bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focusing perceptual attention in the past constrains outcome-based learning in the future by adjusting cortico-cortical interactions
Authors: Vasilev Dmitrii , Safaei Negar , Iwai Ryo , Bahmani Hessam , Zouridis Ioannis S. , Watanabe Masataka , Logothetis Nikos K. , Totah Nelson K.
Published: January 2022

Contemporary neuroscience and psychiatry suggest that attention to decision outcomes guides rule learning by adjusting stimulus-outcome associations. Separately, sensory neurophysiology conceptualizes attention as a ‘filter’ that improves perception. Here, we show that the contemporary view is incomplete by demonstrating an unconventional and novel effect of perceptual attention on subsequent outcome-based rule learning. Moreover, we show for the first time in rodents that, like in primates, this attentional process involves tuning of modality specific cortico-cortical interactions. We designed a novel head-fixed rat-on-a-treadmill apparatus and used it to train rats to discriminate auditory-visual stimuli using one modality and then reduced stimulus discriminability in that modality. We observed perceptual learning suggesting engagement of perceptual attention. Moreover, engaging visual perceptual attention resulted in more saccades and increased frontal-visual cortex EEG Granger causality relative to engaging auditory perceptual attention. We then presented novel and easily discriminable stimuli in both modalities and measured outcome-driven learning in the other modality. Learning was slower after engaging perceptual attention. Our work suggests that a more complete description of learning requires integrating these previously siloed concepts of attention. Moreover, treating impaired set-shifting as a trans-diagnostic symptom may require targeting different neural circuits for perceptual attention or outcome-based attention depending on which type of attention is impaired in each neuro-psychiatric disorder.
Human genetic variations reveal Chromosomal Instability aiding Variants (CIVa) in kinetochore-microtubule associated proteins
Authors: Islam Asifa , Manjarrez-González Janeth Catalina , Gore Trupti , Song Xinhong , Draviam Viji M.
Published: January 2022

The vast majority of Chromosomal Instability (CIN) promoting mutations remain unknown. We assess the prevalence of Chromosomal Instability aiding Variants (CIVa) by collating Loss-of-Function (LoF) variants predicted in 135 chromosome segregation genes from over 150,000 humans, including consanguineous individuals. Surprisingly, we observe heterozygous and homozygous CIVa in Astrin and SKA3 genes that encode evolutionarily conserved microtubule-associated proteins essential for chromosome segregation. By combining high-resolution microscopy and controlled protein expression, we show the naturally occurring Astrin variant, p.Q1012*, as potentially harmful because it fails to localise normally, delays anaphase onset, induces chromosome misalignment and promotes chromosome missegregation. We show that N-terminal frameshift variants in Astrin and SKA3 are likely to generate shorter isoforms that do not compromise chromosome segregation revealing resilient mechanisms to cope with harmful variants. This study provides a framework to predict and stratify naturally occurring CIVa, an important step towards precision medicine for CIN syndromes.
Structure and function of BcpE2, the most promiscuous GH3-family beta-glucosidase for scavenging glucose from heterosides
Authors: Deflandre Benoit , Jadot Cédric , Planckaert Sören , Thiébaut Noémie , Stulanovic Nudzejma , Herman Raphaël , Devreese Bart , Kerff Frédéric , Rigali Sébastien
Published: January 2022

Cellulose being the most abundant polysaccharide on earth, beta-glucosidases hydrolyzing cello-oligosaccharides are key enzymes to fuel glycolysis in microorganisms developing on plant material. InStreptomyces scabiei, the causative agent of common scab in root and tuber crops, a genetic compensation phenomenon safeguards the loss of the gene encoding the cello-oligosaccharide hydrolase BglC by awakening the expression of alternative beta-glucosidases. Here we reveal that the BglC compensating enzyme BcpE2 is the GH3-family beta-glucosidase that displays the highest reported substrate promiscuity able to release the glucose moiety of all tested types of plant-derived heterosides (aryl β-glucosides, monolignol glucosides, cyanogenic glucosides, anthocyanosides, and coumarin heterosides). BcpE2 structure analysis highlighted a large cavity in the PA14 domain that covers the active site, and the high flexibility of this domain would allow proper adjustment of this cavity for disparate heterosides. The exceptional substrate promiscuity of BcpE2 provides microorganisms a versatile tool for scavenging glucose from plant-derived nutrients that widely vary in size and structure. Importantly, scopolin is the only substrate commonly hydrolyzed by both BglC and BcpE2 thereby generating the potent virulence inhibitor scopoletin. Next to fueling glycolysis, both enzymes thus also interfere with the plant defense mechanisms to fine-tune the strength of virulence.
Novel orthonairovirus in rodents and shrews, Gabon
Authors: Ozeki Takehiro , Abe Haruka , Ushijima Yuri , Nze-Nkogue Chiméne , Akomo-Okoue Etienne F , Ella Ghislain W.E , Koumba Lilian B.M , Nzo Branly C.B.B , Mintsa-Nguema Rodrigue , Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Makanga Boris K , Nguelet Fred L.M , Ondo Georgelin N , Mbadinga Marien J.V.M , Igasaki Yui , Okada Sayaka , Lell Bertrand , Bonney Laura C. , Hewson Roger , Kurosaki Yohei , Yasuda Jiro
Published: January 2022

Small mammals harbor various zoonotic viruses and are natural reservoirs for emerging viruses. Here, we identified a novel orthonairovirus, which is genetically close to the virus suggested the association with human neural diseases. The virus was found in 24.6% of the small mammals captured in Gabon, Central Africa.
Reference-based comparison of adaptive immune receptor repertoires
Authors: Weber Cédric R. , Rubio Teresa , Wang Longlong , Zhang Wei , Robert Philippe A. , Akbar Rahmad , Snapkov Igor , Wu Jinghua , Kuijjer Marieke L. , Tarazona Sonia , Conesa Ana , Sandve Geir K. , Liu Xiao , Reddy Sai T. , Greiff Victor
Published: January 2022

B- and T-cell receptor (immune) repertoires can represent an individual’s immune history. While current repertoire analysis methods aim to discriminate between health and disease states, they are typically based on only a limited number of parameters (e.g., clonal diversity, germline usage). Here, we introduce immuneREF: a quantitative multi-dimensional measure of adaptive immune repertoire (and transcriptome) similarity that allows interpretation of immune repertoire variation by relying on both repertoire features and cross-referencing of simulated and experimental datasets. immuneREF is implemented in an R package and was validated based on detection sensitivity of immune repertoires with known similarities and dissimilarities. To quantify immune repertoire similarity landscapes across health and disease, we applied immuneREF to >2400 datasets from individuals with varying immune states (healthy, [autoimmune] disease and infection [Covid-19], immune cell population). Importantly we discovered, in contrast to the current paradigm, that blood-derived immune repertoires of healthy and diseased individuals are highly similar for certain immune states, suggesting that repertoire changes to immune perturbations are less pronounced than previously thought. In conclusion, immuneREF implements population-wide analysis of immune repertoire similarity and thus enables the study of the adaptive immune response across health and disease states.
Tau and stathmin proteins in breast cancer: A potential therapeutic target
Authors: Yang Hanzhao
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm among women, responsible for 30% of all malignant tumours, and the second most significant reason of cancer fatality in women. Treatment failure and tumour recurrence are common outcomes of chemotherapy when patients develop multidrug resistance (MDR). New therapeutic methods like molecularly targeted therapeutic interventions need a thorough understanding of malignant tumour's molecular processes. Numerous studies published in the last few years indicate that stathmin and tubulin‐associated units (tau) are upregulated in a range of human malignant tumours, suggesting that they may enhance the incidence and progression of malignancies. By promoting cancer cell reproduction, infiltration and generating drug resistance, these proteins aid in the disease's development. Existing information on the expression of tau protein and stathmin in breast cancer, as well as their involvement in treatment methods, is summarized in this literature review.
The long road
Authors: SAMANANI FARHAN
Published: January 2022

Street cultures remain a challenging topic for anthropological analysis, reflecting broader disciplinary tensions. Approaches that focus on structure and power tend to provide overly deterministic accounts of action, especially regarding violence, while attempts to trace ethical striving have tended to characterize street cultures as domains of ethical failure or as defined by the pursuit of short‐term pleasures. Navigating between these approaches, I draw on ethnographic accounts from “the Caldwell,” a deprived London social housing estate, to argue that ethical registers are an important locus of ethical life. Youth strive to build worthwhile lives not simply by adopting particular ethical stances, but by pushing on the limits of available stances by weaving these together into a broader ethical register. For many young people involved with the Caldwell's street culture, ethical striving is inextricable from, and may even primarily entail, efforts to cultivate collective registers, which entangle criminal and noncriminal horizons. [street culture,gangs,violence,ethics,inequality,exclusion,hip‐hop,stance,register,London]
Analysis of the impact mechanism of environmental regulations on corporate environmental proactivity—based on the perspective of political connections
Authors: Yi Zhaoqiang , Wu Lihua
Published: January 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated the favorable effects of political connections on corporate environmental proactivity (CEP). However, few studies have further verified whether this is definitively the case under environmental regulations and their underlying reasons, which would help elucidate the performance and motivation of politically connected firms’ (PCFs’) environmental proactivity. Using data from Chinese A‐shares‐listed industrial firms from 2010 to 2016, we find that environmental regulations can significantly improve CEP. Compared with non‐politically connected firms (NPCFs), PCFs are more responsive to environmental regulations. Counterfactual analysis based on corporate resource conditions suggests that firms that are more supported by government in debt financing and show higher environmental proactivity are only found in PCF samples. In order to maintain this political relationship and continuously obtain debt financing support, PCFs tend to “bind” their business decisions to the government’s environmental governance objectives and display higher environmental proactivity. In summary, PCFs’ environmental proactivity involves self‐interest decisions based on their resource conditions.
Functional loss of ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 may lead to a novel distal arthrogryposis phenotype
Authors: Turgut Gozde Tutku , Altunoglu Umut , Sivrikoz Tugba Sarac , Toksoy Guven , Kalaycı Tuğba , Avcı Şahin , Karaman Birsen , Gulec Cagri , Başaran Seher , Sayın Gözde Yeşil , Kayserili Hulya , Uyguner Zehra Oya
Published: January 2022

Multiple congenital contractures (MCC) comprise a number of rare, non‐progressive conditions displaying marked phenotypic and etiologic heterogeneity. A genetic cause can be established in approximately half of the affected individuals, attributed to genetic defects in the formation and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, skeletal muscles, and connective tissue. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) encodes a major proteasome‐associated deubiquitinating enzyme with an established dual role as an inhibitor and an activator of proteolysis, maintaining protein homeostasis. Usp14‐deficient mice show a phenotype similar to lethal human MCC phenotypes, with callosal anomalies, muscle wasting, and early lethality, attributed to neuromuscular junction defects due to decreased monomeric ubiquitin pool. We describe a new, autosomal recessive MCC phenotype in three fetuses from two different branches of a consanguineous family, presenting with distal arthrogryposis, underdevelopment of the corpus callosum, and dysmorphic facial features. Exome sequencing identified a biallelic 4‐bp deletion (c.233_236delTTCC; p.Leu78Glnfs*11, SCV002028347) in USP14, and sequencing of family members showed segregation with the phenotype. RT‐qPCR experiment in an unaffected heterozygote revealed that mutant USP14 was expressed, indicating that abnormal transcript escapes nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. We propose that herein described fetuses represent the first human phenotype of USP14 loss, with callosal anomalies and/or cortical malformations, multiple contractures, and recognizable dysmorphic facial features.
Characterizing the Details of Spatial Construction: Cognitive Constraints and Variability
Authors: Shelton Amy Lynne , Davis E. Emory , Cortesa Cathryn S. , Jones Jonathan D. , Hager Gregory D. , Khudanpur Sanjeev , Landau Barbara
Published: January 2022

Spatial construction—the activity of creating novel spatial arrangements or copying existing ones—is a hallmark of human spatial cognition. Spatial construction abilities predict math and other academic outcomes and are regularly used in IQ testing, but we know little about the cognitive processes that underlie them. In part, this lack of understanding is due to both the complex nature of construction tasks and the tendency to limit measurement to the overall accuracy of the end goal. Using an automated recording and coding system, we examined in detail adults’ performance on a block copying task, specifying their step‐by‐step actions, culminating in all steps in the full construction of the build‐path. The results revealed the consistent use of a structured plan that unfolded in an organized way, layer by layer (bottom to top). We also observed that complete layers served as convergence points, where the most agreement among participants occurred, whereas the specific steps taken to achieve each of those layers diverged, or varied, both across and even within individuals. This pattern of convergence and divergence suggests that the layers themselves were serving as the common subgoals across both inter and intraindividual builds of the same model, reflecting cognitive “chunking.” This structured use of layers as subgoals was functionally related to better performance among builders. Our findings offer a foundation for further exploration that may yield insights into the development and training of block‐construction as well as other complex cognitive‐motor skills. In addition, this work offers proof‐of‐concept for systematic investigation into a wide range of complex action‐based cognitive tasks.
Usefulness of longitudinal systolic strain and delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance in depicting risk of supraventricular arrythmias in patients with acute myocarditis and preserved left ventricular function
Authors: Novo Giuseppina , Di Lisi Daniela , La Franca Eluisa , Carmina Maria Gabriella , Trovato Rosaria Linda , Romano Giuseppe , Novo Salvatore , Clemenza Francesco , Di Bella Gianluca , Bellavia Diego
Published: January 2022

Background

Myocarditis have variable clinical presentation, evolution and prognosis. Aim of our study was to evaluate the value of speckle tracking echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the short‐term prediction of supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA) in patients with acute myocarditis.

Methods

Seventy patients (mean age 31±14 years old) with acute myocarditis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were enrolled. Longitudinal systolic strain (LS) of the left ventricle (LV), mechanical dispersion (MD) and CMR with quantitative measurement of delayed enhancement (DE) were performed in a subset of 43 patients. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to identify predictors of SVA

Results

Only LS measured at sup‐epicardial, mid‐wall and sub‐endocardial level of the apical 4‐chamber view was significantly lower in patients with SVA, while MD was marginally prolonged in this setting. A value of LS > ‐ 16.1% measured at LV mid‐wall in the apical 4‐chamber view (ROC‐AUC .75, Sensitivity 63%, Specificity 85%) was the most accurate measure to identify patients with SVA. DE mass was also helpful with a ROC‐AUC .76; a DE‐Mass > 18.9 gr. had a Sensitivity 63% and a Specificity 77%, to identify patients at risk of SVA.

Conclusions

Both DE mass and LS were associated with higher risk of SVA in patients with acute myocarditis and preserved LVEF. However, LS measured at the mid‐wall level and limited to LV segments included in the apical 4‐chamber view was the most accurate measure and did not show interaction with DE mass.
Current‐dependent ocular tilt reaction in deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: Evidence for an incerto‐interstitial pathway?
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian U. , Eldebakey Hazem , Roothans Jonas , Capetian Philipp , Zwergal Andreas , Volkmann Jens , Reich Martin
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

The aim was to characterize a combined vestibular, ocular motor and postural syndrome induced by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus in a patient with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

In a systematic DBS programming session, eye, head and trunk position in roll and pitch plane were documented as a function of stimulation amplitude and field direction. Repeat ocular coherence tomography was used to estimate ocular torsion. The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC), zona incerta (ZI) and ascending vestibular fibre tracts were segmented on magnetic resonance imaging using both individual and normative structural connectomic data. Thresholded symptom‐associated volumes of tissue activated (VTA) were calculated based on documented stimulation parameters.

Results

Ipsilateral ocular tilt reaction and body lateropulsion as well as contralateral torsional nystagmus were elicited by the right electrode in a current‐dependent manner and subsided after DBS deactivation. With increasing currents, binocular tonic upgaze and body retropulsion were observed. Symptoms were consistent with an irritative effect on the INC. Symptom‐associated VTA was found to overlap with the dorsal ZI and the ipsilateral vestibulothalamic tract, while lying rather distant to the INC proper. A ZI‐to‐INC ‘incerto‐interstitial’ tract with contact to the medial‐uppermost portion of the VTA could be traced.

Conclusion

Unilateral stimulation of INC‐related circuitry induces an ipsilateral vestibular, ocular motor and postural roll‐plane syndrome, which converts into a pitch‐plane syndrome when functional activation expands bilaterally. In this case, tractography points to an incerto‐interstitial pathway, a tract previously only characterized in non‐human primates. Directional current steering proved useful in managing this rare side effect.
Legal segmentation and early colonialism in sub‐Saharan Africa: Informality and the colonial exploitative legal employment standard
Authors: FECHNER Heiner
Published: January 2022

Labour markets in sub‐Saharan Africa are characterized by a gendered division between formal and informal sectors. This article argues that this division originates from a rationality introduced by racist and gendered colonial legal segmentation, produced by a variety of legal regimes in and beyond employment law. Labour market segmentation in postcolonial settings cannot be understood or overcome without analysing the specific colonial institutional origins of the commodification of labour. In sub‐Saharan Africa, the “colonial exploitative legal employment standard” that commodified labour focused on black African male employees for European employers, excluding or marginalizing women and domestic labour relations.
Pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation versus RF ablation using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Theis Cathrin , Kaiser Bastian , Kaesemann Philipp , Hui Felix , Pirozzolo Giancarlo , Bekeredjian Raffi , Huber Carola
Published: January 2022

Background

The single procedure success rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) vary between 80% and 90%. This prospective, randomized study investigated the efficacy of cryoballoon PVI (CBA) versus PVI with radio‐frequency (RF)‐energy following the CLOSE protocol (ablation index [AI], interlesion distance ≤6 mm, surround flow catheter) in terms of single‐procedure arrhythmia‐free outcome and safety.

Methods and Results

A total number of 150 patients undergoing de novo catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized to two different treatment arms. In group A patients, PVI was performed with the 23 or 28 mm cryoballoon (Artic Front™ Balloon in conjunction with an Achieve Mapping Catheter, Medtronic Inc.). The ablation procedure in group B was performed with RF‐energy, using AI and following the CLOSE protocol. PVI using AI incorporates stability, contact force (CF), time, and power. The CLOSE protocol combines AI and ≤6 mm interlesion distance using a surround flow catheter (Biosense Webster Thermocool STSF). A total of 75 patients were randomized into each group without significant differences in baseline characteristics. During a mean follow‐up of 12 ± 4.5 months after a single procedure, 64 (85.33%) patients of group A were free of arrhythmia recurrence versus 65 (86.67%) patients in group B (p = ns). A total of 14 patients (group A: 7 [9.33%]; group B: 7 [9.33%]; p = ns) underwent a redo‐procedure. No significant difference between both groups was observed in terms of PV recovery (group A: 4 [5.33%] vs. group B: 3 [4%]; p = ns). In two patients of group A and four patients of group B, the PVs were durably isolated, whereas the patients had AF recurrence caused by extra‐PV AF sources. Two patients of each group had continued paroxysmal AF but did not undergo redo‐procedure. Patients of group A showed significantly more AF recurrence during the blanking period of 3 months (group A: 14 [18.67%] vs. group B: 6 [8%]; p < .05). With regard to the procedural data, the procedure time was significantly shorter in group A (70.53 ± 16.13 vs. 115.35 ± 15.38; p < .01); the flouroscopy time and dose area product showed no significant differences (Table 2). Both procedures were performed with a low number of complications; no pericardial effusion was seen in either group; in group A two patients had a significant hematoma of the groin with the need for surgical repair.

Conclusions

Cryoballoon PVI and PVI using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol are equally efficient in achieving durable PV isolation. In this study, cryoballoon ablation led to significantly more AF recurrence during the blanking period.
Role of tide and lunar phases on the migration pattern of juvenile Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) within a meso‐macrotidal estuary
Authors: Giri Sandip , Chanda Abhra , Maity Sourav , Chakraborty Kunal , Hazra Sugata
Published: January 2022

Tide and lunar phases often influence the behaviour and life cycle of different fishes, especially migratory species. In the Hooghly River estuary, Hilsa shad is an anadromous fish species that migrates from the adjacent sea to the estuary and rivers for spawning. After spawning, the juveniles remain in the rivers and estuary for few months then start their downstream migration towards the adjacent sea. However, the pattern of their downstream migration has not been studied in detail so far. This study investigates the role of tide and lunar phases on the juvenile Hilsa shad migration pattern. In this study, we have estimated the rate of juveniles migrating through the river channel (no. m−2 h−1) during high tide and low tide in all of the lunar phases. The number of juvenile Hilsa shad fishes is found to be much higher during low tides in most of the observations and there is a significant difference (t = 11.904, P < 0.001) between the high tide and low tide catches in the entire study region. Among the eight lunar phases, the number of juveniles is also observed to be higher during the new moon and full moon, and there is also a significant difference in juvenile catch among the lunar phases (F = 64.372, P < 0.001) in the entire stretch of the study area. These observations enabled us to develop a plausible mechanism of the downstream migration of Hilsa shad juveniles.
Effectiveness of an epidermal growth factor‐containing cream on postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after 1064‐nm Q‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (Hori's nevus) in Asians: A split‐face, double‐blinded, randomized controlled study
Authors: Wattanakrai Penpun , Sindhusen Sasipaka , Ploydaeng Monthanat
Published: January 2022

Background

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) may promote wound healing and decrease laser‐induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of an EGF‐containing cream on PIH, post‐laser erythema, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after 1,064‐nm Q‐Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment of Hori's nevus.

Methods

This is a split‐face, double‐blinded, randomized, controlled study conducted in 30 subjects with bilateral Hori's nevus. After laser treatment, participants were randomized to apply EGF cream on one facial side and placebo on the other side for 8 weeks. The incidence and intensity of PIH were assessed by photographs and melanin indexes (MIs) ratio at baseline, Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8. Post‐laser erythema and TEWL were measured at baseline, Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7. Side effects and patient satisfaction score were evaluated.

Results

The incidence of PIH was 26.7% in EGF group compared to 20% in placebo. The intensity of PIH was 0.057 (0.033–0.086) and 0.045 (0.027–0.076) in EGF and placebo group, respectively. There was no significant difference in both incidence (p = 0.5) and intensity of PIH (p = 0.145). Post‐laser erythema was not statistically different between groups. EGF could alleviate TEWL better than placebo but without statistical significance. Patient satisfaction score was significantly higher in EGF group compared to placebo (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The EGF‐containing cream could not prevent PIH. It may reduce laser‐induced skin barrier damage. Future studies in more subjects are needed.
Perturbed cusp catastrophe in a population game: Spatial economics with locational asymmetries
Authors: Ikeda Kiyohiro , Takayama Yuki , Gaspar José M. , Osawa Minoru
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the cusp catastrophe in a two‐strategy population game with exogenous locational asymmetries and its application to spatial economics. We derive approximating games of two kinds: a cusp catastrophe form and a more general form. As a novel contribution of this paper, the effects of an arbitrary number of regional asymmetries are expressed using only three asymmetry parameters, thereby allowing for an analytical analysis. We find a new behavior with hysteresis using the general form. The usefulness of the forms is demonstrated for two economic geography models. A numerical recipe is presented to construct the cusp catastrophe form.
Genomic characterization of Iranian ʻCandidatus Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Zirak Leila , Khakvar Reza , Norouzi‐Beirami Mohammad Hossein , Hajizadeh Abasalt , Azizpour Nadia
Published: January 2022

Peach trees showing witches’‐broom disease symptoms in the northwest of Iran were sampled for phytoplasma detection. PCR assays and Sanger sequence analyses indicated that ʻCandidatus Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ was associated with peach witchesʼ‐broom disease. Virtual RFLP analyses of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that ʻCa. Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ strain, which was prevalent in the northwest of Iran belonged to 16SrIX‐C subgroup. For the genomic characterization of Iranian ʻCa. Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ strain, total DNA extracted from the infected peach trees was subjected to Illumina next‐generation sequencing. The NGS sequencing resulted in 41157647 read pairs of raw data. The raw reads length was 150 bp and the insert size was 350 bp. Assembly and genes clustering finally resulted in 750 contigs with a total size of 228345 bp. The GC content of sequence was 33.2%, N50 value was 259 and L50 value was 256. According to NCBI‐ PGAP annotation the genome of Prunus persica phytoplasma PP2 contained 410 genes including 377 CDSs with protein, 10 rRNAs, nine tRNAs and 14 pseudogenes.
Are alpha and beta oscillations spatially dissociated over the cortex in context‐driven spoken‐word production?
Authors: Cao Yang , Oostenveld Robert , Alday Phillip M. , Piai Vitória
Published: January 2022

Decreases in oscillatory alpha‐ and beta‐band power have been consistently found in spoken‐word production. These have been linked to both motor preparation and conceptual‐lexical retrieval processes. However, the observed power decreases have a broad frequency range that spans two “classic” (sensorimotor) bands: alpha and beta. It remains unclear whether alpha‐ and beta‐band power decreases contribute independently when a spoken word is planned. Using a re‐analysis of existing magnetoencephalography data, we probed whether the effects in alpha and beta bands are spatially distinct. Participants read a sentence that was either constraining or non‐constraining toward the final word, which was presented as a picture. In separate blocks participants had to name the picture or score its predictability via button press. Irregular‐resampling auto‐spectral analysis (IRASA) was used to isolate the oscillatory activity in the alpha and beta bands from the background 1‐over‐f spectrum. The sources of alpha‐ and beta‐band oscillations were localized based on the participants’ individualized peak frequencies. For both tasks, alpha‐ and beta‐power decreases overlapped in left posterior temporal and inferior parietal cortex, regions that have previously been associated with conceptual and lexical processes. The spatial distributions of the alpha and beta power effects were spatially similar in these regions to the extent we could assess it. By contrast, for left frontal regions, the spatial distributions differed between alpha and beta effects. Our results suggest that for conceptual‐lexical retrieval, alpha and beta oscillations do not dissociate spatially and, thus, are distinct from the classical sensorimotor alpha and beta oscillations.
Association among metabolic status, oxidative stress, milk yield, body condition score and reproductive cyclicity in dairy buffaloes
Authors: Saqib Muhammad Najmus , Qureshi Muhammad Subhan , Suhail Syed Muhammad , Khan Rifat Ullah , Bozzo Giancarlo , Ceci Edmondo , Laudadio Vito , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic status, stress and ovarian activity through progesterone profile in dairy buffalo as influenced by post‐partum days, body condition score (BCS) and lactation number. A total of 45 dairy buffaloes were involved and divided into three factors based on their BCS (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively), lactation number (1, 2 and 3, respectively), and post‐partum intervals (14, 28, 42 and 56, respectively). Based on findings, from day 14 to day 56 after parturition, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (p < .01), while malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol levels decreased significantly (p < .05) on day 56 of the trial. With increased BCS levels, milk yield, blood metabolites and progesterone improved significantly (p < .05), whereas stress indicators decreased significantly (p < .01). Blood metabolites, progesterone and milk production were significantly (p < .01) higher and stress indicators (MDA and cortisol) were significantly (p < .01) lower in lactation stage. Buffaloes with a greater lactation stage and growing post‐partum stage had better blood metabolite and progesterone concentrations and less stress. It was concluded that better BCS and increased lactation stage have significant impact on milk yield, stress reduction and restoration of ovarian activity in buffaloes during post‐partum period.
Nativeness is not binary—a graduated terminology for native and non‐native species in the Anthropocene
Authors: Lemoine Rhys T. , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: January 2022

With novel ecosystems becoming the norm, it is increasingly necessary to re‐evaluate what is meant by “restoration.” An important aspect concerns which species are defined as native and, by extension, non‐native. In order to better inform restoration actions, we have here devised a classification system of 10 graduated terms describing intermediate states of nativeness, which can be applied to different organisms based on their histories, origins, and impacts.
Standardisation of canine meningioma grading: Inter‐observer agreement and recommendations for reproducible histopathologic criteria
Authors: Belluco Sara , Marano Giuseppe , Baiker Kerstin , Beineke Andreas , Oevermann Anna , Seehusen Frauke , Boracchi Patrizia , Pumarola Marti , Mandara Maria Teresa
Published: January 2022

The human grading system is currently applied to canine meningioma, although it has not been validated in dogs. The present study focused on standardising the human grading system applied to canine meningioma. Four veterinary neuropathologists graded 186 canine meningiomas as follows: Grade I tumour, with <4 mitoses/2.37 mm2; Grade II tumour, with ≥4 mitoses/2.37 mm2, brain invasion or at least three of the following criteria: sheeting architecture, hypercellularity, small cells, macronucleoli, necrosis; Grade III tumour, with ≥20 mitoses/2.37 mm2 or anaplasia. Slides with grading disagreement were reviewed to define a consensus diagnosis and to assess reproducible criteria. Concordance between histologic grade and the consensus diagnosis, as well as intra‐ and inter‐observer agreements for each criterion, were statistically analysed. Concordance between histologic grade and consensus diagnosis ranged from 59% to 100%, with lower concordance for Grade I and II tumours. The lowest inter‐observer agreement was recorded for macronucleoli, small cells, hypercellularity and sheeting architecture. Tumour invasion and necrosis displayed fair agreement, while moderate agreement was reached for mitotic grade and anaplasia. The following recommendations were issued to improve the reproducibility of canine meningioma grading: (1) Assess mitotic grade in consecutive HPFs within the most mitotically active area; (2) Define invasion as neoplastic protrusions within central nervous tissue without pial lining; (3) Report spontaneous necrosis; (4) Report prominent nucleoli when visible at ×100; (5) Report pattern loss when visible at ×100 in >50% of the tumour; (6) Report necrosis, small cells, hypercellularity and macronucleoli, even when focal; (7) Report anaplasia if multifocal.
Semiclassical bifurcations and quantum trajectories: a case study of the open Bose–Hubbard dimer
Authors: Giraldo Andrus , Masson Stuart J. , Broderick Neil G. R. , Krauskopf Bernd
Published: January 2022

We consider the open two-site Bose–Hubbard dimer, a well-known quantum mechanical model that has been realised recently for photons in two coupled photonic crystal nanocavities. The system is described by a Lindblad master equation which, for large numbers of photons, gives rise to a limiting semiclassical model in the form of a four-dimensional vector field. From the situation where both sites trap the same amount of photons under symmetric pumping, one encounters a transition that involves symmetry breaking, the creation of periodic oscillations and multistability as the pump strength is increased. We show that the associated one-parameter bifurcation diagram of the semiclassical model captures the essence of statistical properties of computed quantum trajectories as the pump strength is increased. Even for small numbers of photons, the fingerprint of the semiclassical bifurcations can be recognised reliably in observables of quantum trajectories.
Shifting Systematically Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production: A Solution Framework to Overcome the Impacts of Covid-19
Authors: Goyal Shivam , Luthra Sunil , Garg Dixit
Published: January 2022

The threats like increasing pollution level and scarcity of natural resources are showing that Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is one of the key solutions and the main contributor driver of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eventually, a mysterious disease named as COVID-19 started spreading very fast around the globe and it was declared a pandemic. To protect citizens from this pandemic, the government announced complete lockdown in the country. This lockdown due to COVID-19 has put its impact on every aspect of life. In this research study, the efforts have been made to identify various impacts of COVID-19 on SCP practices and propose various solutions to overcome these impacts of COVID-19. In the Indian perspective, a total fifteen impacts of COVID-19 under five different heads along with eighteen solutions to overcome these impacts have been identified with the help of literature, various reports and experts’ inputs. All these impacts and solutions were analyzed using a hybrid framework. Results revealed that COVID-19 majorly put its impact on nation, business and behavior followed by the impact on society and environment. All these impacts can be overcome by adopting solutions like strong and clear policies formation and its implementation, financial packages to industries to boost up the economy, firm determination of top management, safety of the workforce and tax reduction on sustainable products. The final results will be very helpful for all the actors focused on SCP.
3D GIS Semi-automatized Modelling Procedure for the Conservation of the PHiM: Heritage Municipal Buildings of Seville (Spain). A New Dimension for Urban Cultural Data Management
Authors: Hidalgo-Sánchez Francisco M. , Mascort-Albea Emilio J. , Kada Martin , Romero-Hernández Rocío , Canivell Jacinto , López-Larrínaga Francisco
Published: January 2022

This research explores the possibilities resulting from the use of three-dimensional (3D) models designed in GIS environments for their application to the management and conservation of historical architectonic heritage. This 3D modelling work is one of the strategic actions of the recently finished Master Plan for Conservation of Heritage Municipal Buildings (PD-PHiM) for the City of Seville (Spain). This plan deals with the analysis of a group of 115 municipally owned buildings of high heritage interest that include different typologies, chronologies scales, and uses. This investigation has complemented and continued the initial work begun by the Seville Spatial Data Infrastructure (ide.SEVILLA) in the field of 3D mapping of urban environments and its publication as institutional open data.

The implemented improvements started on an initial diagnosis of a preliminary urban model, which reached a level of detail (LOD) of 2, as defined by the CityGML standard, in only 20% of the registered assets in the PD-PHiM database. The proposed methodology has achieved the automation of most of the process of building 3D geo-referenced models to increase the percentage of assets that reach the LOD2 to 75%. The initial information comes from the use of institutional spatial data of different types and sources: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Spanish Cadastre Office, and so on. Additionally, the generated entities have been linked to a complex, multidisciplinary and multiscale database, designed within the framework of the strategic actions of the PD-PHiM.

The contributions of the proposal, especially in the automation of processes, imply a considerable saving of resources in comparison with other methods in which the modelling is eminently carried out manually. Thus, they are complementary to those that are related to the use of 3D modelling software intended for other purposes, with the consequent incompatibilities and hard interoperability procedures with GIS environments that this implies.
Networking the Archive: The Stories and Structures of Thos. Agnew's Stock Books
Authors: Noble Laura , Vavassori Valentina , Crookham Alan , Dunn Stuart
Published: January 2022

This paper reflects on the recent collaboration between the
National Gallery Research Centre
and the
Department of Digital Humanities at King's College London (NG/DDH).
Using the stock books located in the archives of the art dealers Thos. Agnew & Sons as an example, NG/DDH sought to address the potential that such archival sources might have in the world of digital research and Digital Asset Management. Building on this research, NG/DDH participated in the Getty Advanced Workshop on Network Analysis and Digital Art History, which encouraged us to think particularly about the role and nature of network analysis in the field of Digital Art History. In this paper we briefly describe the technical process of digitization, and the possibilities opened up by converting the transactional information contained in the stock books into structured data. We then set this in the historical context of network structures, as embodied by the World Wide Web and social media, and especially the distinction that these types of network have entrenched between objects (or persons) and topics (or other abstract entities). We conclude with an argument that problematizing this distinction – which is enshrined in the whole concept of networks and network analysis – is key if this method is to be applied to art history research.
Batteries and Fuel Cells in Space
Authors: Halpert Gerald , Frank Harvey , Surampudi Subbarao
Published: January 2022

The year 2000 will mark the 44th anniversary of the space program that began with the launch of the first Sputnik on October 4, 1956. Tremendous progress has been made in the exploration of space since the late 50s. Thanks to the flexibility and capability of batteries and fuel cells, NASA and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) have been able to accomplish a wide range of challenging space missions.
(Invited) Mechanical Response of Thin Nafion Films to Hydration
Authors: Frieberg Bradley R. , Stafford Christopher M. , Graybill Joshua R. , Tronstad Zachary C , Stafford Gery R.
Published: January 2022

Ion-containing polymers, in particular Nafion, are a critical component in hydrogen fuel cells, where they are not only used as the proton conducting membrane but also as the ion conducting binder within the catalyst layer. Within the catalyst layer, Nafion is often confined to thicknesses on the order of ten nanometers or less. It is well reported that many physical properties of polymers deviate from their bulk like behavior when confined on length scales comparable to the size of the molecule, typically 10s of nanometers. The mechanical properties of the ionomer are of particular importance due to the swelling response to changes in hydration level. In this work, we have implemented a cantilever bending technique to investigate the swelling induced stresses in Nafion thin films as a function of humidity. We have found a significant influence of the film thickness on the swelling stresses as well as the Young’s modulus when the films are thinner than 50 nm; and the apparent increase in stiffness translates to a decrease in water content. Although the modulus of the film strongly depends on the processing and annealing conditions, the relative thickness dependence is independent of annealing. In addition to thermal annealing, hygrothermal aging and substrate interactions have also been observed to have a large influence on the thickness dependent mechanical behavior. The changes observed in the mechanical response are correlated to structural and chemical changes in the film shown by neutron and x-ray scattering as well as the IR absorption spectra.
Obesity, Adipose Tissue, and Inflammation Answered in Questions
Authors: Guerreiro Vanessa A. , Carvalho Davide , Freitas Paula
Published: January 2022

Background. Obesity is a global health problem of epidemic proportions, which is characterized by increased adipose tissue (AT) mass and significant repercussions in different body apparati and systems. AT is a special connective tissue, which contains several types of cells, in addition to adipocytes, and is a highly active endocrine and immune organ, which directly modulates many processes, including energy balance, metabolism, and inflammation. Summary. In this paper, the authors list and attempt to answer in a brief and simple way several questions regarding the complex relationships between obesity, adipose tissue, and inflammation, with the objective to provide an easy way to understand the main changes that occur in this pathological state. The questions are the following: Is adipose tissue only made up of adipocytes? Are adipocytes just a reservoir of free fatty acids? Do different types of fatty tissue exist? If so, which types? Can we further subcategorize the types of adipose tissue? Is it possible to form new adipocytes during adulthood? What is the role of inflammation? What is the role of macrophages? Are macrophages central mediators of obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance? What causes macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue? What is the role of hypoxia in AT alterations? Is there cross talk between adipocytes and immune cells? What other changes occur in AT in obesity? Does metabolically healthy obesity really exist? Is this a benign condition? Key messages. Obesity is a complex disease with numerous metabolic consequences, which are mainly the result of dysfunction that occurs in the adipose tissue of patients with this pathology. Understanding the pathophysiology of AT and the changes that occur in obesity would contribute to a better approach to patients with obesity, with the inherent medical implications that could result from this.
Study on Stability Reduction Characteristics of Earth and Rockfill Dams under Rapid Drawdown Using Fully Coupled Seepage‐Stress Analysis
Authors: Ri Yong Nam , Han Un Chol , Jang Ui Jun , Jong Dok Yong , Kim Chol Ung
Published: January 2022

It can be a great expense to examine individually the stability of earth and rockfill dams on rapid drawdown in civil engineering practice. The aim of this present work is to clarify the safe type on the rapid drawdown among the most common types of earth and rockfill dams and to introduce cheaply the types in dam design. First, a transient analysis of saturated‐unsaturated seepage coupled with stress is carried out in the cross sections of typical earth and rockfill dams the during rapid drawdown, and the safety factors of the upstream slopes are determined by the shear strength reduction method. Then, the typical dams are compared for the stability characteristics so that designers can select the safe type of earth and rockfill dams on rapid drawdown. The obtained results show that the decreasing rate of safety factor in a central core dam is 0.72–0.85 times than one of the homogeneous dams and 0.17–0.40 times than one of the sloping upstream core dams so that it is more stable than other earth and rockfill dams during rapid drawdown.