bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum HBV RNA predicts HBeAg clearance and seroconversion in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Wang Yang , Liao Hao , Deng Zhongping , Liu Yanna , Bian Dandan , Ren Yan , Yu Guangxin , Jiang Yingying , Bai Li , Liu Shuang , Liu Mei , Zhou Li , Chen Yu , Duan Zhongping , Lu Fengmin , Zheng Sujun
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the predictive value of serum HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBcrAg, HBsAg, intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA for HBeAg clearance and seroconversion during long‐term treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A single centre, prospective cohort of CHB patients was used for this study. Serum HBV RNA levels were retrospectively measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months post‐NAs treatment. Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels were quantified at baseline, month 6, 60 and 72. Histological samples from liver biopsy at baseline and month 60 were analysed for intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA. Eighty‐three HBeAg‐positive patients were enrolled with a median follow‐up time of 108 months (range 18–138 months). Of them, 53 (63.86%) patients achieved HBeAg clearance, and 37 (44.58%) achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Cox multivariate analysis showed that only baseline HBV RNA was independently associated with HBeAg clearance and seroconversion (<5.45 log10copies/mL, HR = 5.06, 95% CI: 1.87–13.71, p = .001; HR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.28–8.91, p = .01). The independent association with HBeAg clearance and seroconversion remained for HBV RNA levels at month 6 (<4.72 log10copies/mL, HR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.61–10.72, p = .003; HR = 6.52, 95% CI: 1.85–22.94, p = .003) and month 12 (<4.08 log10 copies/mL, HR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.96–6.90, p < .001; HR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.31–5.94, p = .008). The AUCs of baseline HBV RNA for predicting the HBeAg clearance (0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96, 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96 and 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.95 respectively) and seroconversion (0.89, 95% CI: 0.77–1.00; 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66–0.95 and 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71–0.98 respectively) at month 36, 60 and 84 were higher than those of HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBcrAg. In conclusion, lower serum HBV RNA at baseline, month 6 and 12 post‐NAs treatment could predict HBeAg clearance and seroconversion during long‐term NAs treatment.
Comparison of linear and volumetric criteria for the determination of therapeutic response in dogs with intracranial gliomas
Authors: Garcia Mora Josefa Karina , Robertson John , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Shinn Richard Levon , Larson Martha M. , Rylander Christopher G. , Whitlow Christopher T. , Debinski Waldemar , Davalos Rafael V. , B. Daniel Gregory , Rossmeisl John H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Brain tumor therapeutic responses can be quantified from magnetic resonance images (MRI) using 1‐ (1D) and 2‐dimensional (2D) linear and volumetric methods, but few studies in dogs compare these techniques.

Hypotheses

Linear methods will be obtained faster, but have less agreement than volumetric measurements. Therapeutic response agreement will be highest with the total T2W tumor volumetric (TTV) method. Therapeutic response at 6‐weeks will correlate with overall survival (OS).

Animals

Forty‐six dogs with intracranial gliomas.

Methods

Prospective study. Three raters measured tumors using 1D and 2D linear, TTV, and contrast‐enhancing volumetric (CEV) techniques on 143 brain MRI to determine agreement between methods, define therapeutic responses, and assess relations with OS.

Results

Raters performed 1D the fastest (2.9 ± 0.57 minutes) and CEV slowest (17.8 ± 6.2 minutes). Inter‐ and intraobserver agreements were excellent (intraclass correlations ≥.91) across methods. Correlations between linear (1D vs 2D; ρ > .91) and volumetric (TTV vs CEV; ρ > .73) methods were stronger than linear to volumetric comparisons (ρ range, .26‐.59). Incorporating clinical and imaging data resulted in fewer discordant therapeutic responses across methods. Dogs having partial tumor responses at 6 weeks had a lower death hazard than dogs with stable or progressive disease when assessed using 2D, CEV, and TTV (hazard ration 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.22‐3.63; P = .008).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

One‐dimensional, 2D, CEV, and TTV are comparable for determining therapeutic response. Given the simplicity, universal applicability, and superior performance of the TTV, we recommend its use to standardize glioma therapeutic response criteria.
The language of high‐stakes truths and lies: Linguistic analysis of true and deceptive statements made during sexual homicide interrogations
Authors: Thompson Andrew D. , Hartwig Maria
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Few studies have assessed deception during real‐life, high‐stakes encounters. This study is one of the largest and most geographically diverse to investigate how criminal suspects lie during investigative interviews. It is also one of the most specific; focusing solely on those who committed sexually motivated homicides.

Methods

Sections of transcripts from 52 sexually motivated homicide offender interrogations were analysed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software. Truthful (n = 27) and deceptive (n = 25) statements, corroborated through physical evidence, were then compared using the reality monitoring (RM) model of deception.

Results

Support for the RM model was mixed. Truthful statements contained more motion and spatial details. There were no significant differences between true and deceptive statements when comparing perceptual, affective, and cognitive process details.

Conclusions

The results support the notion that there are verbal cues to deception detectable in high‐stakes, real‐life situations. It also provides a starting point to assess these cues in special forensic populations.
Prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C infection amongst men who have sex with men in a population‐based pre‐exposure prophylaxis program in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Thompson Kyle A. , Blank Gabriel , Toy Junine , Moore David M. , Lachowsky Nathan , Bacani Nicanor , Zhang Wendy , Sereda Paul , Lima Viviane D. , Barrios Rolando , Montaner Julio S. G. , Hull Mark W.
Published: March 2022

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for sexually‐transmitted hepatitis C (HCV). Evidence for HCV infection in the context of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in North America is limited. We sought to characterize baseline HCV prevalence and incidence in MSM receiving PrEP in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

We followed individuals in the BC PrEP program from January 2018 to August 2019. We evaluated baseline prevalence and incident seroconversions (newly positive HCV antibody). A multivariable logistic regression model was performed in MSM for factors associated with HCV prevalence at enrollment, including reported prior sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM score, PrEP use because of a partner living with HIV, and location of residence.

Results

The median age of the cohort was 33 years, 98.3% male, with 3058 person years (PY) of follow‐up. Baseline HCV prevalence was 0.82% (31/3907 MSM enrollees) and HCV incidence (n = 3) was 0.15 per 100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.45). In multivariable analysis, initiating PrEP because of a partner living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.02; 95% CI 1.87–13.47) and prior STI (aOR 2.34; 95% CI 1.04–5.24) were associated with positive HCV status.

Conclusions

Baseline HCV prevalence and incidence was low amongst MSM in a population‐based PrEP program in BC, Canada. HCV was associated with bridging from populations living with HIV and evidence of a reported prior STI as a PrEP indicator condition amongst MSM. PrEP initiation may be an opportunity for linkage to HCV screening and treatment.
m5C and m6A modification of long noncoding NKILA accelerates cholangiocarcinoma progression via the miR‐582‐3p‐YAP1 axis
Authors: Zheng Haiming , Zhu Meiying , Li Wenhua , Zhou Zunqiang , Wan Xinjian
Published: March 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a severe malignancy originating from the bile duct and the second most common primary liver cancer. NF‐kappa B interacting lncRNA (NKILA) is a functional lncRNA, which play important role in human cancers. However, the role and underlying mechanism of NKILA in CCA remains largely unknown. Here, our study demonstrated that NKILA was significantly upregulated in CCA tissues and cells. Overexpression of NKILA is associated with advanced TNM stage, lymph node and distant metastasis, and also indicated poor prognosis in CCA patients. Functionally, NKILA facilitated CCA growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) methyltransferase NSUN2 interacts with NKILA, increasing its m5C level and promoting its interaction with YBX1. Moreover, NKILA physically interacted with and suppressed miR‐582‐3p, which was regulated by METTL3‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Finally, we showed that YAP1 was a target of NKILA via miR‐582‐3p and NKILA functioned partially via YAP1 in CCA. Taken together, our findings indicate a novel regulatory mechanism of NKILA for promoting CCA progression and that NKILA may be a promising target for CCA treatment.
Debilitated Lifeworlds: Women's Narratives of Forced Sterilization as Delinking from Reproductive Rights
Authors: Chaparro‐Buitrago Julieta
Published: March 2022

Peasant women in Cajamarca, Peru, who were sterilized by the Peruvian government in the 1990s, narrate their experiences of reproductive abuse using Andean medical principles of debilidad and fuerza (debility and strength) (Tapias 2006). In their narratives, many describe a generalized sense of loss of strength resulting from the procedure. This contrasts with the reproductive rights framework's emphasis on infertility as the main harm. In this article, I ponder the dissonance between these two frameworks and propose the concept of debilitated lifeworlds as decolonial feminist delinking (Mignolo 2007) from human fertility‐centric narratives. This concept is methodologically significant as a decolonial attunement to local motifs to talk about abuse and for weaving a constellation of embodied, emotional, social, and family harms. This article contributes to the emerging field of “decolonial reproductive studies” (Smietana et al. 2018: 117).
Diet and food insecurity among mothers, infants, and young children in Peru before and during COVID‐19: A panel survey
Authors: Pradeilles Rebecca , Pareja Rossina , Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary M. , Griffiths Paula L. , Holdsworth Michelle , Verdezoto Nervo , Eymard‐Duvernay Sabrina , Landais Edwige , Stanley Megan , Rousham Emily K.
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic may impact diet and nutrition through increased household food insecurity, lack of access to health services, and poorer quality diets. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of the pandemic on dietary outcomes of mothers and their infants and young children (IYC) in low‐income urban areas of Peru. We conducted a panel study, with one survey prepandemic (n = 244) and one survey 9 months after the onset of COVID‐19 (n = 254). We assessed breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators and maternal dietary diversity in both surveys. During COVID‐19, we assessed household food insecurity experience and economic impacts of the pandemic on livelihoods; receipt of financial or food assistance, and uptake of health services. Almost all respondents (98.0%) reported adverse economic impacts due to the pandemic and 46.9% of households were at risk of moderate or severe household food insecurity. The proportion of households receiving government food assistance nearly doubled between the two surveys (36.5%–59.5%). Dietary indicators, however, did not worsen in mothers or IYC. Positive changes included an increase in exclusive breastfeeding <6 months (24.2%–39.0%, p < 0.008) and a decrease in sweet food consumption by IYC (33.1%–18.1%, p = 0.001) and mothers (34.0%–14.6%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption remained high in both mothers (97%) and IYC (78%). In sum, we found dietary indicators had not significantly worsened 9 months into the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, several indicators remain suboptimal and should be targeted in future interventions.
Dorsal fin mark changes for assigning sexes to individual bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: James Bridget S. , Gridley Tess , McGovern Barry , Fearey Jack L. , Elwen Simon H.
Published: March 2022

Sexing cetaceans typically requires extended periods of observation or expensive molecular methods. An alternative approach using photo‐identification may provide a cost‐effective, noninvasive method for assigning a sex to free‐ranging individuals. We investigated two methods for predicting the sex of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Namibia, using the rate of change in dorsal fin (1) trailing edge marks or (2) surface features (scarring and lesions) and binary logistic regression models. Our results suggest animals with frequent and extensive changes to dorsal edge marks, or a high number/proportion of the dorsal fin covered in surface features are likely male, while those with little to no changes in dorsal edge marks or low numbers/proportion of surface features are likely female. Both sex prediction models performed reasonably well (accuracy: edge marks: 100%, surface features: 83%), with a high degree of consensus between models in sex predictions (78.6%). Our models are straightforward to implement and robust for the study population, providing useful insights into individuals' sex and population demographics. This reliable, inexpensive, and minimally invasive framework for assigning sex could be widely applicable, if population‐specific information of known sex individuals is included, due to the variable social systems and behaviors exhibited by Tursiops spp.
Neuron types in the primate striatum: Stereological analysis of projection neurons and interneurons in control and parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: del Rey Natalia López‐González , Trigo‐Damas Inés , Obeso José A. , Cavada Carmen , Blesa Javier
Published: March 2022

Aims

The striatum is mainly composed of projection neurons. It also contains interneurons, which modulate and control striatal output. The aim of the present study was to assess the percentages of projection neurons and interneuron populations in the striatum of control monkeys and of parkinsonian monkeys.

Methods

Unbiased stereology was used to estimate the volume density of every neuron population in the caudate, putamen and ventral striatum of control monkeys and of monkeys treated with MPTP, which results in striatal dopamine depletion. The various neuron population phenotypes were identified by immunohistochemistry. All analyses were performed within the same subjects using similar processing and analysis parameters, thus allowing for reliable data comparisons.

Results

In control monkeys, the projection neurons, which express the dopamine‐and‐cAMP‐regulated‐phosphoprotein, 32‐KDa (DARPP‐32), were the most abundant: ~86% of the total neurons counted. The interneurons accounted for the remaining 14%. Among the interneurons, those expressing calretinin were the most abundant (Cr+: ~57%; ~8% of the total striatal neurons counted), followed those expressing Parvalbumin (Pv+: ~18%; 2.6%), dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH+: ~13%; 1.8%), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT+: ~11%; 1.5%) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH+: ~0.5%; 0.1%). No significant changes in volume densities occurred in any population following dopamine depletion, except for the TH+ interneurons, which increased in parkinsonian non‐symptomatic monkeys and even more in symptomatic monkeys.

Conclusions

These data are relevant for translational studies targeting specific neuron populations of the striatum. The fact that dopaminergic denervation does not cause neuron loss in any population has potential pathophysiological implications.
The clinical and neuropathological picture of adult neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with no radiological abnormality
Authors: Miki Yasuo , Kamata Kosuke , Goto Shintaro , Sakuraba Hirotake , Mori Fumiaki , Yamagata Kazufumi , Kijima Hiroshi , Fukuda Shinsaku , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: March 2022

In typical adult neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) with predilection for the basal ganglia or cerebral cortex, not only neurons but also glial cells harbor intranuclear inclusions. In addition, these inclusions are present in the peripheral autonomic nervous system, visceral organs and skin. In NIID cases with an expansion of GGC repeats in the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of the Notch 2 N‐terminal like C (NOTCH2NLC) gene, these repeats are located in an upstream open reading frame (uN2C) and result in the production of a polyglycine‐containing protein called uN2CpolyG. Typically, patients with adult NIID show high‐intensity signals at the corticomedullary junction on diffusion‐weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging. We report a case of adult NIID in a 78‐year‐old Japanese male, who suffered from mild, non‐progressive tremor during life but showed no radiographic abnormalities suggestive of adult NIID. Pathologically, ubiquitin‐, p62‐ and uN2CpolyG‐positive neuronal intranuclear inclusions were particularly frequent in the hippocampal formation, but were also seen in the enteric plexuses, kidney and cardiac muscles. By contrast, glial intranuclear inclusions were barely evident in the affected regions. The present case also had an immunohistochemical profile differing from that of typical adult NIID. The findings in this case suggest that adult NIID can show clinical, radiographic and pathological heterogeneity.
Partners to survive: Hoffmannseggia doellii root‐associated microbiome at the Atacama Desert
Authors: Maldonado Jonathan E. , Gaete Alexis , Mandakovic Dinka , Aguado‐Norese Constanza , Aguilar Melissa , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. , González Mauricio
Published: March 2022

The discovery and characterization of plant species adapted to extreme environmental conditions have become increasingly important. Hoffmannseggia doellii is a perennial herb endemic to the Chilean Atacama Desert that grows in the western Andes between 2800 and 3600 m above sea level. Its growing habitat is characterized by high radiation and low water and nutrient availability. Under these conditions, H. doellii can grow, reproduce, and develop an edible tuberous root.

We characterized the H. doellii soil‐associated microbiomes to understand the biotic factors that could influence their surprising ability to survive.

We found an increased number of observed species and higher phylogenetic diversity of bacteria and fungi on H. doellii root soils compared with bare soil (BS) along different sites and to soil microbiomes of other plant species. Also, the H. doellii‐associated microbiome had a higher incidence of overall positive interactions and fungal within‐kingdom interactions than their corresponding BS network.

These findings suggest a microbial diversity soil modulation mechanism that may be a characteristic of highly tolerant plants to diverse and extreme environments. Furthermore, since H. doellii is related to important cultivated crops, our results create an opportunity for future studies on climate change adaptation of crop plants.
A genetically encoded biosensor reveals spatiotemporal variation in cellular phosphate content in Brachypodium distachyon mycorrhizal roots
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Daniels Dierdra A. , Ivanov Sergey , Jurgensen Lucas , Müller Lena M. , Versaw Wayne K. , Harrison Maria J.
Published: March 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is accompanied by alterations to root cell metabolism and physiology, and to the pathways of orthophosphate (Pi) entry into the root, which increase with Pi delivery to cortical cells via arbuscules. How AM symbiosis influences the Pi content and Pi response dynamics of cells in the root cortex and epidermis is unknown.

Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based Pi biosensors, we mapped the relative cytosolic and plastidic Pi content of Brachypodium distachyon mycorrhizal root cells, analyzed responses to extracellular Pi and traced extraradical hyphae‐mediated Pi transfer to colonized cells.

Colonized cortical cells had a higher cytosolic Pi content relative to noncolonized cortical and epidermal cells, while plastidic Pi content was highest in cells at the infection front. Pi application to the entire mycorrhizal root resulted in transient changes in cytosolic Pi that differed in direction and magnitude depending on cell type and arbuscule status; cells with mature arbuscules showed a substantial transient increase in cytosolic Pi while those with collapsed arbuscules showed a decrease. Directed Pi application to extraradical hyphae resulted in measurable changes in cytosolic Pi of colonized cells 18 h after application.

Our experiments reveal that cells within a mycorrhizal root vary in Pi content and Pi response dynamics.
Plant migration under long‐lasting hyperaridity – phylogenomics unravels recent biogeographic history in one of the oldest deserts on Earth
Authors: Böhnert Tim , Luebert Federico , Merklinger Felix F. , Harpke Dörte , Stoll Alexandra , Schneider Julio V. , Blattner Frank R. , Quandt Dietmar , Weigend Maximilian
Published: March 2022

The post‐Miocene climatic histories of arid environments have been identified as key drivers of dispersal and diversification. Here, we investigate how climatic history correlates with the historical biogeography of the Atacama Desert genusCristaria(Malvaceae).

We analyze phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography by using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), molecular clock dating, Dispersal Extinction Cladogenesis and Bayesian sampling approaches. We employ a novel way to identify biogeographically meaningful regions as well as a rarely utilized program permitting the use of dozens of ancestral areas.

Partial incongruence between the established taxonomy and our phylogenetic data argue for a complex historical biogeography with repeated introgression and incomplete lineage sorting.Cristariaoriginated in the central southern part of the Atacama Desert, from there the genus colonized other areas from the late Miocene onwards. The more recently diverged lineages appear to have colonized different habitats in the Atacama Desert during pluvial phases of the Pliocene and early Pleistocene.

We show that NGS combined with near‐comprehensive sampling can provide an unprecedented degree of phylogenetic resolution and help to correlate the historical biogeography of plant communities with cycles of arid and pluvial phases.
The symmetry spectrum in a hybridising, tropical group of rhododendrons
Authors: Soza Valerie L. , Kriebel Ricardo , Ramage Elizabeth , Hall Benjamin D. , Twyford Alex D.
Published: March 2022

Many diverse plant clades possess bilaterally symmetrical flowers and specialised pollination syndromes, suggesting that these traits may promote diversification. We examined the evolution of diverse floral morphologies in a species‐rich tropical radiation of Rhododendron.

We used restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing on 114 taxa from Rhododendron sect. Schistanthe to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and examine hybridisation. We then captured and quantified floral variation using geometric morphometric analyses, which we interpreted in a phylogenetic context.

We uncovered phylogenetic conflict and uncertainty caused by introgression within and between clades. Morphometric analyses revealed flower symmetry to be a morphological continuum without clear transitions between radial and bilateral symmetry. Tropical Rhododendron species that began diversifying into New Guinea c. 6 million years ago expanded into novel floral morphological space.

Our results showed that the evolution of tropical Rhododendron is characterised by recent speciation, recurrent hybridisation and the origin of floral novelty. Floral variation evolved via changes to multiple components of the corolla that are only recognised in geometric morphometrics with both front and side views of flowers.
Spatialization in working memory and its relation to math anxiety
Authors: van Dijck Jean‐Philippe , Fias Wim , Cipora Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

Working memory (WM) is one of the most important cognitive functions that may play a role in the relation between math anxiety (MA) and math performance. The processing efficiency theory proposes that rumination and worrisome thoughts (induced by MA) result in less available WM resources (which are needed to solve math problems). At the same time, high MA individuals have lower verbal and spatial WM capacity in general. Extending these findings, we found that MA is also linked to the spatial coding of serial order in verbal WM: subjects who organize sequences from left‐to‐right in verbal WM show lower levels of MA compared with those who do not spatialize. Furthermore, these spatial coders have higher verbal WM capacity, better numerical order judgment abilities, and higher math scores. These findings suggest that spatially structuring the verbal mind is a promising cognitive correlate of MA and opens new avenues for exploring causal links between elementary cognitive processes and MA.
The tragedy of being a historical creature: Gender and history in Nicolas de Montreux’s La Sophonisbe (1601)
Authors: Ladefoged Larn Anastasia
Published: March 2022

This article explores the relationship between gender and history in Nicolas de Montreux’s historical tragedy La Sophonisbe (1601), specifically how the drama uses the historical female figure of Sophonisbe to negotiate what it means to take part in history. By engaging Walter Benjamin’s notion of the chaste martyr and her affinities with history in the German Trauerspiel, the article draws novel attention to historico‐philosophical elements in Montreux’s drama and begins an analytical exploration of the often noticed but unexplored question in modern scholarship of gender in French humanist drama.
Individual differences in beta frequency correlate with the audio–visual fusion illusion
Authors: Noguchi Yasuki
Published: March 2022

Presenting one flash with two beeps induces a perception of two flashes (audio–visual [AV] fission illusion), while presenting two flashes with one beep induces a perception of one flash (fusion illusion). Although previous studies showed a relationship between the frequency of the alpha rhythm (alpha cycle) and one's susceptibility to the fission illusion, the relationship between neural oscillations and the fusion illusion is unknown. Using electroencephalography, here I investigated the frequency of oscillatory signals in the pre‐stimulus period and found a significant correlation between the beta rhythm and the fusion illusion; specifically, participants with a lower beta frequency showed a larger fusion illusion. These data indicate two separate time windows of AV integration in the human brain, one defined by the alpha cycle (fission) and another defined by the beta cycle (fusion).
Support for behavioral nudges versus alternative policy instruments and their perceived fairness and efficacy
Authors: John Peter , Martin Aaron , Mikołajczak Gosia
Published: March 2022

An extensive debate has emerged in recent years about the relative merits of behavioral policy instruments (nudges) aimed at changing individual behavior without coercion. In this article, we examine public support for non‐deliberative nudges and deliberative nudges and compare them to attitudes toward top‐down regulation and free choice/libertarian options. We also examine whether support for both types of nudges is associated with perceptions of fairness and efficacy. We test these expectations with a survey experiment with 1706 UK adult respondents (representative of the population on age, gender, and location) in two policy areas (retirement savings and carbon offsets for airline passengers). We find higher levels of public support for both nudge policy options compared to top‐down regulation. Support for nudges is associated with the perceived fairness of nudges more than their efficacy.
Win‐win: Summer QI programme for medical students
Authors: Mathura Pamela , Barber Paul , Han Ted , Hillier Tracey , Kassam Narmin
Published: March 2022

Background

Most undergraduate medical students (UMS) do not receive any formal exposure to quality improvement (QI) efforts in healthcare during the entirety of their undergraduate programme. This is despite the rising interest amongst UMS and the unique potential that UMS hold as an innovator unencumbered by previous biases. To explore this, we implemented an undergraduate training programme that provides experiential QI education.

Approach

The 15‐week Summer Healthcare Improvement Programme (SHIP) was established in 2017, supported by a regional physician QI leadership coalition, a QI consultant preceptor who is linked to both the local university and health organisation and an UMS leadership group. Students were assigned QI projects that were aligned with the health organisation's purpose and scope. Students co‐led the project to completion with mentorship from both physician QI leaders, and residents. Student competencies were formatively assessed by completing QI activities and a programme survey.

Results

From 2017 to 2019, 19 students completed 22 QI projects, academic posters and publications, and all received QI certification. The majority (72%) of students felt involvement in SHIP increased their QI knowledge and skills, 90% believed SHIP would benefit their peers, and 71% of students felt it directly applied to their future careers.

Discussion

Benefits of the programme were threefold: provided students with early experiential QI exposure, provided student QI leaders who possess dedicated time and effort to complete projects over the summer months and provided a physician QI learning continuum implemented with minimal to no additional cost to either the university or health organisation.
A variant allele with c.467C>T and c.784G>A is not a novel allele but ABO*AW10
Authors: Nam Minjeong , Kim Tae Yeul , Hur Mina , Cho Duck
Published: March 2022

See editorial on page 721–724, in this issue
Investigation of platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia
Authors: Phillips Casey , Naskou Maria C. , Spangler Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Thrombocytopenia has been associated with some neoplastic processes, including hematologic neoplasia. There is no information regarding specific changes in platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia compared with healthy dogs. The objectives of our study were to establish RIs, evaluate platelet measurands in dogs with hematologic neoplasia, and compare these measurands in patients with hematologic malignancies with or without thrombocytopenia.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Platelet measurands were determined using the ADVIA 120 Hematology analyzer when a CBC was performed and included the platelet count, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet component (MPC), platelet component distribution width (PCDW), mean platelet mass (MPM), platelet mass distribution width (PMDW), and number of large platelets. Reference intervals were determined retrospectively using data from 129 healthy dogs. Patients with hematologic neoplasia (n = 50) were identified through retrospective evaluation of medical records from the Auburn University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and separated into thrombocytopenic (n = 20) and nonthrombocytopenic groups (n = 30).

Results

Platelet count and PCT were significantly higher in older healthy dogs compared with younger dogs. Significant differences were identified when comparing healthy dogs with those with hematologic neoplasia without thrombocytopenia for PDW, PCDW, PMDW, and the number of large platelets, indicating the presence of more heterogeneous platelets. Thrombocytopenic dogs with hematologic neoplasia had significantly decreased MPCs and increased MPVs, MPMs, and PCDWs compared with nonthrombocytopenic dogs with neoplasia.

Conclusions

Dogs with hematologic neoplasia had more heterogeneous platelets, whereas thrombocytopenic patients with neoplasia had more activated platelets.
Offshoring Strategies & Governance of Global Value Chains
Authors: Saïd Karim , Assens Christophe
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to analyze the extent to which exercising offshoring options could still continue to be appropriate, given a great deal of renewed talk of economic sovereignty. To answer this question, we first look at the sources of a firm's value creation and the strategic governance of its value chain. Secondly, we examine the key success factors in offshoring strategies and their implications in terms of organization, coordination and control, as well as in terms of how expertise is transferred between partners to cope with an increasingly hostile and uncertain environment.
A Inteligência artificial no contexto atual: uma análise à luz das neurociências voltada para uma proposta de emolduramento ético e jurídico
Authors: Sarlet Gabrielle Bezerra Sales
Published: March 2022

Examina-se o uso irreflexivo/abusivo de tecnologias disruptivas e pervasivas como a inteligência artificial para, partindo da atual contribuição das neurociências, especialmente no que toca à função da emocionalidade no processo decisório, apontar o novo sentido e o alcance das vulnerabilidades na sociedade informacional e, nesse sentido, esboçar algumas pautas para a sua regulação, para além da proteção de dados pessoais, e, portanto, uma conformação com a proteção multinível da pessoa humana dentro e fora do ecossistema virtual/digital. O método científico envolve uma abordagem hipotético-dedutiva, com pesquisa explicativa, exploratória e procedimento bibliográfico
Privacy, Data Protection and Law Enforcement. Opacity of the Individual and Transparency of Power
Authors: Gutwirth Serge , De Hert Paul
Published: March 2022

SUMMARY: Introduction; 1 Principles of the democratic constitutional state; 1.1 The Recognition of Human Rights in their Double Function; 1.2 The Rule of Law; 1.3 Democracy; 2 The democratic constitutional state and the invention of two complementary legal tools of power control; 2.1 Limiting power through opacity tools; 2.2 Channelling power through transparency tools; 3 Privacy as a tool for opacity (creating zones of non-interference); 3.1 The negative role of privacy; 3.2 The positive role of privacy; 3.3 The non-absolute nature of privacy; 4 Data protection as a tool for transparency; 4.1 Introduction; 4.2 The rationale behind data protection; 4.3 Data protection as an opacity tool?; 4.4 The charter of fundamental rights of the european union; 5 The shift from opacity towards transparency in european human rights law; 5.1 European human rights law and the legality requirement; 5.2 The success of the legality requirement; 5.3 A critical comment about the strasbourg focus on the legality requirement; 5.4 The danger of proceduralisation; 5.5 A requirement fundamental to opacity: necessary in a democratic state; 6. Combining privacy and data protection 6.1 Combining the tools; 6.2 Determining the switch; 6.3 An example: camera surveillance; 6.4 A second example: passenger profiling; 6.5 Workable criteria?; Conclusion.
Influence of Ambient Pressure on Measured Stiffness and Damping of Radial Gas Foil Bearings
Authors: Wilkes Jason , White Steve
Published: March 2022

As gas bearings have gained popularity, they have been used in a diverse range of applications. In many cases these bearings are used in various process gases at a range of pressures. Although numerous analytical tools exist to predict the behavior of gas bearings in these environments, these tools are challenging to validate. The current work describes a test loop that is capable of measuring rotordynamic force coefficients in a hermetically sealed environment. To the author's knowledge, this capability is the first of its kind. To illustrate operation of the test rig, an industrial 3-lobe gas-foil bearing was installed in the test fixture, and operated at pressures from 0.5 to 3.5 bara at speeds ranging from 25 to 65 krpm. The tests show that dynamic coefficients increase with speed and pressure; however, a slight reduction in coefficients were observed at the highest speed under ambient conditions. In addition, subambient pressure tests showed higher than ambient stiffness, but comparably low damping in comparison to the other test cases. It is believed that this is the first publication of gas foil bearing coefficients at subambient pressure.
National Policy Response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A Physical Activity Case Study of Wales
Authors: Sharp Catherine A. , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Willmot Rhi , Hughes Rachel , McNarry Melitta A. , Milton Karen
Published: March 2022

Background: Population level changes in physical activity (PA) may benefit from policy intervention. In response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Wales introduced legislation to holistically improve health and well-being, including Public Service Boards, to improve the translation of national policy into practice. Method: An audit of policies published by national and subnational public bodies since 2015 was conducted. Content of the policies were extracted and synthesized to determine: (1) how many policies included a PA action, (2) what the drivers of those policies were, (3) the content of the PA actions, and (4) how the PA actions aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Results: Sixteen national-level documents with a PA action were published by 4 of 13 public bodies. The policies vary in terms of the clarity and specificity of the actions, the assignment of clear roles/responsibilities, and the setting of targets. Of the 19 subnational Public Service Boards well-being policies, 15 included PA actions. Conclusion: This audit provides a valuable example of how connections between national and subnational policy can be achieved. The appointment of Public Service Boards has supported the translation of policies into practice in Wales, and similar approaches could be utilized in other countries.
Localized astrogenesis regulates gyrification of the cerebral cortex
Authors: Shinmyo Yohei , Saito Kengo , Hamabe-Horiike Toshihide , Kameya Narufumi , Ando Akitaka , Kawasaki Kanji , Duong Tung Anh Dinh , Sakashita Masataka , Roboon Jureepon , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Kannon Takayuki , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Slezak Michal , Holt Matthew G. , Tajima Atsushi , Hori Osamu , Kawasaki Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

The development and evolution of mammalian higher cognition are represented by gyrification of the laminar cerebral cortex and astrocyte development, but their mechanisms and interrelationships remain unknown. Here, we show that localized astrogenesis plays an important role in gyri formation in the gyrencephalic cerebral cortex. In functional genetic experiments, we show that reducing astrocyte number prevents gyri formation in the ferret cortex, while increasing astrocyte number in mice, which do not have cortical folds, can induce gyrus-like protrusions. Morphometric analyses demonstrate that the vertical expansion of deep pallial regions achieved by localized astrogenesis is crucial for gyri formation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that localized astrogenesis by a positive feedback loop of FGF signaling is an important mechanism underlying cortical folding in gyrencephalic mammalian brains. Our findings reveal both the cellular mechanisms and the mechanical principle of gyrification in the mammalian brain.
H-ABC– and dystonia-causing
TUBB4A
mutations show distinct pathogenic effects
Authors: Krajka Victor , Vulinovic Franca , Genova Mariya , Tanzer Kerstin , Jijumon A. S. , Bodakuntla Satish , Tennstedt Stephanie , Mueller-Fielitz Helge , Meier Britta , Janke Carsten , Klein Christine , Rakovic Aleksandar
Published: March 2022

Mutations in the brain-specific β-tubulin 4A (TUBB4A) gene cause a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from dystonia (DYT-TUBB4A) to hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC). Currently, the mechanisms of how
TUBB4A
variants lead to this pleiotropic manifestation remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether
TUBB4A
mutations causing either DYT-TUBB4A (p.R2G and p.Q424H) or H-ABC (p.R2W and p.D249N) exhibit differential effects at the molecular and cellular levels. Using live-cell imaging of disease-relevant oligodendrocytes and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of whole-cell lysates, we observed divergent impact on microtubule polymerization and microtubule integration, partially reflecting the observed pleiotropy. Moreover, in silico simulations demonstrated that the mutants rarely adopted a straight heterodimer conformation in contrast to wild type. In conclusion, for most of the examined variants, we deciphered potential molecular disease mechanisms that may lead to the diverse clinical manifestations and phenotype severity across and within each TUBB4A-related disease.
An oomycete NLP cytolysin forms transient small pores in lipid membranes
Authors: Pirc Katja , Clifton Luke A. , Yilmaz Neval , Saltalamacchia Andrea , Mally Mojca , Snoj Tina , Žnidaršič Nada , Srnko Marija , Borišek Jure , Parkkila Petteri , Albert Isabell , Podobnik Marjetka , Numata Keiji , Nürnberger Thorsten , Viitala Tapani , Derganc Jure , Magistrato Alessandra , Lakey Jeremy H. , Anderluh Gregor
Published: March 2022

Microbial plant pathogens secrete a range of effector proteins that damage host plants and consequently constrain global food production. Necrosis and ethylene-inducing peptide 1–like proteins (NLPs) are produced by numerous phytopathogenic microbes that cause important crop diseases. Many NLPs are cytolytic, causing cell death and tissue necrosis by disrupting the plant plasma membrane. Here, we reveal the unique molecular mechanism underlying the membrane damage induced by the cytotoxic model NLP. This membrane disruption is a multistep process that includes electrostatic-driven, plant-specific lipid recognition, shallow membrane binding, protein aggregation, and transient pore formation. The NLP-induced damage is not caused by membrane reorganization or large-scale defects but by small membrane ruptures. This distinct mechanism of lipid membrane disruption is highly adapted to effectively damage plant cells.
Single-molecule Taq DNA polymerase dynamics
Authors: Turvey Mackenzie W. , Gabriel Kristin N. , Lee Wonbae , Taulbee Jeffrey J. , Kim Joshua K. , Chen Silu , Lau Calvin J. , Kattan Rebecca E. , Pham Jenifer T. , Majumdar Sudipta , Garcia Davil , Weiss Gregory A. , Collins Philip G.
Published: March 2022

Taq DNA polymerase functions at elevated temperatures with fast conformational dynamics—regimes previously inaccessible to mechanistic, single-molecule studies. Here, single-walled carbon nanotube transistors recorded the motions of Taq molecules processing matched or mismatched template–deoxynucleotide triphosphate pairs from 22° to 85°C. By using four enzyme orientations, the whole-enzyme closures of nucleotide incorporations were distinguished from more rapid, 20-μs closures of Taq’s fingers domain testing complementarity and orientation. On average, one transient closure was observed for every nucleotide binding event; even complementary substrate pairs averaged five transient closures between each catalytic incorporation at 72°C. The rate and duration of the transient closures and the catalytic events had almost no temperature dependence, leaving all of Taq’s temperature sensitivity to its rate-determining open state.
Electrostatic dust removal using adsorbed moisture–assisted charge induction for sustainable operation of solar panels
Authors: Panat Sreedath , Varanasi Kripa K.
Published: March 2022

Dust accumulation on solar panels is a major challenge, as it blocks a large portion of sunlight. Solar panels are therefore cleaned regularly using large quantities of pure water. Consumption of water for cleaning, especially in deserts, poses a substantial sustainability challenge. Here, we present a waterless approach for dust removal from solar panels using electrostatic induction. We find that dust particles, despite primarily consisting of insulating silica, can be electrostatically repelled from electrodes due to charge induction assisted by adsorbed moisture. We experimentally determine dust particle charge by conducting Stokes experiments under an electrostatic field. By considering electrostatic, van der Waals, and gravitational forces, we define the threshold electric potential for particle removal. We also demonstrate dust removal over a broad range of relative humidity, making our approach widely applicable. Last, we develop a lab-scale prototype and demonstrate up to 95% recovery of lost power output using our approach.
Structural basis for HCMV Pentamer recognition by neuropilin 2 and neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Wrapp Daniel , Ye Xiaohua , Ku Zhiqiang , Su Hang , Jones Harrison G. , Wang Nianshuang , Mishra Akaash K. , Freed Daniel C. , Li Fengsheng , Tang Aimin , Li Leike , Jaijyan Dabbu Kumar , Zhu Hua , Wang Dai , Fu Tong-Ming , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang , McLellan Jason S.
Published: March 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes multiple surface glycoprotein complexes to infect a variety of cell types. The HCMV Pentamer, composed of gH, gL, UL128, UL130, and UL131A, enhances entry into epithelial, endothelial, and myeloid cells by interacting with the cell surface receptor neuropilin 2 (NRP2). Despite the critical nature of this interaction, the molecular determinants that govern NRP2 recognition remain unclear. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of NRP2 bound to Pentamer. The high-affinity interaction between these proteins is calcium dependent and differs from the canonical carboxyl-terminal arginine (CendR) binding that NRP2 typically uses. We also determine the structures of four neutralizing human antibodies bound to the HCMV Pentamer to define susceptible epitopes. Two of these antibodies compete with NRP2 binding, but the two most potent antibodies recognize a previously unidentified epitope that does not overlap the NRP2-binding site. Collectively, these findings provide a structural basis for HCMV tropism and antibody-mediated neutralization.
Tree dynamic response and survival in a category-5 tropical cyclone: The case of super typhoon Trami
Authors: Kamimura Kana , Nanko Kazuki , Matsumoto Asako , Ueno Saneyoshi , Gardiner James , Gardiner Barry
Published: March 2022

In the future with climate change, we expect more forest and tree damage due to the increasing strength and changing trajectories of tropical cyclones (TCs). However, to date, we have limited information to estimate likely damage levels, and nobody has ever measured exactly how forest trees behave mechanically during a TC. In 2018, a category-5 TC destroyed trees in our ongoing research plots, in which we were measuring tree movement and wind speed in two different tree spacing plots. We found damaged trees in only the wider spaced plot. Here, we present how trees dynamically respond to strong winds during a TC. Sustained strong winds obviously trigger the damage to trees and forests but inter-tree spacing is also a key factor because the level of support from neighboring trees modifies the effective “stiffness” against the wind both at the single tree and whole forest stand level.