bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a subset of adipose‐derived stem cells isolated with liposome magnetic beads to promote cartilage repair
Authors: Xie Aiguo , Peng Yinbo , Yao Zuochao , Lu Lin , Ni Tao
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to investigate the ability of CD146+ subset of ADSCs to repair cartilage defects. In this study, we prepared CD146+ liposome magnetic beads (CD146+LMB) to isolate CD146+ADSCs. The cells were induced for chondrogenic differentiation and verified by cartilage‐specific mRNA and protein expression. Then a mouse model of cartilage defect was constructed and treated by filling the induced cartilage cells into the damaged joint, to evaluate the function of such cells in the cartilage microenvironment. Our results demonstrated that the CD146+LMBs we prepared were uniform, small and highly stable, and cell experiments showed that the CD146+LMB has low cytotoxicity to the ADSCs. ADSCs isolated with CD146+LMB were all CD146+, CD105+, CD166+ and CD73+. After chondrogenic induction, the cells showed significantly increased expression of cartilage markers Sox9, collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan at protein level and significantly increased Sox9, collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan at mRNA level, and the protein expression and mRNA expression of CD146+ADSCs group were higher than those of ADSCs group. The CD146+ADSCs group showed superior tissue repair ability than the ADSCs group and blank control group in the animal experiment, as judged by gross observation, histological observation and histological scoring. The above results proved that CD146+LMB can successfully isolate the CD146+ADSCs, and after chondrogenic induction, these cells successfully promoted repair of articular cartilage defects, which may be a new direction of tissue engineering.
Joint engagement is a potential mechanism leading to increased initiations of joint attention and downstream effects on language: JASPER early intervention for children with ASD
Authors: Shih Wendy , Shire Stephanie , Chang Ya‐Chih , Kasari Connie
Published: March 2021

Background

Social communication interventions benefit children with ASD in early childhood. However, the mechanisms behind such interventions have not been rigorously explored. This study examines the mechanism underlying a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention, JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation), delivered by educators in the community. Specifically, the analyses focus on the mediating effect of joint engagement on children’s initiations of joint attention (IJA) skills and whether IJA postintervention are associated with later gains in children’s receptive and expressive language.

Methods

One hundred seventy‐nine children, age 2–5 years, were randomized to immediate JASPER treatment or waitlist (treatment as usual) control. Independent assessors blinded to time and treatment coded children’s time jointly engaged and IJA during a 10‐min teacher–child interaction at baseline, exit, and follow‐up. Age‐equivalent receptive and expressive language scores from the Mullen Scales of Early Learning were collected at baseline and follow‐up. Mediation analyses with linear mixed models were used to explore the potential mediating effect of joint engagement on IJA.

Results

Joint engagement significantly mediated 69% of the intervention effect on young children’s IJA and IJA predicted improvements in standardized language scores.

Conclusions

Small but sustained changes in child‐initiated joint engagement improved IJA, a core challenge in children with ASD, which in turn led to improvements in language.
Enhanced production of seed oil with improved fatty acid composition by overexpressing NAD+‐dependent glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase in soybean
Authors: Zhao Ying , Cao Pan , Cui Yifan , Liu Dongxu , Li Jiapeng , Zhao Yabin , Yang Siqi , Zhang Bo , Zhou Runnan , Sun Minghao , Guo Xuetian , Yang Mingliang , Xin Dawei , Zhang Zhanguo , Li Xin , Lv Chen , Liu Chunyan , Qi Zhaoming , Xu Jingyu , Wu Xiaoxia , Chen Qingshan
Published: March 2021

There is growing interest in expanding the production of soybean oils (mainly triacylglycerol, or TAG) to meet rising feed demand and address global energy concerns. We report that a plastid‐localized glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), encoded by GmGPDHp1 gene, catalyzes the formation of glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P), an obligate substrate required for TAG biosynthesis. Overexpression of GmGPDHp1 increases soybean seed oil content with high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), especially oleic acid (C18:1), without detectably affecting growth or seed protein content or seed weight. Based on the lipidomic analyses, we found that the increase in G3P content led to an elevated diacylglycerol (DAG) pool, in which the Kennedy pathway‐derived DAG was mostly increased, followed by PC‐derived DAG, thereby promoting the synthesis of TAG containing relatively high proportion of C18:1. The increased G3P levels induced several transcriptional alterations of genes involved in the glycerolipid pathways. In particular, genes encoding the enzymes responsible for de novo glycerolipid synthesis were largely upregulated in the transgenic lines, in‐line with the identified biochemical phenotype. These results reveal a key role for GmGPDHp1‐mediated G3P metabolism in enhancing TAG synthesis and demonstrate a strategy to modify the FA compositions of soybean oils for improved nutrition and biofuel.
Diabetes insipidus secondary to sellar/parasellar lesions
Authors: Angelousi Anna , Mytareli Chrysoula , Xekouki Paraskevi , Kassi Eva , Barkas Konstantinos , Grossman Ashley , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: March 2021

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a well‐recognised transient or permanent complication following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas or other sellar/parasellar lesions. However, data regarding the prevalence of pre‐operative DI in sellar/parasellar lesions other than pituitary adenomas are scarce. We systematically reviewed the existing data for defining the prevalence of DI before any treatment in adult patients with sellar/parasellar lesions, excluding pituitary adenomas and metastatic lesions. In total, 646 patients with sellar/parasellar lesions presenting with DI at diagnosis were identified. The most common pathologies of sellar/parasellar lesions presenting with DI at diagnosis were lymphocytic hypophysitis (26.5%), craniopharyngiomas (23.4%), Langerhans's cell histiocytosis (18.9%) and Rathke's cleft cyst (12.7%), accounting for the vast majority (more than 80%) of these lesions. Overall, DI at diagnosis was found in 23.4% of all patients with sellar/parasellar lesions, albeit with a wide range from 10.6% to 76.7%, depending on the nature of the pathology. The highest prevalence of DI was found in less commonly encountered lesions namely germ‐cell tumours (76.7%), abscesses (55.4%) and neurosarcoidosis (54.5%), each accounting for less than 3% of all sellar/parasellar lesions. Most DI cases (68.8%) were associated with anterior pituitary hormonal deficiencies, in contrast to pituitary adenomas that rarely present with DI. The enlargement and enhancement of the pituitary stalk were the most common findings on magnetic resonance imaging besides the loss of the high signal of the posterior pituitary on T1‐weighted images. Resolution of DI spontaneously or following systemic and surgical management occurred in 22.4% of cases. Post‐operative DI, not evident before surgery, was found in 27.8% of non‐adenomatous sellar/parasellar lesions, and was transient in 11.6% of them. Besides distinctive imaging features and symptoms, early recognition of DI in such lesions is important because it directs the diagnosis towards a non‐adenomatous sellar/parasellar tumour and the early initiation of appropriate treatment.
Growth hormone receptor in dopaminergic neurones regulates stress‐induced prolactin release in male mice
Authors: Wasinski Frederick , Chaves Fernanda M. , Pedroso João A. B. , Mansano Naira S. , Camporez João Paulo , Gusmão Daniela O. , List Edward O. , Kopchick John J. , Frazão Renata , Szawka Raphael E. , Donato Jose
Published: March 2021

Arcuate nucleus (ARH) dopaminergic neurones regulate several biological functions, including prolactin secretion and metabolism. These cells are responsive to growth hormone (GH), although it is still unknown whether GH action on ARH dopaminergic neurones is required to regulate different physiological aspects. Mice carrying specific deletion of GH receptor (GHR) in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐ or dopamine transporter (DAT)‐expressing cells were produced. We investigated possible changes in energy balance, glucose homeostasis, fertility, pup survival and restraint stress‐induced prolactin release. GHR deletion in DAT‐ or TH‐expressing cells did not cause changes in food intake, energy expenditure, ambulatory activity, nutrient oxidation, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia in male and female mice. In addition, GHR deletion in dopaminergic cells caused no gross effects on reproduction and pup survival. However, restraint stress‐induced prolactin release was significantly impaired in DAT‐ and TH‐specific GHR knockout male mice, as well as in pegvisomant‐treated wild‐type males, whereas an intact response was observed in females. Patch clamp recordings were performed in ARH DAT neurones and, in contrast to prolactin, GH did not cause acute changes in the electrical activity of DAT neurones. Furthermore, TH phosphorylation at Ser40 in ARH neurones and median eminence axonal terminals was not altered in DAT‐specific GHR knockout male mice during restraint stress. In conclusion, GH action in dopaminergic neurones is required for stress‐induced prolactin release in male mice, suggesting the existence of sex differences in the capacity of GHR signalling to affect prolactin secretion. The mechanism behind this regulation still needs to be identified.
Economic hardship and neighborhood diversity: Influences on consumer well‐being
Authors: Leong Chan‐Hoong , Tan Soo Jiuan , Minton Elizabeth A. , Tambyah Siok Kuan
Published: March 2021

Residential neighborhoods shape consumers' well‐being in many profound ways. However, research has yet to adequately understand how consumers' perceived economic hardship interact with neighborhood's income and diversity to influence well‐being. We examine these effects in a diverse and densely populated Asian country of Singapore using four measures of well‐being: perceived quality of life, emotional well‐being, status consciousness, and consumer needs satisfaction. Results from a national sample of 1,445 respondents showed that consumers that were female rather than male, of immigrant origin rather than native born, representing an ethnic minority background, or had fewer economic challenges reported higher well‐being. The relation between economic hardship and consumer well‐being was moderated by neighborhood‐level socioeconomic status (SES) and diversity, such that more economic hardship predicted lower well‐being but only among residents in low SES or heterogeneous neighborhoods. Findings build on social comparison theory, and implications for consumer welfare and marketing practice are provided.
The origin of cancer
Authors: Toftgård R.
Published: March 2021

Content List ‐ 16th Key symposium: “The origin of cancer”
Illicium verum and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts promote nutrient availability and antioxidant capacity in piglets by upregulating duodenal and jejunal Nrf2/TNF‐α
Authors: Liao Wenshuang , Zhao Shanshan , Yang Zaibin , Yang Weiren , Huang Libo , Liu Faxiao , Liu Mei , Ge Jinshan , Wang Yuxi , Jiang Shuzhen
Published: March 2021

The effect of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) or Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) on nutrient availability, duodenal and jejunal antioxidant ability of Duroc ×Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) and Chinese native Licha‐black (LCB) piglets was investigated. Ninety‐six piglets (48 DLY and 48 LCB respectively) without significant difference in body weight (11.22 ± 0.32 kg) were used in a 2 × 4 factorial design. Animals were randomly allocated to four treatments, and each had four replicates with three DLY and three LCB piglets. Treatments were basal diet (CON) and basal diet with 500 mg/kg IVE, 250 mg/kg ELE and 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CHL) respectively. Animals were placed individually for 7‐days adaptation following 42‐days test. Results showed the significant interaction (p < 0.05) between dietary treatments and pig species in activity of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and α‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum of DLY and LCB piglets. The IVE and ELE increased (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, and the Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level, however, the decreased (p < 0.05) MDA content, and TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum were observed. The CHL decreased (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, TNF‐α and Nrf2 at mRNA and protein level in duodenum, but increased (p < 0.05) MDA content and Nrf2/TNF‐α in jejunum. DLY piglets had higher (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility (organic matter, crude protein and gross energy), availability (biological value and net protein utilization), MDA content, and TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in jejunum, and had lower (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, and Nrf2 and Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum than LCB. In conclusion, the 500 mg/kg IVE and 250 mg/kg ELE improved the nutrient availability, and the improvement of antioxidant capacity is realized by activating the Nrf2/TNF‐α of duodenum and jejunum. The CHL had adverse effects on antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets. The results showed that the nutrient digestion and absorption capacity of DLY were stronger than that of LCB piglets, but the antioxidant capacity was lower than that of LCB piglets. Therefore, the IVE and ELE are recommended as a new potential alternative to antibiotics in piglets’ diets.
Sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy and non‐rapid eye movement parasomnias: Differences in the periodic and aperiodic component of the electroencephalographic power spectra
Authors: Pani Sara M. , Fraschini Matteo , Figorilli Michela , Tamburrino Ludovica , Ferri Raffaele , Puligheddu Monica
Published: March 2021

Over the last two decades, our understanding of clinical and pathophysiological aspects of sleep‐related epileptic and non‐epileptic paroxysmal behaviours has improved considerably, although it is far from complete. Indeed, even if many core characteristics of sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy and non‐rapid eye movement parasomnias have been clarified, some crucial points remain controversial, and the overlap of the behavioural patterns between these disorders represents a diagnostic challenge. In this work, we focused on segments of multichannel sleep electroencephalogram free from clinical episodes, from two groups of subjects affected by sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (N = 15) and non‐rapid eye movement parasomnias (N = 16), respectively. We examined sleep stages N2 and N3 of the first part of the night (cycles 1 and 2), and assessed the existence of differences in the periodic and aperiodic components of the electroencephalogram power spectra between the two groups, using the Fitting Oscillations & One Over f (FOOOF) toolbox. A significant difference in the gamma frequency band was found, with an increased relative power in sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy subjects, during both N2 (p < .001) and N3 (p < .001), and a significant higher slope of the aperiodic component in non‐rapid eye movement parasomnias, compared with sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy, during N3 (p = .012). We suggest that the relative power of the gamma band and the slope extracted from the aperiodic component of the electroencephalogram signal may be helpful to characterize differences between subjects affected by non‐rapid eye movement parasomnias and those affected by sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy.
Functional diversity of the Australian flora: Strong links to species richness and climate
Authors: Andrew Samuel C. , Mokany Karel , Falster Daniel S. , Wenk Elizabeth , Wright Ian J. , Merow Cory , Adams Vanessa , Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: March 2021

Questions

The taxonomic and functional composition of plant communities captures different dimensions of diversity. Functional diversity (FD) — as calculated from species traits — typically increases with species richness in communities and is expected to be higher in less extreme environments, where a broader range of functional strategies can persist. Further, woody and herbaceous plant families may contribute disproportionately to FD in different bioregions. To build an understanding of these questions using Australia as a case study, we aimed to quantify how FD varies: (a) with species richness, (b) with climate, and (c) between major plant families representing different growth forms.

Location

Australia.

Methods

Data on species distribution and functional traits for 14,003 species were combined and FD approximated using hypervolumes (i.e. multidimensional species assemblage trait niche) based on three traits key to understanding plant ecological strategies: leaf size, seed mass and adult height. Plant assemblage hypervolumes were calculated including all species with suitable habitat in each 10 × 10 km grid cell across Australia, and in each of 85 bioregions. Within bioregions FD was also calculated separately for a suite of largely woody and herbaceous plant families. Relationships between FD, species richness and climate were explored.

Results

As predicted, FD was positively related to species richness and annual precipitation, and negatively related to summer maximum temperature, both in analyses of 10 km × 10 km grid cells and of bioregions (all p < 0.005). However, FD was lowest at intermediate winter minimum temperatures. Patterns identified in families representing different growth forms varied to those observed for all species analysed together.

Conclusions

Strong links between FD and climate could mean significant shifts in the FD of ecosystems with climate change. Monitoring changes in FD and associated ecosystem functions requires a detailed understanding of FD, which we begin to develop in this study.
Efficacy and tolerability of metallic stent in patients with malignant prostatic obstruction secondary to prostatic cancer
Authors: Choi Se Young , Lim Bumjin , Chi Byung Hoon , Kim Jung Hoon , Lee Wonchul , Kyung Yoon Soo , You Dalsan , Song Ho‐Young , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a self‐expandable covered metallic stent in patients with malignant prostatic obstruction secondary to prostate cancer (PC).

Methods

We reviewed 22 cases of insertion of self‐expandable covered metallic stents with barbs. Data were collected about PC status. Uroflowmetry variables, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), and duration from stent insertion to removal were surveyed. These clinical parameters were compared before and after stent insertion.

Results

The patients with PC showed a mean age of 75.5 ± 6.5 years and mean 5.1 ± 1.9 Charlson comorbidity index. The average flow rate (2.4 ± 1.9 vs 5.9 ± 2.4 mL/s, P = .005), peak flow rate (6.9 ± 6.2 vs 14.1 ± 5.5 mL/s, P = .003), flow time (54.6 ± 29.1 vs 23.6 ± 13.7 s, P = .002), residual urine volume (178.7 ± 195.5 vs 7.0 ± 7.1 mL, P = .004), IPSS (26.2 ± 8.1 vs 8.0 ± 6.5 points, P = .001), and QOL (4.7 ± 1.3 vs 2.4 ± 2.1 points, P = .030) improved between before and after stent insertion, respectively. Pain was the most common complication, but 60% of the patients were managed without any intervention. There were hematuria, urinary retention, urinary frequency, obstruction, and urinary incontinence. However, there was no urinary tract infection due to the stent. The median time to stent removal was 5.7 months.

Conclusions

The stent was maintained for about 6 months with improved objective and subjective outcomes. The patients with PC, who had a poor comorbidity index and advanced PC status showed a tolerable maintenance period. Self‐expandable covered metallic stents can be used for PC patients with a short life expectancy and unsuitability for general anesthesia.
Feeling despicable is at times a two‐way street
Authors: Skudalski Lauren , Carter Brian S. , Waldman Steven D. , Waldman Reid A.
Published: March 2021

The authors explain how encouraging use of real‐world moral distress to teach healthcare teams might combat the persistent yet evolving challenges clinicians face through their careers.
Three‐Dimensional Printing‐Assisted Masquelet Technique in the Treatment of Calcaneal Defects
Authors: Zhang Laifu , Lu Chengyin , Lv Yaqing , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Shaoyong , Zhang Hailong
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to summarize the clinical efficacy of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology combined with the Masquelet technique in the treatment of calcaneal defects.

Methods

From January 2018 to April 2019, 3D printing combined with induced masquelet technology was used to treat four patients with calcaneal defects, including two men and two women. The patients were aged 22–52 years old, with an average age of 36 years. There were two cases of traffic accident injuries, there was one case of a fall from height, and there was one case of crush injury. CT scans were used to reconstruct the bilateral calcaneus, mirror technology was used to construct the bone defect area, and Materialise 3‐matic software was used to design the calcaneus shaper mold and 3D print the mold. During the operation, the mold was used to shape the bone cement and fill the bone defect. In the second stage, the bone cement was removed and autologous bone was implanted to repair the bone defect. All patients were followed up to observe the effect.

Results

All four patients were followed up for 14 months (range, 10–18 months). There were three cases of infectious bone defects: two cases of Escherichia coli and one case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The 3D printed mold was used to shape the bone cement. During the operation, it was found to have a high degree of matching with the defect area of calcaneus. There is no need to adjust it again, and the wound healed well after the first stage. In the second stage of surgery, it was found that the induced membrane formed was complete and of appropriate size; the bone cement was easily removed during the operation. The fracture healing time was 3–6 months, with an average of 4 months. At the last follow up, there was no pain and the patients walked with full weight bearing. The Maryland score was 94 points (range, 88–98 points); three cases were excellent and one case was good. The AOFAS score ranged from 86 to 98, with an average of 92.8 points; three cases were excellent and one case was good.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional printing technology combined with induced membrane technology is an effective approach for treating calcaneal bone defects.
ECAP‐Controlled Closed‐Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation Efficacy and Opioid Reduction Over 24‐Months: Final Results of the Prospective, Multicenter, Open‐Label Avalon Study
Authors: Brooker Charles , Russo Marc , Cousins Michael J. , Taylor Nathan , Holford Lewis , Martin Rebecca , Boesel Tillman , Sullivan Richard , Hanson Erin , Gmel Gerrit Eduard , Shariati Nastaran Hesam , Poree Lawrence , Parker John
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Chronic pain is a major public health concern, as is the associated use of opioid medications, highlighting the importance of alternative treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Here, we present the final 24‐month results of the Avalon study, which investigated the use of the first closed‐loop SCS system in patients with chronic pain. The system measures the evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) elicited by each stimulus pulse and drives a feedback loop to maintain the ECAP amplitude near constant.

Methods

Fifty patients were implanted with the Evoke system (Saluda Medical) and followed over 24‐months. Pain, quality of life (QOL), function, sleep, and medication use were collected at baseline and each scheduled visit. ECAP amplitudes and programming adjustments were also monitored.

Results

At 24 months, responder rates (≥ 50% pain reduction) and high responder rates (≥ 80% pain reduction) for overall pain were 89.5% and 68.4%, respectively, the latter up from 42.2% at 3 months. Significant improvements from baseline were observed in QOL, function, and sleep over the 24 months, including ≥ 80% experiencing a minimally important difference in QOL and > 50% experiencing a clinically significant improvement in sleep. At 24 months, 82.8% of patients with baseline opioid use eliminated or reduced their opioid intake. Over the course of the study, reprogramming need fell to an average of less than once a year.

Conclusion

Over a 24‐month period, the Evoke closed‐loop SCS maintained its therapeutic efficacy despite a marked reduction in opioid use and steady decrease in the need for reprogramming.
Genetic analysis and inheritance of floral and fruit traits in melon (Cucumis melo) in the full diallel cross
Authors: Shajari Moein , Soltani Forouzandeh , Reza Bihamta Mohammad , Alabboud Michael
Published: March 2021

To evaluate gene effects and heritability of fruit and flower characters in melon, three experiments were performed. In the first experiment, 48 genotypes of different melon groups were planted to choose the monoecious melon. To investigate the sex modification regarding fruit traits, seven parents, including a monoecious type and andromonoecious types, crossed in a full diallel scheme to obtain all possible combinations. Evaluation amongst all genotypes revealed one Cantaloupensis and all Flexuosus genotypes with monoecious flowers. Floral and fruit characters of F1 hybrids obtained from the diallel cross, were recorded. All hybrids that have been crossed with the monoecious parent revealed the monosexual progenies. Most of the floral characters with high GCA/SCA values remarked the additive gene effect. There were also cytoplasmic effects on flower and fruit traits. The significant GCA /SCA estimates observed for fruit traits such as yield, fruit length, fruit length to width, flesh thickness referred to the importance of additive gene effects. It could be demonstrated that classic hybridization holds great potential in controlling flowering habit and yield‐related fruit traits.
Plastid‐mediated singlet oxygen in regulated cell death
Authors: Bhatt M. , Pandey S. S. , Tiwari A. K. , Tiwari B. S.
Published: March 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation within a cell is a natural process of specific subcellular components involved in redox reactions. Within a plant cell, chloroplasts are one of the major sources of ROS generation. Plastid‐generated ROS molecules include singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide radical (O2–), hydroxyl radical (OH•) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which are produced mainly during photochemical reactions of photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthetic process. Under normal growth and developmental, generated ROS molecules act as a secondary messenger controlling several metabolic reactions; however, perturbed environmental conditions lead to multi‐fold amplification of cellular ROS that eventually kill the target cell. To maintain homeostasis between production and scavenging of ROS, the cell has instituted several enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant machineries to maintain ROS at a physiological level. Among chloroplastic ROS molecules, excess generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) is highly deleterious to the cell metabolic functions and survival. Interestingly, within cellular antioxidant machinery, enzymes involved in detoxification of 1O2 are lacking. Recent studies suggest that under optimal concentrations, 1O2 acts as a signalling molecule and drives the cell to either the acclimation pathway or regulated cell death (RCD). Stress‐induced RCD is a survival mechanism for the whole plant, while the involvement of chloroplasts and chloroplast‐localized molecules that execute RCD are not well understood. In this review, we advocate for participation of chloroplasts‐generated 1O2 in signalling and RCD in plants.
Differential response of phytohormone signalling network determines nonhost resistance in rice during wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) colonization
Authors: Sahu Ranabir , Prabhakaran Narayanasamy , Kundu Pritha , Kumar Aundy
Published: March 2021

Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. Breakdown of host resistance under field conditions triggered by the evolution of new pathogenic races and pathotypes is a perennial threat for wheat cultivation. Rice, often grown in a rice–wheat cropping system, is immune to rust infection. Our microscopic studies revealed that P. graminis f. sp. tritici, although displaying nearly identical uredospore germination, stomatal entry, and epi‐ and endophytic mycelial growth in rice and wheat, failed to sporulate to cause rust disease in rice. We identified 18 key defence signalling genes in rice and unravelled their elicitation dynamics in time‐course studies during infection. ICS1, NPR1‐3, PRs, EDS1, PAD4, FMO1 (salicylic acid [SA] signalling), and ethylene‐related genes (ACO4 and ACS6) were strongly elicited in rice. However, genes from the jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway (LOX2, AOS2, MYC2, PDF2.2, JAZ8, JAZ10) showed a delayed response during colonization in rice compared to an early or no induction in wheat. However, the JA/ethylene marker gene PDF2.2 was strongly induced in wheat as early as 12 hr postinoculation. Furthermore, rice and wheat displayed specific profiles of accumulation of various phenolic acids during P. graminis f. sp. tritici 40A infection. We propose a model where a differential modulation of the SA/JA‐dependent defence network may modulate nonhost resistance. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism governing differential elicitation of defence signalling may provide a novel resistance mechanism for the sustainable management of rust diseases.
Characterizing the variation in aggressiveness and sporulation of the NA1 and EU1 lineages of Phytophthora ramorum in Oregon
Authors: Søndreli Kelsey L. , Kanaskie Alan , Navarro Sarah M. , Reeser Paul , LeBoldus Jared M.
Published: March 2021

Phytophthora ramorum, the cause of sudden oak death, is an invasive pathogen present in parts of coastal California and south‐western Oregon forests. The majority of these forest infestations have been caused by the NA1 clonal lineage. In 2015, the EU1 lineage of P. ramorum was isolated from a tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) tree located in a mixed‐conifer forest of Curry County, Oregon. In order to evaluate the threat to Oregon forests of the EU1 lineage relative to the established NA1 lineage, a series of experiments was conducted comparing aggressiveness and sporulation of NA1 and EU1 isolates on logs and seedlings in the growth chamber and forest. There was no significant difference in lesion size on logs inoculated with NA1 and EU1 isolates for any of the tree species tested. Across all seedling experiments differences among isolates within lineage, in terms of both aggressiveness and sporulation, were more commonly observed than differences among lineages. Site to site variation in tanoak sporulation, as measured by rain bucket baiting, appears to be correlated with the number of P. ramorum‐positive seedlings detected at each site.
Psychopathic traits, inhibition, and positive and negative emotion: Results from an emotional Go/No‐Go task
Authors: Fournier Lauren F. , McDonald Julia B. , Clayson Peter E. , Verona Edelyn
Published: March 2021

Difficulty stopping unwanted or inappropriate actions (i.e., inhibitory control) is implicated in antisocial behaviors, which are common in people high in psychopathic traits. Recent research indicates that, for those with antisocial personality, inhibitory control is impaired under negative emotional contexts; however, it is unclear whether this impairment extends to persons with psychopathic traits and to impairments under positive emotional contexts. Identifying some of these distinctions can point to therapeutics that target negative emotion specifically or emotion dysregulation broadly. We sought to identify unique relationships between distinct facets of psychopathy and inhibitory control in the context of positive, negative, and neutral stimuli. Using a community sample (N = 117), event‐related potentials were recorded during an emotional‐linguistic Go/No‐Go task. Results indicated distinct cognition–emotion relationships for each psychopathy facet. Higher interpersonal facet scores related to reciprocal interference between cognition and emotion. Higher callous affect facet scores related to reduced inhibitory and emotional processing, except when stimuli were most engaging (emotional No‐Go trials). Higher erratic lifestyle facet scores related to increased effort required to process both emotion and inhibition cues. Finally, higher antisocial facet scores related to poorer behavioral inhibition overall. This research challenges the theoretical accounts of psychopathy focused on specific deficits in negative emotion, such as fearlessness, while offering some support for theories related to attentional dysfunction. Results also highlight the importance of facet‐level theorizing, as results varied by facet. This study may inform efforts to reduce disinhibited behaviors, particularly in emotional contexts, among those high in certain psychopathic traits.
Voting Experiences, Perceptions of Fraud, and Voter Confidence
Authors: Alvarez R. Michael , Cao Jian , Li Yimeng
Published: March 2021

Objective

Assuring voter confidence is important for the legitimacy of democratic elections. In this article, we test four hypotheses about the correlates of voter confidence at various levels of election administration.

Methods

We take advantage of a large online survey of registered voters in a single election jurisdiction, Orange County (CA), which was implemented immediately after the November 2018 midterm elections. We measure voting experience and social media usage using item response theory as well as voters' perceptions of various election or voter fraud, and estimate their association with voter confidence via logistic regression models.

Results

Our results show that voters who cast mail ballots are less confident about their own votes being counted correctly than in‐person voters. For both types of voters, those who have poor experiences with the voting process are much less likely to report confidence in the election. We also find that voters who have strong concerns about election fraud are less likely to report being confident in the election. Our last result indicates that information from news and social media is associated with a decline in voter confidence in election administration at the national level.

Conclusion

Given the many conversations about election fraud that have occurred since the 2016 presidential election, this research provides important implications for election administration in future elections in the United States.
Morphosyntax and Phonology of Agreement in Turkish
Authors: Güneş Güliz
Published: March 2021

This article offers a new morphosyntactic account of subject agreement in the Turkish verbal domain. The account is based on a combination of well‐known, novel, and overlooked observations about the distribution and prosody of verbal agreement. In Turkish, when certain morphosyntactic requirements are met and the verb is focused, as in fragment answers with ellipsis, the agreement morpheme can be parsed inside or outside of the prosodically prominent part of the verbal domain that constitutes the fragment answer. I claim that this optionality is a reflex of how the morphemes that constitute the verbal domain are postsyntactically concatenated. In particular, I argue that an agreement morpheme either lowers together with its host (full lowering) or is stranded when its host lowers (partial lowering). In full lowering, agreement is contained within the prominent part of the verbal domain, whereas in partial lowering, agreement falls outside of this prominence domain. I also show that the prosodic variability in question is observed only when two related noncanonical realizations of agreement are possible: medial agreement and double agreement. The Vocabulary Insertion rules that I postulate for the subject‐agreement paradigms of the Turkish verbal domain capture the acceptable cases of medial and double agreement and successfully predict in which environments medial agreement is optional and in which environments it is obligatory.
Global analysis of boron‐induced ribosome stalling reveals its effects on translation termination and unique regulation by AUG‐stops in Arabidopsis shoots
Authors: Sotta Naoyuki , Chiba Yukako , Miwa Kyoko , Takamatsu Seidai , Tanaka Mayuki , Yamashita Yui , Naito Satoshi , Fujiwara Toru
Published: March 2021

We previously reported that ribosome stalling at AUG‐stop sequences in the 5′‐untranslated region plays a critical role in regulating the expression of Arabidopsis thaliana NIP5;1, which encodes a boron uptake transporter, in response to boron conditions in media. This ribosome stalling is triggered specifically by boric acid, but the mechanisms are unknown. Although upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are known in many cases to regulate translation through peptides encoded by the uORF, AUG‐stop stalling does not involve any peptide synthesis. The unique feature of AUG‐stops – that termination follows immediately after initiation – suggests a possible effect of boron on the translational process itself. However, the generality of AUG‐stop‐mediated translational regulation and the effect of boron on translation at the genome scale are not clear. Here, we conducted a ribosome profiling analysis to reveal the genome‐wide regulation of translation in response to boron conditions in A. thaliana shoots. We identified hundreds of translationally regulated genes that function in various biological processes. Under high‐boron conditions, transcripts with reduced translation efficiency were rich in uORFs, highlighting the importance of uORF‐mediated translational regulation. We found 673 uORFs that had more frequent ribosome association. Moreover, transcripts that were translationally downregulated under high‐boron conditions were rich in minimum uORFs (AUG‐stops), suggesting that AUG‐stops play a global role in the boron response. Metagene analysis revealed that boron increased the ribosome occupancy of stop codons, indicating that this element is involved in global translational termination processes.
BdFAR4, a root‐specific fatty acyl‐coenzyme A reductase, is involved in fatty alcohol synthesis of root suberin polyester in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Jiajing , He Zhaofeng , Hu Ning , Luo Wenqiao , Liu Xiaoyu , Shi Xue , Liu Tianxiang , Jiang Qinqin , An Peipei , Liu Le , Sun Yulin , Jetter Reinhard , Li Chunlian , Wang Zhonghua
Published: March 2021

Suberin is a complex hydrophobic polymer of aliphatic and phenolic compounds which controls the movement of gases, water, and solutes and protects plants from environmental stresses and pathogenic infection. The synthesis and regulatory pathways of suberin remain unknown in Brachypodium distachyon. Here we describe the identification of a B. distachyon gene, BdFAR4, encoding a fatty acyl‐coenzyme A reductase (FAR) by a reverse genetic approach, and investigate the molecular relevance of BdFAR4 in the root suberin synthesis of B. distachyon. BdFAR4 is specifically expressed throughout root development. Heterologous expression of BdFAR4 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) afforded the production of C20:0 and C22:0 fatty alcohols. The loss‐of‐function knockout of BdFAR4 by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing significantly reduced the content of C20:0 and C22:0 fatty alcohols associated with root suberin. In contrast, overexpression of BdFAR4 in B. distachyon and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) resulted in the accumulation of root suberin‐associated C20:0 and C22:0 fatty alcohols, suggesting that BdFAR4 preferentially accepts C20:0 and C22:0 fatty acyl‐CoAs as substrates. The BdFAR4 protein was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts and Nicotiana benthamiana leaf epidermal cells. BdFAR4 transcript levels can be increased by abiotic stresses and abscisic acid treatment. Furthermore, yeast one‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase activity, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that the R2R3‐MYB transcription factor BdMYB41 directly binds to the promoter of BdFAR4. Taken together, these results imply that BdFAR4 is essential for the production of root suberin‐associated fatty alcohols, especially under stress conditions, and that its activity is transcriptionally regulated by the BdMYB41 transcription factor.
Critical Physical Geography and the Study of Genocide: Lessons from Cambodia
Authors: Colucci Alex R. , Tyner James A. , Munro‐Stasiuk Mandy , Rice Stian , Kimsroy Sokvisal , Chhay Chhunly , Coakley Corrine
Published: March 2021

For holistic accounts of past and present genocides to exist, the production of critical geographies of genocide, produced at the interface of human and physical geography, is vital. The emergent area of critical physical geography (CPG) scholarship stands to provide such holistic accounts in addition to providing genocide studies with a much‐needed geographic perspective, one that is grounded in the lived material realities and social relations produced by the material interactions humans have with their environments. With the land, water, and people of Democratic Kampuchea and contemporary Cambodia as subjects, this work demonstrates how a grounded, empirical CPG approach enhances our understanding of genocide and its aftermath. By examining processes of landscape transformation we suggest that violence, agriculture, and water in the context of Cambodia cannot be considered separate “social” or “natural” components of systems that are either exclusively geopolitical or physiographic. Rather, we emphasise the importance of understanding genocide and violence as internally related to the wider geomorphology—and resulting hydrology and agricultural landscape—produced under the Khmer Rouge. Our approach here has two important consequences. First, the resultant empirical knowledge serves to reinterpret how the Cambodian genocide happened, upending normative myths by demonstrating that the Khmer Rouge consistently acted with intentionality in devaluing human life to the point of mass death while transforming physical landscapes to modernise and enter the global capitalist economy. This reinterpretation serves as a framework for reinterpreting how other genocides may also be stories of continuity and acceleration, rather than aberrant rupture. Second, our CPG approach communicates to genocide studies the need to better situate genocides within their material‐geographic contexts. Specifically, that paying close attention to how humans live and die socio‐politically, relative to the changing physical landscapes around them, can yield significant insights into how and why genocides continue to happen.
Un nuevo reino imaginado: las Elegías de varones ilustres de Indias de Juan de Castellanos
Authors: Restrepo Luis Fernando
Published: March 2021

Un nuevo reino imaginado examina el entramado discursivo del proyecto político de las Elegías de varones ilustres de Indias (1589-1601), una historia de la conquista del Caribe y lo que es hoy Colombia, Panamá y Venezuela, escrita por el erudito literato, riguroso historiador y clérigo, Juan de Castellanos (Alanis, España 1522- Tunja 1607). El cronista-poeta usa el legado literario clásico y renacentista y un amplio acervo documental histórico para presentar a los primeros conquistadores como una élite marcial idónea, destinada a gobernar el Nuevo Reino de Granada y merecedora de las encomiendas y otros privilegios. En el poema, los conquistadores son héroes elaborados a través de una salvaje celebración de la destrucción de la América indígena, y sus esfuerzos en la conquista del territorio se presentan como una penosa peregrinación que sería recompensada con la tierra buena del altiplano andino. Por eso las Elegías son la literatura de la guerra de la conquista, cuyos resultados dan cuenta en parte de las inequidades de la Colombia de hoy. Pero ¿cómo abordar críticamente una épica escrita con el dulce verso de La Araucana y el Orlando furioso que justifica la violencia de la conquista? Para responder a esta pregunta, Luis Fernando Restrepo plantea en este trabajo cómo la crítica literaria permite abordar un colosal monumento literario, como este poema de la Colonia, para pensar el costo humano de los conflictos armados e imaginar una sociedad más justa.
Development of a Design Tool Incorporating Neural Networks
Authors: Mistry S. I. , Nair S. S.
Published: March 2021

A software environment is described which uses MS Windows and neural networks for design problems involving complex nonlinear relationships. This paper reports initial results in the development of the program using an example case of selection and design of coupler curves. The flexible user interface and fast neural network models described can be expanded to include the specific design features of a particular application.
Interaction-Based Schematics for Representing Mechanical Systems
Authors: Wohlsen R. C.
Published: March 2021

An interaction-based schematic is an abstract graphical representation of the functional interactions within a device expressed in an unambiguous manner that does not require the observer to interpret a detailed picture or textual description of the device. Interaction-based schematics are expected to be of significant value in the development of automated tools for the design, testing, or repair of mechanical and electromechanical devices. They can simplify the process of entering and manipulating behavioral models of an existing or planned device. In this paper we describe the interaction-based schematic representation and provide examples of it in use. We compare it to existing representations. We also discuss why there is a need for such a representation and describe how it may be used.
Feature Based Assembly Modeling
Authors: Shah Jami J. , Tadepalli Ravi
Published: March 2021

Contemporary solid modeling based CAD systems provide poor support for defining mechanical assemblies. The assembly definition methods are awkward and cumbersome to use. The resulting model does not capture any associations between the parts mating features. Feature-based part description can not only enhance the assembly design environment, but can also capture assembly mating information. This association between features allows design changes to be made to component parts even after the parts have been put into an assembly. Assemblies can also be validated by means of user-defined procedures and rules based on feature parameters.
Complete Three-Dimensional Aerodynamic CAE System and Artificial Intelligence Control System for Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Fukao Yoshiteru , Baba Toshiaki , Inaba Takeshi , Kano Fumikata
Published: March 2021

An advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) system including a complete three-dimensional flow analysis has been developed for a centrifugal compressor. It is one of the most advanced computer fluid dynamics (CFD) in the world. Flow in compressor components is calculated and evaluated in this system in terms of the three-dimensional, viscous, compressible, turbulent and rotational flow. This aerodynamic CAE system has already been applied to the actual compressor design.

To improve efficiency, an automatic performance control system for a multi-stage centrifugal compressor was developed where the rotational speed and the vane setting angles were controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). Improved performance of a compressor with this computer control system was comfirmed under actual operation.