bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of sources of N2O from soil treated with different types of fertilizers by the acetylene inhibition method and stable isotope analysis
Authors: Lin Wei , Ding Junjun , Li Yuzhong , Zhang Wei , Ahmad Rasheed , Xu Chunying , Mao Lili , Qiang Xiaojing , Zheng Qian , Li Qiaozhen
Published: December 2018

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the major human‐induced greenhouse gases. It has a large potential for global warming, a long lifetime and can deplete ozone. In China, nitrogenous fertilizer is an important source of N2O in agricultural soils, especially in vegetable production, where large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers are commonly used. Isotopomer ratios of N2O, oxygen and bulk nitrogen isotope values (δ18O and δ15Nbulk) and intramolecular 15N site preferences (SP) have recently been used to identify the sources of N2O. In this study, vegetable farm soil was incubated with manure (M), compound fertilizers (CF) and no fertilizers (NF). The acetylene inhibition method and a 15N isotopic technique were used to reveal the most likely microbial processes leading to N2O emissions. The results showed that the M treatment produced smaller N2O emissions than the CF treatment of the soil. Nitrifier denitrification or denitrifier denitrification made the greatest contribution to N2O production in the M treatment, accounting for approximately 60–89% of N2O production, whereas it was 25–55% and 37–66% in the CF and NF treatments under non‐acetylene conditions, respectively. Under non‐acetylene conditions, N2O reduction to N2 was largest for treatment M (32–90%), intermediate for NF (42–77%) and smallest for CF (20–51%). The results also showed that nitrifier nitrification and N2O reduction were partly inhibited under acetylene conditions, with a relative contribution of 9–20% and 0–83% for M, 39–48% and 0–46% for CF, and 25–35% and 0–56% for NF, respectively. Our results suggest that analysing isotopomer ratios of N2O with SP would be a practical approach for determining the contributions of microbial processes to N2O emissions from different pools in soil. The results revealed that manure produced smaller N2O emissions and promoted relatively larger rates of denitrification and N2O reduction than compound fertilizers with the same amount of N, which indicated that complementing chemical with manure fertilizers might help to reduce N2O emissions on vegetable‐producing land.

Highlights

We investigated emissions and sources of N2O with different types of fertilizers.

For the same amount of N, manure produced less N2O than compound fertilizer.

Stable isotope analysis revealed that denitrification was the dominant process in the manure treatment.

The acetylene inhibition method can supplement δ15Nbulk compared with the SP model to assess N2O reduction in soil.
A new method to trace colloid transport pathways in macroporous soils using X‐ray computed tomography and fluorescence macrophotography
Authors: Soto‐Gómez Diego , Pérez‐Rodríguez Paula , Vázquez Juíz Laura , López‐Periago José E. , Paradelo Pérez Marcos
Published: December 2018

The fast and deep percolation of particles through soil is attributed to preferential flow pathways, and their extent can be critical in the filtering of particulate pollutants in soil. Particle deposition on the pore walls and transport between the pores and matrix modulate the preferential flow of particulate pollutants. In the present research, we developed a novel method of combining fluorescence macrophotography and X‐ray computed tomography (CT) to track preferential pathways of colloidal fluorescent microspheres (MS) in breakthrough experiments. We located accumulations of MS by fluorescence imaging and used them to delimit the deposition structures along the preferential colloid pathways by superimposing these images on the 3‐D pore network obtained from CT. Advection–diffusion with transport parameters from the dual‐porosity equation correlated with preferential pathway features across different soil management techniques. However, management did not influence the morphology of the MS preferential pathways. Preferential flow occurred in only a small fraction of the total pore network and was controlled by pores connected to the soil surface and by matrix density.

Highlights

X‐ray tomography and epifluorescence images were combined to identify preferential pathways in soil.

Preferential pathways constituted approximately 1% of the soil bulk volume.

Correlations between descriptors of preferential pathways and colloid transport were found.

Tillage influenced the morphology of pores, but not the shape of preferential pathways.
Dietary oxidised lipids, health consequences and novel food technologies that thwart food lipid oxidation: an update
Authors: Jackson Victoria , Penumetcha Meera
Published: December 2018

Processed foods are popular and their consumption is expected to grow globally. Food processing and manufacturing promote lipid oxidation in foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. This review focuses on how various food manufacturing/processing techniques promote lipid oxidation in grains, meats and meat products, dairy and fats/oils. This review also considers emerging evidence from animal and human studies that suggest a link between dietary oxidised lipid consumption and chronic disease risk. An update on novel food technologies that limit food lipid oxidation is discussed so as to inform both food scientists and dietitians/nutritionists to direct future efforts in not only continuing to bring these novel technologies to the market place but also conduct clinical trials to establish their role in human health.
Ensuring the future of functional foods
Authors: Birch Catherine S. , Bonwick Graham A.
Published: December 2018

Consumption of functional foods suggests a strategy to reduce the incidence of chronic health disorders. This message has resonated with consumers and driven market growth. Functional food research has significantly increased over the last decade but few studies have addressed the bioavailability of active ingredients for clinical efficacy. Baked goods such as bread, biscuits and cake are popular categories for innovation due to their widespread consumption. These new developments have often impacted on organoleptic properties of the finished products and thus consumer acceptance. Blending of bioactive ingredients may overcome this deficit. However, an understanding of the role of the microbiome in health has indicated that the efficacy of functional foods is unlikely to be uniform within the population. Further growth in the functional foods market, is likely to require greater evidence of the bioavailability of active ingredients, clinical effect and support for health claims by regulators especially in the EU.
Predictors of renal function after open and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Yu Young Dong , Nguyen Ngoc Ha , Ryu Ho Young , Hong Sung Kyu , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sangchul
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate parameters predicting short‐ and long‐term renal function after open partial nephrectomy and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.

Methods

Medical records of 896 patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy or robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy from 2004 to 2017 at a single large‐volume institution were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching of open partial nephrectomy and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy group was carried out with a ratio of 1:1. Postoperative outcomes were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify the parameters influencing acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease progression.

Results

No significant differences in preoperative characteristics were observed between the two study groups after matching. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy was significantly associated with a longer warm ischemic time (P < 0.001) yet, estimated blood loss, positive surgical margin, rates of major postoperative complications and chronic kidney disease progression were significantly lower in the robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy group (P < 0.001, 0.033, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy was more favorable than open partial nephrectomy in terms of preserving renal function. Patients with a higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly associated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury (odds ratio 1.036; 95% confidence interval 1.021–1.052; P < 0.001), but a decreased risk of chronic kidney disease progression (odds ratio 0.975; 95% confidence interval 0.955–0.994; P = 0.011). Other independent predictors of chronic kidney disease progression were warm ischemic time (P = 0.025), age (P = 0.035), body mass index (P = 0.041) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, warm ischemic time and surgery type are independent predictors of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease progression. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy is more favorable than open partial nephrectomy for reducing estimated blood loss, positive surgical margin, major postoperative complications and renal function preservation.
Minding the Gap: Bias, Soft Structures, and the Double Life of Social Norms
Authors: Davidson Lacey J. , Kelly Daniel
Published: December 2018

We argue that work on norms provides a way to move beyond debates between proponents of individualist and structuralist approaches to bias, oppression, and injustice. We briefly map out the geography of that debate before presenting Charlotte Witt's view, showing how her position, and the normative ascriptivism at its heart, seamlessly connects individuals to the social reality they inhabit. We then describe recent empirical work on the psychology of norms and locate the notions of informal institutions and soft structures with respect to it. Finally, we argue that the empirical resources enrich Witt's ascriptivism, and that the resulting picture shows theorists need not, indeed should not, choose between either the individualist or structuralist camp.
Haemosporidian parasites depress breeding success and plumage coloration in female barn swallowsHirundo rustica
Authors: Romano Andrea , Nodari Riccardo , Bandi Claudio , Caprioli Manuela , Costanzo Alessandra , Ambrosini Roberto , Rubolini Diego , Parolini Marco , Epis Sara , Saino Nicola
Published: December 2018

Parasites are major effectors of natural selection and also play a role in sexual selection processes. Haemosporidian blood parasites are common in vertebrates and have been shown to vary in their effects depending on both the parasite and host species, on the host trait investigated as well as on host condition and stage of infection. Here we investigated infection of adult barn swallowsHirundo rusticabyPlasmodium,LeucocytozoonandHaemoproteusspecies during the chronic stage of infection and the consequences for host fitness traits. Prevalence was higher than 10% only forPlasmodium. Chronic stage infection byPlasmodiumwas associated with reduced female breeding success, but did not affect breeding dates. Infection did not affect the expression of male secondary sexual traits (tail length and melanin‐based plumage coloration), but was associated with paler coloration of females. Finally, we found a negative effect of infection byPlasmodiumon feather growth rate in older but not in yearling individuals. Because feathers are moulted during wintering in sub‐Saharan Africa where infection of barn swallows byPlasmodiumoccurs, our results suggest that male secondary sexual traits have little potential to reveal acute‐stage infection whereas plumage coloration of females may advertise their infection status. In addition, these results suggest that infection byPlasmodiumcan influence the course of plumage moult. Thus, our results add to the observations of negative effects of haemosporidian infection on fitness traits in birds and provides evidence that these effects can vary among traits and in relation to age and sex.
Investment and financing decisions of private and public firms
Authors: Drobetz Wolfgang , Janzen Malte , Meier Iwan
Published: December 2018

We examine differences in the allocation of cash flow between Western European private and public firms. Public firms have a higher investment‐cash flow sensitivity than comparable private firms. This difference is not attributable to more severe financing constraints of public firms. Instead, because differences in investment‐cash flow sensitivities are only observed for the unexpected portion of firms’ cash flow, the empirical evidence supports an agency‐based explanation. Similar patterns are observable for the expected and unexpected portion of firms’ shareholder distributions. Our results are driven by firms from countries with low ownership concentration and more liquid stock markets, where shareholders have lower incentives to monitor. The results are also more pronounced for public firms with low industry Tobin's q and high free cash flow, which are more prone to suffer from agency problems.
Immunization with cell‐free‐generated vaccine protects from Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced alveolar bone loss
Authors: Huang Nasi , Shimomura Elyse , Yin Gang , Tran Cuong , Sato Aaron , Steiner Alex , Heibeck Tyler , Tam Michelle , Fairman Jeffery , Gibson Frank C.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Periodontal diseases (PD) are complex oral inflammatory diseases initiated by keystone bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. A vaccine for PD is desirable as clinical treatment involves protracted maintenance strategies aimed to retain dentition. Although prior immunization approaches targeting P. gingivalis have reported variable success in limiting facets of disease such as oral bone loss, it remains that a vaccine for this disease may be attainable.

Aim

To investigate cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) as a platform to produce vaccinable targets suitable for efficacy testing in a P. gingivalis‐induced murine oral bone loss model.

Materials and Methods

Recombinantly generated P. gingivalis minor fimbriae protein (Mfa1), RgpA gingipain hemagglutinin domain 1 (HA1), and RgpA gingipain hemagglutinin domain 2 (HA2) were combined in equivalent doses in adjuvants and injected intramuscularly to immunize mice. Serum levels of protein‐specific antibody were measured by ELISA, and oral bone levels were defined by morphometrics.

Results

Recombinantly generated P. gingivalis proteins possessed high fidelity to predicted size and elicited protein‐specific IgG following immunization. Importantly, immunization with the vaccine cocktail protected from P. gingivalis elicited oral bone loss.

Conclusion

These data verify the utility of the CFPS technology to synthesize proteins that have the capacity to serve as novel vaccines.
Kbtbd11 gene expression in adipose tissue increases in response to feeding and affects adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Watanabe Kazuhisa , Yoshida Ken , Iwamoto Sadahiko
Published: December 2018

Aims/Introduction

The putative tumor suppressor gene, KBTBD11, might play a role in tumorigenesis, and is associated with cellular apoptosis and proliferation in colorectal cancer cells. However, the function of Kbtbd11 during adipogenesis is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Kbtbd11 in the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes.

Materials and Methods

For the fasting–refeeding protocol, mice were subjected to fasting for 24 h, followed by a chow diet for 12 h. Adenovirus infection methods were used to examine the effect of Kbtbd11, and 3T3‐L1 cells were analyzed with Oil Red O staining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The white adipose tissue expression of Kbtbd11 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was significantly higher in the re‐fed state than in the fasted state. Kbtbd11 mRNA levels were markedly increased in epididymal white adipose tissue of diet‐induced obesity mice compared with those in the mice fed a chow diet. In addition, Kbtbd11 mRNA expression was increased in a differentiation‐dependent manner in 3T3‐L1 cells. Knockdown of Kbtbd11 mRNA through the infection with adenoviral vectors remarkably inhibited triglyceride accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. In contrast, the overexpression of Kbtbd11 promoted the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.

Conclusions

The present findings show that Kbtbd11 expression might be involved in nutritional regulation and is increased in obese adipose tissue. In addition, Kbtbd11 appears to be required for the differentiation of adipocytes in 3T3‐L1 cells. Collectively, these results show a novel link between the expression of Kbtbd11 and fat accumulation, and suggest that Kbtbd11 is a new therapeutic target for obesity.
Discrepancy of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibody results between RSR radioimmunoassay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in patients with type 1 diabetes is related to autoantibody affinity
Authors: Kawasaki Eiji , Okada Akira , Uchida Aira , Fukuyama Takahiro , Sagara Yoko , Nakano Yuko , Tamai Hidekazu , Tojikubo Masayuki , Koga Nobuhiko
Published: December 2018

Aim/Introduction

Autoantibodies to the 65 kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) are a valuable diagnostic and predictive marker for type 1 diabetes. Recently, it has been reported that a significant proportion of sera in the commercial RSR radioimmunoassay (RIA) that have tested positive for GADA have then turned negative in RSR enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests in patients with type 1 diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate whether the GADA result discrepancies between RSR‐RIA and RSR‐ELISA are related to autoantibody affinity.

Methods

GADA affinity was measured by a competitive binding experiment using unlabeled recombinant human GAD65 in 12 discordant samples (5 RIA[+]/ELISA[−] and 7 RIA[−]/ELISA[+] sera). Furthermore, the effect of the initial incubation time on the GADA positivity was also examined using the ELISA test.

Results

GADA affinities were >1010 L/mol in two of five RIA(+)/ELISA(−) and all of seven RIA(−)/ELISA(+) sera. After an initial incubation time longer than the recommended 1 h, the GADA titer in three of five RIA(+)/ELISA(−) sera and all RIA(−)/ELISA(+) sera increased 1.6‐ to 100‐fold. However, the titer in 12 GADA‐negative sera from healthy controls remained unchanged after the longer incubation. The increment ratio of GADA titer was positively correlated with GADA affinity (r = 0.991, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The RSR‐RIA test identifies both high‐ and low‐affinity GADA, whereas the RSR‐ELISA test identifies only high‐affinity GADA. A longer initial incubation time in the RSR‐ELISA test increases the sensitivity of GADA with the same specificity in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Peroxisomes in plant reproduction and seed‐related development
Authors: Pan Ronghui , Liu Jun , Hu Jianping
Published: December 2018

Peroxisomes are small multi‐functional organelles essential for plant development and growth. Plant peroxisomes play various physiological roles, including phytohormone biosynthesis, lipid catabolism, reactive oxygen species metabolism and many others. Mutant analysis demonstrated key roles for peroxisomes in plant reproduction, seed development and germination and post‐germinative seedling establishment; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This review summarizes findings that reveal the importance and complexity of the role of peroxisomes in the pertinent processes. The β‐oxidation pathway plays a central role, whereas other peroxisomal pathways are also involved. Understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of these peroxisomal functions will be instrumental to the improvement of crop plants.
Top‐down and bottom‐up control of stress‐coping
Authors: de Kloet Edo R. , de Kloet Sybren F. , de Kloet Carien S. , de Kloet Annette D.
Published: December 2018

In this 30th anniversary issue review, we focus on the glucocorticoid modulation of limbic‐prefrontocortical circuitry during stress‐coping. This action of the stress hormone is mediated by mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) that are co‐expressed abundantly in these higher brain regions. Via both receptor types, the glucocorticoids demonstrate, in various contexts, rapid nongenomic and slower genomic actions that coordinate consecutive stages of information processing. MR‐mediated action optimises stress‐coping, whereas, in a complementary fashion, the memory storage of the selected coping strategy is promoted via GR. We highlight the involvement of adipose tissue in the allocation of energy resources to central regulation of stress reactions, point to still poorly understood neuronal ensembles in the prefrontal cortex that underlie cognitive flexibility critical for effective coping, and evaluate the role of cortisol as a pleiotropic regulator in vulnerability to, and treatment of, trauma‐related psychiatric disorders.
Ultrasound‐Derived Nerve Cross‐Sectional Area in Extremes of Height and Weight
Authors: Lothet Emilie H. , Bishop Timothy J. , Walker Francis O. , Cartwright Michael S.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a lack of consensus in the literature as to which body habitus parameter most influences nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA). This study was specifically designed to determine if height or weight is more influential.

METHODS

Fifteen young healthy participants, 8 extremely tall and 7 heavy, with no peripheral nerve symptoms were recruited. The tall cohort consisted of males who were 74 inches or taller and females who were 68 inches or taller. The heavy cohort consisted of males who were 274 lbs or heavier and females who were 200 lbs or heavier. Measurements were obtained bilaterally at 7 sites using neuromuscular ultrasound: median nerve at the wrist and mid‐forearm, ulnar at the elbow, radial at the spiral groove, fibular at the knee, tibial at the ankle, and sural at the ankle. The nerve CSA at each site was measured by tracing of the nerve using the “freehand” trace function of the ultrasound device.

RESULTS

Weight tightly correlated with nerve CSA (R2 = .69, P < .001), while height did not significantly predict CSA (R2 = .10, P = .244). Nerve CSA for tall participants did not systematically deviate from an historical control group. Conversely, with exception of the tibial and sural nerves at the ankle, all nerve CSAs for heavy participants were higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Weight was found to be the body habitus parameter that most influences nerve CSA. This will inform clinicians when using nerve imaging to evaluate participants at either extreme of weight.
Implementation and strength of root cause analysis recommendations following serious adverse events involving paediatric patients in the Queensland public health system between 2012 and 2014
Authors: Hamilton Monique J , McEniery Julie A , Osborne Jodie M , Coulthard Mark G
Published: December 2018

Aim

This study evaluates the implementation rate and strength of the recommendations developed in all root cause analyses (RCAs) performed following serious clinical incidents involving children that have resulted in permanent harm or death in Queensland public hospitals over a 3‐year period.

Methods

Severity assessment classification 1 events were identified from a Queensland Paediatric Quality Council database of paediatric clinical incidents that occurred in Queensland between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014. There were 150 recommendations extracted from RCAs pertaining to the 42 serious adverse events involving paediatric patients.

Results

Of the recommendations, 82% were implemented; 33% of recommendations were classified as stronger, 33% as intermediate and 34% weaker in terms of their potential to improve patient safety.

Conclusions

This study describes the implementation of recommendations and classifies them in terms of potential to prevent patient harm and save lives. Future research is needed to determine if the RCA process does indeed prevent harm.
RPW8 promoter is involved in pathogen‐And stress‐inducible expression from Vitis pseudoreticulata
Authors: Lai Gongti , Song Shiren , Liu Yunxiao , Fu Peining , Xiang Jiang , Lu Jiang
Published: December 2018

Based on previous cloning of VpRPW8‐e, we obtained a 1,126 bp VpRPW8‐e promoter sequence in this study. A large number of TATA‐boxes, CAAT‐boxes, and other cis‐acting elements were predicted including light‐responsive elements, hormone‐responsive elements, stress‐responsive elements, and growth‐ and development‐associated elements within the promoter sequence. To further investigate the function of this promoter, we examined its activity in response to biotic and abiotic stress. The VpRPW8‐e promoter was strongly activated by Plasmopara viticola infection, and activation also occurred when the orientation of the promoter was reversed, although to a lesser extent. Deletion analysis showed that the −1,126 to −475 bp region of VpRPW8‐e promoter had high activity. A promoter fragment 5′ deleted to −475 bp (P−475) was activated in response to heat and cold stress, and even more strongly in response to Phytophthora capsici and salicylic acid (SA). Furthermore, Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana were generated, VpRPW8‐e driven by P−475 enhanced resistance to Ph. capsici in N. benthamiana. Based on these results, the −475 bp region was deduced to be an indispensable part of the VpRPW8‐e promoter. VpRPW8‐e promoter is involved in pathogen‐ and stress‐inducible expression.
Genomic variability of within‐host hepatitis C variants in acute infection
Authors: Rodrigo Chaturaka , Leung Preston , Lloyd Andrew R. , Bull Rowena A. , Luciani Fabio , Grebely Jason , Dore Gregory J. , Applegate Tanya , Page Kimberly , Bruneau Julie , Cox Andrea L. , Osburn William , Kim Arthur Y. , Shoukry Naglaa H. , Lauer Georg M. , Maher Lisa , Schinkel Janke , Prins Maria , Hellard Margaret , Eltahla Auda A. ,   the InC Collaborative
Published: December 2018

Interactions between the host immune system and the viral variants determine persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after the acute phase of infection. This study describes the genetic variability of within‐host HCV viral variants in acute infection and correlates it with host‐ and virus‐related traits and infection outcome. Next generation sequence data (Illumina, MiSeq platform) of viral genomes from 116 incident acute infections (within 180 days of infection) were analysed to determine all the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies above a threshold of 0.1%. The variability of the SNPs for the full open reading frame of the genome as well as for each protein coding region were compared using mean standardized Shannon entropy (SE) values calculated separately for synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations. The envelope glycoproteins regions (E1 and E2) had the highest SE values (indicating greater variability) followed by the NS5B region. Nonsynonymous mutations rather than synonymous mutations were the main contributors to genomic variability in acute infection. The mean difference of Shannon entropy was also compared between subjects after categorizing the samples according to host and virus‐related traits. Host IFNL3 allele CC polymorphism at rs12979860 (vs others) and viral genotype 1a (vs 3a) were associated with higher genomic variability across the viral open reading frame. Time since infection, host gender or continent of origin was not associated with the viral genomic variability. Viral genomic variability did not predict spontaneous clearance.
A quantitative method to assess the role of indoor air decontamination to simultaneously reduce contamination of environmental surfaces: testing with vegetative and spore-forming bacteria
Authors: Zargar B. , Sattar S.A. , Rubino J.R. , Ijaz M.K.
Published: December 2018

Indoor air can spread pathogens, which can be removed/inactivated by a variety of means in healthcare and other settings. We quantitatively assessed if air decontamination could also simultaneously reduce environmental surface contamination in the same setting. Two types of vegetative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii), and a bacterial spore-former (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) were tested as representative airborne bacteria. They were separately aerosolized with a Collison nebulizer into a 24-m3 aerobiology chamber and air samples collected with a programmable slit-to-agar sampler. Settling airborne particles were collected on culture plates placed at, and collected from, five different locations on the floor of the chamber with a custom-built remote plate-placement and -retriever system. Experimentally contaminated air in the chamber was decontaminated for 45 min with a device based on HEPA filtration and UV light. The plates were incubated and CFU counted. The device reduced the viability levels of all tested bacteria in the air by >3 log10 (>99·9%) in 45 min. Based on two separate tests, the average reductions in surface contamination for S. aureus, A. baumannii and G. stearothermophilus were respectively, 97, 87 and 97%. We thus showed that air decontamination could substantially and simultaneously reduce the levels of surface contamination in the same setting irrespective of the type of pathogen present.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The innovative and generic test protocol described can quantitatively assess the reduction in environmental surface contamination from microbial decontamination of indoor air in the same setting. This added advantage from air decontamination has implications for infection prevention and control in healthcare and other settings without the need for additional expense or effort. Continuous operation of an air decontamination device, such as the one tested here, can lead to ongoing reductions in pathogens in air and on environmental surfaces.
Information transfer about food as a reason for sociality in bats
Authors: Gager Yann
Published: December 2018

Information transfer about food is a potential reason for sociality in many animals. If an animal is better informed, it should then be better able to adjust its behaviour and reduce the uncertainty of finding food in a variable world.

Given the remarkable range of social systems and ecological niches of bats throughout the world, bats are well‐suited as a model to review mechanisms and fitness consequences of information transfer about food. The aim of this manuscript was to conduct a systematic literature review for mechanisms for information transfer and their potential fitness consequences for bats.

Information transfer behaviour is found in bats under various ecological conditions, including in groups of males in temperate regions, in groups of males or females in subtropical regions, and in mixed groups in tropical regions. Bats can learn about food indirectly, for example via chemical cues carried by the breath and body of frugivorous bats, or via acoustic cues from feeding buzzes from insectivorous bats. The majority of playback studies in captivity and in the wild showed stronger intra‐specific and inter‐specific attraction of bats to feeding buzzes than to silence controls or to search phase calls. Bats can also transfer information directly, via signals intended to attract, to repel or even to jam the echolocation of conspecifics.

Social foraging in bats can be categorised as local enhancement, information‐centre hypothesis, group foraging or food sharing, depending on the type of information transfer and the food sources used. Fitness consequences of information transfer from the actor's and the recipient's perspective remain poorly investigated to date. Recent studies in insectivorous bats suggest a balance of benefits from prey searching and costs of acoustic interference that may condition group size.

The future use of a wide array of methods promises to reveal exciting insights about mechanisms and fitness consequences of information transfer by bats about food.
Formation of a recent hybrid zone offers insight into the geographic puzzle and maintenance of species boundaries in musk turtles
Authors: Scott Peter A. , Glenn Travis C. , Rissler Leslie J.
Published: December 2018

Speciation is the result of an accumulation of reproductive barriers between populations, but pinpointing the factors involved is often difficult. However, hybrid zones can form when these barriers are not complete, especially when lineages come into contact in intermediate or modified habitats. We examine a hybrid zone between two closely related riverine turtle species, Sternotherus depressus and S. peltifer, and use dual‐digest RAD sequencing to understand how this hybrid zone formed and elucidate genomic patterns of reproductive isolation. First, the geographical extent and timing of formation of the hybrid zone is established to provide context for understanding the role of extrinsic and intrinsic reproductive isolating mechanisms in this system. The strength of selection on taxon‐specific contributions to maintenance of the hybrid zone is then inferred using a Bayesian genomic cline model. These analyses identify a role for selection inhibiting introgression in some genomic regions at one end of the hybrid zone and promoting introgression in many loci at the other. When selective pressures necessary to generate outliers to the genomic cline are considered with the geographical and temporal context of this hybrid zone, we conclude that habitat‐specific selection probably limits introgression from S. depressus to S. peltifer in the direction of river flow. However, selection is mediating rapid, unidirectional introgression from S. peltifer to S. depressus, which is probably facilitated by anthropogenic habitat alteration. These findings indicate a potentially imminent threat of population‐level genomic extinction for an already imperiled species due to ongoing human‐caused habitat alteration.
Using multirate rapid A/Ci curves as a tool to explore new questions in the photosynthetic physiology of plants
Authors: Stinziano Joseph R. , Adamson Rachael K. , Hanson David T.
Published: December 2018

Steady‐state photosynthetic CO2 responses (A/Ci curves) are used to assess environmental responses of photosynthetic traits and to predict future vegetative carbon uptake through modeling. The recent development of rapid A/Ci curves (RACiRs) permits faster assessment of these traits by continuously changing [CO2] around the leaf, and may reveal additional photosynthetic properties beyond what is practical or possible with steady‐state methods.

Gas exchange necessarily incorporates photosynthesis and (photo)respiration. Each process was expected to respond on different timescales due to differences in metabolite compartmentation, biochemistry and diffusive pathways. We hypothesized that metabolic lags in photorespiration relative to photosynthesis/respiration and CO2 diffusional limitations can be detected by varying the rate of change in [CO2] during RACiR assays. We tested these hypotheses through modeling and experiments at ambient and 2% oxygen.

Our data show that photorespiratory delays cause offsets in predicted CO2 compensation points that are dependent on the rate of change in [CO2]. Diffusional limitations may reduce the rate of change in chloroplastic [CO2], causing a reduction in apparent RACiR slopes under high CO2 ramp rates.

Multirate RACiRs may prove useful in assessing diffusional limitations to gas exchange and photorespiratory rates.
Auxin‐mediated Aux/IAA‐ARF‐HB signaling cascade regulates secondary xylem development in Populus
Authors: Xu Changzheng , Shen Yun , He Fu , Fu Xiaokang , Yu Hong , Lu Wanxiang , Li Yongli , Li Chaofeng , Fan Di , Wang Hua Cassan , Luo Keming
Published: December 2018

Wood development is strictly regulated by various phytohormones and auxin plays a central regulatory role in this process. However, how the auxin signaling is transducted in developing secondary xylem during wood formation in tree species remains unclear.

Here, we identified an Aux/INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC ACID 9 (IAA9)‐AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 (ARF5) module in Populus tomentosa as a key mediator of auxin signaling to control early developing xylem development.

PtoIAA9, a canonical Aux/IAA gene, is predominantly expressed in vascular cambium and developing secondary xylem and induced by exogenous auxin. Overexpression of PtoIAA9m encoding a stabilized IAA9 protein significantly represses secondary xylem development in transgenic poplar. We further showed that PtoIAA9 interacts with PtoARF5 homologs via the C‐terminal III/IV domains. The truncated PtoARF5.1 protein without the III/IV domains rescued defective phenotypes caused by PtoIAA9m. Expression analysis showed that the PtoIAA9‐PtoARF5 module regulated the expression of genes associated with secondary vascular development in PtoIAA9m‐ and PtoARF5.1‐overexpressing plants. Furthermore, PtoARF5.1 could bind to the promoters of two Class III homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP III) genes, PtoHB7 and PtoHB8, to modulate secondary xylem formation.

Taken together, our results suggest that the Aux/IAA9‐ARF5 module is required for auxin signaling to regulate wood formation via orchestrating the expression of HD‐ZIP III transcription factors in poplar.
Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without palate susceptible loci is associated with tooth agenesis
Authors: Fan Liwen , Kan Shiyi , Yang Fan , Xu Hai , Li Hu , Zhu Guirong , Ma Lan , Zhang Chi , Lou Shu , Li Dandan , Wang Hua , Zhang Weibing , Pan Yongchu
Published: December 2018

Objective

Non‐syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA) may share common genetic factors with non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with individual's susceptibility to these anomalies. We selected five NSCL/P‐associated SNPs from our previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to test for the associations with NSTA.

Materials and methods

A total of 677 NSTA cases and 1,144 healthy controls were recruited in this case–control study. Five genome‐wide NSCL/P‐associated SNPs (rs2235371, rs7078160, rs8049367, rs4791774, and rs13041247) were genotyped by TaqMan platform and evaluated for the associations with NSTA using plink software.

Results

No significant associations between these SNPs and risk of NSTA were observed in the overall analysis and subgroup analysis with the number of missing teeth. However, in the subgroup analysis by tooth position, rs8049367 was nominally associated with mandibular premolar agenesis (Dominant model: ORdom = 0.66, 95% CIdom = 0.47–0.93, pdom = 0.016; Heterozygote model: ORhet = 0.60, 95% CIhet = 0.41–0.88, Phet = 0.008). Rs4791774 showed a nominal association with congenitally missing maxillary canine (Dominant model: ORdom = 0.53, 95% CIdom = 0.28–0.98, pdom = 0.041; Heterozygote model: ORhet = 0.50, 95% CIhet = 0.26–0.97, Phet = 0.041) and premolar (Additive model: OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.36–0.96, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

This study showed that NSCL/P susceptible loci rs8049367 and rs4791774 were probably associated with the risk of NSTA.
Functional reclassification of variants of uncertain significance in the HCN4 gene identified in sudden unexpected death
Authors: Dong Jingyun , Subbotina Ekaterina , Williams Nori , Sampson Barbara A. , Tang Yingying , Coetzee William A.
Published: December 2018

The HCN4 gene encodes a subunit of the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel, type 4 that is essential for the proper generation of pacemaker potentials in the sinoatrial node. The HCN4 gene is often present in targeted genetic testing panels for various cardiac conduction system disorders and there are several reports of HCN4 variants associated with conduction disorders. Here, we report the in vitro functional characterization of four rare variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in HCN4, identified through testing a cohort of 296 sudden unexpected natural deaths. The variants are all missense alterations, leading to single amino acid changes: p.E66Q in the N‐terminus, p.D546N in the C‐linker domain, and both p.S935Y and p.R1044Q in the C‐terminus distal to the CNBD. We also identified a likely benign variant, p. P1063T, which has a high minor allele frequency in the gnomAD, which is utilized here as a negative control. Three of the HCN4 VUS (p.E66Q, p.S935Y, and p.R1044Q) had electrophysiological characteristics similar to the wild‐type channel, suggesting that these variants are benign. In contrast, the p.D546N variant in the C‐linker domain exhibited a larger current density, slower activation, and was unresponsive to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) compared to wild‐type. With functional assays, we reclassified three rare HCN4 VUS to likely benign variants, eliminating the necessity for costly and time‐consuming further study. Our studies also provide a new lead to investigate how a VUS located in the C‐linker connecting the pore to the cAMP binding domain may affect the channel open state probability and cAMP response.
Production of tetravalent dengue virus envelope protein domain III based antigens in lettuce chloroplasts and immunologic analysis for future oral vaccine development
Authors: van Eerde André , Gottschamel Johanna , Bock Ralph , Hansen Kristine Eraker Aasland , Munang'andu Hetron Mweemba , Daniell Henry , Liu Clarke Jihong
Published: December 2018

Dengue fever is a mosquito (Aedes aegypti) ‐transmitted viral disease that is endemic in more than 125 countries around the world. There are four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV 1‐4) and a safe and effective dengue vaccine must provide protection against all four serotypes. To date, the first vaccine, Dengvaxia (CYD‐TDV), is available after many decades’ efforts, but only has moderate efficacy. More effective and affordable vaccines are hence required. Plants offer promising vaccine production platforms and food crops offer additional advantages for the production of edible human and animal vaccines, thus eliminating the need for expensive fermentation, purification, cold storage and sterile delivery. Oral vaccines can elicit humoural and cellular immunity via both the mucosal and humoral immune systems. Here, we report the production of tetravalent EDIII antigen (EDIII‐1‐4) in stably transformed lettuce chloroplasts. Transplastomic EDIII‐1‐4‐expressing lettuce lines were obtained and homoplasmy was verified by Southern blot analysis. Expression of EDIII‐1‐4 antigens was demonstrated by immunoblotting, with the EDIII‐1‐4 antigen accumulating to 3.45% of the total protein content. Immunological assays in rabbits showed immunogenicity of EDIII‐1‐4. Our in vitro gastrointestinal digestion analysis revealed that EDIII‐1‐4 antigens are well protected when passing through the oral and gastric digestion phases but underwent degradation during the intestinal phase. Our results demonstrate that lettuce chloroplast engineering is a promising approach for future production of an affordable oral dengue vaccine.
Maize Sep15‐like functions in endoplasmic reticulum and reactive oxygen species homeostasis to promote salt and osmotic stress resistance
Authors: Zhu Jiantang , Wang Guangling , Li Cuiling , Li Qingqing , Gao Yankun , Chen Fanguo , Xia Guangmin
Published: December 2018

In animals, the Sep15 protein participates in disease resistance, growth, and development, but the function of its plant homologues remains unclear. Here, the function of maize Sep15 was analysed by characterization of two independent Sep15‐like loss‐of‐function mutants. In the absence of ZmSep15‐like, seedling tolerance to both water and salinity stress was compromised. The mutants experienced a heightened level of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and over‐accumulated reactive oxygen species, resulting in leaf necrosis. Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana atsep15 mutant as well as like with ectopic expression of ZmSep15‐like indicated that ZmSep15‐like contributed to tolerance of both osmotic and salinity stress. ZmSep15‐like interacted physically with UDP‐glucose: glycoprotein glucosyltransferase1 (UGGT1). When the interaction was disrupted, the response to both osmotic and salinity stresses was impaired in maize or Arabidopsis. Co‐expressing ZmUGGT1 and ZmUGGT2 enhanced the tolerance of A. thaliana to both stressors, indicating a functional interaction between them. Together, the data indicated that plants Sep15‐like proteins promote osmotic and salinity stress resistance by influencing endoplasmic reticulum stress response and reactive oxygen species level.
Acanthamoeba proteases contribute to macrophage activation through PAR1, but not PAR2
Authors: Cano Antonella , Mattana Antonella , Henriquez Fiona L. , Alexander James , Roberts Craig W.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Acanthamoeba infections are characterized by an intense localized innate immune response associated with an influx of macrophages. Acanthamoeba protease production is known to affect virulence. Herein, the ability of Acanthamoeba trophozoite proteases, of either the laboratory Neff strain or a recently isolated clinical strain, to stimulate IL‐12 and IL‐6 and to activate protease‐activated receptors, PAR1 and PAR2 expressed on murine macrophages, was investigated.

Method and Results

Using selected protease inhibitors, leupeptin and E64, we showed that Acanthamoeba proteases can stimulate IL‐12 and IL‐6 by murine macrophages. Subsequently, using specific antagonists to inhibit PAR1, and bone marrow‐derived macrophages from PAR2 gene‐deficient mice, we demonstrate that PAR1, but not PAR2 contributes to macrophage IL‐12 production in response to Acanthamoeba. In contrast, Acanthamoeba‐induced IL‐6 production is PAR1 and PAR2 independent.

Conclusion

This study shows for the first time the involvement of PARs, expressed on macrophages, in the response to Acanthamoeba trophozoites and might provide useful insight into Acanthamoeba infections and their future treatments.
The potential of quantitative models to improve microalgae photosynthetic efficiency
Authors: Perin Giorgio , Bellan Alessandra , Bernardi Andrea , Bezzo Fabrizio , Morosinotto Tomas
Published: December 2018

The massive increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere driven by human activities is causing huge negative consequences and new sustainable sources of energy, food and materials are highly needed. Algae are unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms that can provide a highly strategic contribution to this challenge as alternative source of biomass to complement crops cultivation. Algae industrial cultures are commonly limited by light availability, and biomass accumulation is strongly dependent on their photon‐to‐biomass conversion efficiency. Investigation of algae photosynthetic metabolism is thus strategic for the generation of more efficient strains with higher productivity.

Algae are cultivated at industrial scale in conditions highly different from the natural niches they adapted to and strains development efforts must fully consider the seminal influence on productivity of regulatory mechanism of photosynthesis as well as of cultivation parameters like cells concentration, light distribution in the culture, mixing, nutrients and carbon dioxide availability. In this review we will focus in particular on how mathematical models can account for the complex influence of all environmental parameters and can be exploited for development of improved algae strains.