bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in planta haploid induction system in Brassica napus
Authors: Li Yifan , Li Dan , Xiao Qing , Wang Huadong , Wen Jing , Tu Jinxing , Shen Jinxiong , Fu Tingdong , Yi Bin
Published: April 2022

Doubled haploid technology is widely used to accelerate plant breeding, but its use in the important oilseed crop Brassica napus L. is limited because B. napus haploids could only be obtained through in vitro anther or microspore cultures. Recently, maize (Zea mays) lines containing mutations in Domain of unknown function 679 membrane protein (DMP) were used as haploid inducer lines. This new haploid induction mechanism has been extended to several other plants, including the dicots Arabidopsis thaliana, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Here, we knocked out four BnaDMP genes in the B. napus cultivar Westar using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 vector with an enhanced green fluorescent protein expression cassette. Plants with DMP mutations in B. napus in the T0, T1, and T2 generations exhibited a haploid induction rate up to 2.53%. These results suggest that targeting BnaDMP could be useful for haploid induction in B. napus.
DEAP1 encodes a fasciclin‐like arabinogalactan protein required for male fertility in rice
Authors: Zhou Dan , Zou Ting , Zhang Kaixuan , Xiong Pingping , Zhou Fuxing , Chen Hao , Li Gongwen , Zheng Kaiyou , Han Yuhao , Peng Kun , Zhang Xu , Yang Shangyu , Deng Qiming , Wang Shiquan , Zhu Jun , Liang Yueyang , Sun Changhui , Yu Xiumei , Liu Huainian , Wang Lingxia , Li Ping , Li Shuangcheng
Published: April 2022

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are widely distributed in plant cells. Fasciclin‐like AGPs (FLAs) belong to a subclass of AGPs that play important roles in plant growth and development. However, little is known about the biological functions of rice FLA. Herein, we report the identification of a male‐sterile mutant of DEFECTIVE EXINE AND APERTURE PATTERNING1 (DEAP1) in rice. The deap1 mutant anthers produced aberrant pollen grains with defective exine formation and a flattened aperture annulus and exhibited slightly delayed tapetum degradation. DEAP1 encodes a plasma membrane‐associated member of group III plant FLAs and is specifically and temporally expressed in reproductive cells and the tapetum layer during male development. Gene expression studies revealed reduced transcript accumulation of genes related to exine formation, aperture patterning, and tapetum development in deap1 mutants. Moreover, DEAP1 may interact with two rice D6 PROTEIN KINASE‐LIKE3s (OsD6PKL3s), homologs of a known Arabidopsis aperture protein, to affect rice pollen aperture development. Our findings suggested that DEAP1 is involved in male reproductive development and may affect exine formation and aperture patterning, thereby providing new insights into the molecular functions of plant FLAs in male fertility.
Design and development of naringin‐loaded proposomal gel for wound healing
Authors: Kumari Shifali D. , Chevala Naga Thirumalesh , Jitta Srinivas Reddy , Kumar Lalit , Verma Ruchi , Jose Jobin
Published: April 2022

Background

The injuries or wounds caused by various means will impact human lives severely. An increase in the demand for wounds or burns was observed. For better wound healing and to combat the free radical effect on the healing process, wounds must be treated with multifunctional or multipurpose dressing or gel or any other type of biomaterial.

Objectives

The study aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate the naringin‐loaded proposomal gel (PPG) for quick wound healing.

Methods

The central composite design was employed for the optimization of proposomes. Naringin‐loaded proposomes were evaluated for percentage entrapment efficiency (EE), the particle size of proposomes (PsP), and the zeta potential of proposomes (ZpP). The change in drug release profile was studied by dissolution. Furthermore, naringin and naringin‐loaded proposomes, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) reagent and ascorbic acid as a reference standard. Different gel bases were prepared, and based on various parameters, the G2 (0.6% Carbopol 974) gel base was selected for naringin proposomes loading. The naringin‐loaded PPG was evaluated for various in vitro and in vivo wound‐healing properties.

Results

The optimized naringin‐loaded proposomes showed extended drug release (90.78 ± 2.19%) for 72 h. The naringin‐loaded PPG improved the permeability of naringin, which showed 28.91 ± 2.81% of drug release after 96 h, and the drug solution showed 9.05 ± 0.92%. IC50 values of antioxidant activity of naringin and naringin proposomes were found to be 337.31 μg/ml and 201.86 μg/ml, respectively. The naringin‐loaded PPG showed better wound closure on the 15th day (3.32%) compared with proposomal solution (4.75%) or naringin topical gel (4.2%).

Conclusion

Based on the obtained results, we conclude naringin‐loaded PPG can be an alternative strategic approach to deliver the naringin for quick wound healing.
Glass particulate adulterated in single dose ampoules: A patient safety concern
Authors: Unahalekhaka Akeau , Nuthong Pornpot
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives

To determine the amount, size and characteristics of glass particulate contamination inside single‐dose ampoules.

Background

Glass particulate contamination in an ampoule when opened can cause adverse effects on critically ill patients.

Design

Crossectional descriptive study.

Methods

Eight hundred 10‐ml sterile water ampoules were inspected for glass particulate contamination upon opening. Ampoules were opened by nurses following their usual practices. Glass particulates were inspected by stereomicroscope. Further examination was conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the size and amount of the particulates in the 20 positive and 20 negative samples from stereomicroscope inspection. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was used for preparing this manuscript.

Results

Seven hundred and ninety‐eight ampoules were inspected, as 2 ampoules were broken. Glass particulates were detected in 65% of the ampoules (519/798). The size of glass particulates from 20 positive and 20 negative samples, ranged from 8 to 172 microns and 8 to 102 microns, respectively. The glass particulates were detected most at sized ≤ 50 microns in both positive and negative samples with the mean number of 47.8 ± 20.4 and 27.8 ± 21.8 particulates, respectively.

Conclusion

Glass particulate contamination occurred while opening medication in glass ampoules. A safety tool is needed to prevent glass particulates from contaminating injection treatments.

Relevance to clinical practice

Many critically ill patients and neonates need intravenous injections for treatment. Almost all medication solutions are stored in glass ampoules. Nursing personnel should be aware while drawing medication solutions from glass ampoules. Using filtered needles and leaning the ampoules can help reduce the number of glass particulates that pass into the solutions being drawn into the syringes.
Can children use the A‐not a test?
Authors: Velázquez Ana Laura , Vidal Leticia , Varela Paula , Ares Gastón
Published: April 2022

Sensory scientists have adapted several sensory methods to fit children's cognitive abilities. Although several discrimination methods have been reported with children, the A‐not‐A test has not been studied yet. The aims of this work were to: (i) evaluate the feasibility of using the A‐Not‐A test with school‐aged children, and (ii) compare how the framing of the question (overall differences vs. differences in liking) may influence the results. A total of 126 children were involved in the study. They participated in three sessions, each composed of a familiarization task with a visual stimuli and sample tasting with one of three dairy products (vanilla milk desserts, chocolate‐flavored milk, and vanilla‐flavored yogurt). Half of the children evaluated the samples in terms of overall differences and the other half in terms of differences in liking. Results from the familiarization step showed that children correctly identified the visual reference in the A‐not‐A test regardless of how the question was framed, suggesting that they were able to understand the methodology. In the case of tasting samples, children were significantly more likely to correctly identify the reference in two of the three studied dairy products, when the question was based on liking, as compared to the framing based on overall differences.

Practical Applications

Results from the present work showed that 8–13 year‐old children were able to understand the A‐Not‐A test and use it to differentiate visual stimuli and tasted samples. However, the framing of the task had a significant effect on their performance. Framing the A‐not‐A task based on liking may show a higher ability to discriminate samples and provide more accurate results.
Impact of cytidine diphosphocholine on oxygenation in client‐owned dogs with aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Young Anda A. , Rosas Lucia E. , Cooper Edward S. , Yaxley Page E. , Davis Ian C.
Published: April 2022

Background

New drugs for veterinary patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are urgently needed. Early or late postinfection treatment of influenza‐infected mice with the liponucleotide cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP‐choline) resulted in decreased hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, lung dysfunction, and inflammation without altering viral replication. These findings suggested CDP‐choline could have benefit as adjunctive treatment for ARDS in veterinary patients (VetARDS).

Objectives

Determine if parenterally administered CDP‐choline can attenuate mild VetARDS in dogs with aspiration pneumonia.

Animals

Dogs admitted to a veterinary intensive care unit (ICU) for aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

Subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of treatment with vehicle (0.1 mL/kg sterile 0.9% saline, IV; n = 8) or CDP‐choline (5 mg/kg in 0.1 mL/kg 0.9% saline, IV; n = 9) q12h over the first 48 hours after ICU admission.

Results

No significant differences in signalment or clinical findings were found between placebo‐ and CDP‐choline‐treated dogs on admission. All dogs exhibited tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypoxemia, hypocapnia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia. CDP‐choline administration resulted in rapid, progressive, and clinically relevant increases in oxygenation as determined by pulse oximetry and ratios of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 mmHg) to fractional inspired oxygen (% FiO2) and decreases in alveolar‐arterial (A‐a) gradients that did not occur in placebo (saline)‐treated animals. Treatment with CDP‐choline was also associated with less platelet consumption over the first 48 hours, but had no detectable detrimental effects.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ctyidine diphosphcholine acts rapidly to promote gas exchange in dogs with naturally occurring aspiration pneumonia and is a potential adjunctive treatment in VetARDS patients.
Can Sudan's Democratic Transition Be Salvaged?
Authors: Manfredi Firmian Federico , Mirghani Osman
Published: April 2022

Sudan's democratic transition following the ousting of Omar Al‐Bashir in 2019 was from the start an uphill struggle. Three decades of Islamist military dictatorship, multiple internal conflicts, widespread poverty, and depleted state coffers all weighed heavily on the political authorities tasked with forging a new democratic system. Yet, there was hope in Sudan, at least for a time, particularly after the United Nations helped broker the historic 2020 Sudanese peace agreement between a coalition of rebel groups and the interim authorities. Then, between September and October 2021, Sudan's transition unraveled. Why did Sudan reach this point? And can its transition still be salvaged? This essay reviews the latest developments and argues that the October 2021 military coup was not a surprise but instead the foreseeable culmination of a power grab long in the making. The essay also lays out the steps that could improve the likelihood of a democratic transition in Sudan and offers a cautionary note about the many challenges ahead.
An Investigation into Intrinsic and Extrinsic Function in Vagrant Harmonies
Authors: NEWTON NEIL
Published: April 2022

In this article I argue that vagrant harmonies have the ability to imply contexts outside of their current tonal region, which is supplied by their immediate musical surroundings. Viewing vagrants in this way enables their functionality to be compared to that of the magnetosome in saltwater bacteria. To explore harmonic function in relation to biological function, I use Larry Wright's (1973) definition of function and apply it to musical phenomena. This leads to a twofold view of harmonic function in vagrants, where it is both intrinsic and extrinsic. These concepts are then used in extracts of tonal pieces. Finally, I examine the second of Alban Berg's Four Songs, Op. 2, to show how harmonic progressions, when used in this way, can provide an exit from tonality while retaining function.
Let's talk about sex characteristics—As a risk factor for invasive fungal diseases
Authors: Egger Matthias , Hoenigl Martin , Thompson George R. , Carvalho Agostinho , Jenks Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2022

Biological sex, which comprises differences in host sex hormone homeostasis and immune responses, can have a substantial impact on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Comprehensive data on sex distributions in invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are lacking. In this review, we performed a literature search of in vitro/animal studies, clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of invasive fungal infections. Females represented 51.2% of invasive candidiasis cases, mostly matching the proportions of females among the general population in the United States and Europe (>51%). In contrast, other IFDs were overrepresented in males, including invasive aspergillosis (51% males), mucormycosis (60%), cryptococcosis (74%), coccidioidomycosis (70%), histoplasmosis (61%) and blastomycosis (66%). Behavioural variations, as well as differences related to biological sex, may only in part explain these findings. Further investigations concerning the association between biological sex/gender and the pathogenesis of IFDs are warranted.
News Sentiment Analysis: The Case of Chinese Vessels in the EEZs of Latin American Countries
Authors: Borquez Andres , Anand Adhiraaj
Published: April 2022

This study analyzes how recent fishing disputes involving China and Latin American countries have been reported by local and global media. We conducted content and sentiment analysis of media articles, coding articles according to the sentiment (“positive,” “negative,” or “neutral”) they express toward China and the actions of its fishing fleet, based on the words used to describe the same. We also examined what topics are discussed in different media – issues that are more specific and “local” in nature or broader issues that go beyond specific incidents. According to our findings, Latin American media can be as negative in their reporting on China and Chinese actions as Anglo‐Saxon Western media but tend to focus more on local issues and specific incidents, whereas Anglo‐Saxon Western media are more likely to connect incidents to broader geopolitical issues. Deepening of China‐LAC economic relations have not reduced Latin American media's critical approach toward China. At the same time, the local media remain independent; they do not necessarily reproduce the same frames as global news platforms in their coverage of China. These findings reinforce the idea that LAC broadly does not want to choose sides in the China‐US rivalry.
Complex regional pain syndrome of the knee after conventional radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves treated successfully with dorsal root ganglion stimulation: A case report
Authors: Belba Amy , Vanneste Thibaut , Jerjir Ali , Smeets Kristof , Van Buyten Jean‐Pierre , Bellemans Johan , Van Zundert Jan
Published: April 2022

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the genicular nerves offers pain relief in patients suffering from chronic knee pain including persistent post‐surgical knee pain (PPSP). We present the first case report of the development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in a chronic knee pain patient after an RF ablation of the genicular nerves that was successfully treated with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation.

Case Presentation

The patient developed increased pain, sympathetic and dysmorphic changes of the index knee 10 weeks after RF treatment for PPSP. Diagnosis of CRPS type II was made using positive clinical findings and the Budapest diagnostic tool. Laboratory workup and PET‐CT were negative. The patient was refractory to usual care and she was treated successfully with dorsal ganglion root stimulation.

Conclusions

Complex regional pain syndrome is a possible complication of RF ablation of the genicular nerves in patients with chronic knee pain, and DRG stimulation may be a treatment option. Physicians should be aware of this complication, especially when patients have a medical history of CRPS.
The developmental origins of health and chronic kidney disease: Current status and practices in Japan
Authors: Nishizaki Naoto , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: April 2022

The concept of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) views unfavorable perinatal circumstances as contributing to the development of diseases in later life. It is well known that such unfavorable circumstances play an important role as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in infants born with prematurity. Low birthweight (LBW) is believed to be a potential contributor to CKD in adulthood. Preterm and/or LBW infants are born with incomplete nephrogenesis. As a result, the number of nephrons is low. The poor intrauterine environment also causes epigenetic changes that adversely affect postnatal renal function. After birth, hyperfiltration of individual nephrons due to low nephron numbers causes proteinuria and secondary glomerulosclerosis. Furthermore, the risk of CKD increases as renal damage takes a second hit from exposure to nephrotoxic substances and acquired insults such as acute kidney injury after birth among infants in neonatal intensive care. Meanwhile, unfortunately, recent studies have shown that the number of nephrons in healthy Japanese individuals is approximately two‐thirds lower than that in previous reports. This means that Japanese premature infants are clearly at a high risk of developing CKD in later life. Recently, several DOHaD‐related CKD studies from Japanese researchers have been reported. Here, we summarize the relevance of CKD in conjunction with DOHaD and review recent studies that have examined the impact of the upward LBW trend in Japan on renal health.
Attention to affect 2.0: Multiple effects of emotion and attention on event‐related potentials of visual word processing in a valence‐detection task
Authors: Gibbons Henning , Kirsten Hannah , Seib‐Pfeifer Laura‐Effi
Published: April 2022

Here we continue recent work on the specific mental processes engaged in a valence‐detection task. Fifty‐seven participants responded to one predefined target level of valence (negative, neutral, or positive), and ignored the remaining two levels. This enables more precise fine‐tuning of neuronal pathways, compared to valence categorization where attention is divided between different levels of valence. Our group recently used valence detection with emotional words. Posterior P1 and N170 effects in the event‐related potential (ERP) supported the idea ofvalent word formsthat can be tuned by selective attention to valence. Here we report findings on three distinct posterior N2 components, P300, N400, and the late positive potential (LPP). Target but not nontarget words showed an arousal effect (emotional > neutral) on left‐side early posterior negativity (180–280 ms). In contrast, an arousal effect on a sharp N2 deflection in left‐minus‐right difference ERPs (230–270 ms), suggesting facilitation of lexical access for emotional words, was independent of target status. This also applied to increased medial parieto‐occipital N2 (260–300 ms) specific to negative words, indicating attentional capture. Medial‐central N400 was specifically enhanced for negativenontargetwords, further supporting attentional capture. The typical LPP arousal effect was observed, being stronger and more left‐lateralized in target words. An exploratory finding concerned a broad component‐overarching ERP valence effect (250–650 ms). Independent of target status, ERPs were more positive for positive than negative words. Combined with our previous results, data suggest multiple loci of emotion‐attention interactions in valence detection.
A call to expand disciplinary boundaries so that social scientific imagination and practice are central to quests for ‘responsible’ digital agri‐food innovation
Authors: Fielke Simon , Bronson Kelly , Carolan Michael , Eastwood Callum , Higgins Vaughan , Jakku Emma , Klerkx Laurens , Nettle Ruth , Regan Áine , Rose David C. , Townsend Leanne C. , Wolf Steven A.
Published: April 2022

This editorial introduces a special issue (SI) concerning quests for responsible digital agri‐food innovation. We present our interpretations of the concepts of responsible innovation and digital agri‐food innovation and show why they can and have been productively interrelated with social science theories and methods. First, each of the articles in this SI is briefly introduced and synthesised around three themes: (1) the need for a critique of digital ‘solutionism’ in current interdisciplinary research, development and innovation settings; (2) that social science contributes value via the ideas it brings to life to challenge dominant power dynamics and (3) that social scientific imagination and practice is a valuable long‐term investment to both mitigate risk but also embrace socioenvironmental opportunities as we face ongoing sustainability crises into the future. Second, we identify future research considerations arising within the field, sitting at the intersection of social science and agricultural sociotechnical transitions. Our insights relate to challenges and opportunities to ‘do’ social science within the context of contemporary and nascent transitions such as increasing digitalisation. Researchers trained in social science theory and practice can make distinctive contributions to agri‐food innovation processes by making social stakes visible and by advancing inclusive processes of research policy and technology design.
Congruence in Proportional Representation Systems: Non‐Economic Issue Salience and Coalition Formation
Authors: Kemahlioğlu Özge , Dikici Bilgin Hasret
Published: April 2022

This article contributes to our understanding of democratic representation by analyzing government congruence – the gap between the positions of the government and the median voter – within proportional representation systems. Analyzing elections in non‐post‐communist, democratic OECD countries in the post‐war period until 2014, we argue and show that the salience of non‐economic issues such as national way of life and migration led to ideological incongruence indirectly through its effect on government formation by right‐wing political parties. We suggest that in this period right‐wing political parties that own and emphasize these issues found it easier to differentiate themselves from their ideological counterparts and join a coalition with them without being threatened by credit claiming conflicts. Since, everything else kept constant, right‐wing coalitions were then more likely to emerge when such non‐economic issues were salient in the party system, their probability to form when the median is located at the center was also higher, leading to higher levels of ideological incongruence overall.
Molecular detection and quantification of the Striga seedbank in agricultural soils
Authors: Mitiku Getahun , Rybka Dominika , Klein‐Gunnewiek Paulien , Tessema Taye , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Etalo Desalegn W.
Published: April 2022

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is a devastating parasitic weed in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) and its soil seedbank is the major factor contributing to its prevalence and persistence. To date, there is a little information on the Striga seedbank density in agricultural fields in SSA due to the lack of reliable detection and quantification methods. We developed a high‐throughput method that combines density‐ and size‐based separation techniques with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based detection of Striga seeds in soil. The method was optimised and validated by introducing increasing numbers of Striga seeds in two physicochemically different Striga‐free agricultural soils. The results showed that as little as one seed of S. hermonthica per 150 g of soil could be detected. This technique was subsequently tested on soil samples of 48 sorghum fields from different agro‐ecological zones in Ethiopia to map the geospatial distribution of the Striga seedbank along a trajectory of more than 1500 km. Considerable variation in Striga seed densities was observed. Striga seeds were detectable in 75% of the field soils with densities up to 86 seeds per 150 g of soil. The Striga seed density in soil and the number of emerged Striga plants in the field showed a non‐linear relationship. In conclusion, the method developed allows for accurate mapping of the Striga seedbank in physicochemically diverse SSA field soils and can be used to assess the impact of management strategies on Striga seedbank dynamics.
Los sacramentales en las Iglesias ortodoxas de tradición bizantina
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: April 2022

La vida litúrgica de las Iglesias ortodoxas de tradición bizantina es muy amplia y rica, por la variedad de acciones sagradas que practican habitualmente. Entre los diversos actos sagrados nos ocupamos de los sacramentales; unos forman parte del desarrollo de los sacramentos y de la divina liturgia, y otros, de elementos de la vida cotidiana de los creyentes.En este estudio abordaremos a grandes rasgos las nociones, la evolución histórica y las fluctuaciones en torno a la concepción y el número de los ritos sagrados practicados desde tiempos antiguos hasta nuestros días, la perspectiva ortodoxa de la sacralidad de la vida cristiana y el poder santificador de la Iglesia, las características generales (en las que entran en juego las diferencias existentes con los sacramentos), los elementos constitutivos (las similitudes que tienen con los sacramentos) y la división de los “sacramentales” ortodoxos, atendiendo a varios criterios, según sean el tipo de consagraciones y de bendiciones destinadas o bien a glorificar el nombre de Dios o bien a santificar la vida de los cristianos.Tales “sacramentales” son concebidos por los teólogos ortodoxos como instrumentos capaces de comunicar la gracia celestial, de modo análogo a los sacramentos, dado que están provistos de elementos de naturaleza sacramental. En todo este desarrollo y configuración de los “sacramentales” en las Iglesias bizantinas ha tenido mucho que ver el influjo ejercido por la teología católica latina en el Oriente ortodoxo. Pese a toda la reflexión teológica ortodoxa madurada y la influencia recibida del Occidente latino, parece difícil encontrar en la teología ortodoxa oficial y entre los autores bizantinos una delimitación clara y unívoca entre sacramentos y “sacramentales”. Todo ello nos ayudará a adquirir una visión más clara y completa sobre la sacramentalidad de la vida litúrgica de la Iglesia ortodoxa y de la vida en general.
The Effects of Material Distribution and Flow Profile on the Stability of Cantilevered Axially Functionally Graded Pipes
Authors: Dai Jiayin , Liu Yongshou , Tong Guojun , Yuan Zhe
Published: April 2022

This article investigates the influences of different material distribution types and flow profiles in the cross section on dynamics of cantilevered axially functionally graded (AFG) pipe. Functionally graded material as a designable material, its appliance in structures can enhance the stability of the structure by adequately choosing the material constituents and arranging constituents' distribution. The governing equation of the pipe system is derived based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and numerically solved by the differential quadrature method (DQM). The influences of different volume fraction function and nonuniform flow velocity distribution on the natural frequencies and average critical flow velocities are discussed according to the numerical results. It can be concluded that the enhanced effect of the AFG material is mainly caused by an increment in the amount of stiffer constituent. With the same amount, pure distribution difference in exponential or power function type that brings stiffer fixed end results in slightly higher critical velocity against flutter. Ignoring the nonuniform flow velocity distribution leads to an overestimation of the pipe's stability and the overestimation is even apparent on AFG pipe. Nonuniform velocity distribution affects the stable flow velocity area and appearance of restabilizing phenomena.
Attitudes of Sport Fans Toward the Electronic Sign-Stealing Scandal in Major League Baseball: Differing Associations With Perfectionism and Excellencism
Authors: Gaudreau Patrick , Schellenberg Benjamin J.I.
Published: April 2022

The winners of the 2017 World Series were found guilty of illegally using electronic devices to steal the signs of their opponents. Many but not all sport fans negatively reacted to this cheating incident. We relied on the model of excellencism and perfectionism to determine if perfection strivers are less unfavorable toward electronic sign stealing (cheating) compared with excellence strivers. Sport fans (N = 321) completed a measure of excellencism and perfectionism. We used three different approaches to measure attitudes toward electronic sign stealing in baseball. Results of a multivariate multiple regression showed that sport fans who are perfection strivers held more favorable attitudes toward electronic sign stealing compared with excellence strivers. Perfection strivers also reported higher moral disengagement and winning-at-all-cost mentality. These findings are insightful because they indicate that perfectionistic standards significantly relate to sport cheating-related attitudes once we separate excellencism from perfectionism.
Sub-angstrom noninvasive imaging of atomic arrangement in 2D hybrid perovskites
Authors: Telychko Mykola , Edalatmanesh Shayan , Leng Kai , Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Guo Na , Zhang Chun , Mendieta-Moreno Jesús I. , Nachtigall Matyas , Li Jing , Loh Kian Ping , Jelínek Pavel , Lu Jiong
Published: April 2022

Noninvasive imaging of the atomic arrangement in two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper hybrid perovskites (RPPs) is challenging because of the insulating nature and softness of the organic layers. Here, we demonstrate a sub-angstrom resolution imaging of both soft organic layers and inorganic framework in a prototypical 2D lead-halide RPP crystal via combined tip-functionalized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscopy (ncAFM) corroborated by theoretical simulations. STM measurements unveil the atomic reconstruction of the inorganic lead-halide lattice and overall twin-domain composition of the RPP crystal, while ncAFM measurements with a CO-tip enable nonperturbative visualization of the cooperative reordering of surface organic cations driven by their hydrogen bonding interactions with the inorganic lattice. Moreover, such a joint technique also allows for the atomic-scale imaging of the electrostatic potential variation across the twin-domain walls, revealing alternating quasi-1D electron and hole channels at neighboring twin boundaries, which may influence in-plane exciton transport and dissociation.
Centimeter-scale hole diffusion and its application in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Shihao , Zhang Jiaming , Zang Chunxiu , Zhang Letian , Xie Wenfa , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: April 2022

In conventional organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), current balance between electron and hole transport regions is typically achieved by leakage of the major carrier through the devices or by accumulation of the major carrier inside the devices. Both of these are known to reduce performances leading to reduction of efficiency and operation stability due to exciton-polaron annihilation, etc. We found that hole diffusion in a centimeter-scale can be achieved in a PEDOT:PSS layer via composition and interface engineering. This ultralong distance hole diffusion enables substantially enhanced hole diffusion current in the lateral direction perpendicular to the applied electric field in typical organic optoelectronic devices. By introducing this lateral hole diffusion layer (LHDL) at the anode side of OLEDs, reduced carrier accumulation, improved efficiency, and enhanced operation stability are demonstrated. The application of the LHDL provides a third strategy for current balancing with much reduced harmful effects from the previous two approaches.
Chemogenetic stimulation of tonic locus coeruleus activity strengthens the default mode network
Authors: Oyarzabal Esteban A. , Hsu Li-Ming , Das Manasmita , Chao Tzu-Hao Harry , Zhou Jingheng , Song Sheng , Zhang Weiting , Smith Kathleen G. , Sciolino Natale R. , Evsyukova Irina Y. , Yuan Hong , Lee Sung-Ho , Cui Guohong , Jensen Patricia , Shih Yen-Yu Ian
Published: April 2022

The default mode network (DMN) of the brain is functionally associated with a wide range of behaviors. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and spectral fiber photometry to investigate the selective neuromodulatory effect of norepinephrine (NE)–releasing noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) on the mouse DMN. Chemogenetic-induced tonic LC activity decreased cerebral blood volume (CBV) and glucose uptake and increased synchronous low-frequency fMRI activity within the frontal cortices of the DMN. Fiber photometry results corroborated these findings, showing that LC-NE activation induced NE release, enhanced calcium-weighted neuronal spiking, and reduced CBV in the anterior cingulate cortex. These data suggest that LC-NE alters conventional coupling between neuronal activity and CBV in the frontal DMN. We also demonstrated that chemogenetic activation of LC-NE neurons strengthened functional connectivity within the frontal DMN, and this effect was causally mediated by reduced modulatory inputs from retrosplenial and hippocampal regions to the association cortices of the DMN.
FCHO controls AP2’s initiating role in endocytosis through a PtdIns(4,5)P
2
-dependent switch
Authors: Zaccai Nathan R. , Kadlecova Zuzana , Dickson Veronica Kane , Korobchevskaya Kseniya , Kamenicky Jan , Kovtun Oleksiy , Umasankar Perunthottathu K. , Wrobel Antoni G. , Kaufman Jonathan G. G. , Gray Sally R. , Qu Kun , Evans Philip R. , Fritzsche Marco , Sroubek Filip , Höning Stefan , Briggs John A. G. , Kelly Bernard T. , Owen David J. , Traub Linton M.
Published: April 2022

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is the main mechanism by which mammalian cells control their cell surface proteome. Proper operation of the pivotal CME cargo adaptor AP2 requires membrane-localized Fer/Cip4 homology domain-only proteins (FCHO). Here, live-cell enhanced total internal reflection fluorescence–structured illumination microscopy shows that FCHO marks sites of clathrin-coated pit (CCP) initiation, which mature into uniform-sized CCPs comprising a central patch of AP2 and clathrin corralled by an FCHO/Epidermal growth factor potential receptor substrate number 15 (Eps15) ring. We dissect the network of interactions between the FCHO interdomain linker and AP2, which concentrates, orients, tethers, and partially destabilizes closed AP2 at the plasma membrane. AP2’s subsequent membrane deposition drives its opening, which triggers FCHO displacement through steric competition with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, clathrin, cargo, and CME accessory factors. FCHO can now relocate toward a CCP’s outer edge to engage and activate further AP2s to drive CCP growth/maturation.
Response to comment on “Evidence of prehistoric human activity in the Falkland Islands”
Authors: Hamley Kit M. , Gill Jacquelyn L. , Krasinski Kathryn E. , Groff Dulcinea V. , Hall Brenda L. , Sandweiss Daniel H. , Southon John R. , Brickle Paul , Lowell Thomas V.
Published: April 2022

Hamley
et al
. previously presented multiple lines of evidence that people were present in the Falkland Islands before Europeans and may have brought the now-extinct canid,
Dusicyon australis
. Stable isotope data reported by Clark
et al
. indicate that
D. australis
had a high-trophic, marine diet that terrestrialized following European arrival. This is consistent with our hypothesis of a human mutualism.
Supplemental Material: Middle Miocene climate–carbon cycle dynamics: Keys for understanding future trends on a warmer Earth?
Authors: Holbourn Ann , al. et
Published: April 2022

Supplemental Text: Benthic foraminiferal stable isotope δ13C measurements at Site U1443, Supplemental Tables S1–S3, and Supplemental Figures S1–S4 
Hypokalaemic quadriparesis in a patient with urinary diversion through Indiana pouch
Authors: Kuchulakanti Srinivasa Anurag , Shenoy Pradeep M
Published: April 2022

A man in his 20s, a patient with chronic kidney disease with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate of 33 mL/min/1.73 m2, who had an Indiana pouch continent urinary diversion procedure done at 6 years of age for bladder exstrophy, presented to the emergency room with sudden-onset progressive quadriparesis over 6 hours with power 1/5 in all the limbs with preserved reflexes. He was fully conscious and oriented, with stable vital signs. On evaluation, he had severe hypokalaemia and severe metabolic acidosis (both high anion gap and non-anion gap acidosis). Imaging studies showed bilateral gross hydroureteronephrosis, and renal and pouch calculi. Hypokalaemia was promptly treated with intravenous potassium chloride and acidosis with emergency haemodialysis. The patient had a complete motor recovery following intravenous potassium correction and was discharged with oral potassium and bicarbonate supplements. Here, the Indiana pouch, its metabolic and electrolyte complications, and its treatment are discussed.
Chronic inflammation and calciphylaxis
Authors: Byers Aaron , Herrera Nicholas , Owoyemi Itunu
Published: April 2022

Calciphylaxis also known as calcific uraemic arteriolopathy is a rare condition mostly seen in patients with end-stage kidney disease. We report a case of a simultaneous-kidney-pancreas transplant patient with functioning grafts developing biopsy-proven calciphylaxis in the setting of chronic inflammation. Despite several modalities of management, the patient developed progression of her disease leading to multiple amputations. This case illustrates chronic inflammation driven by persistent infection as a probable contributing factor to the development and progression of calciphylaxis in a simultaneous kidney-pancreas recipient. Calciphylaxis should be considered in the differential for a painful, non-healing ulcer even in the absence of common risk factors.
Covid-19: virology, variants, and vaccines
Authors: Young Megan , Crook Harry , Scott Janet , Edison Paul
Published: April 2022

As of 25 January 2022, over 349 million individuals have received a confirmed diagnosis of covid-19, with over 5.59 million confirmed deaths associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The covid-19 pandemic has prompted an extensive global effort to study the molecular evolution of the virus and develop vaccines to prevent its spread. Although rigorous determination of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity remains elusive, owing to the continuous evolution of the virus, steps have been made to understand its genome, structure, and emerging genetic mutations. The SARS-CoV-2 genome is composed of several open reading frames and structural proteins, including the spike protein, which is essential for entry into host cells. As of 25 January 2022, the World Health Organization has reported five variants of concern, two variants of interest, and three variants under monitoring. Additional sublineages have since been identified, and are being monitored. The mutations harboured in these variants confer an increased transmissibility, severity of disease, and escape from neutralising antibodies compared with the primary strain. The current vaccine strategy, including booster doses, provides protection from severe disease. As of 24 January 2022, 33 vaccines have been approved for use in 197 countries. In this review, we discuss the genetics, structure, and transmission methods of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, highlighting how mutations provide enhanced abilities to spread and inflict disease. This review also outlines the vaccines currently in use around the world, providing evidence for every vaccine's immunogenicity and effectiveness.
Genetic origin of sporadic cases and RNA toxicity in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease
Authors: Deng Jianwen , Zhou Binbin , Yu Jiaxi , Han Xiaochen , Fu Jianhui , Li Xiaobin , Xie Xufang , Zhu Min , Zheng Yilei , Guo Xueyu , Li Pidong , Wang Qingqing , Liu Jing , Zhang Wei , Yuan Yun , Yao Sheng , Wang Zhaoxia , Hong Daojun
Published: April 2022

Background

GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC has been recently linked to neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) via unknown disease mechanisms. Herein, we explore the genetic origin of the sporadic cases and toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism in NIID.

Methods

Multiple genetic screenings were performed on NIID individuals and their available family members. Methylation status of blood DNA, NOTCH2NLC mRNA level from muscle biopsies and RNA foci from skin biopsies of NIID individuals or asymptomatic carriers were evaluated and compared.

Results

In two sporadic NIID families, we identified two clinically and pathologically asymptomatic fathers carrying large GGC repeat expansion, above 300 repeats, with offspring repeat numbers of 172 and 148, respectively. Further evaluation revealed that the GGC repeat numbers in the sperm from two asymptomatic fathers were only 63 and 98, respectively. The CpG island in NOTCH2NLC of the asymptomatic carriers was hypermethylated, and accordingly, the NOTCH2NLC mRNA levels were decreased in the asymptomatic fathers. GGC repeat expansion RNA formed RNA foci and sequestered RNA binding proteins into p62 positive intranuclear inclusions in NIID individuals but not in the control or asymptomatic carrier.

Conclusion

Our study suggested the GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC might have a disease-causing number ranging from ~41 to ~300 repeats. The contraction of GGC repeat expansion in sperm could be a possible mechanism for the paternal-biased origin in some sporadic or recessive inherited NIID individuals. The toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism was identified to be involved in the pathogenicity of this disease.
Transcriptome-based variant calling and aberrant mRNA discovery enhance diagnostic efficiency for neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Hong Sung Eun , Kneissl Jana , Cho Anna , Kim Man Jin , Park Soojin , Lee Jeongeun , Woo Sijae , Kim Sora , Kim Jun-Soon , Kim Soo Yeon , Jung Sungwon , Kim Jinkuk , Shin Je-Young , Chae Jong-Hee , Choi Murim
Published: April 2022

Background

Whole-exome sequencing-based diagnosis of rare diseases typically yields 40%–50% of success rate. Precise diagnosis of the patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) has been hampered by locus heterogeneity or phenotypic heterogeneity. We evaluated the utility of transcriptome sequencing as an independent approach in diagnosing NMDs.

Methods

The RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of muscle tissues from 117 Korean patients with suspected Mendelian NMD was performed to evaluate the ability to detect pathogenic variants. Aberrant splicing and CNVs were inspected to identify additional causal genetic factors for NMD. Aberrant splicing events inDystrophin (DMD)were investigated by using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). A non-negative matrix factorisation analysis of the transcriptome data followed by cell type deconvolution was performed to cluster samples by expression-based signatures and identify cluster-specific gene ontologies.

Results

Our pipeline called 38.1% of pathogenic variants exclusively from the muscle transcriptomes, demonstrating a higher diagnostic rate than that achieved via exome analysis (34.9%). The discovery of variants causing aberrant splicing allowed the application of ASOs to the patient-derived cells, providing a therapeutic approach tailored to individual patients. RNA-Seq data further enabled sample clustering by distinct gene expression profiles that corresponded to clinical parameters, conferring additional advantages over exome sequencing.

Conclusion

The RNA-Seq-based diagnosis of NMDs achieves an increased diagnostic rate and provided pathogenic status information, which is not easily accessible through exome analysis.
Serum neurofilament light chain levels predict long-term disability progression in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Comabella Manuel , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Carbonell-Mirabent Pere , Fissolo Nicolás , Tur Carmen , Malhotra Sunny , Pareto Deborah , Aymerich Francesc X , Río Jordi , Rovira Alex , Tintoré Mar , Montalban Xavier
Published: April 2022

Objective

There is a lack of sensitive and specific biomarkers for use in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aimed to assess the potential of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels as biomarker of disability progression in patients with progressive MS.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational cohort study in 51 patients with progressive MS who participated in a 2-year phase II single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon-beta. Mean (SD) follow-up duration was 13.9 (6.2) years. Levels of sNfL were measured using a single molecule array immunoassay at baseline, 1, 2 and 6 years. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to evaluate associations between sNfL levels and disability progression at short term (2 years), medium term (6 years) and long term (at the time of the last follow-up).

Results

A sNfL cut-off value of 10.2 pg/mL at baseline discriminated between long-term progressors and non-progressors with a 75% sensitivity and 67% specificity (adjusted OR 7.8; 95% CI 1.8 to 46.4; p=0.01). Similar performance to discriminate between long-term progressors and non-progressors was observed using age/body mass index-adjusted sNfL Z-scores derived from a normative database of healthy controls. A cut-off increase of 5.1 pg/mL in sNfL levels between baseline and 6 years also discriminated between long-term progressors and non-progressors with a 71% sensitivity and 86% specificity (adjusted OR 49.4; 95% CI 4.4 to 2×103; p=0.008).

Conclusions

sNfL can be considered a prognostic biomarker of future long-term disability progression in patients with progressive MS. These data expand the little knowledge existing on the role of sNfL as long-term prognostic biomarker in patients with progressive MS.