bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARAP2 inhibits Akt independently of its effects on focal adhesions
Authors: Luo Ruibai , Chen Pei‐Wen , Kuo Jean‐Cheng , Jenkins Lisa , Jian Xiaoying , Waterman Clare M. , Randazzo Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Background Information

ARAP2, an Arf GTPase‐activating protein (Arf GAP) that binds to adaptor protein with PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper motifs 1 (APPL1), regulates focal adhesions (FAs). APPL1 affects FA dynamics by regulating Akt. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ARAP2 affects FAs in part by regulating Akt through APPL1.

Results

We found that ARAP2 controlled FA dynamics dependent on its enzymatic Arf GAP activity. In some cells, ARAP2 also regulated phosphoAkt (pAkt) levels. However, ARAP2 control of FAs did not require Akt and conversely, the effects on pAkt were independent of FAs. Reducing ARAP2 expression reduced the size and number of FAs in U118, HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Decreasing ARAP2 expression increased pAkt in U118 cells and HeLa cells and overexpressing ARAP2 decreased pAkt in U118 cells; in contrast, ARAP2 had no effect on pAkt in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. An Akt inhibitor did not block the effect of reduced ARAP2 on FAs in U118. Furthermore, the effect of ARAP2 on Akt did not require Arf GAP activity, which is necessary for effects on FAs and integrin traffic. Altering FAs by other means did not induce the same changes in pAkt as those seen by reducing ARAP2 in U118 cells. In addition, we discovered that ARAP2 and APPL1 had co‐ordinated effects on pAkt in U118 cells. Reduced APPL1 expression, as for ARAP2, increased pAkt in U118 and the effect of reduced APPL1 expression was reversed by overexpressing ARAP2. Conversely, the effect of reduced ARAP2 expression was reversed by overexpressing APPL1. ARAP2 is an Arf GAP that has previously been reported to affect FAs by regulating Arf6 and integrin trafficking and to bind to the adaptor proteins APPL1. Here, we report that ARAP2 suppresses pAkt levels in cells co‐ordinately with APPL1 and independently of GAP activity and its effect on the dynamic behaviour of FAs.

Conclusions

We conclude that ARAP2 affects Akt signalling in some cells by a mechanism independent of FAs or membrane traffic.

Significance

Our results highlight an Arf GAP‐independent function of ARAP2 in regulating Akt activity and distinguish the effect of ARAP2 on Akt from that on FAs and integrin trafficking, which requires regulation of Arf6.
The potential role for infections in the pathogenesis of autoimmune Addison’s disease
Authors: Hellesen A , Bratland E
Published: August 2018

Autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD), or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is a classical organ-specific autoimmune disease with 160 years of history. AAD is remarkably homogeneous with one major dominant self-antigen, the cytochrome P450 21-hydroxylase enzyme, which is targeted by both autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Like most autoimmune diseases, AAD is thought to be caused by an unfortunate combination of genetic and environmental factors. While the number of genetic associations with AAD is increasing, almost nothing is known about environmental factors. A major environmental factor commonly proposed for autoimmune diseases, based partly on experimental and clinical data and partly on shared pathways between anti-viral immunity and autoimmunity, is viral infections. However, there are few reports associating viral infections to AAD, and it has proved difficult to establish which immunological processes that could link any viral infection with the initiation or progression of AAD. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of AAD and take a closer look on the potential involvement of viruses.
Social defeat stress: Mechanisms underlying the increase in rewarding effects of drugs of abuse
Authors: Montagud‐Romero Sandra , Blanco‐Gandía Maria Carmen , Reguilón Marina D. , Ferrer‐Pérez Carmen , Ballestín Raul , Miñarro Jose , Rodríguez‐Arias Marta
Published: August 2018

Social interaction is known to be the main source of stress in human beings, which explains the translational importance of this research in animals. Evidence reported over the last decade has revealed that, when exposed to social defeat experiences (brief episodes of social confrontations during adolescence and adulthood), the rodent brain undergoes remodeling and functional modifications, which in turn lead to an increase in the rewarding and reinstating effects of different drugs of abuse. The mechanisms by which social stress cause changes in the brain and behavior are unknown, and so the objective of this review is to contemplate how social defeat stress induces long‐lasting consequences that modify the reward system. First of all, we will describe the most characteristic results of the short‐ and long‐term consequences of social defeat stress on the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse such as psychostimulants and alcohol. Secondly, and throughout the review, we will carefully assess the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, including changes in the dopaminergic system, corticotrophin releasing factor signaling, epigenetic modifications and the neuroinflammatory response. To conclude, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages and the translational value of the social defeat stress model, and will discuss challenges and future directions.
Implementation of deep neural networks to count dopamine neurons in substantia nigra
Authors: Penttinen Anna‐Maija , Parkkinen Ilmari , Blom Sami , Kopra Jaakko , Andressoo Jaan‐Olle , Pitkänen Kari , Voutilainen Merja H. , Saarma Mart , Airavaara Mikko
Published: August 2018

Unbiased estimates of neuron numbers within substantia nigra are crucial for experimental Parkinson's disease models and gene‐function studies. Unbiased stereological counting techniques with optical fractionation are successfully implemented, but are extremely laborious and time‐consuming. The development of neural networks and deep learning has opened a new way to teach computers to count neurons. Implementation of a programming paradigm enables a computer to learn from the data and development of an automated cell counting method. The advantages of computerized counting are reproducibility, elimination of human error and fast high‐capacity analysis. We implemented whole‐slide digital imaging and deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) to count substantia nigra dopamine neurons. We compared the results of the developed method against independent manual counting by human observers and validated the CNN algorithm against previously published data in rats and mice, where tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐immunoreactive neurons were counted using unbiased stereology. The developed CNN algorithm and fully cloud‐embedded Aiforia™ platform provide robust and fast analysis of dopamine neurons in rat and mouse substantia nigra.
The role of fibroblast growth factor 2 in drug addiction
Authors: Even‐Chen Oren , Barak Segev
Published: August 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a member of the FGF‐family, which consists of 22 members, with four known FGF receptors (five in humans). Over the last 30 years, FGF2 has been extensively studied for its role in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, survival and angiogenesis during development, as well as for its role in adult neurogenesis and regenerative plasticity. Over the past decade, FGF2 has been implicated in learning and memory, as well as in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, stress, depression and drug addiction. In this review, we present accumulating evidence indicating the involvement of FGF2 in neuroadaptations caused by drugs of abuse, namely, amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine and alcohol. Moreover, evidence suggests that FGF2 is a positive regulator of alcohol and drug‐related behaviors. Thus, although additional studies are yet required, we suggest that reducing FGF2 activity may provide a novel therapeutic approach for substance use disorders.
The neural correlates of trustworthiness evaluations of faces and brands: Implications for behavioral and consumer neuroscience
Authors: Javor Andrija , Kindermann Harald , Koschutnig Karl , Ischebeck Anja
Published: August 2018

When we buy a product of a brand, we trust the brand to provide good quality and reliability. Therefore, trust plays a major role in consumer behavior. It is unclear, however, how trust in brands is processed in the brain and whether it is processed differently from interpersonal trust. In this study, we used fMRI to investigate the neural correlates of interpersonal and brand trust by comparing the brain activation patterns during explicit trustworthiness judgments of faces and brands. Our results showed that while there were several brain areas known to be linked to trustworthiness evaluations, such as the amygdalae, more active in trustworthiness judgments when compared to a control task (familiarity judgment) for faces, no such difference was found for brands. Complementary ROI analysis revealed that the activation of both amygdalae was strongest for faces in the trustworthiness judgments. The direct comparison of the brain activation patterns during the trustworthiness evaluations between faces and brands in this analysis showed that trustworthiness judgments of faces activated the orbitofrontal cortex, another region that was previously linked to interpersonal trust, more strongly than trustworthiness judgments of brands. Further, trustworthiness ratings of faces, but not brands, correlated with activation in the orbitofrontal cortex. Our results indicate that the amygdalae, as well as the orbitofrontal cortex, play a prominent role in interpersonal trust (faces), but not in trust for brands. It is possible that this difference is due to brands being processed as cultural objects rather than as having human‐like personality characteristics.
FoxO1 enhances differentiation and apoptosis in human primary keratinocytes
Authors: Shi Ge , Liao Pei‐Yu , Cai Xiao‐Lin , Pi Xiao‐Xue , Zhang Man‐Feng , Li Shi‐Jie , Quan Juan‐Hua , Fan Yi‐Ming
Published: August 2018

Forkhead box‐O1 (FoxO1) is a key nutrient‐ and growth factor‐dependent regulator of metabolism, but its functional role in human primary keratinocytes (HPKs) is less known. To investigate the role of FoxO1 in HPKs and effect of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and isotretinoin on FoxO1 expression, HPKs were treated with 1.2 mmol/L calcium chloride, 1‐20 ng/mL IGF‐1 and 0.1‐10 μmol/L isotretinoin. Recombinant adenovirus expressing FoxO1 or FKHR shRNA lentivirus transfection was introduced to upregulate or silence FoxO1 expression. Epidermal FoxO1 immunostaining was lower in acne lesion than in normal skin. FoxO1 overexpression induced involucrin expression, G2/M arrest and apoptosis but suppressed proliferation, while FoxO1 silencing decreased involucrin expression but increased proliferation, S phase and viable cells in HPKs. IGF‐1 downregulated FoxO1 and involucrin but upregulated p‐Akt expression in HPKs, which was blocked by pretreatment with LY294002. Isotretinoin enhanced FoxO1, p53 and p21 but inhibited p‐FoxO1 and involucrin expression in HPKs. These results demonstrate that FoxO1 promotes differentiation and apoptosis in HPKs. IGF‐1 may reduce keratinocyte differentiation through PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, while isotretinoin can reinforce FoxO1 expression. FoxO1 may be involved in acne pathogenesis and could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Degradation of phosphate polymer polyP enhances lactic fermentation in mice
Authors: Nakamura Akihiro , Kawano Natsuko , Motomura Kei , Kuroda Akio , Sekiguchi Kiyoshi , Miyado Mami , Kang Woojin , Miyamoto Yoshitaka , Hanai Maito , Iwai Maki , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Hamatani Toshio , Saito Takakazu , Saito Hidekazu , Tanaka Mamoru , Umezawa Akihiro , Miyado Kenji
Published: August 2018

In bacteria, a polymer of inorganic phosphate (Pi) (inorganic polyphosphate; polyP) is enzymatically produced and consumed as an alternative phosphate donor for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production to protect against nutrient starvation. In vertebrates, polyP has been dismissed as a “molecular fossil” due to the lack of any known physiological function. Here, we have explored its possible role by producing transgenic (TG) mice widely expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae exopolyphosphatase 1 (ScPPX1), which catalyzes hydrolytic polyP degradation. TG mice were produced and displayed reduced mitochondrial respiration in muscles. In female TG mice, the blood concentration of lactic acid was enhanced, whereas ATP storage in liver and brain tissues was reduced significantly. Thus, we suggested that the elongation of polyP reduces the intracellular Pi concentration, suppresses anaerobic lactic acid production, and sustains mitochondrial respiration. Our results provide an insight into the physiological role of polyP in mammals, particularly in females.
Orientation‐dependent electrical property and domain configuration of Mn‐doped Pb(In0.5Nb0.5)O3–PbTiO3 single crystal
Authors: Qiao Huimin , He Chao , Wang Zujian , Li Xiuzhi , Liu Ying , Tailor Hamel , Long Xifa
Published: August 2018

Orientation dependence of electrical properties and domain configurations of 8 mol% Mn‐doped rhombohedral PIN‐PT (0.68Pb(In0.5Nb0.5)O3–0.32Pb(Ti0.92Mn0.08)O3) rhombohedral single crystals were investigated with an emphasis on studying the variations of coercive field (EC), internal field (Ei) on domain patterns. Our results showed that for both [001] and [110]‐oriented samples, the coercive field and internal field decreased with temperature (T) increasing in rhombohedral phase, and a peak appeared above rhombohedral‐tetragonal phase transition temperature (TRT). The abnormal peaks between TRT and Curie temperature on EC‐T and Ei‐T plots are explained by taking into consideration the ferroelectric phase transition and variation of defect polarization, which provides assistant comprehension on the dynamic of defect dipoles during phase transition at high temperature. Bubble‐ and ribbon‐like domain patterns were observed in (001)‐ and (110)‐plane, respectively, and smaller value of short‐length correlation radius in (001)‐ plane indicates less aggregation of polar nanoregions in this crystallographic plane than that in (110)‐plane.
Feasibility and safety of using an automated decision support system for insulin therapy in the treatment of steroid‐induced hyperglycemia in patients with acute graft‐versus‐host disease: A randomized trial
Authors: Aberer Felix , Mader Julia K , Holzgruber Julia , Trummer Christian , Schwetz Verena , Pandis Marlene , Pferschy Peter N , Greinix Hildegard , Tripolt Norbert J , Pieber Thomas R , Zebisch Armin , Sill Heinz , Wölfler Albert , Sourij Harald
Published: August 2018

Steroid‐induced hyperglycemia (SIHG) has shown to independently increase the risk for mortality in patients with acute graft‐versus‐host disease, and it is still unclear whether SIHG might be a modifiable risk factor. Therefore, a feasibility trial was carried out aiming to evaluate the performance of a standardized decision support system (GlucoTab [GT]) for insulin therapy in patients with SIHG. A total of 10 hyperglycemic acute graft‐versus‐host disease patients were included and treated either with GT or standard of care during hospitalization. Follow‐up duration was 6 months. Comparing the GT versus standard of care group, 364 versus 1,020 glucose readings were available during a median of 41 days (interquartile range [IQR] 22–89) and 101 days (IQR 55–147) of hospitalization. The median overall glucose levels were 151 mg/dL (123–192) versus 162 mg/dL (IQR 138–193) for GT and standard of care, respectively (P < 0.001); hypoglycemia rates were comparably low. Treatment of SIHG with an algorithm‐based system for subcutaneous insulin was feasible and safe.
Utility and limitations of noninvasive fibrosis markers for predicting prognosis in biopsy‐proven Japanese non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Ito Takanori , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Nishimura Daisaku , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Goto Hidemi , Hirooka Yoshiki
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim

The fibrosis stage of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with long‐term prognosis, including liver‐related mortality. However, it is not yet clear whether noninvasive fibrosis markers can predict the incidence of non‐liver‐related complications in Japanese NAFLD. In this study, we clarified the prognosis of NAFLD patients, including non‐liver‐related diseases, based on hepatic pathology and noninvasive fibrosis markers.

Methods

A total of 246 Japanese patients with NAFLD diagnosed by liver biopsy were enrolled. We investigated their prognosis based on hepatic pathology and noninvasive fibrosis markers.

Results

When these patients were categorized based on the severity of liver fibrosis as F0–2 (n = 196) and F3–4 (n = 50), the patients with F3–4 had significantly poorer prognosis in overall survival rates and all complications (P < 0.05). The fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index was useful to predict overall survival and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis (LC)‐related complications but not extrahepatic malignancies. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed the following risk factors: total bilirubin ≥ 1.2 (hazard ratio [HR] 6.362, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.393–29.052) and severe liver fibrosis (HR 6.512, 95% CI 1.433–29.592) for overall survival; liver fibrosis (F3–4) (HR 13.370, 95% CI 2.775–64.427) for hepatocellular carcinoma; FIB‐4 index (HR 26.560, 95% CI 3.320–212.494) for LC‐related complications, and liver inflammation (A2–3) (HR 4.214, 95% CI 1.354–13.116) for extrahepatic malignancies.

Conclusions

Severe liver fibrosis was associated not only with the hepatocarcinogenesis and LC‐related complications but also with extrahepatic malignancies. The FIB‐4 index was useful for predicting liver‐related diseases but had limitations in predicting extrahepatic malignancies.
What Affects the Secondhand Value of Smartphones: Evidence from eBay
Authors: Makov Tamar , Fishman Tomer , Chertow Marian R. , Blass Vered
Published: August 2018

Reuse via secondhand markets can extend the use phase of products, thereby reducing environmental impacts. Analyzing 500,000 listings of used Apple and Samsung smartphones sold in 2015 and 2016 via eBay, we examine which product properties affect how long smartphones retain market value and facilitate market‐based reuse. Our results suggest that although repairability and large memory size are typically thought to be “life extending,” in practice they have limited impact on the current economic life span of smartphones and their market‐based reuse. In contrast, we show that brand, an intangible product property, can extend smartphones’ economic life span by 12.5 months. Because longer economic life spans imply extended use phases and longer life spans overall, these results illustrate the potential of harnessing the intangible properties of products to promote sustainable consumption.
Rice miR394 suppresses leaf inclination through targeting an F‐box gene, LEAF INCLINATION 4
Authors: Qu Li , Lin Li‐Bi , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: August 2018

Rice leaf inclination is an important agronomic trait, closely related to plant architecture and yield. Identification of genes controlling leaf inclination would assist in crop improvement. Although various factors, including the plant hormones auxin and brassinosteroids, have been shown to regulate lamina joint development, the role of microRNAs in regulating leaf inclination remains largely unknown. Here, we functionally characterize the role of rice miR394 and its target, LEAF INCLINCATION 4 (LC4), which encodes an F‐box protein, in the regulation of leaf inclination. We show that miR394 and LC4 work, antagonistically, to regulate leaf lamina joint development and rice architecture, by modulating expansion and elongation of adaxial parenchyma cells. Suppressed expression of miR394, or enhanced expression of LC4, results in enlarged leaf angles, whereas reducing LC4 expression by CRISPR/Cas9 leads to reduced leaf inclination, suggesting LC4 as candidate for use in rice architecture improvement. LC4 interacts with SKP1, a component of the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and transcription of both miR394 and LC4 are regulated by auxin. Rice plants with altered expression of miR394 or LC4 have altered auxin responses, indicating that the miR394‐LC4 module mediates auxin effects important for determining rice leaf inclination and architecture.
“To Own or Not to Own?” A Study on the Determinants and Consequences of Alternative Intellectual Property Rights Arrangements in Crowdsourcing for Innovation Contests
Authors: Mazzola Erica , Acur Nuran , Piazza Mariangela , Perrone Giovanni
Published: August 2018

Firms are increasingly engaging in crowdsourcing for innovation to access new knowledge beyond their boundaries; however, scholars are no closer to understanding what guides seeker firms in deciding the level at which to acquire rights from solvers and the effect that this decision has on the performance of crowdsourcing contests. Integrating property rights theory and the problem‐solving perspective while leveraging exploratory interviews and observations, we build a theoretical framework to examine how specific attributes of the technical problem broadcast by firms affect the seekers’ choice between alternative intellectual property rights (IPR) arrangements that call for acquiring or licensing‐in IPR from external solvers (i.e., with high and low degrees of ownership, respectively). Each technical problem differs in the knowledge required to be solved as well as in the stage of development of the innovation process and seeker firms pay great attention to such characteristics when deciding about the IPR arrangement they choose for their contests. In addition, we analyze how this choice between acquiring and licensing‐in IPR, in turn, influences the performance of the contest. We empirically test our hypotheses analyzing a unique dataset of 729 challenges broadcast on the InnoCentive platform from 2010 to 2016. Our results indicate that challenges related to technical problems in later stages of the innovation process are positively related to the seekers’ preference toward IPR arrangements with a high level of ownership, while technical problems involving a higher number of knowledge domains are not. Moreover, we found that IPR arrangements with a high level of ownership negatively affect solvers’ participation and that IPR arrangement play a mediating role between the attributes of the technical problem and the solvers’ self‐selection process. Our paper contributes to the open innovation and crowdsourcing literature and provides practical implications for both managers and contest organizers.
Molecular mechanism of mercuric chloride inhibiting progesterone secretion in ovarian granulosa cells of laying hens
Authors: Ma Yan , Gong Yujie J. , Xu Qianqian Q. , Zou Xiaoting
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the effect of mercury (Hg) on progesterone secretion in ovarian granulosa cells of laying hens. The gene expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side‐chain cleavage (P450scc) and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) were further investigated to uncover the molecular mechanism. Results revealed that the cell viability was gradually decreased after Hg exposure from 0 to 24 hr. Besides, progesterone secretion was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as the concentration of Hg increased from 0 to 4 μM followed by a plateau in 6 μM Hg group at 12‐hr time point. Compared with 0 μM Hg group, 4 and 6 μM Hg for 48 hr had significantly decreased progesterone secretion (p < 0.05), while Hg exposure for 6 and 24 hr had no apparent effect on progesterone secretion. In addition, positive correlations occurred among intracellular progesterone, cAMP, PKA, mRNA expressions of StAR, P450scc and 3β‐HSD at 12‐h and 24‐h time points. On the contrary, intracellular Ca2+ level was negatively related to cAMP level at 6 time point and was negatively correlated with progesterone and PKA level at 48 time point. It could be concluded that Hg dose‐ and time‐dependently inhibited progesterone secretion by means of attenuating cAMP‐PKA signal pathway, gene expressions of StAR, P450scc and 3β‐HSD and enhancing intracellular Ca2+ in ovarian granulosa cells of laying hens.
Morphology, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of Wangodinium sinense gen. et sp. nov. (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae) and revisiting of Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum and Gymnodinium impudicum
Authors: Luo Zhaohe , Hu Zhangxi , Tang Yingzhong , Mertens Kenneth Neil , Leaw Chui Pin , Lim Po Teen , Teng Sing Tung , Wang Lei , Gu Haifeng
Published: August 2018

The genus Gymnodinium includes many morphologically similar species, but molecular phylogenies show that it is polyphyletic. Eight strains of Gymnodinium impudicum, Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum and a novel Gymnodinium‐like species from Chinese and Malaysian waters and the Mediterranean Sea were established. All of these strains were examined with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. SSU, LSU and internal transcribed spacers rDNA sequences were obtained. A new genus, Wangodinium, was erected to incorporate strains with a loop‐shaped apical structure complex (ASC) comprising two rows of amphiesmal vesicles, here referred to as a new type of ASC. The chloroplasts of Wangodinium sinense are enveloped by two membranes. Pigment analysis shows that peridinin is the main accessory pigment in W. sinense. Wangodinium differs from other genera mainly in its unique ASC, and additionally differs from Gymnodinium in the absence of nuclear chambers, and from Lepidodinium in the absence of Chl b and nuclear chambers. New morphological information was provided for G. dorsalisulcum and G. impudicum, e.g., a short sulcal intrusion in G. dorsalisulcum; nuclear chambers in G. impudicum and G. dorsalisulcum; and a chloroplast enveloped by two membranes in G. impudicum. Molecular phylogeny was inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference with independent SSU and LSU rDNA sequences. Our results support the classification of Wangodinium within the Gymnodiniales sensu stricto clade and it is close to Lepidodinium. Our results also support the close relationship among G. dorsalisulcum, G. impudicum, and Barrufeta. Further research is needed to assign these Gymnodinium species to Barrufeta or to erect new genera.
Fine scale distribution for a population of New Zealand's only endemic dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) shows long‐term stability of coastal hotspots
Authors: Brough Tom , Rayment William , Slooten Elisabeth , Dawson Stephen
Published: August 2018

Marine mammal populations often have “hotspots” of distribution. Understanding what drives these is important for understanding relationships with habitat and evaluating exposure to threats. Few studies investigate the stability of hotspots, yet this information is vital in assessing their importance. In this study, over 9,000 sightings made during systematic surveys over 29 yr are used to establish the existence, locations, and temporal dynamics of hotspots for Hector's dolphins at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Sightings were divided into four seasons and three time periods to assess temporal trends in habitat use. Kernel density analysis was performed on sightings, weighted by survey effort. Density values at hotspots and reference areas were modeled according to season and time period using linear mixed models. Fifty percent of weighted sightings (n = 4,513) occurred within 21% of the study area. Hotspots had significantly higher densities during summer and these high‐density areas have remained consistent over time. Such consistency implies importance of these areas to the dolphins' ecology. This information adds to our knowledge of how this endangered species uses its habitat, suggests candidate areas for protection from threats, and provides a baseline for assessing habitat related impacts on Hector's dolphins at Banks Peninsula.© 2018 Society for Marine Mammalogy
First record and spreading of the invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Croatia
Authors: Klobučar A. , Lipovac I. , Žagar N. , Mitrović‐Hamzić S. , Tešić V. , Vilibić‐Čavlek T. , Merdić E.
Published: August 2018

Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) has recently established across North America and Central Europe. A 3‐year survey was conducted in northwestern Croatian regions from 2013 to 2015 using mosquito ovitraps at possible points of entry and house yards, occasionally complemented by larval collections from cemetery vases. In the first year, the survey investigated the county bordering Slovenia, where the first detection of Ae. j. japonicus had taken place on 28 August 2013. During the next 2 years, Ae. j. japonicus was detected in this area from early May until late October. In 2015, several counties further to the east were included in the survey, leading to the detection of Ae. j. japonicus approximately 100 km eastward from the initially surveyed region. Given a moderate continental climate and homogeneous climatic conditions in this part of Europe, the eastward spread of Ae. j. japonicus can be expected to continue.
On the minimum leaf conductance: its role in models of plant water use, and ecological and environmental controls
Authors: Duursma Remko A. , Blackman Christopher J. , Lopéz Rosana , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas K. , Cochard Hervé , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: August 2018

Contents

Summary
693

I.
Introduction
693

II.
Comparison of various definitions and measurement techniques of minimum conductance
694

III.
Cuticular conductance
695

IV.
Contribution of stomata
696

V.
Environmental and ecological variation in minimum conductance
696

VI.
Use of minimum conductance in models
698

VII.
Conclusions
703

Acknowledgements
703

References
703

When the rate of photosynthesis is greatly diminished, such as during severe drought, extreme temperature or low light, it seems advantageous for plants to close stomata and completely halt water loss. However, water loss continues through the cuticle and incompletely closed stomata, together constituting the leaf minimum conductance (gmin). In this review, we critically evaluate the sources of variation in gmin, quantitatively compare various methods for its estimation, and illustrate the role of gmin in models of leaf gas exchange. A literature compilation of gmin as measured by the weight loss of detached leaves is presented, which shows much variation in this trait, which is not clearly related to species groups, climate of origin or leaf type. Much evidence points to the idea that gmin is highly responsive to the growing conditions of the plant, including soil water availability, temperature and air humidity – as we further demonstrate with two case studies. We pay special attention to the role of the minimum conductance in the Ball–Berry model of stomatal conductance, and caution against the usual regression‐based method for its estimation. The synthesis presented here provides guidelines for the use of gmin in ecosystem models, and points to clear research gaps for this drought tolerance trait.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae from cool climate Australian grapevine vineyards: new phylogroup PG02f associated with bacterial inflorescence rot
Authors: Hall S. J. , Dry I. B. , Gopurenko D. , Whitelaw‐Weckert M. A.
Published: August 2018

During the period 2006–2011, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae caused a bacterial inflorescence rot (BIR) epidemic in an Australian cool climate viticultural region. Molecular multilocus sequence typing of ‘housekeeping’ genes (MLST), biochemical testing and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to characterize the genotypes and phenotypes of P. syringae pv. syringae grapevine isolates. Comparison of the MLST data with exemplars of phylogroups available at PAMDB demonstrated that the BIR isolates formed a new clade within P. syringae pv. syringae phylogroup 2 (PG02): putatively designated PG02f. Analysis of the MLST and phenotypic data by AMOVA demonstrated some genetic differences between the BIR isolates and the general vineyard P. syringae pv. syringae population. Isolates positive for syringopeptin, syringomycin and tyrosinase, tobacco leaf hypersensitivity reaction (HR), ampicillin resistance and grapevine leaf pathogenicity were genetically distinct from those negative for these factors. This study has shown that, generally, the core genome of P. syringae pv. syringae is only weakly associated with the virulence‐associated traits. As the new phylogroup PG02f consists of the epidemic BIR isolates and nonpathogenic grapevine isolates, these genetically similar isolates differ greatly in pathogenicity and most of the other tested phenotypic traits. However, within the PG02f group, tobacco leaf HR and presence of sylC (the gene for phytotoxin syringolin A) are associated with the BIR and bacterial leaf spot (BLS) isolates, and negative for the nonpathogens, indicating that these two virulence factors may be associated with vineyard pathogenicity within the new Australian phylogroup.
Major bottlenecks for the restoration of natural forests in Chile
Authors: Bannister Jan R. , Vargas‐Gaete Rodrigo , Ovalle Juan F. , Acevedo Manuel , Fuentes‐Ramirez Andrés , Donoso Pablo J. , Promis Alvaro , Smith‐Ramírez Cecilia
Published: August 2018

International agreements combined with the recent Chilean Forestry Policy (2015–2035) represent a challenge and an opportunity for forest landscape restoration in Chile. Nevertheless, restoring over 500,000 ha using mainly native species seems like a daunting task by 2035. Here, we discuss the three major bottlenecks that currently constrain the restoration efforts of forest ecosystems in Chile. First, Chile urgently needs a national strategic plan for forest landscape restoration, which should take into account mid‐ and long‐term goals. There is also a need to prioritize resource allocation for efficient use, promoting the creation of economic subsidies for restoration that consider different types of forest ecosystems. Second, there is a great need for better nursery protocols in plant production as well as to strengthen educational programs for professional and technical training, given the lack of high‐quality personnel in Chilean nurseries. This would help increase the currently limited national plant supply, improving quality and increasing the diversity of native species suitable for forest restoration. Lastly, taking advantage of novel eco‐technological tools and promoting innovative plantation design would help to overcome the usually deficient results in the establishment phase, leading to higher survival rates and promoting better performance of native species. Beyond current experiments that are relatively efficient on a small spatial scale, the practice of forest restoration needs to become massive and successful at a landscape scale. More and better applied research is crucial for improving the impact of forest landscape restoration, so that Chile can achieve its forest restoration challenge in the next decade.
B lymphocyte subsets and outcomes in patients with an initial diagnosis of transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Authors: Eroglu Fehime K. , Aerts Kaya Fatima , Cagdas Deniz , Özgür Tuba Turul , Yılmaz Togay , Tezcan İlhan , Sanal Özden
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) is a common immunodeficiency, but definitive diagnosis can only be made retrospectively. While the pathogenesis is still unknown, abnormalities have been reported in the B cell compartment. In this study, we analysed the B cell subsets of patients with an initial THI diagnosis (n = 20) and compared them with those of healthy age‐matched Turkish children (n = 72).

Methods

Flow cytometric analyses of the B subsets were performed by staining with anti‐CD27‐PE, anti‐CD19‐PerCP, anti‐IgD‐FITC and anti‐IgM‐APC antibodies.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 6.6 years, 13 patients whose IgG levels had normalized before they reached four years of age were diagnosed with definitive THI. The memory subsets of these patients were lower but not statistically different from the healthy controls (HC). The remaining seven patients had prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia after the age of four and had significantly lower memory B cell subsets compared to the HC. On follow‐up, these patients had not experienced recurrent infections or autoimmunity. Re‐evaluation of patients’ B cell subsets six years later showed that the memory B cell ratios had increased to levels comparable to HC, despite the patients still having mildly low IgG levels.

Conclusion

Patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia had lower levels of memory B cells despite having a similar clinical course to patients who had been diagnosed with definitive THI. This subgroup of putative THI patients poses a diagnostic and classification dilemma. Our results suggested that these patients’ memory B cells and IgG levels may recover over time.
Incidence and outcome of invasive fungal diseases after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A Swiss transplant cohort study
Authors: Kuster Sabine , Stampf Susanne , Gerber Bernhard , Baettig Veronika , Weisser Maja , Gerull Sabine , Medinger Michael , Passweg Jakob , Schanz Urs , Garzoni Christian , Berger Christoph , Chalandon Yves , Mueller Nicolas J. , van Delden Christian , Neofytos Dionysios , Khanna Nina ,   Swiss Transplant Cohort Study
Published: August 2018

Contemporary, comprehensive data on epidemiology and outcomes of invasive fungal disease (IFD) including breakthrough IFD among allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are scarce. We included 479 allogeneic HSCT recipients with 10 invasive candidiasis (IC) and 31 probable/proven invasive mold disease (IMD) from the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study from 01.2009 to 08.2013. Overall cumulative incidence was 2.3% for IC and 8.5% for probable/proven IMI: 6% for invasive aspergillosis (IA) and 2.5% for non‐AspergillusIMI. Among 41 IFD, 46% IFD were breakthrough, with an overall incidence of 4.6%, more frequently caused by other‐than‐Aspergillus fumigatus molds than primary IFD (47.6% (10/21) vs 13% (3/23), P = 0.04). Twelve‐week mortality among patients with IC was 20% and 58.6% for probable/proven IMD (60% IA and 54.6% non‐Aspergillus). Our results reveal that breakthrough IFD represent a marked burden of probable/proven IFD postallogeneic HSCT and mortality remains above 50% in patients with probable/proven IMD, underscoring the ongoing challenges to prevent and treat IFD in these patients.
Shedding light on the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP)‐pathway: long hypocotyl 5 (HY5)/phytochrome‐interacting factors (PIFs) transcription factors modulating key limiting steps
Authors: Chenge‐Espinosa Marel , Cordoba Elizabeth , Romero‐Guido Cynthia , Toledo‐Ortiz Gabriela , León Patricia
Published: August 2018

The plastidial methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is an essential route for plants as the source of precursors for all plastidial isoprenoids, many of which are of medical and biotechnological importance. The MEP pathway is highly sensitive to environmental cues as many of these compounds are linked to photosynthesis and growth and light is one of the main regulatory factors. However, the mechanisms coordinating the MEP pathway with light cues are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that by a differential direct transcriptional modulation, via the key‐master integrators of light signal transduction HY5 and PIFs which target the genes that encode the rate‐controlling DXS1, DXR and HDR enzymes, light imposes a direct, rapid and potentially multi‐faceted response that leads to unique protein dynamics of this pathway, resulting in a significant difference in the protein levels. For DXS1, PIF1/HY5 act as a direct activation/suppression module. In contrast, DXR accumulation in response to light results from HY5 induction with minor contribution of de‐repression by PIF1. Finally, HDR transcription increases in the light exclusively by suppression of the PIFs repression. This is an example of how light signaling components can differentially multi‐target the initial steps of a pathway whose products branch downstream to all chloroplastic isoprenoids. These findings demonstrate the diversity and flexibility of light signaling components that optimize key biochemical pathways essential for plant growth.
Blood donor testing for hepatitis B virus in the United States: is there a case for continuation of hepatitis B surface antigen detection?
Authors: Dodd Roger Y. , Nguyen Megan L. , Krysztof David E. , Notari Edward P. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

In the United States, blood donor testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was initiated in the early 1970s. More recently, testing for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA have been added. The incidence of hepatitis B has been declining. This study reviews the current status of testing and questions the need for continuation of HBsAg testing.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

From July 2011 to June 2015, a total of 22.4 million donations were serologically tested for HBsAg and anti‐HBc and for HBV‐DNA by nucleic acid testing (NAT). All reactive results were evaluated and a subset of donations that were either potential NAT yield (seronegative) or serologically positive but nonreactive by HBV NAT in minipools (MPs) of 16 were further evaluated by individual donation (ID)‐NAT. Samples with detectable HBV DNA were defined as actively infected and considered potentially infectious.

RESULTS

Routine testing plus supplemental ID‐NAT identified 2035 samples representing active infection including 1965 with anti‐HBc, 1602 with HBsAg, and 1453 with HBV DNA by MP‐NAT, for respective rates per hundred‐thousand donations of 9.10, 8.78, 7.16, and 6.50, continuing the downward trend previously observed. There were 29 HBV DNA–yield samples (1:771,389), 35 HBsAg‐yield samples (anti‐HBc nonreactive), and 404 with occult hepatitis B infection. There were six samples with HBsAg and HBV DNA detectable only by ID‐NAT in the absence of anti‐HBc; additional testing was consistent with extremely low or negligible levels of DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Point estimates of HBV infection rates among blood donors continue to decline, as do those for incidence and residual risk. Elimination of HBsAg screening would have negligible impact, with a risk less than 1 per 4 million donations.
Determinants of clinical leptospirosis in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rupesh , McKenzie Joanna S. , Gautam Milan , Adhikary Ramesh , Pandey Kedarraj , Koirala Pragya , BC Gyan Bahadur , Miller Laurie C. , Collins‐Emerson Julie , Craig Scott B. , Shrestha Sanjaya , Heuer Cord
Published: August 2018

Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease in Nepal; however, there is a lack of information on sources of leptospirosis infection for people and associated risk factors. We implemented a case–control study nested within a cross‐sectional survey to investigate zoonotic risks of human leptospirosis among adult, febrile patients seeking treatment in healthcare centres in Kaski District, Nepal, from April to October 2013. The study population was 239 febrile patients; the data consisted of paired blood samples; questionnaires on clinical symptoms; occupational, environmental and animal exposures; and a blood sample from animals in the household. In total, 63 cattle, 92 buffalo, 181 goats, 20 dogs and 14 rodents from 119 households were blood sampled. Serology was performed on the samples using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for a panel of 20 serovars with a starting dilution of 1:50. Clinical leptospirosis was defined as a titre of 1:400 or stronger, or a 4‐fold or greater rise between acute and convalescent titres, or evidence of seroconversion for one or more serovars represented by a titre of <1:50 in the acute sample and a titre of ≥1:100 in the convalescent sample. The prevalence of clinical leptospirosis was 5.4% (95% CI 2.6%–8.3%). The most common symptoms among recruited participants were loss of appetite and lethargy followed by chills, profuse sweating and backache. No individual clinical symptom nor combination of any two symptoms was significantly associated with clinical leptospirosis. However, owning goats (OR 1.3, CI 95% 1.05–1.66), working in rice fields (OR 1.3, CI 95% 1.11–1.72) and male gender (OR 4, CI 95% 1.12–17.26) significantly increased the risk of clinical leptospirosis in humans. Findings suggest that leptospirosis should be considered in the clinical differential diagnosis among febrile adult patients in Nepal, especially for men, goat owners and/or those who work in rice fields.
Exact series model of axially polarized hollow piezoelectric ceramic cylinders of finite length
Authors: Nishamol P. A. , Ebenezer D. D.
Published: August 2018

An analytical model is presented of axisymmetric circular hollow piezoelectric ceramic cylinders with arbitrary dimensions and boundary conditions. Forced vibrations of the cylinders with specified potentials on the electroded surfaces and displacement or stress on the boundaries are considered. The exact, linearized, axisymmetric governing equations are used in the analysis. Three series solutions are used, and each term in each series is an exact solution to the exact governing equations of motion. The terms in the series expressions for components of displacement, stress, electric potential, and electrical displacement are products of Bessel and sinusoidal functions and are orthogonal to other terms. Complete sets of functions in the radial and axial directions are formed by terms in the first series and the other two, respectively. It is, therefore, possible to satisfy arbitrary boundary conditions on all surfaces of the hollow piezoelectric cylinder. Numerical results are presented for hollow piezoelectric cylinders of various dimensions. Input electrical admittance and displacements are computed for three special cases in bands that include several resonance frequencies, and they are in excellent agreement with those computed using atila—a finite element package.
Wind turbine low frequency and infrasound propagation and sound pressure level calculations at dwellings
Authors: Keith Stephen E. , Daigle Gilles A. , Stinson Michael R.
Published: August 2018

This study was developed to estimate wind turbine low frequency and infrasound levels at 1238 dwellings in Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study. In field measurements, spectral peaks were identifiable for distances up to 10 km away from wind turbines at frequencies from 0.5 to 70 Hz. These measurements, combined with onsite meteorology, were in agreement with calculations using Parabolic Equation (PE) and Fast Field Program (FFP). Since onsite meteorology was not available for the Health Canada study, PE and FFP calculations used Harmonoise weather classes and field measurements of wind turbine infrasound to estimate yearly averaged sound pressure levels. For comparison, infrasound propagation was also estimated using ISO 9613-2 (1996) calculations for 63 Hz. In the Health Canada study, to a distance of 4.5 km, long term average FFP calculations were highly correlated with the ISO based calculations. This suggests that ISO 9613-2 (1996) could be an effective screening method. Both measurements and FFP calculations showed that beyond 1 km, ISO based calculations could underestimate sound pressure levels. FFP calculations would be recommended for large distances, when there are large numbers of wind turbines, or when investigating specific meteorological classes.
Bordetella holmesii Contamination of Platelet Concentrates: Revisiting the Definition of a Positive Culture
Authors: Cloutier Marc , Nolin Marie-Ève , Daoud Hana , Jacques Annie , de Grandmont Marie Joëlle , Ducas Éric , Delage Gilles , Thibault Louis
Published: August 2018

Bacterial contamination remains the most important infectious risk of platelet transfusion. After an initially positive result, a second test is performed on the blood products and the initial culture bottle to confirm the contamination.