bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do dogs mind the dots? Investigating domestic dogs' (Canis familiaris) preferential looking at human‐shaped point‐light figures
Authors: Delanoeije Joni , Gerencsér Linda , Miklósi Ádám
Published: February 2020

It is generally assumed that dogs show increased attention towards humans. A major part of this includes attention towards visual cues such as bodily gestures. We tested empirically whether dogs are visually attentive towards human body movement. Based on methods from visual perception research in humans, we used point‐light figures (PLFs) to investigate whether dogs attend to human body movement compared to other forms of motion. We investigated dogs' attentiveness towards vocalisation‐paired PLFs by adopting a preferential looking paradigm. Results indicate that dogs show increased attention towards vocalisation‐paired human‐shaped PLFs in comparison with inverted and non‐inverted scrambled configurations of the same PLFs. This increased attention, however, was only present in the case of PLFs that simulated a human in frontal orientation but not for PLFs in lateral orientation. We conclude that dogs prefer to look at PLFs of socially relevant (i.e. frontally facing) human body (i.e. natural) movement rather than scrambled (i.e. unnatural) displays. Our results indicate that PLFs may function as a promising tool to investigate dogs' visual perceptual preferences and mechanisms.
Opportunities for agent‐based modelling in human dimensions of fisheries
Authors: Burgess Matthew G. , Carrella Ernesto , Drexler Michael , Axtell Robert L. , Bailey Richard M. , Watson James R. , Cabral Reniel B. , Clemence Michaela , Costello Christopher , Dorsett Chris , Gaines Steven D. , Klein Emily S. , Koralus Philipp , Leonard George , Levin Simon A. , Little Lorne Richard , Lynham John , Madsen Jens Koed , Merkl Andreas , Owashi Brandon , Saul Steven E. , van Putten Ingrid E. , Wilcox Sharon
Published: February 2020

Models of human dimensions of fisheries are important to understanding and predicting how fishing industries respond to changes in marine ecosystems and management institutions. Advances in computation have made it possible to construct agent‐based models (ABMs)—which explicitly describe the behaviour of individual people, firms or vessels in order to understand and predict their aggregate behaviours. ABMs are widely used for both academic and applied purposes in many settings including finance, urban planning and the military, but are not yet mainstream in fisheries science and management, despite a growing literature. ABMs are well suited to understanding emergent consequences of fisher interactions, heterogeneity and bounded rationality, especially in complex ecological, social and institutional contexts. For these reasons, we argue that ABMs of human behaviour can contribute significantly to human dimensions of fisheries in three areas: (a) understanding interactions between multiple management institutions; (b) incorporating cognitive and behavioural sciences into fisheries science and practice; and (c) understanding and projecting the social consequences of management institutions. We provide simple examples illustrating the potential for ABMs in each of these areas, using conceptual (“toy”) versions of the POSEIDON model. We argue that salient strategic advances in these areas could pave the way for increased tactical use of ABMs in fishery management settings. We review common ABM development and application challenges, with the aim of providing guidance to beginning ABM developers and users studying human dimensions of fisheries.
Density‐dependent growth and survival in salmonids: Quantifying biological mechanisms and methodological biases
Authors: Matte Jean‐Michel , Fraser Dylan J. , Grant James W. A.
Published: February 2020

Understanding the complex variation in patterns of density‐dependent individual growth and survival across populations is critical to adaptive fisheries management, but the extent to which this variation is caused by biological or methodological differences is unclear. Consequently, we conducted a correlational meta‐analysis of published literature to investigate the relative importance of methodological and biological predictors on the shape and strength of density‐dependent individual growth and survival in salmonids. We obtained 160 effect sizes from 75 studies of 12 species conducted between 1977 and 2019 that differed in experimental approach (sensuEcological Monographs,54, 187–211; 65 laboratory experiments, 60 observational field studies, and 35 field experiments). The experimental approach was the strongest factor influencing the strength of density dependence across studies: density‐dependent survival was stronger than growth in field observational studies, whereas laboratory experiments detected stronger density‐dependent growth than survival. The difference between density‐dependent growth and survival was minimal in field experiments, and between lotic and lentic habitats. The shape of density dependence (logarithmic, linear, exponential or density‐independent) could be predicted with 66.7% accuracy based solely on the experimental approach and the density gradient (highest/lowest*100) of the study. Overall, the strength and shape of density dependence were primarily influenced by methodological predictors, while biological factors (predator presence, food abundance, and species) had predictable but modest effects. For both empirical studies and adaptive fisheries management, we recommend using field experiments with a density gradient of at least 470% to detect the proper shape of the density‐dependent response, or accounting for potential biases if observational or laboratory studies are conducted.
Discovery, development, and future application of senolytics: theories and predictions
Authors: Wissler Gerdes Erin O. , Zhu Yi , Tchkonia Tamar , Kirkland James L.
Published: February 2020

Senescent cells accumulate with aging and at etiological sites of multiple diseases, including those accounting for most morbidity, mortality, and health costs. Senescent cells do not replicate, can release factors that cause tissue dysfunction, and yet remain viable. The discovery of senolytic drugs, agents that selectively eliminate senescent cells, created a new route for alleviating age‐related dysfunction and diseases. As anticipated for agents targeting fundamental aging mechanisms that are ‘root cause’ contributors to multiple disorders, potential applications of senolytics are protean. We review the discovery of senolytics, strategies for translation into clinical application, and promising early signals from clinical trials.
The crystal structure of the tetrameric DABA‐aminotransferase EctB, a rate‐limiting enzyme in the ectoine biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Hillier Heidi Therese , Altermark Bjørn , Leiros Ingar
Published: February 2020

l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid (DABA) aminotransferases can catalyze the formation of amines at the distal ω‐position of substrates, and is the intial and rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of the cytoprotecting molecule (S)‐2‐methyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydro‐4‐pyrimidine carboxylic acid (ectoine). Although there is an industrial interest in the biosynthesis of ectoine, the DABA aminotransferases remain poorly characterized. Herein, we present the crystal structure of EctB (2.45 Å), a DABA aminotransferase from Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM 3043, a well‐studied organism with respect to osmoadaptation by ectoine biosynthesis. We investigate the enzyme’s oligomeric state to show that EctB from C. salexigens is a tetramer of two functional dimers, and suggest conserved recognition sites for dimerization that also includes the characteristic gating loop that helps shape the active site of the neighboring monomer. Although ω‐transaminases are known to have two binding pockets to accommodate for their dual substrate specificity, we herein provide the first description of two binding pockets in the active site that may account for the catalytic character of DABA aminotransferases. Furthermore, our biochemical data reveal that the EctB enzyme from C. salexigens is a thermostable, halotolerant enzyme with a broad pH tolerance which may be linked to its tetrameric state. Put together, this study creates a solid foundation for a deeper structural understanding of DABA aminotransferases and opening up for future downstream studies of EctB’s catalytic character and its redesign as a better catalyst for ectoine biosynthesis. In summary, we believe that the EctB enzyme from C. salexigens can serve as a benchmark enzyme for characterization of DABA aminotransferases.

Database

Structural data are available in PDB database under the accession number 6RL5.
A triclosan‐resistance protein from the soil metagenome is a novel enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase: Structure‐guided functional analysis
Authors: Kim Sang‐Hoon , Khan Raees , Choi Kihyuck , Lee Seon‐Woo , Rhee Sangkee
Published: February 2020

The synthetic biocide triclosan targets enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase(s) (ENR) in bacterial type II fatty acid biosynthesis. Screening and sequence analyses of the triclosan resistome from the soil metagenome identified a variety of triclosan‐resistance ENRs. Interestingly, the mode of triclosan resistance by one hypothetical protein was elusive, mainly due to a lack of sequence similarity with other proteins that mediate triclosan resistance. Here, we carried out a structure‐based function prediction of the hypothetical protein, herein referred to as FabMG, and in vivo and in vitro functional analyses. The crystal structure of FabMG showed limited structural homology with FabG and FabI, which are also involved in type II fatty acid synthesis. In vivo complementation and in vitro activity assays indicated that FabMG is functionally a FabI‐type ENR that employs NADH as a coenzyme. Variations in the sequence and structure of FabMG are likely responsible for inefficient binding of triclosan, resulting in triclosan resistance. These data unravel a previously uncharacterized FabMG, which is prevalent in various microbes in triclosan‐contaminated environments and provide mechanistic insight into triclosan resistance.
Mangrove blue carbon stocks and dynamics are controlled by hydrogeomorphic settings and land‐use change
Authors: Sasmito Sigit D. , Sillanpää Mériadec , Hayes Matthew A. , Bachri Samsul , Saragi‐Sasmito Meli F. , Sidik Frida , Hanggara Bayu B. , Mofu Wolfram Y. , Rumbiak Victor I. , Hendri  , Taberima Sartji , Suhaemi  , Nugroho Julius D. , Pattiasina Thomas F. , Widagti Nuryani , Barakalla  , Rahajoe Joeni S. , Hartantri Heru , Nikijuluw Victor , Jowey Rina N. , Heatubun Charlie D. , zu Ermgassen Philine , Worthington Thomas A. , Howard Jennifer , Lovelock Catherine E. , Friess Daniel A. , Hutley Lindsay B. , Murdiyarso Daniel
Published: February 2020

Globally, carbon‐rich mangrove forests are deforested and degraded due to land‐use and land‐cover change (LULCC). The impact of mangrove deforestation on carbon emissions has been reported on a global scale; however, uncertainty remains at subnational scales due to geographical variability and field data limitations. We present an assessment of blue carbon storage at five mangrove sites across West Papua Province, Indonesia, a region that supports 10% of the world's mangrove area. The sites are representative of contrasting hydrogeomorphic settings and also capture change over a 25‐years LULCC chronosequence. Field‐based assessments were conducted across 255 plots covering undisturbed and LULCC‐affected mangroves (0‐, 5‐, 10‐, 15‐ and 25‐year‐old post‐harvest or regenerating forests as well as 15‐year‐old aquaculture ponds). Undisturbed mangroves stored total ecosystem carbon stocks of 182–2,730 (mean ± SD: 1,087 ± 584) Mg C/ha, with the large variation driven by hydrogeomorphic settings. The highest carbon stocks were found in estuarine interior (EI) mangroves, followed by open coast interior, open coast fringe and EI forests. Forest harvesting did not significantly affect soil carbon stocks, despite an elevated dead wood density relative to undisturbed forests, but it did remove nearly all live biomass. Aquaculture conversion removed 60% of soil carbon stock and 85% of live biomass carbon stock, relative to reference sites. By contrast, mangroves left to regenerate for more than 25 years reached the same level of biomass carbon compared to undisturbed forests, with annual biomass accumulation rates of 3.6 ± 1.1 Mg C ha−1 year−1. This study shows that hydrogeomorphic setting controls natural dynamics of mangrove blue carbon stocks, while long‐term land‐use changes affect carbon loss and gain to a substantial degree. Therefore, current land‐based climate policies must incorporate landscape and land‐use characteristics, and their related carbon management consequences, for more effective emissions reduction targets and restoration outcomes.
DISOLV: A Python Package for the Interpretation of Borehole Dilution Tests
Authors: Collins Sarah L. , Bianchi Marco
Published: February 2020

Single borehole dilution tests (SBDTs) are an inexpensive but effective technique for hydrogeological characterization of hard‐rock aquifers. We present a freely available, easy‐to‐use, open‐source Python package, DISOLV, for plotting, analyzing, and modeling SBDT data. DISOLV can significantly reduce the time spent interpreting field data by helping to identify flowing fractures intersecting the borehole and estimate the corresponding flow rates. DISOLV is successfully benchmarked against two analytical solutions. We also present an example application to real data collected in a borehole in a crystalline basement aquifer in southern India.
Groundwater Impacts from the M5.8 Earthquake in Korea as Determined by Integrated Monitoring Systems
Authors: Lee Soo‐Hyoung , Lee Jae Min , Yoon Heesung , Kim Yongcheol , Hwang Seho , Ha Kyoochul , Kim Yongje
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the impacts of the M5.8(5.1) Gyeongju earthquakes on groundwater levels using data obtained from a unique coastal monitoring well. The monitoring strategy integrates conventional water level monitoring with periodic, continuous measurements of temperature and electrical conductivity (EC) within the water column of the well. Another important component of the monitoring system is a new instrument, the InterfacEGG, which is capable of dynamically tracking the freshwater‐saltwater interface. Although the system was set up to monitor seawater intrusion related to over‐pumping, as well as rainfall and tidal effects, it recorded impacts associated with a large earthquake and aftershocks approximately 241 km away. Seismic energies associated with the M5.8(5.1) Gyeongju earthquakes induced groundwater flows to the monitoring well through fractures and joints in the crystalline basement rocks. Temperature and EC logging data showed that the EC vertical profile declined from an average of approximately 5300 to 4800 μS/cm following the earthquakes. The temperature profile showed a trend toward lower temperatures as the depth increased, a feature not commonly observed in previous studies. Data from the InterfacEGG suggested that the rise in EC was not due to the saltwater intrusion, but from the tendency for brackish water entering the borehole to induce convective mixing at deeper depths as the seismic waves travel through the well‐aquifer system. The increase in groundwater levels was caused by pulse of colder, less brackish water flowing into the well because of the earthquake. This behavior reflects an enhancement in rock permeability by removing precipitates and colloidal particles from clogged fractures, which improve the hydraulic connection with a nearby unit with a higher hydraulic head. This study suggests there is value added with a more aggressive monitoring strategy.
‘There is no choice apart from antibiotics…’: Qualitative analysis of views on urinary infections in pregnancy and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Ghouri Flavia , Hollywood Amelia , Ryan Kath
Published: February 2020

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a health risk as it can lead to life‐threatening infections. There has been a rise in resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) which is the most common infection in pregnancy. This can be challenging in pregnancy due to the additional need to safeguard foetal development. The study's aim was to explore views about AMR in women who experienced UTIs in pregnancy.

Design

Fifteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the UK and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Results highlighted two themes: conceptualization of AMR and pregnancy as a deviation from the norm, with an overarching theme of ‘self‐efficacy’. Results show that participants were concerned about AMR but uncertain about the effect on society compared to individual's taking antibiotics and about completing antibiotic courses. Participants reported an unsparing use of antibiotics was justified in pregnancy, and behaviours like drinking adequate water were ineffective at preventing UTIs. In summary, women had low self‐efficacy regards tackling AMR and managing their health.

Conclusion

Misconceptions about how AMR affects society vs the individual translated into viewing it as a future problem to be tackled by the health‐care sector. Consequently, AMR requires reconceptualization as a current problem requiring collective action. This research also indicates women endorse a biomedical model of UTIs in pregnancy which attributes resolving illness to interventions such as medicines, implying an automatic reliance on antibiotics. Subsequently, there is a need for self‐efficacy by focusing on a behavioural model which emphasizes behaviours for infection prevention, thus reducing the need for antibiotics.
Effects of different ATP contents on phosphorylation level of glycogen phosphorylase and its activity in lamb during incubation at 4 ℃ in vitro
Authors: Bai Yuqiang , Li Xin , Zhang Dequan , Hou Chengli , Zheng Xiaochun , Chen Li , Ren Chi
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ATP on glycogen phosphorylase activity in lamb during incubation at 4℃ in vitro. Sarcoplasmic proteins from lamb were extracted and treated with different contents of ATP to get three groups of glycogen phosphorylase with low, middle and high ATP content groups, the amount of ATP were 0.5, 2.0 and 2.5 μM per 100 μg protein, respectively. The control group was without ATP adding. The results showed that ATP promoted the phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase, and phosphorylation modification promoted its activity. But ATP inhibited the activity of glycogen phosphorylase and ATP preferentially participated in phosphorylation. When ATP concentration was 0.5 μM per 100 μg protein, the effect of phosphorylation modification on the activity of glycogen phosphorylase was equal to the inhibition of ATP. The effect of glycogen phosphorylase phosphorylation on its activity gradually became dominant as incubation time prolonged.
Influence of cut type on quality, antioxidant substances and antioxidant activity of fresh‐cut broccoli
Authors: Guan Yuge , Hu Wenzhong , Jiang Aili , Xu Yongping , Yu Jiaoxue , Zhao Manru , Ji Yaru , Feng Ke , Sarengaowa  , Yang Xiaozhe
Published: February 2020

In order to clarify an efficient and convenient method to increase the antioxidant activity in broccoli, this study intended primarily to elucidate the effect of cutting type on the quality parameters, antioxidant substance contents and antioxidant activity of broccoli using different floret diameters of 10 × 10 cm (CS1), 5 × 5 cm (CS2), 2.5 × 2.5 cm (CS3) and shredded florets (CS4). The results showed that chlorophyll, total soluble solid, vitamin C and reduced glutathione contents of fresh‐cut broccoli were decreased obviously during the storage. However, there was a significant influence of cutting type on the enzymatic activities involved in phenolic synthesis and oxidation including phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase, and polyphenol oxidase, which contributed to increasing phenolic content by 26.8%, 30.9%, 46.0%, and 51.3% in CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4, respectively, and further enhanced the antioxidant activity by more than 60% in fresh‐cut broccoli. Moreover, the activities of antioxidant‐related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, were increased significantly in fresh‐cut broccoli. In conclusion, the cutting types had no significant effect on quality but clearly influenced the antioxidant substances and activities of broccoli; therefore, this study provided an efficient and convenient method to enhance the potential nutritional value of broccoli.
Clinical application of a new latex photometric immunoassay reagent, LPIA‐GENESIS D‐dimer, and its performance in patient‐derived plasma samples
Authors: Nagahama Yutaka , Nozaki Junko , Sakurai George , Yajima Satoshi , Kaneko Noriko , Yamazaki Etsuko , Matsuda Michio
Published: February 2020

Introduction

We previously reported an antibody MIF‐220 that recognizes a specific structure induced on the surface of thrombin‐activated E‐domain of one fibrin molecule bound with the D‐domains of other fibrinogen/fibrin molecules. Utilizing MIF‐220, we produced a test kit for cross‐linked fibrin degradation products (XDP), LPIA‐GENESIS D‐dimer (LG‐DD), and evaluated basic performance characteristics for clinical application. We then attempted to apply LG‐DD to see its eligibility in clinical plasma samples.

Method

The characteristic performances requested for clinical use were studied including limit of quantitation, within‐run imprecision, day‐to‐day imprecision, antigen excess, interference study, and method comparison with LPIAACE‐Ddimer (ACE‐DD) available on the market.

Results

The performance characteristics were all satisfactory. Extraordinarily high concentrations of XDP are occasionally obtained by ACE‐DD in samples with collection problems, but not by LG‐DD, indicating that a certain XDP species present in the former was not measured by LG‐DD. Structural studies suggested that the “B‐b” set of polymerization sites must be involved as well in the maintenance of cross‐linked fibrin in vivo.

Conclusion

LG‐DD was able to measure a wide range of XDP, that is, 0.20‐35.0 μg FEU/mL that covers the levels of XDP in most of the clinical samples. LG‐DD was found to almost avoid false‐positive results noticed in samples as mentioned above, and this feature seems to be preferable to established kits for the measurement of XDP.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of BiFeO3 and Bi/BiFeO3 cubic microcrystals
Authors: Guo Yanhua , Zhou Sihua , Sun Xianke , Yuan Huanli
Published: February 2020

BiFeO3 and Bi/BiFeO3 cubic microcrystals were synthesized in this work. The phase, microstructure, optical and photo electrochemical properties, as well as the photocatalytic activities in photocatalytic hydrogen generation were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results demonstrate the successful synthesis of BiFeO3 and Bi/BiFeO3. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) results give the evidence of cubic morphology and the deposition of metal Bi on the surface of BiFeO3. The absorption spectra show that Bi/BiFeO3 has longer absorption edge and stronger absorption capability to visible light. The photocurrent curves, emission spectra, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra demonstrate that Bi/BiFeO3 has higher efficiency of electron‐hole separation and charge transfer, as well as longer lifetime of the charge carriers. These benefit to the enhancement of activity in photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
The impact of emotion‐based mass media campaigns on stigma toward cervical screening non participation
Authors: Wearn Angela , Shepherd Lee
Published: February 2020

Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of mass media coverage of cancer on screening rates. In this online experiment, we assessed the influence of different types of mass media news articles (factual vs. emotive narratives) on cervical cancer screening intentions. We also tested the process through which mass media news articles influence screening intention. Participants (N = 141) were randomly allocated to receive either a news article containing factual information about screening, a news article containing an emotive narrative about a nonfamous woman who died after not being screened, or no information about screening. Participants, then, completed measures of stigma, fear, shame, and screening intention. Stigma toward people who had not been screened (i.e., public stigma) was greater when participants received an emotive narrative rather than factual information or no information. Moreover, we found a significant indirect effect of the manipulation on screening intention via public stigma. These results indicated that the emotive news article increased public stigma, which in turn predicted screening intention. Based on this, we argue that it is important to carefully consider the type of narrative that is included in mass media articles to ensure that it does not stigmatize people who have not been screened.
Psychiatric diseases from the psychotic spectrum in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: An under‐recognized comorbidity
Authors: Poot F.
Published: February 2020

Linked article: D. Tzur Bitan et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 574–579. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15997.
Lentigo maligna and intensified ablative fractional laser‐assisted PDT: a promising, minimally invasive treatment approach
Authors: Marini L. , Marini S.
Published: February 2020

Linked article: J.E. Räsänen et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 510–517. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15925.
Comment on: End‐of‐Life Decision Making and Treatment for Patients With Professional Guardians
Authors: LaRock Marisa , Siniscarco Mary
Published: February 2020

See the Reply by Cohen et al.
Reply to Comment on: End‐of‐Life Decision Making and Treatment for Patients With Professional Guardians
Authors: Cohen Andrew B. , Fried Terri R.
Published: February 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Marisa LaRock.
Wish to Die in Older Patients: Development and Validation of Two Assessment Instruments
Authors: Dürst Anne‐Véronique , Spencer Brenda , Büla Christophe , Fustinoni Sarah , Mazzocato Claudia , Rochat Etienne , Rubli Truchard Eve , Monod Stéfanie , Jox Ralf J.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

The wish to die may be different in geriatric patients than in younger terminally ill patients. This study aimed to develop and validate instruments for assessing the wish to die in geriatric patients.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Geriatric rehabilitation unit of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N = 101) aged 65 years or older with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 20 or higher, admitted consecutively over a 5‐month period.

MEASUREMENTS

The Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death (SAHD) was adapted to the older population (SAHD‐Senior). A second tool was developed based on qualitative literature, the Categories of Attitudes Toward Death Occurrence (CADO). After cognitive pretesting, these instruments were validated in a sample of patients admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit.

RESULTS

The SAHD‐Senior showed good psychometric properties and a unifactorial structure. In the studied sample, 12.9% had a SAHD‐Senior score of 10 or higher, suggesting a significant wish to die. Associations were observed between high levels of the SAHD‐Senior and advanced age, high levels of depressive symptoms, lower quality of life, and lower cognitive function. The CADO allowed for passive death wishes to be distinguished from wishes to actively hasten death. According to the CADO, 14.9% of the sample had a wish to die. The two instruments showed a concordance rate of 90.1%.

CONCLUSION

The wish to die in older patients admitted to rehabilitation can be validly assessed with two novel instruments. The considerable proportion with a wish to die warrants investigation into concept, determinants, and management of the wish to die. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1202–1209, 2020.
A mass balance approach to urban water analysis using multi‐resolution data
Authors: Hastie Allisa G. , Chini Christopher M. , Stillwell Ashlynn S.
Published: February 2020

With a growing urban population and increasing climate uncertainty, it is necessary to quantitatively understand the flux of resources through cities, specifically energy and water resources. Many methods exist to analyze the urban energy–water nexus based on either physical characteristics of the system or using available data. While data‐driven approaches can be valuable, they are often challenging to duplicate on a large scale due to data availability, or they do not allow for drawing specific, detailed conclusions. Our work seeks to remedy these challenges by using multi‐resolution data and a mass balance approach to provide a reproducible and scalable method for analyzing water and embedded energy systems in cities with varying levels of infrastructure and technological advancements. Using a combination of utility‐scale and meter‐level data, we provide several quantitative performance gauges on a monthly and annual time scale. This process reveals notable seasonal variation in water demand, non‐revenue water, and embedded energy, providing a holistic understanding of water and its embedded resources. Our work further confronts the challenges of integrating disparate data sets into a uniform format to allow for accurate analysis. These particular data, coupled with a mass balance methodology, facilitate the examination of an urban area from top‐down and bottom‐up perspectives, yielding opportunities to quantify additional performance metrics beyond a single approach.
Necrostatin‐1 prevents the proapoptotic protein Bcl‐2/adenovirus E1B 19‐kDa interacting protein 3 from integration into mitochondria
Authors: Mu Jiao , Weng Jiequn , Yang Chaoxian , Guan Teng , Deng Li , Li Meiyu , Zhang Guohui , Kong Jiming
Published: February 2020

Necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1) has previously been shown to protect neurons from death in traumatic and ischemic brain injuries. This study tests the hypothesis that Nec‐1 protects neural cells against traumatic and ischemic brain injuries through inhibition of the Bcl‐2/adenovirus E1B 19‐kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3). We have used biochemical and morphological techniques to determine the inhibition of Nec‐1 on BNIP3‐induced cell death and to identify its mechanism of action in in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegeneration. Here we show that Nec‐1 significantly increased neuronal viability following prolonged exposure to hypoxia in vitro, and attenuated myelin damage and neuronal death in traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Nec‐1 alleviated traumatic brain injury‐induced up‐regulation of BNIP3 in mature oligodendrocytes. In isolated mitochondria, Nec‐1 prevented BNIP3 from integrating into mitochondria by modifying its binding sites on the mitochondria. Consequently, Nec‐1 robustly inhibited BNIP3‐induced collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced the opening probability of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. Nec‐1 also preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure and suppressed BNIP3‐induced nuclear translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor. In conclusion, Nec‐1 protects neurons and oligodendrocytes against traumatic and ischemic brain injuries by targeting the BNIP3‐induced cell death pathway, and is a novel inhibitor for BNIP3.

image

Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15056.
Racial/ethnic disparities in sleep duration and sleep disturbances among pregnant and non‐pregnant women in the United States
Authors: Feinstein Lydia , McWhorter Ketrell L. , Gaston Symielle A. , Troxel Wendy M. , Sharkey Katherine M. , Jackson Chandra L.
Published: February 2020

Sleep disturbances among pregnant women are increasingly linked to suboptimal maternal/birth outcomes. Few studies in the USA investigating sleep by pregnancy status have included racially/ethnically diverse populations, despite worsening disparities in adverse birth outcomes. Using a nationally representative sample of 71,644 (2,349 pregnant) women from the National Health Interview Survey (2004–2017), we investigated relationships between self‐reported pregnancy and six sleep characteristics stratified by race/ethnicity. We also examined associations between race/ethnicity and sleep stratified by pregnancy status. We used average marginal predictions from fitted logistic regression models to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each sleep dimension, adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics. Pregnant women were less likely than non‐pregnant women to report short sleep (PROverall = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68–0.82) and more likely to report long sleep (PROverall = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.74–2.43) and trouble staying asleep (PROverall = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.25–1.44). The association between pregnancy and sleep duration was less pronounced among women aged 35–49 years compared to those <35 years. Among white women, sleep medication use was less prevalent among pregnant compared to non‐pregnant women (PRWhite = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31–0.64), but this association was not observed among black women (PRBlack = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.46–2.09) and was less pronounced among Hispanic/Latina women (PRHispanic/Latina = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.38–1.77). Compared to pregnant white women, pregnant black women had a higher short sleep prevalence (PRBlack = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08–1.67). Given disparities in maternal/birth outcomes and sleep, expectant mothers (particularly racial/ethnic minorities) may need screening followed by treatment for sleep disturbances. Our findings should be interpreted in the historical and sociocultural context of the USA.
Long‐term benefits of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: Follow‐up report from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Luik Annemarie I. , Marsden Antonia , Emsley Richard , Henry Alasdair L. , Stott Richard , Miller Christopher B. , Espie Colin A.
Published: February 2020

Digital cognitive behavioural therapy (dCBT) is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia and also improves well‐being and quality of life (QoL). We assessed whether these benefits are sustained and if the effects of dCBT extend to the use of sleep medication and healthcare. In total 1,711 adults (48.0 ± 13.8 years, 77.6% female) with complaints of chronic insomnia participated in a previously published randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN 60530898) comparing dCBT (n = 853) with sleep hygiene education (SHE, n = 858). At weeks 0, 4, 8, 24, 36 and 48, we assessed functional health (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Global Health Scale); psychological well‐being (Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale) and sleep‐related QoL (Glasgow Sleep Impact Index), prescribed and non‐prescribed sleep medication use, and healthcare utilization. At week 25, those who received SHE at baseline were offered dCBT. dCBT improved functional health (difference: 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03; 2.88, Cohen's d: 0.50, p < .001), psychological well‐being (difference: 4.34, 95% CI: 3.70; 4.98, Cohen's d: 0.55, p < .001) and sleep‐related QoL (difference: −44.61, 95%CI: −47.17; −42.05, Cohen's d: −1.44, p < .001) at week 48 compared to baseline. At week 24 dCBT, compared to SHE, also reduced use of prescription and non‐prescription sleep medication up to week 24 (adjusted rate ratio [RR]: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42; 0.97, p = .037 and adjusted RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37; 0.74, p < .0001, respectively), but not healthcare utilization. Uncontrolled follow‐up suggests that these effects were sustained for non‐prescribed sleep medication (RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40; 0.67, p < .001). In conclusion, this study suggests that dCBT results in sustained benefits to insomnia and its daytime outcomes.
Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic evaluation of North American Irish Wolfhounds
Authors: Tyrrell William D. , Abbott Jonathan A. , Rosenthal Steven L. , Dentino Mariellen , Abrams Frances
Published: February 2020

Background

Cardiac disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Irish Wolfhounds (IWs), but its prevalence and clinical characteristics in North American IWs are incompletely described.

Hypothesis/Objectives

That atrial fibrillation (AF) is a diagnostic marker of echocardiographic abnormalities, and that clinical characteristics predict development of IW cardiomyopathy (IWCM). To define the prevalence of arrhythmias and echocardiographic abnormalities in North American IWs.

Animals

Six hundred and forty‐five adult IWs presented for screening examinations intended to identify familial cardiac disease.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, reference intervals defined based on echocardiographic data from IW classified as normal, were used to define the prevalence of structural and functional abnormalities. A logistic model was developed to identify clinical findings that predict future development of IWCM.

Results

The prevalence of AF was 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6‐11.2) of which 55.5% had echocardiographic abnormalities. IWCM defined by left atrial enlargement, left ventricular dilatation, and systolic dysfunction had a prevalence of 1.8% (0.72‐2.8). Positive and negative likelihood ratios for AF in the identification of IWCM were, respectively, 10.8 (7.29‐16) and 0.2 (0.06‐0.69). Multivariable logistic regression identified AF (odds ratio [OR]; 10.6, 95% CI, 2.67‐42.3) and male sex (OR; 3.8, 95% CI, 1.02‐14) as predictors of future development of IWCM.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Atrial fibrillation is common in North American IW. It occurs in association with structural cardiac disease but also in its absence. Irish Wolfhounds cardiomyopathy is characterized by chamber enlargement but minimally decreased ejection phase indices of myocardial function. Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for future development of IWCM.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of amoxicillin trihydrate in freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) after intramuscular administration at two doses
Authors: Poapolathep Saranya , Giorgi Mario , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Wongwaipairoj Tara , Poapolathep Amnart
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the pharmacokinetic profiles of amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX) in Siamese freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis). Crocodiles were administered a single intramuscular injection of AMX, at a dose of either 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at preassigned times up to 120 hr. The plasma concentrations of AMX were measured using a validated liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry method. AMX plasma concentrations were quantifiable for up to 72 hr (5 mg/kg b.w.) and 96 hr (10 mg/kg b.w.). The elimination half‐life (t1/2λz) of AMX following dosing at 5 mg/kg b.w. (8.72 ± 0.61 hr) was almost identical to that following administration at 10 mg/kg b.w (8.98 ± 1.13 hr). The maximum concentration and area under the curve from zero to the last values of AMX increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. The average binding percentage of AMX to plasma protein was 21.24%. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, susceptibility break point, and the surrogate PK‐PD index (T > MIC, 0.25 μg/ml), intramuscular administration of AMX at dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. every 4 days might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in freshwater crocodiles.
The RpoN2‐PilRX regulatory system governs type IV pilus gene transcription and is required for bacterial motility and virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yu Chao , Nguyen Doan-Phuong , Ren Zhaoyu , Liu Jianan , Yang Fenghuan , Tian Fang , Fan Susu , Chen Huamin
Published: February 2020

The type IV pilus (T4P), a special class of bacterial surface filament, plays crucial roles in surface adhesion, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence in pathogenic bacteria. However, the regulatory mechanism of T4P and its relationship to bacterial virulence are still little understood in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal pathogen of bacterial blight of rice. Our previous studies showed that the σ54 factor RpoN2 regulated bacterial virulence on rice in a flagellum‐independent manner in Xoo. In this study, both yeast two‐hybrid and pull‐down assays revealed that RpoN2 directly and specifically interacted with PilRX, a homolog of the response regulator PilR of the two‐component system PilS‐PilR in the pilus gene cluster. Genomic sequence and reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) analysis showed 13 regulons containing 25 genes encoding T4P structural components and putative regulators. A consensus RpoN2‐binding sequence GGN10GC was identified in the promoter sequences of most T4P gene transcriptional units. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the direct binding of RpoN2 to the promoter of the major pilin gene pilAX, the inner membrane platform protein gene pilCX, and pilRX. Promoter activity and quantitative RT‐PCR assays demonstrated direct and indirect transcriptional regulation by RpoN2 of the T4P genes. In addition, individual deletions of pilAX, pilCX, and pilRX resulted in significantly reduced twitching and swimming motility, biofilm formation, and virulence in rice. Taken together, the findings from the current study suggest that the RpoN2‐PilRX regulatory system controls bacterial motility and virulence by regulating T4P gene transcription in Xoo.
Cold acclimation of mesophyll conductance, bundle‐sheath conductance and leakiness in Miscanthus × giganteus
Authors: Serrano‐Romero Erika A. , Cousins Asaph B.
Published: February 2020

The cold acclimations of mesophyll conductance (gm), bundle‐sheath conductance (gbs) and the CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) of C4 plants have not been well studied.

Here, we estimated the temperature response of gm, gbs and leakiness (ϕ), the amount of concentrated CO2 that escapes the bundle‐sheath cells, for the chilling‐tolerant C4 plant Miscanthus × giganteus grown at 14 and 25°C. To estimate these parameters, we combined the C4‐enzyme‐limited photosynthesis model and the Δ13C discrimination model. These combined models were parameterised using in vitro activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA), pyruvate, phosphate dikinase (PPDK), ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc).

Cold‐grown Miscanthus plants increased in vitro activities of RuBisCO and PPDK but decreased PEPc activity compared with warm‐grown plants. Mesophyll conductance and gbs responded strongly to measurement temperatures but did not differ between plants from the two growth temperatures. Furthermore, modelling showed that ϕ increased with measurement temperatures for both cold‐grown and warm‐grown plants, but was only marginally larger in cold‐grown compared with warm‐grown plants.

Our results in Miscanthus support that gm and gbs are unresponsive to growth temperature and that the CCM is able to acclimate to cold through increased activity of PPDK and RuBisCO.
Changes in ambient temperature are the prevailing cue in determining Brachypodium distachyon diurnal gene regulation
Authors: MacKinnon Kirk J‐M. , Cole Benjamin J. , Yu Chang , Coomey Joshua H. , Hartwick Nolan T. , Remigereau Marie‐Stanislas , Duffy Tomás , Michael Todd P. , Kay Steve A. , Hazen Samuel P.
Published: February 2020

Plants are continuously exposed to diurnal fluctuations in light and temperature, and spontaneous changes in their physical or biotic environment. The circadian clock coordinates regulation of gene expression with a 24 h period, enabling the anticipation of these events.

We used RNA sequencing to characterize the Brachypodium distachyon transcriptome under light and temperature cycles, as well as under constant conditions.

Approximately 3% of the transcriptome was regulated by the circadian clock, a smaller proportion than reported in most other species. For most transcripts that were rhythmic under all conditions, including many known clock genes, the period of gene expression lengthened from 24 to 27 h in the absence of external cues. To functionally characterize the cyclic transcriptome in B. distachyon, we used Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, and found several terms significantly associated with peak expression at particular times of the day. Furthermore, we identified sequence motifs enriched in the promoters of similarly phased genes, some potentially associated with transcription factors.

When considering the overlap in rhythmic gene expression and specific pathway behavior, thermocycles was the prevailing cue that controlled diurnal gene regulation. Taken together, our characterization of the rhythmic B. distachyon transcriptome represents a foundational resource with implications in other grass species.
The functionally conserved effector Sta1 is a fungal cell wall protein required for virulence in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Tanaka Shigeyuki , Gollin Isabelle , Rössel Nicole , Kahmann Regine
Published: February 2020

The biotrophic fungus Ustilago maydis causes the smut disease of maize. The interaction with its host and induction of characteristic tumors are governed largely by secreted effectors whose function is mostly unknown. To identify effectors with a prominent role in virulence, we used RNA sequencing and found that the gene sta1 is upregulated during early stages of infection.

We characterized Sta1 by comparative genomics, reverse genetics, protein localization, stress assays, and microscopy.

sta1 mutants show a dramatic reduction of virulence and show altered colonization of tissue neighboring the vascular bundles. Functional orthologues of Sta1 are found in related smut pathogens infecting monocot and dicot plants. Sta1 is secreted by budding cells but is attached to the cell wall of filamentous hyphae. Upon constitutive expression of Sta1, fungal filaments become susceptible to Congo red, β‐glucanase, and chitinase, suggesting that Sta1 alters the structure of the fungal cell wall. Constitutive or delayed expression of sta1 during plant colonization negatively impacts on virulence.

Our results suggest that Sta1 is a novel kind of effector, which needs to modify the hyphal cell wall to allow hyphae to be accommodated in tissue next to the vascular bundles.
The role of sensory drive in floral evolution
Authors: Koski Matthew H.
Published: February 2020

Sensory drive theory posits that the evolution of communication signals is shaped by the sensory systems of receivers and the habitat conditions under which signals are received. It has inspired an enormous body of research, advancing our understanding of signal evolution and speciation in animals. In plants, the extreme diversification of floral signals has fascinated biologists for over a century. While processes involved in sensory drive probably play out in plant–pollinator communication, the theory has not been formally synthesized in this context. However, it has untapped potential to explain mechanisms underlying variation in pollinator preferences across populations, and how environmental conditions impact floral signal transmission and perception. Here I develop a framework of sensory drive for plant–pollinator interactions, identifying similarities and differences from its original conception. I then summarize studies that shed light on how the primary processes of sensory drive – habitat transmission, perceptual tuning, and signal matching – apply to the evolution of floral color and scent. Throughout, I propose research avenues and approaches to assess how sensory drive shapes floral diversity. This framework will be important for explaining patterns of extant floral diversity and examining how altered signaling conditions under global change will impact the evolutionary trajectory of floral traits.