bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated analysis of viral miRNAs, mRNA and protein in the caudal fin cells of C. auratus gibelio with cyprinid herpesvirus 2 infection
Authors: Luo Yang , Yu Lu , Feng Zizhao , Chen Qikang , Lu Liqun , Zhang Qiya , Xu Dan
Published: February 2021

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2), a member of the genus Cyprinivirus in the family Alloherpesviridae, has attracted worldwide attention because it causes severe disease and high mortality in crucian carp and goldfish. In this study, we focus on mRNA, protein and viral miRNA expression profiles in C. auratus gibelio caudal fin (GiCF) cells infected with CyHV‐2, using high‐throughput sequence techniques and TMT‐labelled analyses. The results revealed that 156 virus genes were differentially expressed during the infection. Among these differentially expressed genes, 7 viral genes were significantly up‐regulated and 28 were significantly down‐regulated at 96 hpi (hours post‐infection) vs 48 hpi. Besides, a total of 78 viral proteins, including a large number of membrane proteins and capsid proteins associated with the viral assembly, were successfully detected by using proteome analysis. Furthermore, a total of 225,143,474 raw reads were generated from cDNA library of CyHV‐2‐infected GiCF cells using high‐throughput sequencing technology. Following annotation and secondary structure prediction, 10 viral miRNAs were found as significantly modulated in CyHV‐2‐infected GiCF cells (2 down‐regulated and 8 up‐regulated). Finally, the CyHV‐2 genes (orf19, orf23, orf118, orf121, orf127) targeted by the viral miRNA CyHV‐2‐KT‐635 identified in this study, were predicted and validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and the regulation of CyHV‐2‐KT‐635 on orf121 protein expression was verified by western blotting assay. Taken together, this study provides a valuable basis for further research on the expression of virus genes during CyHV‐2 replication and the molecular mechanisms by which miRNA may regulate CyHV‐2 virus.
Improvement in novel ultrasound‐assisted extraction technology of high value‐added components from fruit and vegetable peels
Authors: Dash Dibya Ranjan , Pathak Sumit Sudhir , Pradhan Rama Chandra
Published: February 2021

This review gives a summary of the present‐day understanding of the ultrasound‐assisted extraction process, principle and mechanism, and its utilization for the extraction of high value‐added components from fruit and vegetable peels. Besides, the design and development of the ultrasonic device and factors affecting its performance are also covered, along with advantages and demerits. Increasing buyers' interest in greener substitutes and the naturalness of the products free from carcinogenic chemicals and the safety of occupational and environmental health have grabbed the attention of the industries for the sustainable and eco‐friendly method of extraction. The peels of fruits and vegetables get wasted on daily basis from the food industry and domestic use which is the main rival of environmental health. High value‐added compounds like nutritional additives, pharmaceutical, flavor and color supplements, and cosmetics can be extracted for the optimum utilization of the peels as a residue of fruits and vegetables. Conventional techniques have drawbacks like low extraction efficiency, higher solvent absorption, greater energy consumption, and tedious process. Ultrasonic assisted extraction is an emerging, environmentally friendly technique which enhances the extraction efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and lowers the extraction time. Ultrasound also enhances the extraction of heat sensible bioactive compounds by lowering the extraction temperature.

Practical applications

In the fastest‐growing populated world, large amounts of fruit and vegetable peels get wasted by industrial and domestic use due to the increasing trend in consumption. These wastes contain a variety of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds. Adaptation of emerging technology for the extraction of the bioactive components is not only the solution but, a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable technique that is of great significance. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction is such a clean, green extraction method which brings several economically profitable advantages by reducing energy and solvent consumption and decreasing the extraction time. This technology also prevents the thermal degradation of heat sensible bioactive components due to the low temperature extraction process by maintaining the original quality. However, the industrial application is yet to be scaled up to prove its sustainable utilization and exploitation.
Genome‐wide profiling of circular RNAs, alternative splicing, and R‐loops in stem‐differentiating xylem of Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Liu Xuqing , Gao Yubang , Liao Jiakai , Miao Miao , Chen Kai , Xi Feihu , Wei Wentao , Wang Huihui , Wang Yongsheng , Xu Xi , Reddy Anireddy S.N. , Gu Lianfeng
Published: February 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently discovered type of non‐coding RNA derived from pre‐mRNAs. R‐loops consist of a DNA:RNA hybrid and the associated single‐stranded DNA. In Arabidopsis thaliana, circRNA:DNA R‐loops regulate alternative splicing (AS) of SEPALLATA3 (SEP3). However, the occurrence and functions of circRNAs and R‐loops in Populus trichocarpa are largely unexplored. Here, we performed circRNA‐enriched sequencing in the stem‐differentiating xylem (SDX) of P. trichocarpa and identified 2,742 distinct circRNAs, including circ‐CESA4, circ‐IRX7, and circ‐GUX1, which are generated from genes involved in cellulose, and hemicellulose biosynthesis, respectively. To investigate the roles of circRNAs in modulating alternative splicing (AS), we detected 7,836 AS events using PacBio Iso‐Seq and identified 634 circRNAs that overlapped with 699 AS events. Furthermore, using DNA:RNA hybrid immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (DRIP‐seq), we identified 8,932 R‐loop peaks that overlapped with 181 circRNAs and 672 AS events. Notably, several SDX‐related circRNAs overlapped with R‐loop peaks, pointing to their possible roles in modulating AS in SDX. Indeed, overexpressing circ‐IRX7 increased the levels of R‐loop structures and decreased the frequency of intron retention in linear IRX7 transcripts. This study provides a valuable R‐loop atlas resource and uncovers the interplay between circRNAs and AS in SDX of P. trichocarpa.
Consumer Behavior and Firm Volatility
Authors: MUNRO DAVID R.
Published: February 2021

Dispersion in firm‐level growth rates rises during recessions. To date, this has been explained through mechanisms on the firms' side of the economy. In this paper, I show that countercyclical dispersion can arise from changes on the demand side of the economy. Using retail data I find that during recessions demand elasticity rises, the dispersion of firms' growth rates increases, and this increase is larger in markets where the change in consumer behavior is the strongest. I develop a business cycle model with heterogeneous firms and frictions in product markets that highlights the relationship between consumer behavior and firm volatility.
A Time‐Series Model of Interest Rates with the Effective Lower Bound
Authors: JOHANNSEN BENJAMIN K. , MERTENS ELMAR
Published: February 2021

Modeling nominal interest rates requires to take into account the effective lower bound (ELB). We propose a flexible time‐series approach that includes a “shadow rate”—a notional rate identical to the actual nominal rate except when the ELB binds . We apply this approach to a trend‐cycle decomposition of interest rates and macro‐economic variables that generates competitive interest‐rate forecasts. Our estimates of the real‐rate trend have edged down somewhat in recent decades, but not significantly so. We identify monetary policy shocks from shadow‐rate surprises and find that they were particularly effective at stimulating economic activity during the ELB period.
Optimal Provision of Costly Currency
Authors: QIAO WEI , WALLACE NEIL
Published: February 2021

Items of currency wear out and must be replaced. In The Mechanism of Exchange, Jevons recommended that the government bear the cost of replacing worn gold coins with new coins instead of having the holders of worn coins bear the cost. We study the optima of a minimally interesting model: money is essential and indivisible so that physical depreciation is not neutral; and there are alternative ways of financing the costly replacement of worn currency. The optima contradict the Jevons proposal. People with worn currency bear a cost that makes them indifferent between getting a new unit and discarding the useless worn unit, a cost that exceeds the physical cost of replacement.
The Fiscal Arithmetic of a Dual Currency Regime
Authors: LIPPI FRANCESCO
Published: February 2021

There are several real‐world examples of local governments that faced with budget problems circulate a fiat token in parallel to the official currency. A well‐known case is the Argentinian “Patacon,” printed by the province of Buenos Aires during the crisis of 2001. We present a simple model to analyze the workings of monetary equilibria where the parallel currency is valued in equilibrium and discuss its consequence for real allocations in terms of an equivalent fiscal policy. We briefly discuss different model specifications and their fit to alternative historic experiences.
A Group Videoconference Intervention for Reducing Perinatal Depressive Symptoms: A Telehealth Pilot Study
Authors: Latendresse Gwen , Bailey ElLois , Iacob Eli , Murphy Hannah , Pentecost Ryoko , Thompson Nancy , Hogue Carol
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Perinatal depression occurs in 12% to 18% of childbearing women. Telehealth is a promising platform for delivering perinatal mental health care, particularly during a pandemic when in‐person services have been significantly curtailed. However, there is little research to document the feasibility of telehealth to address perinatal depression. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary results of an 8‐week facilitated group videoconference intervention.

Methods

The study enrolled pregnant and postpartum women into an 8‐week group mindfulness‐based cognitive behavioral intervention, delivered via videoconference platform. Women receiving care at outpatient clinics who either screened positive for perinatal depression symptoms or had risk factors predictive of perinatal depression were invited to participate. Women attended weekly one‐hour group sessions using their own electronic device and completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at several time points. Session attendance and survey completion rates were evaluated.

Results

A total of 47 women enrolled (8 postpartum; 39 prenatal) into groups of 4 to 6. Twenty‐four (51.1%) women were currently experiencing mild to moderate perinatal depression symptoms (EPDS score of 10‐20), whereas 23 (48.9%) women had EPDS scores less than 10 but were at high risk for developing perinatal depression due to health history and significant life events. Seventy percent of women attended at least 5 of the 8 sessions. Trajectories of EPDS measures were promising (ie, downward among those with current perinatal depression symptoms and stable among those at high risk for developing perinatal depression).

Discussion

These observational results are promising, suggesting further study of effectiveness for women with symptoms of perinatal depression, as well as for women at high risk for developing perinatal depression. Randomized trials could evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, compared with standard of care approaches. Telehealth interventions can be tailored to meet the needs of different communities, and increase access to care, regardless of where women live or inability to receive in‐person services.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Blood Pressure in Women in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scott Jewel , McMillian‐Bohler Jacquelyn , Johnson Ragan , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Elevated blood pressure is a leading contributor to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Some studies suggest there is an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subsequent elevated blood pressure in adulthood. The literature specific to ACEs and blood pressure in women has not been synthesized; thus the purpose of this systematic review was to examine what is known about the association between ACEs and blood pressure in women living in the United States.

Methods

In collaboration with a medical librarian, a systematic search of the literature published between January 1998 and December 2019 was conducted. Original, peer‐reviewed publications were identified from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. Studies were excluded if they (1) were conducted outside the United States, (2) measured acute stress or adult stressors, or (3) measured childhood‐ or pregnancy‐related outcomes.

Results

Of 1740 articles, 12 publications met criteria for inclusion in this study, 8 of which were from cohort studies. Racial and ethnic diversity was limited, with half of the articles in this review consisting of samples that were majority white. Of the studies that used a self‐reported history of hypertension, 60% obtained significant associations with ACEs, compared with only 30% of the studies that had objective blood pressure data. ACEs were associated with lower blood pressure in 3 studies.

Discussion

More research is needed to elucidate the relationship between ACEs and elevated blood pressure. Inconsistencies in the findings may be related to the measurement of blood pressure, assessment of ACEs, and population characteristics. Future studies should incorporate diverse population‐representative samples with consideration for sex‐ or race‐specific stressors such as pregnancy or racism and their potential influence on blood pressure. Health care providers may consider the history of ACEs as part of screening for cardiovascular risk factors among female patients, especially younger women presenting with elevated blood pressure.
Hippocampal hyperactivity in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sosulina Liudmila , Mittag Manuel , Geis Hans‐Rüdiger , Hoffmann Kerstin , Klyubin Igor , Qi Yingjie , Steffen Julia , Friedrichs Detlef , Henneberg Niklas , Fuhrmann Falko , Justus Daniel , Keppler Kevin , Cuello A. Claudio , Rowan Michael J. , Fuhrmann Martin , Remy Stefan
Published: February 2021

Neuronal network dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying pathomechanisms remain unknown. We analyzed the hippocampal micronetwork in transgenic McGill‐R‐Thy1‐APP rats (APPtg) at the beginning of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition. We established two‐photon Ca2+‐imaging in vivo in the hippocampus of rats and found hyperactivity of CA1 neurons. Patch‐clamp recordings in brain slices in vitro revealed increased neuronal input resistance and prolonged action potential width in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We did neither observe changes in synaptic inhibition, nor in excitation. Our data support the view that increased intrinsic excitability of CA1 neurons may precede inhibitory dysfunction at an early stage of Aβ‐deposition and disease progression.

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The skull of the Miocene Spheniscus urbinai (Aves, Sphenisciformes): osteology, brain morphology, and the cranial pneumatic systems
Authors: Acosta Hospitaleche Carolina , Paulina‐Carabajal Ariana , Yury‐Yáñez Roberto
Published: February 2021

Spheniscus urbinai represents one of four extinct Spheniscus species from the Cenozoic of southern South America, known from several poorly described diversely complete skulls and postcranial elements. Here, we present a review of the cranial osteology of all known specimens (collected in Argentina, Chile, and Peru), including a paleoneurological analysis using CT scans, and an exploration of its cranial pneumaticity compared to other extinct and living seabirds. Our results show that among Spheniscus species, S. urbinai exhibits slightly greater cranial pneumaticity than the living species. Additionally, we confirm previous findings which indicate that the marked reduction of cranial pneumaticity—which is characteristic of living penguins—occurred early during the Eocene (as observed in the Antarctic penguin MLP 12‐I‐20‐1, but not in the coeval Anthropornis).
The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty, a revised technique for neck rejuvenation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Robenpour Manoocher , Fuchs Orenbach Shir , Hadash‐Bengad Reut , Robenpour Ophir , Heller Lior
Published: February 2021

Background

Restoration of an esthetic neck contour is an integral component of facial rejuvenation. The corset platysmaplasty and the suture suspension neck lift were introduced by Feldman in 1990 and by Giampapa in 1995, respectively. Both techniques are routinely used in current practice with satisfactory and long‐lasting results. However, some patients who have undergone the suture suspension platysmaplasty report long‐term discomfort, excessive neck tightening, and recurrence of deformity.

Objective

To achieve an improvement in the Cervicomental (CM) angle and other parameters in patients with a difficult neck and to reduce the probability of long‐term discomfort, excessive neck tightening, and a recurrence of deformity. The author developed a new technique that includes a very wide suture suspension with no interlocking. We hereby present a revised suture suspension technique—The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty.

Methods

Between the years 2015 and 2017, the senior author performed 286 face and neck rejuvenation surgeries with or without blepharoplasty. Of these cases, 35 patients with a heavy neck were chosen for the new Wide Suture Suspension Technique. This was a single surgeon retrospective cohort study. Patients were photographed in a lateral view preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Pre‐ and postoperative photographs were compared in four measured parameters: the cervicomental angle, the jowl angle, the horizontal distance between the mentum and the cervicomental angle and the vertical distance between the mentum and the cervicomental angle.

Results

The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty resulted in pleasing esthetics, with minimal complications in patients with difficult necks. The cervicomental angle decreased by 42° (P < .0001), the jowl angle increased by 12° (P < .0001), the horizontal distance between the mentum and the cervicomental angle rose by 12.4% and the vertical distance between the mentum and the cervicomental angle was reduced by 34.5%.

Conclusion

The Wide Suture Suspension Platysmaplasty resulted in improved esthetics, as demonstrated by objective measurements. None of the patients in this series had any secondary intervention during the follow‐up period. Particularly in the case of a difficult neck, surgeons should consider this technique.
Mitochondrial dysfunction as part of an inflammatory intermediate phenotype that drives premature ageing
Authors: Peter Stenvinkel
Published: February 2021

Click here to view the Original article by F.Fazzini et al.
Poor long‐term prognosis in patients admitted with strong suspicion of acute myocardial infarction but discharged with another diagnosis
Authors: Lindahl B. , Ljung L. , Herlitz J. , Alfredsson J. , Erlinge D. , Kellerth T. , Omerovic E. , Ravn‐Fischer A. , Sparv D. , Yndigegn T. , Svensson P. , Östlund O. , Jernberg T. , James S. K. , Hofmann R. ,   for the DETO2X‐SWEDEHEART Investigators
Published: February 2021

Background

Characteristics and prognosis of patients admitted with strong suspicion of myocardial infarction (MI) but discharged without an MI diagnosis are not well‐described.

Objectives

To compare background characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes in patients discharged with or without MI diagnosis.

Methods

The DETermination of the role of Oxygen in suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction (DETO2X‐AMI) trial compared 6629 patients with strong suspicion of MI randomized to oxygen or ambient air. The main composite end‐point of this subgroup analysis was the incidence of all‐cause death, rehospitalization with MI, heart failure (HF) or stroke during a follow‐up of 2.1 years (median; range: 1–3.7 years) irrespective of randomized treatment.

Results

1619 (24%) received a non‐MI discharge diagnosis, and 5010 patients (76%) were diagnosed with MI. Groups were similar in age, but non‐MI patients were more commonly female and had more comorbidities. At thirty days, the incidence of the composite end‐point was 2.8% (45 of 1619) in non‐MI patients, compared to 5.0% (250 of 5010) in MI patients with lower incidences in all individual end‐points. However, for the long‐term follow‐up, the incidence of the composite end‐point increased in the non‐MI patients to 17.7% (286 of 1619) as compared to 16.0% (804 of 5010) in MI patients, mainly driven by a higher incidence of all‐cause death, stroke and HF.

Conclusions

Patients admitted with a strong suspicion of MI but discharged with another diagnosis had more favourable outcomes in the short‐term perspective, but from one year onwards, cardiovascular outcomes and death deteriorated to a worse long‐term prognosis.
Can supervisor support improve daily employee well‐being? Evidence of supervisor training effectiveness in a study of veteran employee emotions
Authors: Mohr Cynthia D. , Hammer Leslie B. , Brady Jacquelyn M. , Perry MacKenna L. , Bodner Todd
Published: February 2021

Workplace supportive supervisor interventions offer an effective, though underutilized mechanism to bolster employee well‐being, which may have important benefits particularly for understudied groups such as military veterans in the civilian workforce. The present study employed a two‐wave daily diary study to test the effectiveness of a supportive supervisor training on positive and negative emotions of veteran employees. Daily diaries are instrumental to understanding well‐being, in that they accurately capture emotions as they are experienced without retrospective biases that reflect more global emotional assessments. Each wave (baseline and 6 months later) comprised emotion reports over 32‐day periods. Thirty‐five organizations were randomized into intervention and control groups; 144 veterans (91% men) participated in the daily diaries at baseline. The training significantly improved well‐being facets including improvements in unactivated positive (i.e., calm) emotions at follow‐up. Two significant moderation effects were also revealed for PTSD screening. For veteran employees with positive PTSD screens, the intervention functioned to reduce negative emotions. For those employees with negative PTSD screens, the intervention enhanced positive emotions. Our work highlights the benefit of workplace supervisor support to positive and negative employee mood.

Practitioner points

Our supervisor support training represents an evidence‐based programme that improves employee positive emotions.

Positive emotions were increased among veterans who did not screen positive for PTSD (i.e., most veterans).

Veterans with positive PTSD screens may benefit from enhanced supervisor support resulting in a reduction of negative emotions, providing supportive evidence for supervisor mental health awareness training.
Consumer noticeability of performance differences in battery powered devices
Authors: Dempsey Nancy , Iveson Raymond
Published: February 2021

In U.S. households alone, approximately 1.1 billion devices are powered by disposable, primary (single‐use) batteries. About one‐third of these devices are driven by constant resistance (cR) electronics whereby the performance of these devices is dependent on the load voltage provided by the battery, unlike constant current (cI) and constant power (cP) devices where device performance is regulated electronically to be largely similar throughout the life of the battery and regardless of the load voltage provided by the battery. Performance signals provided by cR devices can include movement (as with motorized toys), vibration (as with toothbrushes and grooming devices), light intensity (as with flashlights), and sound (as with a multitude of devices). In typical cR devices, performance signals will change and decrease as battery load voltage decreases. This exploratory study demonstrated that typical users of cR devices were able to perceive decreasing performance of a variety of cR devices as battery load voltage decreased. Furthermore, data acquired from panelists regarding likelihood of changing batteries due to decreased device performance suggests that consumers were prone to battery changeout at a performance threshold above the electronic/device cutoff in cR devices.

Practical applications

The results of the present work showed that untrained, naive panelists could determine performance differences in cR devices supplied with varying load voltage and suggests consumers may be willing to sacrifice battery longevity for device performance in devices where the performance varies with the state of battery power supply. These data could provide important guidance to device manufacturers (OEMS; Original Equipment Manufacturers) for design of less variably performing cR devices and to battery manufacturers for design of batteries with higher running voltages. Most importantly, the results of this study suggest that both battery and device manufacturers should focus on balancing between better device performance and longer device‐battery service life for cR devices rather than singular focus on device‐battery service life. Although placed in the United States, the methodology and results could have implications for both battery and cR device design globally.
Mates Matter: Gametophyte Kinship Recognition and Inbreeding in the Giant Kelp,Macrocystispyrifera(Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Camus Carolina , Solas Maribel , Martínez Camila , Vargas Jaime , Garcés Cristóbal , Gil‐Kodaka Patricia , Ladah Lydia B. , Serrão Ester A. , Faugeron Sylvain
Published: February 2021

Inbreeding, the mating between genetically related individuals, often results in reduced survival and fecundity of offspring, relative to outcrossing. Yet, high inbreeding rates are commonly observed in seaweeds, suggesting compensatory reproductive traits may affect the costs and benefits of the mating system. We experimentally manipulated inbreeding levels in controlled crossing experiments, using gametophytes from 19 populations of Macrocystis pyrifera along its Eastern Pacific coastal distribution (EPC). The objective was to investigate the effects of male–female kinship on female fecundity and fertility, to estimate inbreeding depression in the F1 progeny, and to assess the variability of these effects among different regions and habitats of the EPC. Results revealed that the presence and kinship of males had a significant effect on fecundity and fertility of female gametophytes. Females left alone or in the presence of sibling males express the highest gametophyte size, number, and size of oogonia, suggesting they were able to sense the presence and the identity of their mates before gamete contact. The opposite trend was observed for the production of embryos per female gametes, indicating higher costs of selfing and parthenogenesis than outcrossing on fertility. However, the increased fecundity compensated for the reduced fertility, leading to a stable overall reproductive output. Inbreeding also affected morphological traits of juvenile sporophytes, but not their heatwave tolerance. The male–female kinship effect was stronger in high‐latitude populations, suggesting that females from low‐latitude marginal populations might have evolved to mate with any male gamete to guarantee reproductive success.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous continuous rate infusion and repeated intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine in standing horses
Authors: Shane Sarah E. , Langston Vernon C. , Wills Robert W. , Denney William S. , Knych Heather , Fontenot Robin L. , Meyer Robert E. , Natalini Claudio C.
Published: February 2021

An ideal dexmedetomidine protocol has yet to be determined for standing sedation in horses. It was hypothesized that an IV bolus followed by CRI dexmedetomidine would have a quicker increase in plasma concentrations compared with repeated IM injections. In a crossover design, eight adult, female horses were randomly placed into two groups: the CRI group (IV bolus dexmedetomidine at 0.005 mg/kg followed by a CRI at 0.01 mg/kg/h for 15 min then 0.005 mg/kg/h for 60 min) and the IM group (dexmedetomidine at 0.01 mg/kg, followed by 0.005 mg/kg in 30‐min intervals for 60 min). Clearance and elimination half‐life were 134 ± 67.4 ml/kg/min and 44.3 ± 26.3 min, respectively, in the CRI group, and apparent clearance and half‐life were 412 ± 306 ml/kg/min (Cl/F) and 38.9 ± 18.6 min, respectively, in the IM group. Analgesia was evaluated using mechanical pressure threshold. Intravenous dexmedetomidine produced faster onset of sedation and increased pressure threshold compared with IM administration. Individual horses had a large variability in dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations between CRI and IM administration. The odds of a decreased GI motility following IV administration was 12.34 times greater compared with IM administration.
Diel rhythmicity of alcohol‐induced intoxication in the honeybee workers
Authors: Miler K. , Opalek M. , Ostap‐Chec M. , Stec D.
Published: February 2021

Among the honeybee workers, extranidal foragers are more rhythmic in their diel activity and more likely to encounter alcohol than intranidal nurses. Foragers are more active and potentially exposed to alcohol during the day, while nurses work around the clock and probably never encounter alcohol. Here, we took advantage of these differences and checked for a connection between the effects of alcohol and period of the day. We hypothesized that foragers would show higher intoxication resistance to alcohol than nurses during the day. Furthermore, we hypothesized that only in foragers the intoxication resistance to alcohol would be different between day and night. We detected higher intoxication resistance to alcohol in older, forager‐age bees, than in younger, nurse‐age bees during the day, which confirmed the first hypothesis. However, the intoxication resistance differed between day and night in both worker types, which provided no support for the second hypothesis. Surprisingly, we found the intoxication resistance to be highest during the night in both types of workers. Reported differences in the intoxication resistance showed no relation to differences in alcohol absorption between day and night, thus the exact mechanistic explanation for the diel oscillation in alcohol influence on bees remained unclear.
Assessing the role of competitive processes in mediating the range expansions of tropical vagrant fish
Authors: Taylor Thomas , Figueira Will F.
Published: February 2021

Climate change is promoting fast poleward expansion in many tropical marine fish species. With projected increases in sea surface temperatures, there is significant scope for increased range expansions in the future. However, the strength and consequences of density‐driven competitive interactions between vagrant and resident fishes are largely unknown. Here, we investigate how the density effects resulting from the addition of tropical fishes to temperate assemblages may alter patterns of habitat and behaviour usage by both tropical vagrant and temperate resident species. We explore these impacts for two ecologically similar (diet, habitat and behaviour) pairs of vagrant and resident species (the territorial species Stegastes gascoynei and Parma microlepis, and the shoaling species Abudefduf vaigiensis and Atypichthys strigatus, respectively). We compare situations where the other member of each of these ecological pairs was present or absent. There was a shift in the type and structural complexity of habitat occupied, with all species displaying some characteristics of occupying seemingly less‐preferred habitats in the presence of their pair species than without them. Behavioural effects were only apparent for the territorial species, which had altered feeding and vigilance patterns in the presence of their pair. These data indicate that the increased density of ecologically similar fish which results from the annual arrival of vagrant fishes is likely driving shifts away from optimal habitat usage and alterations in activity of both residents and vagrants, suggesting resource competition. The degree to which this competition was evident depended on the life history of the species, being stronger for the more territorial species. While similar research on additional species would be required to determine to what degree these results could be generalised to other territorial or shoaling species, this work suggests to highlight the important role that competition will play in determining both the ability of the vagrant species to become established within temperate communities, as well as the impact they may have once they have done so.
Could coexistence of open‐source and proprietary platforms be an equilibrium outcome?
Authors: Chou Chung‐Hui
Published: February 2021

Coexistence of open‐source (OS) and proprietary (PP) platforms observed in several industries motivates us to study the equilibrium structure of a two‐sided market when platforms can commit to OS strategically. This paper considers a symmetric market with simultaneous arrival of content providers and hardware users, and discovers that coexistence of OS and PP platforms is the unique equilibrium outcome in which the PP platform prefers to commit to a license fee before hardware price competition. The above result delivers three contributions to the literature of two‐sided markets. First, the OS platform owns more content provision, but gets a smaller share in the hardware device market. Second, OS commitments may induce coexistence of asymmetric platforms as well as network size or price commitments do which were presented in literature. Third, social welfare increases with the numbers of OS platforms; whereas consumers’ surplus decreases with them.
Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and chronology of the Murrili (H5) meteorite fall: The third recovered fall from the Desert Fireball Network
Authors: Anderson S. , Benedix G. K. , Forman L. V. , Daly L. , Greenwood R. C. , Franchi I. A. , Friedrich J. M. , Macke R. , Wiggins S. , Britt D. , Cadogan J. M. , Meier M. M. M. , Maden C. , Busemann H. , Welten K. C. , Caffee M. W. , Jourdan F. , Mayers C. , Kennedy T. , Godel B. , Esteban L. , Merigot K. , Bevan A. W. R. , Bland P. A. , Paxman J. , Towner M. C. , Cupak M. , Sansom E. K. , Howie R. , Devillepoix H. , Jansen‐Sturgeon T. , Stuart D. , Strangway D.
Published: February 2021

Murrili, the third meteorite recovered by the Desert Fireball Network, is analyzed using mineralogy, oxygen isotopes, bulk chemistry, physical properties, noble gases, and cosmogenic radionuclides. The modal mineralogy, bulk chemistry, magnetic susceptibility, physical properties, and oxygen isotopes of Murrili point to it being an H5 ordinary chondrite. It is heterogeneously shocked (S2–S5), depending on the method used to determine it, although Murrili is not obviously brecciated in texture. Cosmogenic radionuclides yield a cosmic ray exposure age of 6–8 Ma, and a pre‐atmospheric meteoroid size of 15–20 cm in radius. Murrili’s fall and subsequent month‐long embedment into the salt lake Kati Thanda significantly altered the whole rock, evident in its Mössbauer spectra, and visual inspection of cut sections. Murrili may have experienced minor, but subsequent, impacts after its formation 4475.3 ± 2.3 Ma, which left it heterogeneously shocked.
Reimagining Mathematics: The Role of Mental Imagery in Explaining Mathematical Calculation Skills in Childhood
Authors: Bates Kathryn E. , Gilligan‐Lee Katie , Farran Emily K.
Published: February 2021

Evidence for associations between spatial skills and mathematics has led to the argument that spatial visualization plays a role in mathematical calculation. However, there is no single accepted definition of what spatial visualization encompasses. Here, we investigated spatial visualization in the context of a mental imagery framework. We applied a component model of mental imagery, involving image generation, image maintenance, image transformation (measured using mental rotation), and image scanning, to determine associations between each component and mathematical calculation ability in primary school children (N = 92, age 6–11 years). We found that, after accounting for age, only mental rotation explained significant variation in mathematical calculation. Our findings advance theoretical understanding by demonstrating that spatial visualization definitions, applied to mathematics, should be refined to focus on transformation. This highlights the practical implication that transformation strategies are promising targets for future intervention work, rather than broad visualization strategies.
Active learning method for risk assessment of distributed infrastructure systems
Authors: Tomar Agam , Burton Henry V.
Published: February 2021

Event‐based methods are commonly used to assess the risk to distributed infrastructure systems. Stochastic event‐based methods consider all hazard scenarios that could adversely impact the infrastructure and their associated rates of occurrence. However, in many cases, such a comprehensive consideration of the spectrum of possible events requires high computational effort. This study presents an active learning method for selecting a subset of hazard scenarios for infrastructure risk assessment. Active learning enables the efficient training of a Gaussian process predictive model by choosing the data from which it learns. The method is illustrated with a case study of the Napa water distribution system where a risk‐based assessment of the post‐earthquake functional loss and recovery is performed. A subset of earthquake scenarios is sequentially selected using a variance reduction stopping criterion. The full probability distribution and annual exceedance curves of the network performance metrics are shown to be reasonably estimated.
Strandings provide insight into social group structure of Atlantic white‐sided dolphins
Authors: Pugliares‐Bonner Katie R. , LaSpina Kate , Rose Kathryn S. , Travis Steven E. , Cammen Kristina M.
Published: February 2021

Atlantic white‐sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) are highly social odontocetes with a poorly understood tendency to mass strand. With limited capacity to study social ecology in the open ocean, mass strandings provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of group structure. Our study of 32 mass stranding events that occurred on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, between 1999 and 2009 identifies aspects of social ecology that vary across the year. A greater number of mass stranding events occurred outside of the breeding season and there was evidence of age‐structuring during the breeding season. We find generally low average intragroup pairwise relatedness assessed across eight microsatellite loci in a subset of 16 mass stranding events. Mass stranded groups do not show higher than expected relatedness when compared to a baseline estimate derived from single‐stranded individuals. Overall, our integration of genetic estimates of relatedness with data on sex and maturity‐class from stranded specimens suggests that Atlantic white‐sided dolphins fall near the more fluid end of the continuum from short‐term, highly fluid social associations to long‐term, stable groups represented among the odontocetes. Despite their tendency to mass strand, stable, kin‐based associations are not a defining feature of social group structure in this species.
Distribution and abundance of sei whales off the west coast of the Falkland Islands
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Taylor Maria , Jelbes Pamela A. Q. , Stanworth Andrew , Hammond Philip S.
Published: February 2021

Little information exists on the current status of Southern Hemisphere sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis). We assessed their distribution and abundance along the west coast of the Falkland Islands (southwest Atlantic) during February and March 2018, using line transect and nonsystematic surveys. Abundance estimates were generated for a single survey stratum using design‐ and model‐based approaches. Sightings of sei whales and unidentified baleen whales (most, if not all, likely to be sei whales) occurred from the coast to the 100 m depth isobath that marked the offshore boundary of the stratum. The modeled distribution predicted highest whale densities in King George Bay and in the waters between Weddell Island and the Passage Islands. Sei whale abundance was estimated as 716 animals (CV = 0.22; 95% CI [448, 1,144]; density = 0.20 whales/km2) using the design‐based approach, and 707 animals (CV = 0.11; 95% CI [566, 877]; density = 0.20 whales/km2) using the model‐based approach. For sei whales and unidentified baleen whales combined, the equivalent estimates were 916 animals (CV = 0.19; 95% CI [606, 1,384]; density = 0.26 whales/km2) and 895 animals (CV = 0.074; 95% CI [777, 1,032]; density = 0.25 whales/km2). The data indicate that the Falkland Islands inner shelf region may support globally important seasonal feeding aggregations of sei whales, and potentially qualify as a Key Biodiversity Area.
Genome‐wide shifts in histone modifications at early stage of rice infection with Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Atighi Mohammad Reza , Verstraeten Bruno , De Meyer Tim , Kyndt Tina
Published: February 2021

Epigenetic processes play a crucial role in the regulation of plant stress responses, but their role in plant–pathogen interactions remains poorly understood. Although histone‐modifying enzymes have been observed to be deregulated in galls induced by root‐knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne graminicola) in rice, their influence on plant defence and their genome‐wide impact has not been comprehensively investigated. First, the role of histone modifications in plant–nematode interactions was confirmed by pharmacological inhibition of histone‐modifying enzymes, which all significantly affected rice susceptibility to RKN. For a more specific view, three histone marks, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3, were subsequently studied by chromatin‐immunoprecipitation‐sequencing on RKN‐induced galls at 3 days postinoculation. While levels of H3K9ac and H3K27me3 were strongly enriched, H3K9me2 was generally depleted in galls versus control root tips. Differential histone peaks were generally associated with plant defence‐related genes. Transcriptome analysis using RNA‐Seq and RT‐qPCR‐based validation revealed that genes marked with H3K9ac or H3K9me2 showed the expected activation or repression gene expression pattern, but this was not the case for H3K27me3 marks. Our results indicate that histone modifications respond dynamically to RKN infection, and that posttranslational modifications mainly at H3K9 specifically target plant defence‐related genes.
Half‐Diminished Seventh Chords and Their Contexts
Authors: LAMBERT PHILIP
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive theory of half‐diminished seventh chord usages recognises the potential of the chord's outer pitches to move in one of four ways: wedging inward, wedging outward, with the root as the common tone or with the seventh as the common tone. Typical destination chords are major and minor triads but can also be seventh chords, as in the opening phrase of Wagner's Prelude to Act 1 of Tristan und Isolde. Examples from the music of Berlioz, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Dvořák, Grieg, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss and Wagner demonstrate the full range of possibilities and some artistic contexts. Extended implementations of half‐diminished harmonies include the Finale of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, the interlude between Scenes 2 and 3 of Act 1 of Wagner's Götterdämmerung and Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande.
Pollen‐feeding bees in Uebelmannia pectinifera subsp. pectinifera – reproductive biology of an endemic cactus from the campo rupestre of eastern Brazil
Authors: Sousa Mariana P. , Verola Christiano F. , Ribeiro‐Silva Suelma , Zappi Daniela C. , Souza Everton H. , Moraes Evandro M. , Taylor Nigel P. , Aona Lidyanne Y. S.
Published: February 2021

Uebelmannia pectinifera Buining subsp. pectinifera (Cactaceae) is an endangered species endemic to quartzitic rocks in campo rupestre vegetation of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Understanding its reproductive biology and pollinators is needed for effective conservation planning for the species. The study took place in the Parque Nacional Sempre Vivas where 35 individuals were monitored. Analyses of floral morphology, pollen/ovule ratio, stigma receptivity and presence of osmophores were carried out, while observations of floral visitors were made and, according to their behavior, the potential pollinators were ascertained. The reproductive system of the plant was evaluated by means of manual self‐ and cross‐pollination and growth and morphology of pollen tubes were observed. The anthesis occurs by 06 a.m. and ends around 03 p.m., the flowers re‐opening for two days and finishing on the third day, being protandrous and melittophilous, offering pollen only. Two species of solitary bees (Ceratina sp. and Chilicola huberi) were observed pollinating the flowers, the female bees collecting pollen. The reproductive system is allogamic with endogamic self‐incompatibility and is served by specific pollinators. U. pectinifera subsp. pectinifera occurs in small populations, its reproduction relies on the presence of pollen‐gathering bees that also depend on the associated flora for nectar provision, highlighting the importance of maintaining its surrounding habitat in good condition.
Brassinosteroid‐BZR1/2‐WAT1 module determines the high level of auxin signalling in vascular cambium during wood formation
Authors: Lee Jinsu , Kim Hyemin , Park Sin‐Gi , Hwang Hyeona , Yoo Seung‐il , Bae Wonsil , Kim Eunhui , Kim Jaehoon , Lee Hwa‐Yong , Heo Tae‐Young , Kang Kwon Kyoo , Lee Yuree , Hong Chang Pyo , Cho Hyunwoo , Ryu Hojin
Published: February 2021

The tight regulation of local auxin homeostasis and signalling maxima in xylem precursor cells specifies the organising activity of the vascular cambium and consequently promotes xylem differentiation and wood formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the local auxin signalling maxima in the vascular cambium are largely unknown.

Here, we reveal that brassinosteroid (BR)‐activated WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1) facilitates wood formation by enhancing local auxin signalling in the vascular cambium in Solanum lycopersicum.

Growth defects and low auxin signalling readouts in the BR‐deficient tomato cultivar, Micro‐Tom, were associated with a novel recessive allele, Slwat1‐copi, created by the insertion of a retrotransposon in the last exon of the SlWAT1 locus. Molecular and genetic studies by generating the gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function tomato mutants revealed that SlWAT1 is a critical regulator for fine tuning local auxin homeostasis and signalling outputs in vascular cambium to facilitate secondary growth. Finally, we discovered that BR‐regulated SlBZR1/2 directly activated downstream auxin responses by SlWAT1 upregulation in xylem precursor cells to facilitate xylem differentiation and subsequent wood formation.

Our data suggest that the BR‐SlBZR1/2–WAT1 signalling network contributes to the high level of auxin signalling in the vascular cambium for secondary growth.
Who Looks after the Kids? The Effects of Childcare Choice on Early Childhood Development in China*
Authors: Zhang Jing , Appleton Simon , Song Lina , Liu Bing
Published: February 2021

This paper examines whether childcare choice affects the early childhood development of children aged 7–59 months. Using the data from Chinese Family Panel Studies, we look at household choices between parental and grandparental cares and the timing of four key early life achievements – walking, talking, counting and toilet training. We conceptualize early childhood development within a household production model, which enables us to identify the impacts of childcare. Our results suggest that compared with parental care, grandparental care delays the achievement of all four outcome measures. Grandparental care is particularly disadvantageous for children who are ‘left‐behind’ by migrant parents.