bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pupillometry and the vigilance decrement: Task‐evoked but not baseline pupil measures reflect declining performance in visual vigilance tasks
Authors: Martin Joel T. , Whittaker Annalise H. , Johnston Stephen J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBaseline and task‐evoked pupil measures are known to reflect the activity of the nervous system's central arousal mechanisms. With the increasing availability, affordability and flexibility of video‐based eye tracking hardware, these measures may one day find practical application in real‐time biobehavioural monitoring systems to assess performance or fitness for duty in tasks requiring vigilant attention. But real‐world vigilance tasks are predominantly visual in their nature and most research in this area has taken place in the auditory domain. Here, we explore the relationship between pupil size—both baseline and task‐evoked—and behavioural performance measures in two novel vigilance tasks requiring visual target detection: (1) a traditional vigilance task involving prolonged, continuous and uninterrupted performance (n = 28) and (2) a psychomotor vigilance task (n = 25). In both tasks, behavioural performance and task‐evoked pupil responses declined as time spent on task increased, corroborating previous reports in the literature of a vigilance decrement with a corresponding reduction in task‐evoked pupil measures. Also in line with previous findings, baseline pupil size did not show a consistent relationship with performance measures. Our data offer novel insights into the complex interplay of brain systems involved in vigilant attention and question the validity of the assumption that baseline (prestimulus) pupil size and task‐evoked (poststimulus) pupil measures reflect the tonic and phasic firing modes of the locus coeruleus.
Self‐referential processes and resting‐state connectivity in breast cancer patients before and 1 year after chemotherapy
Authors: Perrier Joy , Joue Gina , Desgranges Béatrice , Allouache Djelila , Levy Christelle , Noal Sabine , Dayan Jacques , Eustache Francis , Joly Florence , Viard Armelle , Giffard Bénédicte 
Published: January 2022

AbstractModifications in the processing of information relevant to oneself have been reported in breast cancer (BC) patients. Here, we characterize the longitudinal changes to self‐representations in BC patients and how they are related to intrinsic functional brain connectivity. We tested 16 BC patients before (T1) and 1 year after the end of chemotherapy (T2) along with 24 healthy control participants (HC) at similar time points. Participants underwent resting‐state fMRI and completed the Questionnaire of Self‐Representation (QSR), which evaluates self‐assertion and self‐esteem. Resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) was calculated for regions implicated in self‐referential processes (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex [dmPFC], posterior cingulate cortex [PCC], and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex [dACC]) and correlated with QSR scores. QSR scores were on average larger in patients compared with HC and did not vary over time. RSFC between the dACC and regions supporting body awareness (precentral/postcentral and supramarginal gyri, superior parietal lobule) decreased more between T1 and T2 in BC patients than in HC. BC patients had lower RSFC than HC between the dmPFC and the PCC, and regions supporting mental imagery (precuneus, lingual gyrus), at each time point, and a greater decrease from T1 and T2. QSR scores negatively correlated with RSFC. Patients described themselves as having greater self‐awareness and positive self‐image, reflecting a fighting spirit. In parallel, patients presented a decrease in cortical activity related to body awareness and mental imagery of self‐representations over time that may be related to the positive self‐image patients have and could reflect a temporary adaptive strategy.
3D‐printed design of a stereotaxic adaptor for the precision targeting of brain structures in infant mice
Authors: Steffens Simon , Bakker Joanne , Glat Micaela , Keimpema Erik , Pollak Daniela D. , Hökfelt Tomas , Harkany Tibor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractExperimental investigation of early postnatal brain development in infant mice (<postnatal day 10) is challenging because of the rapid expansion of their brain volume and the fragility of cranial bones. Stereotaxic adaptors that are commercially available usually evoke significant compression forces, thus limiting the accuracy of micromanipulations. Here, we took advantage of recent progress in 3D printing for the cost‐effective production of stereotaxic adaptors for infant mice. Our designs offer gentle head positioning, tailored incisor placement and high precision, while also integrating evaporator and tubing components for gaseous anaesthesia. Thus, post‐procedural lethality is minimized even upon time‐consuming surgeries. Viral microinjections through glass capillaries are shown as proof of principle to experimentally validate targeting accuracy in mice aged 6–10 days. The exact engineering workflow and printing protocol are disseminated for open‐label use. Overall, we present technical details and experimental data on a stereotaxic device that can help neurobiologists working at a particularly complex developmental stage in mice.
Loop replacement design: a new way to improve potency of plant cystatins
Authors: Kunert Karl J. , Pillay Priyen 
Published: January 2022

Plant cystatins function as competitive inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Similar to other defence proteins, cystatins include hypervariable, positively selected amino acid sites presumably impacting their biological activity. Protein engineering approaches, such as point mutations, at these functionally relevant amino acid sites have already been found to be a powerful tool in improving the inhibitory properties of cystatins. Such engineered cystatins not only better protect against digestive proteases of herbivorous arthropods but also against cysteine proteases of several other plant pests as well as against cysteine proteases produced in plant during stress‐induced senescence. Despite previous engineering successes, an urgent need still exists to further improve both plant cystatin potency and specificity. Tremblay and colleagues propose in this issue a new cystatin engineering strategy to substitute the function‐related structural elements (SEs) of a cystatin by the corresponding elements of an alternative cystatin. This strategy, possibly combined with direct cystatin gene editing in a target plant, might provide an innovative way to control cysteine protease activity.Comment on https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16288
Social media and the demotic turn in Africa's media ecology
Authors: Kperogi Farooq A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSocial media platforms have exploded in the last decade and have emerged as the arenas for discursive democracy, sociality, and digital dissidence across Africa. This article historicizes and genealogizes the exponential, if slightly imperceptible but nonetheless phenomenal, growth, maturation, and spread of social media on a continent that had been described in the scholarly literature as the blackhole of informational capitalism. It argues that the progressive centrality of social media in the quotidian lives of Africans, which has invited consternation and censorship from many African governments and inspired precarity in the traditional media sphere, instantiates the materialization of the demotic turn in communication, which situates the ordinary person as the fulcrum of the communicative process.
The satisfaction of healthcare consumers: analysis and comparison of different methodologies
Authors: Vieira Inês , Ferreira Diogo , Pedro Maria Isabel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPatient satisfaction and the factors influencing it are becoming a significant concern for health organizations and patients around the world. This study evaluates patients' satisfaction regarding the inpatient service while tackling the existent literature gap on which method best suits the patient satisfaction analysis. We perform a methodological comparison (using factor analysis, structural equation modeling, ordinal logistic regression (OLR), and multicriteria satisfaction analysis (MUSA)) to contrast the different results from different methodologies. After implementing the methods, we concluded that, out of the eleven analyzed factors, seven influence satisfaction: accommodations, auxiliary staff, exams and treatments, medical staff, food quality, volunteering staff, and obtained information. Three were consistent for structural equation modeling and OLR: accommodations, exams and treatments, and health services. The outputs of MUSA were not compatible with the other methods. However, we concluded that the MUSA method is a good option when dealing with patient satisfaction studies since it provides insightful outputs that facilitate managers' decision making and improve the provider's performance efficiency.
A stochastic approach for planning airport ground support resources
Authors: Guimarans Daniel , Padrón Silvia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAirport ground operations are one of the main causes of late departures. Hence, reliable work plans for ground support resources can help mitigate these delays while limiting the under‐/over‐utilization of equipment. In this paper, we propose a stochastic approach for modeling the routing problems encountered during scheduling of each activity. We embed Monte Carlo simulation within an optimization approach to assess solutions during the search and guide the algorithm toward more robust schedules that account for resource cost. Actual flight arrival data, random service, and travel times are used in the simulation process. Results prove that our method clearly increases the robustness of the obtained schedules and the number of aircraft being handled within the planned time. To further identify potential causes of delay, we propose a reliability analysis based on the study of survival functions for each turnaround activity, combined with the dispersion of the resources' arrival to the parking stand.
Comparing the safety and effectiveness of dedicated radiofrequency transseptal wires to electrified metal guidewires
Authors: Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Knight Bradley P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundApplication of electrocautery to a metal guidewire is used by some operators to perform transseptal puncture (TSP). Commercially available dedicated radiofrequency (RF) guidewires may represent a better alternative. This study compares the safety and effectiveness of electrified guidewires to a dedicated RF wire.MethodsTSP was performed on freshly excised porcine hearts using an electrified 0.014″ or 0.032″ guidewire under various power settings and was compared to TSP using a dedicated RF wire with 5 W power (0.035″ VersaCross RF System, Baylis Medical). The primary endpoint was the number of attempts required to achieve TSP. Secondary endpoints included the rate of TSP failure, TSP consistency, the effect of the distance between the tip of the guidewire and the tip of the dilator, and effect of RF power output level. Qualitative secondary endpoints included tissue puncture defect appearance, thermal damage to the TSP guidewire or dilator, and tissue temperature using thermal imaging.ResultsThe RF wire required on average 1.10 ± 0.47 attempts to cross the septum. The 0.014″ electrified guidewire required an overall mean of 2.17 ± 2.36 attempts (2.0 times as many as the RF wire; p < .01), and the 0.032″ electrified guidewire required an overall mean of 3.90 ± 2.93 attempts (3.5 times as many as the RF wire; p < .01). Electrified guidewires had a higher rate of TSP failure, and caused larger defects and more tissue charring than the RF wire. Thermal analysis showed higher temperatures and a larger area of tissue heating with electrified guidewires than the RF wire.ConclusionFewer RF applications were required to achieve TSP using a dedicated RF wire compared to an electrified guidewire. Smaller defects and lower tissue temperatures were also observed using the RF wire. Electrified guidewires required greater energy delivery and were associated with equipment damage and tissue charring, which may present a risk of thrombus, thermal injury, or scarring.
Differentiating left bundle branch pacing and left ventricular septal pacing: An algorithm based on intracardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Chen Xing , Qian Zhiyong , Zou Fengwei , Wang Yao , Zhang Xinwei , Qiu Yuanhao , Hou Xiaofeng , Zhou Xiaohong , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Zou Jiangang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundLeft bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a new near‐physiological pacing modality. Distinguishing left ventricular septal only pacing (LVSP) from nonselective LBBP still needs clarification. This prospective study sought to establish a differentiation algorithm to confirm LBBP.Methods and ResultsLBBP was attempted in consecutive patients. If direct LBB capture (LBBP) could not be confirmed, LVSP was considered to have been achieved. Intracardiac left ventricular (LV) activation sequence and activation time were analyzed using coronary sinus (CS) electrogram mapping. Electrophysiological parameters including S‐CSmax, S‐CSmin, LV lateral wall activation time, ΔLV, and LBB potential were compared between LBBP and LVSP. Stimulated LV activation time (S‐LVAT) and stimulated QRS duration (S‐QRSd) were also compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop a prediction algorithm for LBBP. Of the 43 prospectively enrolled patients, 27 underwent LBBP and 16 underwent LVSP. All LBBP patients showed identical LV activation sequences to their intrinsic rhythm while no LVSP patients maintained their intrinsic sequence. S‐CSmax, ΔLV, LV lateral wall activation time, and S‐LVAT during LBBP were significantly shorter than those during LVSP. Combining LBB potential with S‐LVAT had the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 for confirming LBBP with a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 93.7%.ConclusionsCompared with LVSP, LBBP preserves a normal LV activation sequence and better electrical synchrony. A combination of LBB potential with S‐LVAT can be an effective and practical model to distinguish LBBP from LVSP during implantation in patients with normal LBB activation.
A combination of Vitreoscilla filiformis extract and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water strengthens the skin defenses and skin barrier
Authors: Gueniche A. , Valois A. , Kerob D. , Rasmont V. , Nielsen M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProbiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Semiactive, non‐replicating bacteria or extracts used in dermocosmetics have interesting properties for skin quality. Vitreoscilla filiformis is cultured by a fermentation process to obtain an extract. It is considered as a probiotic fraction and topical application of this extract has shown activity to strengthen the skin physical barrier function and maintain good homeostasis of skin defenses. Vichy volcanic mineralizing water (VVMW) is a pure, highly mineralized water that has been shown to strengthen the skin against exposome aggressions. This manuscript reviews properties of probiotic fractions used in skin care, especially studies on an extract of V. filiformis grown in a medium containing VVMW (VfeV) and evaluated in combination with VVMW. Skin barrier function: In normal human epidermal keratinocyte cultures, the combination of 10% VVMW and 0.002% VfeV significantly increased transglutaminase, filaggrin, involucrin, claudin‐1, and zonula occludens‐1 in comparison with the controls. Antimicrobial peptide defenses: The combination of 16.7% VVMW and 0.1% VfeV increased the expression of β‐defensin‐4A and S100A7. Skin immune defense functions: In lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the combination of 16.7% VVMW and 0.1% VfeV down‐regulated IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐12/IL‐23p40, and increased IL10 and IL‐10/IL‐12 ratio compared to the control. Additionally, the combination of 79% VVMW plus 5% VfeV protected Langerhans cells in skin explants exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In conclusion, the combination of VfeV plus VVMW has properties to strengthen the skin barrier by stimulating skin differentiation and tight junctions, biochemical defenses by stimulating antimicrobial peptides, and cellular immune defenses by increasing the IL‐10/IL‐12 ratio and by protecting Langerhans cells challenged by ultraviolet radiation.
Solanum palinacanthum Dunal as a potential eggplant rootstock resistant to root‐knot nematodes
Authors: Murata Gaku , Uehara Taketo , Lee Hyoung Jae , Mizutani Masaharu , Kadota Yasuhiro , Shinmura Yoshimi , Saito Takeo , Uesugi Kenta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEggplant (Solanum melongena) is susceptible to root‐knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.), which parasitizes host roots and intakes nutrients from nursing cells called ‘giant cells’. Grafting with RKN‐resistant rootstock is an effective way to reduce the damage caused by RKN. However, commercially available cultivars of RKN‐resistant rootstock for eggplant are limited, and resistance in RKN‐resistant plants is sometimes ineffective. A wild eggplant relative, Solanum palinacanthum, was recently found to be resistant against a wide range of Meloidogyne spp. In this study, we assessed the suitability of S. palinacanthum as an eggplant rootstock. First, we checked the grafting compatibility of S. palinacanthum rootstock to scions of commercial cultivars of eggplant. The scions of the eggplants and the rootstock of S. palinacanthum united well, and the grafted plants grew stably, whereas S. palinacanthum was seemingly incompatible with tomato. The grafting of eggplants on S. palinacanthum rootstock significantly suppressed the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita in a pot experiment. The grafted plants also reduced the population densities of RKN infesting the experimental fields, whereas the grafting did not significantly change the yields. In addition, we measured the contents of representative alkaloids in the fruits of the grafted eggplant, which can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. The results show that the grafting did not make any difference in the contents of α‐solasonine and α‐solamargine in the fruit. These results support that S. palinacanthum is a promising eggplant rootstock for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) against RKNs.
Existence, uniqueness, and comparative statics of Nash equilibrium in a game of voluntary public good provision with two public goods
Authors: Suzuki Kenichi , Miyakoshi Tatsuyoshi , Itaya Jun‐ichi , Yamanashi Akitomo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper shows the uniqueness of a Nash equilibrium in the presence of many heterogeneous players with two public goods under Cobb–Douglas preferences. It provides a sufficient condition for a unique equilibrium including contributors providing both public goods, and shows that contributors providing both public goods appear frequently. This uniqueness property allows us to conduct a comparative statics analysis with a contributor and a free rider of both public goods, showing the role of the contributor providing both public goods.
Participatory research in practice: Understandings of power and embodied methodologies
Authors: Hore Katherine , Gaillard JC , Davies Tim , Kearns Robin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractParticipatory research (PR) has been increasingly used by geographers and other social scientists in recent decades. However, in practice PR often departs from the transformative and empowering characteristics that define it. This article uses candid reflections on the first author's attempt at PR to highlight areas where the under‐theorisation of the complexities of fieldwork and the co‐constitutive nature of research and emotions could be contributing to such depoliticised practice. Some problematic aspects of how power is understood in PR are also discussed, echoing the call from proponents of participation at large for more coherent frameworks to understand power relations.
Usefulness of a Multiplex PCR Assay for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infections in the Routine Setting
Authors: Auñón Álvaro , Coifman Ismael , Blanco Antonio , García Cañete Joaquín , Parrón‐Cambero Raúl , Esteban Jaime 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay as a complementary tool in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections in the routine setting of a clinical microbiology laboratory, with a special focus on patients at high risk of culture‐negative infections and high suspicion of infection.MethodsThe results obtained in the routine care setting with the use of the commercial multiplex PCR (Unyvero i60©, Curetis AG, Holzgerlingen, Germany) were retrospectively reviewed. The test was performed in samples of patients with suspected prosthetic joint infection, which were also processed for conventional diagnostic methods, including sonication of the implant when possible. Patients selected for the test were those with negative cultures after a 24‐h incubation period.ResultsNinety‐nine PCRs were performed, 57 of which were diagnostic of infection according to 2018 MSIS criteria. Nine patients received antibiotics within the 15 days prior to the diagnostic procedure. Tested samples included synovial fluid (33), sonication fluid (56) and tissue biopsies (10). The PCR test detected microorganisms in 26 samples: including two cases of polymicrobial infection. Eleven patients were diagnosed by using PCR only. The most frequently detected microorganism in PCR was Coagulase‐Negative Staphylococcus in 11 samples, followed by Staphylococcus aureus in five. One sample was positive for the bacteria universal primer, included in the 2.0 version of the kit. Only one discrepancy was detected between a negative PCR and a positive culture. One sample was also positive for a resistance marker (detection of mecA gene in a case of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus infection).ConclusionThe incorporation of the Unyvero ITI multiple PCR technique in patients selected by clinical experts is a useful tool for the diagnosis of bone and joint infections in a routine care setting. A close clinical‐microbiological collaboration improves the usefulness of this kit for the management of patients with these infections.