadromous life history type comprised 28% of samples and entered marine habitat as larvae. Nonanadromous life history types comprised the remainder (collectively, 13%). Otolith87Sr/86Sr data from juvenile and adult freshwater stages suggest that habitat use changed in association with age, seasons, and life history strategies. This information on Broad Whitefish life histories and habitat use across time and space will help managers and conservation planners better understand the risks of anthropogenic impacts and help conserve this vital subsistence resource.
GapMind for Carbon Sources: Automated annotations of catabolic pathways
Authors: Price Morgan N. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: November 2021

GapMind for carbon sources is an automated tool for annotating catabolic pathways in bacterial and archaeal genomes. GapMind includes 62 compounds and identifies potential transporters and enzymes by their similarity to experimentally-characterized proteins. To improve GapMind’s coverage, we used high-throughput genetic data from 29 bacteria and systematically examined the gaps. We identified novel pathways or enzymes for the utilization of glucosamine, citrulline, myo-inositol, lactose, and phenylacetate, and we annotated 299 diverged enzymes and transporters. We also curated 125 proteins from published reports. For the 29 bacteria with genetic data, GapMind finds high-confidence paths for 85% of utilized carbon sources. In diverse bacteria and archaea, 38% of utilized carbon sources have high-confidence paths, which was improved from 27% by incorporating the fitness-based annotations and our curation. GapMind for carbon sources is available as a web server (http://papers.genomics.lbl.gov/carbon) and takes just 30 seconds for the typical genome.
Combinatorial expression of gamma-protocadherins regulates synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex
Authors: Zhu Yi-Jun , Deng Cai-Yun , Fan Liu , Wang Ya-Qian , Zhou Hui , Xu Hua-Tai
Published: November 2021

In the process of synaptic formation, neurons must not only adhere to specific principles when selecting synaptic partners but also possess mechanisms to avoid undesirable connections. Yet, the strategies employed to prevent unwarranted associations have remained largely unknown. In our study, we have identified the pivotal role of combinatorial clustered protocadherin gamma (γ-PCDH) expression in orchestrating synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex. Through 5-prime end single-cell sequencing, we unveiled the intricate combinatorial expression patterns of γ-PCDH variable isoforms within neocortical neurons. Furthermore, our whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that as the similarity in this combinatorial pattern among neurons increased, their synaptic connectivity decreased. Our findings elucidate a sophisticated molecular mechanism governing the construction of neural networks in the mouse neocortex.
Prefrontal-amygdalar oscillations related to social interaction behavior in mice
Authors: Kuga Nahoko , Abe Reimi , Takano Kotomi , Ikegaya Yuji , Sasaki Takuya
Published: November 2021

The medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala are involved in the regulation of social behavior and associated with psychiatric diseases but their detailed neurophysiological mechanisms at a network level remain unclear. We recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the dorsal medial PFC (dmPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) while mice engaged on social behavior. We found that in wild-type mice, both the dmPFC and BLA increased 4–7 Hz oscillation power and decreased 30–60 Hz power when they needed to attend to another target mouse. In mouse models with reduced social interactions, dmPFC 4–7 Hz power further increased especially when they exhibited social avoidance behavior. In contrast, dmPFC and BLA decreased 4–7 Hz power when wild-type mice socially approached a target mouse. Frequency-specific optogenetic manipulations of replicating social approach-related LFP patterns restored social interaction behavior in socially deficient mice. These results demonstrate a neurophysiological substrate of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala related to social behavior and provide a unified pathophysiological understanding of neuronal population dynamics underlying social behavioral deficits.
Knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Tommy K.C. , Lo Man Fung , Fong Ben Y.F.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had a long history and has been widely practiced worldwide. TCM includes acupunctures, herbal medicine and chiropractic. However, limited studies examined the relationship between knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM among the Hong Kong general public. This study has developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM in Hong Kong by using partial least square structural equation model.

Design/methodology/approach

An online-based questionnaire was distributed by using convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of five parts to collect the data regarding the knowledge, attitude, utilisation and satisfaction of TCM of respondents. The reflective measurement model and structural model were examined with SmartPLS 3.0 statistical software.

Findings

A total of 131 respondents completed the survey, and all data were valid after data screening and cleaning. Around 60% of the participants received TCM information from their friends and family members, and 42% from the internet. Likewise, there is positive relationship from the knowledge of TCM to the utilisation, from the attitude to the utilisation and from the utilisation of TCM to the satisfaction. However, the positive relationship of knowledge regarding TCM and attitude is not proven. At-test and one-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences between gender and age groups on each measurement items.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights for researchers and policymakers to understand the significance of attitude and perception of the benefits of treatments in the use of TCM. The positive experience of TCM from other people is essential for enhancing the willingness to use TCM while education is also fundamental in promoting TCM to the public.
Historical research with Chinese multilateral historical marketing sources
Authors: Yan Tony , Hyman Michael R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The rich primary and secondary data sources for studying historical Chinese marketing theory and practice are discussed. This paper aims to briefly address possible challenges (and their solutions) to using these sources.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliographic review is used to analyze historical sources pertaining to Chinese marketing theory and practice.

Findings

Marketing scholars can draw from multiple but neglected and underused Chinese sources to glean important historical data reflecting pre-1949 Chinese marketing.

Research limitations/implications

Underused Chinese multilateral historical marketing materials are inalienable to extending historical marketing study. Many studies about marketing theory and practice are amenable to such materials.

Practical implications

By scrutinizing these materials, contemporary marketers can formulate parallel strategies from the repertoire of historical marketing strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive survey of an invaluable non-Western source for historical research in marketing.
2E‐Decene‐4,6‐diyn‐1‐ol‐acetate inhibits osteoclastogenesis through mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐c‐Fos‐NFATc1 signalling pathways
Authors: Park Young Ran , Su Xiang‐Dong , Shrestha Saroj Kumar , Yang Seo Young , Soh Yunjo
Published: November 2021

An imbalance of osteoclasts and osteoblasts can result in a variety of bone‐related diseases, including osteoporosis. Thus, decreasing the activity of osteoclastic bone resorption is the main therapeutic method for treating osteoporosis. 2E‐Decene‐4, 6‐diyn‐1‐ol‐acetate (DDA) is a natural bioactive compound with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties. However, its effects on osteoclastogenesis are unknown. Murine bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) or RAW264.7 cells were treated with DDA, followed by evaluation of cell viability, RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation, and pit formation assay. Effects of DDA on RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of MAPKs were assayed by western blot analysis. Expression of osteoclast‐specific genes was examined with reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and western blot analysis. In this study, DDA significantly inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells as well as in BMMs without cytotoxicity. DDA also strongly blocked the resorbing capacity of BMM on calcium phosphate‐coated plates. DDA inhibited RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPKs, as well as expression of c‐Fos and NFATc1, which are essential transcription factors for osteoclastogenesis. In addition, DDA decreased expression levels of osteoclastogenesis‐specific genes, including matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK) in RANKL‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, these findings indicated that DDA attenuates RANKL‐induced osteoclast formation by suppressing the MAPKs‐c‐Fos‐NFATc1 signalling pathway and osteoclast‐specific genes. These results indicate that DDA may be a potential candidate for bone diseases associated with abnormal osteoclast formation and function.
Extraction of phenolic compounds from the shells of pecan nuts with cytotoxic activity through apoptosis against the colon cancer cell line HT‐29
Authors: Ribas Lucas Emanuel , Baravalle María Eugenia , Gasser Fátima Belén , Renna María Sol , Addona Silvina , Ortega Hugo Héctor , Savino Graciela Hilda , Van de Velde Franco , Hein Gustavo Juan
Published: November 2021

The water extraction of phenolic compounds from two varieties (“Mahan” and “Marameck”) of pecan nutshells (Carya illinoinensis) without and with sonication, varying the solvent/solid ratio (S), the pH, and the refluxing time (t), was studied. Additionally, the in vitro cytotoxicity and the determination of the cell death mechanism of the extracts against the colon cancer cell line HT‐29 were investigated. The content of total phenolic compounds (TPC) of “Marameck” nutshells resulted higher than for the “Mahan” variety, and the pH increase resulted in higher TPC contents for both cultivars. The optimized conditions for TPC extraction without and with sonication resulted: S = 33 ml/g, pH = 12, and t = 9.6 min, and yielded ≈ 70 and 90 mg/g of TPC for “Mahan” and “Marameck” nutshells, respectively. The optimized extracts of pecan nutshells without sonication from both cultivars presented similar cytotoxicity against HT‐29 colon cancer cells (IC50 ≈ 50 µg/ml), higher than for sonicated extracts (IC50 ≈ 88 and 138 µg/ml for “Mahan” and “Marameck,” respectively). Cell death through apoptosis was the main mechanism of cell death induced by the nutshell extracts.

Practical Application

The extraction of phenolic compounds (TPC) from the residues of two varieties of pecan nutshells (“Mahan” and “Marameck”) was studied. An optimal combination of variables within the pH range that minimizes the solvent‐to‐solid ratio (S) and the time of refluxing (t), saving at the same time, water and energy, was set up. The phenolic compound extracts obtained from the residues of the pecan nuts exhibit cytotoxic effects against colon cancer cells and could be of interest as an alternative treatment of different types of cancer. Additionally, these extracts may be of importance to the food industry as they can be used as antioxidant agents in food formulation. Also, the high levels of anthocyanidins obtained from the pecan nut extracts after proanthocyanidins’ strong acid hydrolysis can be purified and employed as natural red dyes.
External validation of a machine learning classifier to identify unhealthy alcohol use in hospitalized patients
Authors: Lin Yiqi , Sharma Brihat , Thompson Hale M. , Boley Randy , Perticone Kathryn , Chhabra Neeraj , Afshar Majid , Karnik Niranjan S.
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Unhealthy alcohol use (UAU) is one of the leading causes of global morbidity. A machine learning approach to alcohol screening could accelerate best practices when integrated into electronic health record (EHR) systems. This study aimed to validate externally a natural language processing (NLP) classifier developed at an independent medical center.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The site for validation was a midwestern United States tertiary‐care, urban medical center that has an inpatient structured universal screening model for unhealthy substance use and an active addiction consult service.

Participants/Cases

Unplanned admissions of adult patients between October 23, 2017 and December 31, 2019, with EHR documentation of manual alcohol screening were included in the cohort (n = 57 605).

Measurements

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) served as the reference standard. AUDIT scores ≥5 for females and ≥8 for males served as cases for UAU. To examine error in manual screening or under‐reporting, a post hoc error analysis was conducted, reviewing discordance between the NLP classifier and AUDIT‐derived reference. All clinical notes excluding the manual screening and AUDIT documentation from the EHR were included in the NLP analysis.

Findings

Using clinical notes from the first 24 hours of each encounter, the NLP classifier demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) and precision‐recall area under the curve (PRAUC) of 0.91 (95% CI = 0.89–0.92) and 0.56 (95% CI = 0.53–0.60), respectively. At the optimal cut point of 0.5, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 0.66 (95% CI = 0.62–0.69), 0.98 (95% CI = 0.98–0.98), 0.35 (95% CI = 0.33–0.38), and 1.0 (95% CI = 1.0–1.0), respectively.

Conclusions

External validation of a publicly available alcohol misuse classifier demonstrates adequate sensitivity and specificity for routine clinical use as an automated screening tool for identifying at‐risk patients.
Two quantitative trait loci are associated with recapping of Varroa destructor‐infested brood cells in Apis mellifera mellifera
Authors: Guichard M. , Dainat B. , Eynard S. , Vignal A. , Servin B. ,   the Beestrong Consortium, Neuditschko M.
Published: November 2021

Recapping of Varroa destructor‐infested brood cells is a trait that has recently attracted interest in honey bee breeding to select mite‐resistant Apis mellifera colonies. To investigate the genetic architecture of this trait, we evaluated a sample of A. mellifera mellifera colonies (N = 155) from Switzerland and France and performed a genome‐wide association study, using a pool of 500 workers per colony for next‐generation sequencing. The results revealed that two QTL were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with recapping of V. destructor‐infested brood cells. The best‐associated QTL is located on chromosome 5 in a region previously found to be associated with grooming behaviour, a resistance trait against V. destructor, in A. mellifera and Apis cerana. The second best‐associated QTL is located on chromosome 4 in an intron of the Dscam gene, which is involved in neuronal wiring. Previous research demonstrated that genes involved in neuronal wiring are associated with recapping and varroa sensitive hygiene. Therefore, our study confirms the role of a gene region on chromosome 5 in social immunity and simultaneously provides novel insights into genetic interactions between common mite resistance traits in honey bees.
A Priori Bounds on Legislative Bargaining Agreements
Authors: Kalandrakis Tasos
Published: November 2021

In a workhorse model of legislative bargaining with spatial preferences, I establish easy to compute bounds on all equilibrium acceptable agreements, proposals, and outcomes. The approach constitutes a feasible method to incorporate equilibrium restrictions from the model in correlational and structural empirical studies of legislatures, avoiding the computation of actual equilibria. It also yields a number of theoretical insights on the centrality of equilibrium legislative decisions, the relation of such equilibrium outcomes with social choice solution sets, and the effect of changes on voting and proposal‐making rights. These theoretical results highlight the broad conclusion that the proper functioning of democratic institutions is highly contingent on other institutional features besides the assignment of voting rights.
Sleeping with the Enemy: Effective Representation under Dynamic Electoral Competition
Authors: Frey Anderson , López‐Moctezuma Gabriel , Montero Sergio
Published: November 2021

Electoral coalitions between ideologically incompatible parties – among other unconventional electoral strategies – may seem to threaten effective representation, signaling a breakdown of programmatic politics. However, this perspective overlooks parties' and voters' dynamic considerations. We propose and estimate a model of dynamic electoral competition in which a short‐term ideology compromise, via an electoral coalition, offers opposition parties (and voters) the opportunity to remove an entrenched incumbent party from office, thus leveling the playing field in the future. This tradeoff provides a previously unrecognized rationale for coalition formation in elections. We take our model to data from Mexican municipal elections between 1995 and 2016 and show that coalitions between parties on opposite ends of the ideology spectrum have served as an instrument of democratic consolidation.
Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in general population: A living systematic review and meta‐analysis (updated Aug 14, 2021)
Authors: Yang Jie , D’Souza Rohan , Kharrat Ashraf , Fell Deshayne B. , Snelgrove John W. , Murphy Kellie E. , Shah Prakesh S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Conflicting reports of increases and decreases in rates of preterm birth (PTB) and stillbirth in the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have surfaced. The objective of our study was to conduct a living systematic review and meta‐analyses of studies reporting pregnancy and neonatal outcomes by comparing the pandemic and pre‐pandemic periods.

Material and methods

We searched PubMed and Embase databases, reference lists of articles published up until August 14, 2021 and included English language studies that compared outcomes between the COVID‐19 pandemic time period and the pre‐pandemic time periods. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analysis using the inverse variance method.

Results

Forty‐five studies with low‐to‐moderate risk of bias, reporting on 1 843 665 pregnancies during the pandemic period and 23 564 552 pregnancies during the pre‐pandemic period, were included. There was significant reduction in unadjusted estimates of PTB (35 studies, unadjusted odds ratio [uaOR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98), but not in adjusted estimates (six studies, adjusted OR [aOR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.80–1.13). This reduction was noted in studies from single centers/health areas (25 studies, uaOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.96) but not in regional/national studies (10 studies, uaOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.02). There was reduction in spontaneous PTB (six studies, uaOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.96) and induced PTB (five studies, uaOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.97). There was no difference in the odds of stillbirth between the pandemic and pre‐pandemic time periods (24 studies, uaOR 1.11, 95% CI 0.97–1.26 and four studies, aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81–1.38). There was an increase in mean birthweight during the pandemic period compared with the pre‐pandemic period (six studies, mean difference 17 g, 95% CI 7–28 g). The odds of maternal mortality were increased (four studies, uaOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.26); however, only unadjusted estimates were available and the result was mostly influenced by one study from Mexico. There was significant publication bias for the outcome of PTB.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic may be associated with a reduction in PTB; however, referral bias cannot be excluded. There was no statistically significant difference in stillbirth between pandemic and pre‐pandemic periods.
Haemoprotozoa in wild short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Hill AG , Boyd SP , Clark NJ , Proboste T
Published: November 2021

The occurrence and clinical significance of the protozoal parasite reported as Hepatozoon tachyglossi in wild short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossis aculeatus) have long been uncertain, as has its potential as a prognostic indicator. This retrospective survey of free‐ranging short‐beaked echidnas admitted to a wildlife hospital used morphological evidence to identify a H. tachyglossi prevalence of 56%, with parasitaemias affecting 0%–36% of monocytes. There was no statistical association between H. tachyglossi intensity and clinical status (P‐value = 0.12; 95% confidence interval = 0.1 to 1.3), nor between the presence of H. tachyglossi and age, reason for admission, outcome, season or location. Piroplasms, presumed to be Theileria tachyglossi, were concurrently identified in the erythrocytes of 88% of short‐beaked echidnas with no association between age, outcome, season or location, but a statistical association with the location where the animal was found (either on a road, airport runway, exposed urban area, or entangled). Given the current results, intracellular parasitism due to H. tachyglossi may be considered as an incidental finding on haematologic examination of short‐beaked echidnas and is likely not an effective prognostic indicator. Further research using molecular tools is required to resolve the uncertain identity of H. tachyglossi which has been based on morphologic characteristics alone.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness predict children’s reading ability
Authors: Joyce Anna , Breadmore Helen L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Sleep problems are common in children and are known to detrimentally affect language and cognitive abilities, as well as academic achievement.

Aims

We aimed to investigate effects of sleep on oral word and non‐word reading in a large, cross‐sectional sample of children.

Sample

Of 428 children who attended a public psychological science event, 339 children aged 4–14 years (mean 8;10 ± 2;2) took part.

Methods

Parents completed two sleep questionnaires (Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire and Sleep‐Disordered Breathing Questionnaire) whilst children completed the Test of Word Reading Efficiency.

Results

Hierarchical multiple linear regression assessed whether parentally reported sleep problems were able to predict word and non‐word oral reading speeds as measures of sight word reading and phonemic decoding efficiency, respectively. Children with parent‐reported increased sleep‐disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, and shorter sleep latency had poorer performance on the reading task for both words and non‐words, as well as the total combined score. The models explained 6–7% of the variance in reading scores.

Conclusions

This study illustrates associations between sleep and word and non‐word reading. The small but significant effect is clinically meaningful, especially since adverse factors affecting children’s reading ability are cumulative. Thus, for children with multiple risk factors for poor reading ability, sleep problems may be another avenue for treatment. Since reading ability is a strong predictor of later academic success and life outcomes, our study provides important evidence to suggest that children with sleep problems should also be screened for literacy difficulties, and children with literacy difficulties be screened for sleep problems.
Social comparison in the classroom: Priming approach/avoidance changes the impact of social comparison on self‐evaluation and performance
Authors: Boissicat Natacha , Fayant Marie‐Pierre , Nurra Cécile , Muller Dominique
Published: November 2021

Background

Social comparisons between pupils are especially relevant at school. Such comparisons influence self‐perception and performance. When pupils evaluate themselves more negatively and perform worse after an upward comparison (with a better off pupil) than a downward comparison (with a worse‐off pupil), this is a contrast effect. On the other hand, when they evaluate themselves more positively and are better after an upward than downward comparison, this is an assimilation effect.

Aims

We examine assimilation and contrast effects of comparison in the classroom on pupils’ self‐evaluation and performance. Previous work by Fayant, Muller, Nurra, Alexopoulos, and Palluel‐Germain (2011) lead us to hypothesize that approach vs. avoidance moderates the impact of upward vs. downward comparison: approach should lead to an assimilation effect on self‐evaluation and performance, while avoidance should lead to contrast on self‐evaluation and performance.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we primed pupils with either approach or avoidance before reading upward or downward comparison information about another pupil. We then measured self‐evaluation (Experiment 1) and performance (Experiments 1 and 2).

Results

Results confirmed our predictions and revealed the predicted interaction on self‐evaluation (Experiment 1) and performance (Experiment 2): approach leads to an assimilation effect (in both experiments) whereas avoidance leads to a contrast effect (in Experiment 2).

Conclusions

These experiments replicate previous studies on self‐evaluation and also extend previous work on performance and in a classroom setting. Priming approach before upward comparison seems especially beneficial to pupils.
Genomewide association analysis of warfarin dose requirements in Middle Eastern and North African populations
Authors: El Rouby Nihal , Shahin Mohamed H. , Bader Loulia , Khalifa Sherief I. , Elewa Hazem
Published: November 2021

To date, there has been no genomewide association study (GWAS) from the Middle East and North African (MENA) region to identify genetic variants associated with warfarin dose variability using this approach. In this study, we aimed to conduct the first GWAS of warfarin dose requirements in patients from the MENA region. A total of 132 Qatari (discovery) and 50 Egyptians (replication) were genotyped using Illumina Multi‐Ethnic Global BeadChip Array. A GWAS was performed on log‐transformed weekly warfarin dose in the studied population, adjusting for clinical characteristics and ancestry. The genomewide signals from the discovery cohort were tested in the Egyptian cohort. A GWAS meta‐analysis, including the Qatari and Egyptian cohorts, was also performed and the output from this analysis was used in a gene‐based analysis. The discovery analysis in Qatari identified five genomewide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chromosome 16. These signals were replicated in the Egyptian cohort. Combining the two data through a GWAS meta‐analysis strengthened the association in chromosome 16 with VKORC1 rs9934438 being the lead genomewide signal (β = −0.17, 6 × 10−15). Other SNPs were identified in chromosome 10 at a p value less than 1 × 10−5. The genetic variants within VKORC1 rs9934438 and CYP2C9 rs4086116 explained 39% and 27% of the variability in the weekly warfarin dose requirement in the Qatari and Egyptians, respectively. This is the first GWAS of warfarin dose variability in the MENA region. It confirms the importance of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 variants in warfarin dose variability among patients from the MENA region.
Procrastination and the non‐monotonic effect of deadlines on task completion
Authors: Knowles Stephen , Servátka Maroš , Sullivan Trudy , Genç Murat
Published: November 2021

We conduct a field experiment to test the non‐monotonic effect of deadline length on task completion. Participants are invited to complete an online survey in which a donation goes to charity. They are given either 1 week, 1 month, or no deadline to respond. Responses are lowest for the 1‐month deadline and highest when no deadline is specified. No deadline and the 1‐week deadline feature a large number of early responses, while providing a 1‐month deadline appears to give people permission to procrastinate. If they are inattentive, they might forget to complete the task.
Atypical processing in neural source analysis of speech envelope modulations in adolescents with dyslexia
Authors: Granados Barbero Raúl , de Vos Astrid , Ghesquière Pol , Wouters Jan
Published: November 2021

Different studies have suggested that language and developmental disorders such as dyslexia are associated with a disturbance of auditory entrainment and of the functional hemispheric asymmetries during speech processing. These disorders typically result from an issue in the phonological component of language that causes problems to represent and manipulate the phonological structure of words at the syllable and/or phoneme level. We used Auditory Steady‐State Responses (ASSRs) in EEG recordings to investigate the brain activation and hemisphere asymmetry of theta, alpha, beta and low‐gamma range oscillations in typical readers and readers with dyslexia. The aim was to analyse whether the group differences found in previous electrode level studies were caused by a different source activation pattern or conversely was an effect that could be found on the active brain sources. We could not find differences in the brain locations of the main active brain sources. However, we observed differences in the extracted waveforms. The group average of the first DSS component of all signal‐to‐noise ratios of ASSR at source level was higher than the group averages at the electrode level. These analyses included a lower alpha synchronisation in adolescents with dyslexia and the possibility of compensatory mechanisms in theta, beta and low‐gamma frequency bands. The main brain auditory sources were located in cortical regions around the auditory cortex. Thus, the differences observed in auditory EEG experiments would, according to our findings, have their origin in the intrinsic oscillatory mechanisms of the brain cortical sources related to speech perception.
Kangaroo management in the South Australian rangelands: Impacts and challenges for conservation management
Authors: Finlayson Graeme , Tschirner Kurt , McCann Justin , Appleby Matt
Published: November 2021

Wildlife management on a landscape scale is often complex, particularly where different land use practices occur in the same region. This is particularly so for the management of overabundant grazing species (both domestic and native) in a modified landscape, where anthropogenic activities and climatic drivers can influence their distribution and abundance beyond sustainable levels. In Australia’s arid rangelands, macropods benefit from pastoral activities including improved pastures, artificial watering points and the removal of apex predators. This paper addresses some of the challenges associated with managing Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) in a conservation context on the privately managed Boolcoomatta Station conservation reserve in the South Australian arid rangelands. We reflect on the history of the region and how anthropogenic activities, associated with an unpredictable climate, have made macropod management so complex. Ecological monitoring at Boolcoomatta Station suggests that, along with the influence of rainfall, grazing by overabundant Red Kangaroo had a negative impact on vegetation and resident avifauna of chenopod plains. Fenced exclosures further demonstrate the grazing impact of Red Kangaroo, with perennial grasses found only where grazing was excluded. The closure of waterpoints (dams) failed to reduce Red Kangaroo impacts on the reserve, despite some evidence that persistence of Red Kangaroo near fenced dams may be reduced in the long term. Results of monitoring and management outcomes at Boolcoomatta highlight the need for an improved framework to manage Red Kangaroo. This should include consideration of improved regional stock management practices in the face of climate change; improving our understanding of the role of apex predators in agricultural landscapes; developing and setting grazing impact thresholds to instigate macropod management; improving and standardizing monitoring methods for assessing impacts; and lastly, consideration of the mental health and social well‐being of land managers in these areas.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of kangaroo–vehicle collisions in Canberra, Australia
Authors: Dunne Bethany , Doran Bruce
Published: November 2021

Over the last 30 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of kangaroo–vehicle collisions in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), especially of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). Motor vehicle collisions with kangaroos are a threat to people and kangaroos, causing not only costly vehicle damage but also potentially leading to injury or loss of human life as well as animal welfare issues. Species, sex, moonlight, season and rainfall have previously been noted as potential influences on the number and frequency of kangaroo–vehicle collisions. In December 2015, a smartphone application using Collector for ESRI ArcGIS was implemented to enable ACT rangers to collect accurate information about each call‐out or carcass attendance in real time. A total of 3346 kangaroo–vehicle collision points were collected by rangers over a 15‐month period from March 2016 to June 2017. The data lend limited support to a concentration of kangaroo–vehicle collisions around the full moon, although 45% of collisions were recorded when the moon was less than 50% illuminated. Although the highest roadkill numbers were recorded in winter (June‐August), kangaroo–vehicle collisions were not directly correlated with season: there is a complex interaction with other variables. This study revealed that the relationship between the movement between patches of habitat and roads is dynamic and that further research is warranted into potential methods for reducing the number of kangaroo–vehicle collisions on Canberra roads, particularly in relation to speed limits, seasonality and kangaroo movements proximate to roads and areas of core habitat.
Predicting intention of Norwegian dental health‐care workers to use nanomaterials: An application of the augmented theory of planned behavior
Authors: Xenaki Victoria , Marthinussen Mihaela Cuida , Costea Daniela Elena , Breivik Kyrre , Lie Stein Atle , Cimpan Mihaela Roxana , Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug
Published: November 2021

Due to the rapid development of nanotechnology and its integration into dentistry, there is a need for information on the factors influencing the decision of dental health‐care workers to use nanomaterials. Based on a national survey among Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists, this study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented with past behavior and perceived risk, to predict the intention to use dental nanomaterials in the future and to assess whether an augmented TPB model operates equivalently across professional groups. Structural equation modelling was used to assess whether the hypothesized model fits the data. Of 1792 eligible participants, 851 responded to an electronic survey. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control had the strongest effect on intention, followed by past behavior and subjective norms. Risk perceptions had an indirect effect on intention. Multigroup comparison confirmed invariance of the model across professional groups. This study supports the validity of the augmented TPB model to explain the intention of Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists to use nanomaterials. The strongest influence on intention is given by the attitudes toward nanomaterials and perceived confidence in their use. The findings of the study have implications for management of the use of nanomaterials in dentistry by policy makers.
Regional brain atrophy and aberrant cortical folding relate to anxiety and depression in patients with traumatic brain injury and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Sharma Ayushe A. , Goodman Adam M. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Philip Noah S. , Correia Stephen , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are characterized by multifocal and global abnormalities in brain function and connectivity. Only a few studies have examined neuroanatomic correlates of PNES. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is reported in 83% of patients with PNES and may be a key component of PNES pathophysiology. In this study, we included patients with TBI preceding the onset of PNES (TBI‐PNES) and TBI without PNES (TBI‐only) to identify neuromorphometric abnormalities associated with PNES.

Methods

Adults diagnosed with TBI‐PNES (n = 62) or TBI‐only (n = 59) completed psychological questionnaires and underwent 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging data were analyzed by voxel‐ and surface‐based morphometry. Voxelwise general linear models computed group differences in gray matter volume, cortical thickness, sulcal depth, fractal dimension (FDf), and gyrification. Statistical models were assessed with permutation‐based testing at 5000 iterations with the Threshold‐Free Cluster Enhancement toolbox. Logarithmically scaled p‐values corrected for multiple comparisons using familywise error were considered significant at p < .05. Post hoc analyses determined the association between structural and psychological measures (p < .05).

Results

TBI‐PNES participants demonstrated atrophy of the left inferior frontal gyrus and the right cerebellum VIII. Relative to TBI‐only, TBI‐PNES participants had decreased FDf in the right superior parietal gyrus and decreased sulcal depth in the left insular cortex. Significant clusters were positively correlated with global assessment of functioning scores, and demonstrated varying negative associations with measures of anxiety, depression, somatization, and global severity of symptoms.

Significance

The diagnosis of PNES was associated with brain atrophy and reduced cortical folding in regions implicated in emotion processing, regulation, and response inhibition. Cortical folds primarily develop during the third trimester of pregnancy and remain relatively constant throughout the remainder of one’s life. Thus, the observed aberrations in FDf and sulcal depth could originate early in development. The convergence of environmental, developmental, and neurobiological factors may coalesce to reflect the neuropathophysiological substrate of PNES.
Predictive effect of computed tomography imaging omics features under deep learning on metastatic lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Jianpeng , Huang Wensheng , Wu Yongshun , Liu Long , Bu Chao , Wang Shuqiang , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2021

This article was to explore the adoption value of deep learning combined with computed tomography (CT) imaging omics in the prediction of metastatic lymph nodes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). An end‐to‐end neural network architecture was designed based on the fully convolutional neural network (FCNN), which was applied to the CT image analysis of 52 patients with lymphatic metastasis and 36 patients without lymphatic metastasis. Patient's lymph node volume (V), the largest cross‐sectional shortest diameter (d‐value), and other macro characteristics were recorded. The microscopic features of its CT imaging omics were extracted. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to analyse the prediction performance (accuracy, area under the curve [AUC], and Youden index) of each feature for lymphatic metastasis. The results showed that the lymph node volume (4.37 ± 0.67) and the shortest diameter of the largest cross section (12.35 ± 2.31) of patients with lymph node metastasis were greatly larger than those without lymph node metastasis (1.84 ± 0.65, 7.98 ± 2.04) (P < 0.05). There were five features that met the conditions of AUC > 0.7 and Yoden index>0.5, including lymph node volume (AUC area 0.945, Youden index 0.597), the shortest diameter of the largest cross section (AUC area 0.746, Youden index 0.539), Surface Area Density (AUC area 0.809, Youden index 0.552), Compactness1 (AUC area 0.751, Youden index 0.537), and Convex Hull Volume (AUC area 0.751, Youden index 0.537). The AUC of V+ Surface Area Density + Compactness1 + Convex Hull Volume was 0.876, and the prediction accuracy was 92.11%. In short, the prediction model composed of the macroscopic features of CT images and some imaging omics features based on deep learning showed high accuracy and AUC for the prediction of NPC metastatic lymph nodes. Moreover, V + Surface Area Density + Compactness1 + Convex Hull Volume can be used as the optimal feature combination model for predicting NPC lymphatic metastasis.
Sentiment analysis from email pattern using feature selection algorithm
Authors: Srinivasarao Ulligaddala , Sharaff Aakanksha
Published: November 2021

Today number of applications are available on mobile devices and computers for electronic mail (email) conversations. The demand for email communication is increasing day‐by‐day. Therefore the incoming and outgoing messages are also getting increased. However, extracting the sentiments from the emails is now demanding. Therefore in the proposed method, the pattern classification and sentiment clustering are carried out in two phases. Initially, the pattern classification is performed using support vector regression, then the sentiments from such classified patterns are clustered using a unsupervised fuzzy‐model‐based Gaussian clustering algorithm. Finally, the experimental analysis is performed in Python tool. The proposed sentiment clustering from email patterns has attained a better accuracy result of 97.13%, which is found higher than other existing techniques. Along with the parametric analysis, non‐parametric statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test is also carried out to identify the proposed sentiment analysis architecture's effectiveness.
Factors impacting university students' online learning experiences during the COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Su Chien‐Yuan , Guo Yuqing
Published: November 2021

Due to the COVID‐19 epidemic crisis, students from higher education institutions around the world are forced to participate in comprehensive online curriculums. In such a scenario, it is worth investigating how students perceived their learning outcomes and satisfaction based on this method of teaching and learning online. This study aims to explore the role of six factors, namely, system quality, course design, learner‐learner interaction, learner‐instructor interaction, learner‐content interaction, and self‐discipline, on university students' perceived learning outcomes and their effect on student satisfaction with online curricula during the COVID‐19 epidemic. A structural equation modelling technique was used to assess survey questionnaires obtained from 457 validated students at a Public University in China. The results demonstrated that these determinants had a positive effect on satisfaction and learning outcomes, whereas learner‐instructor interaction had no significant effect. Furthermore, the strongest determinant that affected not only students' satisfaction but also their learning outcomes was the learner‐content interaction.
Concordance of pharmacist versus patient responses regarding counselling in community pharmacy
Authors: Bucsa Camelia , Farcas Andreea , Udrea Mihaela , Bojita Marius , Mogosan Cristina , Leucuta Daniel
Published: November 2021

Rationale and objectives

Patient counselling on medication is one of the activities that can and should be performed in community pharmacy. Patient counselling was proved to have a positive effect on clinical outcomes, quality of life, drug/disease knowledge, satisfaction and reduced health‐service utilization. Our objective was to assess the degree of concordance between the responses of patient and pharmacist on the same questions regarding provided counselling.

Methods

Data from two questionnaires containing a common block of 14 questions regarding the counselling provided on the medications use, safety concerns, storage, validity term, disposal and disease monitoring was paired and analysed. Questionnaires were paired based on a code and Kappa Cohen coefficient (KCc) and the prevalence adjusted biased adjusted kappa (PABAK) were calculated to evaluate the degree of concordance between pharmacist versus patient responses. The values of the KCc and PABAK were interpreted as per Altman.

Results

For the 14 questions, data from 2047 to 2378 questionnaires collected from 520 community pharmacies in 10 of Romania's counties were analysed. The highest level of concordance (‘very good’) was achieved on the items regarding the counselling on the medicines' route of administration (PABAK = 0.88), time of administration (PABAK = 0.80) and dosage (PABAK = 0.82). The highest disagreement (week concordance) was found on the question regarding the counselling on the medicines adverse effects (PABAK = 0.01), where 44.8% of patients responded that they received counselling as compared to 93.1% of the pharmacists who responded that they offered counselling. For the rest of the questions, moderate concordance was found.

Conclusion

Overall a moderate level of concordance between patient and pharmacist responses was found on the majority of the questions, with the highest level found for drug use (dosage, route and time of administration). The highest discrepancy was found for the counselling on the medicines adverse effects.