bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns harbor signatures of hatchling sex and past incubation temperature in a species with environmental sex determination
Authors: Bock Samantha L. , Smaga Christopher R. , McCoy Jessica A. , Parrott Benjamin B.
Published: May 2022

Conservation of thermally sensitive species depends on monitoring organismal and population-level responses to environmental change in real time. Epigenetic processes are increasingly recognized as key integrators of environmental conditions into developmentally plastic responses, and attendant epigenomic datasets hold potential for revealing cryptic phenotypes relevant to conservation efforts. Here, we demonstrate the utility of genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in the face of climate change for a group of especially vulnerable species, those with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Due to their reliance on thermal cues during development to determine sexual fate, contemporary shifts in temperature are predicted to skew offspring sex ratios and ultimately destabilize sensitive populations. Using reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing, we profiled the DNA methylome in blood cells of hatchling American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a TSD species lacking reliable markers of sexual dimorphism in early life-stages. We identified 120 sex-associated differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs; FDR < 0.1) in hatchlings incubated under a range of temperatures, as well as 707 unique temperature-associated DMCs. We further developed DNAm-based models capable of predicting hatchling sex with 100% accuracy and past incubation temperature with a mean absolute error of 1.2°C based on the methylation status of 20 and 24 loci, respectively. Though largely independent of epigenomic patterning occurring in the embryonic gonad during TSD, DNAm patterns in blood cells may serve as non-lethal markers of hatchling sex and past incubation conditions in conservation applications. These findings also raise intriguing questions regarding tissue-specific epigenomic patterning in the context of developmental plasticity.
Metacognitive domains are not aligned along a dimension of internal-external information source
Authors: Arbuzova Polina , Maurer Lisa K. , Filevich Elisa
Published: May 2022

It is still debated whether metacognition, or the ability to monitor our own mental states, relies on mechanisms that are ‘domain-general’ (a single mechanism can account for the monitoring of any mental process) or ‘domain-specific’ (metacognition is accomplished by a collection of multiple monitoring modules, one for each cognitive domain). It has been speculated that two broad categories of metacognitive mechanisms may exist: those that monitor primarily externally-generated vs. those that monitor primarily internally-generated information.

To test this proposed division, we measured metacognitive performance (using m-ratio, a signal detection theoretical measure) in four tasks that could be ranked along an internal-external axis of the source of information, namely memory, motor, visuomotor and visual tasks. We found correlations between m-ratios in visuomotor and motor tasks only; but no correlations between m-ratios in visual and visuomotor tasks, or between motor and memory tasks.

While we found no correlation in metacognitive ability between visual and memory tasks, and a positive correlation between visuomotor and motor tasks, we found no evidence for a correlation between motor and memory tasks. This pattern of correlations does not support the grouping of domains based on whether the source of information is primarily internal or external. We suggest that other groupings could be more reflective of the nature of metacognition and discuss the need to consider other non-domain task-features when using correlations as a way to test the underlying shared mechanisms between domains.
Critical Mechanistic Features of HIV-1 Viral Capsid Assembly
Authors: Gupta Manish , Pak Alexander J. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: May 2022

The maturation of HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) into a cone-shaped lattice encasing the condensed RNA genome is critical for viral infectivity. During HIV-1 maturation, CA can self-assemble into a wide range of capsid morphologies made of ~175-250 hexamers and 12 pentamers. Most recently, the cellular polyanion inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) has been demonstrated to facilitate conical capsid formation by coordinating a ring of arginine residues within the central cavity of capsid hexamers and pentamers. However, the precise kinetic interplay of events during IP6 and CA co-assembly is unclear. In this work, we use Coarse-grained Molecular Dynamics (CGMD) simulations to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of capsid formation, including the crucial role played by IP6. We show that IP6, in relatively small quantities at first, promotes curvature generation by trapping pentameric defects in the growing lattice and shifts assembly behavior towards kinetically favored outcomes. Our analysis also suggests that IP6 can stabilize metastable capsid intermediates and can induce structural pleomorphism in mature capsids.

Teaser

Computer simulations reveal that IP6 promotes fullerene-like capsid formation by stabilizing high curvature regions of the capsid.
Beyond Pairwise Interactions: Higher-Order Dynamics in Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Murgas Kevin A. , Saucan Emil , Sandhu Romeil
Published: May 2022

Protein interactions form a complex dynamic system that shapes cell phenotype and function; in this regard, network analysis is a powerful tool for studying the dynamics of cellular processes. Graph-based models are limited, however, in that these models consider only pairwise relationships. Higher-order interactions are well-characterized in biology, including protein complex formation and feedback or feedforward loops. These higher-order relationships are better represented by a hypergraph as a generalized network model. Here, we present an approach to analyzing dynamic gene expression data using a hypergraph model and quantify network heterogeneity via Forman-Ricci curvature. We observe, on a global level, increased network curvature in pluripotent stem cells and cancer cells. Further, we use local curvature to conduct pathway analysis in a melanoma dataset, finding increased curvature in several oncogenic pathways and decreased curvature in tumor suppressor pathways. We compare this approach to a graph-based model and a differential gene expression approach.
Repulsive Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling coordinates both axonal extension and steering via activating an autoregulatory factor, Mtss1
Authors: Kim Namsuk , Li Yan , Yu Ri , Kwon Hyo-Shin , Song Anji , Jun Mi-Hee , Jeong Jin-Young , Lee Ji Hyun , Lim Hyun-Ho , Kim Mi-Jin , Kim Jung-Woong , Oh Won-Jong
Published: May 2022

Axon guidance molecules are critical for neuronal pathfinding because they regulate directionality and growth pace during nervous system development. However, the molecular mechanisms coordinating proper axonal extension and turning are poorly understood. Here, Metastasis Suppressor 1 (Mtss1), a membrane protrusion protein, ensured axonal extension while sensitizing axons to the Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E)-Plexin-D1 repulsive cue. Sema3E-Plexin-D1 signaling enhanced Mtss1 expression in projecting striatonigral neurons. Mtss1 localized to the neurite axonal side and regulated neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons. Mtss1 also aided Plexin-D1 trafficking to the growth cone, where it signaled a repulsive cue to Sema3E. Mtss1 ablation reduced neurite extension and growth cone collapse in cultured neurons.Mtss1-knockout mice exhibited fewer striatonigral projections and irregular axonal routes and these defects were recapitulated inPlxnd1- orSema3e-knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that repulsive axon guidance activates an exquisite autoregulatory program coordinating both axonal extension and steering during neuronal pathfinding.
Structural properties of defective (CH3NH3)2Cu(Cl1–x
Br
x
)4 compounds
Authors: Martinelli Alberto , Ray Aniruddha , Abdelhady Ahmed L. , Locardi Federico
Published: May 2022

The crystal structures of (CH3NH3)2Cu(Cl1–x
Br
x
)4 compounds have been investigated by means of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis at room temperature. As a result, new insights are gained about the structural properties of these compounds, suggesting a monoclinic symmetry (space group No. 14: P21/c – C_{2h}^{5}) induced by the co-operative orbital ordering produced by the Jahn–Teller distortion characterizing the 3d
9 Cu2+ ion. In contrast to previous studies, a significant amount of vacancies is found at halogen positions, a feature that can be likely ascribed to the synthesis technique adopted in the present study. Br atoms preferentially occupy axial positions, likely on account of reduced steric hindrance at these sites.
Past as prologue: Taylorism, the new scientific management and managing human capital
Authors: Birnbaum Dee , Somers Mark
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore parallels between scientific management and the new scientific management to gain insight into applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to human resource management and employee assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of Taylor’s work and its interpretation by scholars is contrasted with modern analysis of human resource analytics to demonstrate conceptual and methodological commonalities between the old and the new forms of scientific management.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates how the epistemology, ethos and cultural trajectory of scientific management has resulted in a mindset that has influenced the implementation and objectives of the new scientific management with respect to human resources analytics.

Social implications

This paper offers an alternative to the view that machine learning and AI as applied to work and employees are beneficial and points out why important challenges have been overlooked and how they can be addressed.

Originality/value

Commonalties between Taylorism and the new scientific management have been overlooked so that attempts to gain an understanding of how machine learning is likely to influence work, employees and work organizations are incomplete. This paper provides a new perspective that can be used to address challenges associated with applications of machine learning to work design and employee rights.
Winning the innovation game in emerging markets
Authors: Hensmans Manuel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide advanced market managers in Europe, the USA or Japan with a long-term framework to prepare for and seize emerging market innovation opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on eight years of studying emerging market innovation opportunities, how to prepare for them and how to seize them. This study mainly draws on experiential learning in the automotive sector, particularly in China.

Findings

The framework details the strategic co-evolution of advanced market firms, emerging market governments, customers and competitors through four stages of innovation. Emerging markets such as China and India at different stages, depending on the national context of development as well as the particular market context.

Research limitations/implications

This research is primarily based on cases in the automotive sector. Challenging the ongoing assumption of superior advanced market innovation, this paper contributes to insights on the new innovation world order and how to invest in emerging market innovation opportunities.

Practical implications

The framework helps advanced market managers identify the strategic stage they are in, depending on the emerging market context. It provides them with long-term strategic insights, helping them anticipate moves and countermoves by emerging market governments and competitors, as well as anticipate the rapidly shifting needs of emerging market customers.

Originality/value

The four-stage framework brings together advanced market firms, emerging market governments, customers and competitors in a clear big picture. It conditions emerging market success in the even bigger picture of advanced market firms drawing on their learning in emerging markets in stages 3 and 4 to accelerate the renewal of their core business.
Intellectual capital between measurement and reporting: a structured literature review
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Modaffari Giuseppe , Ricci Federica , Della Corte Gaetano
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In the past decade, intellectual capital (IC) measurement and reporting have been feeding scientific debate; however, only few studies address these issues together. The present research aims to provide an integrated view of the topics covered by the existing literature and to highlight the emerging research trends and set the agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a structured literature review (SLR) of the extant research concerned with IC measurement and reporting, using a comprehensive sample of 1,021 articles extracted from the Scopus database.

Findings

The findings of the SLR show that the existing literature focuses on seven research areas: IC and public sector; IC university and education; IC evaluation method; internal and external IC disclosure; IC and CSR; management of IC in organizations; other. Overall, findings indicate that IC measurement and reporting are highly researched topics that continue to attract the interests of scholars. Finally, the SLR analysis has allowed outlining a future research agenda, with particular reference to the IC evaluation method and internal and external IC disclosure research areas.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research lies in the manual screening of relevant studies, which entails some degree of subjectivity. Furthermore, another limitation research could be considered the use of a single database (Scopus).

Originality/value

The present study brings potential contributions for scholars and practitioners. From a scholarly perspective, the paper provides a systematization of scientific contributions that have dealt with IC measurement and reporting. In particular, it contributes to the scholarly debate bringing into focus various IC measurement and reporting issues in the landscape of private and public organizations. Referring to practical implications, our research supports the strategic use of IC measurement and reporting as a key lever for improving the management of firms. Using an analytical framework that combines insights from the agency, stakeholder and legitimacy theories, this study highlights that IC reporting activity should be used strategically as a means to engage with all firm's stakeholders, in particular with a view to reducing information asymmetry and improving firm reputation.
Studying abroad: the role of consumer cosmopolitanism in the enrolment decisions
Authors: Salomão Miriam Taís , Silva Susana Costa , Côto José Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Cosmopolitans transcend their local boundaries by interacting and actively seeking other cultures, and the applications of these characteristics to consumption behaviour is called consumer cosmopolitanism. To outline inferences on what school leavers would experience, consider or do when planning to study abroad, this paper aims to examine people who have experienced Erasmus concerning the relationship between their level and type of consumer cosmopolitanism and the decisions related to enrolling in the Erasmus programme, which include the decision itself, motivations, choice of destination, pursuing cultural differences and search for different levels of globalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

After proposing a conceptual model, data were collected by surveying undergraduate or postgraduate students. Then a set of multivariate analyses were developed to validate the hypotheses.

Findings

Contrarily to what could be expected, results indicate that consumer cosmopolitanism decreases the likelihood for students to enrol on the programme. Additionally, three types of consumer cosmopolitanism were found: low, cultural and high cosmopolitans. According to results, low cosmopolitans display lower likelihoods of enrolment than the other two types. This evidence supports that intention to enrol is not always a good predictor of behaviour and that a gap is proven here as well. This study also suggests that cosmopolitan consumers do not reveal a preference for countries with similar/different cultures or levels of globalization to that of their own country, but, conversely, experiencing a different culture remains one of the leading motivations for these consumers.

Originality/value

Although cosmopolitanism has been extensively studied in different research fields, its link with the decisions on studying abroad has barely been explored.
Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 exerts an effect on the microbial and immunological profile of couples suffering unknown infertility
Authors: Iniesta Silvia , Esteban Sergio , Armijo Ónica , Lobo Sonia , Manzano Susana , Espinosa Irene , Cárdenas Nivia , Bartha José Luis , Jiménez Esther
Published: May 2022

Problem

Unknown or idiopathic infertility has been associated with urogenital tract dysbiosis, reducing pregnancy and delivery ratios during assisted reproductive treatments (ART). The Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 strain has shown extraordinary antimicrobial activity in vitro against urogenital pathogens as well as other probiotic characteristics. Therefore, an intervention study was performed to evaluate the effect of L. salivarius PS11610 on the microbial composition of urogenital tract in infertile couples with bacterial dysbiosis.

Method of study

Seventeen couples undergoing ART diagnosed with unknown infertility were selected. After confirming urogenital dysbiosis, they started a 6‐month treatment with L. salivarius PS11610 (1 dose/12 h for female and 1 dose/24 h for male). Vaginal, seminal, glans, uterine and plasma samples were collected for determination of the microbiome and immune profile at the beginning and the end of the treatment.

Results

Supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 significantly modified the urogenital microbiome composition in male and female samples, solving dysbiosis of 67% of the couples. Pathogens disappeared from the vaginal samples whereas Lactobacilli percentage increased after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Moreover, L. salivarius PS11610 changed the uterine microbiome that could be associated with a change of the uterine immune profile. Additionally, the probiotic intake could be associated with the observed change in the systemic immunological profile of couples. Finally, the pregnant and delivery ratio were improved.

Conclusions

Probiotic supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 improved the male and female urogenital tract microbiome, modulating the immune system and increasing pregnancy success in couples undergoing ART.
Visualising the pattern of long‐term genotype performance by leveraging a genomic prediction model
Authors: Arief Vivi N. , DeLacy Ian H. , Payne Thomas , Basford Kaye E.
Published: May 2022

Historical data from plant breeding programs provide valuable resources to study the response of genotypes to the changing environment (i.e. genotype‐by‐environment interaction). Such data have been used to evaluate the pattern of genotype performance across regions or locations, but its use to evaluate the long‐term pattern of genotype performance across environments (i.e. locations‐by‐years) has been hampered by the lack of common genotypes across years. This lack of common genotypes is due to the structure of the breeding program, especially for annual crops, where only a proportion of selected genotypes are tested in subsequent years. This has resulted in a sparse prediction of the performance of genotypes across years (i.e. a genotype‐by‐year table). A genomic prediction method that fitted both a relationship matrix among genotypes and a relationship matrix among environments (i.e. years) could overcome this limitation and produce a dense genotype‐by‐year table, thereby enabling some evaluation of long‐term genotype performance. In this paper, we applied the genomic prediction model to the yield data from CIMMYT's Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trials (ESWYT) to visualise the pattern of genotype performance over 25 years.
Proteomic analysis of vitreous humour of eyes with diabetic macular oedema: a systematic review
Authors: Hansen Mathilde Schlippe , Rasmussen Maja , Grauslund Jakob , Subhi Yousif , Cehofski Lasse Jørgensen
Published: May 2022

The pathophysiology of diabetic macular oedema (DME) remains poorly understood. Proteomic analysis of the vitreous using mass spectrometry (MS) can potentially identify proteins of pathophysiological importance. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence on protein changes in DME detected by MS. We systematically searched 13 literature databases on 19 September 2021. Eligible studies were defined as those using samples from human eyes with DME analysed with MS. Two authors assessed the studies for eligibility, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias independently. Six eligible studies were identified. All were designed in a cross‐sectional fashion comparing results to either a non‐diabetic control group or a control group without DME. A total of 62 eyes from 60 patients contributed as study group and 48 eyes from 48 patients served as control group. Proteomic analyses revealed significant differences in the vitreous protein levels in patients with DME when compared with controls. Three studies or more identified increased contents of apolipoprotein A‐I, apolipoprotein A‐II, apolipoprotein A‐IV, apolipoprotein C‐III, gelsolin, pigment epithelium‐derived factor, serum albumin, transthyretin, vitamin D‐binding protein in DME. Two studies found increased levels of complement factors B and C3. Protein changes reproduced across the studies suggested that DME was associated with retinal lipid accumulation, angiogenesis, retinal protective mechanisms, inflammation and complement activation. Proteome studies support the multifactorial pathogenesis of DME as proteins with highly different biological functions are regulated in DME. An important number of proteins differ, provide pathophysiological insight and suggest the direction for future research.
Effects of the methionine hydroxyl analog chelated microminerals on growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing–finishing pigs
Authors: Chen Juan , Wang Huakai , Ma Yongxi , Zhang Yawei , Wang Shangchu , Zang Jianjun
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of methionine hydroxyl analog chelated microminerals (MHA‐M) replacing inorganic microminerals (ITMs) on the growth performance, fecal microminerals concentrations, immune function, and antioxidant status in growing‐finishing pigs; 253 pigs (average 33.68 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to six treatments with six replicates each treatment: (1) ITM: a basal diet with Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn from sulfates providing 20, 100, 40, and 60 mg/kg; (2–6): 1/5MHA‐M, 2/5MHA‐M, 3/5MHA‐M, 4/5MHA‐M, and MHA‐M was replaced with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% MHA‐M. Results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) in the 1/5MHA‐M and 2/5MHA‐M was greater than other groups in the whole period. Fecal Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations had decreased as the intake of trace minerals decreases. The ITM group decreased the fecal Zn concentration on Days 35, 70, and 91, and Fe concentration on Day 70, and increased the Mn concentration on Day 70 compared with MHA‐M group. Pigs fed 1/5MHA‐M, 2/5MHA‐M, and MHA‐M had a higher immune function and antioxidant status in serum compared with ITM, 3/5MHA‐M, and 4/5MHA‐M on Day 35. In conclusion, treatment with 1/5MHA‐M and 2/5MHA‐M could reduce the excretion of fecal microminerals and improve the immune function and antioxidant capacity compared with the ITM group.
Coherent Modeling of Longitudinal Causal Effects on Binary Outcomes
Authors: Wang Linbo , Meng Xiang , Richardson Thomas S. , Robins James M.
Published: May 2022

Analyses of biomedical studies often necessitate modeling longitudinal causal effects. The current focus on personalized medicine and effect heterogeneity makes this task even more challenging. Toward this end, structural nested mean models (SNMMs) are fundamental tools for studying heterogeneous treatment effects in longitudinal studies. However, when outcomes are binary, current methods for estimating multiplicative and additive SNMM parameters suffer from variation dependence between the causal parameters and the noncausal nuisance parameters. This leads to a series of difficulties in interpretation, estimation, and computation. These difficulties have hindered the uptake of SNMMs in biomedical practice, where binary outcomes are very common. We solve the variation dependence problem for the binary multiplicative SNMM via a reparameterization of the noncausal nuisance parameters. Our novel nuisance parameters are variation independent of the causal parameters, and hence allow for coherent modeling of heterogeneous effects from longitudinal studies with binary outcomes. Our parameterization also provides a key building block for flexible doubly robust estimation of the causal parameters. Along the way, we prove that an additive SNMM with binary outcomes does not admit a variation independent parameterization, thereby justifying the restriction to multiplicative SNMMs.
Focused and inclusive actions could ensure the persistence of East Africa's last known viable dugong subpopulation
Authors: Trotzuk Evan , Findlay Ken , Taju Alima , Cockcroft Vic , Guissamulo Almeida , Araman Armindo , Matos Lorena , Gaylard Angela
Published: May 2022

Although the dugongs of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago are the last known viable subpopulation along the East African coast, they remain threatened by a variety of anthropogenic and natural pressures that must be addressed to ensure their persistence. We aimed to establish recent trends in dugong abundance through a series of aerial surveys carried out between 2017 and 2021 over the Bazaruto seascape. We also assessed hotspots of dugong distribution in this region where targeted conservation measures may prove most effective. Finally, we modeled dugong population growth and mortality rates under varying scenarios to better understand the level of risk to anthropogenic mortality. We derived a total abundance of 325 SD 145 dugongs. While the estimates from this study and those from surveys in 2006–2007 (359 SD 137) suggest that dugong abundance has not changed significantly over the past 15 years, the confidence intervals of these estimates are too wide to detect potentially small changes relative to the subpopulation's size. The distribution of dugong sightings within the Bazaruto seascape over the 5‐year period indicates two core zones, one of which occurs outside the limits of established conservation areas. Population viability analyses demonstrated variability around rates of unnatural mortality that would cause long‐term decline in abundance. Together, these results provide strong motivations for higher level conservation actions such as the expansion and management of formal marine protected areas in the region and the listing of the East African dugong subpopulation within the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Our study also highlights the importance of developing alternative livelihoods and sustainably managing small‐scale fisheries in collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders in order to reduce the prevalence of fishing equipment and anthropogenic activities that directly or indirectly threaten dugongs in the Bazaruto seascape.
Multimodality imaging evaluation of incidentally discovered intracardiac mass
Authors: Saef Josh , Jellis Christine , Unai Shinya , Tan Carmela , Dresing Thomas , Ayoub Chadi
Published: May 2022

Incidentally discovered intracardiac masses often represent diagnostic dilemmas. No guideline‐directed algorithm exists for evaluation and management in these cases. Understanding the utility and limitations of different imaging modalities expedites evaluation of differential diagnoses and management, particularly when there are discordant imaging findings. This case further demonstrates that benign cardiac tumors may grow rapidly, and that new and rapid emergence of an intracardiac mass does not necessarily correlate with a diagnosis of thrombus or malignancy. It also highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis and a systematic management approach in patients with intracardiac masses.
Isolation and identification of Esteya vermicola and its potential for controlling pinewood nematode
Authors: Wang Xuan , Li Yong Xia , Liu Zhen Kai , Wen Xiao Jian , Zi Ze Sang , Feng Yu Qian , Zhang Wei , Li Dong Zhen , Zhang Xing Yao
Published: May 2022

Pine wilt disease is a devastating forest disease worldwide caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). Esteya vermicola is widely recognized as a promising bio‐control agent effective against PWN. During a survey of associated microorganisms of Pinus yunnanensis in Southwest China, a novel isolate of E. vermicola was obtained. This isolate produced two types of conidia. One type of conidia was hyaline, unicellular, bacilloid, and non‐adhesive. The second type of conidia is solitary, hyaline, unicellular asymmetric elliptic or lunate, concave inward, ending slightly apiculate, adhesive on the concave surface, and contained an ovoid endospore‐like structure. Only the lunate conidia showed infection activity against PWN. This novel isolate produced a high proportion of infective lunate conidia and exhibited high adhesion and infection activity against PWN by adhering to the nematode within 48 h and killing 74.5% of the tested PWN individuals within 4 days. Given that the isolate was obtained from P. yunnanensis, it may be well adapted to the endogenous environment of pine trees. The isolate shows potential as a bio‐control agent against a plant‐parasitic nematode in the field.
Flow pulses shape periphyton differently according to local light and nutrient conditions in experimental lowland streams
Authors: Calvo Clementina , Pacheco Juan Pablo , Aznarez Celina , Jeppesen Erik , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Meerhoff Mariana
Published: May 2022

Streams generally are affected by multiple stressors acting at different timescales. Periphyton, often the most important primary producer in these ecosystems, may respond to short‐term impacts as well as to different long‐term environmental conditions with potentially various changes in community structure.

Here, we experimentally investigated the effects of sudden flow pulses on periphyton communities as a way to mimic extreme precipitation events in lowland streams that are predicted to occur more often with climate change in some regions. Using outdoor flumes, we allowed periphyton to colonise nutrient‐diffusion substrates under two light conditions (50% shade and fully open) and nutrient availabilities (control, with access only to stream nutrients, and N–P‐enriched) along a gradient in baseflows (0.43 to 2.17 L/s). After one month, we exposed the communities to a flow pulse (two‐fold peak flow increase to simulate conditions of a potentially high disturbance) and analysed the responses of biomass and taxonomic composition.

Flow pulse promoted periphyton growth in the lowest range of the baseflow but led to biomass reduction in the highest range. Light was the second major driver of biomass accrual, whereas nutrient enrichment had a strong effect on community composition both before and after the pulse (i.e., diatom dominance vs. green algae dominance in scenarios without and with enrichment, respectively). In all treatments, the flow pulse promoted a higher taxonomic richness, suggesting a partial reset of the succession of the periphyton communities. However, independent of flow and resources, periphyton communities showed low ecological resistance against the pulse with changes in chlorophyll a, biovolume and taxonomic richness to the pulse.

We demonstrated that the effects of pulses on periphyton are similar in terms of biomass but varied strongly regarding composition depending on their initial structure, which is in turn mediated by the baseflow normally experienced by the systems, and on light and nutrient availability.

Our results highlight the importance of testing multiple stressors, such as an increase in extreme events, under a wide range of environmental conditions (i.e., flow regime, trophic state, light availability). This approach allows us to detect potential interaction effects and non‐linear responses, and highlights that the environmental settings ultimately determine the net effects of flow pulses on community structure and probably also on several important ecosystem processes.
Chronic liver disease questionnaire to manage patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Futsukaichi Yuka Hayashi , Murayama Aiko , Minemura Masami , Takahara Terumi , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Although patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) usually show few symptoms, they exhibit decreased health‐related QOL (HRQOL) with occurrence complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Health‐related QOL is an important indicator in the management of CLD. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) was established as a tool for assessment of HRQOL. In this study, we evaluate its usefulness for the management of daily clinical practice.

Methods

Patients (N = 190, median age 70 years old) treated between 2016 and 2019 were registered and prospectively followed‐up with annual CLDQ. Associations of liver function and development of factors for admission or death were evaluated.

Results

Of the 190 patients registered, median age 70 years old, 140 were Child‐A, 121 were Fib‐4 index >2.67 and showed 80 HCC. All 6 domains including Systemic Symptoms (SS) were negatively correlated with Child‐Pugh score more than with albumin‐bilirubin score and Fib‐4 index. A hundred four admission events and 49 deaths were found during observation period, and median event‐free survival was 34.3 months. Treatment for HCC was the most frequent cause of admission, and 37 liver‐related deaths were found. Systemic Symptoms score 2 years after registration was decreased in both HCC‐ and non‐HCC cohort. Systemic Symptoms decreased and SS < 4 might be predictive for event occurrence.

Conclusions

CLDQ is useful to assess HRQOL in patients with CLD and is well correlated with liver function especially Child‐Pugh. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire might be useful to predict the prognosis of CLD and can be a tool of management in clinical practice.
Cardiac activity in walleye (Sander vitreus) during exposure to and recovery from chemical anaesthesia, electroanaesthesia and electrostunning
Authors: Reid Connor H. , Raby Graham D. , Faust Matthew D. , Cooke Steven J. , Vandergoot Christopher S.
Published: May 2022

Handling and conducting invasive procedures are necessary for aspects of fisheries science, invariably inducing a stress response and imposing energetic demands on fish. Anaesthesia or immobilisation techniques are often used in an attempt to mitigate stress and improve welfare, yet these also come with their own impacts on post‐release recovery. Here, the authors investigated whether changes in cardiac activity (heart rates over time, heart rate maxima, and scopes) differed in adult walleye (Sander vitreus) anaesthetised with AQUI‐S® 20E (eugenol), electroanaesthetised with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit or electrostunned with a commercially developed stunning unit. This experiment was divided into two trials. In the first trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers and left to recover for c. 4 days. In the second trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers, given 3 days to recover and re‐exposed to their initial treatments (excluding surgery). Post‐treatment cardiac activity was quantified for both trials. Although highly variable across individuals, the authors found no significant differences in heart rate changes over time or recovery times among treatments. Maximum heart rates were consistent among treatment groups, yet significant differences in heart rate scope provided further evidence of strong interindividual variation in the second trial. Based on these results, the authors did not identify any welfare‐relevant differences or concerns associated with one treatment over another. Further investigations of the relationships between measures of cardiac function and other physiological stress markers would be beneficial towards identifying best practices for fish handling in fisheries science.
Optical, mechanical, structural, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder, halloysite, and cinnamaldehyde nanocomposite films
Authors: Nath Debarshi , Santhosh Ravichandran , Ahmed Jasim , Sarkar Preetam
Published: May 2022

With paramount pressures from the laws enforcing agents and the general public in greenhouse gas emission and environmental issues, the importance of biodegradable materials with suitable properties for potential applications in the food packaging has received serious attention. In this work, tamarind kernel powder (TKP)/halloysite (HS)/cinnamaldehyde (CND) nanocomposite (NC) films were successfully developed using the solution casting method. CND with selected concentrations (0.5%–3%, w/w) were loaded into TKP (5% w/w)/HS (2% w/w) matrix. The NC films were characterized by optical measurement (e.g., color, transparency), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), barrier, and mechanical properties. The CND concentration significantly influenced the film properties. The developed nanocomposite films exhibited excellent antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium). Film with 2% CND was found to be a good candidate for active packaging application.

Practical applications

In the present times, there have been increased interests in the fabrication of biodegradable films for food packaging applications to reduce the usage of plastic‐based materials. This trend has urged researchers to develop bio‐based packaging materials with increased functionality. Tamarind kernel powder possesses excellent film‐forming properties, and their reinforcement with nanoclays and essential oil makes them useful as a food packaging material. In the present study, the optical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of tamarind kernel powder films were improved by incorporating halloysite nanoclay and cinnamaldehyde. Therefore, the developed antimicrobial films with improved functionality have high potential as a food packaging material.
Serologic biomarkers in Candida and Aspergillus infections of the central nervous system: A comparison of galactomannan, mannan and β‐1,3‐D‐gucan testing from serum and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Forster Johannes , Hoenigl Martin , Suerbaum Sebastian , Wagener Johannes , Dichtl Karl
Published: May 2022

Background

The incidence of Aspergillus and Candida CNS infection, which are characterised by high mortality rates, is underestimated. This underdiagnosis presumably results from the limitations of available diagnostic tools and the need for invasive sampling. Little is known about the role of serologic biomarkers in the setting of CNS aspergillosis and candidiasis.

Patients, materials and methods: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; 10) samples of 19 patients, whose CNS specimens yielded growth of Aspergillus or Candida, were analysed for different biomarkers for fungal infection, that is galactomannan (GM), galactomannoprotein (GP), mannan, anti‐mannan‐antibodies and β‐1,3‐D‐glucan (BDG). Serum and CSF specimens of time‐matched patients (two each for every case of fungal CNS infection) were included as controls.

Results

Galactomannan, GP and BDG seropositivity was found in one, two and three of five cases of CNS aspergillosis. BDG and mannan/anti‐mannan‐antibody sensitivity in proven CNS candidiasis was 40% and 20%, respectively. Applying the serum cut‐off, sensitivity in CSF testing was 100% for GM and BDG and 50% for mannans. While serum specificity for all assays ranged from 89 to 97%, specificity for CSF BDG was only 70%. No false‐positive GM results from CSF were obtained.

Conclusion

Sensitivity for diagnosing CNS aspergillosis and CNS candidiasis from serum is mediocre for all serological biomarkers. GM testing in CSF proved excellent performance. With a sensitivity of 100% but a specificity of only 70%, CSF BDG might be most useful when used in patients with a high pre‐test probability.
“Lumps of exasperation”: Editorial coverage of 60th anniversary of Nigeria's independence
Authors: Eze Ogemdi Uchenna
Published: May 2022

This study examined how selected Nigerian newspaper editorials covered the commemoration of its 60th independence anniversary. Frame theory provided the theoretical lens with which to make sense of the data. Drawing from van Dijk's (1992) model of editorial analysis, which focuses on Definition, Evaluation and Recommendation, this research investigated how Nigeria's journey as an independent nation in the last 60 years was framed in the editorials. The study found that there were divergent views as to whether there was a reason to celebrate or not. Defective structure, insecurity and poor leadership emerged as major problems to Nigeria's development. Consequently, these editorials framed restructuring, provision of security and rejigging of the recruitment process for political officeholders as solutions to the identified problems. The study indicated that these papers glossed over Nigerian Civil War experience, thus denying the younger generation the lessons of this important historical event.
An unusual case of pediatric embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with subsequent diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Spurr Alison , DeBiasio Celina , El Demellawy Dina , Gavigan Genevieve
Published: May 2022

A 10‐month‐old girl presented with a 4‐month history of a rapidly growing lesion on the lower lip. Initial assessment and Doppler ultrasound supported a diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. However, emergent biopsy revealed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a highly malignant tumor commonly associated with cancer‐susceptible syndromes including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Despite having no apparent clinical features of NF1 at initial presentation, she was later found to have multiple café‐au‐lait spots and a subsequent diagnosis of NF1 was made.
Undoing reconstruction: Racial threat and the process of Redemption, 1870–1920
Authors: Greenberger Michael
Published: May 2022

Objective

Over the course of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steps made toward full enfranchisement of African Americans, competitive elections, and representative democracy in the former Confederate States collapsed. White “Redeemers” established a subnational authoritarian regime that encompassed nearly the entire formerly Confederate South—reasserting the rule of political and economic white supremacy. This paper aims to understand how racial threat affected the political decisions made by disfreanchisers.

Methods

Analyzing an originally constructed data set of congressional elections returns and demographic data from 1870 to 1920.

Results

I find evidence that racial threat, properly specified, explains why democracy deteriorated in particular pockets of the South faster and more completely than in others.

Conclusion

I argue that racial threat, despite its contemporary limitations, is a useful theory for understanding the political development of the American South.
Sparking Interest in German through the Goethe/AATG‐sponsored SPARK Program
Authors: Baumgartner Karin , Brown Connor , Demschar Isabel , Rellaford David , Tanner Keaton , Thomas Alyssa
Published: May 2022

The article discusses a year‐long outreach activity, “Sparking interest in German.” Five University of Utah German students engaged in the AATG/Goethe‐Institut‐sponsored SPARK program and taught German to local middle schoolers. At the heart of this outreach project were questions such as whether student‐run outreach programs could truly spark interest in German among middle school students and whether outreach projects administered via service learning or practicum courses offer our college students a viable academic experience. The article describes the structure of the program, student learning activities, and assesses whether the goals were reached. At the end of the project, parents, middle schoolers, and university students were highly satisfied with the SPARK program and recommended continuation of the program.
Abscisic acid facilitates phosphate acquisition through the transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE5 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Ting‐Ting , Wang Lin‐Feng , Guo Jia‐Xing , Lu Kai‐Kai , Song Ru‐Feng , Zuo Jia‐Xin , Chen Hui‐Hui , Liu Wen‐Cheng
Published: May 2022

Low phosphate (LP) in soil is a common nutrient stress that severely restricts agricultural production, but the role, if any, of the major stress phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in plant phosphate (Pi) starvation responses remains elusive. Here, we report that LP‐induced ABA accumulation promotes Pi uptake in an ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5)‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis thaliana. LP significantly activated plant ABA biosynthesis, metabolism, and stress responses, suggesting a role of ABA in the plant response to Pi availability. LP‐induced ABA accumulation and expression of two major high‐affinity phosphate transporter genes PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;1/1;4 (PHT1;1/1;4) were severely impaired in a mutant lacking BETA‐GLUCOSIDASE1 (BG1), which converts conjugated ABA to active ABA, and the mutant had shorter roots and less Pi content than wild‐type plants under LP conditions. Moreover, a mutant of ABI5, which encodes a central transcription factor in ABA signaling, also exhibited suppressed root elongation and had reduced Pi content under LP conditions. ABI5 facilitated Pi acquisition by activating the expression of PHT1;1 by directly binding to its promoter, while overexpression of PHT1;1 completely rescued its Pi content under LP conditions. Together, our findings illustrate a molecular mechanism by which ABA positively modulates phosphate acquisition through ABI5 in the Arabidopsis response to phosphate deficiency.