bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep brain stimulation does not modulate fMRI resting-state functional connectivity in essential tremor
Authors: Awad Amar , Grill Filip , Blomstedt Patric , Nyberg Lars , Eriksson Johan
Published: February 2023

Background

While the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in alleviating essential tremor (ET) is well-established, the underlying mechanisms of the treatment are unclear. ET, as characterised by tremor during action, is proposed to be driven by a dysfunction in the cerebello-thalamo-cerebral circuit that is evident not only during motor actions but also during rest.

Methods

DBS effects on resting-state functional connectivity were investigated by functional MRI in 16 ET patients with fully implanted DBS in the caudal zona incerta during On and Off therapeutic stimulation, in a counterbalanced design. Functional connectivity was calculated between different constellations of sensorimotor as well as non-sensorimotor regions (as derived from seed-based and data-driven approaches), and compared between On and Off DBS.

Results

We found that DBS did not modulate resting-state functional connectivity in ET.

Conclusions

The lack of DBS modulation during resting-state, in combination with previously demonstrated effects on the cerebello-thalamo-cerebral circuit during motor tasks, suggest an action-dependent modulation of DBS.
Comparison of Bayesian methods for incorporating adult clinical trial data to improve certainty of treatment effect estimates in children
Authors: Walker R , Phillips B , Dias S
Published: February 2023

There are challenges associated with recruiting children to take part in randomised clinical trials and as a result, compared to adults, in many disease areas we are less certain about which treatments are most safe and effective. This can lead to weaker recommendations about which treatments to prescribe in practice. However, it may be possible to ‘borrow strength’ from adult evidence to improve our understanding of which treatments work best in children, and many different statistical methods are available to conduct these analyses. In this paper we discuss Bayesian methods for extrapolating adult clinical trial evidence to children. Using an exemplar dataset, we compare the effect of modelling assumptions on the estimated treatment effect and associated heterogeneity. We finally discuss the appropriateness of different modelling assumptions in the context of estimating treatment effect in children.
Evidence for a core set of microbial lichen symbionts from a global survey of metagenomes
Authors: Tagirdzhanova Gulnara , Saary Paul , Cameron Ellen S. , Garber Arkadiy I. , Díaz Escandón David , Goyette Spencer , Nogerius Veera Tuovinen , Passo Alfredo , Mayrhofer Helmut , Holien Håkon , Tønsberg Tor , Stein Lisa Y. , Finn Robert D. , Spribille Toby
Published: February 2023

Lichens are the archetypal symbiosis and the one for which the term was coined. Although application of shotgun sequencing techniques has shown that many lichen symbioses can harbour more symbionts than the canonically recognized fungus and photobiont, no global census of lichen organismal composition has been undertaken. Here, we analyze the genome content of 437 lichen metagenomes from six continents, and show that four bacterial lineages occur in the majority of lichen symbioses, at a frequency on par with algal photobionts. A single bacterial genus,Lichenihabitans, occurs in nearly one-third of all lichens sampled. Genome annotations from the most common lichen bacterial symbionts suggest they are aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophs and produce essential vitamins, but do not fix nitrogen. We also detected secondary basidiomycete symbionts in about two-thirds of analyzed metagenomes. Our survey suggests a core set of four to seven microbial symbionts are involved in forming and maintaining lichen symbioses.
The consequence of ATP synthase dimer angle on mitochondrial morphology studied by cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Buzzard Emma , McLaren Mathew , Bragoszewski Piotr , Brancaccio Andrea , Ford Holly , Daum Bertram , Kuwabara Patricia , Collinson Ian , Gold Vicki A.M.
Published: February 2023

Mitochondrial ATP synthases form rows of dimers, which induce membrane curvature to give cristae their characteristic lamellar or tubular morphology. The angle formed between the central stalks of ATP synthase dimers varies between species. Using cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging, we determined the structure of the ATP synthase dimer from the nematode wormC. elegansand show that the dimer angle differs from previously determined structures. The consequences of this species-specific difference at the dimer interface were investigated by comparingC. elegansandS. cerevisiaemitochondrial morphology. We reveal thatC. eleganshas a larger ATP synthase dimer angle with more lamellar (flatter) cristae when compared to yeast. The underlying cause of this difference was investigated by generating an atomic model of theC. elegansATP synthase dimer by homology modelling. A comparison of ourC. elegansmodel to an existingS. cerevisiaestructure reveals the presence of extensions and rearrangements inC. eleganssubunits associated with maintaining the dimer interface. We speculate that increasing dimer angles could provide an advantage for species that inhabit variable-oxygen environments by forming flatter more energetically efficient cristae.
Discovery of a unique pathway for glutathione utilization in Francisella
Authors: Wang Yaxi , Ledvina Hannah E. , Tower Catherine A. , Kambarev Stanimir , Liu Elizabeth , Charity James C. , Kreuk Lieselotte S.M. , Chen Qiwen , Gallagher Larry A. , Radey Matthew C. , Rerolle Guilhem F. , Li Yaqiao , Penewit Kelsi M. , Turkarslan Serdar , Skerrett Shawn J. , Salipante Stephen J. , Baliga Nitin S. , Woodward Joshua J. , Dove Simon L. , Peterson S. Brook , Celli Jean , Mougous Joseph D.
Published: February 2023

Glutathione (GSH) is an abundant metabolite that can act as a signal, a nutrient source, or serve in a redox capacity for intracellular pathogens. For Francisella, GSH is thought to be a critical in vivo source of cysteine; however, the cellular pathways permitting GSH utilization by Francisella differ between strains and have remained poorly understood. Using genetic screening, we discovered a unique pathway for GSH utilization in Francisella spp. Whereas prior work suggested GSH catabolism initiates in the periplasm, the pathway we define consists of a major facilitator superfamily member that transports intact GSH and a previously unrecognized bacterial cytoplasmic enzyme that catalyzes the first step of GSH degradation. Interestingly, we find that the transporter gene for this pathway is pseudogenized in pathogenic Francisella, explaining phenotypic discrepancies in GSH utilization among Francisella spp. and revealing a critical role for GSH in the environmental niche of these bacteria.
Discovering SARS-CoV-2 neoepitopes and the associated TCR-pMHC recognition mechanisms by combining single-cell sequencing, deep learning, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques
Authors: Song Kaiyuan , Xu Honglin , Shi Yi , Hao Jie , Da Lin-Tai , Zou Xin
Published: February 2023

The molecular mechanisms underlying the recognition of epitopes by T cell receptors (TCRs) are critical for activating T cell immune responses and rationally designing TCR-based therapeutics. Single-cell sequencing techniques vastly boost the accumulation of TCR sequences, while the limitation of available TCR-pMHC structures hampers further investigations. In this study, we proposed a comprehensive strategy that incorporates structural information and single-cell sequencing data to investigate the epitope-recognition mechanisms of TCRs. By antigen specificity clustering, we mapped the epitope sequences between epitope-known and epitope-unknown TCRs from COVID-19 patients. One reported SARS-CoV-2 epitope, NQKLIANQF (S919-927), was identified for a TCR expressed by 614 T cells (TCR-614). Epitope screening also identified a potential cross-reactive epitope, KLKTLVATA (NSP31790-1798), for a TCR expressed by 204 T cells (TCR-204). According to the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we revealed the detailed epitope-recognition mechanisms for both TCRs. The structural motifs responsible for epitope recognition revealed by the MD simulations are consistent with the sequential features recognized by the sequence-based clustering method. This strategy will facilitate the discovery and optimization of TCR-based therapeutics. In addition, the comprehensive strategy can also promote the development of cancer vaccines in virtue of the ability to discover neoepitopes and epitope-recognition mechanisms.
Multi-species polyploidization, chromosome shuffling, and genome extraction inZea/Tripsacumhybrids
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Wen Xiaodong , Xu Lulu , Zhao Yanli , Li Jing , Jiang Weiming , Cheng Mingjun , Li Huaxiong , Li Yinzheng , Li Xiaofeng , He Ruyu , He Jianmei , Ali Asif , Peng Yan , Rong Tingzhao , Tang Qilin
Published: February 2023

By hybridization and special sexual reproduction, we sequentially aggregatedZea mays, Zea perennis,andTripsacum dactyloidesin an allohexaploid, backcrossed it with maize, derived self-fertile allotetraploids of maize andZ. perennisby natural genome extraction, extended their first six selfed generations, and finally constructed amphitetraploid maize using nascent allotetraploids as a genetic bridge. Transgenerational chromosome inheritance, subgenomes stability, chromosome pairings and rearrangements, and their impacts on an organism’s fitness were investigated by fertility phenotyping and molecular cytogenetics techniques GISH and FISH. Results showed that diversified sexual reproductive methods produced highly differentiated progenies (2n=35-84) with varying proportions of subgenomic chromosomes, of which one individual (2n=54, MMMPT) overcame self-incompatibility barriers and produced self-fertile nascent near-allotetraploid by preferentially eliminatingTripsacumchromosomes. Nascent near-allotetraploid progenies showed persistent chromosome changes, intergenomic translocations, and rDNA variations for at least up to the first six selfed generations; however, ploidy tended to stabilize at near-tetraploid level (2n=40) with full integrity of 45SrDNA pairs, and a trend of decreasing variations by advancing generations with an average of 25.53, 14.14, and 0.37 maize,Z. perennis,andT. dactyloideschromosomes, respectively. The mechanisms for three genome stabilities and karyotype evolution for formatting new polyploid species were discussed.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular and molecular heterogeneity in fibrocartilaginous enthesis formation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liyang Wan , Han Xiao , Wang Linfeng , Hu Jianzhong , Lu Hongbin
Published: February 2023

The attachment site of the rotator cuff (RC) is a classic fibrocartilaginous enthesis, which is the junction between bone and tendon with typical characteristics of a fibrocartilage transition zone. Enthesis development has historically been studied with lineage tracing of individual genes selected a priori, which does not allow for the determination of single-cell landscapes yielding mature cell types and tissues. Here, we applied Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the comprehensive postnatal RC enthesis growth and the temporal atlas from as early as embryonic day 15 up to postnatal week 4. In summary, we compared the development pattern between enthesis and tendon or articular cartilage, then deciphered the cellular heterogeneity and the molecular dynamics during fibrocartilage differentiation. This data provides a transcriptional resource that will support future investigations of enthesis development at the mechanistic level and may shed light on the strategies for enhanced RC healing outcomes.
PerTurboID: A targeted in situ method to measure changes in a local protein environment reveals the impact of kinase deletion on cytoadhesion in malaria causing parasites
Authors: Davies Heledd , Belda Hugo , Broncel Malgorzata , Dalimot Jill , Treeck Moritz
Published: February 2023

Reverse genetics is key to understanding protein function, but the mechanistic connection between a gene of interest and the observed phenotype is not always clear. Here we describe the use of proximity labeling using TurboID and site-specific quantification of biotinylated peptides to measure changes to the local protein environment of selected targets upon perturbation. We apply this technique, which we call PerTurboID, to understand how theP. falciparumexported kinase, FIKK4.1, regulates the function of the major virulence factor of the malaria causing parasite, PfEMP1. We generated independent TurboID fusions of 2 proteins that are predicted substrates of FIKK4.1 in a FIKK4.1 conditional KO parasite line. Comparing the abundance of site-specific biotinylated peptides between wildtype and kinase deletion lines reveals the differential accessibility of proteins to biotinylation, indicating changes to localization, protein-protein interactions, or protein structure which are mediated by FIKK4.1 activity. We further show that FIKK4.1 is likely the only FIKK kinase that controls surface levels of PfEMP1, but not other surface antigens, on the infected red blood cell under standard culture conditions. We believe PerTurboID is broadly applicable to study the impact of genetic or environmental perturbation on a selected cellular niche.
Data-Driven Optimization of DIA Mass Spectrometry by DO-MS
Authors: Wallmann Georg , Leduc Andrew , Slavov Nikolai
Published: February 2023

Mass spectrometry (MS) enables specific and accurate quantification of proteins with ever increasing throughput and sensitivity. Maximizing this potential of MS requires optimizing data acquisition parameters and performing efficient quality control for large datasets. To facilitate these objectives for data independent acquisition (DIA), we developed a second version of our framework for data-driven optimization of mass spectrometry methods (DO-MS). The DO-MS app v2.0 (do-ms.slavovlab.net) allows to optimize and evaluate results from both label free and multiplexed DIA (plexDIA) and supports optimizations particularly relevant for single-cell proteomics. We demonstrate multiple use cases, including optimization of duty cycle methods, peptide separation, number of survey scans per duty cycle, and quality control of single-cell plexDIA data. DO-MS allows for interactive data display and generation of extensive reports, including publication quality figures, that can be easily shared. The source code is available at:github.com/SlavovLab/DO-MS.
A simple Turing reaction-diffusion model can explain how mother centrioles break symmetry to generate a single daughter
Authors: Wilmott Zachary M. , Goriely Alain , Raff Jordan W.
Published: February 2023

Centrioles duplicate when a mother centriole gives birth to a daughter that grows from its side. Polo-like-kinase 4 (PLK4), the master regulator of centriole duplication, is recruited symmetrically around the mother centriole, but it then concentrates at a single focus that defines the daughter centriole assembly site. How PLK4 breaks symmetry is unclear. Here, we propose that phosphorylated and unphosphorylated species of PLK4 form the two components of a classical Turing reaction-diffusion system. These two components bind-to/unbind-from the surface of the mother centriole at different rates, allowing a slow-diffusing activator species of PLK4 to accumulate at a single site on the mother, while a fast-diffusing inhibitor species of PLK4 suppresses activator accumulation around the rest of the centriole. This “short-range activation/long-range inhibition”, inherent to Turing-systems, can drive PLK4 symmetry breaking on a continuous centriole surface, with PLK4 overexpression producing multiple PLK4 foci and PLK4 kinase inhibition leading to uniform PLK4 accumulation—as observed experimentally.
Identification and characterization ofDICER-LIKEgenes and their roles inMarchantia polymorphadevelopment and stress adaptation
Authors: Csicsely Erika , Oberender Anja , Georgiadou Anastasia-Styliani , Gutsche Nora , Zachgo Sabine , Top Oguz , Frank Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

DICER-LIKE (DCL) proteins have a central role in plant small RNA (sRNA) biogenesis. TheMarchantia polymorphagenome encodes four DCL proteins: two DCL1 homologs, MpDCL1a and MpDCL1b, MpDCL3 and MpDCL4. While MpDCL1a, MpDCL3 and MpDCL4 show high similarities to their orthologs inPhyscomitrium patensandArabidopsis thaliana, MpDCL1b shares only a limited homology with PpDCL1b, but it is very similar, in terms of functional domains, to orthologs inAnthoceros agrestisandSalvinia cucullata. We generated Mpdclgemutant lines via the CRISPR/Cas9 system and performed comprehensive phenotypic analyses of these mutant lines, under control and salt stress conditions as well as upon exogenous naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments to gain insights into the respective MpDCL functions. While Mpdcl1agemutants display severe developmental aberrations throughout their development, no adverse phenotypic changes are detectable in Mpdcl1bgeand Mpdcl4gemutants except the development of less and smaller male sexual organs (antheridiophores) when they are cultivated under photoperiod conditions supplemented with far-red light. Mpdcl3gemutants display rosette-shaped thallus formation and overall faster development, but are not able to form antheridiophores. The rosette-shaped thallus development of Mpdcl3gecan be reverted to a wild-type-like thallus growth upon NAA treatment. Mpdcl1bgemutants can tolerate high levels of salt, whereas Mpdcl4gemutants show higher salt sensitivity. Moreover, Mpdcl1ageand Mpdcl3gemutants show an ABA-hypersensitive phenotype. It can be concluded that the observed phenotypic alterations, under normal or treatment conditions, are linked to the mutations in the respective MpDCLsand hence to defective or altered sRNA biogenesis pathways inM. polymorpha. In conclusion, MpDCLs and their associated sRNAs regulate development, abiotic stress and phytohormonal response inM. polymorpha.
Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation using UVC Laser Radiation
Authors: Devitt George , Johnson Peter B. , Hanrahan Niall , Lane Simon I.R. , Vidale Magdalena C. , Sheth Bhavwanti , Allen Joel D. , Humbert Maria V. , Spalluto Cosma M. , Hervé Rodolphe C. , Staples Karl , West Jonathan J. , Forster Robert , Divecha Nullin , McCormick Christopher J , Crispin Max , Hempler Nils , Malcolm Graeme P. A. , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: February 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) has had a tremendous impact on humanity. Prevention of transmission by disinfection of surfaces and aerosols through a chemical-free method is highly desirable. Ultraviolet C (UVC) light is uniquely positioned to achieve inactivation of pathogens. We report the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virus by UVC radiation and explore its mechanisms. A dose of 50mJ/cm2using a UVC laser at 266nm achieved an inactivation efficiency of 99.89%, whilst infectious virions were undetectable at 75mJ/cm2indicating >99.99% inactivation. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 involves viral entry mediated by the spike glycoprotein (S), and viral reproduction, reliant on translation of its genome. We demonstrate that UVC radiation damages ribonucleic acid (RNA) and provide in-depth characterisation of UVC-induced damage of the S protein. We find that UVC severely impacts SARS-CoV-2 spike protein’s ability to bind human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and this correlates with loss of native protein conformation and aromatic amino acid integrity. This report has important implications for the design and development of rapid and effective disinfection systems against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogens.
An evaluation model based on procedural behaviors for predicting MOOC learning performance: students’ online learning behavior analytics and algorithms construction
Authors: Tong Yao , Zhan Zehui
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to set up an evaluation model to predict massive open online courses (MOOC) learning performance by analyzing MOOC learners’ online learning behaviors, and comparing three algorithms – multiple linear regression (MLR), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and classification and regression tree (CART).

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and analysis of data correlation in the original database, a framework of online learning behavior indicators containing 26 behaviors was constructed. The degree of correlation with the final learning performance was analyzed based on learners’ system interaction behavior, resource interaction behavior, social interaction behavior and independent learning behavior. A total of 12 behaviors highly correlated to learning performance were extracted as major indicators, and the MLR method, MLP method and CART method were used as typical algorithms to evaluate learners’ MOOC learning performance.

Findings

The behavioral indicator framework constructed in this study can effectively analyze learners’ learning, and the evaluation model constructed using the MLP method (89.91%) and CART method (90.29%) can better achieve the prediction of MOOC learners’ learning performance than using MLR method (83.64%).

Originality/value

This study explores the patterns and characteristics among different learning behaviors and constructs an effective prediction model for MOOC learners’ learning performance, which can help teachers understand learners’ learning status, locate learners with learning difficulties promptly and provide targeted instructional interventions at the right time to improve teaching quality.
Introducing “navigating failure in ethnography”: a forum about failure in ethnographic research
Authors: Verbuyst Rafael , Galazka Anna Milena
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The authors introduce a recurrent section for the Journal of Organizational Ethnography which scrutinizes the various manifestations and roles of failure in ethnographic research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors peruse a wide body of literature which tackles the role of failure in ethnographic research and draw on the experiences to argue for a more sustained and in-depth conversation on the topic.

Findings

“Failure” regularly occurs in ethnographic research, yet remains under-examined. Increased discussion on the topic will enrich debates on methodology and fieldwork in particular.

Originality/value

While various scholars have commented on the role of “failure” in ethnographic research, an in-depth and sustained examination of the topic is lacking.
Damage characteristics of fabrics created by TASER probes
Authors: Cao Wanying , Liscio Eugene , Ruffo Hannah Elizabeth , Doucette Corrin Marie , Zhou Yu Ran
Published: February 2023

TASER® weapons are conducted energy weapons (CEWs) that are frequently used by police departments around the world. CEWs can be deployed in two methods: drive stun application and probe deployment. This study aims to examine damages caused by TASER devices on fabrics and whether types of fabric material and TASER models could contribute to different damage features. Three types of white fabric were used, including 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and 65:35 polyester‐cotton blend. Three models: TASER X26P, TASER X2, and TASER 7 were shot onto each type of fabric, with five repetitions each. Each damaged area on the fabric caused by a probe is a sample (n = 90) and was examined with a Keyence digital microscope. Images were captured by the Keyence microscope and measurements were recorded, including damage dimensions, fabric condition, evidence of burning, and extra findings. The presence of fused yarn ends was found to be statistically significant across the fabric types, and no damage features were found that may assist in the identification of TASER models. Other damage features including damage dimensions, discoloration, and fiber deformation were not found to be showing apparent differences according to statistical analysis. The conclusions made by this research should be used with caution due to the small sample size.
Surgically retrieved spermatozoa for ICSI cycles in non‐azoospermic males with high sperm DNA fragmentation in semen
Authors: Esteves Sandro C. , Coimbra Igor , Hallak Jorge
Published: February 2023

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using surgically retrieved spermatozoa outside the classic context of azoospermia has been increasingly used to overcome infertility. The primary indications include high levels of sperm DNA damage in ejaculated spermatozoa and severe oligozoospermia or cryptozoospermia, particularly in couples with ICSI failure for no apparent reason. Current evidence suggests that surgically retrieved spermatozoa for ICSI in the above context improves  outcomes, mainly concerning pregnancy and miscarriage rates. The reasons are not fully understood but may be related to the lower levels of DNA damage in spermatozoa retrieved from the testis compared with ejaculated counterparts. These findings are consistent with the notion that excessive sperm DNA damage  can be a limiting factor responsible for the failure to conceive. Using testicular in preference of low‐quality ejaculated spermatozoa bypasses post‐testicular sperm DNA damage caused primarily by oxidative stress, thus increasing the likelihood of oocyte fertilization by genomically intact spermatozoa. Despite the overall favorable results, data remain limited, and mainly concern males with confirmed sperm DNA damage in the ejaculate. Additionally, information regarding the health of ICSI offspring resulting from the use of surgically retrieved spermatoa of non‐azoospermic males is still lacking. Efforts should be made to improve the male partner's reproductive health for safer ICSI utilization. A comprehensive andrological evaluation aiming to identify and treat the underlying male infertility factor contributing to sperm DNA damage is essential for achieving this goal.
A case report of gadopentetate dimeglumine‐induced cardiac arrest: Resuscitation using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Fang Honglong , Chen Juan , Luo Jian , Li Zhangping , Zhang Weiwen
Published: February 2023

Gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA) is commonly used for enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging, but rarely causes serious adverse reactions. The patient presented in this report had a cardiac arrest and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome within a short time after administration of Gd‐DTPA. Immediately after receiving an intravenous injection of Gd‐DTPA, the patient felt nausea and chest tightness, and developed systemic erythema. He was successfully treated using veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined with continuous renal replacement therapy without any serious complications or neurological deficits. We report a patient who was successfully treated for Gd‐DTPA‐induced cardiac arrest with ECMO. Thus, ECMO may be an effective treatment for cardiac arrest secondary to anaphylaxis.
Heterogeneous heterogeneity by default: Testing categorical moderators in mixed‐effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Josue E. , Williams Donald R. , Bürkner Paul‐Christian
Published: February 2023

Categorical moderators are often included in mixed‐effects meta‐analysis to explain heterogeneity in effect sizes. An assumption in tests of categorical moderator effects is that of a constant between‐study variance across all levels of the moderator. Although it rarely receives serious thought, there can be statistical ramifications to upholding this assumption. We propose that researchers should instead default to assuming unequal between‐study variances when analysing categorical moderators. To achieve this, we suggest using a mixed‐effects location‐scale model (MELSM) to allow group‐specific estimates for the between‐study variance. In two extensive simulation studies, we show that in terms of Type I error and statistical power, little is lost by using the MELSM for moderator tests, but there can be serious costs when an equal variance mixed‐effects model (MEM) is used. Most notably, in scenarios with balanced sample sizes or equal between‐study variance, the Type I error and power rates are nearly identical between the MEM and the MELSM. On the other hand, with imbalanced sample sizes and unequal variances, the Type I error rate under the MEM can be grossly inflated or overly conservative, whereas the MELSM does comparatively well in controlling the Type I error across the majority of cases. A notable exception where the MELSM did not clearly outperform the MEM was in the case of few studies (e.g., 5). With respect to power, the MELSM had similar or higher power than the MEM in conditions where the latter produced non‐inflated Type 1 error rates. Together, our results support the idea that assuming unequal between‐study variances is preferred as a default strategy when testing categorical moderators.
Improved status of the conservation reliant Oahu Elepaio through effective management and natural adaptation
Authors: VanderWerf Eric A. , Taylor Philip E. , Rohrer Jobriath L. , Dittmar Erika , Burt Matthew D.
Published: February 2023

The Oahu Elepaio (Chasiempis ibidis) is an endangered forest bird endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The two most serious threats to the Oahu Elepaio are nest predation by nonnative black rats (Rattus rattus) and avian pox (Avipoxvirus spp.), a disease carried by nonnative mosquitoes. The Oahu Elepaio is conservation reliant because its continued existence depends on rat control. We used 27 years of data from 1995 to 2021 on pox prevalence, nest success, and fecundity with versus without rat control to reexamine the severity of these threats. Prevalence of avian pox declined over time. From 1995 to 2004, pox prevalence averaged 21% ± 4% per year and was positively related to annual rainfall. From 2005 to 2021, pox prevalence was only 2% ± 0.1% and despite several wet years there was no relationship with rainfall. The Oahu Elepaio appears to have evolved resistance to the pox variant currently in Hawaii. Elepaio nest success was higher with rat control (58% ± 1%) than without rat control (42% ± 6%). Nest success did not differ significantly between native tree species (52% ± 6%) and nonnative tree species (58% ± 6%) or between fruiting tree species (58% ± 1%) and nonfruiting species (61% ± 6%). Elepaio annual fecundity was higher with rat control (0.78 ± 0.02) than without rat control (0.48 ± 0.04) and varied among sites and years. The two primary threats to the species have been ameliorated through a combination of effective management and natural adaptation. The species' status should continue to improve if management is maintained, and someday, if patterns of natural adaptation continue, it could break free from conservation reliance.
Variation in adult living donor liver transplantation in the United States: Identifying opportunities for increased utilization
Authors: Lentine Krista L. , Tanaka Tomohiro , Xiao Huiling , Bittermann Therese , Dew Mary Amanda , Schnitzler Mark A. , Olthoff Kim M. , Locke Jayme E. , Emre Sukru , Hunt Heather F. , Liapakis AnnMarie , Axelrod David A.
Published: February 2023

In the United States, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is limited to transplant centers with specific experience. However, the impact of recipient characteristics on procedure selection (LDLT vs. deceased donor liver transplant [DDLT]) within these centers has not been described. Transplant registry data for centers that performed ≥1 LDLT in 2002–2019 were analyzed using hierarchal regression modeling to quantify the impact of patient and center factors on the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of LDLT (vs DDLT). Among 73,681 adult recipients, only 4% underwent LDLT, varying from <1% to >60% of total liver transplants. After risk adjustment, the likelihood of receiving an LDLT rose by 73% in recent years (aOR 1.73 for 2014‐2019 vs. 2002‐2007) but remained lower for older adults, men, racial and ethnic minorities, and obese patients. LDLT was less commonly used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or alcoholic cirrhosis, and more frequently in those with hepatitis C and with lower severity of illness (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score < 15). Patients with public insurance, lower educational achievement, and residence in the Northwest and Southeast had decreased access. While some differences in access to LDLT reflect clinical factors, further exploration into disparities in LDLT utilization based on center practice and socioeconomic determinants of health is needed.
Papillary dermal elastolysis histopathology mimicking folliculotropic mycosis fungoides
Authors: Recio‐Monescillo Miguel , Torre‐Castro Juan , Manzanas Carolina , Ruffin Belen , Haya Lara , Rodríguez Pinilla Maria , Requena Luis
Published: February 2023

Papillary dermal elastolysis is a rare acquired disease of the elastic tissue that mainly affects elderly women with a clinical presentation of small firm papules in the neck, the supraclavicular areas and the upper back. Histopathologically, it is characteristic to find a complete or almost complete absence of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis with stains such as orcein or Verhoeff‐Van Gieson. We present the case of an adult female patient presenting a clinical picture of years of evolution of elastic skin‐colored papules on her neck, occasionally pruritic. Two biopsies were performed. In one of them an inflammatory infiltrate affecting the hair follicles was observed, and she was diagnosed with mycosis fungoides. The other biopsy showed a total absence of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis and was diagnosed as elastolysis of the papillary dermis. In early stages of papillary dermal elastolysis, a perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate has been described, as is the case described above. It is important for dermatopathologist to know this atypical but possible presentation, as it may require a differential diagnosis with other entities such as follicular mycosis fungoides.
The dynamics of the microbial community in fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda during a life cycle
Authors: Chen Jie , Ma Yunjie , Huang Shixuan , Li Jinbao , Zhang Yuhui , Wang Hezhen , Qi Guojun , Shi Qingxing , Zhang Zhenfei , Yang Meiyan , Chen Hongxin , Pang Rui
Published: February 2023

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a destructive pest that causes serious damage worldwide, particularly to maize cultivars. The microbiota of S. frugiperda might play a role in its development and adaptability to different environments. However, the dynamics of microbial communities in S. frugiperda during its life cycle remain poorly understood. In this study, we used the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the microbiome of all developmental stages of S. frugiperda fed with maize and adults fed with an artificial diet. The microbial composition of maize leaves, soil, and artificial diet was analyzed. Alpha diversity indices indicated that the neonate and early‐phase larvae had higher bacterial diversity than late‐phase larvae, pupae, and adults, and the bacterial diversity of adults fed with natural leaves was higher than that of adults fed an artificial diet. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the major phyla found in most life stages of S. frugiperda, especially in adults, sixth instars, and pupae. Neonate and early‐phase larvae harbored a higher abundance of OD1 and microbes of unassigned taxonomy. A co‐occurrence network of the highly abundant genera within S. frugiperda was then constructed, which revealed a potential interaction between the microbiota in insects, such as Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, and the dietary microbiota. Dynamic changes in bacterial communities led to changes in the metabolic functions of the microbiota across developmental stages. The genera OD1, Enterococcus, Comamonas, and Elizabethkingia were estimated to contribute to most of the functional changes in the microbiota of S. frugiperda. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the composition of S. frugiperda and its dynamic interaction with dietary microbiota.
Causal Inference and COVID: Contrasting Methods for Evaluating Pandemic Impacts Using State Assessments
Authors: Shear Benjamin R.
Published: February 2023

In the spring of 2021, just 1 year after schools were forced to close for COVID‐19, state assessments were administered at great expense to provide data about impacts of the pandemic on student learning and to help target resources where they were most needed. Using state assessment data from Colorado, this article describes the biggest threats to making valid inferences about student learning to study pandemic impacts using state assessment data: measurement artifacts affecting the comparability of scores, secular trends, and changes in the tested population. The article compares three statistical approaches (the Fair Trend, baseline student growth percentiles, and multiple regression with demographic covariates) that can support more valid inferences about student learning during the pandemic and in other scenarios in which the tested population changes over time. All three approaches lead to similar inferences about statewide student performance but can lead to very different inferences about student subgroups. Results show that controlling statistically for prepandemic demographic differences can reverse the conclusions about groups most affected by the pandemic and decisions about prioritizing resources.
The Internet as a social institution: Rethinking concepts for family scholarship
Authors: Longo Gina Marie
Published: February 2023

Objective

I evaluate multidisciplinary scholarship on the Internet, the family, and adjacent institutions, comparing their findings to Patricia Yancy Martin's (2004) 14 criteria of social institutions to demonstrate how the Internet represents a new social institution and how that impacts the institution of family in the digital age.

Background

Scholars have called for investigations into the effects of the Internet on family life. This study aims to show how reimagining the Internet as an institution better reveals its complexities and embeddedness in other institutional spaces that shape the family and how.

Method

Using Martin's descriptions of the 14 characteristics of a social institution, I reviewed 85 peer‐reviewed, cross‐disciplinary studies focusing on the Internet and the family for themes that indicated the presence or absence of each criterion.

Results

Data analysis revealed that the Internet functions as a social institution, which mutually influences and shapes the institution of family and its overlapping social dynamics. Fifty‐seven cases had all 14 criteria, and 19 cases had 13 criteria. Six had 12 criteria, and only three had 11 criteria.

Conclusion

The foundational qualities of the Internet as an institution center the digital space as an active site of social change, where the power dynamics, identities, and practices of “doing family” within digital communities extend beyond those present to others elsewhere.

Implications

This reconceptualization provides practitioners with new approaches and insights into how digital spaces impact family outcomes and influence the ways in which groups “do” and define family across other institutional areas, even when the Internet is not directly implicated.
Failure mechanism of HR3C austenitic steel during creep at 650°C
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wan Xiaofeng , Liu Yu , Zhu Yu , Zhang Fubao , Lv Shuaishuai , Zhang Yuetao , Du Zechen
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the intergranular failure and degradation process of HR3C steel during creep. Substantial microscopic information for the morphological and compositional characteristics of intergranular precipitates were revealed here. The results showed that the intergranular M23C6 carbides precipitated progressively, resulting in a formation of Cr‐depleted region, and coexist with the NbCrN phase at the grain boundary. Besides, the dislocation configuration and density of HR3C steel also changed remarkably after creep, which manifests that the increase of lattice debonding extent and irregular atoms array. The intergranular damage of the M23C6 matrix interface was revealed by the HRTEM observation, and the main damage features were the volumetric defect generation as well as the large‐area distortion of atom lattice around the M23C6, which would contribute to the intergranular crack forming at the end of creep stage.
Angiojet™ mechanical thrombectomy‐induced hemolysis triggering blood‐leak alarms
Authors: Selvananthan Babitha , Aziz Omar , Lee Arvind D. , Werner‐Gibbings Keagan , Bose Bhadran , Sud Kamal
Published: February 2023

Blood leak alarms are increasingly rare and may be triggered by rupture of the dialyzer membrane, or intravascular hemolysis. We report two patients who developed hemolysis following Angiojet™ thrombolysis and thrombectomy of thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas, triggering blood leak alarms on hemodialysis, the occurrence of which has not been reported before. AngioJet™‐induced hemolysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for blood leak alarms occurring soon after an intervention on an arterio‐venous (AV) fistula.
Plataformas digitales y transformación del trabajo autónomo en la Federación de Rusia: análisis longitudinal a lo largo de un decenio
Authors: SHEVCHUK Andrey , STREBKOV Denis
Published: February 2023

En este artículo se estudia la evolución del mercado de trabajo en línea en la Federación de Rusia y todo el espacio postsoviético, a partir de datos únicos obtenidos mediante cuatro rondas de encuestas realizadas en 2009, 2011, 2014 y 2019 en la principal plataforma rusófona de trabajo creativo basado en conocimientos. Se observan algunas tendencias importantes: descentralización espacial, diversificación ocupacional, feminización, maduración, aumento del nivel de estudios y desajuste de la calificación, consolidación de la vida profesional autónoma, plataformización y legalización. A la luz de esos resultados, se analizan sus posibles repercusiones en materia de políticas para el futuro desarrollo del trabajo de plataformas en la Federación de Rusia.
Cold sintering of bioglass and bioglass/polymer composites
Authors: Andrews Jessica , Bullock George , Miller Cheryl A. , Booth Jonathan , Ren Hong , Kelly Nicole L. , Hanna John V. , Reaney Ian M.
Published: February 2023

Bioactive glasses are widely utilized to regenerate bone tissue and aid bonding of orthopedic implants. Forming composites of bioglass with bioactive polymers allow the mechanical properties and biological response to be tailored. Although several methods for creating bioglass–polymer composites exist, they require dissolution of the polymer, controlled phase separation, and appear to have an upper limit of ∼30 vol.% bioglass. Cold sintering is a novel technique for the densification of ceramics and glasses which utilizes a liquid phase and pressure to allow the production of components at reduced temperatures. We demonstrate that cold sintering (100°C) of Bioglass 45S5 powder produced via flame spray pyrolysis and the fabrication of Bioglass 45S5–polymer composites. Assessment of the in vitro response revealed that composites were not cytotoxic. Solid‐state 31P and 29Si MAS NMR studies of the silicon and phosphorus speciation in the glass powder, as‐received, wetted, and sintered samples show similarities to reactions expected when bioglass is implanted in the body which along with Raman spectroscopy data gave insight into the cold sintering densification mechanism.
The competing influence of psychological job control on family‐to‐work conflict
Authors: Kost Dominique , Kopperud Karoline , Buch Robert , Kuvaas Bård , Olsson Ulf Henning
Published: February 2023

Psychological job control has typically been negatively related to work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflict. Based on the job demand‐resource model and boundary theory, we argue that psychological job control may indirectly be positively related to family‐to‐work conflict by both increasing supplemental work, that is, the rate of engagement in work outside of formal working hours without receiving compensation aided by mobile technology, and work‐to‐family conflict. We hypothesize that this proposed positive indirect relationship will be lower among employees who perceive a high segmentation norm at their workplace. Based on a two‐wave study of 4518 employees, we obtained support for a serial moderated mediation model that suggests a dual effect of psychological job control on family‐to‐work conflict, such that psychological job control was positively associated with family‐to‐work conflict through supplemental work and work‐to‐family conflict at low levels of segmentation norms. By examining the dual effects of psychological job control, this study aims to further understand the mechanisms involved in determining whether and when psychological job control, together with supplemental work, encourages employees to uphold or cross boundaries between work and nonwork domains. Our findings imply that psychological job control can both be a resource and a demand depending on the levels of segmentation norms.
Melatonin restores endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis to protect injured neurons in a rat model of chronic cervical cord compression
Authors: Yao Min , Pu Pei‐min , Li Zhuo‐yao , Zhu Ke , Zhou Long‐yun , Sun Yue‐Li , Dai Yu‐xiang , Cui Xue‐jun , Wang Yong‐jun
Published: February 2023

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) refers to a chronic injury of the cervical cord caused by cervical intervertebral disc degeneration. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential to counteract neuronal apoptosis. ER stress, an integral part of ER homeostasis, was observed in a rat model of chronic cervical cord compression in our previous study. However, the correlation between ER homeostasis and CSM remains unknown. The antioxidant melatonin is known to exert therapeutic effects in acute spinal cord injury, but the specific effects and their potential mechanisms in the pathological processes of CSM require further exploration. The present study hypothesized that ER homeostasis is essential for neuronal apoptosis in the CSM and that melatonin maintains this homeostasis. The results showed that ER stress led to neuronal apoptosis in rats with chronic cervical cord compression. Conversely, melatonin attenuates protein kinase R‐like ER kinase‐eukaryotic initiation factor 2α‐C/EBP‐homologous protein, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1, and transcription factor 6 signaling pathways to release ER stress and prevents Bax translocation to the mitochondrion, thereby promoting motor recovery and protecting neurons in vivo. It also rescued primary rat cortical neurons from ER stress‐induced glutamate toxicity in vitro. Moreover, melatonin remodels the ER morphology and restores homeostasis via ER‐phagy in injured neurons. FAM134B, CCPG1, RTN3, and Sec. 62 are four known ER‐phagy receptors. In this study, Sec. 62 was identified as a key melatonin factor in promoting ER‐phagy and restoring ER homeostasis in damaged neurons in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, melatonin suppresses neuronal apoptosis by reducing ER stress and promoting ER‐phagy to restore ER morphology and homeostasis. The current results suggested that melatonin is a promising treatment for CSM owing to its restorative effect on ER homeostasis; however, well‐designed randomized controlled trials must be carried out to further investigate its clinical effects.