bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of heterologously expressed fibril filaments, a shape and motility determining cytoskeletal protein of the helical bacteriumSpiroplasma
Authors: Harne Shrikant , Gayathri Pananghat
Published: October 2021

Fibril is a constitutive filament forming cytoskeletal protein of unidentified fold, exclusive to members of genusSpiroplasma. It is hypothesized to undergo conformational changes necessary to bring aboutSpiroplasmamotility through changes in body helicity. However, in the absence of a cofactor such as nucleotide that binds to the protein and drives polymerization, the mechanism driving conformational changes in fibril remains unknown. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) solubilized the fibril filaments and facilitated fibril purification by affinity chromatography. An alternate protocol for obtaining enriched insoluble fibril filaments has been standardized using density gradient centrifugation method. Visualization of purified protein using electron microscopy demonstrated that it forms filament bundles. Probable domain boundaries of fibril protein were identified based on mass spectrometric analysis of proteolytic fragments. Presence of both α-helical and β-sheet signatures in FT-IR measurements suggests that fibril filaments consist of assembly of folded globular domains, and not a β-strand based aggregation similar to amyloid fibrils.
A simple secretion assay for assessing new and existing myocilin variants
Authors: Hulleman John , Nakahara Emi
Published: October 2021

With the increasing use of molecular genetics approaches for determination of potential disease-causing mutations, it is becoming more important to be able to interpret and act upon the provided results. As an example of such an instance, nearly 300 mutations have been identified in the myocilin (MYOC) gene, which is the most commonly mutated gene causing primary open angle glaucoma. Yet a lack of sufficient information exists for many of these variants, hindering their definitive classification. While the function of MYOC is unclear, biochemically, the vast majority of glaucoma-causing MYOC mutations result in protein non-secretion and intracellular insoluble aggregate formation in cultured cells. Previously we generated a Gaussia luciferase-based MYOC fusion protein to sensitively track secretion of the protein. Herein we applied this same assay to fourteen clinically-derived MYOC variants with varying degrees of predicted pathogenicity and compared the luciferase secretion results with the better established MYOC assay of western blotting. Eight of the variants (G12R, V53A, T204T, P254L, T325T, D380H, D395_E396insDP, and P481S) had not been biochemically assessed previously. Of these, P254L and D395_E396insDP demonstrated significant secretion defects from human embryonic kidney (HEK-293A) cells reminiscent of glaucoma-causing mutations. Overall, we found that the luciferase assay results agreed with western blotting for thirteen of the fourteen variants (93%), suggesting a strong concordance. These results suggest that the Gaussia luciferase assay may be used as a complementary or standalone assay for quickly assessing MYOC variant behavior, and anticipate that these results will be useful in MYOC variant curation and reclassification.
Coordinated modulation of multiple processes through phase variation of a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Reyes Ruiz Leila M. , King Kathleen A. , Garrett Elizabeth M. , Tamayo Rita
Published: October 2021

The opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Clostridioides difficile exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity through phase variation, a stochastic, reversible process that modulates expression. In C. difficile, multiple sequences in the genome undergo inversion through site-specific recombination. Two such loci lie upstream of pdcB and pdcC, which encode phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that degrade the signaling molecule c-di-GMP. Numerous phenotypes are influenced by c-di-GMP in C. difficile including cell and colony morphology, motility, colonization, and virulence. In this study, we aimed to assess whether PdcB phase varies, identify the mechanism of regulation, and determine the effects on intracellular c-di-GMP levels and regulated phenotypes. We found that expression of pdcB is heterogeneous and the orientation of the invertible sequence, or ‘pdcB switch’, determines expression. The pdcB switch contains a promoter that when properly oriented promotes pdcB expression. Expression is augmented by an additional promoter upstream of the pdcB switch. Mutation of nucleotides at the site of recombination resulted in phase-locked strains with significant differences in pdcB expression. Characterization of these mutants showed that the pdcB locked-ON mutant has reduced intracellular c-di-GMP compared to the locked-OFF mutant, consistent with increased and decreased PdcB activity, respectively. These alterations in c-di-GMP had concomitant effects on multiple known c-di-GMP regulated processes. These results indicate that phase variation of PdcB allows C. difficile to coordinately diversify multiple phenotypes in the population to enhance survival.
Nuclear damage inLMNAmutant iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is associated with impaired lamin localization to the nuclear envelope
Authors: Wallace Melanie , Zahr Hind , Perati Shriya , Morsink Chloé D. , Johnson Lindsey E. , Gacita Anthony M. , Lai Shuping , Wallrath Lori L. , Benjamin Ivor J. , McNally Elizabeth M. , Kirby Tyler J. , Lammerding Jan
Published: October 2021

TheLMNAgene encodes the nuclear envelope proteins Lamins A and C, which comprise a major part of the nuclear lamina, provide mechanical support to the nucleus, and participate in diverse intracellular signaling.LMNAmutations give rise to a collection of diseases called laminopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy (LMNA-DCM) and muscular dystrophies. Although nuclear deformities are a hallmark ofLMNA-DCM, the role of nuclear abnormalities in the pathogenesis ofLMNA-DCM remains incompletely understood. Using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) fromLMNAmutant patients and healthy controls, we show thatLMNAmutant iPSC-CM nuclei have altered shape or increased size compared to healthy control iPSC-CM nuclei. TheLMNAmutation exhibiting the most severe nuclear deformities, R249Q, additionally caused reduced nuclear stiffness and increased nuclear fragility. Importantly, for all cell lines, the degree of nuclear abnormalities corresponded to the degree of Lamin A/C and Lamin B1 mislocalization from the nuclear envelope. The mislocalization was likely due to altered assembly of Lamin A/C. Collectively, these results point to the importance of correct lamin assembly at the nuclear envelope in providing mechanical stability to the nucleus and suggest that defects in nuclear lamina organization may contribute to the nuclear and cellular dysfunction inLMNA-DCM.
Molecular mechanism of Arp2/3 complex inhibition by Arpin
Authors: Fregoso Fred E. , van Eeuwen Trevor , Simanov Gleb , Rebowski Grzegorz , Boczkowska Malgorzata , Zimmet Austin , Gautreau Alexis M. , Dominguez Roberto
Published: October 2021

Positive feedback loops involving signaling and actin assembly factors mediate the formation and remodeling of branched actin networks in processes ranging from cell and organelle motility to mechanosensation. The Arp2/3 complex inhibitor Arpin controls the directional persistence of cell migration by interrupting a feedback loop involving Rac-WAVE-Arp2/3 complex, but Arpin’s mechanism of inhibition is unknown. Here, we describe the cryo-EM structure of Arpin bound to Arp2/3 complex at 3.24-Å resolution. Unexpectedly, Arpin binds Arp2/3 complex similarly to WASP-family nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs) that activate the complex. However, whereas NPFs bind to two sites on Arp2/3 complex, on Arp2-ArpC1 and Arp3, Arpin only binds to the site on Arp3. Like NPFs, Arpin has a C-helix that binds at the barbed end of Arp3. Mutagenesis studies in vitro and in cells reveal how sequence differences within this helix define the molecular basis for inhibition by Arpin vs. activation by NPFs.
SETD2 negatively regulates cell size through its catalytic activity and SRI domain
Authors: Molenaar Thom M. , Kwesi-Maliepaard Eliza Mari , Silva Joana , Malik Muddassir , Faller William J. , van Leeuwen Fred
Published: October 2021

Cell size varies between cell types but is tightly regulated by cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Cell-size control is important for cell function and changes in cell size are frequently observed in cancer cells. Here we uncover a non-canonical role of SETD2 in regulating cell size. SETD2 is a lysine methyltransferase and a tumor suppressor protein involved in transcription regulation, RNA processing and DNA repair. At the molecular level, SETD2 is best known for associating with RNA polymerase II through its Set2-Rbp1 interacting (SRI) domain and methylating histone H3 on lysine 36 (H3K36) during transcription. Although most of SETD2’s cellular functions have been linked to this activity, several non-histone substrates of SETD2 have recently been identified – some of which have been linked to novel functions of SETD2 beyond chromatin regulation. Using multiple, independent perturbation strategies we identify SETD2 as a negative regulator of global protein synthesis rates and cell size. We provide evidence that this function is dependent on the catalytic activity of SETD2 but independent of H3K36 methylation. Paradoxically, ectopic overexpression of a decoy SRI domain also increased cell size, suggesting that the relevant substrate is engaged by SETD2 via its SRI domain. These data add a central role of SETD2 in regulating cellular physiology and warrant further studies on separating the different functions of SETD2 in cancer development.
ChlamydomonasARMC2/PF27 is an obligate cargo adapter for IFT of radial spokes
Authors: Lechtreck Karl , Liu Yi , Dai Jin , Alkhofash Rama A. , Butler Jack , Alford Lea , Yang Pinfen
Published: October 2021

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) carries proteins into flagella but how IFT trains interact with the large number of diverse proteins required to assemble flagella remains largely unknown. Here, we show that IFT of radial spokes inChlamydomonasrequires ARMC2/PF27, a conserved armadillo repeat protein associated with male infertility and reduced lung function.ChlamydomonasARMC2 was highly enriched in growing flagella and tagged ARMC2 and the spoke protein RSP3 comigrated on anterograde trains. In contrast, a cargo and an adapter of inner and outer dynein arms moved independently of ARMC2, indicating that unrelated cargoes distribute stochastically onto the IFT trains. After concomitant unloading at the flagellar tip, RSP3 attached to the axoneme whereas ARMC2 diffused back to the cell body. Inarmc2/pf27mutants, IFT of radial spokes was abolished and the presence of radial spokes was limited to the proximal region of flagella. We conclude that ARMC2 is a cargo adapter required for IFT of radial spokes to ensure their assembly along flagella. ARMC2 belongs to a growing class of cargo-specific adapters that enable flagellar transport of preassembled axonemal substructures by IFT.
Stop hailing, start apping: adoption of app-cab services in an emerging economy
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Dash Ganesh , Kiefer Kip , Bhatnagar Shakti Bodh
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to extend existing theories and fills research gaps regarding the acceptance and use of new technologies by consumers by exploring the adoption of app-cab services in India. Through the application and comparison of a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and UTAUT 2/expanded-UTAUT (E-UTAUT) models, this paper empirically tests the relationships between important constructs related to technology adoption, acceptance and utilization in India’s emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 612 responses to a questionnaire of active and regular users of app-cab services in India are examined. Path analysis and structural equation modeling presents interesting findings indicating that the expanded models have huge implications for the Indian app-cab industry.

Findings

This paper finds that the UTAUT 2/E-UTAUT models are a good fit for consumers and their behavior toward technology-based services. In particular, this study, one of the first of its kind, examines consumer acceptance and use behavior and identifies the factors that influence customer behavior with regard to new technology (app-cab services) in an emerging economy (India). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Originality/value

Very few studies are available on app-cab adoption in emerging economies.
Generating market-creating innovation by working backwards from the future
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: October 2021

Purpose

What is required to deliver innovation that meets evolving customer needs is a process of learning from the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The major financial gains in the digital economy usually flow from generating innovations that create entirely new markets by turning non-customers into customers.

Findings

Amazon has developed a highly productive value-creation approach called the PR/FAQ process. It starts by imagining the customer’s needs in the future and then describing in detail the offering that would meet those needs.

Practical/implications

To get more consistent success in generating market-creating innovations, explicit attention to non-users is needed.

Originality/value

Exponential advances in digital technologies, and the interactions between them, are expanding the possibilities for market-creating innovation.
The Virtual Enterprise: enterprise transformation enabled by strategic digital acceleration
Authors: Payraudeau Jean-Stéphane , Marshall Anthony , Dencik Jacob , Ballou Stephen
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The Virtual Enterprise model expands potential for extreme digitalization, extended value chains and intelligent workflows, along with new partnership and ecosystem approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of a new survey of more than 7000 C-suite executives conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) provides new and striking insights into what operational, organizational and cultural environments are most conducive to effective and enduring digital transformation.

Findings

The Virtual Enterprise re-imagines how and where work is done, re-evaluating the necessity for physical assets, infrastructure and talent.

Practical/implications

The single most important characteristic of the Virtual Enterprise is “openness”, which brings value at three levels: inside the enterprise, with partners outside the enterprise and with the wider ecosystem.

Originality/value

The research found that the high technology adopters who focus on “openness” and “ecosystems” enjoy a 40 percent revenue growth performance premium over their advanced competitors.
Integrating multiple dimensions of ecological stability into a vulnerability framework
Authors: Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Langenheder Silke , Striebel Maren , Angeler David G. , Bertilsson Stefan , Eklöv Peter , Hansson Lars‐Anders , Kelpsiene Egle , Laudon Hjalmar , Lundgren Maria , Parkefelt Linda , Donohue Ian , Hillebrand Helmut
Published: October 2021

Ecological stability encompasses multiple dimensions of functional and compositional responses to environmental change. Though no single stability dimension used in isolation can fully reflect the overall response to environmental change, a common vulnerability assessment that integrates simultaneously across multiple stability components is highly desirable for ecological risk assessment.

We develop both functional and compositional counterparts of a novel, integrative metric of overall ecological vulnerability (OEV). We test the framework with data from a modularized experiment replicated in five lakes over two seasons, examining functional and compositional responses to both pulse and press disturbances across three trophic groups. OEV is measured as the area under the curve integrated over the entire observation period, with the curve delimiting the difference between the disturbance treatment and undisturbed parallel controls, expressed either as the log response ratio of biomass (functional OEV) or community dissimilarity index (compositional OEV).

Both, functional and compositional OEV correlated negatively with functional and compositional ‘resistance’, ‘temporal stability’ and ‘final/extent of recovery’ following both pulse and press disturbances, though less so with ‘resilience’ following a pulse disturbance. We also found a positive correlation between functional and compositional OEV, which reveals the potential to also evaluate the intricate linkage between biodiversity and functional change.

Our findings demonstrate that OEV comprises a robust framework to: (a) capture simultaneously multiple functional and compositional stability components, and (b) quantify the functional consequences of biodiversity change. Our results provide the basis for an overarching framework for quantifying the overall vulnerability of ecosystems to environmental change, opening new possibilities for ecological risk assessment and management.

Synthesis. Ecological stability comprises multiple dimensions that together encapsulate how ecosystems respond to environmental change. Considering these multiple aspects of stability simultaneously often poses a problem in environmental assessments, which frequently require overarching indicators of risk or vulnerability. While an analysis of multiple dimensions allows for deeper exploration of mechanisms, here we develop and test a new univariate indicator that integrates stability aspects under a broad range of disturbance regimes. Using a modularized experiment in Swedish lakes, we show that this integrative measure captures multiple stability dimensions reflecting compositional and functional vulnerability and their relationships between them.
Large contribution of recent photosynthate to soil respiration in tropical dipterocarp forest revealed by girdling
Authors: Nottingham Andrew T. , Cheesman Alexander W. , Riutta Terhi , Doughty Christopher E. , Telford Elizabeth , Huaraca Huasco Walter , Svátek Martin , Kvasnica Jakub , Majalap Noreen , Malhi Yadvinder , Meir Patrick , Arn Teh Yit
Published: October 2021

Tropical forests are the most productive terrestrial ecosystems, fixing over 40 Pg of carbon from the atmosphere each year. A substantial portion of this carbon is allocated below‐ground to roots and root‐associated micro‐organisms. However, there have been very few empirical studies on the dynamics of this below ground transfer, especially in tropical forests where carbon allocation processes are influenced by high plant species diversity.

We used a whole‐stand girdling experiment to halt the below‐ground transfer of recent photosynthates in a lowland tropical forest in Borneo. By girdling 209 large trees in a 0.48 ha plot, we determined: (a) the contribution of recent photosynthate to root‐rhizosphere respiration and; (b) the relationships among the disruption of this below‐ground carbon supply, tree species composition and mortality.

Mortality of the 209 trees was 62% after 370 days, with large variation among species and particularly high mortality within the Dipterocarpaceae (99%) and Fagaceae (100%) families. We also observed a higher risk of mortality following girdling for species with lower wood density.

Soil CO2 emissions declined markedly (36 ± 5%) over ~50 days following girdling in three of six monitored subplots. In the other three subplots there was either a marginal decline or no response of soil CO2 emissions to girdling. The decrease in soil CO2 efflux was larger in subplots with dominance of Dipterocarpaceae.

Synthesis. Our results indicate high spatial variation in the coupling of below‐ground carbon allocation and root‐rhizosphere respiration in this tropical forest, with a closer coupling in forest dominated by Dipterocarpaceae. Our findings highlight the implications of tree species composition of tropical forests in affecting the dynamics of below‐ground carbon transfer and its release to the atmosphere.
Soil microbes alter competition between native and invasive plants
Authors: Fahey Catherine , Flory Stephen Luke
Published: October 2021

Invasive plants can alter soil microbial communities and generate positive plant–soil feedbacks that facilitate their performance, but the magnitude and direction of feedbacks may change with novel conditions under climate change. We assessed how potential soil legacy effects of plant invasion and simulated drought influenced plant performance and competition in the longleaf pine ecosystem.

We collected soil from a 4‐year factorial invasion (cogongrass Imperata cylindrica) by drought (simulated with rainout shelters) field experiment and used it as live or sterilized soil inoculum in a greenhouse experiment that included two native foundation species, longleaf pine Pinus palustris and wiregrass Aristida stricta, and cogongrass, grown individually or in competition.

There was no evidence of biotic soil legacy effects of invasion or drought for any plant species, but microbes played a significant role in competition. When plants were grown alone, the invader had 12% greater biomass in live soil than sterile soil but both native species had 25% less biomass in live soil. When grown in competition, these effects were reversed for cogongrass (37% smaller in live soil) and pine (17% larger in live soil). In competition, the three species grown in sterile soil produced similar amounts of biomass, whereas live soil created a competitive hierarchy where pine was more competitive than wiregrass and cogongrass.

Synthesis. These results emphasize the importance of soil biota in native plant restoration because, although the invader was highly successful when grown alone, plant–microbe interactions influenced the outcome of competition between native and invasive species by promoting native longleaf pine. There was little evidence that invasive cogongrass inhibited native plants via biotic soil legacies, instead, results suggested that plant–soil interactions can be highly resilient to global change such that the biotic legacy of invasion and drought may not promote or inhibit invasion.
Profiling helicopter emergency medical service winch operations involving physicians in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Thorley Liam , Shepherd Ben , Donohue Andrew , MacKillop Allan
Published: October 2021

Objective

To analyse the mission profiles of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) winch operations involving LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine physicians in Queensland, Australia, specifically focusing on patients' clinical characteristics, extrication methods and scene times.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed to identify all helicopter winch missions involving physicians during 2019. Demographic, clinical and non‐clinical data were accessed from an electronic database used to log cases and findings presented using descriptive statistics.

Results

Out of 4356 HEMS missions involving physicians, 100 (2.3%) were winch operations. Of these, 31 (31%) occurred overwater and 12 (12%) at night. In total, 106 patients were attended, and eight patient deaths occurred. Most patients were traumatically injured (66%), male (66%) and had a median (interquartile range) age of 43.5 (28–59) years. Thirteen missions (13%) involved drowning victims. This group had a higher burden of injury and comprised half of the patients treated with endotracheal intubation. Median scene time was 30 min (20–40), and the winch stretcher was the predominant patient extrication method. Physician winching occurred in 63 (63%) missions and was associated with increased scene time and increased use of the winch stretcher.

Conclusions

Winch operations involving physicians occur infrequently in Queensland HEMS, although almost a third of missions occur overwater. Drowning victims are encountered more frequently than reported elsewhere in Australian HEMS and comprised half of the patients who underwent endotracheal intubation. Patients' severity of illness and injury may contribute to the associations between winching of physicians, increased scene times and increased use of the winch stretcher.
Paving the Way for Evidence‐Driven Transboundary Water Cooperation in Central Asia
Authors: Ziganshina Dinara R. , de Schutter Joop L.G.
Published: October 2021

This paper reviews the achievements and failures in pursuing evidence‐driven and knowledge‐based transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, with a focus on scientific cooperation under the umbrella of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia. Despite its limitations, this scientific cooperation has contributed to facilitating evidence‐based dialog between the countries, to collaborative regional exchange of knowledge and expertise and to improved access to available data and information. This paper serves to show that more promising results can be achieved if joint research, fact‐finding, and planning are more widely promoted; water research is invested on a sustainable basis; knowledge between scientists, practitioners, water users, and local populations is co‐produced and shared; local capacity in science is supported and strengthened; traditional and innovative inter‐, trans‐, and multidisciplinary research is better used and developed.
Evaluate River Water Salinity in a Semi‐Arid Agricultural Watershed by Coupling Ensemble Machine Learning Technique with SWAT Model
Authors: Jung Chunggil , Ahn Sora , Sheng Zhuping , Ayana Essayas K. , Srinivasan Raghavan , Yeganantham Dhanesh
Published: October 2021

This study is to establish a new approach to estimate river salinity of semi‐arid agricultural watershed and identify drivers by using hydrologic modeling and machine learning. We augmented the limitations of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to model salinity by coupling with eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), a decision‐tree‐based ensemble machine learning algorithm. Streamflow, precipitation, elevation, main reach length, and dominant soil texture of the top two layers were used along with NO3, NO2, and total phosphorus (TP) output from a calibrated SWAT model are used as predictors to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the XGBoost algorithm. Then, the SWAT model simulations of streamflow, NO3+NO2, and TP from 2000 to 2015 are used as inputs of the XGBoost model to predict monthly water TDS distribution along the river. The predicted river water TDS showed a higher concentration as going downstream from El Paso (inlet) through the Hudspeth canal to Fort Quitman (outlet). Finally, this study carried out cause analysis focusing on soil physical characteristics. The soil salinity level is directly affected by the soil permeability and irrigation water. As a result, the highest TDS is shown in sites with silt loam, whereas the lowest TDS was shown in sites with very cobbly soil. Silt soils can hold more water and are slower to drain than soils of a sand type. These analyses can be used to better understand the mitigation of water salinity.
The Hydrological Urban Heat Island: Determinants of Acute and Chronic Heat Stress in Urban Streams
Authors: Zahn Einara , Welty Claire , Smith James A. , Kemp Stanley J. , Baeck Mary‐Lynn , Bou‐Zeid Elie
Published: October 2021

During and after rainfall events, the interaction of precipitation with hot urban pavements leads to hot runoff, and its merger with urban streams can result in an abrupt change in water temperature that can harm aquatic ecosystems. To understand this phenomenon and its relation to land cover and hydrometeorological parameters, we analyzed data spanning two years from 100 sites in the eastern United States. To identify surges, we first isolated temperature jumps of at least 0.5°C over 15 min occurring simultaneously with water flow increase. Surge magnitude was defined as the difference between peak stream temperature and baseflow temperature right before the jump. At least 10 surges were observed in 53 of the studied streams, with some surges exceeding 10°C. Our results demonstrate that the watershed developed area and vegetation fraction are the best descriptors of surge frequency (Spearman correlation of 0.76 and 0.77, respectively). On the other hand, for surge magnitude and peak temperature, the primary drivers are stream discharge and stream temperature immediately before the surge. In general, the more urbanized streams were found to be already warmer than their more “vegetated” counterparts during baseflow conditions, and were also the most affected by temperature surges. Together, these findings suggest the existence of a hydrological urban heat island, here defined as the increase in stream temperature (chronic and/or acute), caused by increased urbanization.
Which Narrative Strategies Durably Reduce Prejudice? Evidence from Field and Survey Experiments Supporting the Efficacy of Perspective‐Getting
Authors: Kalla Joshua L. , Broockman David E.
Published: October 2021

Exclusionary attitudes towards outgroups contribute to social and political challenges worldwide. Previous field experiments found that interpersonal conversations employing multiple narrative strategies can durably reduce exclusionary attitudes. We theoretically distinguish between three of these narrative strategies: narratives which promote analogic perspective taking, vicarious perspective‐giving, and perspective‐getting. Previous research has assigned these strategies together in a compound treatment, leaving open important theoretical and practical questions about each's effectiveness. We present results from three field studies and a survey experiment that individually manipulate their presence. Across the field studies, we find omitting prompts to engage in analogic perspective‐taking and vicarious perspective‐giving does not diminish effects; conversations employing only perspective‐getting narratives durably reduce exclusionary attitudes. Results from within‐subject analyses and a survey experiment similarly show that perspective‐getting consistently reduces exclusionary attitudes and activates multiple mechanisms. These results refine theoretical understandings of prejudice reduction and support facilitating perspective‐getting in conversations intended to reduce exclusionary attitudes.
Development and testing of a digital health acceptability model to explain the intention to use a digital diabetes prevention programme
Authors: Van Rhoon Luke , McSharry Jenny , Byrne Molly
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Digitally‐delivered diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) may improve population health by reversing the escalating trend of type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence. Understanding the factors which determine digital health acceptability is critical to developing effective interventions. This study aimed to develop and test a digital health acceptability model of the factors influencing the intention of adults living in Ireland to use a digital DPP.

Design

A 61‐item cross‐sectional survey was issued online or in hard copy to a sample of adults.

Methods

Participants viewed a brochure for a smartphone‐based digital DPP. The FINDRISC assessed their risk of developing T2D, and Likert scale items assessed the personal health, social influence, eHealth literacy, and intervention factors of the model. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationships between these factors.

Result

Three‐hundred‐and‐sixteen eligible participants (Mage = 36) completed the survey, 42% of which had a slightly elevated T2D risk or higher. Twelve direct factor relationships were statistically significant. Subjective norm had a moderate‐to‐large impact on T2D risk perceptions. Health status, perceived susceptibility to T2D, eHealth readiness, communicative eHealth literacy and image had significant impacts on use intentions through mediators of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. The model explained 65% of the variance in digital DPP use intentions.

Conclusion

Personal health beliefs, social influence, and eHealth literacy collectively influence a digital DPP’s acceptability. These findings may inform the development of future digital DPPs and other digital health interventions. Future research should test the model with adults that have a higher T2D risk status.
Land use has little influence on the soil seed bank in a central African moist forest
Authors: Zebaze Donatien , Fayolle Adeline , Daïnou Kasso , Libalah Moses , Droissart Vincent , Sonké Bonaventure , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2021

Regeneration of tropical forest occurs naturally and mainly through early secondary succession by soil seed banks. Here, we analyzed seed bank variation in density and diversity along a degradation gradient. We also explored the relationship (similarity in composition) between the seed and seedling banks and the overstory vegetation. The investigated forests were located at Dja Fauna Reserve and its surroundings, south‐eastern Cameroon. We sampled 33 one‐ha forest plots scattered in a protected area, in a logging concession and in community forests. Within each plot, we inventoried the seed bank in the litter and in four successive soil layers of 5 cm depth interval, and the standing vegetation. Seed density significantly varied with sampling depth but not between land use types. A total of 181 morphospecies were identified. Trees species accounted for 46% of seeds with pioneer species dispersed by animals dominating the seed bank. Species diversity and composition strongly varied with the sampling depth; the litter seed bank was more similar in composition to the soil seed bank than to the seedling bank, sapling, and forest stands. We highlighted the presence of a dense and diverse seed bank in each land use type. We also showed the differentiation of each sampling depth in terms of species composition, thus revealing their complementarity in the dynamics of natural regeneration. The dominance of pioneers in the seed bank and weak relationship with the overstory are universal for tropical forests and logically follow from forest succession after disturbance.

Abstract in French is available with online material.
Prevalence of mitral annular calcification and its association with mitral valvular disease
Authors: Okura Hiroyuki , Nakada Yasuki , Nogi Maki , Ishihara Satomi , Okamura Akihiko , Okayama Satoshi , Watanabe Makoto , Kawakami Rika , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is increasingly observed in elderly population. The purpose of this study was to investigate incidence of MAC and its association with mitral valvular disease (MVD).

Methods

A total of 13,483 consecutive patients who underwent echocardiography were enrolled. MAC was defined as an echo‐dense, shelf‐like structure with an irregular, lumpy appearance involving the mitral valve annulus, with acoustic shadowing. Prevalence of MAC and its association with significant mitral stenosis (MS) or mitral regurgitation (MR) were studied. Significant (≥moderate) MS was defined as mean transmitral valvular pressure gradient > 5 mm Hg and significant MR was defined as ≥moderate MR based on quantitative or semi‐quantitative Doppler methods.

Results

MAC was present in 1881 of 13,483 patients (14%). Patients with MAC (MAC group) was older and more female gender than those without MAC (non‐MAC group). Significant MS was present in 2.2% of MAC and in .6% of the non‐MAC group (p < 0.0001). Significant MR was present in 11.9% of MAC and in 5.0% of the non‐MAC group (p < 0.0001). Co‐existence of MAC and aortic valve replacement (AVR) was associated with increased prevalence of MVD (MS:11.4%, MR:17.2%, respectively).

Conclusion

MAC was present in 14% of the patients and was associated with significant MVD. Co‐existence of MAC and AVR may increase the risk of MVD.
Medication control of flunixin in racing horses: Possible detection times using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Kuroda Taisuke , Minamijima Yohei , Nomura Motoi , Yamashita Shozo , Yamada Masayuki , Nagata Shunichi , Mita Hiroshi , Tamura Norihisa , Fukuda Kentaro , Kuwano Atsutoshi , Kusano Kanichi , Toutain Pierre‐Louis , Sato Fumio
Published: October 2021

Background

For medication control in several jurisdictions, withdrawal time is the period of refrain from racing after drug administration. It is set by adding a safety period to an experimental detection time. However, there are no reports of statistical analyses of detection time for the determination of withdrawal time in flunixin meglumine‐treated horses.

Objective

To analyse the population pharmacokinetics of flunixin in horses through the generation of a dataset for detection time statistical analysis and predictions via Monte Carlo simulation.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Drug plasma and urine concentrations following single intravenous administration of flunixin 1.1 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) in 10 horses and multiple administration of q 24 hours for 5 days in 10 horses were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Data were modelled using a nonlinear mixed effect model followed by Monte Carlo simulation. Irrelevant plasma concentration (IPC) and irrelevant urine concentration (IUC) were calculated using the Toutain approach. Detection times were obtained considering the time after the last administration for selected quantiles of 5000 hypothetical horses under the international screening limit (ISL) proposed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (plasma: 1 ng/mL, urine; 100 ng/mL).

Results

For a regimen of 1.1 mg/kg BW q 24 hours, the IPC and IUC values were 2.0 and 73.0 ng/mL respectively. Detection times in plasma above the ISL for 90% of simulated horses were estimated as 74 hours after a single 1.1 mg/kg dose administration, 149 and 199 hours after multiple doses over 5 days at either 24‐ or 12‐hour intervals respectively. Corresponding detection times in urine were 46, 68 and 104 hours respectively.

Main limitation

Only female horses were investigated.

Conclusions

Statistical detection times for different flunixin meglumine regimens indicated a delay of detection time in plasma after multiple administrations under ISL.
Effect of omeprazole and sucralfate on gastrointestinal injury in a fasting/NSAID model
Authors: Bishop Rebecca C. , Kemper Ann M. , Wilkins Pamela A. , McCoy Annette M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common and significant cause of morbidity in horses, with a range of clinical signs, including inappetence, colic and poor performance. Hospitalised horses are exposed to factors that may induce EGUS, including fasting and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration, and may be at risk for development of squamous (ESGD) and glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Prophylactic anti‐ulcer medication is often prescribed for these patients, but drug selection is complicated by different aetiology and response to treatment of ESGD and EGGD.

Objectives

To establish the efficacy of sucralfate or omeprazole used prophylactically in horses exposed to a combined feed‐fast and NSAID administration EGUS induction protocol. We hypothesised that these drugs would be equally effective for prevention of gastric lesions in the experimental cohort.

Study design

Randomised crossover experimental design.

Methods

Horses (n = 14) received either omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q24h) or sucralfate (20 mg/kg PO q8h) while undergoing the feed‐fast/NSAID protocol, allowed an 8‐week washout period, and then administered the alternate treatment. Serial gastroscopy, ultrasound and haematology documented treatment effects.

Results

ESGD and EGGD score increased over time under both treatments. There was a significant effect of treatment on EGGD scores (P < .001), with post‐treatment EGGD scores higher for horses receiving sucralfate (median 3; IQR 2.25,3) than omeprazole (1; 1,1). The effect of treatment on ESGD scores just achieved significance (P = .05), with post‐treatment ESGD scores higher for sucralfate (4; 3,4) than omeprazole (2; 2,3).

Main limitations

This study was performed in healthy horses, and response to treatment may differ in horses with clinical illness. Additional investigation in a larger population may be required to detect significant differences in other clinical parameters.

Conclusions

Omeprazole was superior to sucralfate for mitigating gastric lesion severity in healthy horses exposed to a feed‐fast/NSAID model.
Historical reconstruction and social context of recreational fisheries: The Australian East Coast Barramundi
Authors: Chong‐Montenegro Carolina , Thurstan Ruth H. , Campbell Alexander B. , Cunningham Emer T. , Pandolfi John M.
Published: October 2021

Recreational fishing in Australia makes important contributions to local economies and fisheries harvests. Historical evaluations of the cumulative effects of exploitation for most recreationally targeted Australian fish stocks remain unexplored, as do the social and cultural contexts of recreational fishing. Historical newspaper articles were used to derive quantitative and qualitative catch data on Queensland's east coast barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch), a popular species targeted by recreational fishers. Decadal‐scale catch rates (1869–1952) were reconstructed, as was the development of the fishery since its earliest documentation. Models indicated a significant decline in catch rates, from an average of 5.20 kg /fishing trip (95% confidence interval, 3.82–7.09) in 1870–3.24 kg/fishing trip (95% CI 2.72–3.87) in 1952. Variability in catch rates was associated with a spatial and seasonal interaction effect, with average catch rates differing among regions and seasons. Qualitative analysis showed a northward expansion of the fishery along the east coast, coinciding with increasing number of locations fished, establishment of organised fishing clubs in the 1900s and concerns of overexploitation starting in 1909. Integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis revealed past socio‐cultural factors and trends in the barramundi fishery, while building confidence in the reliability of inferences made from archival data sets.
Does island ontogeny dictate the accumulation of both species richness and functional diversity?
Authors: Kraemer Andrew C. , Roell Yannik E. , Shoobs Nate F. , Parent Christine E.
Published: October 2021

Aim

The accumulation of functional diversity in communities is poorly understood. Conveniently, the general dynamic model of island biogeography (GDM) makes predictions for how such diversity might accumulate over time. In this multiscale study of land snail communities on 10 oceanic archipelagos located in various regions of the globe, we test hypotheses of community assembly in systems where islands serve as chronosequences along island ontogeny.

Location

Ten volcanic archipelagos.

Time period

From 23 Ma to the present.

Major taxa studied

Endemic land snails.

Methods

Initially, we assembled geological island characteristics of area, isolation and ontogeny for all studied islands. We then characterized island‐scale biotic variables, including the species diversity and functional diversity of snail communities. From these data, we assessed relationships between island and snail community variables as predicted by the GDM, focusing initially on the islands of the Galápagos archipelago and thereafter with a broader analysis of 10 archipelagoes.

Results

As in other studies of island assemblages, in Galápagos we find a hump‐shaped curve of species richness, with depauperate snail faunas on early‐ontogeny islands, increasing species richness on mid‐ontogeny islands and low species richness on islands in late ontogeny. We find exceptionally low functional diversity on early‐ontogeny islands that increases through mid‐ontogeny, whereas late‐ontogeny islands exhibit a range of functional diversity. The analysis including all 10 archipelagos indicates a major role of archipelago‐specific factors. In both sets of analyses, functional diversity is exceptionally low on early‐ontogeny islands, and island ontogeny is a significant predictor of morphology.

Main conclusions

Consistent patterns of functional diversity across island ontogeny on all examined archipelagos indicate a common role for habitat filtering, ecological opportunity and competition in a diversity of systems, leading to predictable changes in functional diversity and average morphology through island ontogeny, whereas patterns of species richness appear subject to archipelago‐specific factors.
Glass‐to‐metal seals for solid oxide cells at the Politecnico di Torino, an overview
Authors: Smeacetto Federico , Chrysanthou Andreas , Sabato Antonio G. , Javed Hassan , Pierre Stefano De la , Salvo Milena , Ferraris Monica
Published: October 2021

A summary and update of the research on the design, process, and testing of glass and glass‐ceramic to metal seals for solid oxide cells (SOC) conducted during the last 13 years at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, within our research group and with several international collaborations, is presented and discussed. Glass and glass‐ceramic‐based materials play a key role in SOC performance and durability as well as in the sealing and joining of metallic interconnects. The sinter‐crystallization method is a powerful technique that is used to obtain dense and reliable glass‐ceramics capable of providing hermetic joining and seals. The issues, learned from our experience, that have an impact on the lifetime behavior of glass and glass‐ceramic to metal seals are briefly reviewed in terms of challenges and working conditions. The mechanical characterization of glass‐to‐metal seal materials has a crucial impact on the overall performance, as the metal–glass interface plays a key role on the final joining strength and reliability. Several glass compositions are presented along with results on their characterization and behavior as joining materials for metallic interconnects, with a focus on their potential use as SOC seals.
Missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis: how often do hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have spirometry that supports the diagnosis?
Authors: Habteslassie Daniel , Khorramnia Sadie , Muruganandan Sanjeevan , Romeo Nicholas , See Katharine , Hannan Liam M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common clinical diagnoses among hospital inpatients. Diagnosis requires the demonstration of post‐bronchodilator airflow obstruction. However, it is uncertain how often spirometry results are available at the time a diagnostic label of COPD is applied.

Aims

To identify how frequently spirometry results were available following an inpatient admission with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, and to determine how often the available spirometry results supported a clinical diagnosis of COPD. Inhaler prescription, at discharge, was also evaluated to determine one of the potential implications of diagnostic inaccuracy.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective observational study was undertaken at a 400‐bed metropolitan health service between October 2016 and March 2018.

Results

A total of 2239 inpatient separations occurred in 1469 individuals who had a clinical diagnosis of COPD during the study. Spirometry results were not available in 43.6% (n = 641) of those with a diagnosis of COPD. A further 19.7% (n = 289) had spirometry results available at the time of admission that did not demonstrate fixed airflow obstruction. The available prescribing data (n = 443) demonstrated that inhaled medications were prescribed in a similar pattern, regardless of the availability of spirometry or whether the results supported a clinical diagnosis of COPD.

Conclusions

Inpatients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD frequently did not have supportive spirometry results that confirmed the diagnosis or had results inconsistent with COPD. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate prescribing require further attention to improve the quality of care in this setting.