bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competitive state of actions during planning predicts sequence execution accuracy
Authors: Mantziara Myrto , Ivanov Tsvetoslav , Houghton George , Kornysheva Katja 
Published: May 2020

SummaryHumans can learn and retrieve novel skilled movement sequences from memory, yet the content and structure of sequence planning are not well understood. Previous computational and neurophysiological work suggests that actions in a sequence are planned as parallel graded activations and selected for output through competition (competitive queuing; CQ). However, the relevance of CQ during planning to sequence fluency and accuracy, as opposed to sequence timing, is unclear. To resolve this question, we assessed the competitive state of constituent actions behaviourally during sequence preparation. In three separate multi-session experiments, 55 healthy participants were trained to retrieve and produce 4-finger sequences with particular timing from long-term memory. In addition to sequence production, we evaluated reaction time (RT) and error rate increase to constituent action probes at several points during the preparation period. Our results demonstrate that longer preparation time produces a steeper CQ activation and selection gradient between adjacent sequence elements, whilst no effect was found for sequence speed or temporal structure. Further, participants with a steeper CQ gradient tended to produce correct sequences faster and with a higher temporal accuracy. In a computational model, we hypothesize that the CQ gradient during planning is driven by the width of acquired positional tuning of each sequential item, independently of timing. Our results suggest that competitive activation during sequence planning is established gradually during sequence planning and predicts sequence fluency and accuracy, rather than the speed or temporal structure of the motor sequence.HighlightsPre-ordering of actions during sequence planning can be assessed behaviourallyCompetitive gradient reflects sequence preparedness and skill, but not speed or timingGradient is retrieved rapidly and revealed during automatic action selectionPositional tuning of actions boosts the competitive gradient during planning
Computing temporal sequences associated with dynamic patterns on the C. elegans connectome
Authors: George Vivek Kurien , Puppo Francesca , Silva Gabriel A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how the structural connectivity of a network constrains the dynamics it is able to support is a very active and open area of research. We simulated the plausible dynamics resulting from the known C. elegans connectome using a recent model and theoretical analysis that computes the dynamics of neurobiological networks by focusing on how local interactions among connected neurons give rise to the global dynamics in an emergent way, independent of the biophysical or molecular details of the cells themselves. We studied the dynamics which resulted from stimulating a chemosensory neuron (ASEL) in a known feeding circuit, both in isolation and embedded in the full connectome. We show that contralateral motor neuron activations in ventral (VB) and dorsal (DB) classes of motor neurons emerged from the simulations, which are qualitatively similar to rhythmic motor neuron firing pattern associated with locomotion of the worm. One interpretation of these results is that there is an inherent - and we propose - purposeful structural wiring to the C. elegans connectome that has evolved to serve specific behavioral functions. To study network signaling pathways responsible for the dynamics we developed an analytic framework that constructs Temporal Sequences (TSeq), time-ordered walks of signals on graphs. We found that only 5% of TSeq are preserved between the isolated feeding network relative to its embedded counterpart. The remaining 95% of signaling pathways computed in the isolated network are not present in the embedded network. This suggests a cautionary note for computational studies of isolated neurobiological circuits and networks.
The Genetic Architecture of DNA Replication Timing in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ding Qiliang , Edwards Matthew M. , Hulke Michelle L. , Bracci Alexa N. , Hu Ya , Tong Yao , Zhu Xiang , Hsiao Joyce , Charvet Christine J. , Ghosh Sulagna , Handsaker Robert E. , Eggan Kevin , Merkle Florian T. , Gerhardt Jeannine , Egli Dieter , Clark Andrew G. , Koren Amnon 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDNA replication follows a strict spatiotemporal program that intersects with chromatin structure and gene regulation. However, the genetic basis of the mammalian DNA replication timing program is poorly understood1–3. To systematically identify genetic regulators of DNA replication timing, we exploited inter-individual variation in 457 human pluripotent stem cell lines from 349 individuals. We show that the human genome’s replication program is broadly encoded in DNA and identify 1,617cis-acting replication timing quantitative trait loci (rtQTLs4) – base-pair-resolution sequence determinants of replication initiation. rtQTLs function individually, or in combinations of proximal and distal regulators, to affect replication timing. Analysis of rtQTL locations reveals a histone code for replication initiation, composed of bivalent histone H3 trimethylation marks on a background of histone hyperacetylation. The H3 trimethylation marks are individually repressive yet synergize to promote early replication. We further identify novel positive and negative regulators of DNA replication timing, the former comprised of pluripotency-related transcription factors while the latter involve boundary elements. Human replication timing is controlled by a multi-layered mechanism that operates on target DNA sequences, is composed of dozens of effectors working combinatorially, and follows principles analogous to transcription regulation: a histone code, activators and repressors, and a promoter-enhancer logic.
Effect of underlying comorbidities on the infection and severity of COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Ji Wonjun , Huh Kyungmin , Kang Minsun , Hong Jinwook , Bae Gi Hwan , Lee Rugyeom , Na Yewon , Choi Hyoseon , Gong Seon Yeong , Choi Yoon-Hyeong , Ko Kwang-Pil , Im Jeong-Soo , Jung Jaehun 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging threat worldwide. It is still unclear how comorbidities affect the risk of infection and severity of COVID-19.MethodsA nationwide retrospective case-control study of 65,149 individuals, aged 18 years or older, whose medical cost for COVID-19 testing were claimed until April 8, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID-19 and severity of COVID-19 infection were identified from the reimbursement data using diagnosis codes and based on whether respiratory support was used, respectively. Odds ratios were estimated using multiple logistic regression, after adjusting for age, sex, region, healthcare utilization, and insurance status.ResultsThe COVID-19 group (5,172 of 65,149) was younger and showed higher proportion of females. 5.6% (293 of 5,172) of COVID-19 cases were severe. The severe COVID-19 group had older patients and a higher male ratio than the non-severe group. Cushing syndrome (Odds ratio range (ORR) 2.059-2.358), chronic renal disease (ORR 1.292-1.604), anemia (OR 1.132), bone marrow dysfunction (ORR 1.471-1.645), and schizophrenia (ORR 1.287-1.556) showed significant association with infection of COVID-19. In terms of severity, diabetes (OR 1.417, 95% CI 1.047-1.917), hypertension (OR 1.378, 95% CI 1.008-1.883), heart failure (ORR 1.562-1.730), chronic lower respiratory disease (ORR 1.361-1.413), non-infectious lower digestive system disease (ORR 1.361-1.418), rheumatoid arthritis (ORR 1.865-1.908), substance use (ORR 2.790-2.848), and schizophrenia (ORR 3.434-3.833) were related with severe COVID-19.ConclusionsWe identified several comorbidities associated with COVID-19. Health care workers should be more careful when diagnosing and treating COVID-19 when the patient has the above-mentioned comorbidities.Take Home messageComorbidities that might be associated with COVID-19 infection and severe clinical course were identified, which could assist in formulating public health measures to mitigate the risk in groups with increased risk.
Functionally unique, specialised, and endangered (FUSE) species: towards integrated metrics for the conservation prioritisation toolbox
Authors: Griffin J. N. , Leprieur F. , Silvestro D. , Lefcheck J. S. , Albouy C. , Rasher D. B. , Davis M. , Svenning J.-C. , Pimiento C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIdentifying species with disproportionate contributions to biodiversity can lead to effective conservation prioritisation. Despite well-established methods for identifying endangered species adding inordinately toevolutionarydiversity, in this contextfunctionaldiversity has been overlooked. Here, we compare different metrics designed to identify threatened species that contribute strongly to functional diversity. We use the diverse and threatened global marine megafauna as a case study. We found that functional contributions of species are not fully captured in a single metric. Although we found a very strong correlation between functional specialisation and distinctiveness, functional uniqueness was only moderately correlated with the other two metrics and identified a different set of top-10 species. These functional contributions were then integrated and combined with extinction risk to identify species that are both important contributors to functional diversityandendangered. For instance, the top-10FunctionallyUniqueSpecialized andEndangered (FUSE) species contains three critically endangered, five endangered and two vulnerable species which - despite comprising only 3% of species - are among the top 10% most functionally unique and hold 15% of the global functional richness. The FUSE index was remarkably robust to different mathematical formulations. Combining one or more facets of a species contribution to functional diversity with endangerment, such as with the FUSE index, adds to the toolbox for conservation prioritisation. Nevertheless, we discuss how these new tools must be handled with care alongside other metrics and information.
Potential modes of COVID-19 transmission from human eye revealed by single-cell atlas
Authors: Hamashima Kiyofumi , Gautam Pradeep , Lau Katherine Anne , Khiong Chan Woon , Blenkinsop Timothy A , Li Hu , Loh Yuin-Han 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere is a pressing urgency to understand the entry route of SARS-CoV-2 viruses into the human body. SARS-CoV-2 viruses enter through ACE2 receptors after the S proteins of the virus are primed by proteases such as TMPRSS2. Most studies focused on the airway epithelial and lung alveolar cells as the route of infection, while the mode of transmission through the ocular route is not well established. Here, we profiled the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptors and receptor-associated enzymes at single-cell resolution of thirty-three human ocular cell types. We identified unique populations of corneal cells with high ACE2 expression, among which the conjunctival cells co-expressed both ACE2 and TMPRSS2, suggesting that they could serve as the entry points for the virus. Integrative analysis further models the signaling and transcription regulon networks involved in the infection of distinct corneal cells. Our work constitutes a unique resource for the development of new treatments and management of COVID-19.
Flies improve the salience of iridescent sexual signals by orienting toward the sun
Authors: White Thomas E. , Latty Tanya 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSunlight is the ultimate source of most visual signals. Theory predicts strong selection for its effective use during communication, with functional links between signal designs and display behaviours a likely result. This is particularly true for iridescent structural colours, whose moment-to-moment appearance bears a heightened sensitivity to the position of signallers, receivers, and the sun. Here we experimentally tested this prediction usingLispe cana, a muscid fly in which males present their structurally coloured faces and wings to females during ground-based sexual displays. In field-based assays we found that males actively bias the orientation of their displays toward the solar azimuth under conditions of full sunlight and do so across the entire day. This bias breaks down, however, when the sun is naturally concealed by heavy cloud or experimentally obscured. Our modelling of the appearance of male signals revealed clear benefits for the salience of male ornaments, with a roughly four-fold increase in subjective luminance achievable through accurate display orientation. These findings offer fine-scale, causal evidence for the active control of sexual displays to enhance the appearance of iridescent signals. More broadly, they speak to predicted coevolution between dynamic signal designs and presentation behaviours, and support arguments for a richer appreciation of the fluidity of visual communication.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the landscape of early female germ cell development
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Hui , Ma Jun-Yu , Meng Tie-Gang , Wang Zhen-Bo , Yue Wei , Zhou Qian , Li Sen , Feng Xie , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Ou Xiang-Hong , Sun Qing-Yuan 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTFemale germ cell development consists of complex events including sex determination, meiosis initiation, retardation and resumption. During early oogenesis, the asynchrony of the transition from mitosis to meiosis results in heterogeneity in the female germ cell populations at a certain embryonic stage, which limits the studies of meiosis initiation and progression at a higher resolution level. Here, we investigated the transcriptional profiles of 19363 single germ cells collected from E12.5, E14.5 and E16.5 mouse fetal ovaries. Clustering analysis identified seven groups and defined dozens of corresponding transcription factors, providing a global view of cellular differentiation from primordial germ cells towards meiocytes. Further, we explored the dynamics of gene expression within the developmental trajectory with special focus on the mechanisms underlying meiotic initiation. We found thatDpy30may be involved in the regulation of meiosis initiation at the epigenetic level. Our data provide key insights into the transcriptome features of peri-meiotic female germ cells, which offers new information not only on meiosis initiation and progression but also on screening pathogenic mutations in meiosis-associated diseases.
Striped distribution pattern of Purkinje cells of different birthdates in the mouse cerebellar cortex studied with theNeurog2-CreER transgenic line
Authors: Zhang Jingyun , Tran-Anh Khoa , Hirata Tatsumi , Sugihara Izumi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHeterogeneity of Purkinje cells (PCs) that are arranged into discrete longitudinal stripes in the cerebellar cortex is related to the timing of PC generation. To understand the cerebellar compartmental organization, we mapped the PC birthdate (or differentiation timing) in the entire cerebellar cortex. We used the birthdate-tagging system ofneurog2-CreER (G2A) mice hybridized with the AldocV strain which clarifies the zebrin (aldolase C) longitudinal striped pattern.The pattern of the birthdate-dependent PC distribution was arranged consistently into longitudinally-oriented stripes throughout almost all lobules except for the nodulus, paraflocculus and flocculus, in which distinct stripes were observed.Boundaries of the PC birthdate stripes were found either in the middle or coincided with that of the zebrin stripes. PCs in each birthdate stripe were born in various periods between embryonic day (E) 10.0 and E 13.5.In the vermis, PCs were chronologically distributed from lateral to medial stripes. In the paravermis, PCs of early birthdates were distributed in the long lateral zebrin-positive stripe (stripe 4+//5+) and the medially neighboring narrow zebrin-negative substripe (3d-//e2-), while PCs of late birthdates were distributed in the rest of all paravermal areas. In the hemisphere, PCs of early and late birthdates were intermingled in the majority of areas.The results indicate that the birthdate of a PC is a partial determinant for the zebrin compartment in which it is located. However, the correlation between the PC birthdate and the zebrin compartmentalization is not simple, and distinct among the vermis, paravermis, hemisphere, nodulus, and flocculus.HighlightsBirthdates of Purkinje cells (PCs) were mapped on the cerebellar zebrin striped pattern by usingNeurog2-CreER (G2A) mice.The vermis, paravermis, hemisphere, nodulus, and flocculus had distinct longitudinally-striped patterns of PC birthdate distribution.PCs in each birthdate stripe were born in various periods between embryonic day (E) 10.0 and E 13.5.Boundaries of PC birthdate distributions were located at the boundaries of zebrin stripes or in the middle of a zebrin stripe.The results indicate that the PC birthdate is a partial determinant for the zebrin compartment in which a PC is located.
Extracellular Thimet Oligopeptidase is Released with Extracellular Vesicles from Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Bruce Lisa , Wolfson Adele J. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTAndrogen signaling plays a central role in the development of prostate cancer. Androgen hormone synthesis is tightly governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) is a biologically significant peptidase known to cleave GnRH and potentially regulate its activity. Thus, TOP can play an important role in the HPG axis through regulating the downstream production and release of gonadal steroid hormones, including androgens, which may further affect prostate cancer development. TOP is known to be secreted out to the extracellular space. Here, we report that extracellular TOP can be associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs). Western blot analysis of EVs isolated from PC3 or DU145 prostate cancer cells revealed that TOP protein is, indeed, carried by the EVs. Budding of EVs from stimulated PC3 prostate cancer cells can also be visualized by confocal microscopy. Significantly, the TOP enzyme carried by EVs is enzymatically active. The present study shows that EV-associated TOP is a novel form of this extracellular peptidase that may play a role in the disease progression of prostate cancer cells.
Citation analysis of grey literature reflected in social science ETDs submitted in two state universities of Haryana, India
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K. , Sharma Veerbala 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to study the extent of grey literature (GL) cited in PhD theses submitted to two state universities of Haryana, India, during 2011-2018.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is the result of citations analysis of 14,547 citations appended in 126 PhD theses of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra and Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India. The primary data was collected by downloading title pages and bibliographies of the theses from “Shodhganga”, Indian National Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Repository.FindingsA total of 14,547 citations from 43 different forms of literature were cited by the researchers of all the departments in their PhD theses. Out of which, 4,606 citations (31.7%) were from 40 different forms of GL. Books/book chapters were the most preferred form of literature with 4,818 citations (33.12%), followed by 4,623 citations (31.77%) of journal articles and 1,344 citations (9.23%) of reports. The reports were the most preferred form of GL among the researchers in every field, followed by government publications, working papers and websites. Remaining forms of GL citations were less than 10%.Originality/valueDuring the study, enormous literature was available on citation analysis of PhD theses submitted in different subjects to various universities. Most of the studies on citation analysis were conducted to ascertain the authorship patterns, ranking of the journals by citations frequency and forms of the literature cited by researchers, etc. These studies did not highlight the use and importance of GL in research and academic activities. This paper is original, as it studies GL cited in PhD theses on the basis of primary data, collected from the Indian National ETD database.
Cultural dimensions as correlates of favoritism and the mediating role of trust
Authors: Im Hohjin , Chen Chuansheng 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis study sought to examine the relation of cultural practices and values with favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Additionally, this study's purpose was also to examine how trust mediates the relation between culture and favoritism.Design/methodology/approachCorrelations were used for exploratory investigation into the bivariate relations between culture and favoritism and nepotism/cronyism across 97 cultures. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were then conducted to examine the cultural correlates of favoritism and nepotism/cronyism holding all other variables constant. Lastly, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating role of societal levels of trust.FindingsBivariate correlations showed that collectivism, familism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance are positive correlates of both favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Institutional collectivism, future orientation and trust, on the other hand, were negative correlates of favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Uncertainty avoidance and trust were key correlates of favoritism while familism and future orientation were key correlates of nepotism/cronyism. Trust fully mediated the relation between culture and favoritism but did not mediate the relation between culture and nepotism/cronyism.Originality/valueThis study adds to the current body of literature on culture and favoritism. Notably, the findings regarding different key cultural correlates with respect to favoritism and nepotism/cronyism provide valuable implications for expanding our understanding of the psychological and social nuances of favoritism. Specifically, favoritism in transactions and interactions with those not bound by social commitment relationships may be explained by beliefs while interactions with those with social relationships (e.g., family and friends) may be explained by preferences.
A fault tolerant sensorless position estimation scheme for switched reluctance motor at low speed
Authors: Dong Feng , Chen Hao , Xu Shuai , Cui Sihang 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present a novel position sensorless control scheme with fault-tolerance ability for switched reluctance motor at low speed.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the detection pulses are injected in the freewheeling and idle intervals of each phase. Second, the aligned position of each phase can be detected by comparing the consecutive rise time of detection current. Third, the whole-region rotor position and real-time rotational speed can be updated four times for the improvement of detection accuracy. Finally, the fault-tolerant control strategy is performed to enhance the robustness and reliability of proposed sensorless scheme under faulty conditions.

Findings
Based on proposed sensorless control strategy, the estimated rotor position is in good agreement with the actual rotor position and the maximum rotor position error is 1.5°. Meanwhile, the proposed sensorless scheme is still effective when the motor with multiphase loss and the maximum rotor position error is 1.9°. Moreover, the accuracy of the rotor position estimation can be ensured even if the motor is in an accelerated state or decelerated state.

Originality/value
The proposed sensorless method does not require extensive memory, complicated computation and prior knowledge of the electromagnetic properties of the motor, which is easy to implement. Furthermore, it is suitable for different control strategies at low speed without negative torque generation.