bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of isolated cross‐linked short actin oligomers with the skeletal muscle myosin motor domain
Authors: Qu Zheng , Fujita‐Becker Setsuko , Ballweber Edda , Ince Semra , Herrmann Christian , Schröder Rasmus R. , Mannherz Hans Georg
Published: March 2018

The cyclical interaction between F‐actin and myosin in muscle cells generates contractile force. The myosin motor domain hydrolyses ATP, resulting in conformational changes that are amplified by the myosin lever arm that links the motor domain to the rod domain. Recent cryo‐electron microscopic data have provided a clear picture of the myosin‐ATP–F‐actin complex, but structural insights into other stages of the myosin‐actin interaction have been less forthcoming. To address this issue, we cross‐linked F‐actin subunits between Cys374 and Lys191, and separated them by gel filtration. Purified actin‐dimers, ‐trimers and ‐tetramers retained the ability to polymerize and to stimulate myosin‐subfragment 1 (myosin‐S1) ATPase activity. To generate stable actin oligomer:myosin‐S1 complexes, we blocked actin polymerization with gelsolin and Clostridium botulinum iota toxin‐mediated ADP‐ribosylation. After polymerization inhibition, actin‐trimers and ‐tetramers retained the ability to stimulate the myosin‐S1‐ATPase, whereas the actin‐dimer showed very little ATPase stimulation. We then analysed the stoichiometry and binding affinity of myosin‐S1 to actin oligomers. Actin‐trimers and ‐tetramers bound myosin‐S1 in the absence of nucleotide; the trimer contains one myosin‐S1 binding site. We calculated a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.1 × 10−10 m and 1.9 × 10−10 m for binding of native F‐actin and the actin‐trimer to myosin‐S1, respectively. EM of the actin‐trimer:myosin‐S1 complex demonstrated the presence of single particles of uniform size. Image reconstruction allowed a reasonable fit of the actin‐trimer and myosin‐S1 into the obtained density clearly showing binding of one myosin‐S1 molecule to the two long‐pitch actins of the trimer, supporting the kinetic data.
On the connection between Palmgren‐Miner rule and crack propagation laws
Authors: Ciavarella M. , D'antuono P. , Papangelo A.
Published: March 2018

The classical Palmgren‐Miner (PM) rule, despite clearly approximation, is commonly applied for the case of variable amplitude loading, and to date, there is no simple alternative. In the literature, previous authors have commented that the PM hypothesis is based on an exponential fatigue crack growth law, ie, when da/dN is proportional to the crack size a, the case that includes also Paris law for m=2, in particular. This is because they applied it by updating the damage estimate during the crack growth.

It is here shown that applying PM to the “initial” and nominal (Stress vs Number of cycles) curve of a cracked structure results exactly in the integration of the simple Paris power law equation and more in general to any crack law in the form da/dN=HΔσhan. This leads to an interesting new interpretation of PM rule. Indeed, the fact that PM rule is often considered to be quite inaccurate pertains more to the general case when propagation cannot be simplified to this form (like when there are distinct initiation and propagation phases), rather than in long crack propagation. Indeed, results from well‐known round‐robin experiments under spectrum loading confirm that even using modified Paris laws for crack propagation, the results of the “noninteraction” models, neglecting retardation and other crack closure or plasticity effects due to overloads, are quite satisfactory, and these correspond indeed very closely to applying PM, at least when geometrical factors can be neglected. The use of generalized exponential crack growth, even in the context of spectrum loading, seems to imply the PM rule applies. Therefore, this seems closely related to the so‐called lead crack fatigue lifing framework. The connection means however that the same sort of accuracy is expected from PM rule and from assuming exponential crack growth for the entire lifetime.
Acoustic monitoring reveals diversity and surprising dynamics in tropical freshwater soundscapes
Authors: Gottesman Benjamin L. , Francomano Dante , Zhao Zhao , Bellisario Kristen , Ghadiri Maryam , Broadhead Taylor , Gasc Amandine , Pijanowski Bryan C.
Published: March 2018

Freshwater systems are globally threatened and in need of enhanced monitoring and assessment. We applied soundscape recording and analysis—which presents an opportunity for long‐term, high‐resolution animal community monitoring and assessment—to a freshwater context to better understand the acoustic diversity and dynamics of these systems.

We recorded the aquatic soundscape of a Neotropical freshwater swamp in Costa Rica for 23 days in January and February 2015 during the dry season. We classified biological sound types in these recordings and developed measurements of richness and occupancy based on this classification. We also calculated six complementary acoustic indices to assess soundscape diversity and daily and longer‐term soundscape dynamics, and we examined correlations between these acoustic indices and sound type metrics.

We found rich soundscapes in which biological sounds were almost always present, and we classified 18 sound types that we attribute to aquatic insects. These sound types showed distinct daily patterns and exhibited temporal and spectral acoustic niche partitioning. Sound type richness was most correlated with the number of peaks index (correlation = .36; p < .001), while sound type occupancy was most correlated with the Bioacoustic Index (correlation = .92; p < .001). In contrast to generally high levels of acoustic activity, there were brief (approximately 1 hr), unexpected quiet periods around dawn and dusk.

This study represents an early attempt to comprehensively describe tropical freshwater soundscapes in a systematic and quantitative manner. We demonstrate that sound type classification and the quantification of acoustic occupancy capture aspects of soundscape diversity and dynamics that are complementary to those assessed by acoustic indices. Our analyses reveal that the soundscapes of this tropical wetland were diverse and exhibited daily dynamics that differed from those found in other ecosystems.
Evaluating effects of weed cutting on water level and ecological status in Danish lowland streams
Authors: Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Ovesen Niels B. , Larsen Søren E. , Andersen Dagmar K. , Riis Tenna , Kronvang Brian , Rasmussen Jes J.
Published: March 2018

At present, scientific evidence documenting effects of weed cutting in streams as a measure to improve flood protection and run‐off from agricultural land is scarce, which is surprising considering the huge effect that it has on stream ecology. Instead, weed cutting is performed under the assumption that removal of aquatic plant biomass improves runoff from agricultural land and prevents flooding of adjacent areas provided that it is performed regularly.

In this study, we examined linkages between weed cutting practice and water level reductions in 126 small‐ and medium‐sized Danish streams (catchment size <100 km2) with continuously monitored discharge and water level data (from 1990 to 2012). Specifically, we hypothesised that (1) weed cutting reduces stream water levels more in late summer when the biomass of aquatic plants is higher than in early summer; (2) the efficiency of cutting declines with increasing cutting frequency as the aquatic plant community changes with increasing abundance of species able to regrow fast following a cutting event; (3) the high‐frequency cutting in Danish streams lowers the ecological status of the streams as evaluated from aquatic plant assemblages.

The average effect of weed cutting on the water level was largest in July, August and September with an average reduction of 16 cm and lowest in early spring and late autumn with an average reduction of 11 cm. Regrowth was largest in June, with an increase in water level of 0.41 cm/day, whereas regrowth was absent in autumn. Regrowth also varied with the frequency of weed cutting, from an average of 0.04 cm/day in streams subjected to one annual cutting to an average of 0.6 cm/day in streams subjected to >6 annual cuttings. Furthermore, we found that the ecological status was either moderate or poor/bad in streams with more than one annual cutting.

Our findings highlight that it is by no means certain that the current weed cutting practice is efficient for flood control since (1) regrowth is stimulated by frequent cuttings and a positive feedback loop may develop, necessitating even more frequent cuttings to maintain the discharge capacity of the streams, and (2) many species stimulated by weed cutting, like for instanceSparganium emersum, form dense canopy beds across the entire stream profile and therefore reduce the discharge capacity of the stream more than species growing in confined patches. We encourage more studies with the aim to identify how stream maintenance should be performed to optimise flood control without compromising the ability to reach good ecological stream quality.
Lack of anticipatory behavior in Gpr88 knockout mice showed by automatized home cage phenotyping
Authors: Maroteaux G. , Arefin T. M. , Harsan L.‐A. , Darcq E. , Ben Hamida S. , Kieffer B. L.
Published: March 2018

Mouse models are widely used to understand genetic bases of behavior. Traditional testing typically requires multiple experimental settings, captures only snapshots of behavior and involves human intervention. The recent development of automated home cage monitoring offers an alternative method to study mouse behavior in their familiar and social environment, and over weeks. Here, we used the IntelliCage system to test this approach for mouse phenotyping, and studied mice lacking Gpr88 that have been extensively studied using standard testing. We monitored mouse behavior over 22 days in 4 different phases. In the free adaptation phase, Gpr88
−/− mice showed delayed habituation to the home cage, and increased frequency of same corner returns behavior in their alternation pattern. In the following nose‐poke adaptation phase, non‐habituation continued, however, mutant mice acquired nose‐poke conditioning similar to controls. In the place learning and reversal phase, Gpr88−/− mice developed preference for the water/sucrose corner with some delay, but did not differ from controls for reversal. Finally, in a fixed schedule‐drinking phase, control animals showed higher activity during the hour preceding water accessibility, and reduced activity after access to water was terminated. Mutant mice did not show this behavior, showing lack of anticipatory behavior. Our data therefore confirm hyperactivity, non‐habituation and altered exploratory behaviors that were reported previously. Learning deficits described in other settings were barely detectable, and a novel phenotype was discovered. Home cage monitoring therefore extends previous findings and shows yet another facet of GPR88 function that deserves further investigation.
Epigenetic variation in OPRM1 gene in opioid‐exposed mother‐infant dyads
Authors: Wachman E. M. , Hayes M. J. , Shrestha H. , Nikita F. N. U. , Nolin A. , Hoyo L. , Daigle K. , Jones H. E. , Nielsen D. A.
Published: March 2018

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to in‐utero opioid exposure has significant variability of severity. Preliminary studies have suggested that epigenetic variation within the μ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene impacts NAS. We aimed to determine if DNA methylation in OPRM1 within opioid‐exposed mother‐infant dyads is associated with differences in NAS severity in an independent cohort. Full‐term opioid‐exposed newborns and their mothers (N = 68 pairs) were studied. A DNA sample was obtained and then assessed for level of DNA methylation at 20 CpG sites within the OPRM1 promoter region by next‐generation sequencing. Infants were monitored for NAS and treated with replacement opioids according to institutional protocol. The association between DNA methylation level at each CpG site with NAS outcome measures was evaluated using linear and logistic regression models. Higher methylation levels within the infants at the −18 (11.4% vs 4.4%, P = .0001), −14 (46.1% vs 24.0%, P = .002) and +23 (26.3% vs 12.9%, P = .008) CpG sites were associated with higher rates of infant pharmacologic treatment. Higher levels of methylation within the mothers at the −169 (R = 0.43, P = .008), −152 (R = 0.40, P = .002) and +84 (R = 0.44, P = .006) sites were associated point‐wise with longer infant length of stay. Maternal associations remained significant point‐wise for −169 (β = 0.07, P = .007) and on an experiment‐wise level for +84 (β = −0.10, P = .003) using regression models. These results suggest an association of higher levels of OPRM1 methylation at specific CpG sites and increased NAS severity, replicating prior findings. These findings have important implications for personalized treatment regimens for infants at high risk for severe NAS.
Emerging threat of the 21st century lightscape to global biodiversity
Authors: Koen Erin L. , Minnaar Corneile , Roever Carrie L. , Boyles Justin G.
Published: March 2018

Over the last century the temporal and spatial distribution of light on Earth has been drastically altered by human activity. Despite mounting evidence of detrimental effects of light pollution on organisms and their trophic interactions, the extent to which light pollution threatens biodiversity on a global scale remains unclear. We assessed the spatial extent and magnitude of light encroachment by measuring change in the extent of light using satellite imagery from 1992 to 2012 relative to species richness for terrestrial and freshwater mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The encroachment of light into previously dark areas was consistently high, often doubling, in areas of high species richness for all four groups. This pattern persisted for nocturnal groups (e.g., bats, owls, and geckos) and species considered vulnerable to extinction. Areas with high species richness and large increases in light extent were clustered within newly industrialized regions where expansion of light is likely to continue unabated unless we act to conserve remaining darkness. Implementing change at a global scale requires global public, and therefore scientific, support. Here, we offer substantial evidence that light extent is increasing where biodiversity is high, representing an emerging threat to global biodiversity requiring immediate attention.
Global effects of plant litter alterations on soil CO2 to the atmosphere
Authors: Chen Xinli , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: March 2018

Soil respiration (Rs) is the largest terrestrial carbon (C) efflux to the atmosphere and is predicted to increase drastically through global warming. However, the responses of Rs to global warming are complicated by the fact that terrestrial plant growth and the subsequent input of plant litter to soil are also altered by ongoing climate change and human activities. Despite a number of experiments established in various ecosystems around the world, it remains a challenge to predict the magnitude and direction of changes in Rs and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) due to litter alteration. We present a meta‐analysis of 100 published studies to examine the responses of Rs and Q10 to manipulated aboveground and belowground litter alterations. We found that 100% aboveground litter addition (double litter) increased Rs by 26.1% (95% confident intervals, 18.4%–33.7%), whereas 100% aboveground litter removal, root removal and litter + root removal reduced Rs by 22.8% (18.5%–27.1%), 34.1% (27.2%–40.9%) and 43.4% (36.6%–50.2%) respectively. Moreover, the effects of aboveground double litter and litter removal on Rs increased with experimental duration, but not those of root removal. Aboveground litter removal marginally increased Q10 by 6.2% (0.2%–12.3%) because of the higher temperature sensitivity of stable C substrate than fresh litter. Estimated from the studies that simultaneously tested the responses of Rs to aboveground litter addition and removal and assuming negligible changes in root‐derived Rs, “priming effect” on average accounted for 7.3% (0.6%–14.0%) of Rs and increased over time. Across the global variation in terrestrial ecosystems, the effects of aboveground litter removal, root removal, litter + root removal on Rs as well as the positive effect of litter removal on Q10 increased with water availability. Our meta‐analysis indicates that priming effects should be considered in predicting Rs to climate change‐induced increases in litterfall. Our analysis also highlights the need to incorporate spatial climate gradient in projecting long‐term Rs responses to litter alterations.
Nitrogen fertilization raises CO2 efflux from inorganic carbon: A global assessment
Authors: Zamanian Kazem , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: March 2018

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is an indispensable agricultural practice worldwide, serving the survival of half of the global population. Nitrogen transformation (e.g., nitrification) in soil as well as plant N uptake releases protons and increases soil acidification. Neutralizing this acidity in carbonate‐containing soils (7.49 × 109 ha; ca. 54% of the global land surface area) leads to a CO2 release corresponding to 0.21 kg C per kg of applied N. We here for the first time raise this problem of acidification of carbonate‐containing soils and assess the global CO2 release from pedogenic and geogenic carbonates in the upper 1 m soil depth. Based on a global N‐fertilization map and the distribution of soils containing CaCO3, we calculated the CO2 amount released annually from the acidification of such soils to be 7.48 × 1012 g C/year. This level of continuous CO2 release will remain constant at least until soils are fertilized by N. Moreover, we estimated that about 273 × 1012 g CO2‐C are released annually in the same process of CaCO3 neutralization but involving liming of acid soils. These two CO2 sources correspond to 3% of global CO2 emissions by fossil fuel combustion or 30% of CO2 by land‐use changes. Importantly, the duration of CO2 release after land‐use changes usually lasts only 1–3 decades before a new C equilibrium is reached in soil. In contrast, the CO2 released by CaCO3 acidification cannot reach equilibrium, as long as N fertilizer is applied until it becomes completely neutralized. As the CaCO3 amounts in soils, if present, are nearly unlimited, their complete dissolution and CO2 release will take centuries or even millennia. This emphasizes the necessity of preventing soil acidification in N‐fertilized soils as an effective strategy to inhibit millennia of CO2 efflux to the atmosphere. Hence, N fertilization should be strictly calculated based on plant‐demand, and overfertilization should be avoided not only because N is a source of local and regional eutrophication, but also because of the continuous CO2 release by global acidification.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization in shrub willow short rotation coppice production – a quantitative review
Authors: Fabio Eric S. , Smart Lawrence B.
Published: March 2018

Sustained interest in producing renewable energy from dedicated woody biomass crops, such as shrub willow (Salix spp.), through short rotation coppice (SRC) has resulted in a substantial amount of published research on SRC over the past few decades. One area of constant focus has been the nutritional requirements for optimal growth and yield. Inconsistency in the results of individual research trials has likely been a driver of repeated experimentation. This review is intended to provide a quantitative examination of the effect of fertilization treatments on willow biomass yield in field conditions. Data from the literature were collected and summarized to test for significant sources of variation in willow biomass nitrogen (N) pools of common SRC genotypes used in North American and European research programs. A meta‐analysis was conducted on studies comparing synthetic or organic sources of N willow fertilization to an unfertilized control treatment to test for yield response. Overall, the majority of responses to fertilization were positive, although variation by species, N source material, and crop age were found. While no clear pattern in N dosage response was observed, the level of yield response was correlated with geographic and climatic variables. Nitrogen export levels were fairly predictable, and the synthesis presented here can be used to refine current guidelines. Environmental and economic aspects are also considered.
Eigenvector Spatial Filtering for Large Data Sets: Fixed and Random Effects Approaches
Authors: Murakami Daisuke , Griffith Daniel A.
Published: March 2018

Eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) is a spatial modeling approach, which has been applied in urban and regional studies, ecological studies, and so on. However, it is computationally demanding, and may not be suitable for large data modeling. The objective of this study is developing fast ESF and random effects ESF (RE‐ESF), which are capable of handling very large samples. To achieve it, we accelerate eigen‐decomposition and parameter estimation, which make ESF and RE‐ESF slow. The former is accelerated by utilizing the Nyström extension, whereas the latter is by small matrix tricks. The resulting fast ESF and fast RE‐ESF are compared with nonapproximated ESF and RE‐ESF in Monte Carlo simulation experiments. The result shows that, while ESF and RE‐ESF are slow for several thousand samples, fast ESF and RE‐ESF require only several seconds for the samples. It is also suggested that the proposed approaches effectively remove positive spatial dependence in the residuals with very small approximation errors when the number of eigenvectors considered is 200 or more. Note that these approaches cannot deal with negative spatial dependence. The proposed approaches are implemented in an R package “spmoran.”
Exploring a critical legal cartography: Law, practice, and complexities
Authors: Reiz Nicole , O'Lear Shannon , Tuininga Dory
Published: March 2018

The word cartography literally means “to write the earth.” Just as there are many ways to write a story, there are many ways to depict the world, or some part of the world, in a map. In this article, we consider the possibility of a critical legal cartography. Towards this end, we explore the main arguments for and against “mapping law” from legal scholars, human geographers, and legal anthropologists. Questions like “what does it mean to map law?” and “can we map law?” are surprisingly complex and lead to other important questions about the relationships among law, space, and cartography. We look at the multiple strands of research and fields that touch on various aspects of law and how we understand the spatio‐legal world around us. We examine the relationship between cartography and criminology through the development of the field of crime mapping and the influence of cartographic innovations throughout history on our own understanding of the spatiality of the legal world around us. Finally, we turn to recent work in the area of critical cartography, critical geopolitical cartography, and recent innovations in the field of cartography itself to set the stage for our own call towards developing a critical legal cartography.
The efficacy of fluoxetine in BMS—A cross‐over study
Authors: Zoric Bojana , Jankovic Ljiljana , Kuzmanovic Pficer Jovana , Zidverc‐Trajkovic Jasna , Mijajlovic Milija , Stanimirovic Dragan
Published: March 2018

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, recurring daily for more than two hours during the period longer than 3 months. The objective was to evaluate and analyse the efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine on psychological factors, as well as on pain in participants with BMS.

Methods

In a 6‐month study, 100 participants with primary and secondary BMS were divided into two groups—fluoxetine and control (placebo) and examined by the dentist and the neurologist. Depression and anxiety were estimated by Hamilton Scale for Depression (HAM‐D) and Anxiety (HAM‐A) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the pain intensity by visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Mean age of the participants was 60.33 in fluoxetine group and 67.4 in control group. Most of the participants were female—74% in the fluoxetine and 78% in the control group. Statistical difference between the fluoxetine and the control group was found in HAM‐D results (P < .05). Values of other scales and VAS decreased significantly after the therapy in both groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our trial results indicate that fluoxetine therapy not only improves the psychological status of participants with BMS but also fluoxetine decreases the intensity of pain in these patients.
Determination of Sm‐Nd Isotopic Compositions in Fifteen Geological Materials Using Laser Ablation MC‐ICP‐MS and Application to Monazite Geochronology of Metasedimentary Rock in the North China Craton
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Jinhui , Ni Qian , Yang Yueheng , Hu Zhaochu , Liu Yongsheng , Wu Yuanbao , Luo Tao , Hu Shenghong
Published: March 2018

In this study, we report both 143Nd/144Nd and 147Sm/144Nd values in twelve minerals (apatite, titanite, monazite and eudialyte) based on analyses over 4 years using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. The positive correlation between the measured βSm and βNd (r2 = 0.9981) over this time in our laboratory demonstrates the excellent long‐term stability of the method. Compared with the normal method, Sm and Nd signal intensities were improved by a factor of 2.9 with the use of X skimmer and Jet sample cones in combination with the addition of nitrogen at 3–6 ml min−1 to the central gas flow. The enhancement of signal intensity benefits the accurate in situ determination of the Sm‐Nd isotopes of samples poor in these elements. 143Nd/144Nd values were also determined in two manganese nodules and GSMC Co‐rich crust with low mass fractions of Nd (94–293 μg g−1). Generally, most of the obtained Sm‐Nd isotopic compositions in these geological materials are consistent with published values. ‘External reproducibility’ (2s) of 143Nd/144Nd and 147Sm/144Nd was typically better than 0.06‰ and 2.5‰, respectively, demonstrating that the Durango, Otter Lake, NW‐1 and MAD apatites, the Khan, and OLT‐1 titanites, MGMH#117531 monazite and LV01 eudialyte are promising candidate reference materials for in situ Sm‐Nd isotopic determinations. The Trebilcock, Mae Klang and 44069 monazites are only suitable for in situ Nd isotopic determinations because of their heterogeneous Sm/Nd compositions. The heterogeneous Sm‐Nd composition of titanite BLR‐1 demonstrates that it is not a suitable reference material for in situ Sm‐Nd isotopic determinations. Deep‐sea samples (NOD‐A‐1 and NOD‐P‐1 manganese nodule, GSMC Co‐rich crust) with low mass fractions of Nd also show homogenous Nd isotopic compositions. Sm‐Nd isotopic ratios of a monazite (MQG‐22) from the North China Craton were measured as a case study and gave a 147Sm‐143Nd isochron age of 1792 ± 35 Ma (MSWD = 3.2) consistent with the published metamorphic age of the host metasedimentary rocks. The results for both candidate reference materials and geological samples demonstrate that the in situ LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analytical protocol described is feasible and robust for research in geological evolution.
Determination of In and Sn Mass Fractions in Sixteen Geological Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Kirchenbaur Maria , Heuser Alexander , Bragagni Alessandro , Wombacher Frank
Published: March 2018

Mass fractions of Sn and In were determined in sixteen geological reference materials including basaltic/mafic (BCR‐2, BE‐N, BHVO‐1, BHVO‐2, BIR‐1, OKUM, W‐2, WS‐E), ultramafic (DTS‐2b, MUH‐1, PCC‐1, UB‐N) and felsic/sedimentary reference materials (AGV‐2, JA‐1, SdAR‐M2, SdAR‐H1). Extensive digestion and ion exchange separation tests were carried out in order to provide high yields (> 90% for Sn, > 85% for In), low total procedural blanks (~ 1 ng for Sn, < 3 pg for In) and low analytical uncertainties for the elements of interest in a variety of silicate sample matrices. Replicate analyses (n = 2–13) of Sn–In mass fractions gave combined measurement uncertainties (2u) that were generally < 3% and in agreement with literature data, where available. We present the first high‐precision In data for reference materials OKUM (32.1 ± 1.5 ng g−1), DTS‐2b (2.03 ± 0.25 ng g−1), MUH‐1 (6.44 ± 0.30 ng g−1) and PCC‐1 (3.55 ± 0.35 ng g−1) as well as the first Sn data for MUH‐1 (0.057 ± 0.010 μg g−1) and DTS‐2b (0.623 ± 0.018 μg g−1).
Domestic interest groups and rights mobilization: explaining the case of Slovenia's support for the proposed Convention on the Rights of Older Persons
Authors: HERRO ANNIE
Published: March 2018

Slovenia, a country that faced dramatic decline in economic growth and a relatively new European Union member, recently broke with the EU's consensus and announced its support for the proposed Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, a treaty widely expected to be very costly to implement. Using process tracing, counter‐factual analysis and a range of primary and secondary qualitative data sources, in this article I explore the influence of a transnational advocacy network (TAN) on this policy shift and the relevance of national actors and structures. I argue that while people often see TANs as motivated by principled and material imperatives, scholars have mainly explored how and why ostensibly moral transnational actors, such as international non‐governmental organizations, behave instrumentally. In this article, I invert this focus by discussing why a domestic TAN partner – a traditional interest group – mobilized around a human rights issue advanced by a TAN. In doing so, I draw on ideas from social movement studies and, more recently, from international relations to highlight the importance of domestic structures in constituting the identity and interests of individuals and organizations, and therefore their likelihood of supporting transnational norms. I seek to contribute to our understanding of the circumstances under which TANs succeed by unpacking the interactions between the national origin of domestic interest groups, and the crucial links between transnational and domestic groups that are responsible for TANs forming and thereby potentially exerting influence.
Validation of the systematic scoring of immunohistochemically stained tumour tissue microarrays using QuPath digital image analysis
Authors: Loughrey Maurice B , Bankhead Peter , Coleman Helen G , Hagan Ryan S , Craig Stephanie , McCorry Amy M B , Gray Ronan T , McQuaid Stephen , Dunne Philip D , Hamilton Peter W , James Jacqueline A , Salto‐Tellez Manuel
Published: March 2018

Aims

Output from biomarker studies involving immunohistochemistry applied to tissue microarrays (TMA) is limited by the lack of an efficient and reproducible scoring methodology. In this study, we examine the functionality and reproducibility of biomarker scoring using the new, open‐source, digital image analysis software, QuPath.

Methods and results

Three different reviewers, with varying experience of digital pathology and image analysis, applied an agreed QuPath scoring methodology to CD3 and p53 immunohistochemically stained TMAs from a colon cancer cohort (n = 661). Manual assessment was conducted by one reviewer for CD3. Survival analyses were conducted and intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility assessed. Median raw scores differed significantly between reviewers, but this had little impact on subsequent analyses. Lower CD3 scores were detected in cases who died from colorectal cancer compared to control cases, and this finding was significant for all three reviewers (P‐value range = 0.002–0.02). Higher median p53 scores were generated among cases who died from colorectal cancer compared with controls (P‐value range = 0.04–0.12). The ability to dichomotise cases into high versus low expression of CD3 and p53 showed excellent agreement between all three reviewers (kappa score range = 0.82–0.93). All three reviewers produced dichotomised expression scores that resulted in very similar hazard ratios for colorectal cancer‐specific survival for each biomarker. Results from manual and QuPath methods of CD3 scoring were comparable, but QuPath scoring revealed stronger prognostic stratification.

Conclusions

Scoring of immunohistochemically stained tumour TMAs using QuPath is functional and reproducible, even among users of limited experience of digital pathology images, and more accurate than manual scoring.
Rapid decline of anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies following early treatment of incident HCV infections in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men
Authors: Aebi‐Popp K , Wandeler G , Salazar‐Vizcaya L , Metzner K , Stöckle M , Cavassini M , Hoffmann M , Lüthi A , Suter F , Bernasconi E , Fehr J , Furrer H , Rauch A ,   and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Following clearance of incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, HCV antibody levels may decline, resulting in seroreversion. It is unclear to what extent HCV antibody level trajectories differ between patients with treatment‐induced sustained virological response (SVR), those with spontaneous clearance and those with untreated replicating HCV infection. We investigated HCV antibody level dynamics in HIV‐infected MSM with different clinical outcomes.

Methods

We investigated anti‐HCV antibody level dynamics following an incident HCV infection in 67 HIV‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with different clinical outcomes: SVR (n = 33), spontaneous clearance (n = 12), and untreated replicating infection (n = 22). Antibody levels were measured at the time of HCV diagnosis, and at yearly intervals for 3 years thereafter.

Results

At baseline, median HCV antibody levels were similar in the three groups: 13.4, 13.8 and 13.5 sample to cut‐off (S/CO) for SVR, spontaneous clearance and untreated infection, respectively. Over 3 years of follow‐up, SVR was associated with a more pronounced decrease in anti‐HCV levels compared with spontaneous clearance and untreated infection [median decline 71% [interquartile range (IQR: 43–87%), 38% (IQR: 29–60%) and 12% (IQR: 9–22%), respectively; P < 0.001]. Seroreversions occurred in five of 33 (15%) patients with SVR and in one of 12 (8%) with spontaneous clearance. A shorter delay between time of infection and treatment start correlated with higher rates of decline in antibody levels. Seven patients experienced a reinfection.

Conclusions

Treatment‐induced HCV clearance was associated with a more pronounced decline in anti‐HCV antibody levels and with higher rates of seroreversion compared with spontaneous clearance or untreated replicating HCV infection among HIV‐infected MSM with incident HCV infections. Rapid clearance of HCV RNA following early HCV treatment might impair the development of persistent antibody titres.
Prevalence and risk factors of measles seronegativity in a cohort of HIV‐positive subjects: a retrospective study
Authors: Dauby N , Martin C , Hainaut M , Grammens T , Van den Wijngaert S , Delforge M , De Wit S
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Measles infection is a vaccine‐preventable disease currently resurging in Europe. HIV‐infected subjects are at higher risk of complications following measles infection. We investigated the risk factors associated with being seronegative in a cohort of HIV‐infected subjects.

Methods

All HIV‐infected subjects in our cohort who had a measles serological test performed between December 2005 and May 2017 were retrospectively identified. A measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre > 275 mIU/mL was considered protective. Risk factors were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

Measles serology was available in 273 of 3124 subjects in active follow‐up (8.7%). The prevalence of measles seronegativity was 21.6% (59 of 273). In the univariate analysis, being born after 1970 and HIV infection by vertical transmission were both associated with a higher risk of measles seronegativity, while a nadir CD4 T‐cell count < 200 cells/μL was associated with a lower risk of measles seronegativity. In the multivariate analysis, only being born after 1970 [odds ratio (OR) 4.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–18.7] and vertical transmission (OR 7.7; 95% CI 3.3–18.3) were significantly associated with seronegativity. Among the vertically infected subjects with measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) immunization documentation, the median number of doses of vaccine received before testing was 2 (range 1–3).

Conclusions

HIV‐infected subjects born after 1970 and vertically infected subjects should be screened for measles seropositivity.
Depositional environments of well‐sorted detrital limestone from the Minatogawa Formation in the southern part of Okinawa Island, the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan
Authors: Fujita Kazuhiko , Aruga Kayo , Humblet Marc , Nagai Koichi
Published: March 2018

Well‐sorted detrital limestone is one of the typical lithofacies of the latest interval of the Pleistocene Ryukyu Group, which is exposed in the Ryukyu Archipelago in southwestern Japan. The depositional environments of the limestone are interpreted to be extremely shallow and to include back‐reef lagoons or moats and subaerial sand dunes. However, detailed micropaleontological analyses have not been performed on this limestone. In this study, the interpretation of the depositional environments and paleo‐water depths was improved by quantitative examination of foraminiferal assemblages for the well‐sorted detrital limestone of the Minatogawa Formation in the southern part of Okinawa Island. Thin sections of limestone collected from the Minatogawa (Horikawa) quarry were subjected to sedimentological and foraminiferal analyses. Comparison with modern foraminiferal distribution within the Ryukyu Archipelago indicates that back‐reef and fore‐reef dwelling foraminifers characterize the fossil assemblages from the well‐sorted detrital limestone (bioclastic grainstone). Three ratios of indicator foraminiferal taxa (ratios of back‐reef to fore‐reef taxa, planktonic foraminifers to Amphistegina lobifera and Amphistegina lessonii, and Calcarina gaudichaudii to other Calcarina species), as well as multivariate analyses suggest that the well‐sorted detrital limestone was deposited in fore‐reef setting shallower than 40 m in water depth. A comparable depth range was reconstructed from the coral assemblage in the associated coral limestone, suggesting that the Minatogawa Formation was deposited in a gently inclined ramp setting with patch reefs and/or fringing reefs. Stratigraphic changes in paleo‐water depth, together with evidence of several unconformities associated with paleosol layers suggest that there were repeated transgressions and regressions, with an amplitude up to several tens of meters, when the Minatogawa Formation was deposited.
Gene flow connects coastal populations of a habitat specialist, the Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans
Authors: Coster Stephanie S. , Welsh Amy B. , Costanzo Gary , Harding Sergio R. , Anderson James T. , Katzner Todd E.
Published: March 2018

Examining population genetic structure can reveal patterns of reproductive isolation or population mixing and inform conservation management. Some avian species are predicted to exhibit minimal genetic differentiation among populations as a result of the species high mobility, with habitat specialists tending to show greater fine‐scale genetic structure. To explore the relationship between habitat specialization and gene flow, we investigated the genetic structure of a saltmarsh specialist with high potential mobility across a wide geographical range of fragmented habitat. Little variation among mitochondrial sequences (620 bp from ND2) was observed among 149 individual Clapper Rails Rallus crepitans sampled along the Atlantic coast of the USA, with the majority of individuals at all sampling sites sharing a single haplotype. Genotyping of nine microsatellite loci across 136 individuals revealed moderate genetic diversity, no evidence of bottlenecks and a weak pattern of genetic differentiation that increased with geographical distance. Multivariate analyses, Bayesian clustering and an AMOVA all suggested a lack of genetic structuring across the Atlantic coast of the USA, with all individuals grouped into a single interbreeding population. Spatial autocorrelation analyses showed evidence of weak female philopatry and a lack of male philopatry. We conclude that high gene flow connecting populations of this habitat specialist may result from the interaction of ecological and behavioural factors that promote dispersal and limit natal philopatry and breeding‐site fidelity. As climate change threatens saltmarshes, the genetic diversity and population connectivity of Clapper Rails may promote resilience of their populations. This finding helps inform about potential fates of other similarly behaving saltmarsh specialists on the Atlantic coast.
A fossil heron from the early Oligocene of Belgium: the earliest temporally well‐constrained record of the Ardeidae
Authors: Mayr Gerald , De Pietri Vanesa L. , Scofield Richard Paul , Smith Thierry
Published: March 2018

We describe the earliest temporally well‐constrained fossil that can be assigned to the Ardeidae (herons), from the lowermost Oligocene (32.0–33.0 million years ago) of Belgium. The specimen, a partial tarsometatarsus, belongs to a small species and is described as Proardea? deschutteri n. sp. It exhibits the characteristic tarsometatarsus morphology found in extant heron species, but a confident assignment to one of the ardeid subclades is not possible and even the assignment of the new fossil species to the crown group (the clade including the extant species) cannot be established. The fossil indicates a divergence of herons from their sister taxon by at least the earliest Oligocene, and current paleontological data suggest that herons arrived in Europe shortly after a major faunal turnover at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. We consider that dispersal is the likely reason for the sudden appearance of herons in the earliest Oligocene of Europe but it is uncertain from where exactly this took place, with Asia and Africa being among the candidate areas.
Larval development, metabolism and diet are possible key factors explaining the decline of the threatenedDytiscus latissimus
Authors: Scholten Ilse , van Kleef Hein H. , van Dijk Gijs , Brouwer Julian , Verberk Wilco C.E.P.
Published: March 2018

In Western Europe, the diving beetleDytiscus latissimus(Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) has become rare and went extinct in several countries during the last century. This study investigated whether larval development rate, metabolism and feeding ecology differ betweenD. latissimusand the congenericD. lapponicusto explore factors explaining its decline.

During instar I andII,D. latissimuslarvae developed faster and gained more weight thanD. lapponicuslarvae. In accordance,D. latissimuslarvae had higher oxygen consumption rates thanD. lapponicuslarvae, which signifies a greater energy expenditure.

Food preference tests showed thatD. latissimuslarvae strongly prefer caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) with early instars being obligatory dependent on caddisfly larvae for their development. Only instarIIIlarvae readily fed on alternative prey items. In contrast,D. lapponicuslarvae had a broader diet and even rejected caddisfly larvae.

Based on field observations, availability of caddisfly larvae strongly declined before the end of the larval development ofD. latissimus, suggesting that time constraints on food availability limit completion of larval development.

Our results suggest that food limitation during (early) larval stages is a possible bottle‐neck for this species, potentially explaining its disappearance from former localities. Promoting caddisfly larvae in the vicinity ofD. latissimusoviposition sites, may possibly safeguard the present distribution ofD. latissimusand support the species recovery. Although more research is needed, promoting leaf litter in shores may be beneficial to the shredding caddisfly larvae and in turn for their predatorD. latissimus.
Adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration
Authors: Kang G. , Tu T. N. T. , Kim S. , Yang H. , Jang M. , Jo D. , Ryu J. , Baek J. , Jung H.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Although dissolving microneedle patches have been widely studied in the cosmetics field, no comparisons have been drawn with the topical applications available for routine use. In this study, two wrinkle‐improving products, adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches and an adenosine cream, were evaluated for efficacy, with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration, and safety in a clinical test on the crow's feet area.

Methods

Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 10 weeks on 22 female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patch was applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow's feet area. The adenosine cream was applied two times per day, in the morning and evening, for 8 weeks to the other crow's feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration were measured by using PRIMOS® premium, Dermascan® C, Cutometer® MPA580, and Corneometer® CM 825, respectively. In addition, subjective skin irritation was evaluated by self‐observation, and objective skin irritation was assessed through expert interviews.

Results

The adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches had a similar or better efficacy than the adenosine cream. Both groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters (P < 0.05). The dissolving microneedle patches had a long‐lasting effect on the average wrinkle depth (P < 0.05), only showed efficacy in dermal density (P < 0.05), had an early improving effect on elasticity (P < 0.05), and demonstrated better hydration efficacy (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

Conclusions

In the clinical efficacy test of four skin‐improvement parameters, adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches showed the same or better effect than the adenosine cream, although the weekly adenosine dose was 140 times lower. The dissolving microneedle patches caused no adverse reactions. These adenosine‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches are expected to be safe, effective, and novel cosmetics for skin improvement.