bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential role of γ‐clade RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases in rice development and yield‐related traits is linked to their atypical polymerase activities regulating specific genomic regions
Authors: Jha Vikram , Narjala Anushree , Basu Debjani , T. N. Sujith , Pachamuthu Kannan , Chenna Swetha , Nair Ashwin , Shivaprasad Padubidri V. 
Published: August 2021

Summary

RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases (RDR) generate double‐stranded (ds)RNA triggers for RNA silencing across eukaryotes. Among the three clades, α‐clade and β‐clade members are key components of RNA silencing and mediators of stress responses across eukaryotes. However, γ‐clade members are unusual in that they are represented in phylogenetically distant plants and fungi, and their functions are unknown.

Using genetic, bioinformatic and biochemical methods, we show that γ‐clade RDRs from Oryza sativa L. are involved in plant development as well as regulation of expression of coding and noncoding RNAs.

Overexpression of γ‐clade RDRs in transgenic rice and tobacco plants resulted in robust growth phenotype, whereas their silencing in rice displayed strong inhibition of growth. Small (s)RNA and RNA‐seq analysis of OsRDR3 mis‐expression lines suggested that it is specifically involved in the regulation of repeat‐rich regions in the genome. Biochemical analysis confirmed that OsRDR3 has robust polymerase activities on both single stranded (ss)RNA and ssDNA templates similar to the activities reported for α‐clade RDRs such as AtRDR6.

Our results provide the first evidence of the importance of γ‐clade RDRs in plant development, their atypical biochemical activities and their contribution to the regulation of gene expression.
Epidemiological assessment of cassava mosaic disease in Burkina Faso
Authors: Soro Monique , Tiendrébéogo Fidèle , Pita Justin S. , Traoré Edwig T. , Somé Koussao , Tibiri Ezechiel B. , Néya James B. , Mutuku J. Musembi , Simporé Jacques , Koné Daouda 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSurveys were conducted in 2016 and 2017 across the main cassava‐growing regions of Burkina Faso to assess the status of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and to determine the virus strains causing the disease, using field observation and phylogenetic analysis. CMD incidence varied between regions and across years but was lowest in Hauts‐Bassins (6.0%, 2016 and 5.4%, 2017) and highest in Centre‐Sud (18.5%, 2016) and in Boucle du Mouhoun (51.7%, 2017). The lowest CMD severity was found in Est region (2.0) for both years and the highest in Sud‐Ouest region (3.3, 2016) and Centre‐Sud region (2.8, 2017). The CMD infection was primarily associated with contaminated cuttings in all regions except in Hauts‐Bassins, where whitefly‐borne infection was higher than cuttings‐borne infection in 2016. PCR screening of 687 samples coupled with sequence analysis revealed the presence of African cassava mosaic‐like (ACMV‐like) viruses and East African cassava mosaic‐like (EACMV‐like) viruses as single infections at 79.5% and 1.1%, respectively. Co‐infections of ACMV‐like and EACMV‐like viruses were detected in 19.4% of the tested samples. In addition, 86.7% of the samples positive for EACMV‐like virus were found to be positive for East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCMV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the segregation of cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs) from Burkina Faso into three clades specific to ACMV, African cassava mosaic Burkina Faso virus (ACMBFV), and EACMCMV, confirming the presence of these viruses. The results of this study show that EACMCMV occurrence may be more prevalent in Burkina Faso than previously thought.
Direct and inverse scattering problems for the first‐order discrete system associated with the derivative NLS system
Authors: Aktosun T. , Ercan R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe direct and inverse scattering problems are analyzed for a first‐order discrete system associated with the semi‐discrete version of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) system. The Jost solutions, the scattering coefficients, the bound‐state dependency and norming constants are investigated and related to the corresponding quantities for two particular discrete linear systems associated with the semi‐discrete version of the NLS system. The bound‐state data set with any multiplicities is described in an elegant manner in terms of a pair of constant matrix triplets. Several methods are presented to solve the inverse problem to recover the potential values in the first‐order discrete system. One of these methods uses a newly derived, standard discrete Marchenko system using as input the scattering data directly coming from the first‐order discrete system. This new Marchenko method is presented in a way that it is generalizable to other first‐order systems both in the discrete and continuous cases for which a Marchenko system and a Marchenko theory are not yet available. Finally, using the time‐evolved scattering data set, the inverse scattering transform is applied on the corresponding semi‐discrete derivative NLS system, and in the reflectionless case certain explicit solution formulas are presented in closed form expressed in terms of the two matrix triplets.
Managing people’s (in)ability to be mobile: Geopolitics and the selective opening and closing of borders
Authors: Stoffelen Arie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe currently globalising society is characterised by a tension between increasingly intensive transnational mobility of people and continuous territorial regulation of these flows. This situation has led to the increasingly selective opening and closing of borders, providing territorial access to some while keeping out others. In this paper, I reflect on how such management of people’s (in)ability to cross borders has become a geopolitical instrument. I particularly focus on how mobility inequalities are confirmed within the European Union (EU) to protect the geopolitical and political‐economic status quo of the EU itself, but also how this EU‐level process regarding people’s (im)mobility fuelled internal discussions regarding the relation between nation‐state sovereignty and EU‐level decision‐making. I first reflect on the citizenship of people and the cultural political economy framework for explaining this (re‐)constructed selectivity of borders and border‐crossings. Subsequently, I apply these perspectives to the geopolitical construction of two types of border‐crossings in the EU, namely irregular(ised) migration and tourism, to reflect on how EU‐level and national actors selectively utilise structural‐institutional arrangements and semiotic strategies to position themselves within the European framework. By doing so, the paper illustrates the contradictions engrained in the neoliberal system along two lines: (1) generally, the continued territorial logic in the regulation of space in a world increasingly characterised by global economic and human flows, resulting in the blocking of the mobility of some while stimulating the mobility of others in what are supposedly “open” economies; (2) specifically, the explicit (cf. irregular migration) and implicit (cf. tourism) competition between places as to what is the “right,” “legitimate,” or “sovereign” spatial unit to regulate these flows, resulting in the mobilisation of competing political‐economic imaginaries to institutionalise one over the other.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of a hair foreign body in the urinary bladder of a dog
Authors: de Campos Fonseca Pinto Ana Carolina Brandão , Murakami Masahiro , Steinbach Sarah M. L. , Vickery Whitney , Fulkerson Caroline V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA 13‐year‐old male neutered mixed‐breed dog with a history of gallbladder mucocele and urolithiasis was evaluated by ultrasound. Two hyperechoic, linear foreign bodies with no distal acoustic shadowing were detected in the urinary bladder and urethra. Following the ultrasound examination, the patient underwent cystoscopy, and two single hairs were found and successfully retrieved. Considering that urinary bladder foreign bodies may be a source for urinary tract infection and can act as a nidus for urocystolith formation, removal is recommended. This is the first published report describing ultrasonographic diagnosis of a hair foreign body in the canine urinary bladder and urethra.
Contrast‐enhanced CT findings in a dog with a wood foreign body in the vertebral canal
Authors: Bosma Femke , Gerritsen Rob , Visser Judith , Passon‐Vastenburg Maartje 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old Border collie was presented with progressive tetraparesis, 6 days after oropharyngeal trauma with a wooden stick. Contrast‐enhanced CT of the head and the cervical spine showed heterogeneous enhancement of the soft tissues surrounding the C1 through C3 region, with extension into the ventral vertebral canal at this level. Two separate, small, foreign bodies were visible; one of which was located within the vertebral canal. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of wooden foreign bodies within the para‐vertebral soft tissues and within the vertebral canal. The dog was clinically normal 6 months postoperatively.
Akt activation‐dependent protective effect of wild ginseng adventitious root protein against UVA‐induced NIH‐3T3 cell damage
Authors: Xu Xiaohao , Sun Guang , Liu Jianzeng , Zhou Jingyuan , Li Jing , Sun Zhuo , Li Xiangzhu , Chen Hong , Zhao Daqing , Jiang Rui , Sun Liwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProlonged skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to development of several acute and chronic diseases, with UVA exposure considered a primary cause of dermal photodamage. We prepared a wild ginseng adventitious root extract (ARE) that could alleviate UVA irradiation‐induced NIH‐3T3 cell viability decline. After employing a series of purification methods to isolate main active components of ARE, adventitious root protein mixture (ARP) was identified then tested for protective effects against UVA irradiation‐induced NIH‐3T3 cell damage. The results showed that ARP treatment significantly reduced UVA‐induced cell viability decline and confirmed that the active constituent of ARP was the protein, since proteolytic hydrolysis and heat treatment each eliminated ARP protective activity. Moreover, ARP treatment markedly inhibited UVA‐induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and DNA fragmentation, while also significantly reversing UVA effects (elevated Bax levels, reduced Bcl‐2 expression) by reducing Bax levels and increasing Bcl‐2 expression. Mechanistically, ARP promoted Akt phosphorylation regardless of UVA exposure, thus confirming ARP resistance to inactivation by UVA light. Notably, in the presence of Akt inhibitor SC0227, ARP could no longer counteract UVA‐induced cell viability decline and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, our results demonstrated that ARP treatment protected UVA‐irradiated NIH‐3T3 cells by preventing UVA‐induced reduction of collagen‐I expression. Taken together, these results suggest that ARP treatment of NIH‐3T3 cells effectively mitigated UVA‐induced cell viability decline by activating intracellular Akt to reduce UVA‐induced DNA damage, leading to reduced rates of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest after UVA exposure and restoring collagen expression to normal levels.
Estimation of the Phospholipase A2 Selectivity on POPC/POPG Membranes Using the Interaction Map
Authors: Alekseeva A. S. , Volynsky P. E. , Boldyrev I. A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The regulation of the activity and selectivity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which is capable of cleaving fatty acid in the second position (sn-2) of the phospholipid, is carried out through the membrane-binding and catalytic sites of the enzyme. For hydrolytic activity, PLA2 must first bind to the phospholipid membrane, and the binding efficiency depends on the composition of the membrane. The membrane-binding site of PLA2 is formed by several tens of amino acids and its composition differs from enzyme to enzyme; hydrophobic and positively charged amino acids play a key role in the interaction. In this work, we investigated the interaction of PLA2 from bee venom with phospholipid bilayers of palmitoyl oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) containing different amounts of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol (POPG). On the basis of the measurements of the protein intrinsic fluorescence and the anisotropy of the fluorescence of the lipid probe we propose the construction of lipid–protein interaction maps, which reflect both the efficiency of protein binding and changes in the structure of the membrane. These changes cause alterations in the fluorescence anisotropy of the label, which in turn is a measure of the mobility of the lipid environment of the fluorescent probe. Analysis of interaction maps showed that there is a relationship between lipid mobility and enzyme binding efficiency: the optimum interaction of PLA2 with membranes from a POPC/POPG mixture lies in the region of the highest lipid mobility, and not in the region of the highest negative charge. This dependence complements the existing understanding of the process of recognition of the membrane surface by the enzyme and the selection of lipids by the enzyme already bound to the membrane. The proposed mapping method can be extended to other membrane-active proteins.
Simultaneous Engagement of Tumor and Stroma Targeting Antibodies by Engineered NK-92 Cells Expressing CD64 Controls Prostate Cancer Growth
Authors: Hintz Hallie M. , Snyder Kristin M. , Wu Jianming , Hullsiek Robert , Dahlvang James D. , Hart Geoffrey T. , Walcheck Bruce , LeBeau Aaron M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has been largely resistant to immunotherapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that detect and kill transformed cells without prior sensitization, and their infiltration into prostate tumors corresponds with an increased overall survival among patients with mCRPC. We sought to harness this knowledge to develop an approach to NK-cell based immunotherapy for mCRPC. We engineered an NK cell line (NK-92MI) to express CD64, the sole human high-affinity IgG Fcγ receptor (FcγR1), and bound these cells with antibodies to provide interchangeable tumor-targeting elements. NK-92MICD64 cells were evaluated for cell-activation mechanisms and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). A combination of mAbs was used to target the prostate tumor antigen tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TROP2) and the cancer-associated fibroblast marker fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). We found that CD64, which is normally expressed by myeloid cells and associates with the adaptor molecule FcRγ, can be expressed by NK-92MI cells and mediate ADCC through an association with CD3ζ. Cytotoxicity from the combination approach was two-fold higher compared to treatment with NK-92MICD64 cells and either mAb alone, and seven-fold higher than NK-92MICD64 cells alone at an effector–target cell ratio of 20:1. The cytotoxic effect was lost when using isotype control antibodies, indicating a selective targeting mechanism. The combination approach demonstrated efficacy in vivo as well and significantly reduced tumor growth compared with the saline control. This combination therapy presents a potential approach for treating mCRPC and could improve immunotherapy response.
Immigration and Multicultural Citizenship in Europe: Insights from the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
Authors: Jacob-Owens Timothy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Multicultural citizenship, a set of group-differentiated rights for minority cultural groups, is now a common feature of most domestic legal systems in Europe. The conventional view, widely reflected in practice, suggests that ‘strong’ rights of this sort should be restricted to so-called ‘historical’ minorities. However, the increasingly long-standing presence of distinct cultural groups of immigrant origin raises the question of whether, and to what extent, the latter should also be granted stronger forms of multicultural citizenship. This article addresses this question by reference to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, a central pillar of the international minority rights regime in Europe. The article analyses the application of the treaty to immigrant-origin groups in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, showing that the scope of protection afforded to such groups is stronger than previously assumed, though less far-reaching as compared to their ‘historical’ counterparts.
New species of Eugryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: LIU JING , YANG HONGQIANG , LU XIANGYI , BIAN XUN 
Published: August 2021

This paper describes one new species from Yunnan, China and reports the complete mitogenome. The new species differs from other species of the genus in markings on the frons and pronotum with 1 pair of black spots. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of this new species was sequenced and analyzed using High-Throughput Sequencing. The mitogenome was 15513bp in length, comprising of 37 genes and a control region, and its gene order and location are identical to the ancestral insect mitogenome. The protein-coding genes (PCGs) had typical ATN initiation codons, and were terminated by typical TAN stop codons except for COII and ND5. Almost all tRNAs could be folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure except for tRNASer(AGN). All the type specimens are deposited in the Guangxi Normal University.
Bridging Potential in Friend Networks and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans
Authors: Jang Yuri , Kim Jangmin , Yoon Hyunwoo , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A. 
Published: August 2021

Objectives To examine the associates of bridging potential in networks of friends and its impact on cognitive function in older Korean Americans. Methods Data came from 308 participants in Central Florida who were part of the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA). Using data from a name generator of three close friends in local Korean communities, non-overlapping networks were quantified for bridging potential. Linear regression models for bridging potential and cognitive function were examined. Results Bridging potential was greater among those with stronger social ties with friends in general and higher levels of activity engagement. The direct benefit of bridging potential on cognitive function was also confirmed. In addition, bridging potential was found to mediate the effect of social ties with friends on cognitive function. Discussion Findings underscore the interconnectedness of older immigrants’ social and cognitive function and shed light on interventions.
Nerve Transfer Is Superior to Nerve Grafting for Suprascapular Nerve Reconstruction in Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nickel Kevin J. , Morzycki Alexander , Hsiao Ralph , Morhart Michael J. , Olson Jaret L. 
Published: August 2021

Background Restoration of shoulder function in obstetrical brachial plexus injury is paramount. There remains debate as to the optimal method of upper trunk reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer leads to improved shoulder external rotation relative to sural nerve grafting. Methods A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and TRIP Pro from inception was conducted. Our primary outcome was shoulder external rotation. Results Four studies were included. Nerve transfer was associated with greater shoulder external rotation relative to nerve grafting (mean difference: 0.82 AMS 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-1.36, P < .005). Patients undergoing nerve grafting were more likely to undergo a secondary shoulder stabilizing procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.8376-1.9268). Conclusion In obstetrical brachial plexus injury, nerve transfer is associated with improved shoulder external rotation and a lower rate of secondary shoulder surgery. Level of Evidence Level III; Therapeutic
Successful use of tapering strips for hyperbolic reduction of antidepressant dose: a cohort study
Authors: Groot Peter C. , van Os Jim 
Published: August 2021

Background: Tapering strips facilitate antidepressant discontinuation, allowing for personalised titration of discontinuation to the intensity of withdrawal. A tapering strip consists of antidepressant or other medication, packaged in a 28-day roll of daily pouches, each with the same or slightly lower dose than the one before. Previous studies demonstrated 70% real-world effectiveness of tapering strips. Here, we present a third, questionnaire-based retrospective cohort study in a large sample. Methods: Patients whose doctor had prescribed tapering strips between October 2015 and December 2018 were sent a questionnaire for participation after completion of tapering between December 2015 and January 2020. Of 1240 individuals who returned a questionnaire (response rate: 59%), 987 (80%) used an antidepressant, of whom 824 (83%) had wished to discontinue their antidepressant. Results: The sample was demographically representative of antidepressant users in the Netherlands. Less than 40% of participants had heard of tapering strips through their clinicians – Internet was the most frequent source. Of the 824 individuals, 341 (41%) had used strips for tapering venlafaxine, 206 (25%) for paroxetine and 277 (34%) for other antidepressants. Median duration of antidepressant use was 5–10 years, and most (71%) had tried to come off without tapering strips at least once. Most patients (72%) were able to discontinue their antidepressant, using a median of two strips to taper over a median period of 56 days. Females and individuals with (1) more severe experience of withdrawal during the use of tapering strips, (2) more years of use of antidepressant medication and (3) more previous attempts at discontinuation were less likely to be able to discontinue their antidepressant medication with tapering strips. Conclusion: The results of this study validate, for the third time, the observation that tapering strips can address the problem of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms in individuals attempting to discontinue antidepressants.
The impact of cognitive rehabilitation on quality of life in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Munger Kathleen C , Martinez Amy Pacos , Hyland Megan H 
Published: August 2021

Background Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) negatively impacts daily function and quality of life (QoL). Prior studies of cognitive rehabilitation in pwMS have shown limited benefit but many focused on cognitive function scores rather than QoL measures. Studies using QoL metrics primarily evaluated group cognitive rehabilitation, which may be less appropriate due to variable cognitive profiles in pwMS. This study assesses the impact of an individualized cognitive rehabilitation approach on QoL in MS. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of NeuroQoL assessments done by pwMS (n = 12, mean age 47.9 ± 4.0 years, 75% female, 100% White, 75% RRMS) before and after participation in an individualized compensatory cognitive program. We used a comparison group of pwMS who were candidates for the program but did not participate (n = 9, mean age 48.9 ± 4.4 years, 88.9% female, 100% White, 66.7% RRMS) Results PwMS who participated in the rehabilitation program saw improvements in Sleep Disturbance (50.5 from 55.5, p = 0.005), Fatigue (52.5 from 57.0, p = 0.024), Anxiety (49.8 from 55.4, p = 0.011), and Cognitive Function (39.3 from 36.7, p = 0.049). Conclusions Individualized compensatory cognitive rehabilitation appears effective for improving QoL measures in pwMS with cognitive complaints, supporting the need for further randomized controlled prospective analysis of this intervention.