bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mirror Neurons are Modulated by Grip Force and Reward Expectation in the Sensorimotor Cortices (S1, M1, PMd, PMv)
Authors: Atique Md Moin Uddin , Francis Joseph Thachil 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMirror Neurons (MNs) respond similarly when primates make, or observe, grasping movements. Recent work indicates that reward expectation influences rostral M1 (rM1) during manual, observational, and Brain Machine Interface (BMI) reaching movements. Previous work showed MNs are modulated by subjective value. Here we expand on the above work utilizing two non-human primates (NHPs), one maleMacacaRadiata (NHP S) and one femaleMacacaMulatta (NHP P), that were trained to perform a cued reward level isometric grip-force task, where the NHPs had to apply visually cued grip-force to move and transport a virtual object. We found a population of (S1 area 1-2, rM1, PMd, PMv) units that significantly represented grip-force during manual and observational trials. We found the neural representation of visually cued force was similar during observational trials and manual trials for the same units, however, the representation was weaker during observational trials. Comparing changes in neural time lags between manual and observational tasks indicated that a subpopulation fit the standard MN definition of observational neural activity lagging the visual information. Neural activity in (S1 areas 1-2, rM1, PMd, PMv) significantly represented force and reward expectation. In summary, we present results indicating that sensorimotor cortices have MNs for visually cued force and value.
Analysis of Scholarly Discourse in Biosecurity from 1986-2020
Authors: Li Ye Henry , Trounce Milana Boukhman 
Published: January 2021

AbstractScholarly discourse in Biosecurity is complex and interdisciplinary. The term ‘Biosecurity’ has different meanings depending on the discipline. This term most often strives to capture efforts to prepare for and respond to threats posed by infectious organisms1. Increasing complexity of discourse in this interdisciplinary field and lack of common definitions can pose communication challenges. We use text mining of scholarly articles to characterize the interdisciplinary field of Biosecurity and the uses of this term over the past 35 years; a context evolution model is built to describe major changes in this field, and it shows a progression toward health security in recent years. Understanding the shifts in discourse predominance helps to illuminate the major challenges facing biosecurity research and academic community, and contributes to enhancing communication across disciplines within the Biosecurity field.
RNA editing controls meiotic drive by a Neurospora Spore killer
Authors: Rhoades Nicholas A. , Hammond Thomas M. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTNeurosporaSk-2is a complex meiotic drive element that is transmitted to offspring through sexual reproduction in a biased manner.Sk-2’s biased transmission mechanism involves spore killing, and recent evidence has demonstrated that spore killing is triggered by a gene calledrfk-1. However, a second gene,rsk, is also critically important for meiotic drive by spore killing because it allows offspring with anSk-2genotype to survive the toxic effects ofrfk-1. Here, we present evidence demonstrating thatrfk-1encodes two protein variants: a 102 amino acid RFK-1Aand a 130 amino acid RFK-1B, but only RFK-1Bis toxic. We also show that expression of RFK-1Brequires an early stop codon inrfk-1mRNA to undergo adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) mRNA editing. Finally, we demonstrate that RFK-1Bis toxic when expressed within vegetative tissue of Spore killer sensitive (SkS) strains, and that this vegetative toxicity can be overcome by co-expressingSk-2’s version of RSK. Overall, our results demonstrate thatSk-2uses RNA editing to control when its spore killer is produced, and that the primary killing and resistance functions ofSk-2can be conferred upon anSkSstrain by the transfer of only two genes.
All-or-none disconnection of pyramidal inputs onto parvalbumin-positive interneurons gates ocular dominance plasticity
Authors: Severin Daniel , Hong Su Z. , Roh Seung-Eon , Huang Shiyong , Zhou Jiechao , Bridi Michelle C. D. , Hong Ingie , Murase Sachiko , Robertson Sarah , Haberman Rebecca , Huganir Richard , Gallagher Michela , Quinlan Elizabeth M. , Worley Paul , Kirkwood Alfredo 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTDisinhibition is an obligatory initial step in the remodeling of cortical circuits by sensory experience. Our investigation on disinhibitory mechanisms in the classical model of ocular dominance plasticity uncovered an unexpected novel form of experience-dependent circuit plasticity. In layer 2/3 of mouse visual cortex monocular deprivation triggers a complete, “all-or-none”, elimination of connections from pyramidal cells onto nearby parvalbumin-positive interneurons (Pyr➔PV). This circuit plasticity is unique as it is transient, local and discrete. It lasts only one day, and it does not manifest as widespread changes in synaptic strength, rather, only about half of local connections are lost and the remaining ones are not affected in strength. Mechanistically, the deprivation-induced loss of Pyr➔PV is contingent on a reduction of the protein neuropentraxin2 (NPTX2). Functionally, the loss of Pyr➔PV is absolutely necessary for ODP. We surmise, therefore, that this “all-or-none” loss of local Pyr➔PV circuitry gates experience-dependent cortical plasticity.
Rapid progression is associated with lymphoid follicle dysfunction in SIV-infected infant rhesus macaques
Authors: Wood Matthew P. , Jones Chloe I. , Lippy Adriana , Oliver Brian G. , Walund Brynn , Fancher Katherine A. , Fisher Bridget S. , Wright Piper J. , Fuller James T. , Murapa Patience , Habib Jakob , Mavigner Maud , Chahroudi Ann , Sather D. Noah , Fuller Deborah H. , Sodora Donald L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHIV-infected infants are at an increased risk of progressing rapidly to AIDS in the first weeks of life. Here, we evaluated immunological and virological parameters in 25 SIV-infected infant rhesus macaques to understand the factors influencing a rapid disease outcome. Infant macaques were infected with SIVmac251 and monitored for 10 to 17 weeks post-infection. SIV-infected infants were divided into either typical (TypP) or rapid (RP) progressor groups based on levels of plasma anti-SIV antibody levels and SIV plasma viral load (with RP infants having low SIV-specific antibodies and high viral loads). Following SIV infection, 11 out of 25 infant macaques exhibited an RP phenotype, with 5 of these succumbing to AIDS-related infections. Interestingly, the TypP and RP infants were similar in their CD4 depletion and activation of CD8 T cells as measured by the levels of HLA-DR on the cell surface. However, differences between the two groups were identified in other immune cell populations, including a failure to expand activated memory (CD21-CD27+) B cells in peripheral blood in RP infant macaques, as well as reduced levels of germinal center (GC) B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in spleens (4- and 10-weeks post-SIV). Reduced B cell proliferation in splenic germinal GCs was associated with increased SIV+ cell density and follicular type 1 interferon (IFN)-induced immune activation. Further analyses determined that at 2-weeks post SIV infection TypP infants exhibited elevated levels of the GC-inducing chemokine CXCL13 in plasma, as well as significantly lower levels of viral envelope diversity compared to RP infants. Our findings provide evidence that early viral and immunologic events following SIV infection contributes to impairment of B cells, Tfh cells and germinal center formation, ultimately impeding the development of SIV-specific antibody responses in rapidly progressing infant macaques.
Neuron tracing and quantitative analyses of dendritic architecture reveal symmetrical three-way-junctions and phenotypes ofgit-1inC. elegans
Authors: Yuval Omer , Iosilevskii Yael , Meledin Anna , Podbilewicz Benjamin , Shemesh Tom 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComplex dendritic trees are a distinctive feature of neurons. Alterations to dendritic morphology are associated with developmental, behavioral and neurodegenerative changes. The highly-arborized PVD neuron ofC. elegansserves as a model to study dendritic patterning; however, quantitative, objective and automated analyses of PVD morphology are missing. Here, we present a method for neuronal feature extraction, based on deep-learning and fitting algorithms. The extracted neuronal architecture is represented by a database of structural elements for abstracted analysis. We obtain excellent automatic tracing of PVD trees and uncover that dendritic junctions are unevenly distributed. Surprisingly, these junctions are three-way-symmetrical on average, while dendritic processes are arranged orthogonally. We quantify the effect of mutation ingit-1, a regulator of dendritic spine formation, on PVD morphology and discover a localized reduction in junctions. Our findings shed new light on PVD architecture, demonstrating the effectiveness of our objective analyses of dendritic morphology and suggest molecular control mechanisms.Author SummaryNerve cells (neurons) collect input signals via branched cellular projections called dendrites. A major aspect of the study of neurons, dating back over a century, involves the characterization of neuronal shapes and of their dendritic processes.Here, we present an algorithmic approach for detection and classification of the tree-like dendrites of the PVD neuron inC. elegansworms. A key feature of our approach is to represent dendritic trees by a set of fundamental shapes, such as junctions and linear elements. By analyzing this dataset, we discovered several novel structural features. We have found that the junctions connecting branched dendrites have a three-way-symmetry, although the dendrites are arranged in a crosshatch pattern; and that the distribution of junctions varies across distinct sub-classes of the PVD’s dendritic tree. We further quantified subtle morphological effects due to mutation in thegit-1gene, a known regulator of dendritic spines. Our findings suggest molecular mechanisms for dendritic shape regulation and may help direct new avenues of research.
CO2signalling mediates neurovascular coupling in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Hosford Patrick S , Wells Jack A , Ruminot Iván , Christie Isabel N , Theparambil Shefeeq M , Hadjihambi Anna , Barros L Felipe , Lythgoe Mark F , Gourine Alexander V 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThe mechanisms of neurovascular coupling remain incompletely understood. Here we show in experimental animal models that the neuronal activity-dependent increases in local cerebral blood flow in the somatosensory cortex are abolished by saturation of brain CO2-sensitive vasodilatory mechanism or disruption of brain HCO3-/CO2transport, independently of baseline cerebral perfusion and brain tissue pH. These results suggest that increases in metabolic CO2production and CO2signalling play an important role in the development of neurovascular coupling response.
The gastrin-releasing peptide regulates stress-enhanced fear and dopamine signaling
Authors: Morishita Yoshikazu , Fuentes Ileana , Favate John , Zushida Ko , Nishi Akinori , Hevi Charles , Goldsmith Noriko , Buyske Steve , Sillivan Stephanie E. , Miller Courtney A. , Kandel Eric R. , Uchida Shusaku , Shah Premal , Shumyatsky Gleb P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFear extinction is an adaptive behavioral process critical for organism’s survival, but deficiency in extinction may lead to PTSD. While the amygdala and its neural circuits are critical for fear extinction, the molecular identity and organizational logic of cell types that lie at the core of these circuits remain unclear. Here we report that mice deficient for amygdala-enrichedgastrin-releasing peptidegene (Grp-/-) exhibit enhanced neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and stronger fear conditioning, as well as deficient extinction in stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL). rAAV2-retro-based tracing combined with visualization of the GFP knocked in theGrpgene showed that BLA receives GRPergic or conditioned stimulus projections from the indirect auditory thalamus-to-auditory cortex pathway, ventral hippocampus and ventral tegmental area. Transcription of dopamine-related genes was decreased in BLA ofGrp-/-mice following SEFL extinction recall, suggesting that the GRP may mediate fear extinction regulation by dopamine.Impact statementMice deficient for the amygdala-enrichedgastrin-releasing peptidegene are susceptible to stress-enhanced fear, a behavioral protocol with relevance to PTSD, and show a decrease in dopamine-related gene transcription.
Estimation of cell cycle kinetics in higher plant root meristem links organ position with cellular fate and chromatin structure
Authors: Pasternak Taras , Kircher Stefan , Palme Klaus 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlant root development is a complex spatial-temporal process that originates in the root apical meristem (RAM). To shape the organ’s structure signaling between the different cells and cell files must be highly coordinated. Thereby, diverging kinetics of chromatin remodeling and cell growth in these files need to be integrated and balanced by differential cell growth and local differences in cell proliferation frequency. Understanding the local differences in cell cycle duration in the RAM and its correlation with chromatin organization is crucial to build a holistic view on the different regulatory processes and requires a quantitative estimation of the chromatin geometry and underlying mitotic cell cycle phases’ timing at every cell file and every position. Unfortunately, so far precise methods for such analysis are missing.This study presents a robust and straightforward pipeline to determine in parallel the duration of cell cycle’s key stages in all cell layers of a plant’s root and their nuclei organization. The methods combine marker-free techniques based on the detection of the nucleus, deep analysis of the chromatin phase transition, incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and mitosis with a deep-resolution plant phenotyping platform to analyze all key cell cycle events’ kinetics.In theArabidopsis thalianaL. RAM S-phase duration was found to be as short as 20-30 minutes in all cell files. The subsequent G2-phase duration however depends on the cell type/position and varies from 3.5 hours in the pericycle to more than 4.5 hours in the epidermis. Overall, S+G2+M duration in Arabidopsis under our condition is 4 hours in the pericycle and up to 5.5 hours in the epidermis.Endocycle duration was determined as the time required to achieve 100% EdU index in the transition zone and estimated to be in the range of 3-4 hours.Besides Arabidopsis, we show that the presented technique is applicable also to root tips of other dicot and monocot plants (tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumL.) and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.).
Impact of credit market conditions on agriculture productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Shuaibu Mohammed , Nchake Mamello 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis study conducts an empirical analysis of the relationship between credit market conditions and agriculture output in Sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a two-stage least square instrumental variable and difference generalised method of moments dynamic panel model because potential reverse causation and endogeneity are addressed.FindingsThe findings show that better credit market conditions contribute to agriculture productivity. The results also show that better infrastructure and availability of agriculture inputs are associated with productivity improvements. The empirical results are robust when an alternative measure of agriculture productivity is used.Research limitations/implicationsAn important research agenda for future studies will be to consider alternative measures of credit market conditions and other intervening variables that influence the nexus. Besides, other methods that account for cross-sectional dependence could also be considered as the impact of credit on agriculture varies across the sub-regions.Practical implicationsThe findings make a case for enhancing credit market access to boost agriculture productivity. There is also a need to implement financial education programs for farmers and ensuring continuous engagement with farmers.Originality/valueAlthough the issue of agriculture finance has been well documented in the literature, few studies have estimated the elasticity of agriculture productivity to changes in credit conditions. Also, our consideration of the intervening role of infrastructure amongst others is an area that has remained relatively unexplored.
Analysis of embodied carbon and cost profiles of school buildings in Australia
Authors: Perera Srinath , Senaratne Sepani , Rodrigo M.N.N. , Brady Luke 
Published: January 2021

PurposeIn recent years, there has been an increased focus on creating sustainable buildings that have a reduced carbon footprint. The primary method to achieve this has been through reducing operational carbon of buildings. However, as the industry aims to produce “carbon neutral” buildings with extremely low operational carbon through measures such as insulation, embodied carbon (EC) component could get increased. As such, it is equally important to understand the state of EC emissions in buildings. The aim of this research was to analyse typical EC and cost profiles of school buildings within Australia to understand which building elements need more attention.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved measuring EC of five classroom blocks in schools in Sydney through a case study research approach and document survey. Bills of quantities from these projects were analysed to estimate the EC and cost profiles of the buildings.FindingsResults indicated that some elements such as roof, site works, upper floors and substructure had a higher cost also demonstrating an increased EC indicating a possibility of a relationship between carbon and cost. Accordingly, these elements were identified as the typical carbon hotspots within school buildings in Australia, which need greater attention in reducing EC.Originality/valueThe study explores the carbon–cost profile of Australian school buildings and highlights the importance of reducing EC in carbon hotspots.
Positioning construction workers' vocational training of Guangdong in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation
Authors: Pan Wei , Chen Le , Zhan Wenting 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper explores the vocational training of construction workers in Guangdong Province of China and identifies its position in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews construction vocational education and training (VET) of major political economies to develop a theoretical framework that guides an in-depth case study of Guangdong. Document analysis, field trip observations, meetings and semi-structured interviews were combined to explore the political-economic environment, political stakeholders and quality assurance mechanisms of industrial training in Guangdong's construction sector. The findings were compared with construction VET of other economies reported in the literature.FindingsConstruction training in Guangdong is deeply rooted in the local history and culture, under strong dominance of the state, while continually evolves to respond to the fluid market and therefore can be conceptualised as “market-in-state”. The political stakeholders are embedded within the state to ensure that skills policies are implemented in-line with industry policies. The differences between the training of Guangdong and its foreign counterparts are attributed to their divergent political-economic models.Research limitations/implicationsAs the case study was undertaken only with Guangdong, the generalisability of its findings can be improved through future research within a broader context of multiple provinces of China through both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.Practical implicationsPlausible foreign VET approaches are likely adaptable to the Chinese context only when conducive political-economic environment could be enabled. The findings are useful for developing countries to learn from the VET experience of industrialised economies. Construction workers' training in Guangdong can be improved by strengthening labour regulation at lower subcontracting levels and ensuring the presence of industrial associations and unions for collective training supervision.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the field of construction engineering and management with a theoretical framework that guides empirical studies on the influence of the political-economic environment upon the ways political stakeholders develop and participate in construction VET. The exploration based on this framework revealed the position of the vocational training of construction workers in Guangdong in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation.
Corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRDs) in the banking industry: a study of conventional banks and Islamic banks in Malaysia
Authors: Lui Tze Kiat , Zainuldin Mohd Haniff , Wahidudin Ahmad Nazri , Foo Chuan Chew 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study aims to empirically examine the corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) levels of conventional and Islamic banks in Malaysia. Additionally, as Malaysian banks have different shareholding patterns that are more highly concentrated than those in the developed economies, this study also investigates the impact of ownership concentration on CSRD in both types of banks.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs hand-collected corporate social responsibility (CSR) data from the annual and sustainability reports of 21 conventional banks and 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia during 2010–2017. The data are then run using the pooled ordinary least square (OLS) with robust standard errors and robust regressions models together with all possible factors determining CSRD in the banking sector.FindingsThis study discovers that Islamic banks disclose a higher level of total CSRD than their conventional counterparts after controlling a number of important determinants of CSRD. These results remain consistent for four different dimensions of CSRD, i.e. employees, communities, environment and products and services. In relation to the impact of ownership concentration on CSRD level, the results show that high ownership concentration reduces the level of CSRD by Malaysian banks. However, in an additional interaction test, the result exhibits a complementary relationship between Islamic banks and ownership concentration in influencing CSRD level.Research limitations/implicationsThis study finds that the principle of Islamic accountability has been internalised by Islamic banks, and shaped them to put equal emphasis on the disclosure of CSR practices and the financial information disclosure.Practical implicationsIt is recommended for all banks to ensure the integration of a more comprehensive ethical system, such as theological ethical values in every aspect of their business activities. The findings from this study also highlight the necessity for the central bank to increase their monitoring role, especially towards banks with a more concentrated ownership structure by limiting the size of shareholdings by any particular types of owners.Originality/valueOnly a few studies have compared CSR practices between these two types of banks, and most of them are descriptive and qualitative in nature. This study is the first that uses a robust model with a highR-squared value, which control for all possible factors determining CSRD in the banking sector.