bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing landscapes for grassland bird conservation with hierarchical community models
Authors: Monroe Adrian P. , Edmunds David R. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Holloran Matthew J. , Assal Timothy J. , Holloran Alison G.
Published: March 2021

Context

Given widespread population declines of birds breeding in North American grasslands, management that sustains wildlife while supporting rancher livelihoods is needed. However, management effects vary across landscapes, and identifying areas with the greatest potential bird response to conservation is a pressing research need.

Objectives

We developed a hierarchical modeling approach to study grassland bird response to habitat factors at multiple scales and levels. We then identified areas to prioritize for implementing a bird-friendly ranching program.

Methods

Using bird survey data from grassland passerine species and 175 sites (2009–2018) across northeast Wyoming, USA, we fit hierarchical community distance sampling models and evaluated drivers of site-level density and regional-level distribution. We then created spatially-explicit predictions of bird density and distribution for the study area and predicted outcomes from pasture-scale management scenarios.

Results

Cumulative overlap of species distributions revealed areas with greater potential community response to management. Within each species’ potential regional-level distribution, the grassland bird community generally responded negatively to cropland cover and vegetation productivity at local scales (up to 10 km of survey sites). Multiple species declined with increasing bare ground and litter cover, shrub cover, and grass height measured within sites.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a novel approach to multi-scale and multi-level prioritization for grassland bird conservation based on hierarchical community models and extensive population monitoring. Pasture-scale management scenarios also suggested the examined community may benefit from less bare ground cover and shorter grass height. Our approach could be extended to other bird guilds in this region and beyond.
Challenges to the validity of topic reconstruction
Authors: Held Matthias , Laudel Grit , Gläser Jochen
Published: March 2021

In this paper we utilize an opportunity to construct ground truths for topics in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. Our research questions in this paper focus on (i) how to construct a ground truth for topics and (ii) the suitability of common algorithms applied to bibliometric networks to reconstruct these topics. We use the ground truths to test two data models (direct citation and bibliographic coupling) with two algorithms (the Leiden algorithm and the Infomap algorithm). Our results are discomforting: none of the four combinations leads to a consistent reconstruction of the ground truths. No combination of data model and algorithm simultaneously reconstructs all micro-level topics at any resolution level. Meso-level topics are not reconstructed at all. This suggests (a) that we are currently unable to predict which combination of data model, algorithm and parameter setting will adequately reconstruct which (types of) topics, and (b) that a combination of several data models, algorithms and parameter settings appears to be necessary to reconstruct all or most topics in a set of papers.
Association of metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score in length of stay in hospital following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion: a multi-institutional study
Authors: Shea Chun , Khawaja Abdul Rouf , Sofi Khalid , Nabi Ghulam
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score is used in patients’ preoperative functional capacity assessment. It is commonly thought that patients with a higher MET score will have better postoperative outcomes than patients with a lower MET score. However, such a link remains the subject of debate and is yet unvalidated in major urological surgery. This study aimed to explore the association of patients’ MET score with their postoperative outcomes following radical cystectomy.

Methods

We used records-linkage methodology with unique identifiers (Community Health Index/hospital number) and electronic databases to assess postoperative outcomes of patients who had underwent radical cystectomies between 2015 and 2020. The outcome measure was patients’ length of hospital stay. This was compared with multiple basic characteristics such as age, sex, MET score and comorbid conditions. A MET score of less than four (< 4) is taken as the threshold for a poor functional capacity. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses for time to discharge against MET score.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age on date of operation was 66.2 (SD 12.2) years and 49 (38.9%) were female. A lower MET score was associated with a statistically significant lower time-dependent risk of hospital discharge (i.e. longer hospital stay) when adjusted for covariates (HR 0.224; 95% CI 0.077–0.652; p = 0.006). Older age (adjusted HR 0.531; 95% CI 0.332–0.848; p = 0.008) and postoperative complications (adjusted HR 0.503; 95% CI 0.323–0.848; p = 0.002) were also found to be associated with longer hospital stay. Other comorbid conditions, BMI, disease staging and 30-day all-cause mortality were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

A lower MET score in this cohort of patients was associated with a longer hospital stay length following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.
A water retention model accounting for void ratio changes in double porosity clays
Authors: De la Morena Gema , Navarro Vicente , Asensio Laura , Gallipoli Domenico
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a constitutive model that predicts the water retention behaviour of compacted clays with evolving bimodal pore size distributions. In line with previous research, the model differentiates between the water present inside the saturated pores of the clay aggregates (the microstructure) and the water present inside the pores between clay aggregates (the macrostructure). A new formulation is then introduced to account for the effect of the macrostructural porosity changes on the retention behaviour of the soil, which results in a consistent evolution of the air-entry value of suction with volumetric deformations. Data from wetting tests on three different active clays (i.e. MX-80 bentonite, FEBEX bentonite, and Boom clay), subjected to distinct mechanical restraints, were used to formulate, calibrate, and validate the proposed model. Results from free swelling tests were also modelled by using both the proposed double porosity model and a published single porosity model, which confirmed the improvement in the predictions of degree of saturation by the present approach. The proposed retention model might be applied, for example, to the simulation of the hydromechanical behaviour of engineered bentonite barriers in underground nuclear waste repositories, where compacted active clays are subjected to changes of both suction and porosity structure under restrained volume conditions.
Variation of growth and phenology traits in poplars planted in clonal trials in Northern Europe—implications for breeding
Authors: Adler Anneli , Karacic Almir , Wästljung Ann-Christin Rönnberg , Johansson Ulf , Liepins Kaspars , Gradeckas Audrius , Christersson Lars
Published: March 2021

The increased demand for wood to replace oil-based products with renewable products has lifted focus to the Baltic Sea region where the environment is favorable for woody biomass growth. The aim of this study was to estimate broad-sense heritabilities and genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions in growth and phenology traits in six climatically different regions in Sweden and the Baltics. We tested the hypothesis that both bud burst and bud set have a significant effect on the early growth of selected poplar clones in Northern Europe. Provenance hybrids of Populus trichocarpa adapted to the Northern European climate were compared to reference clones with adaptation to the Central European climate. The volume index of stemwood was under low to medium genetic control with heritabilities from 0.22 to 0.75. Heritabilities for phenology traits varied between 0.31 and 0.91. Locally chosen elite clones were identified. G×E interactions were analyzed using pairwise comparisons of the trials. Three different breeding zones for poplars between the latitudes of 55° N and 60° N in the Baltic Sea Region were outlined. The studied provenance hybrids with origin from North America offer a great possibility to broaden the area with commercial poplar plantations in Northern Europe and further improve the collection of commercial clones to match local climates. We conclude that phenology is an important selection criterion after growth.
Bullying Victimization: Investigating the Unique Contribution of Homophobic Bias on Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-injury and the Buffering Role of School Support
Authors: Esposito Concetta , Affuso Gaetana , Amodeo Anna Lisa , Dragone Mirella , Bacchini Dario
Published: March 2021

Research on bullying victimization has expanded to specific forms of harassment based on discriminatory bias, which involve aggressive behavior targeting an individual's identity characteristics, such as sexual orientation and/or gender expression. Recent studies have documented elevated health risks associated with victimization based on homophobic bias, above and beyond general victimization. The aim of the current study was to test the unique contribution of homophobic victimization on adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and to analyze the buffering role of teachers and classmates support. Participants were 770 adolescents (55.5% females; Mage = 15.35, SD = 1.62) enrolled in Italian public schools in grade nine (N = 483) and 12 (N = 287). All measures were collected during Spring 2016 using self-reported questionnaires. Zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses suggested that homophobic victimization had a unique contribution on NSSI frequency of engagement once initiated, but not on the probability of engaging in NSSI at least once. High classmates support was negatively associated with adolescents’ engagement in NSSI. Furthermore, higher levels of classmates support were associated with a lower NSSI frequency only for youth who reported low levels of homophobic victimization. In contrast, the association between classmates support and NSSI frequency was nonsignificant when youth reported high levels of homophobic victimization. No significant effects were found for teachers support. Overall, our findings underscore the need to address the serious concern of homophobic victimization within schools and the importance of promoting healthy and positive identity development in adolescence.
Nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds: quantitative analysis using gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detector
Authors: Rao Yuan , de Klerk Arno
Published: March 2021

The nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds found in the petrochemical industry are varied and extend beyond classes such as the anilines, pyrroles and pyridines. Quantification of these nitrogen-containing compounds that may occur in complex mixtures has practical application for quality assurance, process development and the evaluation of conversion processes. Selective detection of nitrogen-containing species in complex mixtures is possible by making use of gas chromatography coupled with a nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC-NPD), which is also called a thermionic detector. Despite the linearity of the NPD response to individual nitrogen-containing compounds, the response factor is different for different compounds and even isomers of the same species. Quantitative analysis using an NPD requires species-specific calibration. The reason for the sensitivity of the NPD to structure is related to the ease of forming the cyano-radical that is ionized to the cyanide anion, which is detected. The operation of the NPD was related to the processes of pyrolysis and subsequent ionization. It was possible to offer plausible explanations for differences in response factors for isomers based on pyrolysis chemistry. Due to this relationship, the NPD response can in the same way be used to provide information of practical relevance beyond its analytical value and a few possible applications were outlined.
Memristive Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Huang Wen , Xia Xuwen , Zhu Chen , Steichen Parker , Quan Weidong , Mao Weiwei , Yang Jianping , Chu Liang , Li Xing’ao
Published: March 2021

Neuromorphic computing simulates the operation of biological brain function for information processing and can potentially solve the bottleneck of the von Neumann architecture. This computing is realized based on memristive hardware neural networks in which synaptic devices that mimic biological synapses of the brain are the primary units. Mimicking synaptic functions with these devices is critical in neuromorphic systems. In the last decade, electrical and optical signals have been incorporated into the synaptic devices and promoted the simulation of various synaptic functions. In this review, these devices are discussed by categorizing them into electrically stimulated, optically stimulated, and photoelectric synergetic synaptic devices based on stimulation of electrical and optical signals. The working mechanisms of the devices are analyzed in detail. This is followed by a discussion of the progress in mimicking synaptic functions. In addition, existing application scenarios of various synaptic devices are outlined. Furthermore, the performances and future development of the synaptic devices that could be significant for building efficient neuromorphic systems are prospected.
Lithospheric Architecture of the Paranapanema Block and Adjacent Nuclei Using Multiple‐Frequency P‐Wave Seismic Tomography
Authors: Affonso G. M. P. C. , Rocha M. P. , Costa I. S. L. , Assumpção M. , Fuck R. A. , Albuquerque D. F. , Portner D. E. , Rodríguez E. E. , Beck S. L.
Published: March 2021

We present a new P‐wave seismic tomographic model for the region of the Paraná Basin and surroundings using a multiple‐frequency approach, providing better resolution than previous regional studies. We processed a total of 62,692 cross‐correlation delays for P, PKIKP, PcP, and PP phases distributed among 1,081 events using six different central frequencies (0.03, 0.06, 0.13, 0.25, 0.50, and 1 Hz). We merged our data with a previous multiple‐frequency study of the Amazonian Craton to cover regions outside of the study area, obtaining a total of 75,187 cross‐correlation delays. The data used are from the stations of the Brazilian Seismographic Network, and mainly from a temporary network (XC network) installed exclusively to study the region. The basement of the Paraná Basin is represented as a NE‐SW trending P‐wave high‐velocity anomaly, extending from the northern limit of the basin to the southwestern border of Brazil, consistent with previous reports. The limit between this block and the São Francisco Craton is characterized by decreased amplitude of the P‐wave high‐velocity anomaly. Synthetic tests show that a narrow boundary between these two blocks displays the same behavior. At the southeastern portion of this anomaly, decreasing amplitude is consistent with the limit of the Luiz Alves Craton, which was also corroborated by synthetic tests. The northern portion of the Rio Apa Block agrees with a previous tomographic model, confirming that it does not extend under the Pantanal Basin, however, in our model this structure does not extend as far south.
An Observational Gap at the Edge of Space
Authors: Mlynczak Martin , Yue Jia , McCormack John , Liebermann Ruth , Livesey Nathaniel
Published: March 2021

Ongoing climate change in Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere will affect the rapidly expanding space and telecommunications sectors. Maintaining observations of this region is more crucial than ever.
Injectable hydrogels in stroke and spinal cord injury treatment: a review on hydrogel materials, cell–matrix interactions and glial involvement
Authors: Lin Po Hen , Dong Quanbin , Chew Sing Yian
Published: March 2021

Cell–matrix interactions and glia involvement are crucial factors to be considered for the design of injectable hydrogels in the treatment of central nervous system pathologies.
Conductivity controllable rubber films: response to humidity based on a bio-based continuous segregated cell network
Authors: Wang Xinghuo , Xu Chuanhui , Shen Qi , Lin Mengzhuan , Zheng Zhongjie , Lin Baofeng , Fu Lihua
Published: March 2021

By introducing a biomass segregated network into the rubber matrix, we fabricated flexible films with tailorable electromechanical properties, and revealed the relationship between the change of network and the humidity response of films.
Micro/nano-net guides M2-pattern macrophage cytoskeleton distribution via Src–ROCK signalling for enhanced angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Yang , Lin Yujing , Zhang Zhengchuan , Xu Ruogu , Yu Xiaoran , Deng Feilong
Published: March 2021

Macrophages exhibit an M2-pattern cytoskeleton and promote angiogenesis on the micro/nano-net.
Ab initio design of a new family of 2D materials: transition metal carbon nitrogen compounds (MCNs)
Authors: Geng Jiazhong , An Keyu , Chan Iat-Neng , Ai Haoqiang , Lo Kin Ho , Ng Kar Wei , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Pan Hui
Published: March 2021

A new family of 2D materials with a chemical formula of M3C6N2 (MCNs) were predicted, which show ultrasoft mechanical, and diveral electronic and magnetic properties.
Ingenious construction of an electrochemical aptasensor based on a Au@COF/GO-NH2 composite with excellent detection performance
Authors: Han Zhang-Ye , Zhang Hao , Li Hong-Kai , Zhu Qian-Qian , He Hongming
Published: March 2021

A novel Au@COF/GO-NH2 composite is successfully prepared and used to construct a sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for detecting CAP.
Siting and sizing of electric vehicle fast‐charging station based on quasi‐dynamic traffic flow
Authors: Qian Zhang , Yi Zhu , Zhong Wang , Yue Hu , Yaojia Su
Published: March 2021

In engineering practice, the Voronoi diagram is often used to plan electric vehicle (EV) fast‐charging stations but it does not consider the spatio‐temporal distribution of EV trip. Research on the spatio‐temporal distribution of EVs mainly uses the shortest path method to reduce the amount of iterative calculations. The influence of the external environment and traffic congestion on the travel of EVs has not been considered, which results in the inaccuracy of the EV charging demand. To solve the above problems, this study proposes a method for predicting the spatio‐temporal distribution of EVs based on quasi‐dynamic traffic flow. This method takes into account the external environment and the impact of traffic congestions on EV trips and balances the problem between simulation accuracy and calculation efficiency. Based on this, the particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used to optimise the travel cost of the EVs and the cost of the construction and operation of the charging infrastructure. An optimal siting and sizing model for the fast‐charging station based on quasi‐dynamic traffic flow is established. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the model.
Unsupervised classification of SDSS galaxy spectra
Authors: Fraix-Burnet D. , Bouveyron C. , Moultaka J.
Published: March 2021

Context. Defining templates of galaxy spectra is useful to quickly characterise new observations and organise databases from surveys. These templates are usually built from a pre-defined classification based on other criteria.

Aims. We present an unsupervised classification of 702 248 spectra of galaxies and quasars with redshifts smaller than 0.25 that were retrieved from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) database, release 7.

Methods. The spectra were first corrected for redshift, then wavelet-filtered to reduce the noise, and finally binned to obtain about 1437 wavelengths per spectrum. The unsupervised clustering algorithm Fisher-EM, relying on a discriminative latent mixture model, was applied on these corrected spectra. The full set and several subsets of 100 000 and 300 000 spectra were analysed.

Results. The optimum number of classes given by a penalised likelihood criterion is 86 classes, of which the 37 most populated gather 99% of the sample. These classes are established from a subset of 302 214 spectra. Using several cross-validation techniques we find that this classification agrees with the results obtained on the other subsets with an average misclassification error of about 15%. The large number of very small classes tends to increase this error rate. In this paper, we do an initial quick comparison of our classes with literature templates.

Conclusions. This is the first time that an automatic, objective and robust unsupervised classification is established on such a large number of galaxy spectra. The mean spectra of the classes can be used as templates for a large majority of galaxies in our Universe.
Of places, spaces, and faces
Authors: Folaron Deborah A.
Published: March 2021

The contemporary translation economy of our
globalizing digital world is deeply intertwined with information and
communication technologies and the Internet, with the once separate
sphere of machine translation lately converging more tangibly and
impactfully with translation and interpreting practices as we have
traditionally understood them. The decisions on what to translate,
and by whom, why, where, and when, have always been conditioned by
ideology, politics, economies, and the diverse power structures and
dynamics at play in society. The Internet has brought with it the
growth of a “parallel” world of human social and cultural practices
in digital form, one where the display and dissemination of
knowledge are intimately linked to the presence, visibility, and
representation on the Web of one’s language and culture, both
through native language use in communication and through practices
of translation and localization. Analogous to material and physical
territorial geographic spaces, virtual spaces reflect tensions and
asymmetries of power. In this chapter we discuss these linguistic
and translational relationships of asymmetry through the prism of
digital world technologies and economies, and their implications for
lesser-used and low- or no-resourced language groups. This
discussion is followed by examples from two contexts: firstly, the
broader Indigenous territorial context of First Nations peoples in
Canada; and secondly, the Arctic Indigenous cross-territorial
circumpolar groups of Inuit peoples in Canada.
Study of static and dynamic properties of even-even 14–24O and 38–54Ca in the frame of Random Phase Approximation (RPA) method with different Skyrme parameterizations
Authors: Alzubadi Ali A , Alhaideri Amaal J , Lattoofi Nabeel F
Published: March 2021

The static and dynamic nuclear properties for neutron rich oxygen and calcium isotopes have been calculated using the framework of the random phase approximation method with different Skyrme parameterizations namely; SyO-, SyO+, BSk17, SLy4, SLy5, and SkX. The nuclear charge radii, the binding energy per nucleon were calculated and compared to the experimental one to choose the best Skyrme interactions used in the calculations of dynamic properties. The two-neutron separation energy for isotopes under study has been calculated and compared to experimental data. Higher modes of the excited states, energy-weighted sum rule, the centroid, constrained, and scaling energies of the resonances have been studied and illustrated together with available experimental data for comparison. For the low-lying excited states, the energy transition densities for J
π
= 2+ and J
π
= 3− are reproduced well in 18–24O and 46–54Ca isotopes. The neutron single particle states as a function of neutron number have been also presented. The results show that the random phase approximation calculations with Skyrme-type interactions is a successful method for describing nuclear structure properties of neutron rich nuclei near the drip line.
Aberrant cytoplasmic intron retention is a blueprint for RNA binding protein mislocalization in VCP-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tyzack Giulia E , Neeves Jacob , Crerar Hamish , Klein Pierre , Ziff Oliver , Taha Doaa M , Luisier Raphaëlle , Luscombe Nicholas M , Patani Rickie
Published: March 2021

We recently described aberrantly increased cytoplasmic SFPQ intron-retaining transcripts (IRTs) and concurrent SFPQ protein mislocalization as new hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the generalizability and potential roles of cytoplasmic IRTs in health and disease remain unclear. Here, using time-resolved deep sequencing of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of human induced pluripotent stem cells undergoing motor neurogenesis, we reveal that ALS-causing VCP gene mutations lead to compartment-specific aberrant accumulation of IRTs. Specifically, we identify >100 IRTs with increased cytoplasmic abundance in ALS samples. Furthermore, these aberrant cytoplasmic IRTs possess sequence-specific attributes and differential predicted binding affinity to RNA binding proteins. Remarkably, TDP-43, SFPQ and FUS—RNA binding proteins known for nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization in ALS—abundantly and specifically bind to this aberrant cytoplasmic pool of IRTs. Our data are therefore consistent with a novel role for cytoplasmic IRTs in regulating compartment-specific protein abundance. This study provides new molecular insight into potential pathomechanisms underlying ALS and highlights aberrant cytoplasmic IRTs as potential therapeutic targets.
Travelling waves reveal a dynamic seizure source in human focal epilepsy
Authors: Diamond Joshua M , Diamond Benjamin E , Trotta Michael S , Dembny Kate , Inati Sara K , Zaghloul Kareem A
Published: March 2021

Treatment of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy relies upon accurate seizure localization. Ictal activity captured by intracranial EEG has traditionally been interpreted to suggest that the underlying cortex is actively involved in seizures. Here, we hypothesize that such activity instead reflects propagated activity from a relatively focal seizure source, even during later time points when ictal activity is more widespread. We used the time differences observed between ictal discharges in adjacent electrodes to estimate the location of the hypothesized focal source and demonstrated that the seizure source, localized in this manner, closely matches the clinically and neurophysiologically determined brain region giving rise to seizures. Moreover, we determined this focal source to be a dynamic entity that moves and evolves over the time course of a seizure. Our results offer an interpretation of ictal activity observed by intracranial EEG that challenges the traditional conceptualization of the seizure source.
Consciousness among delta waves: a paradox?
Authors: Frohlich Joel , Toker Daniel , Monti Martin M
Published: March 2021

A common observation in EEG research is that consciousness vanishes with the appearance of delta (1–4 Hz) waves, particularly when those waves are high amplitude. High amplitude delta oscillations are frequently observed in states of diminished consciousness, including slow wave sleep, anaesthesia, generalized epileptic seizures, and disorders of consciousness, such as coma and the vegetative state. This strong correlation between loss of consciousness and high amplitude delta oscillations is thought to stem from the widespread cortical deactivation that occurs during the ‘down states’ or troughs of these slow oscillations. Recently, however, many studies have reported the presence of prominent delta activity during conscious states, which casts doubt on the hypothesis that high amplitude delta oscillations are an indicator of unconsciousness. These studies include work in Angelman syndrome, epilepsy, behavioural responsiveness during propofol anaesthesia, postoperative delirium, and states of dissociation from the environment such as dreaming and powerful psychedelic states. The foregoing studies complement an older, yet largely unacknowledged, body of literature that has documented awake, conscious patients with high amplitude delta oscillations in clinical reports from Rett syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, schizophrenia, mitochondrial diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, and non-convulsive status epilepticus. At the same time, a largely parallel body of recent work has reported convincing evidence that the complexity or entropy of EEG and magnetoencephalographic signals strongly relates to an individual’s level of consciousness. Having reviewed this literature, we discuss plausible mechanisms that would resolve the seeming contradiction between high amplitude delta oscillations and consciousness. We also consider implications concerning theories of consciousness, such as integrated information theory and the entropic brain hypothesis. Finally, we conclude that false inferences of unconscious states can be best avoided by examining measures of electrophysiological complexity in addition to spectral power.
A Review of Dung Beetle Introductions in the Antipodes and North America: Status, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Pokhrel Min R , Cairns Stuart C , Hemmings Zac , Floate Kevin D , Andrew Nigel R
Published: March 2021

Following the introduction of cattle, exotic dung beetles (Coleoptera: Aphodiidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae) were imported into the Antipodes (Australia and New Zealand) and North America (primarily the United States) to accelerate the degradation of cattle dung on pastures. The history of dung beetle introductions between the two regions is similar but has not previously been assessed: this is important as new introductions are continuing in the regions. Here, we review these introduction programs, report on their current status, and discuss methodological advances. In doing so, we examine the accidental introduction of exotic (i.e., adventive) species and the contribution of both deliberately introduced and adventive species to endemic dung beetle faunas. Further, we provide a list of pest and parasite species whose populations can be reduced by dung beetle activity. We also identify a combined total of 37 introduced and 47 adventive dung beetle species that have become established in the Antipodes and North America, with exotic species dominating dung beetle assemblages from pasture habitats. Climatic and edaphic matches, the size of founding populations, abiotic and biotic stressors, and the time of year when releases are made are all critical determinants that affect the success of dung beetle introduction programs. Finally, we discuss opportunities, plus the risks and challenges associated with dung beetle introductions. We hope that this review will aid in the success of future introduction programs, either to enhance ecosystem services in areas that they are needed, or potentially to reestablish native species in regions where they have been extirpated.
Causal associations of short and long sleep durations with 12 cardiovascular diseases: linear and nonlinear Mendelian randomization analyses in UK Biobank
Authors: Ai Sizhi , Zhang Jihui , Zhao Guoan , Wang Ningjian , Li Guohua , So Hon-Cheong , Liu Yaping , Chau Steven Wai-Ho , Chen Jie , Tan Xiao , Jia Fujun , Tang Xiangdong , Shi Jie , Lu Lin , Wing Yun-Kwok
Published: March 2021

Aims

Observational studies have suggested strong associations between sleep duration and many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but causal inferences have not been confirmed. We aimed to determine the causal associations between genetically predicted sleep duration and 12 CVDs using both linear and nonlinear Mendelian randomization (MR) designs.

Methods and results

Genetic variants associated with continuous, short (≤6 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep durations were used to examine the causal associations with 12 CVDs among 404 044 UK Biobank participants of White British ancestry. Linear MR analyses showed that genetically predicted sleep duration was negatively associated with arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, and chronic ischaemic heart disease after correcting for multiple tests (P < 0.001). Nonlinear MR analyses demonstrated nonlinearity (L-shaped associations) between genetically predicted sleep duration and four CVDs, including arterial hypertension, chronic ischaemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Complementary analyses provided confirmative evidence of the adverse effects of genetically predicted short sleep duration on the risks of 5 out of the 12 CVDs, including arterial hypertension, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and chronic ischaemic heart disease (P < 0.001), and suggestive evidence for atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). However, genetically predicted long sleep duration was not associated with any CVD.

Conclusion

This study suggests that genetically predicted short sleep duration is a potential causal risk factor of several CVDs, while genetically predicted long sleep duration is unlikely to be a causal risk factor for most CVDs.
Efficacy and safety of colchicine for the prevention of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis on 12 869 patients
Authors: Andreis Alessandro , Imazio Massimo , Piroli Francesco , Avondo Stefano , Casula Matteo , Paneva Elena , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: March 2021

Aims

The key role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an urgent call for innovative treatments. Several trials have proposed colchicine as a therapeutic option for secondary prevention in CAD patients but its utilization is hampered by fears about drug-related adverse events (DAEs) and conflicting evidences. The aim of this meta-analysis was to consolidate evidence on the efficacy and safety of colchicine for secondary prevention in patients with CAD.

Methods and results

A systematic search in electronic bibliographic databases of Medline, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the cardiovascular effects of colchicine in CAD patients, compared with placebo. Outcomes of interest were the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and DAEs. Estimates were pooled using inverse-variance random-effects model. A total of 11 RCTs, including 12 869 patients, were identified as eligible. A total of 6501 patients received colchicine, while 6368 received placebo. After a median follow-up of 6 months (interquartile range, 1–16), patients receiving colchicine had a lower risk of MACCE [6% vs. 8.8%, relative risk (RR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.80, I2 = 19%], myocardial infarction (3.3% vs. 4.3%, RR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.61–0.96, I2 = 17%), coronary revascularization (2.9% vs. 4.2%, RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.89, I2 = 40%), stroke (0.4% vs. 0.9%, RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.30–0.77, I2 = 0%), hospitalization for cardiovascular cause (0.9% vs. 2.9%, RR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.87, I2 = 0%). Colchicine was associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal DAEs (11% vs. 9.2%, RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.20–2.34, I2 = 76%), myalgia (18% vs. 16%, RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32, I2 = 0%) and DAEs-related discontinuation (4.1% vs. 3%, RR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.02–2.32, I2 = 65%). However, gastrointestinal DAEs and discontinuation may be prevented with a lower daily dose. Colchicine did not increase the risk of cardiovascular death (0.7% vs. 1%, RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.45–1.21, I2 = 14%), all-cause death (2% vs. 1.9%, RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.71–1.43, I2 = 16%), or other DAEs.

Conclusions

The use of colchicine in patients with CAD is safe and efficacious for MACCE prevention.
Negative effects of energy supplementation at peak lactation of sheep can be offset by the addition of Lactobacillus-fermented plant extracts
Authors: Beck Matthew R , Garrett Konagh , Olejar Kenneth J , Maxwell Thomas M R , Bunt Craig R , Greer Andrew E , Gregorini Pablo
Published: March 2021

Energy supplementation may reduce oxidative stress by correcting a negative energy balance, but in some contexts, it has been shown to increase oxidative stress, especially at peak lactation. The current experiment examined if a pelleted energy supplement with or without the addition of Lactobacillus-fermented seaweed or seaweed plus terrestrial plants extracts affected oxidative stress of ewes from late gestation through to weaning and ewe and lamb production from lambing to weaning. Treatments were either no supplement (CON−), a pelleted supplement only (CON+, 100 g/ewe per d), CON+ with seaweed extract only (SWO, 10 mL/ewe per day), or CON+ with seaweed plus an arrangement of terrestrial plant extract (SWP, 10 mL/ewe per d). Ewes (n = 160; mean initial BW = 72.3 ± 9.5 kg [mean ± SD]) were randomized to pastures (n = 4 pastures per treatment with 10 ewes each). After lambing, ewes with twins were reallocated to pastures (n = 3 pastures per treatment with 10 ewes each) according to lambing date. At 4 wk in milk, supplementation tended to reduce total antioxidant status (TAS; P = 0.10) and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity compared with nonsupplemented ewes (P = 0.04). The addition of seaweed and terrestrial plants extracts to the concentrate, that is, SWO and SWP, increased TAS and reduced GPx activity compared with CON+ (P < 0.01). Supplementation increased milk yield at weeks 4, 6, and 8 of lactation, and protein, lactose, and total milk solids yield at peak lactation (week 4; P < 0.05). The CON− ewes had greater somatic cell count than the supplemented ewes at weeks 4, 8, and 10 of lactation (P = 0.03). Our results suggest that energy supplementation, alone, increases oxidative stress of lactating ewes, which may relate to increased oxidative phosphorylation. Most importantly, these results indicate that in situations where energy supplementation is needed to increase animal performance, negative effects of energy supplementation around peak lactation can be offset by the addition of Lactobacillus-fermented plant extracts (SWO and SWP) to improve antioxidant status.
Evaluation of the Epidemiological Characteristics of the Patients Admitted to Our Clinic as a Result of Electric Shock
Authors: Yiğit Ebral , Şener Bahçe Zeynep
Published: March 2021

Electric shocks (ESs) are common traumas in burn units that require treatment by specialists due to high mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients of ES, complications, and injury-related mortality and morbidity rates. The authors retrospectively analyzed data of 432 ES patients treated at the Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital Burn Center, Turkey, between January 2010 and December 2020. Of the 432 patients, 92 (21.3%) and 340 (78.7%) sustained high- and low-voltage injuries, respectively. While high-voltage burns were common in January and December, low-voltage burns peaked in September and July. Burn patients were mostly males and were between the ages of 19 and 59 years. The majority of the ES events occurred at home. All four patients who died had suffered high-voltage burns, with two of high-voltage burns (2.17%) requiring amputation. None of the patients with low-voltage burns underwent amputation. High-voltage injuries manifested with larger burn surfaces, longer hospitalization, and more complications. Electrical injuries are largely preventable with simple safety precautions in daily life as well as serious consideration of workplace safety.
Detection of period variations of eclipsing binaries in the Catalina Sky Survey
Authors: Papageorgiou Athanasios , Catelan Márcio , Christopoulou Panagiota-Eleftheria , Drake Andrew J , Djorgovski S G
Published: March 2021

We present 126 eclipsing binary candidates among 4683 Catalina Sky Surveys (CSS) detached and semi-detached eclipsing binary systems (EBs) showing cyclic or quadratic period variations over a 12 yr time span. By using inverse Gaussian profiles of the eclipses coupled with a Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure, times of minima (ToM) were calculated and diagrams with eclipse timing variations (ETVs) were constructed. Numerical tests were performed, involving synthetic EBs with period variations generated by the PHOEBE 2.0 engine and actual data for EBs with well-known period variations from the literature, to verify that the calculation of ToM variations for our CSS systems is reliable. A total of 63 out of the 126 EBs show likely cyclic ETVs, while the remainder present quadratic behaviour instead. Periods, amplitudes, period change rates, and associated errors were determined by using sinusoidal and parabolic models. 12 out of the 63 EBs (19 per cent) that appear to exhibit periodic ETVs are low-mass candidates. Additionally, four out of 126 also have maximum quadrature light variations. The possibility that the cyclic variations are caused by the light traveltime effect due to the presence of a tertiary companion is investigated. The possible nature of the quadratic ETVs is also discussed.
Biochemical impact of a disease-causing Ile67Asn substitution on BOLA3 protein
Authors: Sen Sambuddha , Thompson Zechariah , Wachnowsky Christine , Cleary Sean , Harvey Sophie R , Cowan J A
Published: March 2021

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthesis involves the action of a variety of functionally distinct proteins, most of which are evolutionarily conserved. Mutations in these Fe-S scaffold and trafficking proteins can cause diseases such as multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome (MMDS), sideroblastic anemia, and mitochondrial encephalopathy. Herein, we investigate the effect of Ile67Asn substitution in the BOLA3 protein that results in the MMDS2 phenotype. Although the exact functional role of BOLA3 in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis is not known, the [2Fe-2S]-bridged complex of BOLA3 with GLRX5, another Fe-S protein, has been proposed as a viable intermediary cluster carrier to downstream targets. Our investigations reveal that the Ile67Asn substitution impairs the ability of BOLA3 to bind its physiological partner GLRX5, resulting in a failure to form the [2Fe-2S]-bridged complex. Although no drastic structural change in BOLA3 arises from the substitution, as evidenced by wild-type and mutant BOLA3 1H-15N HSQC and ion mobility native mass spectrometry experiments, this substitution appears to influence cluster reconstitution on downstream proteins leading to the disease phenotype. By contrast, substituted derivatives of the holo homodimeric form of BOLA3 are formed and remain active toward cluster exchange.
INT-Hi-C reveals distinct chromatin architecture in endosperm and leaf tissues ofArabidopsis
Authors: Yadav Vikash Kumar , Santos-González Juan , Köhler Claudia
Published: March 2021

Higher-order chromatin structure undergoes striking changes in response to various developmental and environmental signals, causing distinct cell types to adopt specific chromatin organization. High throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) allows studying higher-order chromatin structure; however, this technique requires substantial amounts of starting material, which has limited the establishment of cell type-specific higher-order chromatin structure in plants. To overcome this limitation, we established a protocol that is applicable to a limited amount of nuclei by combining the INTACT (isolation of nuclei tagged in specific cell types) method and Hi-C (INT-Hi-C). Using this INT-Hi-C protocol, we generated Hi-C data from INTACT purified endosperm and leaf nuclei. Our INT-Hi-C data from leaf accurately reiterated chromatin interaction patterns derived from conventional leaf Hi-C data. We found that the higher-order chromatin organization of mixed leaf tissues and endosperm differs and that DNA methylation and repressive histone marks positively correlate with the chromatin compaction level. We furthermore found that self-looped interacting genes have increased expression in leaves and endosperm and that interacting intergenic regions negatively impact on gene expression in the endosperm. Last, we identified several imprinted genes involved in long-range and trans interactions exclusively in endosperm. Our study provides evidence that the endosperm adopts a distinct higher-order chromatin structure that differs from other cell types in plants and that chromatin interactions influence transcriptional activity.
Development of a modular, biocompatible thiolated gelatin microparticle platform for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications
Authors: Pearce Hannah A , Kim Yu Seon , Watson Emma , Bahrami Kiana , Smoak Mollie M , Jiang Emily Y , Elder Michael , Shannon Tate , Mikos Antonios G
Published: March 2021

The field of biomaterials has advanced significantly in the past decade. With the growing need for high-throughput manufacturing and screening, the need for modular materials that enable streamlined fabrication and analysis of tissue engineering and drug delivery schema has emerged. Microparticles are a powerful platform that have demonstrated promise in enabling these technologies without the need to modify a bulk scaffold. This building block paradigm of using microparticles within larger scaffolds to control cell ratios, growth factors and drug release holds promise. Gelatin microparticles (GMPs) are a well-established platform for cell, drug and growth factor delivery. One of the challenges in using GMPs though is the limited ability to modify the gelatin post-fabrication. In the present work, we hypothesized that by thiolating gelatin before microparticle formation, a versatile platform would be created that preserves the cytocompatibility of gelatin, while enabling post-fabrication modification. The thiols were not found to significantly impact the physicochemical properties of the microparticles. Moreover, the thiolated GMPs were demonstrated to be a biocompatible and robust platform for mesenchymal stem cell attachment. Additionally, the thiolated particles were able to be covalently modified with a maleimide-bearing fluorescent dye and a peptide, demonstrating their promise as a modular platform for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.