bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relapse in Dementia-related Psychosis and Clinical Decisions
Authors: Soto-Martin Maria , Foff Erin P. , Devanand Davangere P.
Published: February 2022

Patients with dementia can experience hallucinations and delusions because of their underlying neurodegenerative condition, a syndrome known as dementia-related psychosis. Dementia-related psychosis contributes to morbidity and mortality among patients with dementia and increases the burden on caregivers and the health care system. With no pharmacological treatment currently approved in the United States for this condition, patients are often treated off-label with antipsychotics. Though typical and atypical antipsychotics have demonstrated variable to modest efficacy in dementia-related psychosis, serious safety concerns arise with their use. Accordingly, clinical and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines recommend trying antipsychotics only when other therapies have failed and encourage treatment discontinuation of antipsychotics after 4 months to assess whether ongoing therapy is needed. Discontinuation of effective antipsychotic treatment, however, may increase the risk for relapse of symptoms and the associated morbidities that accompany relapse. A randomized medication withdrawal clinical trial design allows assessment of relapse risk after discontinuation and can provide initial information on longer-term safety of therapy for dementia-related psychosis. Given the substantial unmet need in this condition, new, well-tolerated therapies that offer acute and sustained reduction of symptoms while also preventing recurrence of symptoms of psychosis are critically needed.
Temporary prey storage along swarm columns of army ants: an adaptive strategy for successful raiding?
Authors: de Lima Hilário Póvoas , Teseo Serafino , de Lima Raquel Leite Castro , Ferreira-Châline Ronara Souza , Châline Nicolas
Published: February 2022

While pillaging the brood of other ant colonies,
Eciton
army ants accumulate prey in piles, or caches, along their foraging trails. Widely documented, these structures have historically been considered as by-products of heavy traffic or aborted relocations of the ants' temporary nest, or bivouac. However, we recently observed that caches of the hook-jawed army ant,
Eciton hamatum
, appeared independently from heavy traffic or bivouac relocations. In addition, the flow of prey through caches varied based on the quantity of prey items workers transported. As this suggested a potential adaptive function, we developed agent-based simulations to compare raids of caching and non-caching virtual army ants. We found that caches increased the amount of prey that relatively low numbers of raiders were able to retrieve. However, this advantage became less conspicuous—and generally disappeared—as the number of raiders increased. Based on these results, we hypothesize that caches maximize the amount of prey that limited amounts of raiders can retrieve, especially as prey colonies coordinately evacuate their brood. In principle, caches also allow workers to safely collect multiple prey items and efficiently transport them to the bivouac. Further field observations are needed to test this and other hypotheses emerging from our study.
Packing of elastic rings with friction
Authors: Alben S.
Published: February 2022

We study the deformations of elastic filaments confined within slowly shrinking circular boundaries, under contact forces with friction. We perform computations with a spring-lattice model that deforms like a thin inextensible filament of uniform bending stiffness. Early in the deformation, two lobes of the filament make contact. If the friction coefficient is small enough, one lobe slides inside the other; otherwise, the lobes move together or one lobe bifurcates the other. There follows a sequence of deformations that is a mixture of spiralling and bifurcations, primarily the former with small friction and the latter with large friction. With zero friction, a simple model predicts that the maximum curvature and the total elastic energy scale as the wall radius to the

−
3

/

2

and

−
2

powers, respectively. With non-zero friction, the elastic energy follows a similar scaling but with a prefactor up to eight times larger, due to delayering and bending with a range of small curvatures. For friction coefficients as large as 1, the deformations are qualitatively similar with and without friction at the outer wall. Above 1, the wall friction case becomes dominated by buckling near the wall.
Wild epigenetics: insights from epigenetic studies on natural populations
Authors: Husby Arild
Published: February 2022

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are increasingly targeted in studies of natural populations. Here, I review some of the insights gained from this research, examine some of the methods currently in use and discuss some of the challenges that researchers working on natural populations are likely to face when probing epigenetic mechanisms. While studies supporting the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in generating phenotypic variation in natural populations are amassing, many of these studies are currently correlative in nature. Thus, while empirical data point to widespread contributions of epigenetic mechanisms in generating phenotypic variation, there are still concerns as to whether epigenetic variation is instead ultimately controlled by genetic variation. Disentangling these two sources of variation will be a key to resolving the debate about the importance of epigenetic mechanisms, and studies on natural populations that partition the relative contribution of genetic and epigenetic factors to phenotypic variation can play an important role in this debate.
Global long-term stability of individual dietary specialization in herbivorous mammals
Authors: DeSantis Larisa R. G. , Pardi Melissa I. , Du Andrew , Greshko Michael A. , Yann Lindsey T. , Hulbert Richard C. , Louys Julien
Published: February 2022

Dietary variation within species has important ecological and evolutionary implications. While theoreticians have debated the consequences of trait variance (including dietary specialization), empirical studies have yet to examine intraspecific dietary variability across the globe and through time. Here, we use new and published serial sampled δ13Cenamelvalues of herbivorous mammals from the Miocene to the present (318 individuals summarized, 4134 samples) to examine how dietary strategy (i.e. browser, mixed-feeder, grazer) affects individual isotopic variation. We find that almost all herbivores, regardless of dietary strategy, are composed of individual specialists. For example,Cormohipparion emsliei(Equidae) from the Pliocene of Florida (approx. 5 Ma) exhibits a δ13Cenamelrange of 13.4‰, but all individuals sampled have δ13Cenamelranges of less than or equal to 2‰ (mean = 1.1‰). Most notably, this pattern holds globally and through time, with almost all herbivorous mammal individuals exhibiting narrow δ13Cenamelranges (less than or equal to 3‰), demonstrating that individuals are specialized and less representative of their overall species' dietary breadth. Individual specialization probably reduces intraspecific competition, increases carrying capacities, and may have stabilizing effects on species and communities over time. Individual specialization among species with both narrow and broad dietary niches is common over space and time—a phenomenon not previously well recognized or documented empirically.
The effects of phylogeny, habitat and host characteristics on the thermal sensitivity of helminth development
Authors: Phillips Jessica Ann , Vargas Soto Juan S. , Pawar Samraat , Koprivnikar Janet , Benesh Daniel P. , Molnár Péter K.
Published: February 2022

Helminth parasites are part of almost every ecosystem, with more than 300 000 species worldwide. Helminth infection dynamics are expected to be altered by climate change, but predicting future changes is difficult owing to lacking thermal sensitivity data for greater than 99.9% of helminth species. Here, we compiled the largest dataset to date on helminth temperature sensitivities and used the Metabolic Theory of Ecology to estimate activation energies (AEs) for parasite developmental rates. The median AE for 129 thermal performance curves was 0.67, similar to non-parasitic animals. Although exceptions existed, related species tended to have similar thermal sensitivities, suggesting some helminth taxa are inherently more affected by rising temperatures than others. Developmental rates were more temperature-sensitive for species from colder habitats than those from warmer habitats, and more temperature sensitive for species in terrestrial than aquatic habitats. AEs did not depend on whether helminth life stages were free-living or within hosts, whether the species infected plants or animals, or whether the species had an endotherm host in its life cycle. The phylogenetic conservatism of AE may facilitate predicting how temperature change affects the development of helminth species for which empirical data are lacking or difficult to obtain.
Warm and arid regions of the world are hotspots of superorganism complexity
Authors: La Richelière Frédérique , Muñoz Gabriel , Guénard Benoit , Dunn Robert R. , Economo Evan P. , Powell Scott , Sanders Nathan J. , Weiser Michael D. , Abouheif Ehab , Lessard Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2022

Biologists have long been fascinated by the processes that give rise to phenotypic complexity of organisms, yet whether there exist geographical hotspots of phenotypic complexity remains poorly explored. Phenotypic complexity can be readily observed in ant colonies, which are superorganisms with morphologically differentiated queen and worker castes analogous to the germline and soma of multicellular organisms. Several ant species have evolved ‘worker polymorphism', where workers in a single colony show quantifiable differences in size and head-to-body scaling. Here, we use 256 754 occurrence points from 8990 ant species to investigate the geography of worker polymorphism. We show that arid regions of the world are the hotspots of superorganism complexity. Tropical savannahs and deserts, which are typically species-poor relative to tropical or even temperate forests, harbour the highest densities of polymorphic ants. We discuss the possible adaptive advantages that worker polymorphism provides in arid environments. Our work may provide a window into the environmental conditions that promote the emergence of highly complex phenotypes.
The phylogeny of the genus Azohydromonas supports its transfer to the family Comamonadaceae
Authors: Mogro Ezequiel Gerardo , Cafiero Juan Hilario , Lozano Mauricio Javier , Draghi Walter Omar
Published: February 2022

The genusAzohydromonasencompasses five validly described species belonging to the betaproteobacterial class. Recognized for their potential biotechnological uses, they were first described as belonging to the genusAlcaligenes. The phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene of the original strains as well as newly described species led to a description of these strains within a new bacterial genus,Azohydromonas. However, the phylogenetic position of this genus remains described as part of the familyAlcaligenaceae, even those some authors have placed it within the orderBurkholderiales. To unravel the precise position of the genusAzohydromonas, a wide phylogenomic analysis was performed. The results of 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, as well as those obtained by the multilocus analysis of homologous proteins and overall genome relatedness indices, support the reclassification ofAzohydromonasin theRubrivivax–Ideonellalineage of the familyComamonadaceae, so the transfer of this genus is proposed.
Fructobacillus papyriferae sp. nov., Fructobacillus papyrifericola sp. nov., Fructobacillus broussonetiae sp. nov. and Fructobacillus parabroussonetiae sp. nov., isolated from paper mulberry in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shih-Ting , Guu Jia-Rong , Wang Hsing-Min , Tamura Tomohiko , Mori Koji , Huang Lina , Watanabe Koichi
Published: February 2022

Five Gram-stain-positive strains (M1-10T, M1-13, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T) were isolated from paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) in Taiwan. Cells were rod-shaped, non-motile, non-haemolytic, asporogenous, facultatively anaerobic, heterofermentative, and did not exhibit catalase and oxidase activities. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these novel strains belonged to the genus

Fructobacillus

. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the type strains of

Fructobacillus fructosus

and

Fructobacillus durionis

were the closest neighbours to strains M1-10T, M1-13, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T. Sequence analyses of concatenated two partial housekeeping genes, the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoC) and recombinase A (recA) also indicated that the novel strains belonged to the genus

Fructobacillus

. The 16S rRNA and concatenated rpoC and recA gene sequence similarities between strains M1-10T and M1-13 were 100 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values of M1-10T, M1-21T, M2-14T and S1-1T with

F. fructosus

and

F. durionis

were 75.1–78.9% and 76.5–77.5 %, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were 19.7–21.5% and 19.6–20.4 %, respectively. Phenotypic and genotypic test results demonstrated that these strains represent four novel species of the genus

Fructobacillus

, for which the names Fructobacillus papyriferae sp. nov., Fructobacillus papyrifericola sp. nov., Fructobacillus broussonetiae sp. nov. and Fructobacillus parabroussonetiae sp. nov. are proposed with the type strains M1-10T (=BCRC 81237T=NBRC 114433T), M1-21T (=BCRC 81239T=NBRC 114435T), M2-14T (=BCRC 81240T=NBRC 114436T) and S1-1T (=BCRC 81241T=NBRC 114437T), respectively.
Single-Droplet Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Decodes the Molecular Language of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
Authors: Avni Anamika , Joshi Ashish , Walimbe Anuja , Pattanashetty Swastik G. , Mukhopadhyay Samrat
Published: February 2022

Biomolecular condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are involved in a myriad of critical cellular functions and debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. Elucidating the role of intrinsic disorder and conformational heterogeneity of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs) in these phase-separated membrane-less organelles is crucial to understanding the mechanism of formation and regulation of biomolecular condensates. Here we introduce a unique single-droplet surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) methodology that utilizes surface-engineered, plasmonic, metal nanoparticles to unveil the inner workings of mesoscopic liquid droplets of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) in the absence and presence of RNA. These highly sensitive measurements offer unprecedented sensitivity to capture the crucial interactions, conformational heterogeneity, and structural distributions within the condensed phase in a droplet-by-droplet manner. Such an ultra-sensitive single-droplet vibrational methodology can serve as a potent tool to decipher the key molecular drivers of biological phase transitions of a wide range of biomolecular condensates involved in physiology and disease.
Taxonomic practice, creativity, and fashion: What’s in a spider name?
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Viel Nathan , Amiar Dylan , Mani Atishya , Hervé Christophe , Heard Stephen B. , Fontaneto Diego , Pétillon Julien
Published: February 2022

There’s a secret pleasure in naming new species. Besides traditional etymologies recalling the sampling locality, habitat, or morphology of the species, etymologies may be tributes to some meaningful person (for example, the species’ collector, the author’s husband or wife, or a celebrity), pop culture references, and even exercises of enigmatography. The possibility of choosing witty or even playful names for new species departs from the otherwise impersonal and old-fashioned writing style that’s common in taxonomic papers; but, how has the descriptor’s choice for specific etymologies changed over the 300+ years since the introduction of the Linnaean binomial system of nomenclature? Using an unprecedented dataset of 48,464 etymologies (all valid species and subspecies of spiders described between 1757 and May 2020), we tested the hypothesis that species names given by taxonomists are deeply influenced by their cultural background. In particular, we asked whether naming practices change through space (continent in which the species was found) or have changed through time (year of description). We observed spatial and temporal differences in the way taxonomists name new species. In absolute terms, etymologies referring to morphology were the most frequently used. In relative terms, however, references to morphology peaked in 1850–1900 and then began to decline, with a parallel increase in etymologies dedicated to people and geography. Currently, these are the most widely used, with ∼38% of all etymologies of spider species described in the last ten years referring to geography, ∼25% to people, and ∼25% to morphology. Interestingly, there has been a dramatic increase in etymologies referring to pop culture and other cultural aspects in the last two decades, especially in Europe and the Americas. While such fashionable names often carry little or no biological information regarding the species itself, they help give visibility to the science of taxonomy, a discipline currently facing a profound crisis within academia. Taxonomy is among the most unchanged disciplines across the last centuries in terms of background, tools, rules, and writing style; but our analysis suggests that taxonomists remain deeply influenced by their living time and space.
Antibody and memory B-cell immunity in a heterogeneously SARS-CoV-2 infected and vaccinated population
Authors: Bednarski Eva , Rio Estrada Perla M Del , DaSilva Justin , Boukadida Celia , Zhang Fengwen , Luna-Villalobos Yara A , Rodríguez-Rangel Ximena , Pitén-Isidro Elvira , Luna-García Edgar , Rivera Dafne Díaz , López-Sánchez Dulce M , Tapia-Trejo Daniela , Soto-Nava Maribel , Astorga-Castañeda Myriam , Martínez-Moreno José O , Urbina-Granados Guadalupe S , Jiménez-Jacinto José A , Serna Alvarado Francisco J , Enriquez-López Yerania E , López-Arellano Oliva , Reyes-Teran Gustavo , Bieniasz Paul D. , Avila-Rios Santiago , Hatziioannou Theodora
Published: February 2022

Global population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is accumulating through heterogenous combinations of infection and vaccination. Vaccine distribution in low- and middle-income countries has been variable and reliant on diverse vaccine platforms. We studied B-cell immunity in Mexico, a middle-income country where five different vaccines have been deployed to populations with high SARS-CoV-2 incidence. Levels of antibodies that bound a stabilized prefusion spike trimer, neutralizing antibody titers and memory B-cell expansion correlated with each other across vaccine platforms. Nevertheless, the vaccines elicited variable levels of B-cell immunity, and the majority of recipients had undetectable neutralizing activity against the recently emergent omicron variant. SARS-CoV-2 infection, experienced prior to or after vaccination potentiated B-cell immune responses and enabled the generation of neutralizing activity against omicron and SARS-CoV for all vaccines in nearly all individuals. These findings suggest that broad population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 will eventually be achieved, but by heterogenous paths
psntools - a Python package for protein structure network analysis
Authors: Sora Valentina , Tiberti Matteo , Papaleo Elena
Published: February 2022

The application of network theory to investigate protein structures and conformational ensembles through Protein Structure Networks (PSNs) has proven particularly insightful to study protein dynamics, the potentially disruptive effects of disease-related mutations, and allosteric mechanisms. Here, we presentpsntools, a novel Python package for downstream analysis of PSNs.psntoolsis completely PSN-agnostic, in contrast with several available tools in the community.psntoolsrelies only on a few Python dependencies, most notably MDAnalysis and NetworkX, works without external software, and can be incorporated into Python-based analysis pipelines. We also present an example of the usage ofpsntoolson a case of study of biological interest, which helped produce novel insights on the structural details of the interaction between BCL-xL and the BH3 motif of BECLIN-1. Thepsntoolspackage and the data associated with the case study are available athttps://github.com/ELELAB/psntools.
The mechanism of RNA capping by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Park Gina J. , Osinski Adam , Hernandez Genaro , Eitson Jennifer L. , Majumdar Abir , Tonelli Marco , Henzler-Wildman Katie , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Chen Zhe , Li Yang , Schoggins John W. , Tagliabracci Vincent S.
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome contains a 5’-cap that facilitates translation of viral proteins, protection from exonucleases and evasion of the host immune response1-4. How this cap is made is not completely understood. Here, we reconstitute the SARS-CoV-2 7MeGpppA2’-O-Me-RNA cap using virally encoded non-structural proteins (nsps). We show that the kinase-like NiRAN domain5 of nsp12 transfers RNA to the amino terminus of nsp9, forming a covalent RNA-protein intermediate (a process termed RNAylation). Subsequently, the NiRAN domain transfers RNA to GDP, forming the cap core structure GpppA-RNA. The nsp146 and nsp167 methyltransferases then add methyl groups to form functional cap structures. Structural analyses of the replication-transcription complex bound to nsp9 identified key interactions that mediate the capping reaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate in a reverse genetics system8 that the N-terminus of nsp9 and the kinase-like active site residues in the NiRAN domain are required for successful SARS-CoV-2 replication. Collectively, our results reveal an unconventional mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 caps its RNA genome, thus exposing a new target in the development of antivirals to treat COVID-19.
The mechanisms of catalysis and ligand binding for the SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 macrodomain from neutron and X-ray diffraction at room temperature
Authors: Correy Galen J. , Kneller Daniel W. , Phillips Gwyndalyn , Pant Swati , Russi Silvia , Cohen Aina E. , Meigs George , Holton James M. , Gahbauer Stefan , Thompson Michael C. , Ashworth Alan , Coates Leighton , Kovalevsky Andrey , Meilleur Flora , Fraser James S.
Published: February 2022

The NSP3 macrodomain of SARS CoV 2 (Mac1) removes ADP-ribosylation post-translational modifications, playing a key role in the immune evasion capabilities of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we determined neutron and X-ray crystal structures of the SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 macrodomain using multiple crystal forms, temperatures, and pHs, across the apo and ADP-ribose-bound states. We characterize extensive solvation in the Mac1 active site, and visualize how water networks reorganize upon binding of ADP-ribose and non-native ligands, inspiring strategies for displacing waters to increase potency of Mac1 inhibitors. Determining the precise orientations of active site water molecules and the protonation states of key catalytic site residues by neutron crystallography suggests a catalytic mechanism for coronavirus macrodomains distinct from the substrate-assisted mechanism proposed for human MacroD2. These data provoke a re-evaluation of macrodomain catalytic mechanisms and will guide the optimization of Mac1 inhibitors.
Myosin 10 supports mitotic spindle bipolarity by promoting PCM integrity and supernumerary centrosome clustering
Authors: Yim Yang-In , Pedrosa Antonio , Wu Xufeng , Cheney Richard E. , Hammer John A.
Published: February 2022

Myosin 10 (Myo10) is a member of the MyTH4/FERM domain family of unconventional, actin-based motor proteins. Studies have implicated Myo10 in supporting cell adhesion via its integrin-binding FERM domain, and spindle positioning and spindle pole integrity via its microtubule-binding MyTH4 domain. Here we characterized Myo10’s contribution to mitosis using Myo10 knockout HeLa cells and MEFs isolated from a Myo10 knockout mouse. Most notably, both of these knockout cells exhibit a pronounced increase in the frequency of multipolar spindles. Staining of unsynchronized metaphase cells showed that the primary driver of spindle multipolarity in knockout MEFs and knockout HeLa cells lacking supernumerary centrosomes is PCM fragmentation, which creates y-tubulin-positive, centriole-negative microtubule asters that serve as additional spindle poles. For HeLa cells possessing supernumerary centrosomes, Myo10 depletion further accentuates spindle multipolarity by impairing centrosome clustering. These results argue, therefore, that Myo10 supports spindle bipolarity by maintaining PCM integrity in both normal and cancer cells, and by promoting supernumerary centrosome clustering in cancer cells. Finally, we present evidence that the defect in spindle pole integrity in Myo10 knockout cells is likely due to a defect in pole stability rather than pole maturation, and that Myo10 promotes supernumerary centrosome clustering at least in part by promoting cell adhesion during mitosis.
In situ study on the effect of stress on corrosion behavior of AZ91 magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhao Pengxiong , Wu Wei , Ma Zeyu , Dan Yong
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the corrosion evolution process of AZ91 magnesium alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under different stresses by using in situ methods, thereby evaluate the influence of stress on the corrosion sensitivity of AZ91 magnesium alloy, and discuss the potential mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-point bending method was used to apply different loads to the magnesium alloy samples, a charge coupled device camera and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test being used for in situ study. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed for corrosion product and morphology characteristics.

Findings

The observation results show that the corrosion of AZ91 magnesium alloy becomes more and more serious with the increase in the stress and generated many corrosion products. Originally, corrosion products prevented alloy matrix from contacting the corrosive medium. However, the increase in the stress facilitated the emergence of the corrosion holes in the corrosion products, which provided the microscopic channels for corrosive solution to attack the Mg alloy matrix, and accelerated the corrosion of the magnesium alloy, resulting in a lot of corrosion pits on the magnesium alloy surface under the corrosion product layer.

Originality/value

The evolution information of corrosion process is crucial to explore the mechanism of corrosion. Currently, most researches about corrosion of magnesium alloy used traditional testing techniques to obtain corrosion information, lacking the direct tracking and monitoring of the corrosion evolution process. Hence, this paper focuses on in situ corrosion study of AZ91 magnesium alloy. The technology with spatial resolution capability observed the changes in magnesium alloy surface at different times in the corrosion process in situ. Meanwhile, the in situ electrochemical technology was used to monitor the changes in micro-electrochemical signals during the corrosion process of magnesium alloy under different stresses.
Influence of contextual factors on investment decision-making: a fuzzy-AHP approach
Authors: Sachdeva Muskan , Lehal Ritu , Gupta Swati , Gupta Sanjay
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The behavioural decision-making process of individuals highlights the importance of investors’ sentiment and their correlation with the real economy. This paper aims to contribute to the literature of behavioural finance by examining the influence of contextual factors on investment decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire, a total of 445 valid responses were collected from March to May 2021 through online sources. The current study uses a technique of Fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to assign relative weights to various contextual factors influencing investment decision-making. Harman’s single factor test was used to check common method bias.

Findings

Results of the study reveal that accounting information, self-image/firm-image coincidence, and neutral information as the top-ranked factors in influencing investment decisions, whereas advocate recommendation and personal financial needs emerged as less important factors in influencing investment decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The current study collects data from Indian stock market investors, which may limit the generalization of the study to India only. Moreover, this study is cross-sectional in nature, and there are numerous factors that are not part of the study but might significantly influence the investors’ decision-making process.

Practical implications

The research has implications for both academicians working in the area of behavioural finance and practitioners’ who are active in stock markets, more specifically dealing with retail investors and in the domain of personal finance. Also, the current study will accommodate different groups, i.e. policy makers, financial advisors, investors, investment professionals, etc. in carrying out their professional work.

Originality/value

The current study will provide a comprehensive overview of individual investor behaviour. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is one of its kind to use the Fuzzy-AHP technique for evaluating the relative ranks of contextual factors influencing investment decision-making.
Analysis of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and social justice initiatives in library and information science literature
Authors: Jones Emily P. , Mani Nandita S. , Carlson Rebecca B. , Welker Carolyn G. , Cawley Michelle , Yu Fei
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study is to establish the current state of library and information science (LIS) scholarship pertaining to anti-racism, equity, inclusion and social justice initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Using comprehensive search strategies, three LIS databases were searched for relevant literature published in the last 10 years and results were exported and de-duplicated using Endnote. Citations were screened by two blinded, independent reviewers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. Citations in the final data set were then hand coded by three reviewers using deductive coding. Subject terms for all citations were categorized and consolidated to identify major themes across the corpus of included publications. Results were analyzed using bibliometrics and thematic analysis.

Findings

A total of 691 unique citations were included in this analysis based on inclusion criteria. Publication productivity has generally increased from 2011 to 2020; findings show publications from 170 source titles and 944 authors representing 33 countries. Prevalent themes included access to information, multiculturalism and social justice. Various populations groups, areas of LIS practice, library types and social justice topics have been addressed in the literature. Over 15% of citations focused on anti-racism efforts in LIS.

Originality/value

This study applied both bibliometric and thematic approaches to analyzing LIS literature at macro and micro levels regarding anti-racism, equity, inclusion and social justice.
Vein pattern recognition based on RGB images using Monte Carlo simulation and ridge tracking
Authors: Tang Chaoying , Zhang Yufeng , Han Liyuan , Chen Xiaoteng
Published: February 2022

In forensic investigations, images of evidence can often be obtained from crimes such as child pornography and masked violent riots. However, identifying criminals is usually very difficult and sometimes impossible because these images usually contain skin of body parts, while their faces and other commonly used biometrics are unavailable. Vein patterns are a potential biometric to solve this problem. Traditional systems use near‐infrared (NIR) imaging technologies to obtain vein patterns, which cannot be applied to forensic analysis since only RGB images are available. However, veins are unobservable in RGB images. In this paper, a comprehensive scheme including a vein uncovering algorithm, a vein extraction algorithm, and a vein pattern matching algorithm is presented. Based on the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of light transmission in a skin optical model, physical parameters corresponding to different skin colors are obtained, and vein patterns are uncovered from the parameter distribution images. After preprocessing with cubic convolution and Gabor filtering, vein lines are extracted based on ridge tracking. Local gradient orientation and the geometric direction of veins are utilized to guarantee the correct tracking direction. Hessian‐based Frangi filters are adopted to locate potential veins. In the matching step, effective minutiae are extracted to represent the topology of vein patterns. A modified coherent point drift (CPD) algorithm is proposed utilizing coordinates, Gabor energy values, and curvatures of minutiae to match vein patterns. Comprehensive experiments were carried out to evaluate the proposed three algorithms. Experimental results show the superiority of the proposed algorithms to various state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Tools of the trade: plasmid repositories and standardized plasmid manipulation for molecular and synthetic biology
Authors: Dolan Stephen K. , Matilla Miguel A.
Published: February 2022

Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements capable of autonomous replication within a host cell. They play a key role in bacterial ecology and evolution, facilitating the mobilization of accessory genes by horizontal gene transfer. Crucially, plasmids also serve as valuable tools in modern molecular biology. Here, we highlight recent articles aimed at implementing standardized plasmid assembly techniques and plasmid repositories to promote open science as well as to improve experimental reproducibility across laboratories. Research focused on assisting these fundamental aims is a further step towards improving standardization in molecular and synthetic biology.
Online exhaled propofol monitoring in normal‐weight and obese surgical patients
Authors: Braathen Martin R. , Rimstad Ivan , Dybvik Terje , Nygård Ståle , Ræder Johan
Published: February 2022

Background

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) allows for online quantification of exhaled propofol concentrations. We aimed to validate a bedside online IMS device, the Edmon®, for predicting plasma concentrations of propofol in normal‐weight and obese patients.

Methods

Patients with body mass index (BMI) >20 kg/m2 scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or bariatric surgery were recruited. Exhaled propofol concentrations (CA), arterial plasma propofol concentrations (CP) and bispectral index (BIS) values were collected during target‐controlled infusion (TCI) anaesthesia. Generalised estimation equation (GEE) was applied to all samples and stable‐phase samples at different delays for best fit between CP and CA. BMI was evaluated as covariate. BIS and exhaled propofol correlations were also assessed with GEE.

Results

A total of 29 patients (BMI 20.3–53.7) were included. A maximal R2 of 0.58 was found during stable concentrations with 5 min delay of CA to CP; the intercept a = −0.69 (95% CI −1.7, 0.3) and slope b = 0.87 (95% CI 0.7, 1.1). BMI was found to be a non‐significant covariate. The median absolute performance error predicting plasma propofol concentrations was 13.4%. At a CA of 5 ppb, the model predicts a CP of 3.6 μg/ml (95% CI ±1.4). There was a maximal negative correlation of R2 = 0.44 at 2‐min delay from CA to BIS.

Conclusions

Online monitoring of exhaled propofol concentrations is clinically feasible in normal‐weight and obese patients. With a 5‐min delay, our model outperforms the Marsh plasma TCI model in a post hoc analysis. Modest correlation with plasma concentrations makes the clinical usefulness questionable.
Structure and function of soil microbial communities in fertile islands in austral drylands
Authors: Toledo Santiago , Peri Pablo Luis , Correa Olga Susana , Montecchia Marcela Susana , Gargaglione Veronica Beatriz , Ladd Brenton
Published: February 2022

Fertile islands are an important determinant of ecosystem functioning in drylands. These resource‐rich patches are maintained by complex interactions among biotic and abiotic factors. Soil microorganisms are responsible for essential ecosystem processes and could affect the ability of fertile islands to capture and cycle nutrients, both directly and indirectly enhancing the fertile island effect. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the attributes of soil microbial communities (abundance and activity), elucidate key drivers of the fertile island effect and analyze relationships with a range of soil parameters (physicochemical). The soils under shrub canopies had higher values of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil basal respiration (SBR) rates than soils from intercanopy spaces. However, no differences were observed in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) or in fungal and bacterial abundances between the microhabitats. Soil nutrient stocks (NPK) and pH values had a positive correlation with MBC and SBR. Also, a positive correlation was observed for fungi abundance and the K content of the soil. We also observed a positive correlation between the bacterial abundance and soil N content. This study suggests thatM. tridenscan be considered a keystone species that generates fertility islands, critical for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The keystone role thatM. tridensplays in this system underscores the importance of improving our understanding of these interactions (plant–soil‐microorganisms), especially important as drylands expand and aridity increases due to climate change in the second half of this century.
From OXALID to GlobaLID: Introducing a modern and FAIR lead isotope database with an interactive application
Authors: Klein Sabine , Rose Thomas , Westner Katrin J. , Hsu Yiu‐Kang
Published: February 2022

Lead isotope provenance studies of archaeological artefacts rely crucially on the availability of reference data from raw material sources. The OXALID database, a collection of Excel sheets with Pb isotope data of ores and artefacts, is still the most cited data source in archaeometry. However, OXALID has not been updated for several years and contains almost exclusively data from Europe, particularly from the Mediterranean area. Digitalisation and open science philosophy currently revolutionise the use of machine‐generated data by developing digital data infrastructures. A modernised Pb isotope reference database, which is tailored for, but not limited to archaeometric research, is hence overdue. Here, we introduce GlobaLID, a FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) and extendable database and a web application with interactive and statistical tools for user‐friendly data handling up to publication quality. GlobaLID aims to be a collection point for worldwide Pb isotope data. It is designed as research infrastructure for Pb isotope studies in (for example) archaeometry, ore deposit and environmental geochemistry. As a community engagement project, GlobaLID invites scientists around the world to become active contributors to enable GlobaLID’s rapid growth. We released GlobaLID as a pilot study to showcase the infrastructure we build and provide a starting point for community discussion.
C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio predicts difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosed according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Sakurai Yuya , Narusaka Toru , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Kitada Koji , Hamano Ryosuke , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Otsuka Shinya , Inagaki Masaru
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) may increase the risk of complications and extend the duration of hospitalization. The aims of this study were to evaluate the predictive value of C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) for DLC in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) diagnosed according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 and to develop a preoperative predictive model for DLC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy for AC between January 2012 and December 2020. We defined DLC cases as having one of the following factors: blood loss ≥50 mL, operative time ≥150 minutes, or conversion to open surgery. We classified the remaining cases into the non‐DLC group.

Results

Overall, 127 (62.0%) and 78 (38.0%) patients were grouped into the DLC and non‐DLC groups, respectively. Patients in the DLC group had: higher severity grade, which was assessed using the Tokyo Guidelines 2018; higher incidence of postoperative complications; and more hospitalization days than those in the non‐DLC group. Multivariate analysis revealed that male, CAR (≥3.20), and pericholecystic fat hyperdensity on computed tomography (CT) were independent predictors of DLC. We developed a predictive scoring system for DLC based on these three factors (cutoff value, 2.0; area under the curve, 0.75; sensitivity, 71.7%; and specificity, 70.5%).

Conclusion

CAR could predict DLC independently in AC patients. We identified male gender, CAR, and pericholecystic fat hyperdensity on CT as predictive factors for DLC and established a preoperative prediction system based on these three factors.
Comparison of the effects of extrinsic compression on the drainage performance of three ureteric stents
Authors: Wu Yanyuan , Cao Yiqun , Liu Hailong , Pan Xiuwu , Wang Jie , Huang Yunteng , Qi Jun , Cui Xingang , Zhang Lin , Ding Jie
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To share our centre's experience dealing with ureteric obstruction, in particular malignant obstructions, by investigating the deformation and flow velocity of three commonly used, readily accessible ureteric stents under at different compression levels and surface change at three time points (new, 1 month and 3 months after implantation).

Subjects and Methods

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted on ureteric JJ stents, including the Cook Universa Soft, the Kang Yi Bo (KYB) antireflux and the Urovision Visiostar ESWL JJ stents. Deformation caused by compression was measured using a digital force gauge. Intraluminal flow velocity was tested with the stents subject to different compression levels.

Results

The Urovision Visiostar JJ stent demonstrated significantly better anti‐compression capability. The Cook Universa Soft and KYB antireflux JJ stents showed favourable draining velocity without compression, but the velocity dropped substantially on compression. The velocity of the KYB antireflux JJ stent reduced substantially after 3 months of implantation, while the Urovision Visiostar achieved the best draining effect when under compression at all three time points.

Conclusion

The Urovision Visiostar JJ stent demonstrated significantly greater resistance to compression than the other two JJ stents, as well as better drainage under compression. Patients with benign or malignant ureteric compression might benefit from use of the Urovision Visiostar stent. Large prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
The local effects of federal law enforcement policies: Evidence from sanctuary jurisdictions and crime
Authors: Manning Dale T. , Burkhardt Jesse
Published: February 2022

This study estimates the association between sanctuary policies and crime in the United States by exploiting an increase in state and local sanctuary policy adoption in 2014. Counties that adopted sanctuary policies in 2014 experienced a decrease of 17.9 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants per year (0.02 percentage points) compared to counties that continued to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), with the relationship driven by decreases in robberies and assaults. This result implies that sanctuary policies avoid $101 million per year in crime costs. Conversely, ICE cooperation increases crime costs in local communities by $3.28 billion per year.
Tent5a modulates muscle fiber formation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis via maintenance of myogenin expression
Authors: Luo Ming , Yang Huiliang , Wu Diwei , You Xuanhe , Huang Shishu , Song Yueming
Published: February 2022

Objective

Paravertebral muscle asymmetry may be involved in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and the Tent5a protein was recently identified as a novel active noncanonical poly(A) polymerase. We, therefore, explored the function of the AIS susceptibility gene Tent5a in myoblasts.

Materials and methods

RNA‐seq of AIS paravertebral muscle was performed, and the molecular differences in paravertebral muscle were investigated. Twenty‐four AIS susceptibility genes were screened, and differential expression of Tent5a in paravertebral muscles was confirmed with qPCR and Western blot. After the knockdown of Tent5a, the functional effects of Tent5a on C2C12 cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, wound‐healing assay, and TUNEL assay, respectively. Myogenic differentiation markers were tested with immunofluorescence and qPCR in vitro, and muscle fiber formation was compared in vivo.

Results

The AIS susceptibility gene Tent5a was differentially expressed in AIS paravertebral muscles. Tent5a knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration of C2C12 cells and inhibited the maturation of type I muscle fibers in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the expression of myogenin was decreased along with the suppression of Tent5a.

Conclusions

Tent5a plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of myoblasts, and it regulates muscle fiber maturation by maintaining the stability of myogenin. Tent5a may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIS by regulating the formation of muscle fiber type I.
Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome of neonates born at term with perinatal haemorrhagic stroke: A population‐based study
Authors: Vojcek Eszter , Gráf Rózsa , László Anna M. , Gyebnar Gyula , Seri Istvan
Published: February 2022

Aim

To assess the long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome of neonates born at term diagnosed with perinatal haemorrhagic stroke (PHS) and investigate the associations among brain territorial involvement, clinical risk factors, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Method

We conducted a population‐based study enrolling 55 neonates born at term with PHS confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging born between 2007 and 2017. Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition, the Brunet–Lézine test, and the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition.

Results

Follow‐up was available in 50 (91%) of the infants, at a median age of 60 months (interquartile range 35–88). Forty per cent of the infants developed according to population norms, and developmental disabilities were diagnosed less frequently among neonates with frontal lobe PHS. In a multivariable model, parietal lobe PHS increased the risk for cerebral palsy (odds ratio [OR] 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–41.4) and cognitive impairment (OR: 23.6; 95% CI: 2.9–194.9), while the involvement of the thalamus and/or basal ganglia was associated with epilepsy (OR: 7.0; 95% CI: 1.3–37.7). Seizures on admission were associated with epilepsy (OR: 10.8; 95% CI: 1.8–64.3). Patients with PHS affecting multiple lobes had poor prognosis.

Interpretation

Parietal lobe haemorrhage, the involvement of the thalamus/basal ganglia, PHS affecting multiple lobes, and seizures were independent predictors of chronic neurodevelopmental sequelae, suggesting that the stroke territorial involvement and clinical risk factors influence the outcome of PHS.