bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The systematics of Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans: eight new species
Authors: Camacho Olga , Fernández‐García Cindy , Vieira Christophe , Gurgel Carlos Frederico D. , Norris James N. , Freshwater David Wilson , Fredericq Suzanne
Published: February 2019

Lobophora is a common tropical to temperate genus of brown algae found in a plethora of habitats including shallow and deep‐water coral reefs, rocky shores, mangroves, seagrass beds, and rhodoliths beds. Recent molecular studies have revealed that Lobophora species diversity has been severely underestimated. Current estimates of the species numbers range from 100 to 140 species with a suggested center of diversity in the Central Indo‐Pacific. This study used three molecular markers (cox3, rbcL, psbA), different single‐marker species delimitation methods (GMYC, ABGD, PTP), and morphological evidence to evaluate Lobophora species diversity in the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific oceans. Cox3 provided the greatest number of primary species hypotheses(PSH), followed by rbcL and then psbA. GMYC species delimitation analysis was the most conservative across all three markers, followed by PTP, and then ABGD. The most informative diagnostic morphological characters were thallus thickness and number of cell layers in both the medulla and the dorsal/ventral cortices. Following a consensus approach, 14 distinct Lobophora species were identified in the Western Atlantic and five in the Eastern Pacific. Eight new species from these two oceans were herein described: L. adpressa sp. nov., L. cocoensis sp. nov., L. colombiana sp. nov., L. crispata sp. nov., L. delicata sp. nov., L. dispersa sp. nov., L. panamensis sp. nov., and L. tortugensis sp. nov. This study showed that the best approach to confidently identify Lobophora species is to analyze DNA sequences (preferably cox3 and rbcL) followed by comparative morphological and geographical assessment.
Temporal Aggregation of Seasonally Near‐Integrated Processes
Authors: del Barrio Castro Tomás , Rodrigues Paulo M. M. , Taylor A. M. Robert
Published: February 2019

We investigate the implications that temporally aggregating, either by average sampling or systematic (skip) sampling, a seasonal process has on the integration properties of the resulting series at both the zero and seasonal frequencies. Our results extend the existing literature in three ways. First, they demonstrate the implications of temporal aggregation for a general seasonally integrated process with S seasons. Second, rather than only considering the aggregation of seasonal processes with exact unit roots at some or all of the zero and seasonal frequencies, we consider the case where these roots are local‐to‐unity such that the original series is near‐integrated at some or all of the zero and seasonal frequencies. These results show, among other things, that systematic sampling, although not average sampling, can impact on the non‐seasonal unit root properties of the data; for example, even where an exact zero frequency unit root holds in the original data it need not necessarily hold in the systematically sampled data. Moreover, the systematically sampled data could be near‐integrated at the zero frequency even where the original data is not. Third, the implications of aggregation on the deterministic kernel of the series are explored.‐142
Volatility Estimation and Jump Testing via Realized Information Variation
Authors: Liu Weiyi , Wang Mingjin
Published: February 2019

We put forward a new method to construct jump‐robust estimators of integrated volatility, namely realized information variation (RIV) and realized information power variation (RIPV). The ‘information’ here refers to the difference between two‐grid of ranges in high‐frequency intervals, which preserves continuous variation and eliminates jump variation asymptotically. We show that such kind of estimators have several superior statistical properties, i.e., the estimators are generally more efficient with sufficiently using the opening, high, low, closing (OHLC) data in high‐frequency intervals, and have faster jump convergence rate due to a new type of construction. For example, the RIV is much more efficient than the estimators that only use closing prices or ranges, and the RIPV has faster jump convergence rate at Op(1/n), while the other (multi)power‐based estimators are usually . We also extend our results to integrated quarticity and higher‐order variation estimation, and then propose the corresponding jump testing method. Simulation studies provide extensive evidence on the finite sample properties of our estimators and tests, comparing with alternative prevalent methods. Empirical results further demonstrate the practical relevance and advantages of our method.
Effect of zein protein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on the texture of model gluten‐free bread
Authors: Berta Marco , Koelewijn Ingrid , Öhgren Camilla , Stading Mats
Published: February 2019

The influence of zein protein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the texture and volume of gluten‐free bread was investigated. The addition of HPMC to starch affected the dough viscoelasticity and it improved the bread volume during baking since it acts as an emulsifier. The addition of zein protein to gluten‐free bread increased the crumb firmness and reduced the crust hardness within the range of concentrations investigated. No zein protein network could be observed in the bread crumb. The zein protein, cold mixed at low concentration, did not enhance the dough elasticity. Due to the lack of a protein network noncovalent interactions may stabilize the bubble structure stabilization within the crumb, rather than covalent links of the protein chain. With an optimized amount of zein protein and HPMC hydrocolloid, the gluten‐free bread showed similar texture and staling behavior to that of model wheat bread. The optimized recipe, compiled into a spreadsheet, is available in the supporting information. The microstructural observations suggest that zein could be replaced with another protein for this recipe resulting in a similar bread texture.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in meat goats
Authors: Reppert Emily J. , Kleinhenz Michael D. , Montgomery Shawnee R. , Bornheim Heather N. , Magnin Geraldine , Sidhu Pritam K. , Zhang Yuntao , Joo Hyun , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis inhibiting effects of intravenous (IV) and transdermal (TD) flunixin meglumine in eight adult female Boer goats. A dose of 2.2 mg/kg was administered intravenously (IV) and 3.3 mg/kg administered TD using a cross‐over design. Plasma flunixin concentrations were measured by LC‐MS/MS. Prostaglandin E2 concentrations were determined using a commercially available ELISA. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed using noncompartmental methods. Plasma PGE2 concentrations decreased after flunixin meglumine for both routes of administration. Mean λz‐HL after IV administration was 6.032 hr (range 4.735–9.244 hr) resulting from a mean Vz of 584.1 ml/kg (range, 357.1–1,092 ml/kg) and plasma clearance of 67.11 ml kg−1 hr−1 (range, 45.57–82.35 ml kg−1 hr−1). The mean Cmax, Tmax, and λz‐HL for flunixin following TD administration was 0.134 μg/ml (range, 0.050–0.188 μg/ml), 11.41 hr (range, 6.00–36.00 hr), and 43.12 hr (15.98–62.49 hr), respectively. The mean bioavailability for TD flunixin was calculated as 24.76%. The mean 80% inhibitory concentration (IC80) of PGE2 by flunixin meglumine was 0.28 μg/ml (range, 0.08–0.69 μg/ml) and was only achieved with IV formulation of flunixin in this study. The PK results support clinical studies to examine the efficacy of TD flunixin in goats. Determining the systemic effects of flunixin‐mediated PGE2 suppression in goats is also warranted.
Alternate successional pathway yields alternate pattern of functional diversity
Authors: St. Martin Philippe , Mallik Azim U.
Published: February 2019

Question

In Eastern Canada, wildfires turn Picea mariana forests into Kalmia angustifolia dominated heath or P. mariana forest depending on burn severity. These alternate end‐points of succession provide an opportunity to test assumptions concerning alternate successional trajectories dominated by distinct plant functional groups. Disturbance effects on functional diversity (FD) have been studied largely in single post‐disturbance communities, but rarely applied to alternate successional pathways. Do post‐fire Kalmia heaths have lower FD than forest communities, and does heath formation select for a narrow range of traits leading to biotic homogenization?

Location

Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland, Canada.

Methods

Based on five functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, seed mass, height, specific root length), we measured functional trait dispersion within (alpha FD) and between sites (beta FD). We calculated overall FD metrics in nine heath and four forest sites as well as metrics for three functional groups (trees, shrubs, and herbs) in each site. We also performed a complementary taxonomic diversity (TD) analysis to establish links between FD and TD.

Results

We could not detect a difference in overall alpha TD between the two successional communities but found significant loss of alpha and beta FD in heaths and within tree and herb groups. Overall beta FD was lower in heaths than forests. It was also lower for trees and herbs, indicating an increase in functional similarity (functional homogenization) of the majority of life forms.

Conclusions

Between the two successional pathways, trait space occupancy was lower in heaths than forests. Heath formation in post‐fire communities consistently restricts functional dispersion (low alpha FD) of tree and herb traits leading to functional homogenization (low beta FD). When a successional trajectory leads to heath formation, it is accompanied by a loss of functional diversity.
What to choose when the best preference is not available: does the Nile tilapia follow a linear sequence of preferences?
Authors: Maia C. M. , Volpato G. L.
Published: February 2019

Preference tests have been applied to detect better welfare conditions for the animals. Among these tests, the available choice options are variable and thus, the best preferences may not be included. Considering welfare purposes, it is relevant to know whether the animal would select a second option as a preference in this situation, which could be offered when the best preferences are not available. Here, we evaluate whether Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) follow a linear sequence of preference responses when selecting background colors. We found that when a fish's most preferred option was unavailable, this animal selected less intensely one of the remaining options as a new preference. However, surprisingly, the new preference was not predominantly the previously second selected option. Such a finding could not be explained in terms of intensity of the responses when the mostly preferred option was available or not. These data corroborate that changing the scenario where the preference is being tested affects animal decision for the remaining available options. That is, the environmental context is important for the fish to evaluate their preferred options.
Racial disparities in presentation and outcomes of paediatric autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Palle Sirish K. , Naik Kushal B. , McCracken Courtney E. , Kolachala Vasantha L. , Romero Rene , Gupta Nitika A.
Published: February 2019

Background & Aims

Most studies on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children are in predominantly Caucasian cohorts. Paediatric AIH in African Americans (AA) is understudied, with a dearth of clinical predictors of outcome, often leading to serious complications and even mortality. The aim of the study was to define disease presentation, progression, response to therapy and outcomes in paediatric AIH in a well‐defined, large, single centre, demographically diverse population.

Methods

We conducted a review of patients with AIH who were followed at this tertiary liver transplant centre. Clinical and laboratory covariates were assessed with regard to disease presentation, progression and outcomes in AA vs Non‐AA children.

Results

African Americans patients constituted 42% of this cohort. At 1‐year follow‐up, AA children were receiving significantly higher doses of steroids compared to non‐AA. More AA presented with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) with high immunoglobulin G and GGT:platelet ratio. After adjusting for other risk factor variables like gender, age at presentation and ESLD, AA children were at 4.5 times higher risk for significant outcome liver transplant/death within the first 12 months of presentation. Post‐transplant, recurrent AIH was seen in 50% of AA vs 8% in non‐AA.

Conclusions

African American patients with AIH are more likely to present with ESLD and have an increased early risk for transplantation with high likelihood of disease recurrence post‐transplantation. Studies are needed to delineate factors such as inherent biology, genetics and access to care. Early referral and tailored immunosuppressive regimens are required for AA patients with AIH.
Detailed mineralogy and petrology of highly shocked poikilitic shergottite Northwest Africa 6342
Authors: Kizovski Tanya V. , Tait Kimberly T. , Di Cecco Veronica E. , White Lee F. , Moser Desmond E.
Published: February 2019

Northwest Africa (NWA) 6342 is an intermediate, poikilitic shergottite, found in Algeria in 2010. It is comprised of two distinct petrographic areas; poikilitic domains with rounded Mg‐rich olivine chadacrysts enclosed by large low‐Ca pyroxene oikocrysts, and a nonpoikilitic domain mainly comprised of subhedral olivine and vesicular recrystallized plagioclase. Oxygen fugacity conditions become more oxidizing during crystallization from the poikilitic to the nonpoikilitic domain (QFM−3.0 to QFM−2.2). As such, it is likely that NWA 6342 experienced a two‐stage (polybaric) crystallization history similar to that of the enriched poikilitic shergottites. NWA 6342 also experienced relatively high levels of shock metamorphism in comparison to most other poikilitic shergottites as evidenced by the fine‐grained recrystallization texture in olivine, as well as melting and subsequent crystallization of plagioclase. The recrystallization of plagioclase requires an extended period of postshock thermal metamorphism for NWA 6342 and similarly shocked intermediate poikilitic shergottites NWA 4797 and Grove Mountains 99027 most likely due to launch from Mars. The similarities in petrology, chemistry, and shock features between these three meteorites indicate that they have similar crystallization and shock histories; possibly originating from the same source area on Mars.
Highly siderophile element and187Re‐187Os isotopic systematics of ungrouped achondrite Northwest Africa 7325: Evidence for complex planetary processes
Authors: Archer Gregory J. , Walker Richard J. , Irving Anthony J.
Published: February 2019

The abundances of highly siderophile elements (HSE; including Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, and Pd) and187Re‐187Os isotopic systematics were determined for two fragments from ungrouped achondriteNWA7325. Rhenium‐Os systematics are consistent with closed‐system behavior since formation or soon after. The abundances of theHSEwere therefore largely unaffected by late‐stage secondary processes such as shock or terrestrial weathering. As an olivine gabbro cumulate, this meteorite has a bulk composition consistent with derivation from a body that produced a core, mantle, and crust. Also consistent with derivation from a body that produced a core, both fragments ofNWA7325 haveHSEabundances that are highly depleted compared to bulk chondrites. One fragment has ~0.002×CIchondrite Ir and relativeHSEabundances similar to bulk chondrites. The other fragment has ~0.0002×CIchondrite Ir and relativeHSEabundances that are fractionated compared to bulk chondrites. The chondritic relativeHSEabundances of the fragment characterized by higherHSEabundances most likely reflect the addition of exogenous chondritic material during or after crystallization by surface impacts. TheHSEin the other fragment is likely more representative of the parent body crust. One formation model that can broadly account for theHSEabundances in this fragment is multiple episodes of low‐pressure metal‐silicate equilibration, followed by limited late accretion and mantle homogenization. Given the differentHSEcompositions of the two adjoining fragments, this meteorite provides an example of the overprint of global processes (differentiation and late accretion) by localized impact contamination.
Speed Versus Accuracy: Implications of Adolescents' Neurocognitive Developments in a Digital Game to Train Executive Functions
Authors: Homer Bruce D. , Ober Teresa M. , Rose Maya C. , MacNamara Andrew , Mayer Richard E. , Plass Jan L.
Published: February 2019

Adolescence is a period of rapid cognitive change, including an initial increase in speed of cognitive processing and a more gradual increase in efficiency of cognitive processing. This study examined how neurophysiological changes associated with adolescent development can inform the design of game‐based executive function (EF) training. Two versions of a digital game designed to train the EF subskill of inhibition were given to adolescents (aged 13–17; N = 96): one focusing on speed, the other on accuracy. Consistent with neurocognitive developments, it was hypothesized that younger adolescents would benefit more from the speed version, and older adolescents more from the accuracy version. A significant age by condition interaction was found: Controlling for pretest, younger adolescents had better outcomes in the speed condition, while older adolescents had better outcomes in the accuracy condition. These findings argue for consideration of adolescents' neurocognitive development when designing games for learning and skill improvement.
Contribution of the Alive & Thrive–UNICEF advocacy efforts to improve infant and young child feeding policies in Southeast Asia
Authors: Michaud‐Létourneau Isabelle , Gayard Marion , Pelletier David Louis
Published: February 2019

Evaluating the impact of advocacy for policy change presents many challenges. Recent advances in the field of evaluation, such as contribution analysis (CA), offer guidance on how to make credible claims regarding such impact. The purposes of this article are (a) to detail the application of CA to assess the contribution of an advocacy initiative to improve infant and young child feeding policies and (b) to present the emergent theory of change and contribution story of how progress was achieved. An evaluation applying developmental evaluation and CA was conducted on the Alive & Thrive (A&T)–UNICEF initiative in seven Southeast Asian countries to document the extent to which policy objectives were achieved and identify key drivers of policy change. A contribution story was developed based on these experiences. The advocacy approach, which involved a four‐part process, contributed directly to (a) set the agenda of various actors and (b) create a strategic group; and indirectly to (a) set and maintain the issue on the agenda at all stages of the policy cycle, (b) support the government to carry out a set of critical tasks, and (c) extend commitment. All of this helped to achieve progress towards policy change. External influences were at play. The flexibility of A&T allowed key actors to utilize the positive external influences and address some of the negative ones through developing responsive strategies mitigating their effects. The emerging contribution story supports that A&T–UNICEF initiative contributed to the progress achieved in the participating countries.
Enhancing governance and strengthening advocacy for policy change of large Collective Impact initiatives
Authors: Michaud‐Létourneau Isabelle , Gayard Marion , Mathisen Roger , Phan Linh Thi Hong , Weissman Amy , Pelletier David Louis
Published: February 2019

Nutrition issues are increasingly being addressed through global partnerships and multi‐sectoral initiatives. Ensuring effective governance of these initiatives is instrumental for achieving large‐scale impact. The Collective Impact (CI) approach is an insightful framework that can be used to guide and assess the effectiveness of this governance. Despite the utility and widespread use of this approach, two gaps are identified: a limited understanding of the implications of expansion for an initiative operating under the conditions of CI and a lack of attention to advocacy for policy change in CI initiatives. In this paper, a case study was undertaken in which the CI lens was applied to the advocacy efforts of Alive & Thrive (A&T), UNICEF and partners. The initiative expanded into a regional movement and achieved meaningful policy changes in infant and young child feeding policies in seven countries in Southeast Asia. These efforts are examined in order to address the two gaps identified in the CI approach. The objectives of the paper are (a) to examine the governance of this initiative and the process of expansion from a national to a regional, multilayered initiative, with attention to challenges, adaptations, and key elements, and (b) to compare advocacy in the A&T–UNICEF initiative and in typical CI initiatives and gain insight into how the practice of advocacy for policy change can be strengthened in CI initiatives.
Genetic evidence for species cohesion, substructure and hybrids in spruce
Authors: Haselhorst Monia S. H. , Parchman Thomas L. , Buerkle C. Alex
Published: February 2019

The origin and history of species are shaped by various evolutionary dynamics, including their persistence in the face of potential gene flow from related taxa. In this study, we use broad geographical and taxonomic sampling (2,219 individuals) to establish the distribution of species, hybrids and cryptic genetic variation within the conifer genus Picea (spruce) across western North America. We demonstrate that the six species of spruce in this region are distinguishable based on their genetic composition, and that the more closely related Engelmann spruce (P. engelmannii) and white spruce (P. glauca) have generated numerous and widespread hybrids. These hybrids occur in the central Rocky Mountains, well to the south of the well‐established region of admixture in Canada. Additionally, we provide evidence for subdivision within Engelmann spruce, manifested as a southern Rocky Mountains form, and a northern Rocky Mountain and Cascade mountains (western) form. In the intervening central Rocky Mountains region (forests in Wyoming and adjacent states) we found primarily individuals with admixed ancestry. Following their origin, these species of spruce have interacted repeatedly and in different geographical contexts. Multiple pairs of species have been shown to hybridize, yet the species persist and retain distinguishable compositions. At the same time, large geographical areas exist where hybrids are pervasive. Consequently, spruce provide a case study for the maintenance of species boundaries, particularly for how widespread hybridization need not lead to the collapse and loss of species.
Disease management at the wildlife‐livestock interface: Using whole‐genome sequencing to study the role of elk in Mycobacterium bovis transmission in Michigan, USA
Authors: Salvador Liliana C. M. , O'Brien Daniel J. , Cosgrove Melinda K. , Stuber Tod P. , Schooley Angie M. , Crispell Joseph , Church Steven V. , Gröhn Yrjö T. , Robbe‐Austerman Suelee , Kao Rowland R.
Published: February 2019

The role of wildlife in the persistence and spread of livestock diseases is difficult to quantify and control. These difficulties are exacerbated when several wildlife species are potentially involved. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, has experienced an ecological shift in Michigan, with spillover from cattle leading to an endemically infected white‐tailed deer (deer) population. It has potentially substantial implications for the health and well‐being of both wildlife and livestock and incurs a significant economic cost to industry and government. Deer are known to act as a reservoir of infection, with evidence of M. bovis transmission to sympatric elk and cattle populations. However, the role of elk in the circulation of M. bovis is uncertain; they are few in number, but range further than deer, so may enable long distance spread. Combining Whole Genome Sequences (WGS) for M. bovis isolates from exceptionally well‐observed populations of elk, deer and cattle with spatiotemporal locations, we use spatial and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to show strong spatiotemporal admixture of M. bovis isolates. Clustering of bTB in elk and cattle suggests either intraspecies transmission within the two populations, or exposure to a common source. However, there is no support for significant pathogen transfer amongst elk and cattle, and our data are in accordance with existing evidence that interspecies transmission in Michigan is likely only maintained by deer. This study demonstrates the value of whole genome population studies of M. bovis transmission at the wildlife‐livestock interface, providing insights into bTB management in an endemic system.
A meta‐analysis of plant responses to light intensity for 70 traits ranging from molecules to whole plant performance
Authors: Poorter Hendrik , Niinemets Ülo , Ntagkas Nikolaos , Siebenkäs Alrun , Mäenpää Maarit , Matsubara Shizue , Pons ThijsL.
Published: February 2019

By means of meta‐analyses we determined how 70 traits related to plant anatomy, morphology, chemistry, physiology, growth and reproduction are affected by daily light integral (DLI; mol photons m−2 d−1). A large database including 500 experiments with 760 plant species enabled us to determine generalized dose–response curves. Many traits increase with DLI in a saturating fashion. Some showed a more than 10‐fold increase over the DLI range of 1–50 mol m−2 d−1, such as the number of seeds produced per plant and the actual rate of photosynthesis. Strong decreases with DLI (up to three‐fold) were observed for leaf area ratio and leaf payback time. Plasticity differences among species groups were generally small compared with the overall responses to DLI. However, for a number of traits, including photosynthetic capacity and realized growth, we found woody and shade‐tolerant species to have lower plasticity. We further conclude that the direction and degree of trait changes adheres with responses to plant density and to vertical light gradients within plant canopies. This synthesis provides a strong quantitative basis for understanding plant acclimation to light, from molecular to whole plant responses, but also identifies the variables that currently form weak spots in our knowledge, such as respiration and reproductive characteristics.
The energy cost of the tonoplast futile sodium leak
Authors: Shabala Sergey , Chen Guang , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Pottosin Igor
Published: February 2019

Active removal of Na+ from the cytosol into the vacuole plays a critical role in salinity tissue tolerance, but another, often neglected component of this trait is Na+ retention in vacuoles. This retention is based on an efficient control of Na+‐permeable slow‐ and fast‐vacuolar channels that mediate the back‐leak of Na+ into cytosol and, if not regulated tightly, could result in a futile cycle. This Tansley insight summarizes our current knowledge of regulation of tonoplast Na+‐permeable channels and discusses the energy cost of vacuolar Na+ sequestration, under different scenarios. We also report on a phylogenetic and bioinformatic analysis of the plant two‐pore channel family and the difference in its structure and regulation between halophytes and glycophytes, in the context of salinity tolerance.
La somme du transfert
Authors: Färnlöf Hans
Published: February 2019

Cette étude expose l'état de la recherche actuelle sur le transfert de l'œuvre de Zola en argumentant pour un emploi large du terme de transfert, une approche descriptive de la traduction et une étude globale de l'écrivain. Afin de constituer la « somme du transfert » de l'écrivain, l'étude souligne la nécessité de considérer, dans leur ensemble et dans leur dynamique, la dimension poétique du texte source ainsi que les dimensions sociocritiques et linguistiques, au lieu de se focaliser sur la réception en s'interrogeant sur la circulation des œuvres. Les études antérieures sur le transfert du réalisme français ont surtout élucidé des passages isolés par une approche interprétative. Conformément aux acquis de la traductologie moderne, la présente étude articule le fondement d'une méthode descriptive qui veut caractériser le résultat des traductions et les difficultés que présentent le texte source au traducteur. Dans cette optique, la traduction réalisée fonctionne comme une grille de lecture qui fait ressortir l'originalité du texte source et constitue un témoignage précieux du climat littéraire de l'époque. Enfin, afin de pouvoir offrir une image moins accidentelle du transfert de Zola en Suède, l'étude propose d'examiner ses caractéristiques principales—poétiques, sociologiques et lingustiques—dans leur totalité.
Longevity decoded: Insights from power consumption analyses into device construction and their clinical implications
Authors: Lau Ernest W.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The longevity of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) depends on how quickly the powers consumed by the device's functions exhaust its usable battery energy. A mathematical model for CIED power consumptions was developed and validated against longevity data from manufacturers.

Methods

The programmable parameters for the Resonate X4 cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT‐Ds) on the Boston Scientific (St. Paul, MN, USA) online longevity calculator were designated as independent terms in the sum for the total power consumption. The reciprocal of longevity was plotted against variations in these terms. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were used to fit the plots. The power consumed by pacing was theoretically derived and used as the calibrating tool for estimating the powers consumed by other functions and the usable battery energy. The same methodology was applied to the longevity data of other manufacturers’ CRT‐Ds.

Results

Single chamber 100% pacing at 60 beats/min, 2.5 V, 0.4 ms, 500 Ω consumes ≈ 144 J/year. Shock therapy is 45–85% energy efficient. Multichamber pacing modes and maintaining readiness to pace a chamber consume power even if no pacing is delivered. Switching voltage regulation is theoretically more energy efficient than linear voltage regulation for powering pacing.

Conclusions

The powers consumed by therapy functions are dictated by the patient's clinical needs, but healthcare professionals can extend device longevity by switching off dormant functions and simplifying the pacing mode. Choosing a device model with large usable battery energy, low background power, and energy efficient pacing and shock therapy for implantation will increase the probability of a long service lifespan.
The first cohort of Iranian patients with hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome: A long‐term follow‐up and genetic analysis
Authors: Tavassoli Mahmood , Abolhassani Hassan , Yazdani Reza , Ghadami Mohsen , Azizi Gholamreza , Abdolrahim Poor Heravi Sina , Moeini Shad Tannaz , Kokabee Mostafa , Movahedi Masoud , Abdshahzadeh Hormoz , Gharagozlou Mohammad , Rezaei Nima , Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Aleyasin Soheila , Aghamohammadi Asghar
Published: February 2019

Background

Hyper‐IgE syndromes (HIES) are distinct diseases characterized by recurrent cutaneous and lung infections, eczema, and elevated serum IgE level.

Methods

In this study, clinical manifestations, immunologic findings, and genetic studies of all patients with HIES in the Iranian national registry database were evaluated.

Results

A total of 129 HIES patients with a median age of 14.0 (9.0‐24.0) years were followed up for a total of 307.8 patient‐years. Genetic studies showed heterozygous STAT3 mutations in 19 patients and homozygous DOCK8 mutation in 16 patients. The mean of National Institutes of Health score in STAT3‐deficient patients was higher than in patients with DOCK8 mutation (P = 0.001). It was shown that the presence of pneumatocele and hematologic complication were significantly frequent in STAT3‐deficient cases compared to patients with DOCK8 deficiency (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, the median IgE serum levels were higher in patients with STAT3 gene mutation than in patients with DOCK8 gene mutation (P = 0.02). The eosinophils’ count was enhanced in patients with DOCK8 deficiency than in patients with STAT3 gene defects (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Specific molecular study of STAT3 and DOCK8 mutations in patients with HIES clinical phenotype could help the physician to definitively characterize the disease. Since HIES showed the highest rate of unsolved combined immunodeficiency, investigation of other genetic and environmental factors could also help in understanding the mechanism of remaining patients as well as providing strategy into therapeutic modalities.
REvoSim: Organism‐level simulation of macro and microevolution
Authors: Garwood Russell J. , Spencer Alan R. T. , Sutton Mark D.
Published: February 2019

Macroevolutionary processes dictate the generation and loss of biodiversity. Understanding them is a key challenge when interrogating the earth–life system in deep time. Model‐based approaches can reveal important macroevolutionary patterns and generate hypotheses on the underlying processes. Here we present and document a novel model called REvoSim (Rapid Evolutionary Simulator) coupled with a software implementation of this model. The latter is available here as both source code (C++/Qt, GNU General Public License) and as distributables for a variety of operating systems. REvoSim is an individual‐based model with a strong focus on computational efficiency. It can simulate populations of 105–107 digital organisms over geological timescales on a typical desktop computer, and incorporates spatial and temporal environmental variation, recombinant reproduction, mutation and dispersal. Whilst microevolutionary processes drive the model, macroevolutionary phenomena such as speciation and extinction emerge. We present results and analysis of the model focusing on validation, and note a number potential applications. REvoSim can serve as a multipurpose platform for studying both macro and microevolution, and bridges this divide. It will be continually developed by the authors to expand its capabilities and hence its utility.
Association between perioperative surgical home implementation and transfusion patterns in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion
Authors: Cronin Jessica A. , Oetgen Matthew E. , Gordish‐Dressman Heather , Martin Benjamin D. , Khan Nergis , Pestieau Sophie R.
Published: February 2019

Background

Blood transfusions in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after fusion have been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between implementation of blood–conservation strategies within the perioperative surgical home on transfusion rates for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion.

Methods

Two hundred and thirteen patients (44 preperioperative surgical home, 169 postperioperative surgical home) who underwent posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between 23 June 2014, and 30 July 2017, were enrolled in this case control study. The perioperative surgical home implemented in March 2015 involved evidence–based perioperative interventions to create a standardized clinical pathway including judicious use of crystalloid management, restrictive transfusion strategy, routine use of cell saver, and standardized administration of anti‐fibrinolytics. The primary outcome was odds of perioperative transfusion. Secondary outcomes included volumes of crystalloid, albumin, cell saver, packed red blood cells as well as calculated blood loss. Other variables that were documented included antibrinolytic total dose, mean arterial pressure, temperature, laboratory values, intrathecal morphine dosing, and surgical time. Statistical methods included t test and logistic regression.

Results

For the postperioperative surgical home, the odds of perioperative transfusion were 0.30 (95% CI 0.13‐0.70), as compared to preperioperative surgical home. In terms of secondary outcomes, calculated blood loss was significantly lower in the postperioperative surgical home patients (27.0 mL/kg preperioperative surgical home vs 22.8 mL/kg postperioperative surgical home; mean difference = −0.24 [−0.44, −0.04]). Although no difference was noted in the amount of intraoperative cell saver or albumin administered, a reduction was noted in mean intraoperative crystalloid given postperioperative surgical home (41.4 mL/kg ± 20.4 mL/kg preperioperative surgical home vs 28.0 mL/kg ± 13.7 mL/kg postperioperative surgical home; log mean difference = 0.37 [95% CI 0.21‐0.53], P < 0.001). Postperioperative surgical home patients also had a significantly higher temperature nadir (mean difference = −0.47 [95% CI −0.70 to −0.23]; P < 0.001), received a significantly higher total anti‐fibrinolytic dose (mean difference = −3939 [95% CI −5364 to −2495]; P < 0.001), and were exposed to shorter surgical times (mean difference = 0.72 [95% CI 0.36‐1.09]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Implementation of blood–conservation strategies as part of a perioperative surgical home for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spine fusion resulted in significant decrease in perioperative blood transfusions.
The genetic basis of drought tolerance in the high oil crop Sesamum indicum
Authors: Dossa Komivi , Li Donghua , Zhou Rong , Yu Jingyin , Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , You Jun , Liu Aili , Mmadi Marie A. , Fonceka Daniel , Diouf Diaga , Cissé Ndiaga , Wei Xin , Zhang Xiurong
Published: February 2019

Unlike most of the important food crops, sesame can survive drought but severe and repeated drought episodes, especially occurring during the reproductive stage, significantly curtail the productivity of this high oil crop. Genome‐wide association study was conducted for traits related to drought tolerance using 400 diverse sesame accessions, including landraces and modern cultivars. Ten stable QTLs explaining more than 40% of the phenotypic variation and located on four linkage groups were significantly associated with drought tolerance related traits. Accessions from the tropical area harboured higher numbers of drought tolerance alleles at the peak loci and were found to be more tolerant than those from the northern area, indicating a long‐term genetic adaptation to drought‐prone environments. We found that sesame has already fixed important alleles conferring survival to drought which may explain its relative high drought tolerance. However, most of the alleles crucial for productivity and yield maintenance under drought conditions are far from been fixed. This study also revealed that pyramiding the favourable alleles observed at the peak loci is of high potential for enhancing drought tolerance in sesame. In addition, our results highlighted two important pleiotropic QTLs harbouring known and unreported drought tolerance genes such as SiABI4, SiTTM3, SiGOLS1, SiNIMIN1 and SiSAM. By integrating candidate gene association study, gene expression and transgenic experiments, we demonstrated that SiSAM confers drought tolerance by modulating polyamine levels and ROS homeostasis, and a missense mutation in the coding region partly contributes to the natural variation of drought tolerance in sesame.
Development of an efficient root transgenic system for pigeon pea and its application to other important economically plants
Authors: Meng Dong , Yang Qing , Dong Biying , Song Zhihua , Niu Lili , Wang Litao , Cao Hongyan , Li Hanghang , Fu Yujie
Published: February 2019

For non‐model plants, functional characterization of genes is still hampered by lack of efficient stable transformation procedures. Here, we report a simple, fast and efficient transformation technique with Agrobacterium rhizogenes for generating stable transgenic roots in living plants to facilitate functional studies in vivo. We showed that injection of A. rhizogenes into stems of various plant species lead to stable transgenic root generation, which can sustain plant growth after the original, non‐transgenic roots were cut off. A transformation system was established for pigeon pea, a major woody food crop, after optimizing the selection of A. rhizogenes strains, bacterium concentration, injection position and seedling age. RT‐PCR and fluorescence observation indicated a transgenic root induction efficiency of about 39% in pigeon pea. Furthermore, induction of hairy roots was achieved in nine out of twelve tested economically important plants at an efficiency of 15–39%. As proof of concept, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay was applied to test the interaction between CcCIPK14 and CcCBL1/2 in pigeon pea. Additionally, ectopic expression of the bZIP transcription factor MdHY5 from apple confirmed the utility of the transformation technique for engineering anthocyanin synthesis in roots. Taken together, we show that this method allows fast in vivo studies of gene function in a wide range of plant species.
Generation of virus‐resistant potato plants by RNA genome targeting
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Zhang Fengjuan , Zhong Ziyang , Chen Ruhao , Wang Yong , Chang Ling , Bock Ralph , Nie Bihua , Zhang Jiang
Published: February 2019

CRISPR/Cas systems provide bacteria and archaea with molecular immunity against invading phages and foreign plasmids. The class 2 type VI CRISPR/Cas effector Cas13a is an RNA‐targeting CRISPR effector that provides protection against RNA phages. Here we report the repurposing of CRISPR/Cas13a to protect potato plants from a eukaryotic virus, Potato virus Y (PVY). Transgenic potato lines expressing Cas13a/sgRNA (small guide RNA) constructs showed suppressed PVY accumulation and disease symptoms. The levels of viral resistance correlated with the expression levels of the Cas13a/sgRNA construct in the plants. Our data further demonstrate that appropriately designed sgRNAs can specifically interfere with multiple PVY strains, while having no effect on unrelated viruses such as PVA or Potato virus S. Our findings provide a novel and highly efficient strategy for engineering crops with resistances to viral diseases.
Mutation of the rice TCM12 gene encoding 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate‐independent phosphoglycerate mutase affects chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development at seedling stage at low temperatures
Authors: Lin D. , Zhang L. , Mei J. , Chen J. , Piao Z. , Lee G. , Dong Y.
Published: February 2019

Glycolysis is a central metabolic pathway that provides energy and products of primary metabolites. 2,3‐Biphosphoglycerate‐independent phosphoglycerate mutase (iPGAM) is a key enzyme that catalyses the reversible interconversion of 3‐phosphoglycerate (3‐PGA) to 2‐phosphoglycerate (2‐PGA) in glycolysis. Low temperature is a common abiotic stress in rice production. However, the mechanism for rice iPGAM genes is not fully understood at low temperature.

In this study, the rice mutant tcm12, with chlorosis, malformed chloroplasts and impaired photosynthesis, was grown at a low temperature (<20 °C) to the three‐leaf stage, while the normal phenotype at 32 °C was used. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine features of the tcm12 mutant. The inheritance behaviour and function of TCM12 were then analysed thorough map‐based cloning, transgenic complementation and subcellular localisation.

The thermo‐sensitive chlorosis phenotype was caused by a single nucleotide mutation (T→C) on the fifth exon of TCM12 (LOC_Os12g35040) encoding iPGAM, localised to both nucleus and membranes. In addition, TCM12 was constitutively expressed, and its disruption resulted in down‐regulation of some genes associated with chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis at low temperatures (20 °C).

This is the first report of the involvement of rice iPGAM gene in chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying early growth of rice at low temperatures.
Genetic diversity and aggressiveness of Calonectria pteridis in Eucalyptus spp.
Authors: Freitas R. G. , Alfenas R. F. , Guimarães L. M. S. , Badel J. L. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: February 2019

Calonectria leaf blight, caused by Calonectria pteridis, is currently one of the main foliar diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. In warm and high rainfall regions, the disease can be a limiting factor for eucalypt production when planting susceptible genotypes. The most effective method for controlling this disease in the field is the use of resistant genotypes, which requires knowledge of the genetic variability and aggressiveness of the pathogen population for effective deployment of plant resistance. This work evaluated the genetic diversity and aggressiveness of C. pteridis populations obtained from infected eucalypt plants in Monte Dourado (Pará state) and Imperatriz (Maranhão state), Brazil. To study the genetic diversity, 16 ISSR primers were tested, five of which amplified polymorphic, reproducible and informative bands. Thirty‐one closely related genotypes were identified from 84 isolates studied, indicating that the population has a low genetic diversity. The aggressiveness of seven isolates, selected according to geographic origin and their clustering in the ISSR‐based dendogram, was determined by inoculation of a hybrid Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone under controlled conditions. Disease severity was assessed by both measuring the percentage of plant defoliation and assigning a score according to a diagrammatic scale of symptoms. A high correlation between the two evaluation methods was observed, which revealed significant differences in aggressiveness among the isolates. The diagrammatic scale is recommended for disease evaluation because results are obtained much faster, before the occurrence of severe defoliation. No correlation between clustering in the ISSR‐based phylogenetic analysis and aggressiveness was observed.
The P3b and P600(s): Positive contributions to language comprehension
Authors: Leckey Michelle , Federmeier Kara D.
Published: February 2019

Since its discovery in the 1960s, the P300 has been contributing both directly and indirectly to language research. Perhaps most notably, it has been suggested that the P600, an ERP component that was first characterized in the context of syntactic processing, could be a variant of the P3b subcomponent of the P300. Here, we review studies on both sides of the debate. We also review the “semantic P600,” a positivity with a similar time course and distribution to the P600 seen for syntactic manipulations but that is obtained in response to some types of semantic anomalies. Because most current theories of the P600 try to account for both the syntactic and the semantic variant, linking the syntactic P600 to the P3b might also imply a similar link for the semantic P600. However, we describe emerging research in our lab that casts doubt on the idea that the syntactic P600 and the semantic P600 are the same effect. We argue that grouping ERP responses primarily by domain (language vs. nonlanguage) is likely to be misleading and suggest alternative ways of determining whether ERP effects reflect similar or different processing mechanisms.