bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific effects of experimental ectoparasite infestation on telomere length in great tit nestlings
Authors: Tschirren Barbara , Romero‐Haro Ana Ángela , Zahn Sandrine , Criscuolo François
Published: November 2020

Telomere length is a biomarker of biological ageing and lifespan in various vertebrate taxa. Evidence is accumulating that telomeres shorten more rapidly when an individual is exposed to environmental stressors. Parasites are potent selective agents that can cause physiological stress directly or indirectly through the activation of the host's immune system. Yet to date, empirical evidence for a role of parasites in telomere dynamics in natural populations is limited. Here, we show experimentally that exposure to ectoparasitic hen fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae) during growth results in shorter telomeres in female, but not male, great tit (Parus major) nestlings. Females had longer telomeres than males when growing up in experimentally deparasitized nests but, likely because of the sex‐specific effects of ectoparasitism on telomere length, this sexual dimorphism was absent in birds growing up in experimentally infested nests. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for a role of ectoparasitism in telomere dynamics in a natural vertebrate population, and suggest that the costs of infection manifest in sex‐specific ways.
Mindfulness in Motion and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in Hypertensive African Americans
Authors: Wright Kathy D. , Klatt Maryanna D. , Adams Ingrid Richards , Nguyen Christopher M. , Mion Lorraine C. , Tan Alai , Monroe Todd B. , Rose Karen M. , Scharre Douglas W.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Hypertension increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. This pilot study's purpose was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel intervention, Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH (MIM DASH), to improve diet, mindfulness, stress, and systolic blood pressure (BP) in older African Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and hypertension.

Design

Cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Intergenerational community center in a large metropolitan area.

Participants

African Americans with MCI and hypertension. Participants were divided into six groups randomized 1:1:1 to the MIM DASH group, attention only (non‐hypertensive education) group, or true control group. The MIM DASH and attention only interventions were delivered in 8‐weekly 2 hour group sessions. MIM included mindful movements from chair/standing, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. The DASH component used a critical thinking approach of problem solving, goal setting, reflection, and self‐efficacy. The true control group received a DASH pamphlet at the end.

Measurements

Feasibility was tracked through enrollment and attendance records; acceptability was assessed through interviews. Blood pressure was measured using the Omron HEM‐907XL Monitor. Dietary intake was measured by DASH‐Q. Mindfulness was measured by the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale. Stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. MCI was determined using the Self‐Administered Gerocognitive Examination. Data were collected at baseline and 3‐months.

Results

Median session attendance was six for the MIM DASH group and six for the attention only group. There were no changes in diet, mindfulness, or stress. There was a clinically significant reduction in systolic BP in the MIM DASH group (−7.2 mmHg) relative to the attention only group (−.7), and no change between the MIM DASH and true control groups.

Conclusion

Results indicate that the MIM DASH intervention was feasible and culturally acceptable in African Americans with hypertension and MCI.
The cGMP system in normal and degenerating mouse neuroretina: New proteins with cGMP interaction potential identified by a proteomics approach
Authors: Rasmussen Michel , Welinder Charlotte , Schwede Frank , Ekström Per
Published: November 2020

The hereditary disease Retinitis pigmentosa results in severe vision loss due to photoreceptor degeneration by unclear mechanisms. In several disease models, the second messenger cGMP accumulates in the degenerating photoreceptors, where it may over‐activate specific cGMP‐interacting proteins, like cGMP‐dependent protein kinase. Moreover, interventions that counteract the activity of these proteins lead to reduced photoreceptor cell death. Yet there is little or no information whether other than such regular cGMP‐interactors are present in the retina, which we, therefore, investigated in wild‐type and retinal degeneration (rd1, rd10, and rd2) mouse models. An affinity chromatography based proteomics approach that utilized immobilized cGMP analogs was applied to enrich and select for regular and potentially new cGMP‐interacting proteins as identified by mass spectrometry. This approach revealed 12 regular and 10 potentially new retinal cGMP‐interacting proteins (e.g., EPAC2 and CaMKIIα). Several of the latter were found to be expressed in the photoreceptors and to have proximity to cGMP and may thus be of interest when defining prospective therapeutic targets or biomarkers for retinal degeneration.

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Adiposity‐related insulin resistance and thickness of the cerebral cortex in middle‐aged adults
Authors: Shin Jean , Pelletier Stephanie , Richer Louis , Pike G. Bruce , Gaudet Daniel , Paus Tomas , Pausova Zdenka
Published: November 2020

The thickness of the cerebral cortex decreases with ageing. Recent research suggests that obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus may accelerate this cortical thinning, and that obesity‐related insulin resistance may be a shared mechanistic pathway. Ageing of the cerebral cortex demonstrates sex‐specific trajectories, with a gradual shift towards accelerated thinning beginning in midlife. Here, we investigated whether adiposity‐related insulin resistance is associated with lower thickness of the human cerebral cortex in a community‐based sample of middle‐aged adults. We studied 533 adult participants (36‐65 years) from the Saguenay Youth Study. Adiposity was assessed with bioimpedance, and insulin resistance was evaluated from a fasting blood sample with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Associations between adiposity‐related insulin resistance (adiposity/IR) and cortical thickness were assessed with linear models, separately in males and females younger or older than 50 years. Potential biological underpinnings were investigated with virtual histology. Adiposity/IR was associated with lower cortical thickness in females older than 50 years but not in males or younger females. The strength of the association varied across the cerebral cortex, with regions of the lateral frontal and parietal cortices and the superior temporal cortex demonstrating most pronounced thinning. Based on virtual histology, adiposity/IR‐related cortical thinning may involve neurones, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells acting so that they lower the cortical potential for synaptogenesis, formation of dendritic spines, production of extracellular matrix and myelination. Adiposity‐related insulin resistance is associated with lower cortical thickness in middle‐aged women older than 50 years. This aspect of thinning may involve neuronal and glial cells in a way that lowers the capacity of the cerebral cortex for neuronal plasticity and maintenance of myelination.
The comparative study of efficacy between 1064‐nm long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser and 595‐nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Chalermsuwiwattanakan Napith , Rojhirunsakool Salinee , Kamanamool Nanticha , Kanokrungsee Silada , Udompataikul Montree
Published: November 2020

Background

The popularity of laser therapy in acne treatment has been increasing recently due to its safety, effectiveness, and convenience. Both 595‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and 1064‐nm long‐pulsed neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser (Nd:YAG) have been successful in treating inflammatory acne lesions. However, clinical data from controlled comparative studies are still lacking.

Aims

To compare the clinical efficacy of 1064‐nm Nd:YAG with 595‐nm PDL for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods

Thirty‐four participants with mild to moderate facial acne were enrolled and then randomized to receive three, 2‐week interval treatments with 1064‐nm Nd:YAG on one side of the face and 595‐nm PDL on the other side. Clinical assessments including acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and erythema index were performed at baseline, 2nd, 4th, and 8th week. Participants’ satisfaction, preference, and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

As compared with baseline, the significant reduction of mean inflammatory acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and erythema index was demonstrated on 595‐nm PDL‐treated sides and 1064‐nm Nd:YAG‐treated sides. However, there were no significant differences between both sides. The participants were satisfied with both laser treatments, but the participants preferred 1064‐nm Nd:YAG over 595‐nm PDL treatment. The adverse effects were less on 1064 nm Nd: YAG‐treated sides.

Conclusions

1064‐nm Nd:YAG and 595‐nm PDL treatments are equally effective in reducing inflammatory acne lesions and acne erythema in mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris.
The Perception of Dependence, Investment Decisions, and Stock Prices
Authors: UNGEHEUER MICHAEL , WEBER MARTIN
Published: November 2020

How do investors perceive dependence between stock returns; and how does their perception of dependence affect investments and stock prices? We show experimentally that investors understand differences in dependence, but not in terms of correlation. Participants invest as if applying a simple counting heuristic for the frequency of comovement. They diversify more when the frequency of comovement is lower even if correlation is higher due to dependence in the tails. Building on our experimental findings, we empirically analyze U.S. stock returns. We identify a robust return premium for stocks with high frequencies of comovement with the market return.
The Changing Position of Legal Academics in the United Kingdom: Professionalization or Proletarianization?
Authors: BRADNEY ANTHONY , COWNIE FIONA
Published: November 2020

This article analyses changes to United Kingdom (UK) university law schools during the period coinciding with Phil Thomas’ career as a law teacher – the latter part of the twentieth century and the first two decades of the twenty‐first – in part illustrating the analysis with other examples from Thomas’ career. We will focus specifically on the way in which what it means to be a legal academic has altered, with UK legal academics having been professionalized as a community during this era. Yet, seemingly paradoxically, it is also an era during which, many have suggested, academics in UK universities have become a proletariat.
The Many Beginnings of Philip Aneurin Thomas
Authors: MULCAHY LINDA
Published: November 2020

This volume pays tribute to the many achievements of Philip Aneurin Thomas. When asked to write a biographical account of his life, I was struck by how many beginnings Phil had been involved in. Early experiences in the United States and East Africa made him part of an important group of scholars who brought new ways of thinking about law and the law school to the United Kingdom in the 1970s. He was there at the beginning of the socio‐legal movement, making a major contribution to the multi‐disciplinary research environment that socio‐legal scholars now take for granted, and instrumental in establishing a number of institutions, including this journal. Finally, his personal and academic trajectory cannot be fully understood without an understanding of the importance of his being Welsh and a committed socialist.
‘Left Pessimists’ in ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’? Reflections on the Political Economy of Socio‐Legal Studies and (Legal) Academic Well‐Being
Authors: COLLIER RICHARD
Published: November 2020

This article reflects on the significance of the Journal of Law and Society and critical socio‐legal work in the context of changes in the political economy of universities and socio‐legal studies. It interweaves an analysis of this shifting political economy with consideration of another topic, namely, academic well‐being and mental health, especially in this moment, to demonstrate the continuing pertinence and importance of the left critique of universities. Well‐being has become part of a far broader set of counter‐narratives to neoliberalism evident in attempts to reposition it as a ‘force of change’, to develop new ways of working that might challenge traditional work cultures and organizational structures, and to resist the marketized neoliberal university and re‐envision what a ‘good university’ might be. Rejecting the criticism of ‘left pessimists’ in ‘rose coloured glasses’, I make the case for the continuing significance of engaging in public education and research as a public good.
Of Mines, Mining, and Imagining: Rights without Society?
Authors: MORGAN LYDIA
Published: November 2020

As a polyvocal discipline that integrates studies of law in society, socio‐legal studies should have no problem accommodating civil liberties and human rights. Numerous methodologies and frameworks present themselves as illuminating, troubling, and critiquing conceptions and experiences of rights. Legal analysis of human rights is nevertheless often abstract and highly technical. But what if socio‐legal analyses of rights were not available? What would be lacking? Using a personal situated methodological approach, I explore the Journal of Law and Society's back catalogue to reflect on what civil liberties and human rights might be without socio‐legal studies.
Changes in Neuroendovascular Procedural Volume During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Agunbiade Samiat , Huang Wei , Akhtar Iqra N. , Abraham Michael G. , Akhtar Naveed , Al‐Mufti Fawaz , Aytac Emrah , Balgetir Ferhat , Grigoryan Mikayel , Gomez Camilo R. , Hassan Ameer E. , Jani Vishal , Janjua Nazli A. , Jiao Liqun , Khatri Rakesh , Kirmani Jawad F. , Kobayashi Adam , Kozak Osman , Lee Jun , Lobanova Iryna , Mansour Ossama Yassin , Maud Alberto , Mazighi Mikael , Piotin Michel , Rodriguez Gustavo J. , Siddiq Farhan , Suri M. Fareed K. , Tekle Wondwossen G.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on performance of neuroendovascular procedures has not been quantified.

METHODS

We performed an audit of performance of neuroendovascular procedures at 18 institutions (seven countries) for two periods; January‐April 2019 and 2020, to identify changes in various core procedures. We divided the region where the hospital was located based on the median value of total number of COVID‐19 cases per 100,00 population‐into high and low prevalent regions.

RESULTS

Between 2019 and 2020, there was a reduction in number of cerebral angiograms (30.9% reduction), mechanical thrombectomy (8% reduction), carotid artery stent placement for symptomatic (22.7% reduction) and asymptomatic (43.4% reduction) stenoses, intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement (45% reduction), and endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (44.6% reduction) and ruptured (22.9% reduction) and unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (66.4% reduction). There was an increase in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (10% increase) and other neuroendovascular procedures (34.9% increase). There was no relationship between procedural volume change and intuitional location in high or low COVID‐19 prevalent regions. The procedural volume reduction was mainly observed in March‐April 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided an international multicenter view of changes in neuroendovascular practices to better understand the gaps in provision of care and identify individual procedures, which are susceptible to change.
Anemia, iron deficiency, and cobalamin deficiency in cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Hunt Adam , Jugan Maria C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Iron deficiency and cobalamin deficiency, as sequelae to chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease, could result in anemia and increased morbidity in cats with chronic enteropathies.

Objective

To evaluate iron deficiency in cats with chronic GI disease and its relationship with hypocobalaminemia, anemia, and disease severity.

Animals

Twenty client‐owned cats with primary GI disease.

Methods

Prospective, cross‐sectional study. Cats were enrolled at the time of evaluation for chronic GI disease, after exclusion of comorbidities. CBC with reticulocyte indices, iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron binding capacity [TIBC]), serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), cobalamin, and folate concentrations, pancreatic lipase and trypsin‐like immunoreactivity, and disease severity were evaluated.

Results

Anemia (hematocrit <30%), iron deficiency, and cobalamin deficiency were diagnosed in 4/20, 7/20, and 8/20 cats, respectively. Hematocrit (rs = −.45; P < .05) and body condition score (rs = −.60; P < .01) negatively correlated with MMA. Median TIBC was lower in cats with increased vs normal MMA (218 μg/mL; range, 120‐466 μg/mL vs 288 μg/mL; range, 195‐369 μg/mL; P = .02). Hematocrit (rs = .51; P = .02), reticulocyte MCV (rs = .52; P = .02), reticulocyte hemoglobin content (rs = .71; P < .001), and percent transferrin saturation (rs = .79; P < .0001) positively correlated with serum iron concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Functional iron deficiency was common in cats with chronic GI disease. Associations between hypocobalaminemia, iron parameters, and hematologic parameters warrant further investigation on the impact of iron deficiency on chronic GI disease morbidity in cats.
Ages and chemistry of mare basaltic units in the Grimaldi basin on the nearside of the Moon: Implications for the volcanic history of the basin
Authors: Thesniya P. M. , Rajesh V. J. , Flahaut J.
Published: November 2020

Lunar mare basalts represent flood volcanism between ~4.0 and 1.2 Ga, therefore, providing insights into the thermal and volcanic history of the Moon. The present study investigates the spectral and chemical characteristics as well as ages of the nearside mare basaltic units from the Grimaldi basin, namely Mare Grimaldi and Mare Riccioli, using a wealth of orbital remote sensing data. This study delineated distinct basaltic units of varying albedo, mineralogy, and titanium contents in both Mare Grimaldi and Mare Riccioli. The crater size–frequency distribution technique revealed that at least two phases of basaltic magmatism spanning ~3.5 to 1.5 Ga (Late Imbrian–Eratosthenian) have occurred in the Grimaldi basin. High‐Ti olivine basalts dated at 2.05 Ga are found to be surrounded by the Late Imbrian (~3.47 Ga) low‐ to intermediate‐Ti basalts in Mare Grimaldi. Low‐ to intermediate‐Ti basalts observed in Mare Riccioli date back to two different volcanic events at ~3.5 Ga and ~3.2 billion years, while patches of basalts having remarkably higher titanium content within the Mare Riccioli record the youngest age of ~1.5 Ga. The chemical trend of the pyroxenes from distinct basaltic units also revealed that multiple events of volcanism have occurred in the Grimaldi basin. The high‐Ti basalts in the Mare Grimaldi crystallized from an Fe‐enriched late‐stage magma while the low‐Ti basalts crystallized from an Mg‐ and Ca‐rich initial magma that experienced an ultra‐late stage quenching. The low‐ to intermediate‐Ti basaltic magma erupted in both the units was derived by partial melting of early cumulate materials from the hybrid source region in the post‐overturn upper mantle and made its way to the surface through dikes that propagated by excess pressures accumulated in the diapirs stalled at the base of the crust due to buoyancy trap. The high‐Ti magma erupted in the Mare Grimaldi was generated by a hot plume ascended from deeper clinopyroxene–ilmenite‐rich cumulate layer near the core–mantle boundary. However, the Eratosthenian (~1.5 Ga) intermediate‐Ti volcanic activity in the Mare Riccioli rather sourced from the ilmenite–clinopyroxene cumulate materials that remained in the upper mantle after mantle overturn. The new results suggest that volcanism had not ceased in the Grimaldi basin at 3.27 Ga, rather it was active and fed by different mantle sources until 1.5 Ga for a period spanning ~2 billion years.
Early solar system aqueous activity: K isotope evidence from Allende
Authors: Jiang Yun , Koefoed Piers , Pravdivtseva Olga , Chen Heng , Li Chun‐Hui , Huang Fang , Qin Li‐Ping , Liu Jia , Wang Kun
Published: November 2020

The alkali element K is moderately volatile and fluid mobile; thus, it can be influenced by both primary processes (evaporation and recondensation) in the solar nebula and secondary processes (thermal and aqueous alteration) in the parent body. Since these primary and secondary processes would induce different isotopic fractionations, K isotopes could become a potential tracer to distinguish them. Using recently developed methods with improved precision (0.05‰, 95% confidence interval), we systematically measured the K isotopic compositions and major/trace elemental compositions of chondritic components (18 chondrules, 3 CAIs, 2 matrices, and 5 bulks) in the carbonaceous chondrite fall Allende. Among all the components analyzed in this study, CAIs, which formed initially under high‐temperature conditions in the solar nebula and were dominated by nominally K‐free refractory minerals, have the highest K2O content (average 0.53 wt%) and have K isotope compositions most enriched in heavy isotopes (δ41K: −0.30 to −0.25‰). Such an observation is consistent with previous petrologic studies that show CAIs in Allende have undergone alkali enrichment during metasomatism. In contrast, chondrules contain lower K2O content (0.003–0.17 wt%) and generally lighter K isotope compositions (δ41K: −0.87‰ to −0.24‰). The matrix and bulks are nearly identical in K2O content and K isotope compositions (0.02–0.05 wt%; δ41K: −0.62 to − 0.46‰), which are, as expected, right in the middle of CAIs and chondrules. This strongly indicates that most of the chondritic components of Allende suffered aqueous alteration and their K isotopic compositions are the ramification of Allende parent‐body processing instead of primary nebular signatures. Nevertheless, we propose the small K isotope fractionations observed (< 1‰) among Allende components are likely similar to the overall range of K isotopic fractionation that occurred in nebular environment. Furthermore, the K isotope compositions seen in the components of Allende in this study are consistent with MC‐ICP‐MS analyses of the components in ordinary chondrites, which also show an absence of large (10‰) isotope fractionations. This is not expected as evaporation experiments in nebular conditions suggest there should be large K isotopic fractionations. Nevertheless, possible nebular processes such as chondrules back exchanging with ambient gas when they formed could explain this lack of large K isotopic variation.
Vicariance followed by secondary gene flow in a young gazelle species complex
Authors: Garcia‐Erill Genís , Kjær Michael Munkholm , Albrechtsen Anders , Siegismund Hans Redlef , Heller Rasmus
Published: November 2020

Grant's gazelles have recently been proposed to be a species complex comprising three highly divergent mtDNA lineages (Nanger granti, N. notata and N. petersii). The three lineages have nonoverlapping distributions in East Africa, but without any obvious geographical divisions, making them an interesting model for studying the early‐stage evolutionary dynamics of allopatric speciation in detail. Here, we use genomic data obtained by restriction site‐associated (RAD) sequencing of 106 gazelle individuals to shed light on the evolutionary processes underlying Grant's gazelle divergence, to characterize their genetic structure and to assess the presence of gene flow between the main lineages in the species complex. We date the species divergence to 134,000 years ago, which is recent in evolutionary terms. We find population subdivision within N. granti, which coincides with the previously suggested two subspecies, N. g. granti and N. g. robertsii. Moreover, these two lineages seem to have hybridized in Masai Mara. Perhaps more surprisingly given their extreme genetic differentiation, N. granti and N. petersii also show signs of prolonged admixture in Mkomazi, which we identified as a hybrid population most likely founded by allopatric lineages coming into secondary contact. Despite the admixed composition of this population, elevated X chromosomal differentiation suggests that selection may be shaping the outcome of hybridization in this population. Our results therefore provide detailed insights into the processes of allopatric speciation and secondary contact in a recently radiated species complex.
Top‐down controls on nutrient cycling and population dynamics in a model estuarine photoautotroph–heterotroph co‐culture system
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Lin Wenxin , Wang Yu , Xu Dapeng , Liu Yanting , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: November 2020

Viral lysis and protistan grazing are thought to be the major processes leading to microbial mortality in aquatic environments and thus regulate community diversity and biogeochemical cycling characteristics. Here, we studied nutrient cycling and bacterial responses to cyanophage‐mediated photoautotroph lysis and ciliate predation in a model Synechococcus–heterotroph co‐culture system. Both viral lysis and Euplotes grazing facilitated the transformation of organic carbon from biomass to dissolved organic matter with convention efficiencies of 20%–26%. The accumulation of ammonium after the addition of phages and ciliates suggested the importance of recycled NH4+ occurred in the interactions between Synechococcus growth and heterotrophic bacterial metabolism of photosynthate. The slower efficiency of P mineralization compared to N (primarily ammonium) indicated that P‐containing organic matter was primarily integrated into bacterial biomass rather than being remineralized into inorganic phosphate under C‐rich conditions. In the cyanophage addition treatment, both Fluviicola and Alteromonas exhibited rapid positive responses to Synechococcus lysing, while Marivita exhibited an apparent negative response. Further, the addition of Euplotes altered the incubation system from a Synechococcus‐driven phycosphere to a ciliate‐remodelled zoosphere that primarily constituted grazing‐resistant bacteria and Euplotes symbionts. Top‐down controls increased co‐culture system diversity and resulted in a preference for free‐living lifestyles of dominant populations, which was accompanied by the transfer of matter and energy. Our results indicate top‐down control was particularly important for organic matter redistribution and inorganic nutrient regeneration between photoautotrophs and heterotrophs, and altered bacterial lifestyles. This study consequently sheds light on marine biogeochemical cycling and the interaction networks within these dynamic ecosystems.
CGTase, a novel antimicrobial protein from Bacillus cereus YUPP‐10, suppresses Verticillium dahliae and mediates plant defence responses
Authors: Zhou Jinglong , Feng Zili , Liu Shichao , Wei Feng , Shi Yongqiang , Zhao Lihong , Huang Wanting , Zhou Yi , Feng Hongjie , Zhu Heqin
Published: November 2020

Verticillium wilt is a plant vascular disease caused by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae that severely limits cotton production. In a previous study, we screened Bacillus cereus YUPP‐10, an efficient antagonistic bacterium, to uncover mechanisms for controlling verticillium wilt. Here, we report a novel antimicrobial cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from YUPP‐10. Compared to other CGTases, six different conserved domains were identified, and six mutants were constructed by gene splicing with overlap extension PCR. Functional analysis showed that domain D was important for hydrolysis activity and domains A1 and C were important for inducing disease resistance. Direct effects of recombinant CGTase on V. dahliae included reduced mycelial growth, spore germination, spore production, and microsclerotia germination. In addition, CGTase also elicited cotton's innate defence reactions. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines that overexpress CGTase showed higher resistance to verticillium wilt. Transgenic CGTase A. thaliana plants grew faster and resisted disease better. CGTase overexpression enabled a burst of reactive oxygen species production and activated pathogenesis‐related gene expression, indicating that the transgenic cotton was better prepared to protect itself from infection. Our work revealed that CGTase could inhibit the growth of V. dahliae, activate innate immunity, and play a major role in the biocontrol of fungal pathogens.
Minocycline prevents depression‐like behavior in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Sakurai Masashi , Iwasa Ryoi , Sakai Yusuke , Morimoto Masahiro
Published: November 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia. Diabetic patients are known to have a higher prevalence and a higher risk of depression compared with the general population. The pathogenesis of diabetes‐related depression is unclear, and the treatment is not well‐established. Therefore, the prevention of diabetes‐related depression is important for improving the quality of life of diabetic patients. Minocycline, a second‐generation tetracycline antibiotic, has recently gained attention as a new agent for depression. In this study, we investigated the effect of minocycline on diabetes‐related depression in a streptozotocin‐induced mouse model of diabetes. Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Seven days after injection, the mice received minocycline treatment through drinking water. We compared these mice with vehicle‐treated control mice and diabetic mice not receiving minocycline treatment. On day 34, depression‐like behavior was investigated using the forced swim test. On the following day, brain samples were collected, and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens were prepared for immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the diabetic mice not receiving minocycline treatment showed a prolonged duration of immobility in the forced swim test, the observation being interpreted as a depression‐like behavior. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in microglia with an activated morphology in the diabetic mice without minocycline treatment. The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha in microglia was increased. In addition, a decrease in the number of doublecortin‐positive immature neurons was found in the hippocampus of diabetic mice. Minocycline treatment of diabetic animals prevented the depression‐like behavior and microglial activation; however, minocycline did not reverse impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. These results indicate that minocycline has a preventive effect on diabetes‐related depression. Inhibition of microglial activation would be a critical target for the antidepressant mechanism of minocycline. Impaired hippocampal neurogenesis was observed in diabetic mice; however, this may not be involved in the pathogenesis of depression.
Model adequacy tests for probabilistic models of chromosome‐number evolution
Authors: Rice Anna , Mayrose Itay
Published: November 2020

Chromosome number is a central feature of eukaryote genomes. Deciphering patterns of chromosome‐number change along a phylogeny is central to the inference of whole genome duplications and ancestral chromosome numbers. ChromEvol is a probabilistic inference tool that allows the evaluation of several models of chromosome‐number evolution and their fit to the data. However, fitting a model does not necessarily mean that the model describes the empirical data adequately. This vulnerability may lead to incorrect conclusions when model assumptions are not met by real data.

Here, we present a model adequacy test for likelihood models of chromosome‐number evolution. The procedure allows us to determine whether the model can generate data with similar characteristics as those found in the observed ones.

We demonstrate that using inadequate models can lead to inflated errors in several inference tasks. Applying the developed method to 200 angiosperm genera, we find that in many of these, the best‐fitting model provides poor fit to the data. The inadequacy rate increases in large clades or in those in which hybridizations are present.

The developed model adequacy test can help researchers to identify phylogenies whose underlying evolutionary patterns deviate substantially from current modelling assumptions and should guide future methods development.
Large‐scale study validates that regional fungicide applications are major determinants of resistance evolution in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici in France
Authors: Garnault Maxime , Duplaix Clémentine , Leroux Pierre , Couleaud Gilles , David Olivier , Walker Anne‐Sophie , Carpentier Florence
Published: November 2020

In modern cropping systems, the near‐universal use of plant protection products selects for resistance in pest populations. The emergence and evolution of this adaptive trait threaten treatment efficacy. We identified determinants of fungicide resistance evolution and quantified their effects at a large spatiotemporal scale.

We focused on Zymoseptoria tritici, which causes leaf blotch in wheat. Phenotypes of qualitative or quantitative resistance to various fungicides were monitored annually, from 2004 to 2017, at about 70 sites throughout 22 regions of France (territorial units of 25 000 km2 on average). We modelled changes in resistance frequency with regional anti‐Septoria fungicide use, yield losses due to the disease and the regional area under organic wheat.

The major driver of resistance dynamics was fungicide use at the regional scale. We estimated its effect on the increase in resistance and relative apparent fitness of each resistance phenotype. The predictions of the model replicated the spatiotemporal patterns of resistance observed in field populations (R2 from 0.56 to 0.82).

The evolution of fungicide resistance is mainly determined at the regional scale. This study therefore showed that collective management at the regional scale could effectively complete local actions.
Deployment of wild relatives for genetic improvement in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Gaikwad Kiran B. , Singh Naveen , Kaur Parampreet , Rani Sushma , Babu H Prashanth , Singh Kuldeep
Published: November 2020

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. The wild species of rice are expected to have novel beneficial alleles that have been lost from cultivated rice during the process of domestication. Therefore, wild species could be the potential source to induce lost genetic diversity in cultivated rice. Serving as an important reservoir of novel genes/QTLs, wild species, in general, are better adapted to different ecologies and can tolerate many biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite that, only a few wild species are studied and extensive characterization both at the molecular and morphological level is yet to be achieved. Several agronomically important genes/QTLs for improving biotic and abiotic stresses, resistance, productivity and grain quality traits were identified from AA genome donor wild species and were tagged with breeder friendly molecular markers for their transfer to elite genetic backgrounds. The present review provides information on the important wild rice species harbouring genes/QTLs for agriculturally important traits and their successful utilization in rice breeding programmes.
Logical form
Authors: Goldstick D.
Published: November 2020

Propositions are essentially without form.
Prevalence and predictors of coronaphobia among frontline hospital and public health nurses
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , De Los Santos Janet Alexis A.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the prevalence as well as the predictors of coronaphobia in frontline hospital and public health nurses.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional research study involving 736 nurses working in COVID‐19 designated hospitals and health units in Region 8, Philippines. Four structured self‐report scales were used, including the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, and the single‐item measure for perceived health.

Results

The prevalence of coronaphobia was 54.76% (n = 402): 37.04% (n = 130) in hospital nurses and 70.91% (n = 273) in public health nurses. Additionally, nurses' gender (β = 0.148, p < .001), marital status (β = 0.124, p < .001), job status (β = 0.138, p < .001), and personal resilience (β = −0.167, p = .002) were identified as predictors of COVID‐19 anxiety. A small proportion of nurses were willing (19.94%, n = 70) and fully prepared (9.40%, n = 33) to manage and care for coronavirus patients.

Conclusion

Coronaphobia is prevalent among frontline Filipino nurses, particularly among public health nurses. Interventions to address coronaphobia among frontline nurses in the hospital and community should consider the predictors identified. By increasing personal resilience in nurses through theoretically driven intervention, coronaphobia may be alleviated.
From the Classics to New Tunes: A Neoclassical View on Sharing Economy and Innovative Marketplaces
Authors: Hu Ming
Published: November 2020

Operations management has the tradition of coming from and going back to real‐life applications. It deals with the management of the process of matching supply with demand. The emerging business process in a sharing economy or an innovative marketplace calls for active management at the operational level. We take a neoclassical perspective by drawing inspiration from the classic models in operations management and economics. We aim at building connections and identifying differences between those traditional models and the new applications in sharing economy and innovative marketplaces. We also point out potential future research directions.
Performance‐Price‐Ratio Utility: Market Equilibrium Analysis and Empirical Calibration Studies
Authors: Xie Yangyang , Xie Lei , Lu Meng , Yan Houmin
Published: November 2020

In this study, as an alternative to the surplus utility, we propose a performance‐price‐ratio (PPR) utility and specialize the customer choice model with a PPR maximization criterion. With the PPR‐based choice model, we investigate a pricing game between retailers in a competitive market. Through transferring the decision variable from price to performance‐price ratio, the first‐order condition of the game becomes a linear equation system, which enables us to develop a closed‐form equilibrium solution. The solution reveals how product performance and price sensitivity affect equilibrium pricing, market share, and revenue. With the developed theoretical results, we carry out empirical studies with a rich data set obtained from the China TV market. At the individual product level and the brand level, we calibrate the PPR‐based choice model and the widely used surplus‐based model with a Bayesian information criteria‐based stepwise multivariate regression method. The regression results suggest that the PPR‐based model fits both the product‐level and brand‐level data better than the surplus‐based model. Through the stepwise selection of independent variables, we find that the leading features affecting a TV’s performance are 3D TV functionality and its screen size. Moreover, we explore how the market equilibrium evolves with the game decision sequence, market structure, and new product entry.
Attention embedded lightweight network for maize disease recognition
Authors: Chen Junde , Wang Wenhua , Zhang Defu , Zeb Adnan , Nanehkaran Yaser Ahangari
Published: November 2020

Crop disease has a negative impact on food security. If diverse crop diseases are not identified in time, they can spread and influence the quality, quantity, and production of grain. Severe crop diseases can even result in complete failure of the harvest. Recent developments in deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have exhibited impressive performance in both image recognition and classification. In this study, we propose a novel network architecture, namely Mobile‐DANet, to identify maize crop diseases. Based on DenseNet, we retained the structure of the transition layers and used the depthwise separable convolution in dense blocks instead of the traditional convolution layers, and then embedded the attention module to learn the importance of interchannel relationship and spatial points for input features. In addition, transfer learning was used in model training. By this means, we improved the accuracy of the model while saving more computational power than deep CNNs. This model achieved an average accuracy of 98.50% on the open maize data set, and even with complicated backdrop conditions, Mobile‐DANet realized an average accuracy of 95.86% for identifying maize crop diseases on a local data set. The experimental findings show the effectiveness and feasibility of the Mobile‐DANet. Our data set is available at https://github.com/xtu502/maize‐disease‐identification.
Optimizing the quality of clinical studies on oral microbiome: A practical guide for planning, performing, and reporting
Authors: Zaura Egija , Pappalardo Vincent Y. , Buijs Mark J. , Volgenant Catherine M. C. , Brandt Bernd W.
Published: November 2020

With this review, we aim to increase the quality standards for clinical studies with microbiome as an output parameter. We critically address the existing body of evidence for good quality practices in oral microbiome studies based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. First, we discuss the usefulness of microbiome profile analyses. Is a microbiome study actually the best approach for answering the research question? This is followed by addressing the criteria for the most appropriate study design, sample size, and the necessary data (study metadata) that should be collected. Next, we evaluate the available evidence for best practices in sample collection, transport, storage, and DNA isolation. Finally, an overview of possible sequencing options (eg, 16S rRNA gene hypervariable regions, sequencing platforms), processing and data interpretation approaches, as well as requirements for meaningful data storage, sharing, and reporting are provided.
A Risk‐Science Approach to Vulnerability Classification
Authors: Thekdi Shital A. , Aven Terje
Published: November 2020

Advancements in the risk literature and recent events have highlighted the need for recognizing and managing system vulnerabilities. However, established definitions of vulnerability typically involve only static concepts that are limited to measurement of system characteristics. Advancements in risk modeling, combined with the dynamic nature of data availability, and processing call for the need to understand the various dimensions and time‐dependent properties of vulnerability within risk‐informed decision making. There is need to: (1) Understand and classify aspects of vulnerability that exist in various systems, such as related to engineering, business, and healthcare, while recognizing both properties of the system and associated knowledge, (2) reconcile these definitions of vulnerabilities with existing concepts, such as sensitivity analysis and fragility, and (3) explore the implications of various types of vulnerability on risk management decisions. The main contributions of this work include classifying dynamic characteristics of system vulnerability and leveraging information about the multidimensional properties of vulnerability within risk management decisions that apply to a collection of risk events. As a proof of concept, we illustrate the vulnerability classification on the COVID‐19 pandemic. This article will be of interest to both risk researchers and practitioners.
Progradation of a mid‐Cretaceous distributive fluvial system: The upper member of the Bima Formation, Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria
Authors: Aliyuda Kachalla , Howell John
Published: November 2020

Basin‐wide analysis of an ancient distributive fluvial system (the upper Bima Formation) was carried out using field‐based observation/measurement and ‘photo‐realistic’ virtual outcrop data from 19 locations with good exposure of the upper Bima Formation in the Northern Benue Trough. The goal of this study is to provide an assessment of the spatial distribution of both vertical and lateral trends within the upper Bima distributive fluvial system. Vertical and lateral variations of the different facies of the formation were assessed quantitatively; this includes the analysis of the vertical and lateral distribution of proximal, medial and distal facies, the thickness and widths of channel fill deposits, grain‐size variation and the proportion of floodplain to channel fill deposits across the 19 locations in the basin. Trends observed across the sections indicate a progradation of the mega‐fan. The facies tracts preserved within the different portions of the distributive fluvial system vary. In the proximal part, in Lamurde, Tashan Alaji, Ture and Tula, the sections show only medial passing up to proximal facies. The distal lacustrine facies at the base of the section are absent. In the medial part of the system at Hinna, the successions preserve distal passing upward into medial facies. The gradual lateral transition from proximal to medial to distal facies, upward decrease in floodplain to channel fill deposits, upward increase in channel fill thicknesses and widths, all suggest that the Bima system is a prograding distributive fluvial system.
Differences in pacing pattern and sub‐technique selection between young and adult competitive cross‐country skiers
Authors: Sollie Ove , Gløersen Øyvind , Gilgien Matthias , Losnegard Thomas
Published: November 2020

The present study describes differences in pacing patterns and sub‐technique selection in young compared to adult competitive cross‐country skiers. Eleven young male skiers (YOS) (14.4 ± 0.5 years, O2peak 63.9 ± 2.8 mL∙kg‐1∙min‐1) and eight adult male skiers (ADS) (22.6 ± 4.3 years, O2peak 77.4 ± 4.4 mL∙kg‐1∙min‐1) performed a free technique rollerski time trial (TT) over a distance of 4.3 km (YOS) and 13.1 km (ADS) to simulate normal racing distances. A GNSS/IMU system was used to track position, speed, and classify sub‐techniques. Skiing economy and O2peak were measured on an additional day to calculate the relative oxygen demand (O2dem) in 13 segments of the TT. YOS were slower than ADS in all types of terrain (mean speed difference of 13%), with differences for uphills of 19%, undulating terrain of 11% and downhills of 8% (all P < .05). The mean relative O2dem tended to be higher for YOS compared to ADS (120% vs 112% of O2peak, P = .09), and the difference was more pronounced in the initial four segments of the race (130% vs 110% of O2peak, P < .01). YOS used more of the sub‐technique Gear 2 (23 ± 7 vs 14 ± 4%), less Gear 3 (36 ± 7 vs 45 ± 5%), and had more frequent transitions between sub‐techniques (18 ± 2 vs 15 ± 3 km‐1) (all P < .05) than ADS. Over an age‐related distance, young skiers tend to exhibit higher mean exercise intensity than adult elite skiers, with a more pronounced positive pacing pattern. Differences in physical ability affect speed and sub‐technique selections, implying a need for differentiating technical training for different ages and levels.