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This study contributes to the comparative analysis of outcomes between gamified and traditional training systems in the banking sector. On‐the‐job training is a vital aspect of the process of enhancing work performance within organizations. Thus, by employing a case‐based asymmetric configural approach rooted in nonlinear and contrarian case analysis, this research investigates the impact of gamified training on human resource development. A global empirical survey of 388 banking employees revealed that a combination of complexity theory and configural analysis provides valuable insights into the outcomes of both gamified and conventional training methods. In the face of increasing competition, banks are compelled to enhance their professionalism by boosting employee motivation. It becomes apparent that there is no straightforward, necessary and sufficient path available to guarantee high levels of engagement and job satisfaction. Notably, some of these results challenge the expectations of self‐determination theory (SDT), which posits the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs during training. These findings contribute to an enriched understanding of the nuanced application of complexity theory in the context of SDT research, particularly regarding the training and development of gamified systems for banking organizations and other service‐oriented sectors that can benefit from such innovative training approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camera traps have transformed the way we monitor wildlife and are now routinely used to address questions from a wide range of ecological and conservation aspects. Sampling design optimization and a better understanding of drivers determining the precision of detection rates (i.e. the number of detections per unit of effort) are important methodological issues. Little attention has been focused on the effect of placing more than one camera on each sampling point (hereafter, clustered design), and/or rotating (i.e. redeploying) the cameras to new placements during the sampling period.We explored the differences in the precision of detection rates between clustered vs. single camera designs when cameras remained in the same location during the study. Furthermore, the effect of keeping the placement of cameras fixed or rotating them (i.e. moving them to new locations during the sampling period), when a limited number of camera devices are available, was also evaluated. We used simulations and field data to test differences in detection rate precision for the different sampling designs. We simulated three different population distributions (random, trail‐based and aggregated) and three abundance scenarios. The simulations were validated with a field experiment focused on eight species with different behavioural traits, including artiodactyls, carnivores, lagomorphs, and birds.When a fixed number of sampling points were monitored simultaneously, clustered designs generally resulted in an increase in the precision of detection rates compared to single designs. The absolute reduction in the coefficient of variation by clustered designs was on average 0.07 units (min: 0.01, max: 0.15), which represents an average relative reduction in CV of 31% (min:6%, max:44%). An improvement in precision was also observed as a higher number of sampling points was used for all population distributions and sampling designs tested. When a fixed number of cameras were available, rotating the cameras to independent locations improved precision (an absolute reduction of 0.19 CV units) when monitoring aggregated populations, but not for random and trail‐based population distributions.Synthesis and applications: Our research provides a guideline for wildlife managers and researchers to improve the precision of camera trap detection rates and optimize resource allocation. In general, the study design should accommodate the behaviour of the target species (e.g. spatial aggregation and abundance), monitoring program logistic resources (both human and economic) and study area characteristics (e.g. accessibility and vandalism). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the prolonged, uneven, and evolving nature of the Covid‐19 pandemic, this study provides one of the first dynamic, multilevel perspectives of women's fertility intentions in response to the pandemic and its multifaceted impacts. We examine how evolving individual‐ and community‐level Covid‐19 risk mechanisms and socioeconomic and life‐course conditions are associated with continuity and change in women's fertility intentions. We combine individual‐level panel data from a population‐based sample of women aged 18–34 in Pernambuco, Brazil in 2020 and 2021 with corresponding administrative data from 94 municipalities. We use multinomial logit regressions to model continuity and change in fertility intentions across waves. We then estimate fixed effect models to highlight the time‐varying determinants of changing fertility intentions while accounting for unobserved, time‐invariant individual factors. We find that high and/or increasing individual and community‐level Covid‐19 exposure is associated with a greater likelihood of abandoning initial childbearing plans and a greater likelihood to maintain intentions to forego versus to intend having additional children. We advance the literature by highlighting how individual‐level Covid‐19 infection risk perceptions matter for fertility intentions, net of community‐level exposure, and the necessity of dynamic perspectives for understanding how fertility intentions have changed (or not) in response to the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Endocrine systems are disrupted in acute illness, and symptoms reported following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are similar to those found with clinical hormone deficiencies. We hypothesised that people with severe acute COVID‐19 and with post‐COVID symptoms have glucocorticoid and sex hormone deficiencies. Design/Patients: Samples were obtained for analysis from two UK multicentre cohorts during hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (International Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Consortium/World Health Organisation [WHO] Clinical Characterization Protocol for Severe Emerging Infections in the UK study), and at follow‐up 5 months after hospitalisation (Post‐hospitalisation COVID‐19 study). Measurements: Plasma steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Steroid concentrations were compared against disease severity (WHO ordinal scale) and validated symptom scores. Data are presented as geometric mean (SD). Results: In the acute cohort (n = 239, 66.5% male), plasma cortisol concentration increased with disease severity (cortisol 753.3 [1.6] vs. 429.2 [1.7] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p <.001). In males, testosterone concentrations decreased with severity (testosterone 1.2 [2.2] vs. 6.9 [1.9] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p <.001). In the follow‐up cohort (n = 198, 62.1% male, 68.9% ongoing symptoms, 165 [121–192] days postdischarge), plasma cortisol concentrations (275.6 [1.5] nmol/L) did not differ with in‐hospital severity, perception of recovery, or patient‐reported symptoms. Male testosterone concentrations (12.6 [1.5] nmol/L) were not related to in‐hospital severity, perception of recovery or symptom scores. Conclusions: Circulating glucocorticoids in patients hospitalised with COVID‐19 reflect acute illness, with a marked rise in cortisol and fall in male testosterone. These findings are not observed 5 months from discharge. The lack of association between hormone concentrations and common post‐COVID symptoms suggests steroid insufficiency does not play a causal role in this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural language processing unfolds information overtime as spatially separated, multimodal, and interconnected neural processes. Existing noninvasive subtraction‐based neuroimaging techniques cannot simultaneously achieve the spatial and temporal resolutions required to visualize ongoing information flows across the whole brain. Here we have developed rapid phase‐encoded designs to fully exploit the temporal information latent in functional magnetic resonance imaging data, as well as overcoming scanner noise and head‐motion challenges during overt language tasks. We captured real‐time information flows as coherent hemodynamic waves traveling over the cortical surface during listening, reading aloud, reciting, and oral cross‐language interpreting tasks. We were able to observe the timing, location, direction, and surge of traveling waves in all language tasks, which were visualized as "brainstorms" on brain "weather" maps. The paths of hemodynamic traveling waves provide direct evidence for dual‐stream models of the visual and auditory systems as well as logistics models for crossmodal and cross‐language processing. Specifically, we have tracked down the step‐by‐step processing of written or spoken sentences first being received and processed by the visual or auditory streams, carried across language and domain‐general cognitive regions, and finally delivered as overt speeches monitored through the auditory cortex, which gives a complete picture of information flows across the brain during natural language functioning. Practitioner Points: Phase‐encoded fMRI enables simultaneous imaging of high spatial and temporal resolution, capturing continuous spatiotemporal dynamics of the entire brain during real‐time overt natural language tasks.Spatiotemporal traveling wave patterns provide direct evidence for constructing comprehensive and explicit models of human information processing.This study unlocks the potential of applying rapid phase‐encoded fMRI to indirectly track the underlying neural information flows of sequential sensory, motor, and high‐order cognitive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motion‐sensitive cameras are popular as non‐invasive monitoring tools, and several methods have been developed to estimate population densities from camera data. These methods frequently rely on auxiliary movement data including the distance traveled by an individual in a day and the proportion of the day that an animal spends moving when individual recognition is not possible. The estimation of these movement parameters is time‐consuming, which could limit the applicability of cameras to estimate population density. To investigate the relevance of measuring movement parameters for the target population, we monitored 54 wildlife populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in different seasons through Europe with cameras. We estimated 91‐day ranges and activity levels. We fitted mixed models for day range and activity level as response variables to assess if the inter‐population variability in movement was explained by a set of a priori relevant geographical, environmental, biological, and management predictors. We then explored the bias in density estimates obtained in 25 independent populations when using predicted movement data. There was high intra‐species variation in day range and activity level among species and populations. Only species explained a small proportion of this variability; other predictor variables did not. We observed bias in densities when predicting the day range and activity for independent populations. Considering the intra‐species variability in movement parameters and the consequent unacceptable bias in density estimates, we recommend that monitoring and conservation programs estimate movement parameters for the target population and survey populations from camera data for more accurate density estimates. While this increases the handling time needed to estimate densities, it is worth the cost because of the reliability of camera‐based methodologies to estimate needed movement parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional MRI (fMRI) with 1H‐MRS was combined on the hippocampus and visual cortex of animal models of obesity (high‐fat diet, HFD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to identify the involved mechanisms and temporal evolution of neurometabolic changes in these disorders that could serve as potentially reliable clinical biomarkers. HFD rats presented elevated levels of N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) (p = 0.0365 vs. standard diet, SD) and glutathione (GSH) (p = 0.0494 vs. SD) in the hippocampus. NAAG and GSH levels in this structure proved to be correlated (r = 0.4652, p = 0.0336). This mechanism was not observed in diabetic rats. Combining MRS and fMRI‐evaluated blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) response, elevated taurine (p = 0.0326 vs. HFD) and GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) (p = 0.0211 vs. SD and p = 0.0153 vs. HFD) were observed in the visual cortex of only diabetic rats, counteracting the elevated BOLD response and suggesting an adaptative mechanism against hyperexcitability observed in the primary visual cortex (V1) (p = 0.0226 vs. SD). BOLD amplitude was correlated with the glutamate levels (r = 0.4491; p = 0.0316). Therefore, here we found evidence for several biological dichotomies regarding excitotoxicity and neuroprotection in different brain regions, identifying putative markers of their different susceptibility and response to the metabolic and vascular insults of obesity and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2020, the Mexican Government initiated the National Program for Elimination of Hepatitis C (HCV) under a procurement agreement, securing universal, free access to HCV screening, diagnosis and treatment for 2020–2022. This analysis quantifies the clinical and economic burden of HCV (MXN) under a continuation (or end) to the agreement. A modelling and Delphi approach was used to evaluate the disease burden (2020–2030) and economic impact (2020–2035) of the Historical Base compared to Elimination, assuming the agreement continues (Elimination—Agreement to 2035) or terminates (Elimination—Agreement to 2022). We estimated cumulative costs and the per‐patient treatment expenditure needed to achieve net‐zero cost (the difference in cumulative costs between the scenario and the base). Elimination is defined as a 90% reduction in new infections, 90% diagnosis coverage, 80% treatment coverage and 65% reduction in mortality by 2030. A viraemic prevalence of 0.55% (0.50–0.60) was estimated on 1st January 2021, corresponding to 745,000 (95% CI 677,000–812,000) viraemic infections in Mexico. The Elimination—Agreement to 2035 would achieve net‐zero cost by 2023 and accrue 31.2 billion in cumulative costs. Cumulative costs under the Elimination—Agreement to 2022 are estimated at 74.2 billion. Under Elimination—Agreement to 2022, the per‐patient treatment price must decrease to 11,000 to achieve net‐zero cost by 2035. The Mexican Government could extend the agreement through 2035 or reduce the cost of HCV treatment to 11,000 to achieve HCV elimination at net‐zero cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new root‐knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne izalcoensis, was detected on coffee in Brazil. This species was first described on coffee from El Salvador and later detected in Asia and Africa. There are no reports on the genetic diversity of this species and resistance to M. izalcoensis has not yet been studied in coffee cultivars. All populations were identified by esterase phenotype and sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) species‐specific markers. Based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, low intraspecific variability was detected among M. izalcoensis populations from Africa, Vietnam and Brazil, but the population from El Salvador showed fewer genetic differences from the other populations. Phylogenetically, all populations of M. izalcoensis from different locations (El Salvador, Kenya, Tanzania, Vietnam and Brazil) grouped with 90% and 69% bootstrap support for COII and HSP90 regions, respectively, indicating that these markers are highly conserved for the species. In addition, both markers enabled separation of M. izalcoensis populations from other important coffee Meloidogyne species, including M. exigua, M. paranaensis, M. incognita, M. arabicida and M. lopezi. In resistance studies, most genotypes tested that had resistance to other Meloidogyne spp. (Amphillo × Catuaí, Hybrid of Timor, IAPAR 59, IPR 99, IPR 100, IPR 102, IPR 103, IPR 105, IPR 106, IPR 107 and IPR 108) were found to be susceptible to M. izalcoensis, except for the rootstock cv. Apoatã IAC 2258, which proved to be moderately resistant, with a genetic segregation for this character of 43.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aims of this report are (i) to implement camera trap practical methods to estimate wild boar density by means of field trials, which is also of application to other medium and big sized mammals and (ii) to report on progress of the development of automatic identification for density estimation based on camera trapping. As for (i), we specifically investigated if the local environment conditions influence the two key parameters that are used to estimate the detection zone, radius and angle, for the Random Encounter method (REM). We hypothesized that, after controlling for intrinsic factors (species, camera brand), the detection zone of a camera is influenced by the local vegetation and environmental conditions predominant in the field of view of the camera. If our hypothesis was rejected, we can provide reference values of radius and angle for species and camera brand that can alleviate the efforts requested to process the data to estimate densities using REM. As for (ii), participants of the European Observatory of Wildlife (EOW) are currently applying a new protocol in over 30 study areas across Europe, which incorporated the necessary steps to calibrate camera trap deployments in the field for further use of artificial intelligence to estimate density (using REM). In conclusion, regarding the camera trap field trial, we found that the significance of both the radio and angle difference in the different regions can be explained through the additive effect of several factors that contribute to diminishing performance of the camera trap. These results emphasise the importance of project design and the standardisation of the method to reduce bias and facilitate comparison between different projects. In relation to the development of automatic identification, our progress indicates that the completion of the work (i.e. the Agouti platform suitable for the management of project‐wise camera‐trap surveys of wildlife in each of the partner countries, including the measurement for density estimation in a separate R package) will be completed in time for the Europe‐wide surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new‐born European Observatory of Wildlife (EOW)2 is a part of the EFSA‐funded ENETWILD project, and has the aim of improving the European capacities for monitoring wildlife populations, implementing international standards for data collection, providing guidance on wildlife density estimation, and finally, to promote collaborative, open data networks to develop wildlife monitoring. As a next step, the EOW has engaged and enhanced the existing network of collaborators, and a number of participants are currently preparing field operations to estimate wild mammal density (focused on wild ungulates and other medium to big sized mammals) in certain areas from their respective countries. A field camera trap (CT) based protocol provided by the EOW is going to be applied. An online training course held in May 2022 provided specific training on camera trapping methods and protocols, specifically the random encounter method (REM) and other methods which do not require individual recognition. Here we also present the new field protocol, which is compatible with the subsequent application of artificial intelligence to process and analyze photo trappings using the online app AGOUTI. This strategy aims at promoting a network of professionals/researchers capable of designing, developing field work and analysing data, contributing also to disseminate the experience and train other colleagues in their respective countries. By now, the overall number of countries participating in the EOW is 25. Some participants from 12 countries could already estimate mammal densities during the previous seasons 2019/2020/2021, which will also apply the same methodology in different populations during 2022 in their respective countries. The number of density values finally obtained through this experience by the end of 2022 will exceed 40 different locations in a total of at least 30 countries, since some countries are on the process to confirm their participation. The EOW website is presented. This coordinated field trial activity over a range of European countries, involving different experts and professionals, follows the original plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study tangible touch tablets combined with Augmented Reality Head‐Mounted Displays (AR‐HMDs) to perform spatial 3D selections. We are primarily interested in the exploration of 3D unstructured datasets such as cloud points or volumetric datasets. AR‐HMDs immerse users by showing datasets stereoscopically, and tablets provide a set of 2D exploration tools. Because AR‐HMDs merge the visualization, interaction, and the users' physical spaces, users can also use the tablets as tangible objects in their 3D space. Nonetheless, the tablets' touch displays provide their own visualization and interaction spaces, separated from those of the AR‐HMD. This raises several research questions compared to traditional setups. In this paper, we theorize, discuss, and study different available mappings for manual spatial selections using a tangible tablet within an AR‐HMD space. We then study the use of this tablet within a 3D AR environment, compared to its use with a 2D external screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence from numerous comprehensive studies has demonstrated that blue light, in particular high‐energy visible light, can exert a range of harmful effects on skin cells. These forms of radiation are now known to be able to trigger oxidation reactions, DNA damage, erythema and pigmentary changes, and may also be associated with photoaging. Sunscreens protecting the skin from only ultraviolet (UV)‐B and UVA rays can therefore no longer be regarded as sufficient to help prevent skin damage from sunlight, and products containing filters that can provide broad‐spectrum photoprotection are required. To meet this need, a new sunscreen formulation that provides photoprotection against solar radiation with wavelengths ranging from UV to visible light has been developed, using an innovative organic sun filter with unique optical properties: phenylene bis diphenyltriazine (TriAsorB™). This article outlines the development and characteristics of this innovative filter and describes new key results from studies performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of the filter and the new sunscreen product. The studies conducted so far demonstrate that the filter has a good human and environmental safety profile. In addition, the sunscreen, which contains TriAsorB in combination with three other UV filters to offer broad‐spectrum sun protection with a high sun protection factor (SPF50+), appears to effectively prevent multiple forms of cellular photodamage, in particular blue light‐induced oxidatively generated DNA lesions. Overall, the available data indicate that regular use of the TriAsorB‐containing sunscreen could help prevent solar radiation‐induced skin damage and the development of signs of premature skin aging, as well as photodermatoses caused or exacerbated by visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a Meloidogyne species complex was detected parasitizing and causing damage to irrigated rice in southern Brazil, highlighting the need to study the genetic diversity of these species and their pathogenicity to Oryza spp. in order to select genotypes of rice with multiple resistance. This study compared the genetic diversity of Brazilian Meloidogyne spp. isolates from irrigated rice and evaluated the reaction of four wild accessions of Oryza species (O. glumaepatula, O. longistaminata, O. grandiglumis, and O. alta) and two cultivated species, O. glaberrima and O. sativa (control) to M. ottersoni, M. oryzae, and two variants of M. graminicola (Est G2 and Est G3). Genetic variability was assessed using RAPD and AFLP markers. M. graminicola and M. ottersoni showed high intraspecific variability: 83.76% and 41.14%, respectively. Cluster analysis showed a clear separation among rice root‐knot nematodes (RKNs) into subclades according to their esterase phenotypes with 100% bootstrap. For rice resistance screening, plants were inoculated with 5,000 eggs, and the nematode reproduction factor evaluated 90–120 days postinoculation. O. glumaepatula, an American wild species, was highly resistant or resistant to all rice RKNs tested and is a valuable source of multiple resistance. Overall, the other rice species also showed different levels of resistance. Conversely, O. longistaminata exhibited low levels of resistance. M. graminicola Est G3 was the most aggressive isolate. Sources of resistance against RKN in wild Oryza genotypes, especially in an AA genome like O. glumaepatula, may be of great interest for future breeding programmes in cultivated rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The decision to consider adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for non‐small cell lung cancer is currently governed by clinical stage. This study aims to assess other routinely collected pathological variables related to metastasis and survival for their ability to predict the efficacy of AC in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods and results: A retrospective single‐centre series of 620 resected lung non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma cases from 2005 to 2015 was used. Digital images of all slides were subjected to central review, and data on tumour histopathology, AC treatment and patient survival were compiled. A statistical case matching approach was used to counter selection bias. Several high‐risk pathological criteria predict both pathological nodal involvement and early death: positive vascular invasion status (VI+) (HR = 2.10, P < 0.001), positive visceral pleural invasion status (VPI+) (HR = 2.16, P < 0.001), and solid/micropapillary‐predominant WHO tumour type (SPA/MPPA) (HR = 3.29, P < 0.001). Crucially, these criteria also identify patient groups benefiting from AC (VI + HR = 0.69, P = 0.167, VPI + HR = 0.44, P = 0.004, SPA/MPPA HR = 0.36, P = 0.006). Cases showing VI+/VPI+/SPA/MPPA histology in the absence of AC stage criteria were common (170 of 620 total), and 8 had actually received AC. This group showed much better outcomes than equivalent untreated cases in matched analysis (3‐year OS 100.0% versus 31.3%). Inclusion of patients with VI+/VPI+/SPA/MPPA histology would increase AC‐eligible patients from 51.0% to 84.0% of non‐mucinous tumours in our cohort. Conclusions: Our data provide preliminary evidence that the consideration of AC in patients with additional high‐risk pathological indicators may significantly improve outcomes in operable lung adenocarcinoma, and that AC may be currently underused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, still characterized by high mortality rates. As lipid metabolism contributes to cancer metabolic reprogramming, several lipid metabolism genes are considered prognostic biomarkers of cancer. Statins are a class of lipid‐lowering compounds used in treatment of cardiovascular disease that are currently studied for their antitumor effects. However, their exact mechanism of action and specific conditions in which they should be administered remains unclear. Here, we found that simvastatin treatment effectively promoted antiproliferative effects and modulated lipid metabolism‐related pathways in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and that the antiproliferative effects of statins were potentiated by overexpression of acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 3 (ACSL3). Moreover, ACSL3 overexpression was associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with high‐grade NSCLC. Finally, we found that patients with high expression levels of ACSL3 displayed a clinical benefit of statins treatment. Therefore, our study highlights ACSL3 as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, useful to select patients who would obtain a clinical benefit from statin administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We consider fog computing scenarios where data generated by a set of IoT applications need to be processed locally by a set of fog nodes, belonging to distinct Fog Infrastructure Providers (FIPs) sharing the same co‐location facility, with the aim of increasing their profits. This is a challenging goal as it requires reducing costs and meeting QoS targets despite time‐varying workloads. We argue that these FIPs may find it profitable to cooperate by mutually sharing their workload and resources, and we show (by using a game‐theoretical framework) that this is indeed the case when stable coalitions can be formed. Based on these results, in this paper, we present (1) a mathematical model for maximizing the profit obtained for allocating IoT applications to a group of FIPs, and (2) a coalition formation algorithm that allows each FIP to decide with whom to cooperate so as to increment its profits. The efficacy of the devised algorithm is assessed by means of an experimental evaluation taking into account different workload intensities. The results from these experiments show the capability of the proposed algorithm to form coalitions of FIPs that are profitable and stable in all the scenarios we take into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root‐knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are soil‐borne polyphagous pests with major impact on crop yield worldwide. Resistant crops efficiently control avirulent root‐knot nematodes, but favour the emergence of virulent forms. Since virulence is associated with fitness costs, susceptible crops counter‐select virulent root‐knot nematodes. In this study, we identify optimal rotation strategies between susceptible and resistant crops to control root‐knot nematodes and maximize crop yield. We developed an epidemiological model describing the within‐season dynamics of avirulent and virulent root‐knot nematodes on susceptible or resistant plant root‐systems, and their between‐season survival. The model was fitted to experimental data and used to predict yield‐maximizing rotation strategies, with special attention to the impact of epidemic severity and genetic parameters. Crop rotations were found to be efficient under realistic parameter ranges. They were characterized by low ratios of resistant plants and were robust to parameter uncertainty. Rotations provide significant gain over resistant‐only strategies, especially under intermediate fitness costs and severe epidemic contexts. Switching from the current general deployment of resistant crops to custom rotation strategies could not only maintain or increase crop yield, but also preserve the few and valuable R‐genes available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies about the modulation of the vasculature by CO were performed exclusively in male or sexually immature animals. Understanding the sex differences regarding systemic drug processing and pharmacodynamics is an important feature for safety assessment of drug dosing and efficacy. In this work, we used CORM‐A1 as source of CO to examine the effects of this gasotransmitter on brain perfusion and the sex‐dependent differences. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (DCE)‐based analysis was used to characterize the properties of CO in the modulation of cerebral vasculature in vivo, in adult C57BL/6 healthy mice. Perfusion of the temporal muscle, maxillary vein and in hippocampus, cortex and striatum was analysed for 108 min following CORM‐A1 administration of 3 or 5 mg/kg. Under control conditions, brain perfusion was lower in females when compared with males. Under CO treatment, females showed a surprisingly overall reduced perfusion compared with controls (F = 3.452, p =.0004), while no major alterations (or even the expected increase) were observed in males. Cortical structures were only modulated in females. A striking female‐dominated vasoconstriction effect was observed in the hippocampus and striatum following administration of CO, in this mixed‐sex cohort. As these two regions are implicated in episodic and procedural memory formation, CO may have a relevant impact in learning and memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophysiological signals from the cerebellum have traditionally been viewed as inaccessible to magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Here, we challenge this position by investigating the ability of MEG and EEG to detect cerebellar activity using a model that employs a high‐resolution tessellation of the cerebellar cortex. The tessellation was constructed from repetitive high‐field (9.4T) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an ex vivo human cerebellum. A boundary‐element forward model was then used to simulate the M/EEG signals resulting from neural activity in the cerebellar cortex. Despite significant signal cancelation due to the highly convoluted cerebellar cortex, we found that the cerebellar signal was on average only 30–60% weaker than the cortical signal. We also made detailed M/EEG sensitivity maps and found that MEG and EEG have highly complementary sensitivity distributions over the cerebellar cortex. Based on previous fMRI studies combined with our M/EEG sensitivity maps, we discuss experimental paradigms that are likely to offer high M/EEG sensitivity to cerebellar activity. Taken together, these results show that cerebellar activity should be clearly detectable by current M/EEG systems with an appropriate experimental setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature suggests that in‐class oral participation is associated with various positive outcomes that directly contribute to academic success. The goal of the current study was to investigate the role played by psychological barriers to oral participation, focusing on commitment and self‐affirmation as methods to bypass barriers to participation. The results of the semester‐long experiment (N = 157) demonstrate that committed individuals who had an opportunity to self‐affirm outperformed both committed students and affirmed students, as well as members of the control group. Interestingly, the interplay between self‐affirmation and commitment increased oral participation, irrespective of whether students had high or low self‐esteem and high or low self‐efficacy. The current results offer some room for cautious optimism, as they highlight the importance of self‐affirmation and commitment as a route to academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During evolution, sponges (Porifera) have honed the genetic toolbox and biosynthetic mechanisms for the fabrication of siliceous skeletal components (spicules). Spicules carry a protein scaffold embedded within biogenic silica (biosilica) and feature an amazing range of optical, structural, and mechanical properties. Thus, it is tempting to explore the low-energy synthetic pathways of spiculogenesis for the fabrication of innovative hybrid materials. In this synthetic biology approach, the uptake of multifunctional nonbiogenic nanoparticles (fluorescent, superparamagnetic) by spicule-forming cells of bioreactor-cultivated sponge primmorphs provides access to spiculogenesis. The ingested nanoparticles were detected within intracellular vesicles resembling silicasomes (silica-rich cellular compartments) and as cytosolic clusters where they lent primmorphs fluorescent/magnetic properties. During spiculogenesis, the nanoparticles initially formed an incomplete layer around juvenile, intracellular spicules. In the mature, extracellular spicules the nanoparticles were densely arranged as a surface layer that rendered the resulting composite fluorescent and magnetic. By branching off the conventional route of solid-state materials synthesis under harsh conditions, a new pathway has been opened to a versatile platform that allows adding functionalities to growing spicules as templates in living cells, using nonbiogenic nanoscale building blocks with multiple functionalities. The magnet-assisted alignment renders this composite with its fluorescent/ magnetic properties potentially suitable for application in biooptoelectronics and microelectronics (e.g., microscale on-chip waveguides for applications of optical detection and sensing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most serious threats to pine forests across the world. Detected in Europe in 1999, it has largely spread despite containment measures.Following the European Union regulations, the requested eradication measure is to fell, remove and dispose of all susceptible plants within a clear‐cut zone (CCZ) of a radius of 500 m around any infected tree. This measure is controversial since its effectiveness is questioned.An individual‐based model, describing the dispersal of the nematode vector and the nematode transmission, was used to estimate the relationship between the radius and the effectiveness of the CCZ at eradicating the PWN.Clear‐cutting of a 500‐m radius is poorly effective in non‐fragmented pine forests since it reduces the number of PWN transmissions by only 0.6%–11.5%. To significantly reduce the number of transmissions, the radius should be between 14 and 38 km, which is not technically nor ethically feasible.Policy implications. Our results, based on model simulations at a fine spatial scale, prove that clear‐cutting susceptible trees 500 m around any infested tree—as requested by EU regulation to eradicate the PWN—is not effective in large and continuous pine forests. Instead, strengthened surveillance and sanitation felling could be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) have been underinvestigated despite their high incidence and poor outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), and particularly circulating miRNAs, regulate multiple cellular functions, and their deregulation has been reported in different types of cancer and metastasis. However, their signature in plasma along brain metastasis development and their relevant targets remain undetermined. Here, we used a mouse model of BCBM and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to establish the alterations in circulating miRNAs during brain metastasis formation and development. We further performed bioinformatics analysis to identify their targets with relevance in the metastatic process. We additionally analyzed human resected brain metastasis samples of breast cancer patients for target expression validation. Breast cancer cells were injected in the carotid artery of mice to preferentially induce metastasis in the brain, and samples were collected at different timepoints (5 h, 3, 7, and 10 days) to follow metastasis development in the brain and in peripheral organs. Metastases were detected from 7 days onwards, mainly in the brain. NGS revealed a deregulation of circulating miRNA profile during BCBM progression, rising from 18% at 3 days to 30% at 10 days following malignant cells' injection. Work was focused on those altered prior to metastasis detection, among which were miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p, whose downregulation was validated by qPCR. Using targetscan and diana tools, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) was identified as a target for both miRNAs, and its expression was increasingly observed in malignant cells along brain metastasis development. Its upregulation was also observed in peritumoral astrocytes pointing to a role of MEF2C in the crosstalk between tumor cells and astrocytes. MEF2C expression was also observed in human BCBM, validating the observation in mouse. Collectively, downregulation of circulating miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p appears as a precocious event in BCBM and MEF2C emerges as a new player in brain metastasis development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root‐knot nematodes are the most devastating worms to worldwide agriculture with Meloidogyne incognita being the most widely distributed and damaging species. This parasitic and ecological success seems surprising given its supposed obligatory clonal reproduction. Clonal reproduction has been suspected based on cytological observations but, so far, never confirmed by population genomics data. As a species, M. incognita is highly polyphagous with thousands of host plants. However, different M. incognita isolates present distinct and overlapping patterns of host compatibilities. Historically, four "host races" had been defined as a function of ranges of compatible and incompatible plants. In this study, we used population genomics to assess whether (a) reproduction is actually clonal in this species, (b) the host races follow an underlying phylogenetic signal or, rather represent multiple independent transitions, and (c) how genome variations associate with other important biological traits such as the affected crops and geographical distribution. We sequenced the genomes of 11 M. incognita isolates across Brazil that covered the four host races in replicates. By aligning the genomic reads of these isolates to the M. incognita reference genome assembly, we identified point variations. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium and 4‐gametes test showed no evidence for recombination, corroborating the clonal reproduction of M. incognita. The few point variations between the isolates showed no significant association with the host races, the geographical origin of the samples, or the crop on which they have been collected. Addition of isolates from other locations around the world confirmed this lack of underlying phylogenetic signal. This suggests multiple gains and losses of parasitic abilities and adaptations to different environments account for the broad host spectrum and wide geographical distribution of M. incognita and thus to its high economic impact. This surprising adaptability without sex poses both evolutionary and agro‐economic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss spatial selection techniques for three‐dimensional datasets. Such 3D spatial selection is fundamental to exploratory data analysis. While 2D selection is efficient for datasets with explicit shapes and structures, it is less efficient for data without such properties. We first propose a new taxonomy of 3D selection techniques, focusing on the amount of control the user has to define the selection volume. We then describe the 3D spatial selection technique Tangible Brush, which gives manual control over the final selection volume. It combines 2D touch with 6‐DOF 3D tangible input to allow users to perform 3D selections in volumetric data. We use touch input to draw a 2D lasso, extruding it to a 3D selection volume based on the motion of a tangible, spatially‐aware tablet. We describe our approach and present its quantitative and qualitative comparison to state‐of‐the‐art structure‐dependent selection. Our results show that, in addition to being dataset‐independent, Tangible Brush is more accurate than existing dataset‐dependent techniques, thus providing a trade‐off between precision and effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation to changing environmental conditions represents a challenge to parthenogenetic organisms, and until now, how phenotypic variants are generated in clones in response to the selection pressure of their environment remains poorly known. The obligatory parthenogenetic root‐knot nematode species Meloidogyne incognita has a worldwide distribution and is the most devastating plant‐parasitic nematode. Despite its asexual reproduction, this species exhibits an unexpected capacity of adaptation to environmental constraints, for example, resistant hosts. Here, we used a genomewide comparative hybridization strategy to evaluate variations in gene copy numbers between genotypes of M. incognita resulting from two parallel experimental evolution assays on a susceptible vs. resistant host plant. We detected gene copy number variations (CNVs) associated with the ability of the nematodes to overcome resistance of the host plant, and this genetic variation may reflect an adaptive response to host resistance in this parthenogenetic species. The CNV distribution throughout the nematode genome is not random and suggests the occurrence of genomic regions more prone to undergo duplications and losses in response to the selection pressure of the host resistance. Furthermore, our analysis revealed an outstanding level of gene loss events in nematode genotypes that have overcome the resistance. Overall, our results support the view that gene loss could be a common class of adaptive genetic mechanism in response to a challenging new biotic environment in clonal animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root‐knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is the main nematode causing losses to the cotton crop in Brazil. In order to implement control strategies within integrated management, an accurate identification of the nematode populations prevailing in the cotton production areas is necessary. This study aimed to assess the genetic variability and aggressiveness of RKN populations from cotton production areas in Bahia state, Brazil. All populations were characterized biochemically and molecularly and identified as M. incognita. RAPD and AFLP markers detected 44% of polymorphic fragments among the 13 populations of this species. The 10 M. incognita populations collected in Bahia presented 33.7% of diversity when compared to each other, and 25% when the population from Barreiras (the most polymorphic) was excluded. This polymorphism increased when populations from other Brazilian states were included. The aggressiveness and virulence among populations from Bahia towards different cotton accessions (susceptible/resistant) was also studied. None of the populations showed virulence against the moderately resistant (Clevewilt 6, Wild Mexican Jack Jones and LA 887) and highly resistant (CIR1348 and M‐315 RNR) cultivars. Two M. incognita populations from Barreiras were the most aggressive, reaching reproduction factors of 539 and 218, respectively, in the susceptible cultivar FiberMax 966. The most aggressive population (8) was also the most genetically divergent in phylogenetic analyses. These results demonstrate that diversity of M. incognita populations from cotton farms in Bahia is not related to virulence against resistant accessions, which suggests that cultivars containing one or two resistance genes with good agronomic characteristics could be used in infested commercial areas in Bahia state, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anitschkow cells (AC) are a peculiar type of stromal cells observed in myocardium, cardiac valves and coronary vessels wall whose origin, characterization and role remain controversial. In human heart, they represent a histological hallmark of Aschoff nodules in rheumatic fever, but they have also been observed in other myocardial pathologies. Firstly, they have been considered a myocyte‐derived cells, but light microscopy, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies pointed out that a macrophagic/histiocytic origin cannot be excluded. Many authors also reported extracardiac AC or an Anitschkow nuclear pattern, thus suggesting that these cells may represent a chromatin pattern rather than a specific cell type. In veterinary medicine, AC were described in myocarditis, myocardial necrosis, degenerative and inflammatory endocardial diseases of several species. Recently, AC have been observed in intramural coronary arteries of different animals (including cattle and fish) affected by arteriosclerotic processes. Stress related to the intensive livestock farming could represent a mechanotransduction promoting factor of arteriosclerotic changes allowing the development of Anitschkow chromatin pattern. Further studies both in human and veterinary medicine are needed to confirm the origin and role of these peculiar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More research is needed on the study of new materials for fixed prosthetic implant‐supported rehabilitations. Purpose The purpose of this study was to report the short‐term outcome of full‐arch implant‐supported fixed hybrid polyetheretherketone (PEEK)‐acrylic resin prostheses and the all‐on‐four concept. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort clinical study included 37 patients (29 women, eight men) with an average age of 60 years (range: 38‐78 years) with 49 full‐arch hybrid PEEK‐acrylic resin prosthesis supported by implants through the all‐on‐four concept. Primary outcome measures were prosthetic survival. Results: Two patients with two maxillary prostheses were lost to follow‐up. One patient with a double full‐arch rehabilitation fractured the mandibular PEEK framework, rendering a 98% prosthetic survival rate. No implants were lost. The average (SD) marginal bone remodeling after 1 year of follow‐up was 0.37 mm (0.58 mm). Technical complications concerning the veneer adhesion occurred in six patients and were resolved in all patients (with exception of the patient with prosthetic failure) through the creation of mechanical retentions and changing the bonding primer. Mechanical complications occurred in three patients and five prostheses consisting in prosthetic screw loosening (n = 2 patients) and fracture of the acrylic resin teeth (the patient with a prosthetic failure). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that hybrid polymer (PEEK)‐acrylic resin prostheses supported by implants for full‐arch rehabilitation may represent a valid treatment option, still requiring longer‐term validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder with a broad range of complications in the brain that depend on the conditions that precede its onset, such as obesity and metabolic syndromes. It has been suggested that neurotransmitter and metabolic perturbations may emerge even before the early stages of T2DM and that high‐caloric intake could adversely influence the brain in such states. Notwithstanding, evidence for neurochemical and structural alterations in these conditions are still sparse and controversial. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of high‐fat diet in the neurochemical profile and structural integrity of the rodent brain. Study Type: Prospective. Subjects: Wistar rats (n = 12/group). Field Strength/Sequence: A PRESS, ISIS, RARE, and EPI sequences were performed at 9.4T. Assessment: Neurochemical and structural parameters were assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, voxel‐based morphometry, volumetry, and diffusion tensor imaging. Statistical Tests: Measurements were compared through Student and Mann‐Whitney tests. Pearson correlation was used to assess relationships between parameters. Results: Animals submitted to high‐caloric intake gained weight (P = 0.003) and developed glucose intolerance (P < 0.001) but not hyperglycemia. In the hippocampus, the diet induced perturbations in glutamatergic metabolites reflected by increased levels of glutamine (P = 0.016) and glutamatergic pool (Glx) (P = 0.036), which were negatively correlated with glucose intolerance (glutamine, r = ‐0.804, P = 0.029), suggesting a link with neurometabolic dysregulation. At caudate‐putamen, high‐fat diet led to a surprising increase in the pool of N‐acetylaspartate (P = 0.028). A relation with metabolic changes was again suggested by the negative correlation between glucose intolerance and levels of glutamatergic metabolites in this region (glutamate, r = ‐0.845, P = 0.014; Glx, r = ‐0.834, P = 0.020). Neither changes in phosphate compounds nor major structural alterations were observed for both regions. Data Conclusion: We found evidence that high‐fat diet‐induced obesity leads to distinct early and region‐specific metabolic/neurochemical imbalances in the presence of early glucose intolerance even when structural alterations or T2DM are absent. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:757–766. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Real‐world objects approaching or passing by an observer often generate visual, auditory, and tactile signals with different onsets and durations. Prompt detection and avoidance of an impending threat depend on precise binding of looming signals across modalities. Here we constructed a multisensory apparatus to study the spatiotemporal integration of looming visual and tactile stimuli near the face. In a psychophysical experiment, subjects assessed the subjective synchrony between a looming ball and an air puff delivered to the same side of the face with a varying temporal offset. Multisensory stimuli with similar onset times were perceived as completely out of sync and assessed with the lowest subjective synchrony index (SSI). Across subjects, the SSI peaked at an offset between 800 and 1,000 ms, where the multisensory stimuli were perceived as optimally in sync. In an fMRI experiment, tactile, visual, tactile‐visual out‐of‐sync (TVoS), and tactile‐visual in‐sync (TViS) stimuli were delivered to either side of the face in randomized events. Group‐average statistical responses to different stimuli were compared within each surface‐based region of interest (sROI) outlined on the cortical surface. Most sROIs showed a preference for contralateral stimuli and higher responses to multisensory than unisensory stimuli. In several bilateral sROIs, particularly the human MT+ complex and V6A, responses to spatially aligned multisensory stimuli (TVoS) were further enhanced when the stimuli were in‐sync (TViS), as expressed by TVoS < TViS. This study demonstrates the perceptual and neural mechanisms of multisensory integration near the face, which has potential applications in the development of multisensory entertainment systems and media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne paranaensis is one of the most destructive root-knot nematode ( RKN) species parasitizing coffee in Brazil and in the Americas generally. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic variability, aggressiveness and virulence of seven different M. paranaensis populations on susceptible and resistant Coffea spp. All seven RKN populations were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Coffee seedlings were inoculated in the greenhouse, and the nematode reproduction factor was used to infer their reproduction on coffee genotypes. Phylogenetic studies showed a low genetic variability in M. paranaensis populations, regardless of the existence of three esterase phenotypes (Est P1, P2 and P2a), except for the population Est P2a from Guatemala, which is genetically different from other M. paranaensis populations from Brazil. The Est P2a and Est P2 (Herculândia, SP, Brazil) populations were the most aggressive on two susceptible C. arabica cultivars under greenhouse conditions. None of the M. paranaensis populations were virulent on resistant coffee genotypes, confirming their resistance to the seven M. paranaensis populations tested. The resistant coffee cultivars, namely Clone 14 INCAPER, Catuaí Vermelho × Amphillo MR2161 (E1 16-5 III), Apoatã IAC 2258, Timor Hybrid UFV 408-01 (E1 6-6 II) and IPR 100, exhibited segregation for resistance in the ratio of 0%, 2.4%, 12%, 26% and 29%, respectively. These are promising results, because they validate resistance against several M. paranaensis populations in different Coffea spp. genetic resources, which can be used in breeding programmes or as rootstocks, such as Apoatã IAC 2258 and Clone 14 INCAPER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofibromatosis type-1 ( NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder and an important cause of intellectual disability. Brain-behaviour associations can be examined in vivo using morphometric magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging ( DTI) to study brain structure. Here, we studied structural and behavioural phenotypes in heterozygous Nf1 mice (Nf1+/−) using T2-weighted imaging MRI and DTI, with a focus on social recognition deficits. We found that Nf1+/− mice have larger volumes than wild-type ( WT) mice in regions of interest involved in social cognition, the prefrontal cortex ( PFC) and the caudate-putamen ( CPu). Higher diffusivity was found across a distributed network of cortical and subcortical brain regions, within and beyond these regions. Significant differences were observed for the social recognition test. Most importantly, significant structure-function correlations were identified concerning social recognition performance and PFC volumes in Nf1+/− mice. Analyses of spatial learning corroborated the previously known deficits in the mutant mice, as corroborated by platform crossings, training quadrant time and average proximity measures. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis of spatial performance identified 2 separate sub-groups in Nf1+/− mice. A significant correlation between quadrant time and CPu volumes was found specifically for the sub-group of Nf1+/− mice with lower spatial learning performance, suggesting additional evidence for reorganization of this region. We found strong evidence that social and spatial cognition deficits can be associated with PFC/ CPu structural changes and reorganization in NF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortical mapping techniques using fMRI have been instrumental in identifying the boundaries of topological (neighbor-preserving) maps in early sensory areas. The presence of topological maps beyond early sensory areas raises the possibility that they might play a significant role in other cognitive systems, and that topological mapping might help to delineate areas involved in higher cognitive processes. In this study, we combine surface-based visual, auditory, and somatomotor mapping methods with a naturalistic reading comprehension task in the same group of subjects to provide a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the cortical overlap between sensory-motor maps in all major sensory modalities, and reading processing regions. Our results suggest that cortical activation during naturalistic reading comprehension overlaps more extensively with topological sensory-motor maps than has been heretofore appreciated. Reading activation in regions adjacent to occipital lobe and inferior parietal lobe almost completely overlaps visual maps, whereas a significant portion of frontal activation for reading in dorsolateral and ventral prefrontal cortex overlaps both visual and auditory maps. Even classical language regions in superior temporal cortex are partially overlapped by topological visual and auditory maps. By contrast, the main overlap with somatomotor maps is restricted to a small region on the anterior bank of the central sulcus near the border between the face and hand representations of M-I. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2784-2810, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of how spatially organized activity in the visual cortex behaves during eyes-closed, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-induced 'psychedelic imagery' (e.g., visions of geometric patterns and more complex phenomena) has never been empirically addressed, although it has been proposed that under psychedelics, with eyes-closed, the brain may function 'as if' there is visual input when there is none. In this work, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) data was analyzed from 10 healthy subjects under the influence of LSD and, separately, placebo. It was suspected that eyes-closed psychedelic imagery might involve transient local retinotopic activation, of the sort typically associated with visual stimulation. To test this, it was hypothesized that, under LSD, patches of the visual cortex with congruent retinotopic representations would show greater RSFC than incongruent patches. Using a retinotopic localizer performed during a nondrug baseline condition, nonadjacent patches of V1 and V3 that represent the vertical or the horizontal meridians of the visual field were identified. Subsequently, RSFC between V1 and V3 was measured with respect to these a priori identified patches. Consistent with our prior hypothesis, the difference between RSFC of patches with congruent retinotopic specificity (horizontal-horizontal and vertical-vertical) and those with incongruent specificity (horizontal-vertical and vertical-horizontal) increased significantly under LSD relative to placebo, suggesting that activity within the visual cortex becomes more dependent on its intrinsic retinotopic organization in the drug condition. This result may indicate that under LSD, with eyes-closed, the early visual system behaves as if it were seeing spatially localized visual inputs. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3031-3040, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, and Leishmania killicki (Leishmania tropica) are responsible for cutaneous leishmaniosis. We established a murine model of L. killicki infection to investigate its infective capacity, some immunophysiopathological aspects, and its suitability for pharmacological purposes. Following the injection of L. major or L. killicki metacyclic promastigotes in the ear dermis of BALB/c mice, the course of infection was followed. The infection with L. killicki caused slower lesion formation than with L. major. The presence of L. killicki or L. major DNA and parasites was detected in the ear dermis and in lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Lesions induced by L. killicki were nonulcerative in their aspect, whereas those caused by L. major were highly ulcerative and necrotic, which matches well with the lesion phenotype reported in humans for L. killicki and L. major, respectively. The treatment of L. killicki lesions by injection of Glucantime® significantly reduced the lesion thickness and parasite burden. Ear dermal injection of BALB/c mice constitutes a model to study lesions physiopathology caused by L. killicki and presents interest for in vivo screening of new compounds against this pathogen, emerging in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT An intense search for new renewable sources to produce natural polymers for edible and biodegradable packaging is observed as they offer lower environmental costs. The objective of this work is to investigate the use of hybrid carrageenan, extracted from Mastocarpus stellatus seaweeds, as an alternative to commercial kappa carrageenan in new edible film formulations. To this end, the production and characterization of biodegradable films obtained with mixtures of rice starch and hybrid carrageenan or commercial kappa carrageenan were carried out. Thin, flexible, and transparent films with attractive functional properties were obtained from rice starch-carrageenan mixtures. Films forming solutions produced with hybrid carrageenan showed rheological properties comparable to commercial kappa carrageenan-based solutions. Films formulated with hybrid carrageenan show significantly enhanced UV barrier, oxygen barrier, and hydrophobic properties. Thus, hybrid carrageenan proved to be a promising material for the production of edible coatings and biodegradable films and a good alternative to kappa carrageenan for such application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42263. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes ( RKNs) heavily damage most solanaceous crops worldwide. Fortunately, major resistance genes are available in a number of plant species, and their use provides a safe and economically relevant strategy for RKN control. From a structural point of view, these genes often harbour NBS-LRR motifs (i.e. a nucleotide binding site and a leucine rich repeat region near the carboxy terminus) and are organised in syntenic clusters in solanaceous genomes. Their introgression from wild to cultivated plants remains a challenge for breeders, although facilitated by marker-assisted selection. As shown with other pathosystems, the genetic background into which the resistance genes are introgressed is of prime importance to both the expression of the resistance and its durability, as exemplified by the recent discovery of quantitative trait loci conferring quantitative resistance to RKNs in pepper. The deployment of resistance genes at a large scale may result in the emergence and spread of virulent nematode populations able to overcome them, as already reported in tomato and pepper. Therefore, careful management of the resistance genes available in solanaceous crops is crucial to avoid significant reduction in the duration of RKN genetic control in the field. From that perspective, only rational management combining breeding and cultivation practices will allow the design and implementation of innovative, sustainable crop production systems that protect the resistance genes and maintain their durability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating trade-offs in life-history traits of plant pathogens is essential to understand the evolution and epidemiology of diseases. In particular, virulence costs when the corresponding host resistance gene is lacking play a major role in the adaptive biology of pathogens and contribute to the maintenance of their genetic diversity. Here, we investigated whether life-history traits directly linked to the establishment of plant-nematode interactions, that is, ability to locate and move toward the roots of the host plant, and to invade roots and develop into mature females, are affected in Meloidogyne incognita lines virulent against the tomato Mi-1.2 resistance gene. Virulent and avirulent near-isogenic lines only differing in their capacity to reproduce or not on resistant tomatoes were compared in single inoculation or pairwise competition experiments. Data highlighted (1) a global lack of trade-off in traits associated with unnecessary virulence with respect to the nematode ability to successfully infest plant roots and (2) variability in these traits when the genetic background of the nematode is considered irrespective of its (a)virulence status. These data suggest that the variation detected here is independent from the adaptation of M. incognita to host resistance, but rather reflects some genetic polymorphism in this asexual organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Reports conflict as to whether Tourette syndrome ( TS) confers deficits in executive function. This study's aim was to evaluate executive function in youths with TS using oculomotor tasks while controlling for confounds of tic severity, age, medication, and severity of comorbid disorders. Method Four saccade tasks requiring the executive functions of response generation, response inhibition, and working memory (prosaccade, antisaccade, 0-back, and 1-back) were administered. Twenty youths with TS and low tic severity ( TS-low), nineteen with TS and moderate tic severity ( TS-moderate), and 29 typically developing control subjects (Controls) completed the oculomotor tasks. Results There were small differences across groups in the prosaccade task. Controlling for any small sensorimotor differences, TS-moderate subjects had significantly higher error rates than Controls and TS-low subjects in the 0-back and 1-back tasks. In the 1-back task, these patients also took longer to respond than Controls or TS-low subjects. Conclusions In a highly controlled design, the findings demonstrate for the first time that increased tic severity in TS is associated with impaired response inhibition and impaired working memory and that these executive function deficits cannot be accounted for by differences in age, medication or comorbid symptom severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, the stem and bulb nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci has been listed as a quarantine pest by EPPO: without any control, it may cause complete failure of alfalfa crops. Movement of nematodes associated with seeds is considered to be the highest-risk pathway for the spread of this pest. Since the 2010 official withdrawal of methyl bromide in Europe, and in the absence of any alternative chemical, fumigation of contaminated seed batches is no longer possible, which makes the production of nematode-free alfalfa seeds difficult to achieve and leads to unmarketable seed batches. Thermotherapy is being considered as a realistic alternative strategy, but its efficiency still remains to be validated. The combination of the currently available methods (i.e. use of resistant cultivars, seed production according to a certification scheme, mechanical sieving, seed batch inspection) could significantly reduce the likelihood of seed contamination. However, it does not guarantee a total eradication of the nematode. Although it is already widely distributed all over Europe, reclassification of D. dipsaci as a regulated non-quarantine pest to reduce the possibility of further introductions and the rate of spread of this pest appears to be a risky strategy because of the lack of up-to-date documented data to evaluate damage thresholds and determine acceptable tolerance levels. [[ArtCopyrightmsg]] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne ethiopica is an important nematode pathogen causing serious economic damage to grapevine in Chile. In Brazil, M. ethiopica has been detected with low frequency in kiwifruit and other crops. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the intraspecific genetic variability of M. ethiopica isolates from Brazil and Chile using AFLP and RAPD markers and to develop a species-specific SCAR- PCR assay for its diagnosis. Fourteen isolates were obtained from different geographic regions or host plants. Three isolates of an undescribed Meloidogyne species and one isolate of M. ethiopica from Kenya were included in the analysis. The results showed a low level of diversity among the M. ethiopica isolates, regardless of their geographical distribution or host plant origin. The three isolates of Meloidogyne sp. showed a high homogeneity and clustered separately from M. ethiopica (100% bootstrap). RAPD screenings of M. ethiopica allowed the identification of a differential DNA fragment that was converted into a SCAR marker. Using genomic DNA from pooled nematodes as a template, PCR amplification with primers designed from this species-specific SCAR produced a fragment of 350 bp in all 14 isolates of M. ethiopica tested, in contrast with other species tested. This primer pair also allowed successful amplification of DNA from single nematodes, either juveniles or females and when used in multiplex PCR reactions containing mixtures of other root-knot nematode species, thus showing the sensitivity of the assay. Therefore, the method developed here has potential for application in routine diagnostic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]