bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircNr1h4 regulates the pathological process of renal injury in salt‐sensitive hypertensive mice by targeting miR‐155‐5p
Authors: Lu Chaosheng , Chen Bicheng , Chen Congcong , Li Haiyan , Wang Dan , Tan Yi , Weng Huachun
Published: November 2019

Circular RNAs are a class of widespread and diverse endogenous RNAs that may regulate gene expression in various diseases, but their regulation and function in hypertensive renal injury remain unclear. In this study, we generated ribosomal‐depleted RNA sequencing data from normal mouse kidneys and from injured mouse kidneys induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate‐salt hypertension and identified at least 4900 circRNA candidates. A total of 124 of these circRNAs were differentially expressed between the normal and injured kidneys. Furthermore, we characterized one abundant circRNA, termed circNr1h4, which is derived from the Nr1h4 gene and significantly down‐regulated in the injured kidneys. RNA sequencing data and qPCR analysis also showed many microRNAs and mRNAs, including miR‐155‐5p and fatty acid reductase 1 (Far1), were differentially expressed between the normal and injured kidney and related to circNr1h4. In vitro, the silencing of circNr1h4 or overexpression of miR‐155‐5p significantly decreased Far1 levels and increased reactive oxygen species. Mechanistic investigations indicated that circNr1h4 acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐155‐5p, leading to regulation of its target gene Far1. Our study provides novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying kidney injury in hypertension, which will be required to develop therapeutic strategies of targeting circRNAs for hypertensive kidney injury.
Pathological effects of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalidae) on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897) (Cichlidae)
Authors: Igeh Patience Chwe , Avenant‐Oldewage Annemariè
Published: November 2019

Histopathological changes of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897) were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Observations revealed that C. philander attaches to its host by alternating the prohaptor (for temporary attachment or feeding) or haptor (using haptoral parts for firm and secured attachment). The sharp terminal ends of the anchors are inserted basally into the gill lamella, between two adjacent secondary gill lamellae and the marginal hooklets assist by superficially penetrating, holding and lifting epithelial tissue in the proximal region of the secondary gill lamella. The attachment of C. philander resulted in compression, rupturing of the interlamellar epithelium, change in the organization of epithelial cells in both primary and secondary gill lamella, displacement of the extracellular cartilaginous matrix, occasional rupturing of blood vessels and erythrocytes and some cells becoming ill‐defined. At the site of attachment, the host response comprises of hyperplasia, increase in the number of mucous cells and infiltration with neutrophils. It was concluded that the effect of C. philander is mild in natural conditions.
Hallmarks of postoperative liver regeneration: An updated insight on the regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Shi Ji‐Hua , Line Pål‐Dag
Published: November 2019

Performance and advances in liver surgery makes remarkable progress of the understanding of liver regeneration. Liver regeneration after liver resection has been widely researched, and the underlying mechanism mostly concerns proliferation of hepatocytes and the influence by inflammation through activation of Kupffer cells and the other parenchymal cells, the second regenerative pathway by hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), inducing angiogenesis, remodeling of a extracellular matrix (ECM), and termination mechanisms. New clinical surgeries and the updated multiomics analysis are exploiting the remarkable progress, especially in immune regulation and metabolic process of two emerging hallmarks. This review briefly represents a systemic outline of eight hallmarks, including hepatocyte proliferation, contribution of hepatic progenitor cells, inducing angiogenesis, reprogramming of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis and termination of proliferation, inflammation, immune and metabolic regulation, which are set as organizing characteristics of postoperative liver regeneration and future directions of refining treatment targets.
Regulation and neurochemical identity of melanin‐concentrating hormone neurones in the preoptic area of lactating mice
Authors: Teixeira Pryscila D. S. , Wasinski Frederick , Lima Leandro B. , Frazão Renata , Bittencourt Jackson C. , Donato Jose
Published: November 2019

Neurones expressing the melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) can be found in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and ventral aspects of the periventricular preoptic nucleus of rats by mid‐to‐late lactation and this expression disappears after weaning. The transitory expression of MCH in the preoptic area suggests a role for these neurones in the control of the end of lactation. However, the neurochemical identity of mPOA MCH neurones and the regulatory factors that control the transient MCH expression remain largely unknown, especially in the mouse. In the present study, we showed that mice also present the transitory expression of MCH in the mPOA at late lactation. mPOA MCH cells did not colocalise significantly with markers of GABAergic (VGAT), glutamatergic (VGLUT2 and VGLUT3) or dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase) neurones. mPOA MCH cells also did not express Kiss1 or oxytocin. By contrast, approximately 70% and 90% of mPOA MCH neurones colocalised with oestrogen receptor α and prolactin‐induced phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that the number of MCH neurones in the mPOA is significantly higher in females during the first lactation, compared to mice on the second lactation or pregnant mice during the first lactation or brain‐specific STAT5 knockout mice during the first lactation. In summary, our findings indicate that MCH neurones in the mPOA of lactating mice are sensitive to oestrogens and prolactin. Thus, mPOA MCH expression is possibly influenced by hormonal variations. Furthermore, the STAT5 signalling pathway is likely involved in the regulation of MCH expression in the mPOA of lactating mice.
Dairy cow reproduction under the influence of heat stress
Authors: Sammad Abdul , Umer Saqib , Shi Rui , Zhu Huabin , Zhao Xueming , Wang Yachun
Published: November 2019

Dairy farming is vulnerable to global warming and climate change. Improving and maintaining conception rates (CRs) have a paramount importance for the profitability of any dairy enterprise. There is an antagonistic relationship between fertility and milk yield, and intensive selection for milk yield has severely deteriorated reproductive efficiency. Irrespective of geography and husbandry, modern dairy cows experience heat stress (HS) effects leading to fertility declines, but it worsens in tropical climates. The threshold of HS experience among modern dairy cow has lowered, leading to decreased thermal comfort zone. Studies show that this threshold is lower for fertility than for lactation. HS abatement and robustness response to lactation yield lead to negative energy balance, and cow's reproductive requirements remain unfulfilled. The adverse effects of HS commence from developing oocyte throughout later stages and its fertilization competence; the oestrus cycle and oestrus behaviour; the embryo development and implantation; on uterine environment; and even extend towards foetal calf. Even cows can become acyclic under the influence of HS. These harmful effects of HS arise due to hyperthermia, oxidative stress and physiological modifications in the body of dairy cows. Proper assessment of HS and efficient cooling of dairy animals irrespective of their stage of life at farm is the immediate strategy to reduce fertility declines. Other long‐ and short‐term mitigation strategies to reduce fertility declines during HS include feeding care, reducing disease and mastitis rates, using semen from cooled bulls, timed artificial inseminations (AI), allied hormonal interventions and use of embryo transfer technology. Ultimate long‐term solution should be well‐planned breeding for fertility improvement and HS tolerance.
Presentation, treatment and outcome of long‐bone fractures in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Garcia‐Pertierra S. , Ryan J. , Richardson J. , Koterwas B. , Keeble E. , Eatwell K. , Clements D. N.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To describe the incidence, aetiology, characteristics, assessment, management and outcome of long‐bone fractures in rabbits presenting to a single institution.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of pet rabbits diagnosed with long‐bone fractures over a 12‐year period were analysed. Patient signalment, fracture aetiology, fracture location, fracture description, time from fracture occurrence to veterinary presentation, fixation method, postoperative complications, clinical outcome and follow‐up were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐eight pet rabbits that sustained 30 fractures were included in the study [femoral (n=12), tibial (n=6), metacarpal/metatarsal/phalangeal (n=5), radial and ulnar (n=4) and tarsal (n=3)]. Twenty‐one (75%) of the rabbits were less than 2 years of age, including seven (25%) under 6 months of age. Twenty‐five fractures had no identifiable cause and five were traumatic. Only one fracture was open. Surgical stabilisation was performed in 22 fractures, four were non‐surgically managed, two had the affected limb amputated, one underwent digital amputation and one was euthanased. Postoperative complications occurred in nine fractures [major (n=6), minor (n=3)]. The frequency of complications or attainment of a functional recovery was not notably different between the different methods of fixation. Overall, 24 rabbits recovered, two were euthanased and four underwent limb amputation.

Clinical Significance

Fractures in rabbits typically occur in young animals and they usually lack an obvious aetiology. The majority of the rabbits treated achieved a functional recovery, although the postoperative complication rate was high in fractures treated surgically (41%).
Association between sleep quality and physical activity according to gender and shift work
Authors: Park Hwanjin , Suh Byungseong
Published: November 2019

Shift work directly causes circadian disruption and reduces sleep quality. Physical activity is also associated with sleep quality. However, no study has reported the relationship between a specific level of physical activity and sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and the amount of physical activity by stratifying subjects into gender and shift‐work subgroups. Among those who participated in the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study in 2016–2017, data from 185,958 full‐time workers were analysed. We evaluated their physical activity by metabolic equivalents (METs‐min/week), sleep quality and shift work. A chi‐squared test, a t test and logistic regression analysis were performed. An increase in sleep quality was found for the group with physical activity of 600–9,000 METs‐min/week compared to that in the sedentary group among all subjects. In female day workers, the sleep quality of the group with 600–6,000 METs‐min/week was significantly higher (odds ratio [OR], 0.760; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.673–857) than that in the sedentary group. In male day workers, sleep quality increased when physical activity was increased up to 6,000–9,000 METs‐min/week (OR, 0.760; 95% CI, 0.673–857). In female shift workers, there was no significant difference in sleep quality according to physical activity level. In male shift workers, sleep quality was better in the group with physical activity of 1,800–3,000 METs‐min/week (OR, 0.826; 95% CI, 0.692–0.986) or 3,000–6,000 METs‐min/week (OR, 0.771; 95% CI, 0.642–0.926). Optimal physical activity is good for sleep quality. The sleep quality of females is significantly worse than that of males in both day and shift workers.
The implications of labour unions in the presence of a merger
Authors: Cao Jiyun , Mukherjee Arijit , Sinha Uday Bhanu
Published: November 2019

It is usually believed that the presence of labour unions is detrimental for the consumers since it raises wages. We show that this view may not be true if we endogenize the impacts of labour unions on firms’ corporate strategies such as merger and acquisition. The presence of labour unions may benefit the consumers by deterring merger.
The gap between what patients know and desire to learn about their cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Patel Divyang , Hu Peter , Hilow Henry , Lambert Cameron T. , Moufawad Michelle , Poe Stacy , Hussein Ayman A. , Baranowski Bryan , Bhargava Mandeep , Rickard John W. , Cantillon Daniel J. , Saliba Walid , Wilkoff Bruce L. , Wazni Oussama , Tarakji Khaldoun G.
Published: November 2019

Background

Advancement of digital technology now allows patients to have access to data from their cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, patients’ understanding regarding CIED data and perceived personal usability remain unclear. The present study is a prospective survey to examine patients’ understanding of their CIEDs and their perception of what is important.

Methods

We screened 400 patients between July and December 2018 who presented to our outpatient clinic for a CIED interrogation. Patients received a one‐page questionnaire asking baseline demographics, their perception about their own knowledge about their device, and multiple‐choice questions in seven basic categories: type of CIED, original indication, functionality, manufacturer, number of active leads, estimated battery life, and number of shocks received. We compared these answers to their interrogation reports to assess accuracy. We also asked participants what they would like to be aware of regarding their CIED.

Results

From this cohort, 344 of 400 (86%) (62.9 ± 12.8 years and 64 % males) agreed to take the survey and were included in the analysis. At baseline, 63.2% agreed or strongly agreed that they were knowledgeable about their devices. The overwhelming majority of patients demonstrated CIED knowledge deficits in at least one content area (n = 294, 86%), or more than two content areas (n = 176, 51%). Patients agreed or strongly agreed that they had a desire to have information regarding each of the following: battery life (84%), activity level (79%), heart rate trend (75%), and ventricular arrhythmias (74%).

Conclusion

There is a large discrepancy in patients’ level of knowledge regarding their CIEDs and their wish to know more details. Future technologies should satisfy providers’ goals to educate their patients with basic information and fulfill patients’ desire to obtain more data from their CIEDs.
Explaining collaboration in consensual and conflictual governance networks
Authors: Gronow Antti , Wagner Paul , Ylä‐Anttila Tuomas
Published: November 2019

The conditions under which policy beliefs and influential actors shape collaborative behaviour in governance networks are not well understood. This article applies exponential random graph models to network data from Finland and Sweden to investigate how beliefs, reputational power and the role of public authorities structure collaboration ties in the two countries’ climate change governance networks. Results show that only in Finland's conflictual climate policy domain do actors collaborate with those with similar beliefs and with reputational power, while only in Sweden's consensual climate policy domain do public authorities play central impartial coordinating roles. These results indicate that conflict is present in a governance network when beliefs and reputational power determine collaboration and that it is absent when public authorities occupy central roles. They also suggest that relative success in climate policy action is likely to occur when public authorities take on network manager roles.
Exome association analysis sheds light onto leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) resistance genes currently used in wheat breeding (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhao Yusheng , Beier Sebastian , Jiang Yong , Thorwarth Patrick , H. Longin C. Friedrich , Ganal Martin , Himmelbach Axel , Reif Jochen C. , Schulthess Albert W.
Published: November 2019

Resistance breeding is crucial for a sustainable control of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) while directly targeting functional variants is the Holy Grail for efficient marker‐assisted selection and map‐based cloning. We assessed the limits and prospects of exome association analysis for severity of leaf rust in a large hybrid wheat population of 1574 single‐crosses plus their 133 parents. After imputation and quality control, exome sequencing revealed 202 875 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering 19.7% of the high‐confidence annotated gene space. We performed intensive data mining and found significant associations for 2171 SNPs corresponding to 50 different loci. Some of these associations mapped in the proximity of the already known resistance genes Lr21, Lr34‐B, Lr1 and Lr10, while other associated genomic regions, such as those on chromosomes 1A and 3D, harboured several annotated genes putatively involved in resistance. Validation with an independent population helped to narrow down the list of putative resistance genes that should be targeted by fine‐mapping. We expect that the proposed strategy of intensive data mining coupled with validation will significantly influence research in plant genetics and breeding.
Cytokinin dehydrogenase: a genetic target for yield improvement in wheat
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Jiqiang , Song Jiancheng , Jameson Paula E.
Published: November 2019

The plant hormone group, the cytokinins, is implicated in both qualitative and quantitative components of yield. Cytokinins have opposing actions in shoot and root growth—actions shown to involve cytokinin dehydrogenase (CKX), the enzyme that inactivates cytokinin. We revise and provide unambiguous names for the CKX gene family members in wheat, based on the most recently released wheat genome database, IWGSC RefSeq v1.0 & v2.0. We review expression data of CKX gene family members in wheat, revealing tissue‐specific gene family member expression as well as sub‐genome‐specific expression. Manipulation of CKX in cereals shows clear impacts on yield, root growth and orientation, and Zn nutrition, but this also emphasizes the necessity to unlink promotive effects on grain yield from negative effects of cytokinin on root growth and uptake of mineral nutrients, particularly Zn and Fe. Wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop globally, yet is under‐research compared with rice and maize. We highlight gaps in our knowledge of the involvement of CKX for wheat. We also highlight the necessity for accurate analysis of endogenous cytokinins, acknowledging why this is challenging, and provide examples where inadequate analyses of endogenous cytokinins have led to unjustified conclusions. We acknowledge that the allohexaploid nature of bread wheat poses challenges in terms of uncovering useful mutations. However, we predict TILLING followed by whole‐exome sequencing will uncover informative mutations and we indicate the potential for stacking mutations within the three genomes to modify yield components. We model a wheat ideotype based on CKX manipulation.
Epidemiology and microevolution of Phytophthora ramorum during a controlled disease outbreak in a simulated plant production facility
Authors: Serrano M. S. , Eyre C. , Garbelotto M.
Published: November 2019

Phytophthora ramorum outbreaks have been documented to occur in natural settings during favourable environmental conditions, and to be caused by the overdominance of highly infectious genotypes. However, little is known about the dynamics of outbreaks in nursery settings. Through the description and quantification of symptoms, as well as through systematic pathogen isolation and genotyping, this study examines the scale and dynamic of spread of four different genotypes of P. ramorum in soil, water and leaves among Rhododendron plants in a nursery setting. Phytophthora ramorum isolation success was highest from leaves and intermediate from soil, reaching peak values at the end of the wet‐warm season. The observed disease outbreak was of moderate intensity, and abundance among the four genotypes used as inoculum varied, depending on substrate and isolation time. The spread mechanism of the disease was mostly through leaf‐to‐leaf contagion, followed by leaf‐to‐soil, and the scale of pathogen spread was less than 2 m in the 20 months of the experiment. Surprisingly, a large number of novel genotypes were detected during the experiment, and all were clearly derived from the four used as inoculum. The frequency of two such novel genotypes in the post‐outbreak phase was comparable to the frequency of some of the original four genotypes, suggesting they may be competitive. The creation of new genotypes in a nursery setting poses a threat to the industry itself, as well as to wildlands, due to the increase in pathogen adaptability often associated with new genetic variation.
Changes to the functional traits of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase following hybridization in C‐4 halophytes
Authors: Gallego‐Tévar Blanca , Peinado‐Torrubia Procopio , Álvarez Rosario , Gandullo Jacinto , Grewell Brenda J. , Figueroa Enrique , Castillo Jesús M.
Published: November 2019

Hybridization is a relevant evolutionary mechanism linked to the invasiveness of plant species, but little is known about its effect on enzymatic activities in response to stress. We analyzed the effects of salinity on key mechanistic traits of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) enzyme for two hybrid taxa derived from nativeSpartina maritima(Curtis) Fernald and invasiveSpartina densifloraBrongn. in comparison with their parental species. Parental species showed contrasted strategies at the PEPC level to cope with salinity.Spartina maritimashowed its physiological optimum at 10 to 40 ppt salinity, with high PEPC activity (per unit leaf soluble protein), in contrast to the lower salinity optimum of 0.5 and 10 ppt forS. densiflora, where highest levels of PEPC apparent specific activity coincided with high light‐induced activation of PEPC. Both hybrids showed constant PEPC apparent specific activity from fresh water to hypersalinity and exhibited higher net photosynthesis rates in fresh water than their parents.Spartina maritima × densiflorapresented three transgressive PEPC‐related traits, being the only taxon able to increase its PEPC activation in darkness at high salinity.Spartina densiflora × maritimashowed most PEPC‐related traits intermediate between its parents. Inheritance types operating differently in reciprocal hybrids determine key functional traits conditioning their ecological performance.
Sexual harassment in contemporary workplaces: Contextualizing structural vulnerabilities
Authors: Minnotte Krista Lynn , Legerski Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2019

Recent high‐profile cases of unwanted sexual attention in the workplace and the vibrancy of the associated #MeToo movement have drawn attention to the need to continue to explore workplace sexual harassment. In this article, we review existing literature on workplace sexual harassment, with an emphasis on the roles of power and structural vulnerability—key factors underlying sexual harassment. We argue for the need to contextualize structural vulnerabilities, with an eye towards uncovering how dimensions of power and vulnerability vary across workplaces, creating different mechanisms contributing to sexual harassment in specific contexts. With this backdrop, we then use the restaurant service industry as an example to illustrate the unique structural vulnerabilities workers are exposed to in this environment. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of continuing to investigate the dynamics of sexual harassment, especially with work that takes an intersectional approach.
Lifestyle behaviours, ethnicity and menstruation have little added value in prediction models for low haemoglobin deferral in whole blood donors
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , Timmer Tiffany , de Kort Wim L. A. M. , van den Hurk Katja
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the added value of questionnaire‐based predictors to existing prediction models for low haemoglobin (Hb) deferral in whole blood donors.

Background

Prediction models for Hb deferral risk can be applied in the invitation process of donors for a blood donation. Existing prediction models are based on routinely collected data. The model performance might be improved by the addition of predictive factors.

Methods

The added value of food consumption, smoking, physical activity, ethnicity and menstruation in the prediction of Hb deferral was assessed by comparing the existing models with extended models using the following measures: model X2, concordance (c)‐statistic and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results

Addition of one candidate predictor to the models did not substantially improve the model performance. Addition of multiple new candidate predictors significantly increased the model X2 (from 137 to 159 for men, and from 157 to 199 for women) and resulted in a non‐significant increase of the c‐statistic (from 0.85 to 0.87 for men, and from 0.78 to 0.81 for women). The NRI for men was 11.4% and for women 1.5% after addition of multiple predictors.

Conclusion

Addition of lifestyle behaviours, ethnicity or menstruation to prediction models for low Hb deferral in whole blood donors improved the model performance, but not substantially. For easy use in practice, we do not recommend addition of the investigated predictors to the prediction models.
Evidence of a significant role of glutathione reductase in the sulfur assimilation pathway
Authors: Cohen Anner , Hacham Yael , Welfe Yochai , Khatib Soliman , Avice Jean‐Christophe , Amir Rachel
Published: November 2019

With the objective of studying the role of glutathione reductase (GR) in the accumulation of cysteine and methionine, we generated transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis lines overexpressing the cytosolic AtGR1 and the plastidic AtGR2 genes. The transgenic plants had higher contents of cysteine and glutathione. To understand why cysteine levels increased in these plants, we also used gr1 and gr2 mutants. The results showed that the transgenic plants have higher levels of sulfite, cysteine, glutathione and methionine, which are downstream to adenosine 5′ phosphosulfate reductase (APR) activity. However, the mutants had lower levels of these metabolites, while the sulfate content increased. A feeding experiment using 34SO42– also showed that the levels of APR downstream metabolites increased in the transgenic lines and decreased in gr1 compared with their controls. These findings, and the results obtained from the expression levels of several genes related to the sulfur pathway, suggest that GR plays an essential role in the sulfur assimilation pathway by supporting the activity of APR, the key enzyme in this pathway. GR recycles the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) back to reduce glutathione (GSH), which serves as an electron donor for APR activity. The phenotypes of the transgenic plants and the mutants are not significantly altered under non‐stress and oxidative stress conditions. However, when germinating on sulfur‐deficient medium, the transgenic plants grew better, while the mutants were more sensitive than the control plants. The results give substantial evidence of the yet unreported function of GR in the sulfur assimilation pathway.
The florigen interactor BdES43 represses flowering in the model temperate grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Cao Shuanghe , Luo Xumei , Xie Li , Gao Caixia , Wang Daowen , Holt Ben F. , Lin Hao , Chu Chengcai , Xia Xianchun
Published: November 2019

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) protein, physiologically florigen, has been identified as a system integrator of numerous flowering time pathways in many studies, and its homologs are found throughout the plant lineage. It is important to uncover how precisely florigenic homologs contribute to flowering initiation and how these factors interact genetically. Here we dissected the function of Brachypodium FT orthologs BdFTL1 and BdFTL2 using overexpression and gene‐editing experiments. Transgenic assays showed that both BdFTL1 and BdFTL2 could promote flowering, whereas BdFTL2 was essential for flowering initiation. Notably, BdFTL1 is subject to alternative splicing (AS), and its transcriptional level and AS are significantly affected by BdFTL2. Additionally, BdFTL2 could bind with the PHD‐containing protein BdES43, an H3K4me3 reader. Furthermore, BdES43 was antagonistic to BdFTL2 in flowering initiation in a transcription‐dependent manner and significantly affected BdFTL1 expression. BdFTL2, BdES43 and H3K4me3 also had highly similar distribution patterns within the BdFTL1 locus, indicating their interplay in regulating target genes. Taken together, florigen BdFTL2 functions as a potential epigenetic effector of BdFTL1 by interacting with a BdES43‐H3K4me3 complex. This finding provides an additional insight for the regulatory mechanism underlying the multifaceted roles of florigen.
Validación y confiabilidad de una escala para medir violencia docente en Sonora, México
Authors: Fregoso Borrego Daniel , Vera Noriega José Ángel , Duarte Tánori Karen Guadalupe , Peña Ramos Martha Olivia
Published: November 2019

Objetivo. Validar una escala a través de la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, que proporcione informaciónacerca de las conductas violentas que emplean los maestros contra los alumnos, según la percepción deestos, identificando el tipo de violencia emitida. Método. Se seleccionaron 1536 estudiantes de 14 escuelassecundarias de zonas vulnerables en siete localidades del Estado de Sonora (México). Los tres grados deeste nivel fueron partícipes del estudio. Se utilizó la Escala de Violencia Docente tipo Likert para medir eltipo de agresión, y el Indicador General de Violencia (IGV) para obtener una visión general de violencia.Resultados. Se aplicó el modelo de Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC)para obtener información acerca de la percepción de los alumnos de secundaria sobre los diferentes tipos deviolencia de los docentes. Se obtuvieron cuatro dimensiones: violencia física, humillación, sexual y burla,con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.87, 0.82, 0.85 y 0.85, respectivamente; varianza total explicada de 46.42 %, eíndices de bondad de ajuste de CMIN/DF: 3.08, CFI: 0.92, RMSEA: 0.05, SRMR: 0.04, GFI: 0.89 y AIC: 1369.Conclusión. La Escala de Violencia Docente resultó en un modelo de cuatro dimensiones, válido y confiable,para estudiantes de secundaria preadolescentes, en zonas de riesgo de violencia intrafamiliar.
European Mars rover in a ‘race against time’ to fix parachutes
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: November 2019

ExoMars team looks to NASA for help after unexplained parachute tears.
Glucose-dependent control of leucine metabolism by leucyl-tRNA synthetase 1
Authors: Yoon Ina , Nam Miso , Kim Hoi Kyoung , Moon Hee-Sun , Kim Sungmin , Jang Jayun , Song Ji Ae , Jeong Seung Jae , Kim Sang Bum , Cho Seongmin , Kim YounHa , Lee Jihye , Yang Won Suk , Yoo Hee Chan , Kim Kibum , Kim Min-Sun , Yang Aerin , Cho Kyukwang , Park Hee-Sung , Hwang Geum-Sook , Hwang Kwang Yeon , Han Jung Min , Kim Jong Hyun , Kim Sunghoon
Published: November 2019

A tRNA synthase in metabolic control

Leucyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (LARS1), which covalently couples leucine to its cognate transfer RNAs (tRNAs), appears to have broader roles in the control of leucine metabolism. The enzyme also serves as a leucine sensor for the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which regulates protein synthesis, metabolism, autophagy, and cell growth. Yoon
et al.
show that in cells deprived of glucose, LARS1 is phosphorylated by Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (see the Perspective by Lehman and Abraham). This phosphorylation decreases leucine binding to LARS1 and, in turn, should decrease translation, reduce activation of mTORC1, and perhaps free up leucine for use in the generation of adenosine triphosphate in glucose-starved cells.

Science
, this issue p.
205
; see also p.
146
Comprehensive AAV capsid fitness landscape reveals a viral gene and enables machine-guided design
Authors: Ogden Pierce J. , Kelsic Eric D. , Sinai Sam , Church George M.
Published: November 2019

The fitness landscape of AAV

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an important gene therapy vector. Using tools from synthetic biology, Ogden
et al.
provide a comprehensive view of how sequence changes in capsid proteins affect AAV properties. After saturation mutagenesis of the AAV2 capsid gene, the resulting library was subjected to multiplexed phenotypic analyses, including virus production, immunity, thermostability, and biodistribution. The mutant distribution to major organs in mice revealed dominant trends affecting in vivo delivery. Moreover, the findings uncovered a viral accessory protein with a role in viral production. Finally, a model built from the capsid fitness landscape enabled machine-guided design of useful variants with much higher efficiency than random mutagenesis.

Science
, this issue p.
1139
Fatigue-resistant high-performance elastocaloric materials made by additive manufacturing
Authors: Hou Huilong , Simsek Emrah , Ma Tao , Johnson Nathan S. , Qian Suxin , Cissé Cheikh , Stasak Drew , Al Hasan Naila , Zhou Lin , Hwang Yunho , Radermacher Reinhard , Levitas Valery I. , Kramer Matthew J. , Zaeem Mohsen Asle , Stebner Aaron P. , Ott Ryan T. , Cui Jun , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: November 2019

A million times cooler

Elastocaloric materials can be used for solid-state cooling applications because they can pump heat out of a system using a reversible phase transformation. However, many such materials fail after a small number of cycles. Hou
et al.
found that laser melting of elastocaloric metals can create fatigue-resistant microstructures. A nickel-titanium–based alloy could be cycled a million times and still produce a cooling of about 4 kelvin. This processing method could improve elastocaloric performance and move us closer to using these materials more widely for solid-state cooling applications.

Science
, this issue p.
1116
Median raphe controls acquisition of negative experience in the mouse
Authors: Szőnyi András , Zichó Krisztián , Barth Albert M. , Gönczi Roland T. , Schlingloff Dániel , Török Bibiána , Sipos Eszter , Major Abel , Bardóczi Zsuzsanna , Sos Katalin E. , Gulyás Attila I. , Varga Viktor , Zelena Dóra , Freund Tamás F. , Nyiri Gábor
Published: November 2019

Keeping tabs on bad experiences

Identifying the neural basis underlying how we acquire, process, and store negative experiences could help the search for effective treatments for mood disorders. Szőnyi
et al.
used a range of neuroscientific tools to elucidate the role of a specific neural circuit that originates in the median raphe region of the murine brainstem (see the Perspective by Ikemoto). A subpopulation of excitatory neurons projected to aversive brain areas and received recurrent feedback from the lateral habenula and convergent feedback from a range of fear-related circuitry. These neurons were activated by aversive stimuli, and artificial stimulation promoted aversion or anxiety-related behavior. This group of cells thus plays a pivotal role in a network that helps to mediate aversive motivation.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay8746
; see also p.
1071
Immunostimulatory gut bacteria
Authors: Zitvogel Laurence , Kroemer Guido
Published: November 2019

Some bacterial species stimulate inflammation, autoimmunity, and anticancer immunity
Illuminating Earth's faults
Authors: Jousset Philippe
Published: November 2019

Submarine fiber-optic cables drive discovery of fault locations and ocean dynamics
Factors associated with non-active retinal capillary density as measured with Confocal Scanning Laser Doppler Flowmetry in an elderly population: the Thessaloniki Eye Study (TES)
Authors: Dervenis Nikolaos , Harris Alon , Coleman Anne L , Wilson M Roy , Founti Panayiota , Yu Fei , Siesky Brent , Anastasopoulos Eleftherios , Pappas Theofanis , Koskosas Archimidis , Kilintzis Vassilis , Topouzis Fotis
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To identify factors associated with retinal capillary density as measured with Confocal Scanning Laser Doppler Flowmetry (Heidelberg retina flowmeter (HRF)) in the Thessaloniki Eye Study (TES).

Methods

Participants of the TES (age ≥60 years, cross-sectional population-based study) were assessed for active capillary density in the superior and inferior peripapillary retina using the HRF. Pixel-by-pixel analysis was performed to quantify the percentage of zero flow pixels (ZFPs; surrogate for % retinal area with non-active capillaries). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association of non-active vascular density with ophthalmic and systemic variables. Glaucoma, late age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy subjects were excluded.

Results

1189 subjects were included in the analysis. Older age (per year) was associated with higher percentage of ZFP in both the superior (slope estimate (SE)=0.0020) and the inferior (SE=0.0019) peripapillary retina (p<0.0001). History of migraine was associated with lower percentage of ZFP (SE=−0.0166) compared with no history of migraine in the superior peripapillary retina only (p<0.05). Higher intraocular pressure ((IOP) per mm Hg) and height (per cm) were associated with higher percentage of ZFP in the inferior peripapillary retina only (SE=0.0012, p<0.05 and SE=0.0005, p<0.05, respectively). The group consuming vegetables one to three times per week compared with the group consuming vegetables at least once a day had higher percentage of ZFP only in the inferior peripapillary retina (SE=0.0080, p<0.05).

Conclusion

At a population level, our study revealed associations of older age, higher IOP and taller height with lower active retinal capillary density and of migraine with higher capillary density. Looking further into these associations may provide insight into disease mechanisms.
Method effects associated with negatively and positively worded items on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12): results from a cross-sectional survey with a representative sample of Catalonian workers
Authors: Rodrigo Maria F , Molina J Gabriel , Losilla Josep-Maria , Vives Jaume , Tomás José M
Published: November 2019

Objective

Recent studies into the factorial structure of the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) have shown that it was best represented by a single substantive factor when method effects associated with negatively worded (NW) items are considered. The purpose of the present study was to examine the presence of method effects, and their relationships with demographic covariates, associated with positively worded (PW) and/or NW items.

Design

A cross-sectional, observational study to compare a comprehensive set of confirmatory factor models, including method effects associated with PW and/or NW items with GHQ-12 responses.

Setting

Representative sample of all employees living in Catalonia (Spain).

Participants

3050 participants (44.6% women) who responded the Second Catalonian Survey of Working Conditions.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the best fitting model was a unidimensional model with two additional uncorrelated method factors associated with PW and NW items. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that method effects were differentially related to both the sex and age of the respondents.

Conclusion

Individual differences related to sex and age can help to identify respondents who are prone to answering PW and NW items differently. Consequently, it is desirable that both the constructs of interest as well as the effects of method factors are considered in SEM models as a means of avoiding the drawing of inaccurate conclusions about the relationships between the substantive factors.
Novel concepts in the pathophysiology and treatment of functional dyspepsia
Authors: Wauters Lucas , Talley Nicholas J , Walker Marjorie M , Tack Jan , Vanuytsel Tim
Published: November 2019

Emerging data increasingly point towards the duodenum as a key region underlying the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD), one of the most prevalent functional GI disorders. The duodenum plays a major role in the control and coordination of gastroduodenal function. Impaired duodenal mucosal integrity and low-grade inflammation have been associated with altered neuronal signalling and systemic immune activation, and these alterations may ultimately lead to dyspeptic symptoms. Likely luminal candidates inducing the duodenal barrier defect include acid, bile, the microbiota and food antigens although no causal association with symptoms has been convincingly demonstrated. Recognition of duodenal pathology in FD will hopefully lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, allowing biologically targeted rather than symptom-based therapy. In this review, we summarise the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of FD with a focus on the duodenum.
Anisotropic evolution of D-dimensional FRW spacetime
Authors: Middleton Chad , Brouse Bret A. , Jackson Scott D.
Published: November 2019

We examine the time evolution of the $$D=d+4$$D=d+4 dimensional Einstein field equations subjected to a flat Robertson-Walker metric where the 3D and higher-dimensional scale factors are allowed to evolve at different rates. We find the exact solution to these equations for a single fluid component, which yields two limiting regimes offering the 3D scale factor as a function of the time. The fluid regime solution closely mimics that described by 4D FRW cosmology, offering a late-time behavior for the 3D scale factor after becoming valid in the early universe, and can give rise to a late-time accelerated expansion driven by vacuum energy. This is shown to be preceded by an earlier volume regime solution, which offers a very early-time epoch of accelerated expansion for a radiation-dominated universe for $$d=1$$d=1. The time scales describing these phenomena, including the transition from volume to fluid regime, are shown to fall within a small fraction of the first second when the fundamental constants of the theory are aligned with the Planck time. This model potentially offers a higher-dimensional alternative to scalar-field inflationary theory and a consistent cosmological theory, yielding a unified description of early- and late-time accelerated expansions via a 5D spacetime scenario.
Time-dependent metric for the two-dimensional, non-Hermitian coupled oscillator
Authors: Fring Andreas , Frith Thomas
Published: November 2019

We provide a time-dependent Dyson map and metric for the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator with a non-Hermitian ixy coupling term. This particular time-independent model exhibits spontaneously broken [Formula: see text]-symmetry and becomes unphysical in the broken regime, with the spectrum becoming partially complex. By introducing an explicit time dependence into the Dyson map, we provide a time-dependent metric that renders the model consistent across the unbroken and broken regimes.
Simulation of Polarization Image Based on Intensity Image
Authors: Yang Xu , Wang Xiaodan , Ma Yue
Published: November 2019

Due to the limitation of industrial and civil fields of the polarization camera, we have developed a scheme for synthesizing polarization image based on intensity image and simulation technology. A whole process polarization or intensity transfer model from the incident solar light to the point at which the camera enters the pupil is set up based on 6SV. The indoor simulation test system of the target surface reflectivity is formed. The simulated polarization image is compared with the image directly obtained by the polarization camera under the same condition. Compared with the image from the polarization camera, we get the same trend of contrast information, while the target characteristic information is obviously improved for the intensity image and the error rate of the improved contrast does not exceed 12%.
HOW TRANSNATIONAL LIVING LABS CAN HELP SMEs TO INTERNATIONALISE
Authors: SANTONEN TEEMU , JULIN MIKKO
Published: November 2019

Due to globalisation there are increasing opportunities for SMEs to pursue international markets. Transnational living lab (LL) approach has been suggested as a promising way to help SMEs to pursue in international markets. However, what kind of services SMEs are expecting from transnational LLs is less clear. By conducing 82 semi-structured open-ended interviews among health and well-being SMEs from eight different Baltic Sea region countries, a typology for transnational LL-service needs is defined. As a result of a conventional content analysis, 12 main needs were identified. By far, the most popular LL need was testing service. The second most popular need group was formed by eight equally important services, origin of which can be linked to the commonly known internal barriers of SME internationalisation. However, some needs were differing between established SMEs and startups, depending on their prior LL experiences. Suggestions for key characteristics of transnational LL concept are proposed.
EMPOWERING CREATIVE EMPLOYEES: PHASE-SPECIFIC SUPPORT IN THE FRONT-END OF INNOVATION
Authors: GERNREICH CHRIS C. , KNOP SEBASTIAN
Published: November 2019

Employees often do not speak about raw ideas, to avoid a loss of face. Therefore, they struggle to develop their ideas further and share them in the workplace. Since research on the unconscious processes of idea development in the front-end of innovation is scarce, we explore this phenomenon by identifying the most prevalent needs for ideation in literature. We evaluate these needs by surveying 122 employees of a German automotive company. Our results show an overall hierarchy of needs and four clusters of employees based on the indicated needs in different phases of their idea development process. Employees with many ideas have the most demands. Employees with fewer ideas demand more social interaction and access to information technology to gather information and evaluate ideas. We find that the demand for resources varies significantly throughout the idea development process. Therefore, organizations must address employees’ needs differently, depending on what phase of the idea development process their ideas are in, and the number of ideas submitted.
Estimation of Sialic Acid and IL10 Levels in Stage 1 and 2 Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Varma Sudhir Rama , Thomas Biju , Ramesh Amitha , Kumari Suchetha , Shahira  , Muhammad Al Saadi Zainab Abdullah , Mahmood Rabia Asif
Published: November 2019

Objective. The role of biomarkers in staging and grading periodontal disease has become detrimental in relation to the overall treatment plan. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the role of sialic acid and IL10 in the early and moderate stages of periodontitis. Materials and Methods. Patients were selected according to the assessment of pocket depth and radiographic bone loss. Bone loss was calculated as <15% for stage 1 and 15–33% for stage 2. Salivary samples were collected using spit technique 2 hrs post consumption of food. The unstimulated saliva was collected in a sterile graduated container every minute for 5–8 minutes. IL10 estimation was done using ELISA, and sialic acid estimation was done using the diphenylamine method. The variables for the three groups were assessed using ANOVA, and intragroup comparisons for quantitative data were evaluated using the post hoc Bonferroni test (P<0.05). Results. On comparing sialic acid levels among the three groups, stage 2 showed the highest mean (8.61) compared with the other two groups and was highly significant (P<0.001). On the contrary, IL10 when compared to stage 1 and 2 periodontitis revealed insignificant change. Conclusion. The value of IL10 was higher as patients progressed from health to periodontitis.