bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 AND STOCK RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA
Authors: Song Saw Imm , Yazi Erimalida , Morni Fareiny , Janang Jennifer Tunga
Published: July 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus or Covid-19 has affected the world unprecedentedly. Malaysia is not exempted from its impact. The Malaysian government announced a nationwide lockdown in the middle of March 2020. The magnitude of the outbreak had caused panic to the public and financial panic in the stock market. This study examined the impact of Covid-19 cases and the action taken by the government through movement control orders (MCOs) and economic stimulus packages in the stock market. Event study methodology was used to assess the impact of Covid-19 on stock returns in Bursa Malaysia. Consistent with the efficient market hypothesis, the study found that during the early stages of the MCOs, the cumulative average abnormal returns (CAAR) reflected significant negative returns. However, it showed positive returns after MCO 3 and MCO 4. The results implied that the market perceived that the pandemic was under control. The study also revealed a significant relationship between CAAR and the number of cases announced, supporting the notion that in a less to a moderately free country such as Malaysia, investors showed a certain lack of trust in the number of cases reported by the authorities, and thus overreacted to the number of reported cases. The stimulus packages that were expected to stabilise the economy and society were found to be positively significant during the early stages of the MCOs.
PSYCHOBIOGRAPHY: UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS, STEPS, AND PROCEDURES IN THE STUDY OF LIVES
Authors: Bulut Sefa , Cissy Usman Ali
Published: July 2021

The process of applying psychological theories to examine the biographical and autobiographical data of famous individuals is what is termed “psychobiography”. Since its inception in the early sixteenth century, this qualitative type of research method has had a fairly storied history in the Western world. This study provides a clear picture of psychobiographical research by defining terms and phrases that are used in relation to psychobiographical research. It also covered its historical antecedent and steps and procedures that are necessary for undertaking psychobiographical research. The steps presented here stemmed from a broad phase in qualitative research and analysis. In practice, however, psychobiographies do not always adhere to systematic formats, but some key decisions and guidelines must be followed in order to ensure the trustworthiness of the study's findings. Thus, the research mainly aims at introducing psychobiography, and life history research to the reader. Keywords: psychobiography, life history research, qualitative methods in psychology
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF STUDIES RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF DOCTORS AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Dey Manna , Relojo-Howell Dennis
Published: July 2021

Doctors and other allied healthcare professionals are constantly exposed to stressful situations that can undoubtedly negatively affect their psychological well-being. This precarious situation has been further exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the mental stress and trauma among doctors, in light of the pandemic. A number of relevant studies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and case studies) have been gathered to present a global trajectory of the responses of the doctors in the pandemic, and, as a consequence how this has impacted their psychological well-being. Collated findings suggest a need for a more nuanced and global approach, which is necessary towards addressing the immediate and long-lasting effects of the pandemic within the medical community. This study also provides a theoretical framework that can be used to design psychological interventions which can target the healthcare profession. Keywords: community psychology; COVID-19, healthcare professionals, psychological well-being; systematic review
Implementation of Pancasila Values in the New Order Era and Post-Reformation
Authors: Salam Rahmat
Published: July 2021

Pancasila is the basis of our country and the nation's view of life, which is extracted from the noble values of the nation's culture. However, along with the development of time, the practice and implementation of the Pancasila practice are always adjusted to the regime's will in power. In the Old Order era, Pancasila was used as an ideological tool; during the New Order, Pancasila was carried out purely and consistently but followed the regime's will in power at that time. In the Reformation Age, the implementation of Pancasila, which was expected to be following the original, even began to be abandoned because the people were more faced with a free lifestyle with liberal understanding. This article will try to highlight the position of Pancasila during the New Order regime when President Suharto was in power and compare it with the work of Pancasila Post-reformation starting from the fall of the New Order until now and looking at the challenges that will be faced in the future.
Improving Service Quality towards Consumer Satisfaction on Gojek Transportation Services Using the Importance Perfomance Analysis (IPA) Method
Authors: Ginting Paris Johannes , Wijaya Fendi , Jung Calvin
Published: July 2021

Gojek is a social-minded company that is leading the online-based transportation industry revolution that can be accessed through an application on a smartphone. Gojek also provides various other services such as GoRide, GoCar, GoFood, GoMart, GoBox, and GoSend. There are various kinds of services provided by Gojek which are expected to be able to maintain and improve service quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction of Universitas Prima Indonesia students with gojek online transportation services. This type of research is a research using survey method. The minimum number of samples that must be taken is 60 people so that the sample can represent the total population. This research uses importance performance analysis (IPA). Importance performance analysis (IPA) is a method used to measure the level of service satisfaction that is included in the quadrants on the importance performance matrix map. The results of the study show that the service quality and facilities provided by Gojek exceed the expected expectations and are sufficient to consumer satisfaction hearts because the services provided by Gojek can be carried out well by Gojek drivers to consumers and the application made by Gojek is very easy to use.
The Effect of Supervision of the Principal in Increasing Teacher Performance in SMA 1 Koto Besar Dharmasraya West Sumatra
Authors: Wakini Wakini , Jamilus Jamilus
Published: July 2021

Supervision carried out by principals to improve teacher performance is an important thing to continue to improve. Because it will affect the performance of teachers in carrying out their duties. Supervision can be interpreted as a service business and assistance in the form of guidance from superiors, namely the principal, to school personnel such as teachers and other officers to become proficient in accordance with the development of science. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the principal's supervisor in improving the performance of SMA 1 Koto Besar teachers. The research method used is correlational quantitative. The subject of the study was a teacher of SMA 1 Koto Besar, which amounted to 17 people. From the results of the study it was found that the average value of the principal's supervision was 82 in the good category, and the average teacher performance score was 87.5 in the very good category. From the results of hypothesis testing, the value of Sig. of 0.016 <0.05 with a magnitude of 43.7. So it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between principal supervision and teacher performance at SMA Negeri 1 Koto Besar.
Kompensasi, Iklim Organisasi dan Kinerja Guru pada Organisasi Sekolah Berbasis Keislaman
Authors: Suhendra Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh variabel kompensasi dan iklim organisasi secara simultan terhadap kinerja pegawai pada organisasi sekolah berbasis keislaman, mengetahui pengaruh variabel kompensasi dan iklim organisasi secara parsial terhadap kinerja guru, mengetahui variabel yang berpengaruh dominan terhadap kinerja guru. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan; hipotesis mengenai pengaruh variabel-variabel bebas yaitu variabel Kompensasi (X1) dan Iklim Organisasi (X2) secara simultan atau bersama-sama terhadap variabel Kinerja (y) guru-guru. Hasil yang  diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa secara simultan kedua variabel tersebut memiliki pengaruh yang nyata atau signifikan terhadap kinerja guru.  Pengujian hipotesis secara parsial dari masing-masing variabel bebas terhadap variabel kinerja. Hasil yang diperoleh bisa dijelaskan bahwa variabel Kompensasi (X1) berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap variabel Kinerja (y) guru, Iklim Organisasi (X2) berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap variabel Kinerja guru.
Tingkat Bagi Hasil, Suku Bunga dan Pendapatan Simpanan Mudharabah
Authors: Amin Ruhul
Published: July 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bahwa ada pengaruh signifikan asimetri informasi akibat praktik manajemen laba pada perusahaan perbankan go public yang terdaftar di BEI. Penelitian ini menggunakan 16 bank sebagai sampel yang terdaftar di BEI sejak tahun 2005 hingga 2007. Asimetri informasi diukur dengan bid-ask spread sebagai variabel independen dan manajemen laba diukur dengan akrual diskresioner sebagai variabel dependen. Pengumpulan data dianalisis dengan regresi linier sederhana dan dihitung dengan menggunakan SPSS 12.0 for Windows dan Eviews 4.0, dan setelah dilakukan uji Asumsi klasik, dilakukan uji normalitas dengan uji Statistik Kolmogorof Smirnov, uji heteroskedastisitas dengan uji Golfeld & Quandt dan uji Autokorelasi dengan Durbin -Uji Watson, sedangkan hipotesis diuji dengan uji-t. Hasil penelitian ini adalah: Asimetri Informasi berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap manajemen laba (selama penelitian). Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan nilai ADJSPREAD sebesar 2,329 dengan sig 0,024, sehingga asimetri informasi akan mempengaruhi manajer untuk melakukan manajemen laba.
Pelatihan dan Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan pada Perusahaan Afiliasi Lembaga Islamic Social Finance
Authors: Pratiwi Ratih
Published: July 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bahwa ada pengaruh signifikan pelatihan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Informasi mengenai pengaruh pelatihan terhadap produktivitas kerja karyawan pada perusahaan yang afiliasi dari Lembaga Islamic social finance  diperoleh dari kuesioner. Agar jawaban responden dapat diukur, maka harus diberi skor. Pemberian skor ini menggunakan skala likert yang biasa digunakan untuk mengukur sikap, pendapat, dan persepsi seseorang atau sekelompok orang tentang fenomena sosial. Dari hasil pengukuran menghasilkan bahwa Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai t hitung > t tabel dengan hasil 9,778 >1,660 dan nilai signifikansi variabel pelatihan 0,000 < 0,05 sehingga nilai variabel Pelatihan (X) memenuhi tingkat signifikansi 0,000 yang memiliki jumlah lebih kecil dari 0,05 (5%). Dari sini dapat diputuskan bahwa variabel Pelatihan (X) memiliki pengaruh terhadap produktivitas kerja (Y) perusahaan. Pelaksanaan pelatihan karyawan di Perusahaan Afiliasi Lembaga Islamic Social Finance akan lebih baik jika selalu dilaksanakan, karena manfaat program pelatihan sebagian besar berpengaruh pada produktivitas kerja karyawan.
Yeşil Ürün Tutumunun Yeşil Satın Alma Niyeti, Geri Dönüşüm ve Yalın Tüketim Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: YILDIZ Bülent , KÜTAHYALI Dilber Nilay
Published: July 2021

Her geçen gün azalan doğal kaynaklar, kötüleşen çevresel koşullar tüketicileri bir noktada bilinçli olmaya teşvik etmeye başlamıştır. Tüketicilerin bu olumsuz şartları düzeltebilmek için elini taşın altına koyabilmesinde en temel faktör şüphesiz ürünlerdir. Bu ürünlerin çevreye olabildiğince en az zararı veren, kaynakları tüketme konusunda daha hassas ve geri dönüşümü olması ürünün “yeşil ürün” olarak değişim göstermesi olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Yeşil ürünlere ilişkin olumlu tutuma sahip olan tüketiciler ise geri dönüşüm konusunda daha duyarlı olmaktadır. Bu amaçla bu çalışmada tüketicilerin yeşil ürün tutumunun yeşil satın alma niyeti, geri dönüşüm ve yalın tüketim davranışları üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Bu çalışmada Mayıs 2020- Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında Ankara ilinde ikamet etmekte olan tüketicilerden anket yöntemi ile veri toplanmıştır. Araştırmaya 572 tüketici katılmıştır. Ölçeklerin analizinde kullanılan yapısal eşitlik modeli analizi neticesinde yeşil ürün tutumunun yeşil satın alma niyeti, geri dönüşüm ve yalın tüketimi pozitif yönde anlamlı olarak etkilediği tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada incelenen H1, H2 ve H3 hipotezlerinin desteklenmesi ile birlikte gerçekleştirilen diğer çalışmaların analiz sonuçları karşılaştırılmış ve sonuçların paralellik gösterdiği gözlemlenmiştir.
Primer reporte de Boeremia exigua, como patógeno causante de la enfermedad de Derrite, en plantaciones de café (Coffea arabica variedad geisha) en tierras altas de Panamá
Authors: Núñez Marlon , Mejía Luis
Published: July 2021

A principios del año 2018, durante la estación lluviosa, se observaron lesiones de presunta enfermedad de Derrite en plantas de café (Coffea arabica) variedad geisha, en los distritos de Boquete y Volcán de la provincia de Chiriquí.

Estas lesiones mostraban muerte descendente en ramas terminales y clorosis en las hojas, con manchas marrones descendiendo de la rama principal a las secundarias.

Se realizaron giras de campo para la toma de muestras y se llevaron al laboratorio, y en base a la morfología, la secuenciación de ADN, y pruebas de patogenicidad, se identificó como agente causal al hongo Boeremia exigua, siendo este, el primer reporte de éste patógeno sobre C. arabica variedad geisha en Panamá.

Palabras claves: Boeremia, Café, Derrite, Planta, Enfermedad
Estrategias didácticas para el desarrollo exitoso de la innovación y el emprendimiento en la educación superior
Authors: Ramos Sánchez Erick , López de Ramos Aura
Published: July 2021

La pandemia por Covid-19 ha impulsado la necesidad de ofrecer una formación más efectiva en innovación y emprendimiento como parte de la solución al gran problema mundial y persistente del desempleo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue formular estrategias didácticas usadas en cursos básicos y especializados de pregrado y grado para el desarrollo de experiencias de aprendizaje significativas. La investigación se cimentó en la teoría de la sistematización de experiencias prácticas. Se identificaron y aislaron las estrategias didácticas usadas por los profesores del curso que han atendido a 261 estudiantes a lo largo de 12 períodos académicos en que se ha ofrecido esta asignatura a las 18 carreras que ofrece la institución a nivel de Licenciaturas. El modelo pedagógico usado por la institución es el de Flipped Learning (modalidad semipresencial o virtual). Se encontró que las estrategias que el docente debe incluir para favorecer un ambiente creativo son: 1. Planificación flexible, 2. Adaptación conceptual, 3. Clima distendido y gratificante para los estudiantes, 4. Roles participativos e interactivos, 5. Productividad o realización personal, 6. Satisfacción discente y conciencia de autoaprendizaje.
Los profesores Los profesores de matemáticas y la articulación de sentidos asignados a representaciones semióticas en situaciones de tratamiento. El caso de la probabilidad simple
Authors: Osorio Gladys Mejia , Garzón Pedro Javier Rojas
Published: July 2021

Se presentan resultados parciales de una investigación sobre dificultades que encuentran profesores de matemáticas para articular sentidos asignados a representaciones semióticas obtenidas mediante tratamiento, específicamente relacionadas con una tarea de probabilidad: “lanzar un dado y obtener un número par”, analizada con herramientas del Enfoque Ontosemiótico (EOS), la cual se desarrolló en el marco del Doctorado en Educación de la Universidad Francisco José de Caldas (Colombia). Se realizó desde un estudio de caso, a partir de entrevistas basadas en tareas. Se evidenció que los profesores calculan correctamente la probabilidad pedida, reconocen que ésta puede representarse mediante diferentes expresiones aritméticas (equivalencia sintáctica); sin embargo, no reconocen la equivalencia semántica entre dichas expresiones; adicionalmente, estos resultados son similares a los reportados en investigaciones previas realizadas con estudiantes.
The Effect of Mutations in the TPR and Ankyrin Families of Alpha Solenoid Repeat Proteins
Authors: Izert Matylda Anna , Szybowska Patrycja Emanuela , Górna Maria Wiktoria , Merski Matthew
Published: July 2021

Protein repeats are short, highly similar peptide motifs that occur several times within a single protein, for example the TPR and Ankyrin repeats. Understanding the role of mutation in these proteins is complicated by the competing facts that 1) the repeats are much more restricted to a set sequence than non-repeat proteins, so mutations should be harmful much more often because there are more residues that are heavily restricted due to the need of the sequence to repeat and 2) the symmetry of the repeats in allows the distribution of functional contributions over a number of residues so that sometimes no specific site is singularly responsible for function (unlike enzymatic active site catalytic residues). To address this issue, we review the effects of mutations in a number of natural repeat proteins from the tetratricopeptide and Ankyrin repeat families. We find that mutations are context dependent. Some mutations are indeed highly disruptive to the function of the protein repeats while mutations in identical positions in other repeats in the same protein have little to no effect on structure or function.
Alterations of Gut Microbiota in Patients With Intestinal Tuberculosis That Different From Crohn’s Disease
Authors: He Cong , Wang Huan , Yu Chen , Peng Chao , Shu Xu , Liao Wangdi , Zhu Zhenhua
Published: July 2021

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are chronic inflammatory bowel disorders that are associated with dysregulated mucosal immunity. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the regulation of host immunity and inflammatory response. Although mounting evidence has linked CD with the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, the characteristic profiles of mucosal bacteria in ITB remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the alterations of the gut microbiota in ITB and compare the microbial structure of ITB with CD. A total of 71 mucosal samples were collected from patients with ITB, CD, and healthy controls (HC), and then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. The overall composition of gut microbiota in ITB was strikingly different from HC, with the dominance of Proteobacteria and reduction of Firmicutes. Of note, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus were decreased in ITB relative to HC, while Klebsiella and Pseudomonas were enriched. Multiple predictive functional modules were altered in ITB, including the over-representation of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection that can promote inflammation. Additionally, the microbial structure in CD was distinctly different from ITB, characterized by lower alpha diversity and increased abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Collinsella, and Klebsiella. These four bacterial markers distinguished ITB from CD with an area under the curve of 97.6%. This study established the compositional and functional perturbation of the gut microbiome in ITB and suggested the potential for using gut microbiota as biomarkers to differentiate ITB from CD.
Profiling of Sexually Dimorphic Genes in Neural Cells to Identify Eif2s3y, Whose Overexpression Causes Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Mice
Authors: Zhang Muxian , Zhou Yunqiang , Jiang Yiru , Lu Zhancheng , Xiao Xiaoxia , Ning Jinhuan , Sun Hao , Zhang Xian , Luo Hong , Can Dan , Lu Jinsheng , Xu Huaxi , Zhang Yun-wu
Published: July 2021

Many neurological disorders exhibit sex differences and sex-specific therapeutic responses. Unfortunately, significant amounts of studies investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these neurological disorders use primary cell cultures with undetermined sexes; and this may be a source for contradictory results among different studies and impair the validity of study conclusion. Herein, we comprehensively compared sexual dimorphism of gene expression in primary neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from neonatal mouse brains. We found that overall sexually dimorphic gene numbers were relatively low in these primary cells, with microglia possessing the most (264 genes), neurons possessing the medium (69 genes), and astrocytes possessing the least (30 genes). KEGG analysis indicated that sexually dimorphic genes in these three cell types were strongly enriched for the immune system and immune-related diseases. Furthermore, we identified that sexually dimorphic genes shared by these primary cells dominantly located on the Y chromosome, includingDdx3y,Eif2s3y,Kdm5d, andUty. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression ofEif2s3yincreased synaptic transmission specifically in male neurons and caused autism-like behaviors specifically in male mice. Together, our results demonstrate that the sex of primary cells should be considered when these cells are used for studying the molecular mechanism underlying neurological disorders with sex-biased susceptibility, especially those related to immune dysfunction. Moreover, our findings indicate that dysregulation of sexually dimorphic genes on the Y chromosome may also result in autism and possibly other neurological disorders, providing new insights into the genetic driver of sex differences in neurological disorders.
Epigenetic Effects Promoted by Neonicotinoid Thiacloprid Exposure
Authors: Hartman Colin , Legoff Louis , Capriati Martina , Lecuyer Gwendoline , Kernanec Pierre-Yves , Tevosian Sergei , D’Cruz Shereen Cynthia , Smagulova Fatima
Published: July 2021

Background

Neonicotinoids, a widely used class of insecticide, have attracted much attention because of their widespread use that has resulted in the decline of the bee population. Accumulating evidence suggests potential animal and human exposure to neonicotinoids, which is a cause of public concern.

Objectives

In this study, we examined the effects of a neonicotinoid, thiacloprid (thia), on the male reproductive system.

Methods

The pregnant outbred Swiss female mice were exposed to thia at embryonic days E6.5 to E15.5 using “0,” “0.06,” “0.6,” and “6” mg/kg/day doses. Adult male progeny was analyzed for morphological and cytological defects in the testes using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. We also used immunofluorescence, Western blotting, RT-qPCR and RNA-seq techniques for the analyses of the effects of thia on testis.

Results

We found that exposure to thia causes a decrease in spermatozoa at doses “0.6” and “6” and leads to telomere defects at all tested doses. At doses “0.6” and “6,” thia exposure leads to an increase in meiotic pachytene cells and a decrease in lumen size, these changes were accompanied by increased testis-to-body weight ratios at high dose. By using RNA-seq approach we found that genes encoding translation, ATP production, ATP-dependent proteins and chromatin-modifying enzymes were deregulated in testes. In addition, we found that exposure to thia results in a decrease in H3K9me3 levels in spermatocytes. The changes in H3K9me3 were associated with a dramatic increase in activity of retroelements.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that gestational exposure to thia affects epigenetic mechanisms controlling meiosis which could lead to deleterious effects on male spermatogenesis.
Atomic Regulation of PGM Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Menghao , Chen Changli , Zhao Yizhou , Zhu Enbo , Li Yujing
Published: July 2021

With the increasing enthusiasm for the hydrogen economy and zero-emission fuel cell technologies, intensive efforts have been dedicated to the development of high-performance electrocatalytic materials for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Some major fundamental breakthroughs have been made in the past few years. Therefore, reviewing the most recent development of platinum-group-metal (PGM) ORR electrocatalysts is of great significance to pushing it forward. It is known that the ORR on the fuel cell electrode is a heterogeneous reaction occurring at the solid/liquid interface, wherein the electron reduces the oxygen along with species in the electrolyte. Therefore, the ORR kinetic is in close correlation with the electronic density of states and wave function, which are dominated by the localized atomic structure including the atomic distance and coordination number (CN). In this review, the recent development in the regulation over the localized state on the catalyst surface is narrowed down to the following structural factors whereby the corresponding strategies include: the crystallographic facet engineering, phase engineering, strain engineering, and defect engineering. Although these strategies show distinctive features, they are not entirely independent, because they all correlate with the atomic local structure. This review will be mainly divided into four parts with critical analyses and comparisons of breakthroughs. Meanwhile, each part is described with some more specific techniques as a methodological guideline. It is hoped that the review will enhance an insightful understanding on PGM catalysts of ORR with a visionary outlook.
What Are the Modulators of Cross-Language Syntactic Activation During Natural Reading?
Authors: Vingron Naomi , Palma Pauline , Gullifer Jason W. , Whitford Veronica , Friesen Deanna , Jared Debra , Titone Debra
Published: July 2021

Bilinguals juggle knowledge of multiple languages, including syntactic constructions that can mismatch (e.g., the red car, la voiture rouge; Mary sees it, Mary le voit). We used eye-tracking to examine whether French-English (n = 23) and English-French (n = 21) bilingual adults activate non-target language syntax during English L2 (Experiment 1) and L1 (Experiment 2) reading, and whether this differed from functionally monolingual English reading (Experiment 3, n = 26). People read English sentences containing syntactic constructions that were either partially shared across languages (adjective-noun constructions) or completely unshared (object-pronoun constructions). These constructions were presented in an intact form, or in a violated form that was French-consistent or French-inconsistent. For both L2 and L1 reading, bilinguals read French-consistent adjective-noun violations relatively quickly, suggesting cross-language activation. This did not occur when the same people read object-pronoun constructions manipulated in the same manner. Surprisingly, English readers exposed to French in their lifetime but functionally monolingual, also read French-consistent violations for adjective-noun constructions faster, particularly for some items. However, when we controlled for item differences in the L2 and L1 reading data, cross-language effects observed were similar to the original data pattern. Moreover, individual differences in L2 experience modulated both L2 and L1 reading for adjective-noun constructions, consistent with a cross-language activation interpretation of the data. These findings are consistent with the idea of syntactic cross-language activation during reading for some constructions. However, for several reasons, cross-language syntactic activation during comprehension may be overall more variable and challenging to investigate methodologically compared to past work on other forms of cross-language activation (i.e., single words).
Emotions and Cultural Importance Predict the Acceptance of Large Carnivore Management Strategies by Maasai Pastoralists
Authors: Dheer Arjun , Davidian Eve , Jacobs Maarten H. , Ndorosa Julius , Straka Tanja M. , Höner Oliver P.
Published: July 2021

Management strategies to reduce human-carnivore conflict are most effective when accepted by local communities. Previous studies have suggested that the acceptance depends on emotions toward carnivores, the cultural importance of carnivores, and livestock depredation, and that it may vary depending on the types of strategies and carnivores involved. However, no study so far considered these factors simultaneously to compare their influence on the acceptance of management strategies. We quantified the predictive potential of these factors on the acceptance of three management strategies frequently applied to mitigate human-carnivore conflict: no action, relocation, and lethal control. We interviewed 100 members of the Maasai community in Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. We used structured, closed questionnaires and focused on the three large carnivores involved in the most depredation regionally: spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), lions (Panthera leo), and leopards (Panthera pardus). We found that the majority of respondents accepted no action and rejected relocation and lethal control for all three carnivores. The acceptance of the management strategies was strongly influenced by the emotion joy and by the cultural importance of carnivores, and the effects of joy and cultural importance were stronger than the effect of livestock depredation. We conclude that authorities should evaluate the emotions and cultural importance that local communities associate with carnivores when seeking to gain acceptance of management strategies and account for differences between species. Finally, we recommend that future human-carnivore coexistence studies should consider the socio-psychology of local communities and be done longitudinally to detect shifts in cultural, emotional, and ecological factors over time.
Association Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Heart Failure: Results From NHANES (1999–2018)
Authors: Liu Zuheng , Liu Haiyue , Deng Qinsheng , Sun Changqing , He Wangwei , Zheng Wuyang , Tang Rong , Li Weihua , Xie Qiang
Published: July 2021

Objective: To explore the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and heart failure (HF) in participants with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Methods: NHANES (1998–2018) data were collected and used to assess the association of HF with DII. Twenty-four-hour dietary consumptions were used to calculate the scores of DII. Demographic characteristics and physical and laboratory examinations were collected for the comparison between HF and non-HF groups. Logistic regression analysis and random forest analysis were performed to calculate the odds rate and determine the potential beneficial dietary components in HF.

Results: A total of 19,067 cardiac-cerebral vascular disease participants were categorized as HF (n = 1,382; 7.25%) and non-HF (n = 17,685; 92.75%) groups. Heart failure participants had higher levels of DII score compared with those in the non-HF group (0.239 ± 1.702 vs. −0.145 ± 1.704, p < 0.001). Compared with individuals with T1 (DII: −3.884 to −0.570) of DII, those in T3 (DII: 1.019 to 4.598) had a higher level of total cholesterol (4.49 ± 1.16 vs. 4.75 ± 1.28 mmol/L, p < 0.01), globulin (29.92 ± 5.37 vs. 31.29 ± 5.84 g/L, p < 0.001), and pulse rate (69.90 ± 12.22 vs. 72.22 ± 12.77, p < 0.001) and lower levels of albumin (40.76 ± 3.52 vs. 39.86 ± 3.83 g/L, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (13.76 ± 1.65 vs. 13.46 ± 1.77 g/dl, p < 0.05), and hematocrit (40.83 ± 4.69 vs. 40.17 ± 5.01%, p < 0.05). The odds rates of HF for DII from the logistic regression were 1.140, 1.158, and 1.110 in models 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In addition, from the results of random forest analysis, dietary magnesium, fiber, and beta carotene may be essential in HF.

Conclusion: Dietary inflammatory index was positively associated with HF in US adults, and dietary intervention might be a promising method in the therapy of HF.
Feeding Ecology of Invasive Three-Spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in Relation to Native Juvenile Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the Pelagic Zone of Upper Lake Constance
Authors: Bretzel Joachim Benedikt , Geist Juergen , Gugele Sarah Maria , Baer Jan , Brinker Alexander
Published: July 2021

The fish community of Lake Constance, a large, deep, oligotrophic lake has undergone drastic changes in recent years, with the sudden rise to dominance of invasive three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the pelagic zone, a rather atypical habitat for this species in Central Europe. The core objective of this study was to compare the feeding ecology of stickleback and young Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) in this unique situation to identify reasons for this unexpected dominance, a possible food niche and feeding time overlap, and to discuss consequences for the reshaped pelagic fish community. The diel feeding patterns and prey compositions of pelagic sticklebacks and juvenile (0+) perch sampled in October 2018 and March 2019 were studied analyzing stomach contents. The diets of both species mostly comprised zooplankton, with copepods appearing in the greatest numbers. Benthic and airborne insects were consumed occasionally, mostly by sticklebacks. Both species exhibited peaks of feeding activity early in the morning, afternoon and dusk, and in both species, stomachs were fullest at dusk. Stickleback stomachs contained about 20% more prey at night than perch, and mean estimated nocturnal stomach fullness values were almost 50% greater. Night feeding in sticklebacks was confirmed by digestive states, pointing to a possible competitive advantage over perch. Dietary composition varied over a 24-h cycle and the pattern of consumption of different prey varied between the species. Perch consumed more comparatively small cladocerans (Bosmina spp.), while larger Daphnia appeared more often in stickleback stomachs. In both species, seasonal variation in diet mirrored food availability, indicating some degree of opportunism. A Morisita-Horn index value of 0.95 confirmed dietary niche overlap between species, suggesting the large population of sticklebacks may exert a competitive effect on juvenile perch when resources are limited. Both the longer feeding periods and greater intake of nutritive high quality prey like daphnids can contribute to the rapid success of stickleback in dominating the pelagic zone of Lake Constance.
Identification of Potential Signatures and Their Functions for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Study Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Wang Weimin , Lyu Chunhui , Wang Fei , Wang Congcong , Wu Feifei , Li Xue , Gan Silin
Published: July 2021

Objective

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to explore potential signatures and their functions for ALL.

Methods

Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified for ALL from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and normal control from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). DElncRNA–microRNA (miRNA) and miRNA–DEmRNA pairs were predicted using online databases. Then, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. Functional enrichment analysis of DEmRNAs in the ceRNA network was performed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed. Hub genes were identified. DElncRNAs in the ceRNA network were validated using Real-time qPCR.

Results

A total of 2,903 up- and 3,228 downregulated mRNAs and 469 up- and 286 downregulated lncRNAs were identified for ALL. A ceRNA network was constructed for ALL, consisting of 845 lncRNA-miRNA and 395 miRNA–mRNA pairs. These DEmRNAs in the ceRNA network were mainly enriched in ALL-related biological processes and pathways. Ten hub genes were identified, including SMAD3, SMAD7, SMAD5, ZFYVE9, FKBP1A, FZD6, FZD7, LRP6, WNT1, and SFRP1. According to Real-time qPCR, eight lncRNAs including ATP11A-AS1, ITPK1-AS1, ANO1-AS2, CRNDE, MALAT1, CACNA1C-IT3, PWRN1, and WT1-AS were significantly upregulated in ALL bone marrow samples compared to normal samples.

Conclusion

Our results showed the lncRNA expression profiles and constructed ceRNA network in ALL. Furthermore, eight lncRNAs including ATP11A-AS1, ITPK1-AS1, ANO1-AS2, CRNDE, MALAT1, CACNA1C-IT3, PWRN1, and WT1-AS were identified. These results could provide a novel insight into the study of ALL.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Early Flowering 4 (ELF4) Gene Family in Cotton and Silent GhELF4-1 and GhEFL3-6 Decreased Cotton Stress Resistance
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Wu Aimin , Zhang Meng , Zhang Jingjing , Wei Hengling , Yang Xu , Ma Liang , Lu Jianhua , Fu Xiaokang , Wang Hantao , Yu Shuxun
Published: July 2021

The early flowering 4 (ELF4) family members play multiple roles in the physiological development of plants. ELF4s participated in the plant biological clock’s regulation process, photoperiod, hypocotyl elongation, and flowering time. However, the function in the ELF4s gene is barely known. In this study, 11, 12, 21, and 22 ELF4 genes were identified from the genomes of Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium barbadense, respectively. There ELF4s genes were classified into four subfamilies, and members from the same subfamily show relatively conservative gene structures. The results of gene chromosome location and gene duplication revealed that segmental duplication promotes gene expansion, and the Ka/Ks indicated that the ELF4 gene family has undergone purification selection during long-term evolution. Spatio-temporal expression patterns and qRT-PCR showed that GhELF4 genes were mainly related to flower, leaf, and fiber development. Cis-acting elements analysis and qRT-PCR showed that GhELF4 genes might be involved in the regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) or light pathways. Silencing of GhELF4-1 and GhEFL3-6 significantly affected the height of cotton seedlings and reduced the resistance of cotton. The identification and functional analysis of ELF4 genes in upland cotton provide more candidate genes for genetic modification.
Effects of Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein (LBP) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in Infections, Inflammatory Diseases, Metabolic Disorders and Cancers
Authors: Meng Leilei , Song Zichen , Liu Anding , Dahmen Uta , Yang Xiao , Fang Haoshu
Published: July 2021

Inflammation, which is induced by the immune response, is recognized as the driving factor in many diseases, including infections and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders and cancers. Genetic variations in pivotal genes associated with the immune response, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), may account for predisposition and clinical outcome of diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) functions as an enhancer of the host response to LPS, the main component of the outer membrane of gram-native bacteria. Given the crucial role of LBP in inflammation, we will review the impact of SNPs in the LBP gene on infections and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders and cancers.
Role of Th22 Cells in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Jiang Qi , Yang Guocan , Xiao Fan , Xie Jue , Wang Shengjun , Lu Liwei , Cui Dawei
Published: July 2021

Upon antigenic stimulation, naïve CD4+T cells differentiate into different subsets and secrete various cytokines to exert biological effects. Th22 cells, a newly identified CD4+T cell subset,are distinct from the Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets. Th22 cells secrete certain cytokines such as IL-22, IL-13 and TNF-α, but not others, such as IL-17, IL-4, or interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and they express chemokine receptors CCR4, CCR6 and CCR10. Th22 cells were initially found to play a role in skin inflammatory diseases, but recent studies have demonstrated their involvement in the development of various autoimmune diseases. Here, we review research advances in the origin, characteristics and effector mechanisms of Th22 cells, with an emphasis on the role of Th22 cells and their main effector cytokine IL-22 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The findings presented here may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for targeting these diseases.
Management Implications for Skates and Rays Based on Analysis of Life History Parameters
Authors: Liu Kwang-Ming , Huang Ya-Wen , Hsu Hua-Hsun
Published: July 2021

The life history (age and growth and reproduction) parameters of 35 species (41 stocks) of skates and rays were analyzed using multivariate analyses. Three groups were categorized by cluster analysis (CA) based on principal component scores. Empirical equation was developed for each group to describe the relationships between the predicted a finite rate of population increase (λ′) and the life history parameters: growth coefficient (k), asymptotic length (L∞), age at maturity (Tm), annual fecundity (f/Rc), ratio between size at birth (Lb), and L∞ (Lb/L∞), and ratio between size at maturity (Lm) and L∞ (Lm/L∞). Group 1 included species with slow growth rates (k < 0.011 year–1), early maturity (Lm/L∞ < 0.62), and extended longevity (Tmax > 25 years); Group 2 included species with intermediate growth rates (0.080 year–1 < k < 0.190 year–1), intermediate longevity (17 years < Tmax < 35 years), and late maturity (Lm/L∞ > 0.60); Group 3 included species with a fast growth rate (k > 0.160 year–1), short longevity (Tmax < 23 years), and large size at birth (Lb/L∞ > 0.18). The λ′ values estimated by these empirical equations showed good agreement with those calculated using conventional demographic analysis, suggesting that this approach can be applied in the implementation of management measures for data-limited skates and rays in a precautionary manner.
Linear Peptides—A Combinatorial Innovation in the Venom of Some Modern Spiders
Authors: Kuhn-Nentwig Lucia , Lischer Heidi E. L. , Pekár Stano , Langenegger Nicolas , Albo Maria J. , Isaia Marco , Nentwig Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

In the venom of spiders, linear peptides (LPs), also called cytolytical or antimicrobial peptides, represent a largely neglected group of mostly membrane active substances that contribute in some spider species considerably to the killing power of spider venom. By next-generation sequencing venom gland transcriptome analysis, we investigated 48 spider species from 23 spider families and detected LPs in 20 species, belonging to five spider families (Ctenidae, Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, Pisauridae, and Zodariidae). The structural diversity is extraordinary high in some species: the lynx spider Oxyopes heterophthalmus contains 62 and the lycosid Pardosa palustris 60 different LPs. In total, we identified 524 linear peptide structures and some of them are in lycosids identical on amino acid level. LPs are mainly encoded in complex precursor structures in which, after the signal peptide and propeptide, 13 or more LPs (Hogna radiata) are connected by linkers. Besides Cupiennius species, also in Oxyopidae, posttranslational modifications of some precursor structures result in the formation of two-chain peptides. It is obvious that complex precursor structures represent a very suitable and fast method to produce a high number and a high diversity of bioactive LPs as economically as possible. At least in Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, and in the genus Cupiennius, LPs reach very high Transcripts Per Kilobase Million values, indicating functional importance within the envenomation process.
Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Contains Increased Percentages of Synaptophysin-Bearing Microvesicles
Authors: Utz Janine , Berner Judith , Muñoz Luis Enrique , Oberstein Timo Jan , Kornhuber Johannes , Herrmann Martin , Maler Juan Manuel , Spitzer Philipp
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In Alzheimer’s disease, the severity of symptoms is linked to a loss of synaptic density and the spread of pathologically hyperphosphorylated tau. The established cerebrospinal fluid markers Aβ, tau and phospho-tau reflect the histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease but do not indicate disease progression. Such markers are of special interest, especially for trials of disease modifying drugs. Microvesicles are produced by stressed cells and reflect part of the metabolism of their cells of origin. Therefore, we investigated microvesicles of neuronal origin in cerebrospinal fluid.

Materials and Methods

We used flow cytometry to analyze microvesicles carrying tau, phospho-tau-Thr181, phospho-tau-Ser202Thr205, synaptophysin, and SNAP-25 in the cerebrospinal fluid of 19 patients with Alzheimer’s disease and 15 non-inflammatory neurological disease controls.

Results

The percentages of synaptophysin-bearing microvesicles were significantly higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s disease than in the CSF of non-inflammatory neurological disease controls. Tau, phospho-tau-Thr181, phospho-tau-Ser202Thr205, and SNAP-25 did not differ between the groups. The percentages of synaptophysin-bearing vesicles distinguished patients with Alzheimer’s disease from the controls (AUC = 0.81).

Conclusion

The loss of synapses in Alzheimer’s disease may be reflected by synaptophysin-bearing microvesicles in the cerebrospinal fluid. Future studies are needed to investigate the possibility of using these MVs as a marker to determine the activity of Alzheimer’s disease.
Onset Symptom Clusters in Multiple Sclerosis: Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Risk Factors
Authors: Ajdacic-Gross Vladeta , Steinemann Nina , Horváth Gábor , Rodgers Stephanie , Kaufmann Marco , Xu Yanhua , Kamm Christian P. , Kesselring Jürg , Manjaly Zina-Mary , Zecca Chiara , Calabrese Pasquale , Puhan Milo A. , Wyl Viktor von
Published: July 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are expected to aggregate in specific patterns across different stages of the disease. Here, we studied the clustering of onset symptoms and examined their characteristics, comorbidity patterns and associations with potential risk factors.

Methods: Data stem from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry, a prospective study including 2,063 participants by November 2019. MS onset symptoms were clustered using latent class analysis (LCA). The latent classes were further examined using information on socio-demographic characteristics, MS-related features, potential risk factors, and comorbid diseases.

Results: The LCA model with six classes (frequencies ranging from 12 to 24%) was selected for further analyses. The latent classes comprised a multiple symptoms class with high probabilities across several symptoms, contrasting with two classes with solitary onset symptoms: vision problems and paresthesia. Two gait classes emerged between these extremes: the gait-balance class and the gait-paralysis class. The last class was the fatigue-weakness-class, also accompanied by depression symptoms, memory, and gastro-intestinal problems. There was a moderate variation by sex and by MS types. The multiple symptoms class yielded increased comorbidity with other autoimmune disorders. Similar to the fatigue-weakness class, the multiple symptoms class showed associations with angina, skin diseases, migraine, and lifetime prevalence of smoking. Mononucleosis was more frequently reported in the fatigue-weakness and the paresthesia class. Familial aggregation did not differ among the classes.

Conclusions: Clustering of MS onset symptoms provides new perspectives on the heterogeneity of MS. The clusters comprise different potential risk factors and comorbidities. They point toward different risk mechanisms.