bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income and Employment of SAF Members, 1977
Authors: Thompson Emmett F. , Sullivan Alfred D. , Robie Edward F.
Published: April 2024

In 1977, median income of members of the Society of American Foresters was $20,500, up from $15,000 in 1972 and $17,000 in 1974. Measured against the Consumer Price Index, the increases did not keep pace with inflation. A positive relationship between level of education and income continued for 1977. While federal employees retained the most favorable financial career ladders, private industry was a close second. State employment continued to rank third. Overall median starting salary increased from $8,990 in 1974 to $11,400 in 1977.
Licensing of Foresters--Pros and Cons
Authors: Walker Laurence C.
Published: April 2024

As of mid-1978, 14 states had adopted laws for the registration and licensing of foresters, and 10 states were considering action. Arguments for and against registration are numerous, but experience indicates that foresters in a given state must reach a supporting consensus if they hope to secure passage of such legislation. The purpose must be to benefit the public.
On the Economics of Timber Damage Appraisal for Public Forests
Authors: Brown Thomas C. , Boster Ron S.
Published: April 2024

Damage appraisal is the basis for fire-suppression decisions. Where timber is managed for production of maximum site rent, appraisal is a rather straightforward matter of applying standard financial criteria in a "with and without" procedure. Where the aim is maximum mean annual increment, as it often is on public forests, this procedure may yield seemingly incongruous results: if the goals and constraints guiding management allow prorating a loss by substituting one part of the inventory for another, the value of the damage may be less than the value of the specific resource in the absence of any damage. This is a consequence of maximizing wood rather than value. Ignoring "with and without" in public decisionmaking may result in overexpenditure for fire suppression.
Oregon's Forest Practices Act: An Early Appraisal
Authors: Brown George W.
Published: April 2024

Oregon implemented the nation's first forest practices act that included water quality protection as one of its goals. A technical review indicated that the forest practice rules are moderate effective in protecting water quality and that they qualify as best management practices. Improving the effectiveness will require several changes in administration of the rules.
Forestry Literature Access through Computer Systems
Authors: White Linda M.
Published: April 2024

Use of computer systems for bibliographic searching has many advantages for foresters, including time saved in locating references. Many bibliographic systems can give the user a list of published references on his topic, as well as brief abstracts; and some systems reference unpublished reports, statistics, legislation, or research still in progress. Systems differ in the products given users, the subjects covered, the types of documents referenced, and costs charged to users, but all are concerned with facilitating the flow of information.
Computerized Bibliographic Services for USDA Research
Authors: Burton Hilary D.
Published: April 2024

A program of computer-based information services has been developed for scientists in the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A major component is the Current Awareness Literature Service (CALS), which includes the major data bases relevant to the various research areas in agriculture. The service, which is available to all USDA personnel, provides scientists with periodic bibliographies of citations and abstracts related to their research interests. Full hard copy for retrieved citations is also delivered. Other features include support of personal information systems and facilitation and dissemination of literature reviews.
Shelterbelts on the Great Plains: What's Happening?
Authors: Van Deusen James L.
Published: April 2024

Shelterbelts in many Great Plains states are being removed because they were not properly designed and located, because they are overmature and decadent, or because the land they occupy is wanted for other uses. A symposium held in Colorado during 1976 made clear that field shelterbelts and farmstead Windbreaks are still capable of providing protection, visual variety, and environmental enhancement for man, his crops, livestock, and wildlife. Government programs offer various forms of landowner assistance, and research is seeking to improve plant selection and management practices.
What Rates of Return on NIPF Investments?
Authors: Cook David W.
Published: April 2024

Though many owners of nonindustrial private forests do not have financial returns from timber as a prime objective, some are achieving a respectable internal rate of return from their investment, while still satisfying other motives for holding land.
Biomass Factors for Point Sampling in Appalachian Hardwoods
Authors: Wiant Harry V. , Wingerd Dan E.
Published: April 2024

Biomass equations with D²H as the independent variable were used to develop point-sampling factors for rapid cruising of Appalachian hardwoods. Cruising requires recording only height and species of sample trees.
Energy Output/Input Relationships for Loblolly Pine Stands
Authors: Frazier J. R. , Burkhart H. E. , McMinn J. W.
Published: April 2024

Estimates of on-site energy outputs and inputs were calculated for a variety of management alternatives in plantations and direct-seeded stands of loblolly pine, Pinus taeda. Comparisons, in terms of the energy output/input ratios, revealed that plantations were nearly as energy-efficient as direct-seeded stands.
World Forestry: Problems Facing Reforestation in the Philippines
Authors: Durst Patrick B.
Published: April 2024

Reforestation has become a primary concern of resource management and government in the Philippines. Efforts are hampered, however, by a variety of problems that tax not only the technical expertise of Filipino foresters but also their sociological talents. Environmental factors, lack of financing, and a shortage of trained manpower pose serious difficulties. An additional need is for methods that gain the interest and cooperation of local land users.
National Impacts of Softwood Product Price Increases
Authors: McKillop William , Adams Darius M. , Haynes Richard W.
Published: April 2024

Under prices projected for the period 1990-2030. U.S. consumption of softwood lumber would average 9 billion board feet per year less than if prices were stabilized at 1977 levels (in constant dollars). Softwood plywood consumption would average 5.5 billion square feet less per year and annual U.S. softwood sawlog consumption some 2 billion cubic feet less. Annual employment in softwood lumber and plywood manufacturing would be lower by 70 thousand man-years (33 percent) and payrolls by $400 million per year on the average. Losses to consumers due to rising prices would average $5 billion (constant 1967 dollars) per year over the 1990-2030 period, and the loss in residential construction activity is estimated to be 86 thousand units (4 percent) per year. If relative prices rise, displacement of wood products by nonrenewable substitutes such as concrete and steel will increase energy needs and create more pollution in the course of their manufacture.
Scleroderris Canker -- The Situation in 1980
Authors: Skilling Darroll D.
Published: April 2024

A European strain of scleroderris canker (Gremmeniella abietina), first recognized in this country in 1975, is well established in New York and Vermont, where it is causing serious losses in red and Scotch pine (Pinus resinosa, P. sylvestris). Although quarantines have been established to prevent its rapid spread, the disease is present also in Maine and in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Quebec, and Newfoundland. To determine the potential for widespread damage, most U.S. native conifers were field-tested for susceptibility. All pines tested proved highly susceptible, and other conifers were susceptible to varying degrees. The best opportunity for control lies in developing genetically resistant conifers.
Participant Perspectives on Continuing Education in Silviculture
Authors: Ellen J. David
Published: April 2024

To the author, USDA Forest Service programs for the continuing education and certification of northwestern silviculturists are demanding of time and effort. In turn, they bring satisfaction arising from increased professional competence that manifests itself in improved land management.
World Forestry: Response of International Donors to Forestry Problems in Developing Countries
Authors: Christophersen Kjell A. , Wahlgren Harold E. , Whitmore Jacob L. , Zerbe John I. , Laundrie James F.
Published: April 2024

The gap between forestry-related problems in developing countries, deforestation in particular, and what the international aid donor community is doing about them, is widening. Present rates of reforestation must increase by at least a factor of five if projected wood biomass requirements are to be met. Donor-sponsored funding for ongoing and proposed forestry projects, however, is dominated by expansion of industrial capacity which is likely to contribute to deforestation rather than prevent it. The major causes of these problems are related to shifting agriculture, the use of wood for cooking, and industrial cutting of trees. Some donor problems are self-imposed. There is little communication between donors, and they often implement politically expedient projects rather than forestry projects that may be more urgently needed. They may also tend to impose projects on local residents. For optimum project success, local residents must participate in the design and implementation of projects and must feel that some of their needs are being met by that participation.
Investment Alternatives for Black Walnut Plantation Management
Authors: Kurtz W. B. , Garrett H. E. , Kincaid W. H.
Published: April 2024

Black walnut plantation management is a financially viable land-use alternative. Management for timber production alone yields a suitable return; the addition of nut production further increases expected gains. Multi-cropping adds yet another dimension of agricultural crop production or livestock grazing to wood and nut production with corresponding increased financial returns. However, multi-cropping brings a greater degree of risk and complexity in management.
Increment Contracts: Southern Experience and Potential Use in the Appalachians
Authors: Zinn Gary W. , Miller Gary W.
Published: April 2024

Increment contracts are long-term timber management contracts in which landowners receive regular payments based on the average annual growth of wood their land is capable of producing. Increment contracts have been used on nearly 500,000 acres of private forests in the South. Southern experience suggests that several changes in the contract would improve its utility: the contract period should be shortened, the percentage of annual growth used to determine payments to landowners, should be reduced, and payments should be based on published stumpage or product price reports. With these changes, there would be opportunities for, and benefits of, using increment contracts in the central Appalachians. In the near future, increment contracts may be used in parts of the Appalachians when competition for stumpage is keen.
Larch -- A Fast-Growing Fiber Source for the Lake States and Northeast
Authors: Einspahr Dean W. , Wyckoff Gary W. , Fiscus Marianne (Harder)
Published: April 2024

Preliminary comparisons between Japanese (Larix leptolepis Gord.) and European larch (L. decidua Mill.) plantings indicate that these species, together with their hybrids, will outgrow pine and spruce, particularly on the better Lake States forest soils. Larch has adequate genetic diversity and grows rapidly. It also hybridizes readily, has good wood quality, is resistant to scleroderris canker and spruce budworm, and is adapted to a variety of soils. Recently, the Institute of Paper Chemistry, at Appleton, Wisconsin, established a cooperative larch tree improvement program using seed orchard approach. Pulping studies indicate that 18- to 23-year-old larch and larch hybirds (Larix x eurolepis Henry) can produce higher kraft yields than 50- to 60-year-old jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and with pulp strength properties similar to those of jack pine.
Biomass Removal and Nutrient Drain as Affected by Total-Tree Harvest in Southern Pine and Hardwood Stands
Authors: Phillips Douglas R. , Van Lear David H.
Published: April 2024

When all above-stump parts of southern pine trees are harvested, only 16 to 22 percent more biomass is obtained than in conventional harvests. This additional biomass is of low quality because of its high moisture and bark content and low wood specific gravity. In addition, its harvest doubles the removal of certain important soil nutrients. When hardwood stands are total-tree harvested, the additional biomass yield is 30 to 100 percent higher than in conventional harvests, and the quality of biomass for fuel and fiber is above that for pine stands. Nutrient drain for hardwood stands logged by total-tree methods is 2 to 3 times that in conventional harvesting, but the drain may be less critical than for pine stands because rotations are generally longer and soil nutrient reserves are often higher. Total-tree harvesting has made many hardwood stands operable that previously were not, thereby increasing the silvicultural opportunity to improve the stands. Judged by these comparisons, total-tree harvesting would appear to be more attractive, both economically and ecologically, in hardwood stands than in pine.
Building a Forest Plan by Using Issues to Structure the Process
Authors: Williams Robert G. , Matejko Ann
Published: April 2024

The Targhee National Forest in Idaho has completed a proposed land-management plan by a method in which issues elicited in public meetings became the basis for formulating alternatives. Decision criteria that were subsequently used for selecting a preferred alternative were tied directly to issues. A process called trade-off evaluation procedure was used to compare alternatives. A series of briefing guides set the stage for public meetings, kept the public up to date, and presented results of steps in the process.
Clearcutting and the Biogeochemistry of Streamwater in New England
Authors: Martin C. Wayne , Noel Diane S. , Federer C. Anthony
Published: April 2024

A survey shows that clearcutting in New England may increase stream nutrients, including nitrate-nitrogen, calcium, and potassium. The largest increases were found in northern hardwoods in New Hampshire. Stream insect populations, particularly mayflies and true flies, increased in clearcuts in response to increased stream temperature, algal populations, and organic matter. Changes in streamwater chemistry and biology indicate that clearcutting forestlands does affect streams throughout New England. However, the magnitude of differences is such that if erosion and sedimentation are controlled, clearcutting as practiced by foresters today does not drastically change streamwater chemistry or biology.
Using Computer Simulation to Plan a Sustained-Yield Urban Forest
Authors: Bartsch D. , Hook J. , Prince E. , Schrom D.
Published: April 2024

Quantitative, benefit-based forest management goals can be a means to increase public understanding of, and support for, urban tree programs. The city of Palo Alto, California, recently adopted summer pavement shading as a street tree performance standard. The authors developed a method to determine planting and removal rates capable of sustaining street tree populations that shade a specified minimum percentage of public pavement on a block-by-block basis. A mathematical model to simulate street trees in an area was constructed and adapted for use with a microcomputer. The user enters data on extent and geometry of pavement surface, on expected tree performance, and on size and species composition of the urban forest. Outputs are percentage of pavement shaded and annual planting and removal rates by tree type. The model was used to support an increase in Palo Alto's street tree planting from 250 to 1,250 trees per year.
Fire History and Perpetuation of Natural Coast Redwood Ecosystems
Authors: Jacobs Diana F. , Cole Dana W. , McBride Joe R.
Published: April 2024

Stump ring counts were used to determine the presettlement fire history of the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don] Endl.) forest ecosystem in Marin County, California. Data were collected on fire scars and also on fog drip precipitation at two sites logged in the 1850s. The sites, located on the first and third ridges inland from the Pacific Ocean, were selected to bracket the Muir Woods National Monument. The average interval between fires at the more coastal site was 27 years and at the inland site, 22 years. The difference is attributed to varying fire hazards related to a summer fog gradient. Frequency distributions of fire intervals for both sites were highly skewed toward shorter intervals. Skewed distributions indicated a natural pattern of several short intervals followed by one or more long intervals. Prescribed burning treatments should initially be repeated at less than average fire intervals and then at lengthened intervals to recreate natural fire regimes in the coast redwood forest ecosystem.
The LysM Receptor-Like Kinase SlLYK10 Controls Lipochitooligosaccharide Signaling in Inner Cell Layers of Tomato Roots
Authors: Ding Yi , Wang Tongming , Gasciolli Virginie , Reyt Guilhem , Remblière Céline , Marcel Fabien , François Tracy , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , He Guanghua , Bono Jean Jacques , Lefebvre Benoit
Published: April 2024

Establishment of arbuscular mycorrhiza relies on a plant signaling pathway that can be activated by fungal chitinic signals such as short-chain chitooligosaccharides and lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs). The tomato LysM receptor-like kinase SlLYK10 has high affinity for LCOs and is involved in root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); however, its role in LCO responses has not yet been studied. Here, we show that SlLYK10 proteins produced by the Sllyk10-1 and Sllyk10-2 mutant alleles, which both cause decreases in AMF colonization and carry mutations in LysM1 and 2, respectively, have similar LCO-binding affinities compared to the WT SlLYK10. However, the mutant forms were no longer able to induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana when co-expressed with MtLYK3, a Medicago truncatula LCO co-receptor, while they physically interacted with MtLYK3 in co-purification experiments. This suggests that the LysM mutations affect the ability of SlLYK10 to trigger signaling through a potential co-receptor rather than its ability to bind LCOs. Interestingly, tomato lines that contain a calcium (Ca2+) concentration reporter [genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECO)], showed Ca2+ spiking in response to LCO applications, but this occurred only in inner cell layers of the roots, while short-chain chitooligosaccharides also induced Ca2+ spiking in the epidermis. Moreover, LCO-induced Ca2+ spiking was decreased in Sllyk10-1*GECO plants, suggesting that the decrease in AMF colonization in Sllyk10-1 is due to abnormal LCO signaling.
The AGAMOUS-LIKE 16–GENERAL REGULATORY FACTOR 1 module regulates axillary bud outgrowth via catabolism of abscisic acid in cucumber
Authors: Chen Jiacai , Liu Liu , Wang Guanghui , Chen Guangxin , Liu Xiaofeng , Li Min , Han Lijie , Song Weiyuan , Wang Shaoyun , Li Chuang , Wang Zhongyi , Huang Yuxiang , Gu Chaoheng , Yang Zhengan , Zhou Zhaoyang , Zhao Jianyu , Zhang Xiaolan
Published: April 2024

Lateral branches are important components of shoot architecture and directly affect crop yield and production cost. Although sporadic studies have implicated abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis in axillary bud outgrowth, the function of ABA catabolism and its upstream regulators in shoot branching remain elusive. Here, we showed that the MADS-box transcription factor AGAMOUS-LIKE 16 (CsAGL16) is a positive regulator of axillary bud outgrowth in cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Functional disruption of CsAGL16 led to reduced bud outgrowth, whereas overexpression of CsAGL16 resulted in enhanced branching. CsAGL16 directly binds to the promoter of the ABA 8′-hydroxylase gene CsCYP707A4 and promotes its expression. Loss of CsCYP707A4 function inhibited axillary bud outgrowth and increased ABA levels. Elevated expression of CsCYP707A4 or treatment with an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor largely rescued the Csagl16 mutant phenotype. Moreover, cucumber General Regulatory Factor 1 (CsGRF1) interacts with CsAGL16 and antagonizes CsAGL16-mediated CsCYP707A4 activation. Disruption of CsGRF1 resulted in elongated branches and decreased ABA levels in the axillary buds. The Csagl16 Csgrf1 double mutant exhibited a branching phenotype resembling that of the Csagl16 single mutant. Therefore, our data suggest that the CsAGL16–CsGRF1 module regulates axillary bud outgrowth via CsCYP707A4-mediated ABA catabolism in cucumber. Our findings provide a strategy to manipulate ABA levels in axillary buds during crop breeding to produce desirable branching phenotypes.
The effect of local anesthetic on the hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis is different in primary premature ejaculation: a pilot study
Authors: Zheng Lei , Wei Le-Tian , Song-Chunli  , Liu Wen-Rong , Jiang Hui , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Penile hypersensitivity is not the whole penis, but rather only a part of the penis. Though local anesthetic can prolong intravaginal ejaculation latency time by reducing penile hypersensitivity, the effect on the hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of penis is still unclear.

Aim

The study aimed to explore whether the effect of local anesthetic on the hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis is different in premature ejaculation.

Methods

Penile neurophysiological tests were performed on 290 patients with primary premature ejaculation. The sensory threshold, latency, and amplitude were recorded before and after the topical application of a local anesthetic (lidocaine cream) on the penis.

Outcomes

Local anesthetics increased the sensory thresholds of hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis without difference but only prolonged the latency of the hypersensitive areas.

Results

According to the neurophysiological results, 149 of 290 patients with primary premature ejaculation had normal penile sensitivity and 141 had penile hypersensitivity. While penile hypersensitivity does not necessarily mean that the whole penis is hypersensitive, and may be that only a part of the penis is hypersensitive, and we examined the following hypersensitivities: glans hypersensitivity only (14 cases), shaft hypersensitivity only (77 cases), and whole penis hypersensitivity (50 cases). Local anesthetics (lidocaine cream) increased the sensory thresholds of hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis without difference (P < .001) but only prolonged the latency of the hypersensitive areas (P < .001), and the latency of the nonsensitive areas was not different (P > .05).

Clinical Implications

The present discovery implies that it is possible to improve ejaculation by applying local anesthetics externally to the hypersensitive areas of the penis to reduce the afferent local sensory signals, and improve intravaginal ejaculation latency time through accurately decreasing penile sensibility.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first large-sample study to explore the difference of local anesthetics’ effects on the hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis by means of neurophysiological methods in premature ejaculation. Our study exclusively examines alterations in penile evoked potential following electrical stimulation, which may not entirely encompass shifts in penile receptivity during sexual activity.

Conclusion

The effects of local anesthetics on the same penis varied with penile sensitivity, and can only prolong the latency of hypersensitive area of the penis. The effect of local anesthetic on the hypersensitive and nonsensitive areas of the penis is different in premature ejaculation.
Sexual health among the oldest old: a population-based study among people aged 85 years and older in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Politis Marios , Kosidou Kyriaki , Fors Stefan , Nord Martina
Published: April 2024

Background

Sexual health is an important contributor to the well-being and life satisfaction of people aged ≥85 years, known as the oldest old. However, little is known about sexual health in this population.

Aim

To examine aspects of sexual health among the oldest old and explore its associations with sociodemographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study including 183 individuals aged ≥85 years who were residents in Stockholm County, Sweden. Responders (response rate, 63%) were interviewed on a range of health, sociodemographic, and lifestyle parameters, including aspects of sexual health. Participants’ responses to the sexual health items were reported as proportions with 95% CIs. Associations were examined with multivariable logistic regression.

Outcomes

We examined sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, problems related to sexual health, and inquiries on sexual health by a health care provider.

Results

Twelve percent of participants (95% CI, 8%-17.6%) were sexually active, and 63.9% (95% CI, 56.5%-70.9%) were satisfied with their sexual lives during the past year. A third (35%; 95% CI, 28.4%-42.2%) reported at least a problem related to sexual health. Only 2.2% (95% CI, 0.6%-5.5%) were asked about sexual health by a health care provider, while 8.2% (95% CI, 4.7%-13.2%) identified a need for such an assessment. Yet, 85.2% (95% CI, 79.3%-90.0%) indicated no need for their sexual health to be evaluated by a health care provider. Being partnered was positively associated with sexual activity (adjusted odds ratio, 9.13; 95% CI, 2.53-32.90), whereas having strong social support was positively associated with being satisfied with one’s sexual life (adjusted odds ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.53-5.74).

Clinical Implications

Health care providers should be proactive in assessing the sexual health of the oldest individuals.

Strengths and Limitations

A representative sample of an underresearched population was used in this study. However, the generalizability of our findings may be restricted due to the small sample. To maintain statistical power from a relatively small sample, we might have lost explanatory power. Given the observational cross-sectional nature of the data, we cannot draw causal inferences based on the observed associations.

Conclusions

A 10th of participants were sexually active, and the majority were satisfied with their sexual lives. Although many participants reported problems related to sexual health, few expressed the need to discuss sexual health with health care providers. Future studies should explore potential barriers to addressing sexual health and unmet health care needs among the oldest old.
High pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe—Why trends of virus evolution are more difficult to predict
Authors: Fusaro Alice , Zecchin Bianca , Giussani Edoardo , Palumbo Elisa , Agüero-García Montserrat , Bachofen Claudia , Bálint Ádám , Banihashem Fereshteh , Banyard Ashley C , Beerens Nancy , Bourg Manon , Briand Francois-Xavier , Bröjer Caroline , Brown Ian H , Brugger Brigitte , Byrne Alexander M P , Cana Armend , Christodoulou Vasiliki , Dirbakova Zuzana , Fagulha Teresa , Fouchier Ron A M , Garza-Cuartero Laura , Georgiades George , Gjerset Britt , Grasland Beatrice , Groza Oxana , Harder Timm , Henriques Ana Margarida , Hjulsager Charlotte Kristiane , Ivanova Emiliya , Janeliunas Zygimantas , Krivko Laura , Lemon Ken , Liang Yuan , Lika Aldin , Malik Péter , McMenamy Michael J , Nagy Alexander , Nurmoja Imbi , Onita Iuliana , Pohlmann Anne , Revilla-Fernández Sandra , Sánchez-Sánchez Azucena , Savic Vladimir , Slavec Brigita , Smietanka Krzysztof , Snoeck Chantal J , Steensels Mieke , Svansson Vilhjálmur , Swieton Edyta , Tammiranta Niina , Tinak Martin , Van Borm Steven , Zohari Siamak , Adlhoch Cornelia , Baldinelli Francesca , Terregino Calogero , Monne Isabella
Published: April 2024

Since 2016, A(H5Nx) high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of clade 2.3.4.4b has become one of the most serious global threats not only to wild and domestic birds, but also to public health. In recent years, important changes in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolution of this virus have been reported, with an unprecedented global diffusion and variety of affected birds and mammalian species. After the two consecutive and devastating epidemic waves in Europe in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, with the second one recognized as one of the largest epidemics recorded so far, this clade has begun to circulate endemically in European wild bird populations. This study used the complete genomes of 1,956 European HPAI A(H5Nx) viruses to investigate the virus evolution during this varying epidemiological outline. We investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of A(H5Nx) virus diffusion to/from and within Europe during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 epidemic waves, providing evidence of ongoing changes in transmission dynamics and disease epidemiology. We demonstrated the high genetic diversity of the circulating viruses, which have undergone frequent reassortment events, providing for the first time a complete overview and a proposed nomenclature of the multiple genotypes circulating in Europe in 2020–2022. We described the emergence of a new genotype with gull adapted genes, which offered the virus the opportunity to occupy new ecological niches, driving the disease endemicity in the European wild bird population. The high propensity of the virus for reassortment, its jumps to a progressively wider number of host species, including mammals, and the rapid acquisition of adaptive mutations make the trend of virus evolution and spread difficult to predict in this unfailing evolving scenario.
Integrative taxonomy supports the establishment of a new deep-sea family of Tanaidacea (Peracarida)
Authors: Błażewicz Magdalena , Jakiel Aleksandra , Bird Graham J , Studzian Maciej
Published: April 2024

The tanaidacean family Colletteidae is large and exhibits highly diverse morphologies. A significant structural feature, the cephalothorax-cheliped attachment, is one of the sources of this variation but is still poorly understood or resolved in phylogenetic terms. The presence (and wide intrafamily disparities) of a lateral carapacial sclerite associated with this articulation is the main contributor to the diversity and this is investigated by us and shown to have valuable information for paratanaoidean phylogenies. We used integrative taxonomy to evaluate the status of several described colletteid genera, Caudalonga, Macrinella and Pseudoarthrura, based on analysis of COI and 18S genes, comparison with molecular data from ten other paratanaoidean families and detailed morphological study including confocal imaging of whole specimens, with the ‘sclerite’ a prime target for analysis. The results supported the establishment of a new family, Caudalongidae fam. nov., extracted from the overburdened Colletteidae, the narrow-bodied taxa defined principally by the small cheliped sclerite partly covered by a wide membrane and a short one-articled uropodal exopod. Apart from redescriptions/redefinitions of the genera Caudalonga, Macrinella, and Pseudoarthrura, two new genera Facultatotanais gen. nov. and Universitatotanais gen. nov. are erected and six new species are described, Caudalonga kurilensis sp. nov., F. bios sp. nov., U. freie sp. nov., U.gandavensis sp. nov., U. harvardi sp. nov., and U. jagiellonensis sp. nov. The Clarion Clipperton-Fracture Zone appears to support a high diversity of the family.
Proteome characterization of liver–kidney comorbidity after microbial sepsis
Authors: Gui Yuan , Yu Yanbao , Wang Wenjia , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Hanyue , Mozdzierz Sarah , Eskander Kirollos , Lin Yi‐Han , Li Hanwen , Tian Xiao‐Jun , Liu Silvia , Zhou Dong
Published: April 2024

Sepsis is a life‐threatening condition that occurs when the body responds to an infection but subsequently triggers widespread inflammation and impaired blood flow. These pathologic responses can rapidly cause multiple organ dysfunction or failure either one by one or simultaneously. The fundamental common mechanisms involved in sepsis‐induced multiple organ dysfunction remain unclear. Here, employing quantitative global and phosphoproteomics, we examine the liver's temporal proteome and phosphoproteome changes after moderate sepsis induced by cecum ligation and puncture. In total, 4593 global proteins and 1186 phosphoproteins according to 3275 phosphosites were identified. To characterize the liver–kidney comorbidity after sepsis, we developed a mathematical model and performed cross‐analyses of liver and kidney proteome data obtained from the same set of mice. Beyond immune response, we showed the commonly disturbed pathways and key regulators of the liver–kidney comorbidity are linked to energy metabolism and consumption. Our data provide open resources to understand the communication between the liver and kidney as they work to fight infection and maintain homeostasis.
Pneumothorax as first evidence of unknown lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Familiari Dario , Rizzo Rossana , Valenti Elena , Nunnari Flavia , Sibilio Michele , Marando Rosario , Pino Giancarlo , Monaco Francesco
Published: April 2024

Pneumothorax is often the first manifestation of unknown lymphangioleiomyomatosis. In the presence of a persistent air leak, we prefer to do a small resection of the lung to be certain of the diagnosis because many conditions can mimic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The surgical procedure must be completed with a pleurodesis to avoid recurrent pneumothorax.
Proactive distractor suppression in early visual cortex
Authors: Richter David , van Moorselaar Dirk , Theeuwes Jan
Published: April 2024

Avoiding distraction by salient yet irrelevant stimuli is critical when accomplishing daily tasks. One possible mechanism to accomplish this is by suppressing stimuli that may be distracting such that they no longer compete for attention. While the behavioral benefits of distractor suppression are well-established, its neural underpinnings are not yet fully understood. In an fMRI study, we examined whether and how sensory responses in early visual areas show signs of distractor suppression after incidental learning of spatial statistical regularities. Participants were exposed to an additional singleton task where, unbeknownst to them, one location more frequently contained a salient distractor. We analyzed whether visual responses in terms of fMRI BOLD were modulated by this distractor predictability. Our findings indicate that implicit spatial priors shape sensory processing even at the earliest stages of cortical visual processing, evident in early visual cortex as a suppression of stimuli at locations which frequently contained distracting information. Notably, while this suppression was spatially (receptive field) specific, it did extend to nearby neutral locations, and occurred regardless of whether distractors, nontarget items or targets were presented at this location, suggesting that suppression arises before stimulus identification. Crucially, we observed similar spatially specific neural suppression even if search was only anticipated, but no search display was presented. Our results highlight proactive modulations in early visual cortex, where potential distractions are suppressed preemptively, before stimulus onset, based on learned expectations. Combined, our study underscores how the brain leverages implicitly learned prior knowledge to optimize sensory processing and attention allocation.
Ketamine metabolism via hepatic CYP450 isoforms contributes to its sustained antidepressant actions
Authors: Nguyen Thi Mai Loan , Guilloux Jean-Philippe , Defaix Céline , Mendez-David Indira , Etting Isabelle , Alvarez Jean-Claude , McGowan Josephine C , Highland Jaclyn N. , Zanos Panos , Lovett Jacqueline , Moaddel Ruin , Corruble Emmanuelle , David Denis J. , Gould Todd D. , Denny Christine A. , Gardier Alain M.
Published: April 2024

(R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) has rapid and sustained antidepressant (AD) efficacy at sub-anesthetic doses in depressed patients. A metabolite of ketamine, including (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((6)-HNKs) has been reported to exert antidepressant actions in rodent model of anxiety/depression. To further understand the specific role of ketamine’s metabolism in the AD actions of the drug, we evaluated the effects of inhibiting hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes on AD responses. We assessed whether pre-treatment with fluconazole (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 hour prior to ketamine or HNKs (10 mg/kg, i.p.) administration would alter behavioral and neurochemical actions of the drugs in male BALB/cJ mice with a highly anxious phenotype. Extracellular microdialysate levels of glutamate and GABA (Gluext, GABAext) were also measured in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Pre-treatment with fluconazole altered the pharmacokinetic profile of ketamine, by increasing both plasma and brain levels of ketamine and (R,S)-norketamine, while robustly reducing those of (6)-HNKs. At 24 hours post-injection (t24h), fluconazole prevented the sustained AD-like response of ketamine responses in the forced swim test and splash test, as well as the enhanced cortical GABA levels produced by ketamine. A single (2R,6R)-HNK administration selectively rescued the antidepressant-like activity of ketamine in mice pretreated with fluconazole within 24 hours of treatment. Overall, these findings are consistent with an essential role of (6)-HNK in mediating the sustained antidepressant-like effects of ketamine and suggest potential interactions between pharmacological CYPIs and ketamine during antidepressant treatment in patients.
Endogenous hydrogen peroxide positively regulates secretion of a gut-derived peptide in neuroendocrine potentiation of the oxidative stress response inC. elegans
Authors: Jia Qi , Young Drew , Zhang Qixin , Sieburth Derek
Published: April 2024

The gut-brain axis mediates bidirectional signaling between the intestine and the nervous system and is critical for organism-wide homeostasis. Here we report the identification of a peptidergic endocrine circuit in which bidirectional signaling between neurons and the intestine potentiates the activation of the antioxidant response inC. elegansin the intestine. We identify a FMRF-amide-like peptide, FLP-2, whose release from the intestine is necessary and sufficient to activate the intestinal oxidative stress response by promoting the release of the antioxidant FLP-1 neuropeptide from neurons. FLP-2 secretion from the intestine is positively regulated by endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced in the mitochondrial matrix bysod-3/superoxide dismutase, and is negatively regulated byprdx-2/peroxiredoxin, which depletes H2O2in both the mitochondria and cytosol. H2O2promotes FLP-2 secretion through the DAG and calcium-dependent protein kinase C family memberpkc-2and by the SNAP25 family memberaex-4in the intestine. Together, our data demonstrate a role for intestinal H2O2in promoting inter-tissue antioxidant signaling through regulated neuropeptide-like protein exocytosis in a gut-brain axis to activate the oxidative stress response.
B cell αv integrin regulates germinal center derived lung-resident IgA B cell responses following influenza virus infection
Authors: Montiel-Armendariz Andrea , Roe Kelsey , Lagos-Orellana Jonathan , Martinez-Castro Laura Veronica , Lacy-Hulbert Adam , Acharya Mridu
Published: April 2024

Emerging studies have highlighted the importance of tissue-resident B cells in the lungs, for protective immunity against respiratory viruses. However, the mechanisms controlling generation and maintenance of such tissue-resident B cells at respiratory sites remain obscure. We have previously shown that αv integrins limit B cell responses to antigens containing Toll-like receptor ligands, and that deletion of B cell αv integrins, in mice, enhances germinal center (GC)-derived long-lived B cell responses after systemic immunization with viral antigens. Here we investigated whether αv also regulates B cell responses at the respiratory tract during viral infection. Our data show that αv integrin restricts tissue-resident B cell responses in the airway, and that deletion of B cell αv promotes generation of lung-resident IgA B cell responses following influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Investigating the mechanism for this, we found that loss of B cell αv, promotes persistence of GC reactions locally in the lungs, which leads to increases in lung-resident IgA+ memory B cells, cross-reactive to antigenic variants. Thus, these studies reveal how IgA B cells are maintained in the lungs and point to a new strategy to improve the durability of lung-resident IgA B cell responses for IAV vaccine efficacy.
Modulation of the p75NTR during adolescent alcohol exposure prevents cholinergic neuronal atrophy and associated acetylcholine activity and behavioral dysfunction
Authors: Kipp Brian T. , Lisa M. Savage
Published: April 2024

Binge alcohol consumption during adolescence produces lasting deficits in learning and memory, while also increasing the susceptibility to substance use disorders. The adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) rodent model mimics human adolescent binge drinking and has identified the Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis (NbM) as a key site of pathology. The NbM is a critical regulator of prefrontal cortical (PFC) cholinergic function and attention. The cholinergic phenotype is controlled pro/mature neurotrophin receptor activation. We sought to determine if p75NTR activity contributes to the loss of cholinergic phenotype in AIE by using a p75NTR modulator (LM11A-31) to inhibit prodegenerative signaling during ethanol exposure. Male and female rats underwent 5g/kg ethanol (AIE) or water (CON) exposure following 2-day-on 2-day-off cycles from PND 25-57. A subset of these groups also received a protective dose of LM11A-31 (50mg/kg) during adolescence. Rats were trained on a sustained attention task (SAT) while recording activity with a fluorescent acetylcholine indicator (AChGRAB 3.0). AIE produced learning deficits on the SAT, which were spared with LM11A-31. In addition, mPFC ACh activity was blunted by AIE, which LM11A-31 corrected. Investigation of NbM ChAT+ and TrkA+ neuronal expression found that AIE led to a reduction of ChAT+TrkA+ neurons, which again LM11A-31 protected. Taken together these findings demonstrate the p75NTR activity during AIE treatment is a key regulator of cholinergic degeneration.
Quantitative Image Analysis of Tissue Properties: A MATLAB Tool for Measuring Morphology and Co-localization in 2D Images
Authors: Landau Shira , Shor Erez , Radisic Milica , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the structural analysis of tissue elements has gained significant importance in biomedical research. Advancements in imaging technologies have created a pressing need to quantify tissue and cell properties accurately. This paper introduces a MATLAB-based analytical tool designed to measure a spectrum of properties from 2D images of tissues and cells. Our software efficiently computes parameters such as eccentricity, orientation, density, co-localization, size, and perimeter. The algorithm’s precision in evaluating these characteristics has broad implications for enhancing the understanding of various biological processes and diseases. The code’s flexibility allows for application across different tissue types and experimental conditions, providing researchers with a robust method for quantitative analysis. This advancement in computational image analysis represents a pivotal step towards more detailed and objective assessment in tissue engineering and cellular biology.
Functional Bias of Contractile Control in Mouse Resistance Arteries
Authors: Haghbin Nadia , Richter David M. , Kharche Sanjay , Kim Michelle S.M. , Welsh Donald G.
Published: April 2024

Background

Constrictor agonists set vascular tone through two coupling processes, one tied to (electromechanical), the other independent (pharmacomechanical) of membrane potential (VM). This arrangement raises an intriguing query: are they variably recruited such that each agonist elicits a range of vasomotor signatures, functionally biased towards one mechanism or the other? This query underlies this study and our examination of agonist-induced arterial constriction.

Methods

Mouse mesenteric arteries were exposed to a classic Gq/11(phenylephrine) or Gq/11/G12/13(U46619) coupled receptor agonist, and responses monitored in the absence and presence of L-type Ca2+channel/protein kinase inhibitors. Contractile work was supplemented with measures of protein phosphorylation, VM, and cytosolic Ca2+; conceptual insights were enhanced with computational modeling.

Results

Each constrictor elicited a response curve that was attenuated and rightward shifted by nifedipine, findings aligned with functional bias; electromechanical coupling preceded pharmacomechanical, the latter’s importance rising with agonist concentration. Ensuing contractile and phosphorylation (CPI-17 & MYPT1 (T-855 & T-697)) measures revealed phenylephrine-induced pharmacomechanical coupling was tied to protein kinase C (PKC), while U46619 was tied to both PKC and Rho-kinase. A switch to pharmacomechanical coupling dominance occurred when agonist superfusion was replaced with discrete application to a small portion of artery. This switch was predicted by electromechanical modeling and supported by direct measures of VMand cytosolic Ca2+.

Conclusions

Our work illustrates that constrictor agonists elicit functionally biased responses and that arteries toggle among contractile mechanisms, dependent on receptor signal bias, structural/electrical properties, and how agents are applied. We discuss how hemodynamic control is intimately tied to functional bias in both health and disease states, including but not limited to arterial vasospasm.

Highlights

Agonist-induced constrictor responses exhibit a “functional bias” toward electromechanical or pharmacomechanical coupling dependent on agent concentration and mode of application.

Electromechanical coupling typically but not exclusively precedes pharmacomechanical, the latter rising to prominence with agent concentration. Pharmacomechanical coupling is mediated through receptor pathways linked to PKC and Rho-kinase, regulatory proteins that target the catalytic and targeting subunit of MLCP.

Functional bias is malleable and thus each agonist elicits a range of vasomotor signatures, each presumptively important in controlling blood flow delivery in space and time.