bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic mapping of the early responses to salt stress inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Awlia Mariam , Alshareef Nouf , Saber Noha , Korte Arthur , Oakey Helena , Panzarová Klára , Trtílek Martin , Negrão Sónia , Tester Mark , Julkowska Magdalena M. 
Published: May 2021

SummarySalt stress decreases plant growth prior to significant ion accumulation in the shoot. However, the processes underlying this rapid reduction in growth are still unknown. To understand the changes in salt stress responses through time and at multiple physiological levels, examining different plant processes within a single set‐up is required. Recent advances in phenotyping has allowed the image‐based estimation of plant growth, morphology, colour and photosynthetic activity. In this study, we examined the salt stress‐induced responses of 191 Arabidopsis accessions from 1 h to 7 days after treatment using high‐throughput phenotyping. Multivariate analyses and machine learning algorithms identified that quantum yield measured in the light‐adapted state (Fv′/Fm′) greatly affected growth maintenance in the early phase of salt stress, whereas the maximum quantum yield (QYmax) was crucial at a later stage. In addition, our genome‐wide association study (GWAS) identified 770 loci that were specific to salt stress, in which two loci associated with QYmaxandFv′/Fm′were selected for validation using T‐DNA insertion lines. We characterized an unknown protein kinase found in the QYmaxlocus that reduced photosynthetic efficiency and growth maintenance under salt stress. Understanding the molecular context of the candidate genes identified will provide valuable insights into the early plant responses to salt stress. Furthermore, our work incorporates high‐throughput phenotyping, multivariate analyses and GWAS, uncovering details of temporal stress responses and identifying associations across different traits and time points, which are likely to constitute the genetic components of salinity tolerance.
Convex vacancy creation costs and on‐the‐job search in a global economy
Authors: Holzner Christian , Larch Mario 
Published: May 2021

AbstractConvex vacancy creation costs shape firms’ responses to trade liberalisation. They induce capacity constraints by increasing firms’ costs of production. A profit maximising firm will therefore not fully meet the increased foreign demand, but serve only a few export markets. More productive firms will export to more countries and profit more from trade liberalisation. To get an effect of trade liberalisation on wage inequality, we need on‐the‐job search and convex vacancy creation costs because with linear costs trade liberalisation affects all wages in equal proportion. Furthermore, with convex vacancy creation costs, not all firms export to all foreign markets even if trade is fully liberalised. This implies that wage inequality under free trade is always higher than under autarky.
Extra‐auricular lesions of proliferative and necrotizing otitis externa in three kittens
Authors: Panzuti Pauline , Jongh Olivier , Dony Manoëlle , Vial Stéphanie , Mosca Marion , Pin Didier 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundProliferative and necrotising otitis externa (PNOE) is a rare disorder in cats with poorly understood pathogenesis. Extra‐auricular (EA) lesions recently have been mentioned in a textbook and in one case report.ObjectivesTo describe EA lesions associated with PNOE in three kittens.AnimalsA 6‐month‐old female domestic short hair (DSH) cat (Case 1), an 8‐month‐old female DSH cat (Case 2) and a 5‐month‐old female DSH cat (Case 3).Methods and resultsAll cases exhibited classical lesions of PNOE associated with EA lesions, generalised (cases 1 and 3) or limited to eyelids (Case 2). Lesions were characterised by thick, adherent, hyperkeratotic papules coalescing to plaques and attempts to remove the hyperkeratotic plaques resulted in erosions. Histopathological examinations revealed classical features of PNOE: severe acanthosis associated with a marked lymphocytic exocytosis, satellitosis and apoptotic keratinocytes at all levels of the epidermis and the outer root sheath of hair follicles. Cases 2 and 3 resolved spontaneously. Case 1 remained stable with topical tacrolimus and oral prednisolone after a short course of ciclosporin.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis report describes EA lesions of PNOE in three kittens. Such lesions may be underdiagnosed, and this report emphasises the role of a thorough clinical inspection in PNOE cases.
Assessment of indigenous surrogate microorganisms for UV disinfection dose verification
Authors: Blyth James , Templeton Michael R. , Court Sarah‐Jane , Luce Cécile , Cairns William , Hazell Lucinda 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to isolate waterborne heterotrophic organisms indigenous to water treatment processes with suitable ultraviolet (UV) dose–response profiles for estimation of the UV doses delivered by operational UV disinfection systems. The UV dose–response profiles of two isolated organisms, Flavobacterium succinicans and Sphingopyxis chilensis, were determined. S. chilensis has a UV dose–response with potential for use as an indigenous surrogate for Cryptosporidium inactivation, up to 2.2‐logs in the dose range 2–7 mJ/cm2 of monochromatic UV light at 253.7 nm. F. succinicans was more sensitive and tailing was observed above 4 mJ/cm2 making it unsuitable for UV dose verification above this dose. As a single species in the water samples used in this study, S. chilensis is unlikely to be present in sufficient numbers for routine use as an indigenous surrogate. However, the Sphingomonadaceae family to which it belongs is abundant in various drinking water sources and warrants further investigation.
Keloid tissue analysis discredits a role for myofibroblasts in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Bell Rachel E. , Shaw Tanya J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMyofibroblasts, renowned for their contractility and extracellular matrix production, are widely considered the key effector cells for nearly all scars resulting from tissue repair processes, ranging from normal scars to extreme fibrosis. For example, it is often assumed that myofibroblasts underpin the characteristics of keloid scars, which are debilitating pathological skin scars lacking effective treatments because of a poor understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we present primary and published transcriptional and histological evidence that myofibroblasts are not consistently present in primary keloid lesions, and when alpha‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA)‐positive cells are detected, they are not greater in number or expressing more αSMA than in normal or hypertrophic scars. In conclusion, keloid scars do not appear to require αSMA‐positive myofibroblasts; continuing to consider keloids on a quantitative spectrum with normal or hypertrophic scars, with αSMA serving as a biomarker of disease severity, is hindering advancement of understanding and therapy development.
Zeitgebers of skeletal muscle and implications for metabolic health
Authors: Gabriel Brendan M. , Zierath Juleen R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMetabolic health is a crucial area of current research, and is an outcome of innate physiology, and interactions with the environment. Environmental cues, such as the Earth's day‐night rhythm, partly regulate diurnal hormones and metabolites. Circadian physiology consists of highly conserved biological processes over ∼24‐h cycles, which are influenced by external cues (Zeitgebers – ‘time‐keepers’). Skeletal muscle has diurnal variations of a large magnitude, owing in part to the strong nature of physical activity throughout the day and other external Zeitgebers. The orchestration of whole‐body and skeletal muscle metabolism is a complex, finely tuned process, and molecular diurnal variations are regulated by a transcription‐translation feedback loop controlled by the molecular clock, as well as non‐transcriptional metabolic processes. The mitochondrion may play an important role in regulating diurnal metabolites within skeletal muscle, given its central role in the regulation of NAD+/NADH, O2, reactive oxygen species and redox metabolism. These molecular pathways display diurnal variation and illustrate the complex orchestration of circadian metabolism in skeletal muscle. Probably the most robust Zeitgeber of skeletal muscle is exercise, which alters glucose metabolism and flux, in addition to a range of other diurnal metabolic pathways. Indeed, performing exercise at different times of the day may alter metabolism and health outcomes in some cohorts. The objective of this Symposium Review is to briefly cover the current literature, and to speculate regarding future areas of research. Thus, we postulate that metabolic health may be optimized by altering the timing of external cues such as diet and exercise.
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Temporal control of muscle synergies is linked with alpha‐band neural drive
Authors: Laine Christopher M. , Cohn Brian A. , Valero‐Cuevas Francisco J. 
Published: May 2021

Key points
It is theorized that the nervous system controls groups of muscles together as functional units, or ‘synergies’, resulting in correlated electromyographic (EMG) signals among muscles. However, such correlation does not necessarily imply group‐level neural control.
Oscillatory synchronization (coherence) among EMG signals implies neural coupling, but it is not clear how this relates to control of muscle synergies.
EMG was recorded from seven arm muscles of 10 adult participants rotating an upper limb ergometer, and EMG–EMG coherence, EMG amplitude correlations and their relationship with each other were characterized. A novel method to derive multi‐muscle synergies from EMG–EMG coherence is presented and these are compared with classically defined synergies.
Coherent alpha‐band (8–16 Hz) drive was strongest among muscles whose gross activity levels are well correlated within a given task.
The cross‐muscle distribution and temporal modulation of coherent alpha‐band drive suggests a possible role in the neural coordination/monitoring of synergies.
AbstractDuring movement, groups of muscles may be controlled together by the nervous system as an adaptable functional entity, or ‘synergy’. The rules governing when (or if) this occurs during voluntary behaviour in humans are not well understood, at least in part because synergies are usually defined by correlated patterns of muscle activity without regard for the underlying structure of their neural control. In this study, we investigated the extent to which comodulation of muscle output (i.e. correlation of electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes) implies that muscles share intermuscular neural input (assessed via EMG–EMG coherence analysis). We first examined this relationship among pairs of upper limb muscles engaged in an arm cycling task. We then applied a novel multidimensional EMG–EMG coherence analysis allowing synergies to be characterized on the basis of shared neural drive. We found that alpha‐band coherence (8–16 Hz) is related to the degree to which overall muscle activity levels correlate over time. The extension of this coherence analysis to describe the cross‐muscle distribution and temporal modulation of alpha‐band drive revealed a close match to the temporal and structural features of traditionally defined muscle synergies. Interestingly, the coherence‐derived neural drive was inversely associated with, and preceded, changes in EMG amplitudes by ∼200 ms. Our novel characterization of how alpha‐band neural drive is dynamically distributed among muscles is a fundamental step forward in understanding the neural origins and correlates of muscle synergies.
Delayed KCNQ1/KCNE1 assembly on the cell surface helps IKs fulfil its function as a repolarization reserve in the heart
Authors: Wilson Zachary T. , Jiang Min , Geng Jing , Kaur Sukhleen , Workman Samuel W. , Hao Jon , Bernas Tytus , Tseng Gea‐Ny 
Published: May 2021

Key points
In adult ventricular myocytes, the slow delayed rectifier (IKs) channels are distributed on the surface sarcolemma, not t‐tubules.
In adult ventricular myocytes, KCNQ1 and KCNE1 have distinct cell surface and cytoplasmic pools.
KCNQ1 and KCNE1 traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane by separate routes, and assemble into IKs channels on the cell surface.
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry applied to affinity‐purified KCNQ1 and KCNE1 interacting proteins reveals novel interactors involved in protein trafficking and assembly.
Microtubule plus‐end binding protein 1 (EB1) binds KCNQ1 preferentially in its dimer form, and promotes KCNQ1 to reach the cell surface.
An LQT1‐associated mutation, Y111C, reduces KCNQ1 binding to EB1 dimer.
AbstractSlow delayed rectifier (IKs) channels consist of KCNQ1 and KCNE1. IKs functions as a ‘repolarization reserve’ in the heart by providing extra current for ventricular action potential shortening during β‐adrenergic stimulation. There has been much debate about how KCNQ1 and KCNE1 traffic in cells, where they associate to form IKs channels, and the distribution pattern of IKs channels relative to β‐adrenergic signalling complex. We used experimental strategies not previously applied to KCNQ1, KCNE1 or IKs, to provide new insights into these issues. ‘Retention‐using‐selected‐hook’ experiments showed that newly translated KCNE1 constitutively trafficked through the conventional secretory path to the cell surface. KCNQ1 largely stayed in the endoplasmic reticulum, although dynamic KCNQ1 vesicles were observed in the submembrane region. Disulphide‐bonded KCNQ1/KCNE1 constructs reported preferential association after they had reached cell surface. An in situ proximity ligation assay detected IKs channels in surface sarcolemma but not t‐tubules of ventricular myocytes, similar to the reported location of adenylate cyclase 9/yotiao. Fluorescent protein‐tagged KCNQ1 and KCNE1, in conjunction with antibodies targeting their extracellular epitopes, detected distinct cell surface and cytoplasmic pools of both proteins in myocytes. We conclude that, in cardiomyocytes, KCNQ1 and KCNE1 traffic by different routes to surface sarcolemma where they assemble into IKs channels. This mode of delayed channel assembly helps IKs fulfil its function of repolarization reserve. Proteomic experiments revealed a novel KCNQ1 interactor, microtubule plus‐end binding protein 1 (EB1). EB1 dimer (active form) bound KCNQ1 and increased its surface level. An LQT1 mutation, Y111C, reduced KCNQ1 binding to EB1 dimer.
Optimization of Clot Formation Methodology for Assessment of Neurothrombectomy Devices in Large Animal Thrombectomy Models
Authors: Jimenez Cedric , Polyakov Igor , Kleinert Leigh , Nelson André , Smith Mark 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Neurothrombectomy devices are commonly evaluated for potential clinical success in porcine models of neurothromboembolism. The majority of preclinical evaluations for these devices are performed in the vasculature of swine or dog utilizing clots created ex vivo. This investigation was conducted to develop a faster, more reliable method for creating clots ex vivo for model development. Neurothrombectomy devices are designed to perform recanalization of arterial occlusions that cause acute ischemic stroke [1]. Recanalization can be achieved via clot disruption, aspiration, or retrieval using one or more mechanical devices. In order to evaluate these devices in vivo, a fast and reliable method for creating and delivering clots to a desired artery, thereby simulating a target site for neurothrombectomy, is essential.
Two types of clot analogs (soft or firm) were created using two different methods in order to compare both their mechanical properties and their ability to reliably occlude selected arteries. Utilizing both methods, pre-formed clots were qualitatively compared in vitro to evaluate elasticity, stiffness, and functionality of delivery through a catheter. These evaluations were performed prior to in vivo assessment of the effectiveness of the analogs occlusion of selected arterial vasculature.
Injuries in mothers hospitalised for domestic violence-related assault: a whole-population linked data study
Authors: Bulsara Vishal Mahesh , Bulsara Max K , Codde Jim , Preen David , Slack-Smith Linda , O'Donnell Melissa 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo retrospectively assess a cohort of mothers for characteristics of injuries that they have suffered as a result of family and domestic violence (FDV) and which have required admission to a hospital during both the intrapartum and postpartum periods.Design and settingRetrospective, whole-population linked data study of FDV in Western Australia using the Western Australia birth registry from 1990 to 2009 and Hospital Morbidity Data System records from 1970 to 2013.Main outcome measuresNumber of hospitalisations, and mode, location and type of injuries recorded, with particular focus on the head and neck area.ResultsThere were 11 546 hospitalisations for mothers due to FDV. 8193 hospitalisations recorded an injury code to the head and/or neck region. The upper and middle thirds of the face and scalp were areas most likely to receive superficial injuries (58.7% or 4158 admissions), followed by the mouth and oral cavity (9.7% or 687 admissions). Fracture to the mandible accounted for 479 (4.2%) admissions and was almost equal to the sum of the next three most common facial fractures (nasal, maxillary and orbital floor). Mothers more likely to be hospitalised due to a head injury from FDV included those with more than one child (OR=1.17, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.30) and those with infants (<1 year old) (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.90) and young children (<7 years old) (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.30).ConclusionsFDV is a serious and ongoing problem and front-line clinicians are in need of evidence-based guidelines to recognise and assist victims of FDV. Mothers with children in their care are a particularly vulnerable group.
Effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rutherford Ole-Christian Walter , Jonasson Christian , Ghanima Waleed , Söderdahl Fabian , Halvorsen Sigrun 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding associated with the use of oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in a real-world population.MethodsWe identified all anticoagulant-naive initiators of warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban for the indication AF in Norway between January 2013 and December 2017. Multivariate competing risk regression was used to calculate subhazard ratios (SHRs) describing associations between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with warfarin for risk of stroke/SE and major bleeding.ResultsAmong 30 401 patients ≥75 years identified (median age 82 years, 53% women, mean CHA2DS2-VaSc score 4.5), 3857 initiated dabigatran, 6108 rivaroxaban, 13 786 apixaban and 6650 warfarin. Reduced dose was initiated in 11 559 (49%) of the NOAC-treated patients. For stroke, the SHRs for standard dose NOAC against warfarin were 0.80 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.13) for dabigatran; 1.07 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.30) for rivaroxaban and 0.95 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.15) for apixaban. For major bleeding, the SHRs against warfarin were 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.08) for dabigatran; 0.96 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.16) for rivaroxaban and 0.74 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.91) for apixaban. Comparing reduced doses of NOACs with warfarin yielded similar results. Sensitivity analyses were in accordance with the main results.ConclusionIn this nationwide cohort study of patients ≥75 years initiating oral anticoagulation for AF, standard and reduced dose NOACs were associated with similar risks of stroke/SE as warfarin and lower or similar risks of bleeding. The NOACs seem to be a safe option also in elderly patients.
Real-time detection of Chemical Warfare Agents at clearance decontamination levels for surface contamination: a challenge for civilian authorities
Authors: Rothbacher Dieter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNATO doctrine considers clearance decontamination to be applicable after the termination of a CBRN incident and largely deems the conduct of clearance decontamination to be a civilian, not a military, capability (NATO Standard NATO STANREC 4784 CBRN Clearance Decontamination, Study Draft 1, November 2015). Clearance decontamination procedures are such that the process is verified as being achieved by determining the residual contamination levels on every part of various surfaces of equipment and infrastructure, and by demonstrating that such levels are below the ones that are pre-determined by the relevant civilian authorities, who are responsible for the safety of the civilian population (NATO Standard NATO STANREC 4784 CBRN Clearance Decontamination, Study Draft 1, November 2015). The current desirable surface contamination detection levels for some Chemical Warfare Agents are technically challenging and may be beyond the capabilities of current technologies of military and civilian authorities. Can those low levels be detected, in real time, with existing technologies? Proton Transfer Reaction–Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometry (PTR–ToF–MS) enables simultaneous real-time detection, monitoring, and quantification of volatile organic compounds. Trials and evaluations with this PTR–ToF–MS technology, using Chemical Warfare Agents as contaminants, will show that this technology is an invaluable asset in supporting civilian authorities when determining safe levels of surface contamination in real time, after the completion of decontamination operations.
Corruption among Rural Grassroots Cadres: A Study of Its Origins and Development, with Policy Recommendations
Authors: Zhou (周健宇) Jianyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Drawing on 1,965 cases of corruption by rural grassroots cadre from 1993 to 2017, this article examines the evolving patterns of and intrinsic reasons for corruption as well as its changing characteristics over time, by focusing on the following indicators: the number of newly increased corruption cases, the frequency of corruption activities, the average amount of cash value involved in the cases, the annual total cash value involved in the cases, and the sectors where corruption took place. This article ends with several recommendations on corruption prevention, including further measures on legislation, ideological education, supervising mechanisms, and investigation and punishment.