bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of three methods for extracting bacterial DNA from beach sand
Authors: Gallard-Gongora Javier , Lobos Aldo , Conrad James W. , Peraud Jayme , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsBeach water quality is regulated by faecal indicator bacteria levels, sand is not, despite known human health risk from exposure to beach sand. We compared the performance of three methods to extract bacterial DNA from beach sand as a step toward a standard method.Methods and resultsThe analytical sensitivity of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for Enterococcus was compared for the slurry (suspension, agitation, membrane filtration of supernatant), versus direct extraction using PowerSoil™ or PowerMax Soil™ kits. The slurry method had the lowest limit of detection at 20–80 gene copies g−1, recovered significantly more DNA, and the only method that detected Enterococcus by qPCR in all samples; therefore, the only method used in subsequent experiments. The slurry method reflected the spatial variability of Enterococcus in individual transect samples. Mean recovery efficiency of the microbial source tracking marker HF183 from wastewater spiked marine and freshwater beach sand was 100.8% and 64.1%, respectively, but varied, indicating that the mixing protocol needs improvement.ConclusionsAmong the three methods, the slurry method had the best analytical sensitivity and produced extracts that were useful for culture or molecular analysis.Significance and impact of studyStandardization of methods for extraction of bacterial DNA from sand facilitates comparisons among studies, and ultimately contributes to the safety of recreational beaches.
A phylogenetically controlled test does not support the prediction of lower putative anti‐herbivore leaf traits for insular woody species
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Castagneyrol Bastien , Caujapé‐Castells Juli , Cruz‐Guedes José , Lago‐Núñez Beatriz , Vicens‐Fornés Magdalena , García‐Verdugo Carlos 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimIt is predicted that insular plant taxa have evolved reduced defences in response to lower herbivore pressure on islands. However, the few studies testing this hypothesis have addressed variation in individual defensive traits, without paying attention to patterns of correlated trait expression (i.e. defence syndromes).LocationBalearic and Canary Islands.TaxonNinety‐one woody plant species.MethodsWe tested whether plant species with contrasting histories of insularity (namely, endemics, non‐endemic natives and exotics) differed in their defensive syndromes using a suite of morphological, physical, and chemical traits putatively associated with herbivory. For this, we measured eight leaf traits of 42 endemic, 29 native non‐endemic and 20 introduced species for which specimens were sourced from botanical gardens found in two archipelagos: the Balearic and Canary Islands.ResultsWe conducted phylogenetic‐controlled analyses which showed that, contrary to predictions, insular taxa (endemics and non‐endemic natives) across both archipelagos were more defended (thicker, smaller leaves with less nutrients) than exotic species. There were no differences in chemical defence (phenolic compounds) between endemics, non‐endemic natives and exotics. Finally, we also found different defence syndromes between archipelagos: whereas species from the Balearic Islands were more physically defended, on average, those from the Canary Islands had higher chemical defences.Main conclusionsOverall, these results point to a defence syndrome based on low‐nutrient and physically defended leaves characteristic of insular plant taxa that is indistinct for endemic and non‐endemic taxa, relative to introduced species, as well as quantitative and qualitative differences in defences between archipelagos owing to changes in species composition and likely also to different histories of biotic or abiotic pressure.
Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5, presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis with alkalemia: A report of a case
Authors: Hayakawa‐Iwamoto Akiko , Aotani Daisuke , Shimizu Yuki , Kakoi Shota , Hasegawa Chie , Itoh Shunsuke , Fujii Asami , Takeda Katsushi , Yagi Takashi , Koyama Hiroyuki , Imaeda Kenro , Nozu Kandai , Nagano China , Kataoka Hiromi , Tanaka Tomohiro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA 34‐year‐old man visited our Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan, because of dry mouth and weight loss. His plasma glucose level was 32.8 mmol/L and serum levels of ketone bodies were increased, but with metabolic alkalemia. He was also suffering from renal tubular hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia. Abdominal computed tomography showed bilateral renal cysts. These findings were suggestive of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5. Genetic testing showed heterozygous hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta gene deletion. In the present case, it seemed reasonable to view hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta gene deletion as the common cause of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5‐associated diabetic ketoacidosis and tubular malfunction‐induced hypokalemic alkalosis. This case exemplifies the importance of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta gene abnormality as a potential cause of diabetic ketoacidosis with alkalemia.
Hyperactive neutrophil chemotaxis contributes to anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α treatment resistance in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yau Tung On , Vadakekolathu Jayakumar , Foulds Gemma Ann , Du Guodong , Dickins Benjamin , Polytarchou Christos , Rutella Sergio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and AimAnti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF‐α) agents have been used for inflammatory bowel disease; however, it has up to 30% nonresponse rate. Identifying molecular pathways and finding reliable diagnostic biomarkers for patient response to anti‐TNF‐α treatment are needed.MethodsPublicly available transcriptomic data from inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving anti‐TNF‐α therapy were systemically collected and integrated. In silico flow cytometry approaches and Metascape were applied to evaluate immune cell populations and to perform gene enrichment analysis, respectively. Genes identified within enrichment pathways validated in neutrophils were tracked in an anti‐TNF‐α‐treated animal model (with lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation). The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to all genes to identify the best prediction biomarkers.ResultsA total of 449 samples were retrieved from control, baseline, and after primary anti‐TNF‐α therapy or placebo. No statistically significant differences were observed between anti‐TNF‐α treatment responders and nonresponders at baseline in immune microenvironment scores. Neutrophil, endothelial cell, and B‐cell populations were higher in baseline nonresponders, and chemotaxis pathways may contribute to the treatment resistance. Genes related to chemotaxis pathways were significantly upregulated in lipopolysaccharide‐induced neutrophils, but no statistically significant changes were observed in neutrophils treated with anti‐TNF‐α. Interleukin 13 receptor subunit alpha 2 (IL13RA2) is the best predictor (receiver operating characteristic curve: 80.7%, 95% confidence interval: 73.8–87.5%), with a sensitivity of 68.13% and specificity of 84.93%, and significantly higher in nonresponders compared with responders (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsHyperactive neutrophil chemotaxis influences responses to anti‐TNF‐α treatment, and IL13RA2 is a potential biomarker to predict anti‐TNF‐α treatment response.
Bank Examiners’ Information and Expertise and their Role in Monitoring and Disciplining Banks Before and During the Panic of 1893
Authors: CALOMIRIS CHARLES W. , CARLSON MARK 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe examine whether examiners were informed and contributed to the health of the banking sector. Examiners’ knowledge included quantitative information that eventually was made public, quantitative information that remained private, and subjective information dependent on the examiner's production of additional, “soft” information that informed examiner assessments of the quality of bank assets and management. All three types of information were useful for gauging the condition of the bank and affected bank behavior, including generating a publicly observable signal (skipping a dividend payment). Participants in the market for bank liabilities reacted to this signal in ways that promoted market discipline.
Antagonists targeting eEF2 kinase rescue multiple aspects of pathophysiology in Alzheimer’s disease model mice
Authors: Kasica Nicole P. , Zhou Xueyan , Yang Qian , Wang Xin , Yang Wenzhong , Zimmermann Helena R. , Holland Caroline E. , Koscielniak Elizabeth , Wu Hanzhi , Cox Anderson O. , Lee Jingyun , Ryazanov Alexey G. , Furdui Cristina M. , Ma Tao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIt is imperative to develop novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia syndromes based on solid mechanistic studies. Maintenance of memory and synaptic plasticity relies on de novo protein synthesis, which is partially regulated by phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) via its kinase eEF2K. Abnormally increased eEF2 phosphorylation and impaired mRNA translation have been linked to AD. We recently reported that prenatal genetic suppression of eEF2K is able to prevent aging‐related cognitive deficits in AD model mice, suggesting the therapeutic potential of targeting eEF2K/eEF2 signaling in AD. Here, we tested two structurally distinct small‐molecule eEF2K inhibitors in two different lines of AD model mice after the onset of cognitive impairments. Our data revealed that treatment with eEF2K inhibitors improved AD‐associated synaptic plasticity impairments and cognitive dysfunction, without altering brain amyloid β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Furthermore, eEF2K inhibition alleviated AD‐associated defects in dendritic spine morphology, post‐synaptic density formation, protein synthesis, and dendritic polyribosome assembly. Our results may offer critical therapeutic implications for AD, and the proof‐of‐principle study indicates translational implication of inhibiting eEF2K for AD and related dementia syndromes.
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https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15392
Unemployment, tax competition, and tax transfer policy
Authors: Tamai Toshiki , Myles Gareth 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe reduction of capital tax rates witnessed over the past two decades has been motivated by the wish to boost investment and reduce unemployment. Previous models of tax competition have explored the consequences for capital allocation in great detail, but have mostly been silent on the employment effects due to the assumption of a perfect labor market. To address the impact of tax competition on employment and public good provision, this paper reconsiders the analysis in the presence of a labor market imperfection that generates unemployment. We incorporate a wage rigidity and intergovernmental transfers financed by the labor income tax into the standard tax competition model to explore the outcome of federal–state policy interaction. The key factors in determining the efficiency are the capital–labor substitutability/complementary and the cost of the efficient level of public good supply relative to the ability of the labor income to generate revenue. When the labor income tax is insufficient for financing, there can only be efficiency if the aggregate externality is negative—but this outcome is only one of multiple equilibria. We also show that federal government leadership is effective to provide public goods efficiently by state governments if capital and labor are substitutes.
BIOMARKER GEOCHEMISTRY OF PALEOGENE CRUDE OILS AND SOURCE ROCKS FROM THE RAOYANG SAG, BOHAI BAY BASIN, NE CHINA: AN OIL – SOURCE ROCK CORRELATION STUDY
Authors: Su Shengmin , Jiang Youlu 
Published: December 2021

This study presents a systematic geochemical analysis of Paleogene crude oils and source rocks from the Raoyang Sag in the Jizhong sub‐basin of the Bohai Bay Basin (NE China). The geochemical characteristics of fifty‐three oil samples from wells in four sub‐sags were analysed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Twenty core samples of mudstones from Members 1 and 3 of the Eocene‐Oligocene Shahejie Formation were investigated for total organic carbon (TOC) content and by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis and GC‐MS to study their geochemistry and hydrocarbon generation potential. The oils were tentatively correlated to the source rocks.The results show that three groups of crude oils can be identified. Group I oils are characterized by high values of the gammacerane index and low values of the ratios of Pr/Ph, Ts/Tm, 20S/(20S+20R) C29 steranes, ββ/(ββ+αα) C29 steranes, C27 diasteranes/ C27 regular steranes and C27/C29 steranes. These oils have the lowest maturity and are interpreted to have originated from a source rock containing mixed organic matter deposited in an anoxic saline lacustrine environment. The biomarker parameter values of Group III oils are the opposite to those in Group I, and are interpreted to indicate a highly mature, terrigenous organic matter input into source rocks which were deposited in suboxic to anoxic freshwater lacustrine conditions. The parameter values of Group II oils are between those of the oils in Groups I and III, and are interpreted to indicate that the oils were generated from mixed organic matter in source rocks deposited in an anoxic brackish–saline or saline lacustrine environment.The results of the source rock analyses show that samples from Member 1 of the Shahejie Formation were deposited in an anoxic, brackish – saline or saline lacustrine environment with mixed organic matter input and are of low maturity. Source rocks in Member 3 of the Shahejie Formation were deposited in a suboxic to anoxic, brackish – saline or freshwater lacustrine environment with a terrigenous organic matter input and are of higher maturity. Correlation between rock samples and crude oils indicates that Group I oils were probably derived from Member 1 source rocks, while Group III oils were more likely generated by Member 3 source rocks. The Group II oils with transitional characteristics are likely to have a mixed source from both sets of source rocks.
A consumer perspective on managing the consequences of chain liability
Authors: Hartmann Julia , Forkmann Sebastian , Benoit Sabine , Henneberg Stephan C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractConsumers tend to hold a focal firm responsible for its suppliers' unsustainable practices (chain liability), suggesting that firms need effective responses that can mitigate negative consumer reactions. In applying psychological contract theory to investigate recovery efforts related to such chain liability, the current study addresses three broad focal firm responses: Do nothing, choose a nonsubstantive response that verbally clarifies its own and the supplier's roles in the incident, or substantively rectify the supplier's wrongdoing with sustainability‐focused responses, such as termination, monitoring or development. With a vignette‐based experiment, we examine consumer perceptions and behaviors in three stages: before the unsustainable supplier incident (pre‐incident), after the incident (post‐incident) and after the focal firm has responded (post‐response). A nonsubstantive, clarification response decreases consumers' purchase intentions; substantive focal firm activities increase purchase intentions, though not fully back to pre‐incident levels. For consumers, termination, monitoring and development seem like equally adequate responses. Although combining several substantive responses offers even greater effectiveness for recovering purchase intentions, it still falls short of reaching pre‐incident levels. Thus, our findings demonstrate the focal firm's capacity to address suppliers' unsustainable practices substantively and recover, at least partially, its damaged relationship with consumers.
DIACYLGLYCEROL KINASE 5 regulates polar tip growth of tobacco pollen tubes
Authors: Scholz Patricia , Pejchar Přemysl , Fernkorn Max , Škrabálková Eliška , Pleskot Roman , Blersch Katharina , Munnik Teun , Potocký Martin , Ischebeck Till 
Published: December 2021

Summary

Pollen tubes require a tightly regulated pectin secretion machinery to sustain the cell wall plasticity required for polar tip growth. Involved in this regulation at the apical plasma membrane are proteins and signaling molecules, including phosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid (PA). However, the contribution of diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) is not clear.

We transiently expressed tobacco DGKs in pollen tubes to identify a plasma membrane (PM)‐localized isoform, and then to study its effect on pollen tube growth, pectin secretion and lipid signaling. In order to potentially downregulate DGK5 function, we overexpressed an inactive variant.

Only one of eight DGKs displayed a confined localization at the apical PM. We could demonstrate its enzymatic activity and that a kinase‐dead variant was inactive. Overexpression of either variant led to differential perturbations including misregulation of pectin secretion. One mode of regulation could be that DGK5‐formed PA regulates phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinases, as overexpression of the inactive DGK5 variant not only led to a reduction of PA but also of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate levels and suppressed related growth phenotypes.

We conclude that DGK5 is an additional player of polar tip growth that regulates pectin secretion probably in a common pathway with PI4P 5‐kinases.
Assessing Photosensitized Membrane Damage: Available Tools and Comprehensive Mechanisms†
Authors: Rezende Laura G. , Tasso Thiago T. , Candido Pedro H. S. , Baptista Mauricio S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLipids are important targets of the photosensitized oxidation reactions, forming important signaling molecules, disorganizing and permeabilizing membranes, and consequently inducing a variety of biological responses. Although the initial steps of the photosensitized oxidative damage in lipids are known to occur by both Type I and Type II mechanisms, the progression of the peroxidation reaction, which leads to important end‐point biological responses, is poorly known. There are many experimental tools used to study the products of lipid oxidation, but neither the methods nor their resulting observations were critically compared. In this article, we will review the tools most frequently used and the key concepts raised by them in order to rationalize a comprehensive model for the initiation and the progression steps of the photoinduced lipid oxidation.
Characterization of UVB and UVA‐340 Lamps and Determination of Their Effects on ER Stress and DNA Damage
Authors: Bahamondes Lorca Verónica A. , McCulloch Mary Kate , Ávalos‐Ovando Óscar , Govorov Alexander O. , Rahman Faiz , Wu Shiyong 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTUltraviolet B‐light (UVB) has been often used as a “physiological” UV in photobiology studies. How representative and equivalent these studies are compared to the effect of the sunlight is always of great interest. We now characterized the spectrum and intensity of two commonly used UV sources, a UVB lamp and a UVA‐340 lamp which simulate the solar spectrum in the UVB/UVA range in the presence or absence of a UVB band pass filter that reduces >80% UVA from the UVA‐340 lamp. The spectrum of each lamp was used in computational modeling for skin penetration. The effects of the lamps on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress response and DNA damage in cultured keratinocytes HaCaT cells were analyzed. Our data show that the UVB lamp is a better inducer for both eIF2α phosphorylation and PERK modification, as well as a better reducer of ATF6 expression. The UVB lamp is also the best inducer of gamma‐H2AX expression and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formation. However, the UVA‐340 lamp is a better inducer for ATF4 expression. Our results indicate that different spectral characteristics of UV lamps can produce different results for the activation of the ER‐stress responses and the differences do not always follow a defined pattern.
HMGB1 augments cognitive impairment in sepsis‐associated encephalopathy by binding to MD‐2 and promoting NLRP3‐induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Xiong Yanan , Yang Jilin , Tong Haiyang , Zhu Chenting , Pang Yinhu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) always manifests with severe inflammatory symptoms and cognitive impairment. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine. In this study we investigated the role of HMGB1 in SAE.MethodsAn SAE mouse model was established through cecal ligation and puncture surgery and then injected with adenovirus short hairpin RNA (Ad‐sh)‐HMGB1 or Ad‐sh‐myeloid differentiation protein (MD‐2). The cognitive impairment and pathological injury in mice of different groups were evaluated using the Morris water maze experiment, Y‐maze test, tail suspension test, fear conditioning test, and haematoxylin‐eosin staining. The expressions of HMGB1 (fully reduced and disulfide (ds)HMGB1), MD‐2, and NLRP3 in SAE mice were determined. Then, levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. The binding relation between HMGB1 and MD‐2 was predicted and certified. Additionally, MD‐2 was downregulated to verify the role of the binding of HMGB1 and MD‐2 in neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in SAE.ResultsExpressions of HMGB1, MD‐2, NLRP3, and inflammatory cytokines were enhanced in the SAE mouse model, which were in parallel with impaired cognitive function. HMGB1 silencing resulted in downregulated NLRP3 expression and alleviated neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in SAE mice. Mechanically, dsHMGB1 bound to MD‐2 to activate NLRP3, thereby exacerbating neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in SAE mice. The limited binding of HMGB1 and MD‐2 downregulated NLRP3 expression to alleviate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in SAE mice.ConclusionHMGB1 was overexpressed in SAE, and dsHMGB1 bound to MD‐2 to activate NLRP3 inflammasome, inducing neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in SAE.
A systematic review of the application of a diary for people with dementia: how to maximise the effect of diary use?
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Fang Shuyan , Wang Wenxia , Li Yijing , Zhang Xu , Meng Xiangfei , Su Jianping , Chang An , Sun Jiao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDiaries have been widely used among people with dementia as a data collection tool and memory aid. An understanding of their usage is conducive to the subsequent development of intervention measures, but comprehensive evidence is still lacking. This review synthesises the existing literature to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the positive and negative effects of diary usage among people with dementia and the influencing factors. The data were collected from eight databases from the inception of each database to November 2020. A thematic synthesis method was used to sort and summarise the included studies. Ten studies were chosen for the review. The following three analytical themes were identified: (i) positive changes; (ii) factors affecting the record; and (iii) negative feelings. Diaries can cause positive changes in people with dementia, but the specific patterns of stimulation and changes over time remain to be explored. Furthermore, researchers should encourage patients and their families to have a correct understanding of the diary, improve their motivation and social support, fully use the positive effects of the diary, and reduce the occurrence of negative effects. Medical staff should help caregivers improve their awareness of the usefulness and ease of the diary and encourage them to provide support and companionship to people with dementia while exhibiting a positive attitude.