bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mud crab utilization in the small outermost island: A case study of Enggano Island, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia
Authors: Cahyadinata I , Fahrudin A , Sulistiono  , Kurnia R
Published: February 2020

The ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) has an important role in balancing social, economic, and ecological goals. This study aims to (1) assess the suitability of mud crab habitat quality, (2) analyse the business efficiency, and (3) examine the management status of mud crab fisheries on small islands. Survey method was used by distributing questioner to 42 respondents and observation was carried out at four stations using the habitat quality index, benefit-cost, and EAFM analysis. The mud crab habitat was classified to be a good category with an index of habitat quality is 74. The state of catch business was in the efficient category which was indicated buy R/C value 3.04. Its fisheries management was included to be a medium category in implementing EAFM. According to evaluating each domain factor, the good category was the economic aspect; furthermore, the fish resources, habitat, ecosystems, and fishing techniques were in medium categories. In addition, the social domain was in the less category, while the institutional domain was not applied to the EAFM.
Morphology and molecular identification on octopus (Genus Octopus Cuvier, 1798) caught in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi, West Java
Authors: Hakim A A , Bagaskoro B , Mashar A , Farajallah A , Wardiatno Y
Published: February 2020

Octopus (genusOctopus)is a member of family Octopodidae with two valid species in Indonesia. From fishery point of view octopus utilization has been started to increase, although, the effort to catch it is still limited. This research was aimed to identify octopus (genusOctopus) collected from Palabuhanratu Bay morphologically, with validation by means of molecular technique. This research was done from January to June 2017. Thirty-seven individuals were obtained, and were analyzed morphologically and molecularly. Morphological identification showed that samples have a characteristic similarity toOctopus cyanea.Arm Suckers Count (ASC) was the most diverse morphometrical character. Gene characteristics of the samples have 99% similarity toOctopus cyaneagene that stored in NCBI site’s database. Molecular analysis obtained similarity on genetic characteristics for all samples. Based on morphology characteristic and molecular validation, all samples were determined asOctopus cyanea.
Taxonomic status investigation of freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.) based on the molecular marker in seven rivers that flow to Palabuhanratu Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Hakim A A , Kamal M M , Butet N A , Affandi R
Published: February 2020

Freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.) are catadromous fish with widely distributed in the world and have long spawning migration. Palabuhanratu Bay is one of the potential areas and high activity for freshwater eels fishing. There have several rivers that flow to Palabuhanratu Bay. Species taxonomy certainty is needed to determine resource management. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic status of Anguilla spp. based on Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene markers in seven rivers that flow to Palabuhanratu Bay. The sample was collected using timber traps (local name is bubu) from August and December 2014. The result of molecular identification obtained high agreement sequences that were morphologically identified six samples as A. bicolor bicolor and one sample as A. marmorata. Construction of the phylogeny tree indicated that intra-subspecies of A. bicolor bicolor had a close relationship and real apart from A. marmorata with a genetic distance range of 0.051-0.053. A. bicolor bicolor sequences of each river mixed and merged into one group. Molecular identification had shown taxonomy status of Anguilla spp. in several rivers that flow to Palabuhanratu Bay, Consequently, it could be determined for appropriate management.
Marine mini-and micro-shells from Klong Chao Beach, Koh Kut, Trat province, Eastern Thailand
Authors: Kamtuptim C , Dumrongrojwattana P
Published: February 2020

Marine mini- and micro-shells from Klong Chao Beach, Koh Kut, Trat province, Eastern Thailand have been investigated between the 3rd - 9th of June, 2019. Specimens were randomly collected from the sand sediments in the sandy beach and microhabitat such as under the rock, dead corals, etc in rocky shore by handpicking. A total of 31 families, 57 genera and 66 species were recorded. At least 30 taxa are enlisted as a new record of the Gulf of Thailand.
Mole crab phylogenetics relationship analysis in Parangkusumo and Ketawang Beach Waters
Authors: Krisanti M , Ramadhan B F , Mashar A , Butet N A , Hakim A A , Wardiatno Y
Published: February 2020

Mole crabs are the high economic value of aquatic biota that has an important role in the trophic structure, but the continuous use of it can result in disruption of the population. Therefore, accurate information is needed as a reference for determining the right management base. This study aims to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of mole crabs in Yogyakarta and Purworejo coastal waters using COI gene markers. The study was conducted at Ketawang and Parangkusumo Beach. The analysis process consists of morphological and molecular identification. The results were sequenced and processed using MEGA 5. Mole crabs analysis results had a closeness value of 96.27%. The genetic distance of mole crabs from both locations is 0.000 – 0.005. Mole crabs obtained from the location were morphologically identified as Emerita emeritus and successfully validated using the COI gene with a value of 96%. Thus, mole crabs in this study have a very close kinship relationship.
Status of coastal biodiversity in the face of climate change with respect to islands
Authors: Mishra J K
Published: February 2020

The ecosystem services rendered to the humankind is countless. However, the structural composition of these very ecosystems is under threat due to some unforeseen factors associated with the changing climate conditions. The island ecosystem, which is unique in terms of its endemic flora and faunal distribution pattern with ecological sustainability, is under tremendous pressure. In addition, it is isolation from the main continental landmass makes them more fragile, unstable and highly vulnerable to any imminent changes occurring in their vicinity. The most common issues associated with them are biodiversity loss and probable threat to the bioresources of the islands due to several issues of concern about the climate change, sea-level rise, pollution, land stratification and several other anthropogenic activities. Islands too, have vivid form of ecosystems like terrestrial and aquatic (including both freshwater and marine), with heterogenic coastal habitats including sandy beaches, mudflats, marshlands, mangroves, creeks, grasslands, etc. But percentage of endangered species is very high in case of Islands, where factors like pollution, global warming, climate change, natural calamities and habitat utilization pattern play major role in this respect. In recent times, it has also been well documented that the variation in environmental conditions due to climate change impact and change in coastal geomorphology compounded with the sea level rise has become a matter of concern. This has invited enormous attention from think tanks from different walks of life to moot strategies for restoration and management of the coastal and island ecosystems.
Water quality and organic content from intensive system of vaname production at coastal area of Sumur, Pandeglang, Banten
Authors: Pratiwi N T M , Widigdo B , Syifa D A
Published: February 2020

The high stocking and proper feeding in intensive system of vaname shrimp production remain organic waste. The increase input of feed along with shrimp biomass rises accumulated organic matter. The quality of shrimp pond disposal influences water quality surround effluent area shrimp pond activities. The study aims to analyze the magnification of organic waste of the intensive shrimp pond. The research was conducted in one production cycle of four ponds, by observing condition of water quality and organic matter. The result shows that in general, the water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH), nutrient (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate); and organic matter (COD) were suitable to the shrimp production process. There were also found four different groups of organic conditions according to the level of feeding and pond drainage periods. Group 1, 2, and 3 showed that the presence of organic matter was inversely proportional to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate; while in Group 4, the organic matter was proportionally to nitrite and nitrate. As a whole, proper maintenance kept organic matter in a safe level to dispose into the environment.
Environmental sensitivity index assessment algorithm in coastal areas: A method
Authors: Rakasiwi G , Damar A , Rustandi Y , Hermanto  , Wibowo A
Published: February 2020

Accuracy of data is needed for assessment of environmental sensitivity index (ESI) in coastal areas. This paper aims to create an algorithm and database system for calculating ESI values with three main elements, vulnerability index (VI), ecological index (EI) and socio-economic index (SI). The themes that are calculated include the type of beach, coral reef, mangrove, seagrass ecosystem, and location of community economic activities such as tourism, port, agricultural land, fishpond, salt ponds, mariculture, and capture fisheries. Algorithms are compiled for ESI calculations so that they are structured and accurate through the compilation of databases from VI, EI, and SI determinants, preparation of input tables, and presentation of results of ESI calculations. The database is built using Microsoft Excel software.
Octocorals outcompete scleractinian corals in a degraded reef
Authors: Rodriguez M V B , Segumalian C S , Lalas J A A , Maningas J M C
Published: February 2020

Competition among benthic organisms plays an important role in coral population dynamics in degraded reefs. In this study, interspecific interactions between scleractinians and octocorals and larval settlement of scleractinians near selected octocorals in Lucero, a degraded reef in Bolinao, Pangasinan, northwestern Philippines were assessed. Competitive index (CI) was computed based on species interactions (i.e., direct interaction, overgrowth) observed on the reef. The coral settlement near alcyonacean octocorals (i.e., Sarcophyton, Sinularia), blue coral (Heliopora), and substrate without octocorals (control) were monitored by deployment and retrieval of settlement plates on the reef in February and May 2018. Results showed that octocorals were more aggressive towards other species (CI between 1.00 and 0.20). Heliopora was subordinate (CI = -0.10) to octocorals, but relatively competitive than scleractinians. Scleractinian coral settlement is inhibited by octocorals and is reduced near Heliopora. Interspecific interactions indicate that octocorals present in the study site are more tolerant than other species; hence, it might be attributed to its higher competitive ability. Settlement inhibition by octocorals and Heliopora is indicative of the production of allelochemicals, a substance known to deter settlement. Considering the growth advantage of Heliopora over Sarcophyton and Sinularia, it is likely that Heliopora will dominate over scleractinians in a degraded reef of Lucero. However, this necessitates long-term monitoring using permanent quadrats to detect the large-scale effects of competition for space on the community structure of disturbed reefs.
Community leader perspectives on the utilization of seagrass ecosystem for marine tourism in Toli-toli, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Sondita M F A , Sunuddin A , Hestirianoto T , Darmansyah S , Kamal M M , Munib A A , Kurniawan F , Arkham M N
Published: February 2020

Seagrass ecosystem and dugongs (Dugong dugon) are significant features of the northern coastal areas of Toli-toli and its adjacent small islands. Local communities are familiar with the dugongs for some reasons, including activities threatening its population. Therefore, Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project-Indonesia initiated conservation of the seagrass ecosystem and the dugongs in Toli-toli. Local communities, with supports from local governments, are keen to develop tourism to gain economic benefit from the conservation. Accordingly, the project allowed some local leaders an opportunity to learn from the Seribu Islands, an extraordinary location of marine tourism. This paper describes their learning process and immediate responses expressing perspectives on how their tourism should be developed. After being introduced to some key features of Seribu Island, local concerns, problem solutions, and discussed a concept of sustainable tourism in a small workshop, they concluded the tourism objects in their home are much better. They also were confident with the importance of conservation and aware of some negative impacts of tourism. The outcomes of this visit should be carefully noted by anyone who wants to involve in the tourism development that uses Toli-toli’s nature and culture as objects.
The impacts of policy implementation of cantrang prohibition for fishing activities in Paciran Sub-district, Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Syamsuddin A , Fauzi A , Fahrudin A , Anggraini E
Published: February 2020

Prohibition of Cantrang regulated by the Ministerial Decree of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs No. 2 year 2015 which was further amended to the decree No. 71 year 2016 have brought for some unexpected consequences on fishing activities and their related sectors in Lamongan, East Java. This research is particularly aimed at analyzing for both economic and social impacts of this policy in fishing activities in Paciran Sub-District, Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The study was conducted from March to April 2019 in three different fishing villages. Data and information were collected using a deep interview technique. The gathered data were analyzed qualitatively. The results of this research exhibit that this policy of restricting the use of Cantrang has appeared to influence negatively the fishing activities for both fishermen and downstream sectors of fishing industries. Some aspects have been identified as the direct impacts of the policy such as reduced catch, lowering incomes of fishermen and regarding actors, fish shortage triggering high prices but not delivering better welfare for fishermen and other actors, and switching livelihoods for those who could not afford the condition. This research concludes that this policy has directly affected the economies of fishermen in the local level.
How Indonesia’s fisheries governance can achieve SDG’s 14? Linking problem and solution based on a root cause analysis approach
Authors: Zulbainarni N , Indrawan D , Khumaera N I
Published: February 2020

As sustainable development goals (SDG’s) 14 faces a challenge to achieve the target of sustainable fisheries management and governance. This paper’s objective is to assess the obstacle of Indonesia’s fisheries management and governance with regards to enabling factors in sustainable development related to business practitioners. Primary and secondary data were collected using previous literature, FGD and in-depth interviews. Indeed, we employed root cause analysis to examine the data with the possible impact on SDG’s 14. The results highlighted that disconnected activity and communication among stakeholders cause unsustainable fisheries management. The practice of business practitioners had not optimized capture fisheries management, including its post-harvest management. Therefore, limited welfare was achieved by the stakeholders involving, including fishermen. The fishing communities had limited knowledge and business capacity. The study suggested a platform design by the national fisheries institutions to support the fisheries business development and other related stakeholders. This study concluded that a national platform could improve fisheries business practitioners’ knowledge and capacity to engage in national planning to achieve SGD’s 14.
Assessment of Thalassia hemprichii seagrass metrics for biomonitoring of environmental status
Authors: Zulfikar A , Boer M , Adrianto L , Puspasari R
Published: February 2020

Seagrass has long been known to be very sensitive to environmental changes, especially caused by human activities and has been used as a bioindicator for environmental condition of ecosystems. This research aimed to study 19 Thalassia hemprichii metrics (10 measured and 9 derived metrics) at two organizational levels (individual and population), to explore and confirm these metrics for development of a multimetric index of environmental quality. Seagrass meadows was selected along a gradient of an anthropogenic disturbance at Kepulauan Seribu (inhabited and uninhabited locations, fixed effect, namedly Status), 4 sites for each location (random effect nested in status) within intertidal and subtidal zones (random effect across Sites). We also briefly described about social-ecological system of seagrass being studied using a qualitative network model, for an understanding of interaction that affects the exploited seagrass ecosystems. The significance of variability between states, sites, and zones were examined using linear mixed effect model followed by exploratory factor analysis in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) framework (E/CFA strategy) to explore and confirm adequacy of the metrics as indicators for two-factor organizational levels (individual and population). Based on the analysis, leaf surface area, leaf wide, leaf area index, density, rhizome diameter, and Thalassia hemprichii cover differed significantly at the scale of interest and represented two levels of organizational levels (individual and population).
2D hematene, a bioresorbable electrocatalytic support for glucose oxidation
Authors: Zhang Zishuai , Vieira Daniela , Barralet Jake E , Merle Geraldine
Published: February 2020

Towards the aim of developing implantable and fully biodegradable sensors and biofuel cells, 2D nanosheets of hematite have been exfoliated and processed into electrode materials for glucose sensing. Gold, (Au) nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the 2D substrate to develop a sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Despite a low loading of a catalyst, the composite achieved a sensitivity of 10 μA mM−1 cm−2, good linearity (0–3.2 mM) with a detection limit of 0.4 mM, a response time of less than 10 s, and long-term performance stability. These results make Au/Fe2O3 hematene nanosheet, a promising catalytic material not only for glucose monitoring but also from which to construct biofuel cells using glucose as fuel.
Stripe domains reorientation in ferromagnetic films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Garnier Louis-Charles , Marangolo Massimiliano , Eddrief Mahmoud , Bisero Diego , Fin Samuele , Casoli Francesca , Pini Maria Gloria , Rettori Angelo , Tacchi Silvia
Published: February 2020

Ferromagnetic thin films with moderate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) are known to support weak stripe domains provided film thickness exceeds a critical value. In this work, we performed both an experimental and theoretical investigation of a peculiar phenomenon shown by weak stripe domains: namely, the stripe domains reorientation when a dc magnetic field is applied in the film plane along the direction perpendicular to the stripes axis. We focus on bct α′-Fe8N1−x
thin films obtained by

N

2

+

implantation of α-Fe films epitaxially grown on ZnSe/GaAs(001). By using different ion implantation and heat treatment conditions, we show that it is possible to tune the PMA values. Magnetic force microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements prove the existence of weak stripe domains at remanence, and of a threshold field for the reorientation of the stripes axis in a transversal field. Using a one-dimensional model of the magnetic stripe domains, where the essential parameter is the maximum canting angle of the stripe magnetization out of the film plane, the various contributions to the magnetic energy can be separately calculated. A linear increase of the reorientation threshold field on the PMA is obtained, in qualitative agreement with experimental data in our Fe–N films, as well as in other thin films with weak stripe domains. Finally, we find that also the rotatable anisotropy field linearly increases as a function of the PMA magnitude.
Irreducible restrictions of representations of alternating groups in small characteristics: Reduction theorems
Authors: Kleshchev Alexander , Morotti Lucia , Tiep Pham
Published: February 2020

We study irreducible restrictions from modules over alternating groups to proper subgroups, and prove reduction results which substantially restrict the classes of subgroups and modules for which this is possible. This problem had been solved when the characteristic of the ground field is greater than33, but the small characteristics cases require a substantially more delicate analysis and new ideas. This work fits into the Aschbacher-Scott program on maximal subgroups of finite classical groups.
Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Fraser Jim
Published: February 2020

Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction introduces the concept of forensic science and explains how it is used in the investigation of crime. It begins at the crime scene itself, explaining the principles and processes of crime scene management, and explores how forensic scientists work, from the reconstruction of events to laboratory examinations. It considers the techniques used, such as fingerprinting, and highlights the immense impact DNA profiling has had. Providing examples from forensic science cases in the UK, USA, and other countries, this VSI considers the techniques and challenges faced around the world. This new edition takes into account developments in areas such as DNA and drug analysis, and the growing field of digital forensics.
The disability process: is there a place for frailty?
Authors: Zamudio-Rodríguez Alfonso , Letenneur Luc , Féart Catherine , Avila-Funes José Alberto , Amieva Hélène , Pérès Karine
Published: February 2020

Background

frailty and disability are very common in older adults; they share some risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. Yet, they are different clinical entities.

Objectives

this study aimed to explore a potential hierarchical relationship between frailty and disability along the continuum of the disablement process.

Design

prospective cohort study.

Setting

the French Three-City (3C) study.

Subjects

the sample included 943 participants aged 75 and older.

Methods

the Fried frailty phenotype, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were used. We distinguished between four mutually excluding groups: (i) robust (no frailty and no disability); (ii) pure frailty (no disability); (iii) frailty with IADL disability (no ADL disability) and (iv) frailty with IADL and ADL disabilities. We used Cox’s regression models to study the 4-year mortality risk associated with each status.

Results

Eight-two per cent of participants were classified according to the assumed hierarchy: 61.3% was robust, 5.4% frail, 10.5% frail and IADL-disabled and 4.8% frail, IADL and ADL-disabled. An extra group of 17% was identified with IADL-disabled individuals without frailty. This extra group was similar to pure frailty in terms of characteristics and risk of death, placing them along the continuum at an intermediate stage between robustness and the two most disabled sub-groups.

Conclusions

our findings suggest that including frailty along the continuum could be relevant to describe the whole disablement process. Frailty would occur upstream of the process and might be relevant to identify an opportune time window, where specific monitoring and clinical interventions could be implemented in order to interrupt the process at a potentially more reversible stage.
Discovering and interpreting transcriptomic drivers of imaging traits using neural networks
Authors: Smedley Nova F , El-Saden Suzie , Hsu William
Published: February 2020

Motivation

Cancer heterogeneity is observed at multiple biological levels. To improve our understanding of these differences and their relevance in medicine, approaches to link organ- and tissue-level information from diagnostic images and cellular-level information from genomics are needed. However, these ‘radiogenomic’ studies often use linear or shallow models, depend on feature selection, or consider one gene at a time to map images to genes. Moreover, no study has systematically attempted to understand the molecular basis of imaging traits based on the interpretation of what the neural network has learned. These studies are thus limited in their ability to understand the transcriptomic drivers of imaging traits, which could provide additional context for determining clinical outcomes.

Results

We present a neural network-based approach that takes high-dimensional gene expression data as input and performs non-linear mapping to an imaging trait. To interpret the models, we propose gene masking and gene saliency to extract learned relationships from radiogenomic neural networks. In glioblastoma patients, our models outperformed comparable classifiers (>0.10 AUC) and our interpretation methods were validated using a similar model to identify known relationships between genes and molecular subtypes. We found that tumor imaging traits had specific transcription patterns, e.g. edema and genes related to cellular invasion, and 10 radiogenomic traits were significantly predictive of survival. We demonstrate that neural networks can model transcriptomic heterogeneity to reflect differences in imaging and can be used to derive radiogenomic traits with clinical value.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/novasmedley/deepRadiogenomics.

Contact

whsu@mednet.ucla.edu

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interactive effects of HIV and ageing on neural oscillations: independence from neuropsychological performance
Authors: Lew Brandon J , O’Neill Jennifer , Rezich Michael T , May Pamela E , Fox Howard S , Swindells Susan , Wilson Tony W
Published: February 2020

HIV infection is associated with increased age-related co-morbidities including cognitive deficits, leading to hypotheses of HIV-related premature or accelerated ageing. Impairments in selective attention and the underlying neural dynamics have been linked to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder; however, the effect of ageing in this context is not yet understood. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the interactive effects of ageing and HIV on selective attention processing. A total of 165 participants (92 controls, 73 participants with HIV) performed a visual selective attention task while undergoing magnetoencephalography and were compared cross-sectionally. Spectrally specific oscillatory neural responses during task performance were imaged and linked with selective attention function. Reaction time on the task and regional neural activity were analysed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models aimed at examining the age-by-HIV interaction term. Finally, these metrics were evaluated with respect to clinical measures such as global neuropsychological performance, duration of HIV infection and medication regimen. Reaction time analyses showed a significant HIV-by-age interaction, such that in controls older age was associated with greater susceptibility to attentional interference, while in participants with HIV, such susceptibility was uniformly high regardless of age. In regard to neural activity, theta-specific age-by-HIV interaction effects were found in the prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices. In participants with HIV, neuropsychological performance was associated with susceptibility to attentional interference, while time since HIV diagnosis was associated with parietal activity above and beyond global neuropsychological performance. Finally, current efavirenz therapy was also related to increased parietal interference activity. In conclusion, susceptibility to attentional interference in younger participants with HIV approximated that of older controls, suggesting evidence of HIV-related premature ageing. Neural activity serving attention processing indicated compensatory recruitment of posterior parietal cortex as participants with HIV infection age, which was related to the duration of HIV infection and was independent of neuropsychological performance, suggesting an altered trajectory of neural function.
Adenosine kinase inhibition promotes proliferation of neural stem cells after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gebril Hoda M , Rose Rizelle Mae , Gesese Raey , Emond Martine P , Huo Yuqing , Aronica Eleonora , Boison Detlev
Published: February 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern and remains a leading cause of disability and socio-economic burden. To date, there is no proven therapy that promotes brain repair following an injury to the brain. In this study, we explored the role of an isoform of adenosine kinase expressed in the cell nucleus (ADK-L) as a potential regulator of neural stem cell proliferation in the brain. The rationale for this hypothesis is based on coordinated expression changes of ADK-L during foetal and postnatal murine and human brain development indicating a role in the regulation of cell proliferation and plasticity in the brain. We first tested whether the genetic disruption of ADK-L would increase neural stem cell proliferation after TBI. Three days after TBI, modelled by a controlled cortical impact, transgenic mice, which lack ADK-L (ADKΔneuron) in the dentate gyrus (DG) showed a significant increase in neural stem cell proliferation as evidenced by significant increases in doublecortin and Ki67-positive cells, whereas animals with transgenic overexpression of ADK-L in dorsal forebrain neurons (ADK-Ltg) showed an opposite effect of attenuated neural stem cell proliferation. Next, we translated those findings into a pharmacological approach to augment neural stem cell proliferation in the injured brain. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were treated with the small molecule adenosine kinase inhibitor 5-iodotubercidin for 3 days after the induction of TBI. We demonstrate significantly enhanced neural stem cell proliferation in the DG of 5-iodotubercidin-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated injured animals. To rule out the possibility that blockade of ADK-L has any effects in non-injured animals, we quantified baseline neural stem cell proliferation in ADKΔneuron mice, which was not altered, whereas baseline neural stem cell proliferation in ADK-Ltg mice was enhanced. Together these findings demonstrate a novel function of ADK-L involved in the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation after TBI.
Tadalafil may improve cerebral perfusion in small-vessel occlusion stroke—a pilot study
Authors: Ölmestig Joakim , Marlet Ida R , Hansen Rasmus H , Rehman Shazia , Krawcyk Rikke Steen , Rostrup Egill , Lambertsen Kate L , Kruuse Christina
Published: February 2020

New treatments for cerebral small-vessel disease are needed to reduce the risk of small-vessel occlusion stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. We investigated an approach targeted to the signalling molecule cyclic guanosine monophosphate, using the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor tadalafil, to explore if it improves cerebral blood flow and endothelial function in patients with cerebral small-vessel disease and stroke. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot trial (NCT02801032), we included patients who had a previous (>6 months) small-vessel occlusion stroke. They received a single dose of either 20 mg tadalafil or placebo on 2 separate days at least 1 week apart. We measured the following: baseline MRI for lesion load, repeated measurements of blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery by transcranial Doppler, blood oxygen saturation in the cortical microvasculature by near-infrared spectroscopy, peripheral endothelial response by EndoPAT and endothelial-specific blood biomarkers. Twenty patients with cerebral small-vessel disease stroke (3 women, 17 men), mean age 67.1 ± 9.6, were included. The baseline mean values ± standard deviations were as follows: blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery, 57.4 ± 10.8 cm/s; blood oxygen saturation in the cortical microvasculature, 67.0 ± 8.2%; systolic blood pressure, 145.8 ± 19.5 mmHg; and diastolic blood pressure, 81.3 ± 9.1 mmHg. We found that tadalafil significantly increased blood oxygen saturation in the cortical microvasculature at 180 min post-administration with a mean difference of 1.57 ± 3.02%. However, we saw no significant differences in transcranial Doppler measurements over time. Tadalafil had no effects on peripheral endothelial function assessed by EndoPAT and endothelial biomarker results conflicted. Our findings suggest that tadalafil may improve vascular parameters in patients with cerebral small-vessel disease stroke, although the effect size was small. Increased oxygenation of cerebral microvasculature during tadalafil treatment indicated improved perfusion in the cerebral microvasculature, theoretically presenting an attractive new therapeutic target in cerebral small-vessel disease. Future studies of the effect of long-term tadalafil treatment on cerebrovascular reactivity and endothelial function are needed to evaluate general microvascular changes and effects in cerebral small-vessel disease and stroke.
Bachelor groups in primate multilevel society facilitate gene flow across fragmented habitats
Authors: Li Yu-Li , Wang Lu , Wu Jin-Wei , Ye Xin-Ping , Garber Paul A , Yan Ying , Liu Jia-Hui , Li Bao-Guo , Qi Xiao-Guang
Published: February 2020

In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation, many primate species have experienced reduced gene flow resulting in a reduction of genetic diversity, population bottlenecks, and inbreeding depression, including golden snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana. Golden snub-nosed monkeys live in a multilevel society composed of several 1 male harem units that aggregate to form a cohesive breeding band, which is followed by one or more bachelor groups composed of juvenile, subadult, and adult male members. In this research, we examine the continuous landscape resistance surface, the genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow among 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band in the Qinling Mountains, China. Landscape surface modeling suggested that human activities and ecological factors severely limit the movement of individuals among breeding bands. Although these conditions are expected to result in reduced gene flow, reduced genetic diversity, and an increased opportunity for a genetic bottleneck, based on population genetic analyses of 13 microsatellite loci from 188 individuals inhabiting 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band, we found high levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic divergence, as well as high rates of gene flow between males residing in the all-male band and each of the 4 breeding bands. Our results indicate that the movement of bachelor males across the landscape, along with their association with several different breeding bands, appears to provide a mechanism for promoting gene flows and maintaining genetic diversity that may counteract the otherwise isolating effects of habitat fragmentation.
Late left atrial appendage closure device displacement and massive thrombus formation: a case report
Authors: Sasko Benjamin , Ritter Oliver , Bramlage Peter , Riediger Fabian
Published: February 2020

Background 

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the WATCHMAN device is an alternative to anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of stroke in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Infrequently, left atrial (LA) device-related thrombus formation occurs and it is poorly understood. Thrombus formation due to incomplete covering of the LAA is even rarer and may occur within the first few months after device implantation.

Case summary 

Here, we present a case of a 68-year-old male patient with permanent AF, drug- and hepatitis induced liver cirrhosis (CILD Score B), and prior aortic valve replacement. The patient had a history of percutaneous LAA closure using a WATCHMAN device. He developed massive peri-device leak and thrombus arising from the space between the device and appendage cleft 2 years after implantation. Because of the high bleeding risk with a HAS-BLED score of 5 points, surgery was chosen as the therapy of choice instead of long-term anticoagulation. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition and has been scheduled for a yearly follow-up.

Discussion 

This case emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriately sized LAA occluder devices and planning for regular post-interventional follow-ups to minimize the risk of per-device leaks and thrombi.
Myocardial reperfusion reverses the J-curve association of cardiovascular risk and diastolic blood pressure in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure after myocardial infarction: insights from the EPHESUS trial
Authors: Böhm Michael , Ferreira João Pedro , Mahfoud Felix , Duarte Kevin , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick
Published: February 2020

Aims

The described association of low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with increased cardiovascular outcomes could be due to reduced coronary perfusion or is simply due to reverse causation. If DBP is physiologically relevant, coronary reperfusion after myocardial infarction (MI) might influence DBP–risk association.

Methods and results

The relation of achieved DBP with cardiovascular death or cardiovascular hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death was explored in 5929 patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with impaired left ventricular function, signs and symptoms of heart failure, or diabetes in the EPHESUS trial according to their reperfusion status. Cox regression models were used to assess the impact of reperfusion status on the association of DBP and systolic blood pressure (SBP) with outcomes in an adjusted fashion. In patients without reperfusion, lower DBP <70 mmHg was associated with increased risk for all-cause death [adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–2.30; P < 0.001], cardiovascular death (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.3–3.22; P < 0.001), cardiovascular death or cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26–1.87; P < 0.001). In patients with reperfusion, the risk increase at low DBP was not observed. At low SBP, risk increased independently of reperfusion. A sensitivity analysis in the subgroup of patients with optimal SBP of 120–130 mmHg showed again risk reduction of reperfusion at low DBP. Adding the treatment allocation to eplerenone or placebo into the models had no effects on the results.

Conclusion

Patients after AMIs with a low DBP had an increased risk, which was sensitive to reperfusion therapy. Low blood pressure after MI identifies in patients with particular higher risk. These data support the hypothesis that low DBP in patients with stenotic coronary lesions is associated with risk, potentially involving coronary perfusion pressure and the recommendations provided by guidelines suggesting lower DBP boundaries for these high-risk patients.
Dissolved organic matter stimulates N2 fixation and nifH gene expression in Trichodesmium
Authors: Benavides Mar , Duhamel Solange , Van Wambeke France , Shoemaker Katyanne M , Moisander Pia H , Salamon Ellen , Riemann Lasse , Bonnet Sophie
Published: February 2020

Mixotrophy, the combination of heterotrophic and autotrophic nutrition modes, is emerging as the rule rather than the exception in marine photosynthetic plankton. Trichodesmium, a prominent diazotroph ubiquitous in the (sub)tropical oceans, is generally considered to obtain energy via autotrophy. While the ability of Trichodesmium to use dissolved organic phosphorus when deprived of inorganic phosphorus sources is well known, the extent to which this important cyanobacterium may benefit from other dissolved organic matter (DOM) resources is unknown. Here we provide evidence of carbon-, nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich DOM molecules enhancing N2 fixation rates and nifH gene expression in natural Trichodesmium colonies collected at two stations in the western tropical South Pacific. Sampling at a third station located in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre revealed no Trichodesmium but showed presence of UCYN-B, although no nifH expression was detected. Our results suggest that Trichodesmium behaves mixotrophically in response to certain environmental conditions, providing them with metabolic plasticity and adding up to the view that mixotrophy is widespread among marine microbes.
A CURE for a Major Challenge in Phenomics: A Practical Guide to Implementing a Quantitative Specimen-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Authors: Price S A , Larouche O , Friedman S T , Corn K A , Wainwright P C , Martinez C M
Published: February 2020

Synopsis

The measurement and analysis of phenotypes is often a rate-limiting step for many integrative organismal studies but engaging undergraduate researchers can help overcome this challenge. We present a practical guide to implementing a quantitative specimen-based Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), which trains students to collect phenotypic data and mentors them through the entire scientific process using the data they help to collect. Direct access to specimens is not necessary to implement this undergraduate research experience, as recent efforts to digitize museum collections along with online image archives allow data extraction to take place in any classroom. We focus in particular on hypothesis development and quantitative skills, as they are essential for modern biological discovery but are rarely emphasized in traditional lecture-based classes. We have implemented this experience, focusing on collecting and analyzing body shape data across fishes, at two institutions with a total of 39 students. It has so far resulted in 14 talks and 4 posters presented by students at local symposia and 2 scientific papers in preparation with undergraduate co-authors. Moreover, the students had a positive experience that, according to their own assessment, improved their critical thinking and analytical skills as well as their knowledge of science and the scientific process.
Forum: Coding in Tongues: Developing Non-English Coding Schemes for Leadership Profiling
Authors: Brummer Klaus , Young Michael D , Özdamar Özgur , Canbolat Sercan , Thiers Consuelo , Rabini Christian , Dimmroth Katharina , Hansel Mischa , Mehvar Ameneh
Published: February 2020

Over the last twenty years since the introduction of automated coding schemes, research in foreign policy analysis (FPA) has made great advances. However, this automatization process is based on the analysis of verbal statements of leaders to create leadership profiles and has remained largely confined in terms of language. That is, the coding schemes can only parse English-language texts. This reduces both the quality and quantity of available data and limits the application of these leadership profiling techniques beyond the Anglosphere. Against this background, this forum offers five reports on the development of freely available coding schemes for either operational code analysis or leadership trait analysis for languages other than English (i.e., Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, German, and Persian).
In Vitro Phase I Metabolism of the Recently Emerged Synthetic MDMB-4en-PINACA and Its Detection in Human Urine Samples
Authors: Erol Ozturk Yeter , Yeter Oya
Published: February 2020

MDMB-4en-PINACA (methyl (S)-3,3-dimethyl-2-(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)butanoate) is a recently emerged synthetic cannabinoid in Turkey. MDMB-4en-PINACA was detected in herbal material investigated by the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul Narcotics Department in Turkey in April 2019. MDMB-4en-PINACA was added to the drug abuse list and quickly reported in biological samples after its first detection. In this study, the in vitro metabolism of MDMB-4en-PINACA was investigated by using a pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) assay and liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). MDMB-4en-PINACA (5 μmol/L) was incubated with HLMs for up to 1 h, and the metabolites were identified using LC–HRMS and software-assisted data mining. The in vivo metabolism was investigated by the analysis of 22 authentic urine samples and compared to the data received from the in vitro metabolism study. Less than 7.5% of the MDMB-4en-PINACA parent compound remained after the 1 h incubation. We identified 14 metabolites, which were formed via double bond oxidation, ester hydrolysis, N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation and further oxidation to N-pentanoic acid or a combination of these reactions in vitro. In 10 urine samples (total n = 22), MDMB-4en-PINACA was detected as the parent drug. Three of the identified main metabolites, double bond oxidation in combination with ester hydrolysis and hydroxylation metabolite (M3), MDMB-4en-PINACA butanoic acid (M14) and monohydroxypentyl-MDMB-4en-PINACA (M12), were suggested as suitable urinary markers. In vitro screening of 2,150 authentic urine samples for these identified MDMB-4en-PINACA metabolites resulted in 56 cases of confirmed MDMB-4en-PINACA consumption (2.6%).
The Decision to Move House and Aggregate Housing-Market Dynamics
Authors: Ngai L Rachel , Sheedy Kevin D
Published: February 2020

Using data on house sales and inventories, this paper shows that housing transactions are driven mainly by listings and less so by transaction speed, thus the decision to move house is key to understanding the housing market. The paper builds a model where moving house is essentially an investment in match quality, implying that moving depends on macroeconomic developments and housing-market conditions. The number of transactions has implications for welfare because each transaction reduces mismatch for homeowners. The quantitative importance of the decision to move house is shown in understanding the U.S. housing-market boom during 1995–2003. (JEL: D83, E22, R31)
In Defense of P Values
Authors: Begg Colin B
Published: February 2020

Recently, a controversy has erupted regarding the use of statistical significance tests and the associated P values. Prominent academic statisticians have recommended that the use of statistical tests be discouraged or not used at all. This has naturally led to a lot of confusion among research investigators about the support in the academic statistical community for statistical methods in general. In fact, the controversy surrounding the use of P values has a long history. Critics of P values argue that their use encourages bad scientific practice, leading to the publication of far more false-positive and false-negative findings than the methodology would imply. The thesis of this commentary is that the problem is really human nature, the natural proclivity of scientists to believe their own theories and present data in the most favorable light. This is strongly encouraged by a celebrity culture that is fueled by academic institutions, the scientific journals, and the media. The importance of the truth-seeking tradition of the scientific method needs to be reinforced, and this is being helped by current initiatives to improve transparency in science and to encourage reproducible and replicable research. Statistical testing, used correctly, has an important and valuable place in the scientific tradition.