bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter temperature and forest cover have shaped red deer distribution in Europe and the Ural Mountains since the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Doan Karolina , Górny Marcin , Sykut Maciej , Stefaniak Krzysztof , Piotrowska Natalia , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła , Ridush Bogdan , Pawełczyk Sławomira , Mackiewicz Paweł , Schmölcke Ulrich , Kosintsev Pavel , Makowiecki Daniel , Charniauski Maxim , Krasnodębski Dariusz , Rannamäe Eve , Saarma Urmas , Arakelyan Marine , Manaseryan Ninna , Titov Vadim V. , Hulva Pavel , Bălășescu Adrian , Fyfe Ralph , Woodbridge Jessie , Trantalidou Katerina , Dimitrijević Vesna , Kovalchuk Oleksandr , Wilczyński Jarosław , Obadă Theodor , Lipecki Grzegorz , Arabey Alesia , Stanković Ana
Published: October 2020

Aim

The Expansion‐Contraction model has been used to explain the responses of species to climatic changes. During periods of unfavourable climatic conditions, species retreat to refugia from where they may later expand. This paper focuses on the palaeoecology of red deer over the past 54 ka across Europe and the Urals, to reveal patterns of change in their range and explore the role of environmental conditions in determining their distribution.

Location

Europe and western Asia to 63°E.

Taxon

Red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Methods

We collected 984 records of radiocarbon‐dated red deer subfossils from the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene, including 93 original dates. For each deer sample we compiled climatic and biome type data for the corresponding time intervals.

Results

During the last 54 ka changes in red deer range in Europe and the Urals were asynchronous and differed between western and eastern Europe and western Asia due to different environmental conditions in those regions. The range of suitable areas for deer during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was larger than previously thought and covered vast regions not only in southern but also in western and eastern Europe. Throughout the period investigated the majority of specimens inhabited forests in the temperate climatic zone. The contribution of forests in deer localities significantly decreased during the last 4 ka, due to deforestation of Europe caused by humans. Mean January temperature was the main limiting factor for species distribution. Over 90% of the samples were found in areas where mean January temperature was above −10°C.

Main conclusions

Red deer response to climatic oscillations are in agreement with the Expansion‐Contraction model but in contradiction to the statement of only the southernmost LGM refugia of the species. During the last 54 ka red deer occurred mostly in forests of the temperate climatic zone.
Standardized treatment to improve hypertension control in primary health care: The HEARTS in the Americas Initiative
Authors: DiPette Donald J. , Goughnour Kenneth , Zuniga Eric , Skeete Jamario , Ridley Emily , Angell Sonia , Brettler Jeffrey , Campbell Norm R. C. , Coca Antionio , Connell Kenneth , Doon Rohit , Jaffe Marc , Lopez‐Jaramillo Patricio , Moran Andrew , Orias Marcelo , Pineiro Daniel J. , Rosende Andres , González Yamilé Valdés , Ordunez Pedro
Published: October 2020

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. Despite the availability of effective antihypertensive medications, the control of hypertension at a global level is dismal, and consequently, the CVD burden continues to increase. In response, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are implementing the HEARTS in the Americas, a community‐based program that focuses on increasing hypertension control and CVD secondary prevention through risk factor mitigation. One key pillar is the implementation of a standardized hypertension treatment protocol supported by a small, high‐quality formulary. This manuscript describes the methodology used by the HEARTS in the Americas program to implement a population‐based standardized hypertension treatment protocol. It is rooted in a seamless transition from existing treatment practices to best practice using pharmacologic protocols built around a core set of ideal antihypertensive medications. In alignment with recent major hypertension guidelines, the HEARTS in the Americas protocols call for the rapid control of blood pressure, through the use of two antihypertensive medications, preferably in the form of a single pill, fixed‐dose combination, in the initial treatment of hypertension. To date, the HEARTS in the Americas program has seen the improvement in antihypertensive medication formularies and the establishment of pharmacologic treatment protocols tailored to individual participating countries. This has translated to significant increases in hypertension control rates post‐program implementation in these jurisdictions. Thus, the HEARTS in the Americas program could serve as a model, for not only the Americas Region but globally, and ultimately decrease the burden of CVD.
RNA sequence analysis of dermal papilla cells’ regeneration in 3D culture
Authors: Lin Guanyu , Yin Guoqian , Ye Jun , Pan Xinyuan , Zhu Jiangying , Lin Bojie
Published: October 2020

It is well known that dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are crucial for hair follicle growth and regeneration. However, dermal papilla cells in 2D culture could lose their ability of regeneration after several passage intervals. As opposed to DPCs in 2D culture, the DPCs in 3D culture could passage extensively. However, the molecular mechanisms of DPCs’ regeneration in 3D culture remain unclear. Accordingly, gene sequencing is recommended for the investigation of hair regeneration between 2D and 3D culture, the three groups were established including DPCs in passage 2 in 2D culture, DPCs in passage 8 in 2D culture and DPCs in passage 8 in 3D culture. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Venn diagram of these three groups, which included 1642 known and 359 novel genes, respectively. A total of 1642 known genes were used for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Gene, Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) analyses, respectively. The functions and pathways of DEGs were enriched in biological regulation, signal transduction and immune system, etc. The key module and the top 10 hub genes (IL1B, CXCL12, HGF, EGFR, APP, CCL2, PTGS2, MMP9, NGF and SPP1) were also identified using the Cytoscape application. Furthermore, the qRT‐PCR results of the three groups validated that the hub genes were crucial for hair growth. In conclusion, the ten identified hub genes and related pathways in the current study can be used to understand the molecular mechanism of hair growth, and those provided a possibility for hair regeneration.
Early‐life effects on body size in each sex interact to determine reproductive success in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Bladon Eleanor K. , English Sinead , Pascoal Sonia , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: October 2020

Early‐life conditions have been shown to have a profound effect on an animal's body size and fecundity across diverse taxa. However, less is known about how early‐life effects on fecundity within each sex interact to determine reproductive success. We used experiments with burying beetles Nicrophorus vespilloides to analyse this problem. The nutritional conditions experienced by burying beetles in early life are a key determinant of adult body size in both sexes, and adult body size in turn influences male reproductive tactics. In previous work, we showed that smaller males are more effective than larger males at stimulating virgin female fecundity. In this study, we manipulated male and female body size by restricting access to food in early development. We then conducted breeding assays, in which small and large females were mated sequentially with small and large males, and then allowed to raise offspring without paternal care. We tested whether large females, which are potentially more fecund, laid even more eggs when mated with small males. We found no evidence to support this prediction. Instead, we detected only a weak non‐significant trend in the predicted direction and no equivalent trend in the number of larvae produced. However, we did find that larvae attained a greater mass by the end of development when their mother was large and mated with a small male first. We suggest that large females might have evolved counter‐measures that prevent exploitation by small fecundity‐stimulating males, including partial filial cannibalism. By eating surplus larvae during reproduction, larger females would leave more of the carrion for their offspring to consume. This could explain why their surviving larvae are able to attain a greater mass by the time they complete their development.
Mourilyan virus pathogenicity in kuruma shrimp (Penaeus japonicus)
Authors: Cowley Jeff A.
Published: October 2020

The bunyavirus Mourilyan virus (MoV) occurs commonly in Black tiger (Penaeus monodon) and kuruma shrimp (Penaeus japonicus) farmed in eastern Australia. There is circumstantial evidence of MoV causing mortalities among P. japonicus moved from farm ponds to tanks for rearing as broodstock. To directly assess its pathogenic potential, independent cohorts of pond‐ (n = 24) or tank‐reared juvenile (n = 21) P. japonicus were challenged intramuscularly with a cephalothorax tissue homogenate of P. monodon containing high loads of MoV (1.48 ± 0.28 × 108 MoV RNA copies/µg total RNA). In each trial, mortalities accumulated gradually among the saline‐injected controls. Mortality onset occurred 12–14 days earlier in the pond‐reared shrimp, possibly due to them possessing low‐level pre‐existing MoV infections. Despite the time to onset of mortality differing, Kaplan–Meier survival analyses confirmed mortality rates to be significantly higher in both the pond‐ (p = .017) and tank‐reared shrimp (p = .031) challenged with MoV. RT‐qPCR data on shrimp sampled progressively over each trial showed high loads of MoV to establish following challenge and discounted GAV and other endemic viruses from contributing to mortality. Together, the data show that acute MoV infection can adversely compromise the survival of juvenile P. japonicus.
Histological and molecular characterization of the growing nasal septum in mice
Authors: Baddam Pranidhi , Kung Tiffany , Adesida Adetola B. , Graf Daniel
Published: October 2020

The nasal septum is a cartilaginous structure that serves as a pacemaker for the development of the midface. The septum is a hyaline cartilage which is surrounded by a perichondrium and epithelium. It remains cartilaginous anteriorly, but posteriorly it undergoes endochondral ossification to form the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid. Understanding of hyaline cartilage differentiation stems predominantly from investigations of growth plate cartilage. It is currently unclear if the morphological and molecular properties of the differentiating nasal septum align with what is known from the growth plate. In this study, we describe growth, molecular, and cellular characteristics of the nasal septum with reference to hyaline cartilage differentiation. The nasal septum grows asynchronous across its length with phases of rapid growth interrupted by more stagnant growth. Growth appears to be driven predominantly by acquisition of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Similarly, cellular differentiation is asynchronous, and differentiation observed in the anterior part precedes posterior differentiation. Overall, the nasal septum is structurally and molecularly heterogeneous. Early and extensive chondrocyte hypertrophy but no ossification is observed in the anterior septum. Onset of hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation coincided with collagen fiber deposition along the perichondrium. Sox9, Col2, Col10, Mmp13, Sp7, and Runx2 expression was heterogeneous and did not always follow the expected pattern established from chondrocyte differentiation in the growth plate. The presence of hypertrophic chondrocytes expressing bone‐related proteins early on in regions where the nasal septum does not ossify displays incongruities with current understanding of hyaline cartilage differentiation. Runx2, Collagen II, Collagen X, and Sp7 commonly used to mark distinct stages of chondrocyte maturation and early bone formation show wider expression than expected and do not align with expected cellular characteristics. Thus, the hyaline cartilage of the nasal septum is quite distinct from growth plate hyaline cartilage, and caution should be taken before assigning cartilage properties to less well‐defined cartilage structures using these commonly used markers. Beyond the structural description of the nasal cartilage, this study also provides important information for cartilage tissue engineering when using nasal septal cartilage for tissue regeneration.
The institutional work of a social enterprise operating in a subsistence marketplace: Using the business model as a market‐shaping tool
Authors: Faruque Aly Hussein , Mason Katy , Onyas Winfred
Published: October 2020

The void between formal and informal institutionalized practices that coexist in subsistence marketplaces can render them inaccessible to subsistence consumer–merchants. We conducted an in‐depth auto‐ethnographic study of Novo Dia Developments, a social enterprise in Maputo, Mozambique, seeking to make the housing market accessible. Our study extends the extant understanding of the transformation of subsistence marketplaces in two ways. First, our study characterizes the institutional work done by a social enterprise to open up a subsistence marketplace. Second, our study theorizes the business models in use as a mechanism through which institutional work can be organized and performed, by (a) transforming an idea for market change into new market offerings and practices that begin to fill the void, (b) materializing and making visible other institutional voids that need to be filled, and (c) serving as a juncture at which formal and informal institutionalized practices can connect.
Financial capability of student loan holders who are college students, graduates, or dropouts
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Porto Nilton , Mason Irene McIvor
Published: October 2020

Effective consumer financial education provides relevant information to meet special needs of targeted audiences. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in financial capability among student loan holders who are college students, graduates, and dropouts. Using data from the 2015 U.S. National Financial Capability Study, the results show that student loan holders who have completed their education program have higher scores in all financial capability indicators than college students and dropouts. Further analyses show differences in specific financial knowledge items among college students, graduates, and dropouts. In addition, college graduates are more likely to perform several specific desirable financial behaviors than college students and dropouts. The findings suggest that financial educators should emphasize action taking when they provide financial education for student loan holders who are college students and dropouts.
The Rule of Law in Fragile States: Dictatorship, Collapse, and the Politics of Religion in Post‐Colonial Somalia
Authors: MASSOUD MARK FATHI
Published: October 2020

The fate of the rule of law in fragile states rests in religious politics. Three defining periods of Somali politics illustrate this argument. First is the authoritarian regime of Mohamed Siad Barre in Somalia (1969–1991). This dictatorship used religion to rule by law. The regime executed religious leaders for disagreeing with the government's interpretation of Islam. Second is the rise of Islamic courts in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital city (1991–2007). The Islamic courts apprehended criminals, expelled warlords, and provided spaces for Somalis to resolve disputes peacefully. Third is the breakaway of Somaliland (1991–present). Somaliland has advanced Islamic legal principles to build peace and constitutional law. Taken together, these three periods demonstrate how religious politics transform law and society.
Barriers and facilitators of engagement in psychological therapies among older adults with depression: A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Liu Yuan , Gellatly Judith
Published: October 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The utilization rate of psychological therapies is low in older adults with depression.

The barriers and facilitators to engaging in psychological therapies experienced by older adults with depression are unclear.

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

Personal suitability for therapy engagement, practical abilities, personal therapy preferences, and familiarity with psychological therapies are associated with psychological therapy engagement.

Psychological therapists can also impact psychological therapy engagement among older adults with depression.

What are the implications for practice?

Proving the effectiveness and suitability of chosen psychological therapies is important for improving therapy engagement.

Strategies for handling functional impairments among older adults with depression are necessary for engaging this population in psychological therapies.

Although in‐home psychological therapies are accessible, barriers to handling the technologies used for delivering the therapies should be addressed.

More methods of accessing information about psychological therapies should be available to older adults in order for them to increase their knowledge on the topic.

Psychological therapists should have positive attitudes and the competence to treat depression in older adults.

Introduction

Although psychological therapies are preferred by older adults, the utilization rate of these therapies is significantly low in older adults with depression. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to engaging in psychological therapies experienced by older adults is important for improving utilization rates.

Aim

This review aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to engaging in psychological therapies experienced by older adults with depression.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative studies on psychological therapy engagement among older adults with depression. Relevant published studies and grey literature were searched. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The results of the included studies were synthesized using thematic synthesis.

Results

Personal suitability for therapy engagement, practical abilities, personal therapy preferences and familiarity with psychological therapies was associated with therapy engagement. Therapists’ competencies also affected therapy engagement.

Discussion

Older adult's personal health status and requirements for psychological therapy should be considered.

Implications for practice

Mental health practitioners should consider whether specific psychological therapies are beneficial and acceptable for older adults. Improvements are needed in older adult's familiarity with psychological therapies and the ability of therapists to address the mental problems of older adults.
Phylogeny and biogeography of Fagus (Fagaceae) based on 28 nuclear single/low‐copy loci
Authors: Jiang Lu , Bao Qin , He Wei , Fan Deng‐Mei , Cheng Shan‐Mei , López‐Pujol Jordi , Chung Myong Gi , Sakaguchi Shota , Sánchez‐González Arturo , Gedik Aysun , Li De‐Zhu , Kou Yi‐Xuan , Zhang Zhi‐Yong
Published: October 2020

Fagus L. is a key component in temperate deciduous broadleaf forests of the Northern Hemisphere. However, its biogeographic history has not been examined under the framework of a fully resolved and reasonably time‐calibrated phylogeny. In this study, we sequenced 28 nuclear single/low‐copy loci (18 555 bp in total) of 11 Fagus species/segregates and seven outgroups. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using both concatenation‐based (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) and coalescent‐based methods (StarBEAST2, ASTRAL). The monophyly of two subgenera (Fagus and Engleriana) and most sections was well supported, except for sect. Lucida, which was paraphyletic with respect to sect. Longipetiolata. We also found a major phylogenetic conflict among North American, East Asian, and West Eurasian lineages of subgen. Fagus. Three segregates that have isolated distribution (F. mexicana, F. multinervis, and F. orientalis) were independent evolutionary units. Biogeographic analysis with fossils suggested that Fagus could have originated in the North Pacific region in late early Eocene. Major diversifications coincided with a climate aberration at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary and the global cooling since mid‐Miocene. The late Miocene accelerated global cooling and the Pleistocene glaciations would have driven beeches into East Asia, North America, and West Eurasia. Meanwhile, range reduction and extinction in high latitudes, central Asia, and western North America converged to form the beech modern distribution pattern. This study provides a first attempt to disentangle the biogeographic history of beeches in the context of a nearly resolved and time‐calibrated phylogeny, which could shed new insights into the formation of the temperate biome in the Northern Hemisphere.
Water relations of “trailing‐edge” evergreen oaks in the semi‐arid upper Yangtze region, SE Himalaya
Authors: He Xiao‐Fang , Wang Song‐Wei , Sun Hang , Körner Christian , Yang Yang
Published: October 2020

Unlike the well‐understood cold limit of trees, the causes of the dry trailing edge of trees await explanation. Here we aimed at explaining the drought limit of an evergreen oak species (Quercus pannosas.l.) in a typical dry valley of the upper Yangtze region, SE Himalaya, where rains (ca. 250 mm/a) are largely confined to the typical monsoon season (July–August) with drought during the remaining 9–10 months. We capitalized on an unintentional year‐round irrigation treatment with trees growing along the overflow of a water reservoir serving as moist controls. We measured shoot water potential (Ψ), leaf conductance (g), flushing phenology, leaf mass per area (LMA), foliar and stem δ13C, leaf nutrients, and non‐structural carbohydrates across the transition from non‐monsoon to monsoon season, from April to August 2018. At the dry site, Ψ and g were high during the monsoon but declined to <−3 MPa as drought proceeded in the non‐monsoon season. Irrigated oaks retained high values year‐round. Oaks experiencing the natural drought flushed at the full strength onset of the monsoon only, that is, 80 days later than irrigated oaks. The annual shoot increment in oaks under natural drought was ca. 10% of that in irrigated oaks. However, mature foliage showed no difference in LMA and δ13C between dry and moist sites. We conclude that these oaks drastically reduce their activity in response to drought, with growth strictly confined to the monsoon season, the minimum duration of which, presumably is setting the range limit.
The hypercontractile esophagus: Still a tough nut to crack
Authors: Savarino Edoardo , Smout André J. P. M.
Published: October 2020

Hypercontractile esophagus (HE), also known as jackhammer esophagus, is an esophageal motility disorder. Nowadays, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) is used to diagnose the disorder. According to the latest iteration of the Chicago classification, HE is present when at least 2 out 10 liquid swallow‐induced peristaltic waves have an abnormally high Distal Contractile Integral. In the era of conventional manometry, a similar condition, referred to as nutcracker esophagus, was diagnosed when the peristaltic contractions had an abnormally high mean amplitude. Although the HRM diagnosis of HE is relatively straight‐forward, effective management of the disorder is challenging as the correlation with symptoms is variable and treatment effects are dubious. In this mini‐review, we discuss the most troublesome uncertainties that still surround HE, in the light of new data on etiology and epidemiology published in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
Climate and stomatal traits drive covariation in nighttime stomatal conductance and daytime gas exchange rates in a widespread C4 grass
Authors: Chieppa Jeff , Brown Tia , Giresi Presley , Juenger Thomas E. , Resco de Dios Víctor , Tissue David T. , Aspinwall Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Nighttime stomatal conductance (gsn) varies among plant functional types and species, but factors shaping the evolution of gsn remain unclear. Examinations of intraspecific variation in gsn as a function of climate and co‐varying leaf traits may provide new insight into the evolution of gsn and its adaptive significance.

We grew 11 genotypes of Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) representing differing home‐climates in a common garden experiment and measured nighttime and daytime leaf gas exchange, as well as stomatal density (SD) and size during early‐, mid‐, and late‐summer. We used piecewise structural equation modelling to determine direct and indirect relationships between home‐climate, gas exchange, and stomatal traits.

We found no direct relationship between home‐climate and gsn. However, genotypes from hotter climates possessed higher SD, which resulted in higher gsn. Across genotypes, higher gsn was associated with higher daytime stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis.

Our results indicate that higher gsn may arise in genotypes from hotter climates via increased SD. High SD may provide benefits to genotypes from hotter climates through enhanced daytime transpirational cooling or by permitting maximal gas exchange when conditions are suitable. These results highlight the role of climate and trait coordination in shaping genetic differentiation in gsn.
Targeted inactivation of the AGO1 homeologues of Nicotiana benthamiana reveals their distinct roles in development and antiviral defence
Authors: Ludman Márta , Fátyol Károly
Published: October 2020

The Solanaceae family includes numerous highly valuable crops. Understanding the viral diseases that affect them is of great importance. Nicotiana benthamiana has contributed greatly to unravelling antiviral RNA interference, and can also be regarded as an adequate model for studying viral diseases of solanaceous crops. This species, however, as with many of its relatives, possesses an allopolyploid genome, in which homeologous gene pairs frequently occur.

AGO1 is a pivotal component of most plant RNA silencing pathways. The Nicotiana benthamiana genome encodes two highly similar AGO1 homeologues: AGO1A and AGO1B. To understand their roles in planta, their genes were selectively inactivated. Given the inherent limitations of RNA interference‐based techniques, we used genome editing to achieve this goal.

We found that AGO1A was not required for normal development, while AGO1B was indispensable for that. By contrast, the two homeologues both contributed to antiviral defence. Additionally, we observed that AGO1B utilised miR168 poorly, which may help to retain a significant level of antiviral RNA interference during viral infection.

Our results have important implications for the better understanding of viral diseases of economically important solanaceous crops.
The Arabidopsis zinc finger proteins SRG2 and SRG3 are positive regulators of plant immunity and are differentially regulated by nitric oxide
Authors: Cui Beimi , Xu Shiwen , Li Yuan , Umbreen Saima , Frederickson Debra , Yuan Bo , Jiang Jihong , Liu Fengquan , Pan Qiaona , Loake Gary J.
Published: October 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the deployment of a phalanx of immune responses, chief among which is the activation of a constellation of defence‐related genes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. The Arabidopsis thaliana zinc finger transcription factor (ZF‐TF), S‐nitrosothiol (SNO) Regulated 1 (SRG1), is a central target of NO bioactivity during plant immunity. Here we characterize the remaining members of the SRG gene family.

Both SRG2 and, especially, SRG3 were positive regulators of salicylic acid‐dependent plant immunity. Analysis of SRG single, double and triple mutants implied that SRG family members have additive functions in plant immunity and, surprisingly, are under reciprocal regulation.

SRG2 and SRG3 localized to the nucleus and functioned as ethylene‐responsive element binding factor‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) domain‐dependent transcriptional repressors: NO abolished this activity for SRG3 but not for SRG2. Consistently, loss of GSNOR function, resulting in increased (S)NO concentrations, fully suppressed the disease resistance phenotype established from SRG3 but not SRG2 overexpression. Remarkably, SRG3 but not SRG2 was S‐nitrosylated in vitro and in vivo.

Our findings suggest that the SRG family has separable functions in plant immunity, and, surprisingly, these ZF‐TFs exhibit reciprocal regulation. It is remarkable that, through neofunctionalization, the SRG family has evolved to become differentially regulated by the key immune‐related redox cue, NO.
Multiple stressors drive convergent evolution of performance properties in marine macrophytes
Authors: Demes Kyle W. , Starko Samuel , Harley Christopher D. G.
Published: October 2020

Extreme environments have driven the evolution of some of the most inspiring adaptations in nature. In the intertidal zone of wave‐swept shores, organisms face physical forces comparable to hurricanes and must further endure thermal and desiccation stress during low tides, compromising their physiological and biomechanical performance.

We examine how these multiple stressors have influenced the evolution of tissue properties during desiccation using eight phylogenetically independent pairs of intertidal and subtidal macrophytes.

Intertidal species generally lost water more slowly than their subtidal counterparts, presumably as an adaption to regular emersion. Under partial desiccation, breaking force, strength, and extensibility of intertidal species generally exceeded those of subtidal species, although important differences existed among phylogenetic pairs. This was often true even when subtidal relatives resisted greater forces or were more extensible under full hydration. The interacting effects of mechanical forces and desiccation during low tide are likely a major selective agent in determining macrophyte performance and fitness.

Overall, we found that lineages that have independently evolved to occupy the wave‐swept intertidal have converged on performance metrics that are likely to be adaptive to the interacting stressors associated with their extreme niches.
The role of herpesvirus 6A and 6B in multiple sclerosis and epilepsy
Authors: Dunn Nicky , Kharlamova Nastya , Fogdell‐Hahn Anna
Published: October 2020

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV‐6A) and 6B (HHV‐6B) are two closely related viruses that can infect cells of the central nervous system (CNS). The similarities between these viruses have made it difficult to separate them on serological level. The broad term HHV‐6 remains when referring to studies where the two species were not distinguished, and as such, the seroprevalence is over 90% in the adult population. HHV‐6B has been detected in up to 100% of infants with the primary infection roseola infantum, but less is known about the primary infection of HHV‐6A. Both viruses are neurotropic and have capacity to establish lifelong latency in cells of the central nervous system, with potential to reactivate and cause complications later in life. HHV‐6A infection has been associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), whereas HHV‐6B is indicated to be involved in pathogenesis of epilepsy. These two associations show how neurological diseases might be caused by viral infections, but as suggested here, through completely different molecular mechanisms, in an autoimmune disease, such as MS, by triggering an overreaction of the immune system and in epilepsy by hampering internal cellular functions when the immune system fails to eliminate the virus. Understanding the viral mechanisms of primary infection and reactivation and their spectrum of associated symptoms will aid our ability to diagnose, treat and prevent these severe and chronic diseases. This review explores the role of HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B specifically in MS and epilepsy, the evidence to date and the future directions of this field.
Novel vaccine design based on genomics data analysis: A review
Authors: Lu Guangli , Shan Sharui , Zainab Bibi , Ayaz Zainab , He Jialiang , Xie Zhenxing , Rashid Umer , Zhang Dalin , Mehmood Abbasi Arshad
Published: October 2020

Modification of pathogenic strains with the passage of time is responsible for evolution in the timeline of vaccine development for last 30 years. Recent advancements in computational vaccinology on the one hand and genome sequencing approaches on the other have generated new hopes in vaccine development. The aim of this review was to discuss the evolution of vaccines, their characteristics and limitations. In this review, we highlighted the evolution of vaccines, from first generation to the current status, pointing out how different vaccines have emerged and different approaches that are being followed up in the development of more rational vaccines against a wide range of diseases. Data were collected using Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Science Hub, whereas computational tools such as NCBI, GeneMANIA and STRING were used to analyse the pathways of vaccine action. Innovative tools, such as computational tools, recombinant technologies and intra‐dermal devices, are currently being investigated in order to improve the immunological response. New technologies enlightened the interactions of host proteins with pathogenic proteins for vaccine candidate development, but still there is a need of integrating transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Although immunization with genomics data is a successful approach, its advantages must be assessed case by case and its applicability depends on the nature of the agent to be immunized, the nature of the antigen and the type of immune response required to achieve effective protection.
Influence of isometric training at short and long muscle‐tendon unit lengths on the history dependence of force
Authors: Hinks Avery , Davidson Brooke , Akagi Ryota , Power Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2020

The history dependence of force is an intrinsic property of muscle whereby a muscle actively shortened or lengthened to an isometric steady‐state produces less (residual force depression; rFD) or more force (residual force enhancement; rFE), respectively, than a purely isometric contraction at the same muscle length and level of activation. Previous studies on the modifiability of the history dependence of force have been inconclusive, and none have attempted to modify rFD and rFE through isometric resistance training biased to short vs long muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) lengths. We tested maximal voluntary rFD and rFE in seven males and six females before and after 8 weeks of maximal isometric dorsiflexion training 3 days/wk. Participants trained one leg at 0° of plantar flexion (short‐MTU training) and one at 40° of plantar flexion (long‐MTU training). Ultrasonography of the tibialis anterior assessed resting muscle architecture. Tibialis anterior fascicle length decreased by ~3% following short‐MTU training (P = .03) and increased by ~4% following long‐MTU training (P = .01). rFD did not change following training at either MTU length (absolute rFD: P = .53; percent rFD: P = .51), nor did rFE (absolute rFE: P = .78; percent rFE: P = .80), with no relationships between the change in fascicle length and the change in percent rFD (R2 = .01, P = .62) nor rFE (R2 = .001, P = .88). Our data indicate that voluntary rFD and rFE were not modified by isometric training and not related to the fascicle length adaptations we observed.
Telesimulation‐based education during COVID‐19
Authors: Diaz Maria Carmen G. , Walsh Barbara M.
Published: October 2020

Simulation is a valuable, immersive educational tool for both health professional trainees and experienced clinicians. By promoting a realistic, collaborative, safe, hands‐on, learning environment, simulation allows interprofessional teams to come together and practise both routine and high stakes, low‐frequency events. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the need for social distancing have shifted traditional simulation‐based medical education towards a virtual platform: telesimulation. Telesimulation is an evolving field and the speed at which clinical educators need to adapt to use this platform is unprecedented. Educators must quickly navigate and leverage the differences between traditional simulation and telesimulation to create robust remote educational experiences. Telesimulation has unique goals and objectives, technology needs, and participant roles that need to be understood and properly operationalized to maximize opportunities for learning. This article reviews the authors’ recommendations for developing and delivering successful telesimulations.
Change agent teaching for interreligious collaboration in Black Lives Matter times
Authors: Miles‐Tribble Valerie
Published: October 2020

Interreligious discourse opens ways to discover how shared justice values and ethical actions can inform our responses amid the unjust disparities that privilege some and marginalize many. At present, we live in a public landscape of societal dissonance that heightens the urgency for people with theological grounding to bridge collaborative public witness among varied religious traditions. I describe “Black Lives Matter times” as a present expansive era in which the stew of public tension, stirred by decades of structural disparities, link religion and politics to an agenda to dismantle equitable public policies after the Civil Rights era. My goal for writingChange Agent Church in Black Lives Matter Times: Urgency for Action(2020) is to encourage practitioners and educators to prepare for public justice ministry that I callpublic witness. The book offers analytical discussion points for critical reflection and a toolkit of process methods to mobilize for public justice roles and strategic actions as collaborative change agents. In this article, as in the book,public witnessis described as “faith‐informed commitment to take action in solidarity with the marginalized, and to help mobilize change” (2). As the title conveys, the termchange agentsignifies “the ways in which clergy and interfaith leaders could exemplify a public justice ethic as motivational catalyst” (6). To prepare for “change agent teaching” shifts from teacher‐centered lectures to a learner‐centered focus to build core competencies for interactive relational engagement. Change agent teaching of religion and theology can connect faith and praxis, as theopraxis, to frame justice components of public witness. As well, interactive learning helps to develop competencies under two rubrics: contextualization and conscientization. (a)Contextualizationconnects experiential narratives to respect lived experiences at the intersections of our individual and collective identity. (b)Conscientizationraises awareness with inclusive scrutiny of issues to articulate how theological and ethical values ortheoethicsinfluence our actions. This article focuses on pedagogical approaches and process methods to teach and learn about the change agent role of public witness to support an ethos of restorative justice as understood across faith traditions.
Inhibitory effect and mechanism of three macrophytes extract on Microcystis aeruginosa growth and physiology
Authors: Tazart Zakaria , Caldeira Ana Teresa , Douma Mountasser , Salvador Cátia , Loudiki Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Macrophytes are a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the biocontrol of harmful cyanobacteria blooms. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of extracts from three macrophytes (Nasturtium officinale, Potamogeton natans and Ranunculus aquatilis) on Microcystis aeruginosa. We assessed physiological indicators of inhibition on M. aeruginosa, including lipid peroxidation, protein content, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and growth. The chemical composition of the macrophyte extracts and their specific allelochemicals were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that M. aeruginosa growth was significantly inhibited after 8 days of exposure, with inhibitory rate varying from 96.98% to 99.01%. The macrophyte extracts caused cyanobacterial cell membrane and antioxidant defence system damage. Thirteen different compounds were identified as allelochemical compounds that could be responsible for M. aeruginosa growth inhibition and oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that allelopathic compounds from macrophytes may be used to effectively control cyanobacteria blooms and promote the restoration of aquatic ecosystems.
Expression profile of Tripartite motif family (TRIM) in human fibroblasts (NHDF) infected with porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV)
Authors: Emilia Morawiec , Roman Nowak , Barbara Strzałka‐Mrozik , Urszula Mazurek , Krzysztof Łopata , Paweł Olczyk
Published: October 2020

Background

Understanding the interactions between the microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA of genes encoding restriction factors (RFs) can lead to the development of new antiretroviral strategies aimed at providing the resistance and reducing susceptibility of human cells to potential PERV infection. Among RFs TRIM family play an important role in shaping the immune response during various stages of infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro the transcriptional profile of TRIM family genes and identify complementary miRNAs in NHDF cells infected with PERVs and induced by gram negative lipopolysacharide (LPS).

Methods

Human dermal fibroblasts cells were cultured in four separate conditions‐ 2 monocultures: control (N), treated with LPS (NL) and 2 co‐cultures with porcine PK15 cells: without LPS (NP) and treated with LPS (NLP). Bacterial LPS was used in this study as an inducer of inflammation in NHDF cells. After extraction of DNA and RNA from cells PERV infection was confirmed in co‐cultures by qPCR and RTqPCR. RNA extracts served as a matrix for HGU 133A 2.0 and miRNA 2.0 microarrays to evaluate the expression profile of the selected TRIM family genes and miRNAs adequately. TRIM 2, 14, 22, and 28 were selected for the validation of HGU 133A 2.0 results. Statistical analyses were performed with the use of REST© 2009 and Genespring GX 13.0. Transcriptome Analysis Console 4.0 program (Affymetrix) was used to identify miRNAs that differentiate the studied genes in all conditions.

Results

Porcine endogenous retrovirus infection at DNA and RNA level was confirmed in NHDF cells in each of the tested groups (NP and NLP). Contamination was excluded in N and NL groups. Based on the analysis of HGU 133A 2.0 results 93 mRNA IDs of TRIM family genes differentiating analyzed conditions were selected P < .05. HGU 133A 2.0 mRNA fluorescence profile was confirmed with RTqPCR of TRIM2, TRIM14, TRIM22 and TRIM28 P < .05. TRIM14 down regulation was specific only in PERV monoinfection (group NP). In miRNA 2.0 microarray 346 miRNAs were identified as differentiating NHDF cells in all analyzed conditions, P < .05. According to the analysis with mirTAR platform and Microrna.org datatbase none of the selected miRNAs had the potential to regulate the selected genes of the TRIM family.

Conclusion

Porcine endogenous retrovirus infection of NHDF cells is accompanied by TRIM14 down regulation suggesting TRIM14 as a possible marker of retroviral infection. None of the selected miRNAs had statistically significant potential to regulate the expression of the selected TRIMs in any of the analyzed conditions.
Pore-Scale Simulation on Pool Boiling Heat Transfer and Bubble Dynamics in Open-Cell Metal Foam by Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Qin Jie , Xu Zhiguo , Ma Xiaofei
Published: October 2020

Based on the newly developed geometrical model of open-cell metal foam, pool boiling heat transfer in open-cell metal foam, considering thermal responses of foam skeletons, is investigated by the phase-change lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Pool boiling patterns are obtained at different heat fluxes. The effects of pore density and foam thickness on bubble dynamics and pool boiling heat transfer are revealed. The results show that “bubble entrainment” promotes fluid mixing and bubble sliding inside metal foam. Based on force analysis, the sliding bubble is pinned on the heating surface and cannot lift off completely at high heat flux due to the increasing surface tension force. Pool boiling heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing pore density and foam thickness due to high bubble escaping resistance.
Neutronic Analysis of the European Sodium Fast Reactor: Part II—Burnup Results
Authors: Fridman Emil , Álvarez Velarde Francisco , Romojaro Otero Pablo , Tsige-Tamirat Haile , Jiménez Carrascosa Antonio , García Herranz Nuria , Bernard Franck , Gregg Robert , Davies Una , Krepel Jiri , Lindley Ben , Massara Simone , Poumerouly Sandra , Girardi Enrico , Mikityuk Konstantin
Published: October 2020

In the framework of the Horizon 2020 project ESFR-SMART (2017–2021), the European sodium fast reactor (ESFR) core was updated through a safety-related modification and optimization of the core design from the earlier FP7 CP-ESFR project (2009–2013). This study is dedicated to neutronic analyses of the improved ESFR core design. The conducted work is reported in two parts. Part I deals with the evaluation of the safety-related neutronic parameters of the fresh beginning-of-life (BOL) core carried out by eight organizations using both continuous energy Monte Carlo and deterministic computer codes. In addition to the neutronics characterization of the core, a special emphasis was put on the calibration and verification of the computational tools involved in the analyses. Part II is devoted to once-through and realistic batchwise burnup calculations aiming at the establishing of the equilibrium core state, which will later serve as a basis for detailed safety analyses.