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Measurement-based care (MBC), which collects session-by-session symptom data from patients and provides clinicians with feedback on treatment response, is a highly generalizable evidence-based practice with significant potential to improve the outcomes of mental health treatment in youth when implemented with fidelity; however, it is rarely used in community settings. This study tested whether an implementation strategy targeting organizational leadership and organizational implementation climate could improve MBC fidelity and clinical outcomes for youth in outpatient mental health clinics. In a cluster randomized trial, 21 clinics were assigned to the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation strategy plus training and technical assistance in MBC (k = 11, n = 117) or training and technical assistance only (k = 10, n = 117). Primary outcomes of MBC fidelity (assessed via electronic metadata) and youth symptom improvement (assessed via caregiver-reported change on the Shortform Assessment for Children Total Problem Score) were collected for consecutively enrolled youths (ages 4-18 years) who initiated treatment in the 12 months following MBC training. Outcomes of each youth were assessed for 6 months following baseline. A total of 234 youths were enrolled and included in intent-to-treat analyses. At baseline, there were no significant differences by condition in clinic, clinician, or youth characteristics. Youths in clinics using the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation strategy experienced significantly higher MBC fidelity compared with youths in control clinics (23.1% vs 3.4%, p =.014), and exhibited significantly greater reductions in symptoms from baseline to 6 months (d = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.04-0.58, p =.023). Implementation strategies targeting organizational leadership and focused implementation climate can improve fidelity to evidence-based practices and clinical outcomes of youth mental health services. Measurement-based care is an evidence-based intervention that has been shown to improve the outcomes of mental health services in dozens of randomized trials; however, it is not widely used in routine practice. In this randomized controlled trial of 21 outpatient mental health clinics and 234 youth, the authors found an organizational intervention which trained clinic leaders in skills to support the use of measurement-based care increased the extent to which patients received measurement-based care compared to control clinics where clinic leaders did not receive this training (23% vs. 3%). Youth receiving services in the clinics that received the organizational intervention also had greater reductions in mental health symptoms. Working to Implement and Sustain Digital Outcome Measures (WISDOM); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ; NCT04096274. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that sign language requires a radical extension of formal semantics. It has long been accepted that sign language employs the same logical machinery as spoken language (occasionally making its abstract components overt), and simultaneously makes extensive use of iconicity. But the articulation between these two modules has only been discussed piecemeal. To capture it, we propose an 'iconological semantics' that combines standard logical semantics with a pictorial semantics in the Greenberg/Abusch tradition. We start by reanalyzing from this perspective earlier data on iconic loci, which are simultaneously variables and simplified depictions of their denotations. We then analyze new data on ASL classifier predicates, constructions that are lexically specified as being iconic. Their behavior argues for a very expressive system, possibly one in which the object language contains viewpoint variables. These can be left free or they may depend on quantifiers, and distinct viewpoint variables can co-occur in a given sentence; this gives rise to an extraordinary interaction between depictions and logical operators. We then sketch an adaptation of pictorial semantics to the dynamic 3D representations used in sign language. Finally, we suggest that iconological semantics might also illuminate the interaction between logical operators and pro-speech gestures in spoken language. In the end, the standard view of language as a discrete compositional system must be revised: it also has a tightly integrated depictive component, and 'textbook semantics' should be revised to capture this fact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most efforts at improving accuracy in phylogenomic reconstructions have focused on improving tree‐building methods or orthology determination. Even though the use of whole genome sequence or transcriptome data is increasing, the degree to which accurate genome assembly and annotation influence phylogenetic inference has not been well explored. Here, we use low‐coverage whole genome sequencing of spionid annelids to explore the impact of different assemblers and annotation strategies on tree reconstruction. We also produce a phylogenetic hypothesis that spans the breadth of Spionidae, examining the current systematics of the group, which is based on morphological parsimony analyses and classical taxonomy. Our results show that both assembly and annotation can have important consequences for the pool of loci that may be available for tree reconstruction. When an identical phylogenomic pipeline is used, differences in assembly and annotation can account for variation in reconstructed topologies. Interestingly, the completeness and depth of the data used for training annotation software (i.e. data from model systems) appear to be more important, by some measures, than the degree of phylogenetic relatedness of the organism from which training data are drawn. Despite variation in recovered topologies, the recognised subfamily Spioninae is nested within Nerininae, suggesting that diagnostic characters of Nerininae (e.g. thick egg membrane, short‐headed sperm) are symplesiomorphies of Spionidae rather than apomorphies of a particular subclade. With the increased use of genomic data, our results advocate for a broader consideration of how assembly and annotation may impact data matrices used in phylogenomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a developmental disorder with substantial genetic contributions. A genome-wide linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping were performed in five consanguineous families from Pakistan. The highest LOD scores of 2.49 at 12p11.22-q11.21 in family PKSLI-31 and 1.92 at 6p in family PKSLI-20 were observed. Homozygosity mapping showed a loss of heterozygosity on 1q25.3-q32.2 and 2q36.3-q37.3 in PKSLI-20. A loss of heterozygosity mapped, in PKSLI-31 and PKSLI-34 flanks, NFXL1 and CNTNAP2, which are genes previously identified in SLI. Our findings report novel SLI loci and corroborate previously reported SLI loci, indicating the utility of a family-based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving seed germination and seedling development can potentially increase crop yield and improve quality in direct-seeded rice. This study aimed to detect loci or genes associated with rice seed germination. We reported the phenotypic analysis of seed germination in 103 rice accessions across two years, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify loci underlying the genetic regulation of seed germination. A total of seven genetic loci were found to be associated with seed germination, including five loci that overlapped with the previously reported loci/genes, and two novel loci. Of these, two loci (qGP2 and qGP4.1) were stable across different environments. GP4 (Germination percentage 4), encoding a 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, was identified as the candidate gene of the major locus qGP4.1. A sequence analysis of GP4 revealed that four functional polymorphic sites in the coding region were significantly associated with germination percentage. The disruption of GP4 by gene editing resulted in faster seed germination and seedling establishment. Taken together, we have identified GP4 as a novel gene involved in rice seed germination, and we provide a potential target gene for improving rice seed vigor via gene editing or molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artykuł opisuje propozycję wykorzystania wypracowanej na gruncie badań kulturoznawczych kategorii mnemotoposu do analizy historycznych przedstawień kartograficznych. Autorka stawia sobie za cel ukazanie potencjału poznawczego wynikającego z przyłożenia metafory „miejsc pamięci” do obrazów przedstawiających miejsca geograficzne, co nabiera szczególnego znaczenia w wypadku omawianej epoki (średniowiecze), za którą stoi bogata tradycja dydaktycznych zastosowań materiałów wizualnych oraz ich związków z ars memoriae. Punktem wyjścia jest osadzenie rozważań w tradycji kulturoznawczej. Następnie krótko omawiana jest typologia map średniowiecznych oraz teoria stawiająca tezę o istnieniu pokrewieństwa między formą najpopularniejszego średniowiecznego typu kartograficznego i stosowanymi ówcześnie w kulturze monastycznej „kołami pamięci” — tak zwanymi rotae. W dalszej części artykułu wymienione zostają argumenty za uznaniem możliwości powiązania map z badaniem kulturowych form pamięci i zapamiętywania, poparte przykładami z materiałów źródłowych. Na koniec autorka odnosi się do tytułowej metafory „pałacu pamięci”. Celem wywodu jest próba wykazania, w jaki sposób średniowieczne podejście do kartograficznych lokacji może się łączyć z omawianą w tekście mnemotechniczną metodą loci, co byłoby przesłanką, by widzieć w nich klasyczne mnemotoposy.

Standardized indicators of α- and β-diversity (𝒚′𝒌𝒎) calculated by DNA microsatellites (STR) in samples of bulls of Red Scandinavian (RED, n = 29) and Holstein (HOL, n = 45) breeds (each with three sub-samples) were analyzed using one-two- and multivariate statistics methods. The data represented two 11×7 matrices: objects – 11 STR loci (Eth3, Inra23, Tgla227, Tgla126, Tgla122, Sps115, Eth225, Tgla53, Bm2113, Bm1824, Eth10; No.1-11), variables – three indicators of α-diversity (number of alleles and effective alleles per locus, heterozygosity) and four – β-diversity (indices: fixation by Nei, differentiation by Meirmans-Hedrick, Jost and Shannon-Sherwin). ANOVA, using a fixed-type model, revealed a statistically significant (pvalue< 0.02) effect on the variability of 𝒚′𝒌𝒎 factors «breed» (2 %), «locus» (36.7 %) and their interaction (15.6 %). According to the mixed-type model (the «locus» factor as random), only the interaction effect was statistically significant (25.8 %, pvalue< 0.0001). The probability of a noncoincidence between the numbers of a randomly selected pair of loci from the RED and HOL samples was 31 %. The average Euclidean distance between the two samples, calculated by analogical loci, was 37.8±5.35 %. The Mantel correlation between the matrices of paired interlocus distances in RED and in HOL samples was 0.257±0.130 (pvalue = 0.056). The ordinations of loci and their grouping (structuring) in the space of the two main components of the REL sample and the HOL sample differed (Procrust test: m2 = 0.994, m12 = 0.747, pperm = 0.164, 𝒓𝟐𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄 = 0.253). Estimates of the distance between samples based on the profiles of the α- and β-diversity of loci did not contradict, in general, the genetic distances calculated by allelic frequencies (29–37 %). To analyze the covariance (commonality) of multivariate RED and HOL sample data, a two-block partial least squares (2B-PLS) method was used. The integrated latent variables (LV) maximized the total square of covariance («squared covar» = 14.3 %), in which 83 % accounted for the first LV with max «weights» in terms of α-diversity (aLV). The second LV accounted for 16.7 % with max «weights» in terms of β-diversity (βLV). The linear relationship between RED and HOL samples for aLV was 0.717 (pvalue = 0.013), for βLV – 0.395 (pvalue = 0.229), averaged – 0.56 (pvalue = 0.025). The commonality (co-dispersion) of the two samples for aLV and βLV was estimated at 25,0–32.5 %. 2B-PLS analysis based on reduced data (only for α-diversity) showed a max «squared covar» of 0.393, in which 99.9 % accounted for the first LV (LV1). According to LV1, the linear relationship between RED and HOL samples was estimated at 0.659 (pvalue = 0.0253), the co-dispersion was 43.4 % (according to aLV it was 51.4 %). The ordinations of loci in the coordinate space of the RED and HOL samples for the complete (αLV) and reduced (LV1) datasets had a good match (Procrust test: m2 = 0.0742, m12 = 0.0728, pperm = 0.001, 𝒓𝟐𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄 = 0.927). In the structure of the inter-sample covariance, «clumps» of loci with a bootstrap probability of [grouping] 50, 75 and 100 % were distinguished. It can be assumed that the RED and HOL samples had some consistency (congruence) in terms of the α-diversity of the loci of the same name. The extension of the «multivariate» approach to descriptive statistics of α-diversity of 7 breeds of dairy cattle and 11 breeds of pigs showed a fairly good correspondence of the results (differentiation index, PCA-ordination) with those obtained using «traditional» methods (pperm of matching ordinations 0.054 and 0.004). The approaches and methods considered expand the possibilities of population-genetic [and breeding-zootechnical] studies in which multidimensional data sets are the norm, not the exception.

Heifer conception rate to the first service (HCR1) is defined as the number of heifers that become pregnant to the first breeding service compared to the heifers bred. This study aimed to identify loci associated and gene sets enriched for HCR1 for heifers that were bred by artificial insemination (AI, n = 2829) or were embryo transfer (ET, n = 2086) recipients, by completing a genome-wide association analysis and gene set enrichment analysis using SNP data (GSEA-SNP). Three unique loci, containing four positional candidate genes, were associated (p < 1 × 10−5) with HCR1 for ET recipients, while the GSEA-SNP identified four gene sets (NES ≥ 3) and sixty-two leading edge genes (LEGs) enriched for HCR1. While no loci were associated with HCR1 bred by AI, one gene set and twelve LEGs were enriched (NES ≥ 3) for HCR1 with the GSEA-SNP. This included one gene (PKD2) shared between HCR1 AI and ET services. Identifying loci associated or enriched for HCR1 provides an opportunity to use them as genomic selection tools to facilitate the selection of cattle with higher reproductive efficiency, and to better understand embryonic loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionReproductive efficiency in dairy cattle bred by artificial insemination (AI) or via embryo transfer (ET) is important as a means of facilitating the rate of genetic improvement by utilizing superior genetics from sires and donor dams. Fertility is especially challenging in primiparous cows as they have recently calved, are still growing, and are lactating. Fertility, measured by the conception rate from the first service (CCR1), is the number of cows that become pregnant as a result of the first AI or ET compared to all cows serviced, whereas times bred (TBRD) is the number of inseminations cows bred by AI needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.MethodsThis study aimed to identify the loci associated with and gene sets enriched for the CCR1 in primiparous cows that were bred by AI (n = 882) or were ET recipients (n = 353), and to identify the loci associated with the TBRD (n= 1,851) in primiparous cows. A genome-wide association analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for the CCR1 and TBRD in primiparous cows. In cows bred by AI, two loci containing five positional candidate genes were associated with the CCR1 (p < 1 × 10−5) and one gene set with 18 leading-edge genes was enriched (NES ≥3) for the CCR1.Results and discussionIn cows that were ET recipients, five loci were associated with the CCR1, but no gene sets were enriched for the CCR1. For the second phenotype, five loci with nine positional candidate genes were associated with the TBRD and two gene sets with eight leading-edge genes were enriched for the TBRD. Identifying the loci associated with or gene sets enriched for the CCR1 and TBRD provides an opportunity to better understand embryonic loss in AI-bred and ET-recipient cows and to use this information to select for higher reproductive efficiency.

Abstract Background Theory and correlational research indicate organizational leadership and climate are important for successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in healthcare settings; however, experimental evidence is lacking. We addressed this gap using data from the WISDOM (Working to Implement and Sustain Digital Outcome Measures) hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation trial. Primary outcomes from WISDOM indicated the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy improved fidelity to measurement-based care (MBC) in youth mental health services. In this study, we tested LOCI’s hypothesized mechanisms of change, namely: (1) LOCI will improve implementation and transformational leadership, which in turn will (2) mediate LOCI’s effect on implementation climate, which in turn will (3) mediate LOCI’s effect on MBC fidelity. Methods Twenty-one outpatient mental health clinics serving youth were randomly assigned to LOCI plus MBC training and technical assistance or MBC training and technical assistance only. Clinicians rated their leaders’ implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and clinic implementation climate for MBC at five time points (baseline, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 18-months post-baseline). MBC fidelity was assessed using electronic metadata for youth outpatients who initiated treatment in the 12 months following MBC training. Hypotheses were tested using longitudinal mixed-effects models and multilevel mediation analyses. Results LOCI significantly improved implementation leadership and implementation climate from baseline to follow-up at 4-, 8-, 12-, and 18-month post-baseline (all ps .05). LOCI’s improvement of clinic implementation climate from baseline to 12 months was mediated by improvement in implementation leadership from baseline to 4 months (proportion mediated [p m ] = 0.82, p = .004). Transformational leadership did not mediate LOCI’s effect on implementation climate (p = 0.136). Improvement in clinic implementation climate from baseline to 12 months mediated LOCI’s effect on MBC fidelity during the same period (p m = 0.71, p = .045). Conclusions LOCI improved MBC fidelity in youth mental health services by improving clinic implementation climate, which was itself improved by increased implementation leadership. Fidelity to EBPs in healthcare settings can be improved by developing organizational leaders and strong implementation climates. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04096274. Registered September 18, 2019.

Background: Theory and correlational research indicate organizational leadership and climate are important for successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in healthcare settings; however, experimental evidence is lacking. We addressed this gap using data from the WISDOM (Working to Implement and Sustain Digital Outcome Measures) hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation trial. Primary outcomes from WISDOM indicated the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy improved fidelity to measurement-based care (MBC) in youth mental health services. In this study, we tested LOCI's hypothesized mechanisms of change, namely: (1) LOCI will improve implementation and transformational leadership, which in turn will (2) mediate LOCI's effect on implementation climate, which in turn will (3) mediate LOCI's effect on MBC fidelity. Methods: Twenty-one outpatient mental health clinics serving youth were randomly assigned to LOCI plus MBC training and technical assistance or MBC training and technical assistance only. Clinicians rated their leaders' implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and clinic implementation climate for MBC at five time points (baseline, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 18-months post-baseline). MBC fidelity was assessed using electronic metadata for youth outpatients who initiated treatment in the 12 months following MBC training. Hypotheses were tested using longitudinal mixed-effects models and multilevel mediation analyses. Results: LOCI significantly improved implementation leadership and implementation climate from baseline to follow-up at 4-, 8-, 12-, and 18-month post-baseline (all ps <.01), producing large effects (range of ds = 0.76 to 1.34). LOCI's effects on transformational leadership were small at 4 months (d = 0.31, p =.019) and nonsignificant thereafter (ps >.05). LOCI's improvement of clinic implementation climate from baseline to 12 months was mediated by improvement in implementation leadership from baseline to 4 months (proportion mediated [pm] = 0.82, p =.004). Transformational leadership did not mediate LOCI's effect on implementation climate (p = 0.136). Improvement in clinic implementation climate from baseline to 12 months mediated LOCI's effect on MBC fidelity during the same period (pm = 0.71, p =.045). Conclusions: LOCI improved MBC fidelity in youth mental health services by improving clinic implementation climate, which was itself improved by increased implementation leadership. Fidelity to EBPs in healthcare settings can be improved by developing organizational leaders and strong implementation climates. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04096274. Registered September 18, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new methodology for detecting outliers in spatially correlated functional data. We use a Local Correlation Integral (LOCI) algorithm substituting the Euclidean distance calculation by the Hilbert space L 2 distance weighted by the semivariogram, obtaining a weighted dissimilarity metric among the geo-referenced curves, which takes into account the spatial correlation structure. In addition, we also consider the distance proposed in Romano et al. (2020), which optimizes the distance calculation for spatially dependent functional data. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology. We analyze the role of a threshold value appearing as an hyperparameter in our approach, and show that our distance weighted by the semivariogram is overall superior to the other types of distances considered in the study. We analyze time series of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data in the region of Andalusia (Spain), detecting significant outliers that would have not been detected using other procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving seed germination and seedling development can potentially increase crop yield and improve quality in direct-seeded rice. This study aimed to detect loci or genes associated with rice seed germination. We reported the phenotypic analysis of seed germination in 103 rice accessions across two years, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify loci underlying the genetic regulation of seed germination. A total of seven genetic loci were found to be associated with seed germination, including five loci that overlapped with the previously reported loci/genes, and two novel loci. Of these, two loci (qGP2 and qGP4.1) were stable across different environments. GP4 (Germination percentage 4), encoding a 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, was identified as the candidate gene of the major locus qGP4.1. A sequence analysis of GP4 revealed that four functional polymorphic sites in the coding region were significantly associated with germination percentage. The disruption of GP4 by gene editing resulted in faster seed germination and seedling establishment. Taken together, we have identified GP4 as a novel gene involved in rice seed germination, and we provide a potential target gene for improving rice seed vigor via gene editing or molecular breeding.

Genotypes of the 11 DNA microsatellite loci of 84 bulls of seven breeds were used to evaluate 14 indicators of allelic diversity/differentiation. Traditional and multidimensional statistical methods were applied to the data matrices from the original and transformed estimates (11×14). Estimates of heterozygosity had coefficients of variability of 8-14 %, the number of alleles per locus and indicators of differentiation of breeds at the level of 20-26 %, fixation indices – 38-44 %. Statistically significant Kendall correlations (0.8-1.0) between indicators of allelic richness and heterozygosity, fixation indices, and differentiation indicators were established. The variability of the transformed estimates of diversity/differentiation indicators by loci was in the range of 6-32 %. Including by loci Eth3, Tgla122, Eth225, Bm2113 – 6-12 %, loci Inra23, Tgla126, Eth10 – 15-20 %, loci Tgla227, Sps115, Tgla53, Bm1824 – 28-32 %. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test showed statistically significant differences in the medians of the Eth3 locus with the Bm2113 locus, the Tgla126 locus with the Eth3, Inra23, Tgla122, Eth225, Bm2113, Bm1824, Eth10 loci. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified two components with a total information content of 95,2 %. The first one took into account 59.4 % of the total variance, had the highest loads in intra-breed diversity data and was defined as an «alpha component». The second accounted for 35.8 % of the total variance, had the highest loads in inter-breed differentiation data and was defined as a «beta component». 2D-PCA-ordination showed that a characteristic grouping of loci took place for the analyzed breeds (samples), loci and measures of diversity. Loci Tgla227 and Tgla53 formed group A, group B – loci Tgla122, Eth225, Eth10, group C – loci Inra23, Bm2113 and Bm1824. The loci of the conditional group D (Eth3, Tgla126, Sps115) were defined as «untypical». Validation of ordination was confirmed by calculations on reduced data (dimension 11×7) and the method of non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS). The consistency of ordinations according to the Procrust test was 96 % (pperm

An automated methodology is proposed to identify anomalies in buildings’ HVAC systems, through Local Correlation Integral (LOCI) algorithm, improved by Bootstrap to obtain a rule from its score distribution. It has been performed to solve the case study of anomaly detection for HVAC facilities maintenance in a clothing store in Panama. It is defined by a dataset composed of 24 daily readings recorded during 434 days. In each reading, 15 critical quality variables for thermal comfort and energy efficiency were monitored. For algorithm training, anomalous events recorded by HVAC system operators are considered. In this stage, the LOCI parameters that best fit the data are estimated, to obtain a score for each of the observations and then study their distribution by applying Bootstrap techniques to improve the classification performance. For the algorithm performance evaluation, cross-validation is used and from these results, it is compared with two benchmark supervised classification methods such as Logistic Regression and Support Vector Machines with polynomial kernel. The LOCI method has been improved by the application of bootstrap resampling, providing estimates of the LOCI score distribution and a critical value from which we define an anomalous observation. It provides the best balance between real anomaly detection and prevention of false alarm identification than current proposals for LOCI.

Of the recognized 24 crocodilian species, two species are found in Sarawak: the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and Malayan false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). C. porosus is the most commonly found crocodile and currently listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trading in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), which allows harvesting wild populations for commercial purposes. To strengthen conservation efforts, ecological and genetic data are needed to inform management decisions. Thus, this study was designed to estimate relationship coefficients between crocodiles in thirteen river basins using 13 microsatellite markers. Fifty-eight wild crocodile samples were obtained and finally analysed by clustering of PCR products. Of the 60 samples amplified, one marker (Cj35) was polymorphic and showed double bands, whereas the other seven markers (Cj127, Cj131, Cj122, Cj101, Cj119, CUD68 and Cj16) revealed a single band. Microsatellite loci (Cj105, Cj18, Cj104, Cp10, and Cu4-121) displayed multiple bands. Using the unweighted pair group with the arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering method, an unrooted phylogenetic tree was obtained, with coefficients ranging between 0.51 and 1.00. We successfully assessed population genetic structure and resolved genetic relationships among six clades (Clade A to F) out of the total seven clades. DNA microsatellites are a promising resource for determining the relationships among crocodiles in Sarawak. The findings are useful for future sustainable utilization of the wild crocodile population.

Abstract Background Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are important for the acceleration of crop improvement through knowledge of marker-trait association (MTA). This report used DArT SNP markers to successfully perform GWAS on agro-morphological traits using 270 bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] landraces sourced from diverse origins. The study aimed to identify marker traits association for nine agronomic traits using GWAS and their candidate genes. The experiment was conducted at two different locations laid out in alpha lattice design. The cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] reference genome (i.e. legume genome most closely related to bambara groundnut) assisted in the identification of candidate genes. Results The analyses showed that linkage disequilibrium was found to decay rapidly with an average genetic distance of 148 kb. The broadsense heritability was relatively high and ranged from 48.39% (terminal leaf length) to 79.39% (number of pods per plant). The GWAS identified a total of 27 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for the nine studied traits explaining 5.27% to 24.86% of phenotypic variations. Among studied traits, the highest number of MTAs was obtained from seed coat colour (6) followed by days to flowering (5), while the least is days to maturity (1), explaining 5.76% to 11.03%, 14.5% to 19.49%, and 11.66% phenotypic variations, respectively. Also, a total of 17 candidate genes were identified, varying in number for different traits; seed coat colour (6), days to flowering (3), terminal leaf length (2), terminal leaf width (2), number of seed per pod (2), pod width (1) and days to maturity (1). Conclusion These results revealed the prospect of GWAS in identification of SNP variations associated with agronomic traits in bambara groundnut. Also, its present new opportunity to explore GWAS and marker assisted strategies in breeding of bambara groundnut for acceleration of the crop improvement.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a developmental disorder with substantial genetic contributions. A genome-wide linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping were performed in five consanguineous families from Pakistan. The highest LOD scores of 2.49 at 12p11.22-q11.21 in family PKSLI-31 and 1.92 at 6p in family PKSLI-20 were observed. Homozygosity mapping showed a loss of heterozygosity on 1q25.3-q32.2 and 2q36.3-q37.3 in PKSLI-20. A loss of heterozygosity mapped, in PKSLI-31 and PKSLI-34 flanks, NFXL1 and CNTNAP2, which are genes previously identified in SLI. Our findings report novel SLI loci and corroborate previously reported SLI loci, indicating the utility of a family-based approach.

Introduction: Based on current evidence in Kerjo District, Karanganyar, most primary school teachers have never heard of or know about the Loci method. The Loci method is a technique to improve memory by optimizing the balance of left and right brain functions. This community service aims to educate and apply the Loci method through counselling to primary school teachers to increase memory. Methods: This community service was conducted in the hall of the Korwilcam Bidang Pendidikan, Kerjo District, Karanganyar, on Tuesday, 23rd May 2023, from 08.00-12.30. The participants were 50 teachers from 29 primary schools in the Kerjo District, each representing 1-2 teachers. The stages of community service were preparing, implementing, and reporting. Counselling was given through interactive lectures and practical memorizing activities using the Loci method. Participants underwent a pre-test before and a post-test after the counselling, and these scores were compared statistically using the Wilcoxon (α=0.05). Results and discussions: This community service was carried out according to plan. It was attended by 50 teachers from 29 primary schools in the Kerjo District. The participants' mean pre-test and post-test scores were 42.56 ± 21.04 and 62.56 ± 28.11, respectively, with p-value<0.001. This implies that counselling through interactive lectures and practical application of the Loci method was beneficial in providing insight into the Loci method and improving participants' memory. Conclusion: Education and application of the Loci method provided through counselling can deliver an understanding of the Loci method and improve memory for primary school teachers in Kerjo District, Karanganyar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonal rootstocks of apple trees are one of the main components of intensive horticulture, and they play an important role in regulating tree growth, yield, fruit quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the two-year monitoring survey reported here, eleven rootstocks mainly used for cultivar grafting in Kazakhstan were assessed for fire blight resistance, taking genetic background into consideration. The loci FB_F7 on LG7 and FB_MR5 and RLP1 on LG3 were analyzed on the basis of SCAR and SNP markers. The rootstocks 'Geneva 41', '62-396', and 'Geneva16', bearing resistant alleles for five markers (AH0JFXM, AH21B92, AH4AAGA, AH5I8MI, and AH6R6SQ), four markers (AH0JFXM, AH21B92, AH4AAGA, and AH5I8MI), and one (AH4AAGA) SNP marker, respectively, were not infected during the monitoring period despite weather conditions in 2022 being favorable for the development and spread of Erwinia amylovora. No connection was identified between the presence of a resistant allele for the AE10-375 marker and fire blight resistance responses. This is the first study to evaluate the fire blight resistance of foreign and local rootstocks grown in the Kazakhstan southern region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the recognized 24 crocodilian species, two species are found in Sarawak: the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and Malayan false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). C. porosus is the most commonly found crocodile and currently listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trading in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), which allows harvesting wild populations for commercial purposes. To strengthen conservation efforts, ecological and genetic data are needed to inform management decisions. Thus, this study was designed to estimate relationship coefficients between crocodiles in thirteen river basins using 13 microsatellite markers. Fifty-eight wild crocodile samples were obtained and finally analysed by clustering of PCR products. Of the 60 samples amplified, one marker (Cj35) was polymorphic and showed double bands, whereas the other seven markers (Cj127, Cj131, Cj122, Cj101, Cj119, CUD68 and Cj16) revealed a single band. Microsatellite loci (Cj105, Cj18, Cj104, Cp10, and Cu4-121) displayed multiple bands. Using the unweighted pair group with the arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering method, an unrooted phylogenetic tree was obtained, with coefficients ranging between 0.51 and 1.00. We successfully assessed population genetic structure and resolved genetic relationships among six clades (Clade A to F) out of the total seven clades. DNA microsatellites are a promising resource for determining the relationships among crocodiles in Sarawak. The findings are useful for future sustainable utilization of the wild crocodile population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper delves into the exploration of historical spaces in Indian cities, emphasizing their cultural, social, and architectural significance. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it investigates the potential of "Loci - The Reawakening Path," a concept aimed at revitalizing neglected historical spaces, to promote social inclusion and sustainable development. The study involves an efficient approach that combines historical analysis, psychological dimensions, and the nuances of perception with live instances. It recognizes the importance of inter generational and cross-cultural transmission in the long-term preservation and dissemination of the spirit of place. The paper showcases case studies on the integration of public interactive spaces, such as Chaupars and Chowks, in Jaipur. It emphasizes the engagement of local communities, particularly indigenous social communities, in understanding and preserving the spirit of place. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that history is intrinsically tied to the future, where the former educates and the latter motivates. By recognizing and revitalizing historical spaces, the "Loci - The Reawakening Path" concept offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders, promoting social inclusion, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable and inclusive urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (HL) typically occurs when only one dominant allele within the disease gene is sufficient to express the phenotype. Therefore, most patients diagnosed with autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL have a hearing-impaired parent, although de novo mutations should be considered in all cases of negative family history. To date, more than 50 genes and 80 loci have been identified for autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL. DFNA22 (MYO6 gene), DFNA8/12 (TECTA gene), DFNA20/26 (ACTG1 gene), DFNA6/14/38 (WFS1 gene), DFNA15 (POU4F3 gene), DFNA2A (KCNQ4 gene), and DFNA10 (EYA4 gene) are some of the most common forms of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL. The characteristics of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL are heterogenous. However, in most cases, HL tends to be bilateral, post-lingual in onset (childhood to early adulthood), high-frequency (sloping audiometric configuration), progressive, and variable in severity (mild to profound degree). DFNA1 (DIAPH1 gene) and DFNA6/14/38 (WFS1 gene) are the most common forms of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL affecting low frequencies, while DFNA16 (unknown gene) is characterized by fluctuating HL. A long audiological follow-up is of paramount importance to identify hearing threshold deteriorations early and ensure prompt treatment with hearing aids or cochlear implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the development of locus meanings in the somatic terms of the Buryat language. Anatomical terminology refers to the basic, most ancient part of the vocabulary in all languages. Despite this, the names of body parts have not received an exhaustive semantic description. It is noted that in general Buryat lexicology and lexicography are less studied than the grammatical structure. This necessitates a comprehensive linguistic study of this lexical group of words. Based on the analysis of field materials collected in 2014-2019 in Ust-Ordynskiy Buryat District of the Irkutsk region, and information from published works, it is concluded that as a result of the development of polysemy, the names of body parts acquire the meaning of certain parts of the territory, which allows them to move into proper names. The considered examples show that this process is based on a metaphor. A comparison lying within a metaphor reveals the similarity between two objects, thereby indicating some important feature of the second. Metaphor generates or implies a certain view of the subject, and does not express it openly. Thus, the metaphor generates additional, secondary meanings of somatic terms. Sometimes completely unexpected “associative” meanings are ethnically determined. The transfer of the meaning of words based on associations also contributes to the formation of locus meanings in somatic vocabulary.

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is among the most important species in China and other countries, and it contributes significantly to aquaculture and meeting protein demands for the fast-growing human population. To ensure their sustainable exploitation, management, and use in aquaculture, it is imperative to know their genetic diversity. Thus, we studied the genetic diversity of six populations of Chinese mitten crabs from six different lakes in the Yangtze River's drainage system. A total of 180 Chinese mittens crabs were collected from six lakes in China, with 30 being collected from each lake. Then, DNA was extracted using TaKaRa Dalian, genotyping was performed by the Gene Marker software for statistical analysis and the genetic parameters such as observed number of alleles (Na)were studied. A total of 87 alleles were observed in 180 individuals of six wild Eriocheir sinensis populations. The Fis results showed that six sites had negative values, and crab20 had the largest value. The results of Fit showed that the single locus had a negative value. All the Fst values among the populations were lower than 0.50, while an AMOVA analysis showed that 0.36% of the genetic variation came from among the six populations and 94.08% of the genetic variation was between individuals in a population. The six Chinese mitten crab populations showed higher genetic variability among individuals of the same population with very low genetic variability between the populations. Therefore, this illustrates that the crabs from the six lakes have similar genetic diversity and minor genetic differences among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of genes that control traits that are valuable for breeding introgressed from wild relatives, i.e., pollen-fertility restoration and resistance to fungal diseases (downy mildew and rust), are mapped on linkage group 13 of the cultivated sunflower Helianthus annuus L. genome. In sunflower and other plants, the recombination in the chromosome regions containing resistance genes can be suppressed that is favorable for marker-assisted selection with applying molecular markers linked to these loci. The joint inheritance of the Rf1 loci (the phenotypic marker is the fertility restoration trait) and Pl5/Pl8, conferring resistance to many races of Plasmopara halstedii (Farl) Berl. & De Toni (the STS marker Ha-P1), was studied in the F2 generation of hybrids between a sterile line VIR 116A and pollen-fertility restorers from sunflower VIR collection. In the crossing VIR 116А × VIR 740, the frequency of recombination between the loci Pl5/Pl8 and Rf1 constituted 8.61, whereas, in the crosses VIR 116А × VIR 195 and VIR 116А × VIR 80, it turned out to be twice as high. In all examined F2 populations, the absence of a phenotypic class of sterile plants possessing paternal Нa-Р1 marker variant was noted. It has been shown by the cytological analysis that pollen-fertility indices are most probably determined by the plant genotype rather than the male gametophyte allelic constitution. A deficiency of a recombinant F2 class was proposed to be associated with embryonic lethality, i.e., the collapse of zygotes carrying the recessive allele of fertility restoration gene and a specific allele of the resistance (susceptibility) gene obtained from the male parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to find association between GH, IGF-I and PRL loci with body weight traits in local quail. Three hundred of three lines of local quail were used in the study. The molecular results showed polymorphism for all loci. The five, four and five alleles for GH, IGF-I and PRL locus, respectively were recorded. The allele D of GH, allele A of IGF-I and allele E of PRL locus have positive effect on growth and carcass traits in local quail lines. Based on the results, the CDCDCE genotype of all loci in desert quail significantly gives highest average daily gain (4.75g/ bird/day) and live body weight (208.18 g / bird /day) at marketing age. While the BDBCBE genotype in brown quail gives highest carcass weight (143.55g/bird) and dressing percentage (78.87%). These results show the possibility of rapid improvement and increase of local quail meat production through the selection of distinct alleles and genotypes that affect the growth and production of local quail meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work develops a methodology for the detection of outliers in functional data, taking into account both their shape and magnitude. Specifically, the multivariate method of anomaly detection called Local Correlation Integral (LOCI) has been extended and adapted to be applied to the particular case of functional data, using the calculation of distances in Hilbert spaces. This methodology has been validated with a simulation study and its application to real data. The simulation study has taken into account scenarios with functional data or curves with different degrees of dependence, as is usual in cases of continuously monitored data versus time. The results of the simulation study show that the functional approach of the LOCI method performs well in scenarios with inter-curve dependence, especially when the outliers are due to the magnitude of the curves. These results are supported by applying the present procedure to the meteorological database of the Alternative Energy and Environment Group in Ecuador, specifically to the humidity curves, presenting better performance than other competitive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. It is classified as familial and sporadic. The dominant familial or autosomal presentation represents 1–5% of the total number of cases. It is categorized as early onset (EOAD; <65 years of age) and presents genetic mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), or the Amyloid precursor protein (APP). Sporadic AD represents 95% of the cases and is categorized as late-onset (LOAD), occurring in patients older than 65 years of age. Several risk factors have been identified in sporadic AD; aging is the main one. Nonetheless, multiple genes have been associated with the different neuropathological events involved in LOAD, such as the pathological processing of Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide and Tau protein, as well as synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunctions, neurovascular alterations, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, among others. Interestingly, using genome-wide association study (GWAS) technology, many polymorphisms associated with LOAD have been identified. This review aims to analyze the new genetic findings that are closely related to the pathophysiology of AD. Likewise, it analyzes the multiple mutations identified to date through GWAS that are associated with a high or low risk of developing this neurodegeneration. Understanding genetic variability will allow for the identification of early biomarkers and opportune therapeutic targets for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare hereditary arrhythmia disorder, with a distinctive ECG pattern, correlated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults. BrS is a complex entity in terms of mechanisms, genetics, diagnosis, arrhythmia risk stratification, and management. The main electrophysiological mechanism of BrS requires further research, with prevailing theories centered on aberrant repolarization, depolarization, and current-load match. Computational modelling, pre-clinical, and clinical research show that BrS molecular anomalies result in excitation wavelength (k) modifications, which eventually increase the risk of arrhythmia. Although a mutation in the SCN5A (Sodium Voltage-Gated Channel Alpha Subunit 5) gene was first reported almost two decades ago, BrS is still currently regarded as a Mendelian condition inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance, despite the recent developments in the field of genetics and the latest hypothesis of additional inheritance pathways proposing a more complex mode of inheritance. In spite of the extensive use of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique with high coverage, genetics remains unexplained in a number of clinically confirmed cases. Except for the SCN5A which encodes the cardiac sodium channel NaV1.5, susceptibility genes remain mostly unidentified. The predominance of cardiac transcription factor loci suggests that transcriptional regulation is essential to the Brugada syndrome's pathogenesis. It appears that BrS is a multifactorial disease, which is influenced by several loci, each of which is affected by the environment. The primary challenge in individuals with a BrS type 1 ECG is to identify those who are at risk for sudden death, researchers propose the use of a multiparametric clinical and instrumental strategy for risk stratification. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest findings addressing the genetic architecture of BrS and to provide novel perspectives into its molecular underpinnings and novel models of risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of nuclear DNA content, genome size, ploidy degree as well as prior knowledge on cytogenetic properties are prerequisites for modern plant breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) 2C-DNA contents, genome sizes, and ploidy degree, (2) number of chromosomes, (3) 5S and 18S rDNA loci distribution, and 4) karyomorphology of two Korean native cultivars of Hibiscus 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo'. According to the flow cytometry results, the 2C-DNA contents of both 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo' were nearly identical, with 2.14 pg and 2.18 pg respectively. Additionally, putative DNA content were 2091.32 Mbp and 2135.00 Mbp for 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo' respectively. In this study, we determined that H. syriacus 'Gangneung' had 84 chromosomes, whereas 'Baekryungdo' had 90. We detected 5S rDNA and 18S rDNA loci through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. FISH results showed one pair of 5S rDNA loci in both cultivars, whereas two and three pairs of 18S rDNA loci were detected in 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo', respectively. In 'Gangneung,' the 5S rDNA loci pair was detected in the short arm of chromosome #22, whereas in 'Baekryungdo,' the 5S loci was found in the centromere of chromosome #7. Furthermore, one 18S rDNA pair was found on the long arm of chromosome #14 and another pair on the short arm of chromosome #20 in 'Gangneung'. Two pairs were found in the long arms of chromosome #11 and #20 for 'Baekryungdo,' while the last pair was found in the short arm of chromosome #45. The somatic chromosome' length in 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo' ranged from 2.10 to 7.31 μm and from 2.21 to 6.85 μm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first cytogenetic report of Korea native 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo' cultivars. These findings will contribute to the detailed cytogenetic assessment of both the 'Gangneung' and 'Baekryungdo' cultivars and benefit plant breeding within this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous fungicide applications are required to control Erysiphe necator, the causative agent of powdery mildew. This increased demand for cultivars with strong and long-lasting field resistance to diseases and pests. In comparison to the susceptible cultivar 'Teroldego', the current study provides information on some promising disease-resistant varieties (mono-locus) carrying one E. necatorresistant locus: BC4 and 'Kishmish vatkana', as well as resistant genotypes carrying several E. necator resistant loci (pyramided): 'Bianca', F26P92, F13P71, and NY42. A clear picture of the metabolites' alterations in response to the pathogen is shown by profiling the main and secondary metabolism: primary compounds and lipids; volatile organic compounds and phenolic compounds at 0, 12, and 48 hours after pathogen inoculation. We identified several compounds whose metabolic modulation indicated that resistant plants initiate defense upon pathogen inoculation, which, while similar to the susceptible genotype in some cases, did not imply that the plants were not resistant, but rather that their resistance was modulated at different percentages of metabolite accumulation and with different effect sizes. As a result, we discovered ten up-accumulated metabolites that distinguished resistant from susceptible varieties in response to powdery mildew inoculation, three of which have already been proposed as resistance biomarkers due to their role in activating the plant defense response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed a software tool for the simplified, automated definition and viewing of loci in the plane, an essential task in the design, engineering and architectural fields. The process was started by identifying the most salient geometric loci in the engineering domain (i.e., tangents). A geometric approach was followed to deal with curves from the relative positions of two circles or a circle and a point. The algorithms used can be easily implemented in commercially available CAD software, which testifies to the usefulness and timeliness of the proposed tool. The tool successfully solved all target cases and was implemented as a function with the commercial software Adobe Authorware v.7.0.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is a key contributing factor to the yield of direct seeding cultivation in rice. Unraveling the genetic architecture underlying rice seed germination is pivotal for breeding elite direct-seeded rice varieties. However, only a limited number of genes regulating seed germination have been characterized in rice. In this study, we implemented a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to dissect the genetic structure of seed germination by using 131 Japonica rice accessions. We identified six stable loci (qGR1.1, qGR2.1, qGR3.1, qGR7.1, qGR8.1 and qGR9) associated with seed germination in two consecutive years, all of which were co-localized with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs). OsGA2ox5, encoding a gibberellin 2-oxidase, was identified as the most plausible candidate gene of the major locus qGR7.1. Knockout of OsGA2ox5 led to delayed seed germination and retarded seedling growth. A non-synonymous variant (Chr7-218,245) within the coding region of OsGA2ox5 might be closely associated with variation in seed germination among Japonica accessions. Low nucleotide diversity at the OsGA2ox5 locus in Japonica could be a result of selection during rice improvement. Taken together, our results provide an important foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying seed germination and genetic improvement of rice seed vigor in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study evaluates the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy and its effect on implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and implementation climate. Methods A stepped wedge cluster randomized study design enrolling 47 first-level leaders from child- and adult-specialized mental health clinics within Norwegian health trusts across three cohorts. All therapists (n = 790) received training in screening of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress, and a subgroup of therapists (n = 248) received training in evidence-based treatment methods for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First-level leaders and therapists completed surveys at baseline, 4, 8-, 12-, 16-, and 20-months assessing leadership and implementation climate. General linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate whether the LOCI strategy would lead to greater therapist-rated scores on implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and implementation climate. Results After introducing the LOCI strategy, there was a significant increase in therapist-rated implementation and transformational leadership and implementation climate. The increase was sustained at all measurement time points compared to non-LOCI conditions, which demonstrated a steady decrease in scores before LOCI. Conclusions The LOCI strategy can develop better transformational and implementation leadership skills and contribute to a more positive implementation climate, which may enhance successful EBP implementation. Thus, LOCI can help leaders create an organizational context conducive for effective EBP implementation. Trial registration Retrospectively registered: ClinicalTrials NCT03719651 , 25th of October 2018. The trial protocol can be accessed from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6417075/ .

Clonal rootstocks of apple trees are one of the main components of intensive horticulture, and they play an important role in regulating tree growth, yield, fruit quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the two-year monitoring survey reported here, eleven rootstocks mainly used for cultivar grafting in Kazakhstan were assessed for fire blight resistance, taking genetic background into consideration. The loci FB_F7 on LG7 and FB_MR5 and RLP1 on LG3 were analyzed on the basis of SCAR and SNP markers. The rootstocks ‘Geneva 41’, ‘62-396’, and ‘Geneva16’, bearing resistant alleles for five markers (AH0JFXM, AH21B92, AH4AAGA, AH5I8MI, and AH6R6SQ), four markers (AH0JFXM, AH21B92, AH4AAGA, and AH5I8MI), and one (AH4AAGA) SNP marker, respectively, were not infected during the monitoring period despite weather conditions in 2022 being favorable for the development and spread of Erwinia amylovora. No connection was identified between the presence of a resistant allele for the AE10-375 marker and fire blight resistance responses. This is the first study to evaluate the fire blight resistance of foreign and local rootstocks grown in the Kazakhstan southern region.

Abstract Phylogenetic analysis has entered the genomics (multilocus) era. For less experienced researchers, conquering the large number of software programs required for a multilocus‐based phylogenetic reconstruction can be somewhat daunting and time‐consuming. PhyloSuite, a software with a user‐friendly GUI, was designed to make this process more accessible by integrating multiple software programs needed for multilocus and single‐gene phylogenies and further streamlining the whole process. In this protocol, we aim to explain how to conduct each step of the phylogenetic pipeline and tree‐based analyses in PhyloSuite. We also present a new version of PhyloSuite (v1.2.3), wherein we fixed some bugs, made some optimizations, and introduced some new functions, including a number of tree‐based analyses, such as signal‐to‐noise calculation, saturation analysis, spurious species identification, and etc. The step‐by‐step protocol includes background information (i.e., what the step does), reasons (i.e., why do the step), and operations (i.e., how to do it). This protocol will help researchers quick‐start their way through the multilocus phylogenetic analysis, especially those interested in conducting organelle‐based analyses.

Numerous fungicide applications are required to control Erysiphe necator, the causative agent of powdery mildew. This increased demand for cultivars with strong and long-lasting field resistance to diseases and pests. In comparison to the susceptible cultivar ‘Teroldego’, the current study provides information on some promising disease-resistant varieties (mono-locus) carrying one E. necator-resistant locus: BC4 and ‘Kishmish vatkana’, as well as resistant genotypes carrying several E. necator resistant loci (pyramided): ‘Bianca’, F26P92, F13P71, and NY42. A clear picture of the metabolites’ alterations in response to the pathogen is shown by profiling the main and secondary metabolism: primary compounds and lipids; volatile organic compounds and phenolic compounds at 0, 12, and 48 hours after pathogen inoculation. We identified several compounds whose metabolic modulation indicated that resistant plants initiate defense upon pathogen inoculation, which, while similar to the susceptible genotype in some cases, did not imply that the plants were not resistant, but rather that their resistance was modulated at different percentages of metabolite accumulation and with different effect sizes. As a result, we discovered ten up-accumulated metabolites that distinguished resistant from susceptible varieties in response to powdery mildew inoculation, three of which have already been proposed as resistance biomarkers due to their role in activating the plant defense response.

There is no doubt that commonplaces, so called topoi, or loci, played a very important role both in the ancient rhetorical theory and in practice. They conform to the main part of invention in the rhetorical treatises, such as Rhetorica ad Herennium, Cicero’s De Inventione, Topica etc., and they enable an orator to develop his argument in any desirable direction (in utramque partem), and sometimes become the main tool of rhetorical strategy. In his Orator, Cicero claims, that an accomplished speaker, whom he tries to delineate as an ideal, will be perfectly familiar with commonplaces and be able to treat them critically and manipulate according to his purposes. In this paper, on the ground Cicero’s Verrine speeches, I shall analyze how the orator predicts his opponents’ topoi and presents them in a different light, and by criticizing or even by mocking them, he diminishes them in order to strengthen his own arguments. In some cases, e.g. in the Fifth Book of the Actio secunda in Verrem (Verr. 2.5), this becomes the main strategy of speech, and corresponds to the methods delineated in the Orator 49.

Poplar cultivation has economic, social, ecological, and environmental importance in Turkey. Even though, Populus × canadensis hybrids play an important role for the commercial poplar cultivation with good growth performance and adaptability, hybrid clones introduced the different region of Turkey have started to replace the native stands of Populus nigra gradually. To continue sustainable cultivation of poplar and to conserve the native stands of P. nigra at the same time, genetic identification, and registration of the Populus cultivars from different origins are essential in breeding programs. Genetic identification and characterization of a natural population of P. nigra growing along the Melendiz River, Populus deltoides, and hybrid P. × canadensis trees were performed by 12 microsatellites loci. In addition, 18 P. nigra trees from EUFORGEN core collection were screened as reference samples. P. deltoides specific alleles were detected at four microsatellite loci previously reported as having diagnostic alleles. Several P. nigra trees from natural population and EUFORGEN core collection also included species-specific alleles of P. deltoides. It is concluded that there is an introgression event between the natural population and cultivated hybrids or P. deltoides clones in the surrounding area. Also, some members of the EUFORGEN core collection could have been mixed up or misidentified as P. nigra. The obtained results indicated that the application of the rigorous standards for reliable identification and registration with large sample size is a necessity for future breeding and conservation programs. Also, conservation of the native Populus nigra trees is an important requirement to prevent the genetic pollution of the species' gene pool and reduction of effective population size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluates the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy and its effect on implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and implementation climate. Methods: A stepped wedge cluster randomized study design enrolling 47 first-level leaders from child- and adult-specialized mental health clinics within Norwegian health trusts across three cohorts. All therapists (n = 790) received training in screening of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress, and a subgroup of therapists (n = 248) received training in evidence-based treatment methods for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First-level leaders and therapists completed surveys at baseline, 4, 8-, 12-, 16-, and 20-months assessing leadership and implementation climate. General linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate whether the LOCI strategy would lead to greater therapist-rated scores on implementation leadership, transformational leadership, and implementation climate. Results: After introducing the LOCI strategy, there was a significant increase in therapist-rated implementation and transformational leadership and implementation climate. The increase was sustained at all measurement time points compared to non-LOCI conditions, which demonstrated a steady decrease in scores before LOCI. Conclusions: The LOCI strategy can develop better transformational and implementation leadership skills and contribute to a more positive implementation climate, which may enhance successful EBP implementation. Thus, LOCI can help leaders create an organizational context conducive for effective EBP implementation. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered: ClinicalTrials NCT03719651, 25th of October 2018. The trial protocol can be accessed from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6417075/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Twin research can play an important role in understanding the interplay between genes and environment. Classifying twins as monozygotic (identical) or dizygotic (fraternal) is an essential first step in conducting research that will yield valid and replicable findings. Identical twins (theoretically) share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share, on average, 50% of their genes.1 This study aims to determine zygosity in 12 twins with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate (NSCLP) discordant, concordant, and non-NSCLP. Material and Methods: Blood samples from 12 twin pairs, which include of 8 twins Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate (NSCLP) discordant, 2 twins NSCLP concordant, and 2 twins non-cleft (normal). DNA extraction was using Promega Kit and quantified was using Nano drops. DNA amplification was by PCR with 26 loci, which was packaged in Powerplex Fusion 6C Kit. PCR products were sequenced using ABI3500 and the visualization can be seen using Genemapper TM ID-X 1.6 software. Results: The results show that each pair of 11 twins have a similar alleles in 26 STR loci, which means they are monozygotic twins. Only 1 twin has a different alleles in 10 STR loci, which means they are dizygote. Conclusion: Zygosity tests on MZ twins using STR loci has high similarity and sensitivity. This test would be more accurate by analyzing a higher number of STR loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy is a multifaceted implementation strategy that aims to support successful evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation by fostering effective general leadership, implementation leadership, and implementation climate. How implementation strategies are experienced by participants is important for their utilization and effectiveness in supporting EBP implementation. The current study is the first in-depth qualitative study exploring first-level leaders' experiences of participating in the LOCI strategy. Data were collected as part of a trial where Norwegian child and adult mental health outpatient clinics implemented EBPs for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eleven first-level leaders from adult and child clinics participated in semi-structured interviews after completing the LOCI strategy. Data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis generated four themes related to leaders' experiences of participating in the LOCI strategy: (1) structuring the EBP implementation, (2) taking responsibility for the EBP implementation, (3) interacting with others about the EBP implementation, and (4) becoming aware of EBP implementation and their own leadership. Most participants experienced the LOCI strategy as beneficial for implementing EBPs for PTSD in their clinic. The strategy succeeded in raising awareness of leadership for EBP implementation, and simultaneously provided participants with tools and support for leading the implementation in their clinic. Two participants experienced LOCI as less beneficial than the others. Our results support the strategy's potential to engage and empower first-level leaders to get involved in implementation processes and point to important challenges for future research on implementation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]