bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of immune-associated genes in COVID-19, cardiomyopathy and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Castaneda Grant , Lee Abby C , Li Wei Tse , Chen Chengyu , Chakladar Jaideep , Chang Eric Y. , Ongkeko Weg M.
Published: September 2020

As of 28 August 2020, there have been 5.88 million Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) cases and 181,000 COVID-19 related deaths in the United States alone. Given the lack of an effective pharmaceutical treatment for COVID-19, the high contagiousness of the disease and its varied clinical outcomes, identifying patients at risk of progressing to severe disease is crucial for the allocation of valuable healthcare resources during this pandemic. Current research has shown that there is a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities amongst patients with severe COVID-19 or COVID-19-related deaths, but the link between cardiovascular disease and poorer prognosis is poorly understood. We believe that pre-existing immune dysregulation that accompanies cardiovascular disease predisposes patients to a harmful inflammatory immune response, leading to their higher risk of severe disease. Thus, in this project, we aim to characterize immune dysregulation in patients with cardiomyopathy, venous thromboembolism and COVID-19 patients by looking at immune-associated gene dysregulation, immune infiltration and dysregulated immunological pathways and gene signatures.
The Uncertain COVID-19 Spread Pattern in India: A Statistical Analysis of the Current Situation
Authors: Baruah Hemanta K.
Published: September 2020

There are standard techniques of forecasting the spread of pandemics. Uncertainty however is always associated with such forecasts. In this article, we are going to discuss the uncertain situation currently prevailing in the COVID-19 spread in India. For statistical analysis, we have considered the total number of cases for 60 consecutive days, from June 23 to August 21. We have seen that instead of taking data of all 60 days together, a better picture of uncertainty can be observed if we consider the data separately in three equal parts from June 23 to July 12, from July 13 to August 1, and from August 2 to August 21. For that we would first need to ascertain that the current spread pattern in India is almost exponential. Thereafter we shall show that the data regarding the total number of cases in India are not really behaving in an expected way, making forecasting the time to peak very difficult. We have found that the pandemic would perhaps change its pattern of growth from nearly exponential to nearly logarithmic, which we have earlier observed in the case of Italy, in less than 78 days starting from August 2.
Prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among pregnant women during COVID-19-related lockdown in Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Nwafor Johnbosco I. , Okedo-Alex Ijeoma N. , Ikeotuonye Arinze C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Several studies on COVID-19 and pregnancy have been published recently, but few studies have evaluated the impact of this pandemic on maternal mental health particularly in low-resource setting.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19-related depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among pregnant women.

Materials and methods

This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted among 456 pregnant women attending prenatal care at Abakaliki, Nigeria during COVID-19-related lockdown. They were screened for psychological morbidities using DASS 21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale).

Results

Severe and extremely severe depression were reported in 33 (7.2%) and 29 (6.4%) participants respectively. 15 (3.3%) and 35 (7.7%) women had severe and extremely severe anxiety respectively. 105 (23%) had severe anxiety whereas 76 (16.7%) reported extremely severe stress. Multiparity (2 - 4) and occupations such as trading and farming were predictors of depression whereas grandmultiparity, urban residence and trading were identified as predictors of anxiety and stress.

Conclusion

Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were relatively common among pregnant women during COVID-19-related lockdown in Abakaliki, Nigeria. There is a need to integrate screening for depression, anxiety and stress in existing antenatal care programs so as to identify and prevent long term adverse psychological outcome related to COVID-19 pandemic.
ASSOCIATION OF HYPERGLYCEMIA WITH HOSPITAL MORTALITY IN COVID-19 PATIENTS WITHOUT DIABETES: A COHORT STUDY
Authors: Mamtani Manju , Athavale Ambarish M. , Abraham Mohan , Vernik Jane , Amarah Amatur R , Ruiz Juan P. , Joshi Amit J. , Itteera Mathew , Zhukovski Sara D , Madaiah Ravi Prakash , Hart Peter , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: September 2020

Objective

Diabetes is a known risk factor for mortality in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Our objective was to identify prevalence of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes and quantify its association with COVID-19 disease course.

Research Design and Methods

In this observational cohort study, all consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to John H Stroger Jr. Hospital, Chicago, IL from March 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020 were included. The primary outcome was hospital mortality and the main predictor was hyperglycemia (any blood glucose ≥7.78 mmol/L during hospitalization).

Results

Of 403 COVID-19 patients studied, 228 (57%) developed hyperglycemia. Of these, 83 (21%) had hyperglycemia without diabetes. A total of 51 (12.7%) patients died. Compared to the reference group no-diabetes/no-hyperglycemia patients the no-diabetes/hyperglycemia patients showed higher mortality (1.8% versus 20.5%, adjusted odds ratio 21.94 (95% confidence interval 4.04-119.0), p < 0.001); improved prediction of death (p=0.0162) and faster progression to death (p=0.0051). Hyperglycemia within the first 24 and 48 hours was also significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio 2.15 and 3.31, respectively). Further, compared to the same reference group, no-diabetes/hyperglycemia patients had higher risk of ICU admission (p<0.001), mechanical ventilation (p<0.001) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (p<0.001) and a longer hospital stay in survivors (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia in the absence of diabetes was common (21% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients) and was associated with an increased risk of and faster progression to death. Development of hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients who do not have diabetes is an early indicator of poor prognosis.
Dealing with Covid-19 infections in Kolkata, India: A GIS based risk analysis and implications for future scenarios
Authors: Nath Bibhash , Majumder Santanu , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Sen Jayanta
Published: September 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has inherently affected daily lives of people around the world. We, the people, have already started to live in a new-normal way, such as wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from others and maintaining higher level of health & hygiene standards. However, because of this pandemic, the global economy has taken a major blow. Many people have lost their livelihood, and now facing challenges in getting better healthcare facilities and food for survival. Given the serious challenges to the problem, this paper analyzes demographic data to predict vulnerable areas in Kolkata metropolitan city that houses nearly one-third of its population in slums and one-fifth below poverty level, under compromised living conditions. The analysis revealed that the highest risk areas are located in the east and west of the city, the area to a great extent overlapped with wards containing larger share of population below poverty level and are also living in slums. The analysis of publicly accessible Covid-19 case records and containment zones data indicate the hardest hit areas lies in the central Kolkata and several wards along the eastern and northeastern border of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The data further revealed that the virus infections have extended to the south Kolkata with increasing number of ‘broad-based’ containment zones with heightened cases. The analysis of demographic characteristics of the hardest hit wards revealed that not a single variables are directly associated with the increase in the number of containments for a particular ward. The ranking of wards based on four intervention criterion have suggested that the ‘lack of social awareness’ along with ‘lack of social distancing’ have dominantly contributed to the increasing number of containments of Covid-19 cases in Kolkata. Determination of optimized ranking and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of the wards based on four intervention criterion provided a basis for the policy makers to assess ward-based interventions criterion to control further spread of the disease and/or prevent second wave of infections. Given that the effective antiviral drugs is far away from common publics reach, the application of our study approach would benefit saving lives of many vulnerable populations.
Married Women’s Decision-Making Autonomy on Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Utilization and Associated Factors in Debretabor, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Eriku Getachew Azeze , Taye Birhan Tsegaw , Chanie Wagaye Fentahun
Published: September 2020

Background

Women’s decision-making autonomy is very crucial for the improvement of maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare utilization. However, there is limited evidence on women’s decision-making autonomy on maternal and neonatal health in the study area. Therefore, this study assessed married women’s decision-making autonomy on maternal and neonatal healthcare utilization and associated factors in Debretabor, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st to 30th, 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 730 married women. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was employed. Data were entered into epi info 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with women’s decision-making autonomy on maternal and neonatal healthcare utilization. Odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance.

Result

Three-fourths (75.1%) of women had higher decision-making autonomy regarding their health, neonatal health, and other social and economic aspects. Besides, the proportion of at least four antenatal visits, delivery at a health facility, postnatal checkup, knowledge of neonatal danger signs, and appropriate health-seeking practices for sick newborns among autonomous women were 52.1%, 56.1%, 71.4%, 32%, and 80% respectively. Age greater than 35 years (AOR=2.08; 95%CI: 1.19, 3.62), monthly income of 5000 ETB and above (AOR=3.1; 95%CI: 1.36, 7.07), husband involvement (AOR=2.36; 95%CI: 1.55, 3.43) and knowledge of neonatal danger signs (AOR=2.11; 95%CI: 1.4, 3.2) were factors independently associated with women’s decision-making autonomy on maternal and neonatal healthcare utilization.

Conclusion

Our findings show that women’s decision-making autonomy on maternal and neonatal healthcare utilization was optimal. Increasing the household income level through different means, the promotion of husband’s involvement, and increasing women’s knowledge of maternal and neonatal danger signs will have a great role in the improvement of women’s decision-making autonomy.
Trunk sensory and motor cortex is preferentially integrated with hindlimb sensory information that supports trunk stabilization
Authors: Nandakumar Bharadwaj , Blumenthal Gary H. , Pauzin Francois Philippe , Moxon Karen A.
Published: September 2020

Sensorimotor integration in the trunk system has been poorly studied despite its importance for examining functional recovery after neurological injury or disease. Here, we mapped the relationship between thoracic dorsal root ganglia and trunk sensory cortex (S1) to create a detailed map of the extent and internal organization of trunk primary sensory cortex, and trunk primary motor cortex (M1) and showed that both cortices are somatotopically complex structures that are larger than previously described. Surprisingly, projections from trunk S1 to trunk M1 were not anatomically organized. We found relatively weak sensorimotor integration between trunk M1 and S1 and between trunk M1 and forelimb S1 compared to extensive integration between trunk M1 and hindlimb S1 and M1. This strong trunk/hindlimb connection was identified for high intensity stimuli that activated proprioceptive pathways. To assess the implication of this integration, the responses in sensorimotor cortex were examined during a postural control task and supported sensorimotor integration between hindlimb sensory and lower trunk motor cortex. Together, these data suggest that trunk M1 is guided predominately by hindlimb proprioceptive information that reached the cortex directly via the thalamus. This unique sensorimotor integration suggests an essential role for the trunk system in postural control, and its consideration could be important for understanding studies regarding recovery of function after spinal cord injury.

Significance

This work identifies extensive sensorimotor integration between trunk and hindlimb cortices, demonstrating that sensorimotor integration is an operational mode of the trunk cortex in intact animals. The functional role of this integration was demonstrated for postural control when the animal was subjected to lateral tilts. Furthermore, these results provide insight into cortical reorganization after spinal cord injury making clear that sensorimotor integration after SCI is an attempt to restore sensorimotor integration that existed in the intact system. These results could be used to tailor rehabilitative strategies to optimize sensorimotor integration for functional recovery.
Human belief state-based exploration and exploitation in an information-selective symmetric reversal bandit task
Authors: Horvath Lilla , Colcombe Stanley , Milham Michael , Ray Shruti , Schwartenbeck Philipp , Ostwald Dirk
Published: September 2020

Humans often face sequential decision-making problems, in which information about the environmental reward structure is detached from rewards for a subset of actions. In the current exploratory study, we introduce an information-selective symmetric reversal bandit task to model such situations and obtained choice data on this task from 24 participants. To arbitrate between different decision-making strategies that participants may use on this task, we developed a set of probabilistic agent-based behavioral models, including exploitative and explorative Bayesian agents, as well as heuristic control agents. Upon validating the model and parameter recovery properties of our model set and summarizing the participants’ choice data in a descriptive way, we used a maximum likelihood approach to evaluate the participants’ choice data from the perspective of our model set. In brief, we provide quantitative evidence that participants employ a belief state-based hybrid explorative-exploitative strategy on the information-selective symmetric reversal bandit task, lending further support to the finding that humans are guided by their subjective uncertainty when solving exploration-exploitation dilemmas.
White matter tract-oriented deformation is dependent on real-time axonal fiber orientation
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Domel August G. , Li Xiaogai , Grant Gerald , Kleiven Svein , Camarillo David , Zeineh Michael
Published: September 2020

Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is a critical public health issue with its pathogenesis remaining largely elusive. Finite element (FE) head models are promising tools to bridge the gap between mechanical insult, localized brain response, and resultant injury. In particular, the FE-derived deformation along the direction of white matter (WM) tracts (i.e., tract-oriented strain) has been shown to be an appropriate predictor for TAI. However, the evolution of fiber orientation in time during the impact and its potential influence on the tract-oriented strain remains unknown. To address this question, the present study leveraged an embedded element approach to track real-time fiber orientation during impacts. A new scheme to calculate the tract-oriented strain was proposed by projecting the strain tensors from pre-computed simulations along the temporal fiber direction instead of its static counterpart directly obtained from diffuse tensor imaging. The results revealed that incorporating the real-time fiber orientation not only altered the direction but also amplified the magnitude of the tract-oriented strain, resulting in a generally more extended distribution and a larger volume ratio of WM exposed to high deformation along fiber tracts. These effects were exacerbated with the impact severities characterized by the acceleration magnitudes. Results of this study provide insights into how best to incorporate fiber orientation in head injury models and derive the WM tract-oriented deformation from computational simulations, which is important for furthering our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of TAI.
Electric Egg-Laying: Effect of Electric Field in a Microchannel onC. elegansEgg-Laying Behavior
Authors: Youssef Khaled , Archonta Daphne , Kubiseski Terrance J. , Tandon Anurag , Rezai Pouya
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the novel effect of electric field (EF) on adultC. elegansegg-laying in a microchannel is discovered and correlated with neural and muscular activities. The quantitative effects of worm aging and EF strength, direction, and exposure duration on egg-laying is studied phenotypically using egg-count, body length, head movement, and transient neuronal activity readouts. Electric egg-laying rate increases significantly when worms face the anode and the response is EF-dependent, i.e. stronger (6V/cm) and longer EF (40s) exposure result in a shorter egg laying response duration. Worm aging significantly deteriorates the electric egg-laying behaviour with 88% decrease in the egg-count from Day-1 to Day-4 post young-adult stage. Fluorescent imaging of intracellular calcium dynamics in the main parts of the egg-laying neural circuit demonstrate the involvement and sensitivity of the serotonergic hermaphrodite specific neurons (HSNs), vulva muscles, and ventral cord neurons to the EF. HSN mutation also results in a reduced rate of electric egg-laying allowing the use of this technique for cellular screening and mapping of the neural basis of electrosensation inC. elegans. This novel assay can be parallelized and performed in a high-throughput manner for drug and gene screening applications.
The C-terminal actin binding domain of talin forms an asymmetric catch bond with F-actin
Authors: Owen Leanna M. , Bax Nick A. , Weis William I. , Dunn Alexander R.
Published: September 2020

Focal adhesions (FAs) are large, integrin-based adhesion complexes that link cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Previous work demonstrates that FAs form only when and where they are necessary to transmit force between the cellular cytoskeleton and the ECM, but how this occurs remains poorly understood. Talin is a 270 kDa adapter protein that links integrins to filamentous (F)-actin and recruits additional components during FA assembly in a force-dependent manner. Cell biological and developmental data demonstrate that the third, and C-terminal, F-actin binding site (ABS3) of talin is required for normal FA formation. However, ABS3 binds F-actin only weakly inin vitro, biochemical assays. We used a single-molecule optical trap assay to examine how and whether ABS3 binds F-actin under physiologically relevant, pN mechanical loads. We find that ABS3 forms a directional catch bond with F-actin when force is applied towards the pointed end of the actin filament, with binding lifetimes more than 100-fold longer than when force is applied towards the barbed end. Long-lived bonds to F-actin under load require the ABS3 C-terminal dimerization domain, whose cleavage is known to regulate focal adhesion turnover. Our results support a mechanism in which talin ABS3 preferentially binds and orients actin filaments with barbed ends facing the cell periphery, thus nucleating long-range order in the actin cytoskeleton. We suggest that talin ABS3 may function as a molecular AND gate that allows FA growth only when sufficient integrin density, F-actin polarization, and mechanical tension are simultaneously present.
Mosquito sound communication: are male swarms loud enough to attract females?
Authors: Feugère Lionel , Gibson Gabriella , Manoukis Nicholas C. , Roux Olivier
Published: September 2020

Given the unsurpassed sound-sensitivity of mosquitoes among arthropods and the sound-source power required for long-range hearing, we investigated the distance over which female mosquitoes detect species-specific cues in the sound of station-keeping mating swarms. A common misunderstanding, that mosquitoes cannot hear at long-range because their hearing organs are ‘particle-velocity’ receptors, has clouded the fact that particle-velocity is an intrinsic component of sound whatever the distance to the sound source. We exposed free-flyingAnopheles coluzziifemales to pre-recorded sounds of maleAn. coluzziiandAn. gambiae s.s.swarms over a range of natural sound-levels. Sound-levels tested were related to equivalent distances between the female and the swarm for a given number of males, enabling us to infer distances over which females might hear large male-swarms. We show that females do not respond to swarm sound up to 48 dB SPL and that louder SPLs are not ecologically relevant for a swarm. Considering that swarms are the only mosquito sound-source that would be loud enough to be heard at long-range, we conclude that inter-mosquito acoustic communication is restricted to close-range pair interactions. We also showed that the sensitivity to sound in free-flying males is much enhanced compared to that of tethered ones.
Experience-dependent structural plasticity in the adult brain: How the learning brain grows
Authors: Schmidt Silvio , Gull Sidra , Herrmann Karl-Heinz , Boehme Marcus , Irintchev Andrey , Urbach Anja , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Klingner Carsten M. , Gaser Christian , Witte Otto W.
Published: September 2020

Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that intense learning can be associated with grey matter volume increases in the adult brain. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we used monocular deprivation in rats to analyze the mechanisms underlying use-dependent grey matter increases. Optometry for quantification of visual acuity was combined with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and microscopic techniques in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. We found an increased spatial vision of the open eye which was associated with a transient increase in the volumes of the contralateral visual and lateral entorhinal cortex. In these brain areas dendrites of neurons elongated, and there was a strong increase in the number of spines, the targets of synapses, which was followed by spine maturation and partial pruning. Astrocytes displayed a transient pronounced swelling and underwent a reorganization of their processes. The use-dependent increase in grey matter corresponded predominantly to the swelling of the astrocytes. Experience-dependent increase in brain grey matter volume indicates a gain of structure plasticity with both synaptic and astrocyte remodeling.

Highlights

Perception learning causes a transient increase in brain grey matter volume detectable by MRI.

This learning results in pronounced changes of neuronal dendrites and an increase in the number of dendritic spines.

Structural neuronal plasticity is associated with a reorganization and transient swelling of astrocytes.

Brain volume and astrocyte volume return to baseline post-learning, with a persistent increase in the number of mature spines.
The soybeanRhg1amino acid transporter protein becomes abundant along the SCN penetration path and impacts ROS generation
Authors: Han Shaojie , Smith John M. , Du Yulin , Bent Andrew F.
Published: September 2020

Rhg1mediates soybean resistance to soybean cyst nematode.Glyma.18G022400, one of three resistance-conferring genes at the complexRhg1locus, encodes the putative amino acid transporter AATRhg1whose mode of action is largely unknown. We discovered that AATRhg1protein abundance increases 7- to 15-fold throughout root cells penetrated by SCN. These root cells develop increased abundance of vesicles and larger vesicle-like bodies. AATRhg1was often associated with these vesicles. AATRhg1abundance remained low in syncytia (plant reprogrammed feeding cells), unlike theRhg1α-SNAP protein whose abundance was previously shown to increase in syncytia. InN. benthamiana, if soybean AATRhg1was present, oxidative stress promoted formation of larger macrovesicles and they contained AATRhg1. AATRhg1was found to interact with GmRBOHC2, a soybean ortholog of Arabidopsis RBOHD previously found to exhibit upregulated expression upon SCN infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was more elevated when AATRhg1and GmRBOHC2 abundance were co-expressed. These findings suggest that AATRhg1contributes to SCN resistance along the penetration path as SCN invades the plant, and does so at least in part by interactions with GmRBOHC2 that increase ROS production. The study also shows thatRhg1resistance functions via at least two spatially and temporally separate modes of action.
Neuronal Activity-Induced BRG1 Phosphorylation Regulates Enhancer Activation
Authors: Kim Bongwoo , Luo Yi , Zhan Xiaoming , Zhang Zilai , Shi Xuanming , Yi Jiaqing , Xuan Zhenyu , Wu Jiang
Published: September 2020

Neuronal activity-induced enhancers drive the gene induction in response to stimulation. Here, we demonstrate that BRG1, the core subunit of SWI/SNF-like BAF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, regulates neuronal activity-induced enhancers. Upon stimulation, BRG1 is recruited to enhancers in an H3K27Ac-dependent manner. BRG1 regulates enhancer basal activities and inducibility by affecting cohesin binding, enhancer-promoter looping, RNA polymerase II recruitment, and enhancer RNA expression. Furthermore, we identified a serine phosphorylation site in BRG1 that is induced by neuronal activities and is sensitive to CaMKII inhibition. BRG1 phosphorylation affects its interaction with several transcription co-factors, possibly modulating BRG1 mediated transcription outcomes. Using mice with knock-in mutations, we showed that non-phosphorylatable BRG1 fails to efficiently induce activity-dependent genes, whereas phosphomimic BRG1 increases the enhancer activities and inducibility. These mutant mice displayed anxiety-like phenotypes and altered responses to stress. Therefore, our data reveal a mechanism connecting neuronal signaling to enhancer activities through BRG1 phosphorylation.
Coordination Among Multiple Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signals ControlsDrosophilaDevelopmental Timing and Body Size
Authors: Pan Xueyang , O’Connor Michael B.
Published: September 2020

Body size and the timing of metamorphosis are two important interlinked life-history traits that define holometabolous insect development. Metamorphic timing is largely controlled by a neuroendocrine signaling axis composed of the prothoracic gland (PG) and its presynaptic neurons (PGNs). The PGNs produce prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) that stimulates the PG to produce the metamorphosis inducing hormone ecdysone (E) through activation of Torso a Receptor tyrosine kinase the Receptor Tyrosine kinase and its downstream Ras/Erk signal transducers. Here we identify two additional timing signals produced by the RTKs Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk) and the PDGF/VEGF-receptor related (PvR), Similar to Torso, both Alk and PvR trigger Ras/Erk signaling in the PG to up regulate expression of E biosynthetic enzymes, while Alk also suppresses autophagy induction after critical weight by activating Pi3K/Akt. When overexpressed, both RTKs hyperactivate an endogenous low-level Jak/Stat signal in the PG resulting in developmental delay or arrest. The Alk ligand Jelly belly (Jeb) is produced by the PGNs, and together with PTTH serves as a second PGN derived tropic factor that stimulates E production by the PG. In addition, we find that Pvf3, a PvR ligand, is also produced by the PGNs, but we show that the activation of PvR primarily relies on autocrine signaling by PG-derived Pvf2 and Pvf3. These findings illustrate that a multitude of juxtracrine and autocrine signaling systems have evolved to regulate the timing of metamorphosis, the defining event of holometabolous development.
The Neuron Phenotype Ontology: A FAIR Approach to Proposing and Classifying Neuronal Types
Authors: Gillespie Thomas H. , Tripathy Shreejoy , Sy Mohameth François , Martone Maryann E. , Hill Sean L.
Published: September 2020

The challenge of defining and cataloging the building blocks of the brain requires a standardized approach to naming neurons and organizing knowledge about their properties. The US Brain Initiative Cell Census Network, Human Cell Atlas, Blue Brain Project, and others are generating vast amounts of data and characterizing large numbers of neurons throughout the nervous system. The neuroscientific literature contains many neuron names (e.g. parvalbumin-positive interneuron or layer 5 pyramidal cell) that are commonly used and generally accepted. However, it is often unclear how such common usage types relate to the many proposed evidence-based types that are based on the results of new techniques. Further, comparing different models across labs remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose an interoperable knowledge representation, the Neuron Phenotype Ontology (NPO) that provides a standardized and machine computable approach for naming and normalizing phenotypes in cell types by using community ontology identifiers as a common language. The NPO provides a framework for systematically organizing knowledge about cellular properties and enables interoperability with existing neuron naming schemes. We evaluate the NPO by populating a knowledge base with three independent cortical neuron classifications derived from published data sets that describe neurons according to molecular, morphological, electrophysiological and synaptic properties. Competency queries to this knowledge base demonstrate that this knowledge model enables interoperability between the three test cases and common usage neuron names from the literature.
Has religiosity become a key factor in Jewish Israelis' attitudes toward minorities? A call for research
Authors: Gindi Shahar , Erlich Ron Rakefet
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Attitudes toward minority employees are hard to predict, and there is no enough information about the variables that are associated with increased and decreased prejudice toward them. The Jewish and Arab education systems in Israel are, for the most part, segregated, which may potentially contribute to prejudice and alienation between the two populations. The integration of Israeli–Arab teachers in Jewish schools has been suggested to reduce prejudice. The current study sought to examine Israeli teachers' attitudes toward the inclusion of Arab teachers in Jewish schools (AJ) and its relation to degree of religiosity, minority status and demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,644 teachers completed an online 22-item questionnaire that surveyed background variables such as gender, mother tongue, seniority and degree of religiosity, the two independent variables, religiosity and minority status, and the dependent variable, attitude toward the inclusion of AJ.

Findings

Overall, teachers exhibited positive attitudes toward the integration of AJ. Multiple linear regression indicated that among Jewish teachers, the degree of religiosity was the strongest predictor of the teachers' attitudes toward inclusion but was a poor predictor among Arabs. Conversely, minority status was the strongest predictor among Arab teachers but was a poor predictor among Israeli Jews. Not only did religiosity differ in its prediction of attitudes among Arabs and Jews but also the patterns of religiosity were quite different among these two groups.

Research limitations/implications

While the overall sample was wide, the specific minority groups that were examined were small and did not allow deep exploration of minority nuances. The study's generalizability is hampered by the given exceptionality of the Israeli context, where “Church” and State are not separated. Religiosity was examined in a unidimensional way and failed to explore other related factors that may be relevant, such as political inclination.

Practical implications

The study further refutes the notion of commonality among minorities. It proposes to place more emphasis on religion's role in attitudes toward minority employees. Further research into the role of religiosity in Israeli Jews' attitudes toward Arabs is needed.

Social implications

The findings suggest that the degree of religiosity might be a central factor in Israeli Jews' attitudes toward the Arab minority in general.

Originality/value

The research calls attention to the association of Judaism and nationalism as well as segregation, contributing to negative attitudes and prejudice toward the Arab minority. Unlike previous research using contact theory, the authors call attention to the importance of examining willingness to make contact prior to examining the impact of contact itself.
Take actions or outsource? An empirical examination of strategic environmental options on greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Fu Wayne , Su Hung-Chung
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three strategic environmental options on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Namely, we examine the effects of pollution prevention and waste management (PPWM) practices, green supply chain (GSC) practices, and outsourcing on reducing local and supply chain GHG emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ASSET4 and deploying first-differencing fixed-effects panel data models, the study conducts a large-scale empirical examination on the effects of these focal strategic environmental options on GHG emissions.

Findings

This study finds that PPWM practices reduce local GHG emissions and that GSC practices reduce supply chain GHG emissions. The results also show that outsourcing does not reduce local GHG emissions and has an adverse effect on supply chain GHG emissions.

Practical implications

The study findings indicate that environmental practices are effective in reducing GHG emissions. However, they are effective only in their corresponding domain. Further, outsourcing is not a viable strategic option, and managers should be mindful of its undesired environmental consequences.

Originality/value

Firms undertake strategic environmental options, such as implementing environmental practices and reallocating production activities, to improve their environmental performance. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these options on reducing GHG emissions has not been thoroughly examined.
Recovery processes within peer provision: testing the CHIME model using a mixed methods design
Authors: Zeng Grace , Chung Donna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Previous studies have pointed the need for more research, which explores how peer provision brings about change associated with recovery. This study aims to test Leamy’s framework, which consists of five recovery processes: connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (also known as the CHIME framework) within the peer provision context.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-methods study was completed in two stages. A total of 13 face-to-face interviews were conducted with peers and the transcripts were analysed thematically. A short online questionnaire was completed by 12 peers and analysed with both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

The participants spoke about the value of peer providers (PPs) in building connectedness, fostering hope and optimism, growing identity, enhancing meaning and empowerment (CHIME). However, their connectedness was hindered by external circumstances and the intrapersonal capacities of their PP.

Practical implications

The CHIME framework was useful in highlighting stages in which peers moved through their recovery and its corresponding PP involvement. PPs were also found to promote motivation, which was a key driver in their peers’ recoveries. Further research is needed to test frameworks that account for wider systemic issues and the role PPs play in enhancing motivation.

Originality/value

This study has identified the usefulness of the CHIME framework in describing peer provision. It contributes to our understanding of how peer provision can promote recovery in persons with mental health challenges. It lays the groundwork for future research into examining the role of peer provision in recovery and its distinctiveness from other forms of mental health support.
Habitat loss and thermal tolerances influence the sensitivity of resident bird populations to winter weather at regional scales
Authors: Latimer Christopher E. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Climate change and habitat loss pose the greatest contemporary threats to biodiversity, but their impacts on populations largely vary across species. These differential responses could be caused by complex interactions between landscape and climate change and species‐specific sensitivities.

Understanding the factors that determine which species are most vulnerable to the synergistic effects of climate change and habitat loss is a high conservation priority. Here, we ask (a) whether and to what extent land cover moderates the impacts of winter weather on population dynamics of wintering birds, and (b) what role species’ physiology might play in modifying their responses to changing weather conditions.

To address these questions, we used thousands of observations collected by citizen scientists participating in Project FeederWatch to build dynamic occupancy models for 14 species of wintering birds.

Populations of wintering birds were more dynamic, having higher rates of local extinction and colonization, in more forested landscapes during extreme cold—presumably enabling them to better track resources. However, urban areas appeared to provide refuge for some species, as demonstrated by increased local colonization during the harshest winter weather. Lastly, we found that species‐specific differences in thermal tolerances strongly influenced occupancy dynamics such that species that are less cold‐tolerant were more likely to go locally extinct at colder sites and during colder periods throughout winter.

Together, our results suggest that species that are less cold‐tolerant and populations occupying less forested landscapes are most vulnerable to extreme winter weather.
Interleukin‐4 increases phagocytosis of necrotic cells by macrophages through scavenger receptor CD36
Authors: Chen Mingzhuang , Tse Gary , Wong Wing Tak
Published: September 2020

Objective

Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) signalling pathways regulate the activity of macrophages, enhance their proteolytic capacity and drive resolution of inflammation during tissue repair. The aim of this study was to examine whether IL‐4 can enhance phagocytosis of necrotic cells and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Phagocytosis of necrotic thymocytes by RAW264.7 cells, a macrophage cell line, with or without IL‐4 treatment, was determined by flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined by western blot analysis.

Results

The phagocytosis index was significantly increased by IL‐4 (10 ng/mL). IL‐4‐enhanced phagocytosis was mediated by upregulation of scavenger receptor CD36. STAT6 activation is required for IL‐4‐mediated phagocytosis.

Conclusions

Interleukin‐4 can accelerate cell debris clearance by stimulating expression of CD36, which requires downstream STAT6 activation. Its beneficial effects on driving tissue repair and regeneration should be explored in future studies.
Government Communications, Political Trust and Compliant Social Behaviour: The Politics of Covid‐19 in Britain
Authors: Newton Kenneth
Published: September 2020

It is commonly said that the lockdowns and social distancing necessary to control coronavirus pandemics will only work if the general population trusts its government, believes the information it provides, and has confidence in its policies. This article traces the British government’s record in providing information about its policies and performance, and compares this with the public’s use of the mainstream news media. It then considers how these two sources of information affected trust in government and public compliance with social distancing and lockdown rules. Lastly, it compares Covid‐19 with Brexit and draws conclusions about how beliefs and behaviour are formed when individuals are personally faced with a serious threat.
Morphological analysis skill and academic vocabulary knowledge are malleable through intervention and may contribute to reading comprehension for multilingual adolescents
Authors: Crosson Amy C. , McKeown Margaret G. , Lei Puiwa , Zhao Hui , Li Xinyue , Patrick Kelly , Brown Kathleen , Shen Yaqi
Published: September 2020

Background

Morphological analysis skill is the ability to problem‐solve meanings of unfamiliar words by applying knowledge of morphological constituents. For vocabulary words from the academic layer of English, the major, meaning‐carrying morphological contituents are Latin roots (nov meaning ‘new’ in innovative). The degree to which morphological analysis skill using Latin roots is susceptible to intervention and whether improvements relate to reading comprehension remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the effects of a morphology intervention designed to promote academic vocabulary learning, morphological analysis and reading comprehension with 140 adolescent, multilingual learners in US schools (intervention n = 70; comparison n = 70). We estimated direct effects of the intervention on morphological analysis and academic vocabulary knowledge and examined whether they mediate intervention effects on reading comprehension. Academic vocabulary was measured as both definitional and multidimensional knowledge.

Results

We found significant, direct effects of the intervention on morphological analysis skill and academic vocabulary knowledge. Additionally, we found a significant indirect effect on reading comprehension via academic vocabulary and a marginally significant indirect effect via morphological analysis skill. Notably, the indirect effect of academic vocabulary was evident only for multidimensional, not definitional knowledge.

Conclusions

Findings extend current understanding about how morphology intervention promotes vocabulary and reading comprehension improvement for multilingual learners.

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Mortgage loss severities: What keeps them so high?
Authors: An Xudong , Cordell Larry
Published: September 2020

Mortgage loss‐given‐default (LGD) increased significantly when house prices plummeted during the financial crisis; but it has remained over 40% in recent years despite a strong housing recovery. Our results indicate that the sustained high LGDs postcrisis is due to a combination of an overhang of crisis‐era foreclosures and prolonged liquidation timelines, which have offset higher sales recoveries. Simulations show that cutting foreclosure timelines by 1 year would cause LGD to decrease by 5–8 percentage points, depending on the trade‐off between lower liquidation expenses and lower sales recoveries. Using difference‐in‐differences tests, we also find that recent consumer protection programs have extended foreclosure timelines and increased loss severities in spite of their potential benefits of increasing loan modifications and enhancing consumer protections.
Detecting population declines via monitoring the effective number of breeders (Nb)
Authors: Luikart Gordon , Antao Tiago , Hand Brian K. , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Boyer Matthew C. , Cosart Ted , Trethewey Brian , Al‐Chockhachy Robert , Waples Robin S.
Published: September 2020

Estimating the effective population size and effective number of breeders per year (Nb) can facilitate early detection of population declines. We used computer simulations to quantify bias and precision of the one‐sample LDNe estimator of Nb in age‐structured populations using a range of published species life history types, sample sizes, and DNA markers. Nb estimates were biased by ~5%–10% when using SNPs or microsatellites in species ranging from fishes to mosquitoes, frogs, and seaweed. The bias (high or low) was similar for different life history types within a species suggesting that life history variation in populations will not influence Nb estimation. Precision was higher for 100 SNPs (H ≈ 0.30) than for 15 microsatellites (H ≈ 0.70). Confidence intervals (CIs) were occasionally too narrow, and biased high when Nb was small (Nb < 50); however, the magnitude of bias would unlikely influence management decisions. The CIs (from LDNe) were sufficiently narrow to achieve high statistical power (≥0.80) to reject the null hypothesis that Nb = 50 when the true Nb = 30 and when sampling 50 individuals and 200 SNPs. Similarly, CIs were sufficiently narrow to reject Nb = 500 when the true Nb = 400 and when sampling 200 individuals and 5,000 loci. Finally, we present a linear regression method that provides high power to detect a decline in Nb when sampling at least five consecutive cohorts. This study provides guidelines and tools to simulate and estimate Nb for age structured populations (https://github.com/popgengui/agestrucnb/), which should help biologists develop sensitive monitoring programmes for early detection of changes in Nb and population declines.
Effect of laying on of hands as a complementary therapy for pain and functioning in older women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zacaron Katy Andrade Monteiro , dos Santos Cláudia Soares , Corrêa Cyntia Pace Schmitz , Cotta e Silva Yuri , Reis Isabel Cristina Fonseca , Sant'Ana Simões Maryana , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of laying on of hands (LooH) as a complementary therapy to kinesiotherapy, on pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity of older women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) compared to a control group.

Methods

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, participants were assigned into 3 groups: LooH with a spiritual component (“Spiritist passe” Group ‐ SPG), LooH without a spiritual component (LooH Group ‐ LHG), and a control group receiving no complementary intervention (Control Group ‐ CG). Patients were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Primary outcomes were joint stiffness and functional capacity (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]), and pain (WOMAC and visual analog scale). Secondary outcomes were anxiety, depression, mobility, and quality of life. Differences between groups were evaluated using an intention‐to‐treat approach.

Results

A total of 120 women (mean age = 69.2 ± 5.2 years) with KOA were randomized (40 participants per group). At 8 weeks, SPG differed significantly from the LHG for WOMAC Functional Status (between‐group difference in the change = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.59, P = .001); Anxiety levels (between‐group difference in the change = 1.38; 95% CI: 0.11 to 2.65, P = .027); and also from the CG for all outcomes with exception of WOMAC Stiffness. After 16 weeks, SPG differed significantly from the LHG only for WOMAC Functional Status (between‐group difference in the change = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.52, P = .001]) and also from the CG for all outcomes with exception of WOMAC Stiffness and timed up‐and‐go.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that LooH with a “spiritual component” may promote better long‐term functional outcomes than both LooH without a “spiritual component” and a control group without LooH.