bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular signatures of selection associated with host plant differences in Pieris butterflies
Authors: Okamura Yu , Sato Ai , Tsuzuki Natsumi , Murakami Masashi , Heidel‐Fischer Hanna , Vogel Heiko 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAdaptive traits that enable organisms to conquer novel niches and experience subsequent diversification are ecologically and evolutionarily important. The larvae of Pieris butterflies express nitrile‐specifier proteins (NSPs), a key innovation for overcoming the glucosinolate (GLS)‐myrosinase‐based defence system of their Brassicales host plants. Nitrile‐specifier proteins are a member of the NSP‐like gene family, which includes the major allergen (MA) protein, a paralog of NSP with a GLS‐disarming function, and a single domain major allergen (SDMA) protein, whose function is unknown. The arms‐race between GLS‐based defences and the NSP‐like gene family is suggested to mediate diversification in both Pierid butterflies and Brassicales plants. Here, we tested whether the expected strong selection on NSP‐like gene family correlates with shifts in host plant spectra among Pierid butterflies. We combined feeding experiments using 25 Brassicaceae plants and five Pieris species with larval transcriptome data to investigate the patterns of selection acting on NSP‐like gene family members. Although we observed significantly elevated nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rate ratios in NSPs on branches associated with changes in patterns of host plant usage, no such pattern was observed in MAs or SDMAs. Furthermore, we found evidence for positive selection of NSP at a phylogenetic branch which reflects different host plant spectra. Our data indicate that the NSP‐related gene members have evolved differently: NSPs have accumulated more amino acid changes in response to shifting preferences for host plants, whereas MAs and SDMAs appear to be more conserved. Further detailed functional assays of these genes would provide important insights to understand their role in the chemical arms‐race between Pieris butterflies and their Brassicales host plants.
Differential phosphorylation of the N‐terminal extension regulates phytochrome B signaling
Authors: Viczián András , Ádám Éva , Staudt Anne‐Marie , Lambert Dorothee , Klement Eva , Romero Montepaone Sofia , Hiltbrunner Andreas , Casal Jorge , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc , Klose Cornelia 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Phytochrome B (phyB) is an excellent light quality and quantity sensor that can detect subtle changes in the light environment. The relative amounts of the biologically active photoreceptor (phyB Pfr) are determined by the light conditions and light independent thermal relaxation of Pfr into the inactive phyB Pr, termed thermal reversion. Little is known about the regulation of thermal reversion and how it affects plants’ light sensitivity.

In this study we identified several serine/threonine residues on the N‐terminal extension (NTE) of Arabidopsis thaliana phyB that are differentially phosphorylated in response to light and temperature, and examined transgenic plants expressing nonphosphorylatable and phosphomimic phyB mutants.

The NTE of phyB is essential for thermal stability of the Pfr form, and phosphorylation of S86 particularly enhances the thermal reversion rate of the phyB Pfr–Pr heterodimer in vivo. We demonstrate that S86 phosphorylation is especially critical for phyB signaling compared with phosphorylation of the more N‐terminal residues. Interestingly, S86 phosphorylation is reduced in light, paralleled by a progressive Pfr stabilization under prolonged irradiation.

By investigating other phytochromes (phyD and phyE) we provide evidence that acceleration of thermal reversion by phosphorylation represents a general mechanism for attenuating phytochrome signaling.
Lack of FIBRILLIN6 in Arabidopsis thaliana affects light acclimation and sulfate metabolism
Authors: Lee Kwanuk , Lehmann Martin , Paul Melanie V. , Wang Liangsheng , Luckner Manja , Wanner Gerhard , Geigenberger Peter , Leister Dario , Kleine Tatjana 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Arabidopsis thaliana contains 13 fibrillins (FBNs), which are all localized to chloroplasts. FBN1 and FBN2 are involved in photoprotection of photosystem II, and FBN4 and FBN5 are thought to be involved in plastoquinone transport and biosynthesis, respectively. The functions of the other FBNs remain largely unknown.

To gain insight into the function of FBN6, we performed coexpression and Western analyses, conducted fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, stained reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured photosynthetic parameters and glutathione levels, and applied transcriptomics and metabolomics.

Using coexpression analyses, FBN6 was identified as a photosynthesis‐associated gene. FBN6 is localized to thylakoid and envelope membranes, and its knockout results in stunted plants. The delayed‐growth phenotype cannot be attributed to altered basic photosynthesis parameters or a reduced CO2 assimilation rate. Under moderate light stress, primary leaves of fbn6 plants begin to bleach and contain enlarged plastoglobules. RNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses point to an alteration in sulfate reduction in fbn6. Indeed, glutathione content is higher in fbn6, which in turn confers cadmium tolerance of fbn6 seedlings.

We conclude that loss of FBN6 leads to perturbation of ROS homeostasis. FBN6 enables plants to cope with moderate light stress and affects cadmium tolerance.
The risk of overweight and obesity in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kahathuduwa Chanaka N. , West Blake D. , Blume Jessica , Dharavath Nagaraju , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima , Mastergeorge Ann 
Published: October 2019

SummaryMultiple studies have suggested that autism spectrum disorders seem to increase the risk of overweight and obesity. We examined the pooled prevalence and relative risk of developing overweight or obesity among children with autism spectrum disorders in a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases and subsequently screened the records to identify studies that reported prevalence of overweight and/or obesity in children with ASD and matched groups of neurotypical children. DerSimonian‐Laird random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to examine pooled prevalence and relative risk of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorders using the “meta” package in R software. Among children with autism spectrum disorders, the prevalence of obesity was 22.2%. Children with ASD had a 41.1% greater risk (P = .018) of development of obesity. Non‐Caucasian race, increasing age, female sex, and living in the United States emerged as positive moderators of the association between autism spectrum disorders and prevalence of overweight or obesity. Autism spectrum disorders seem to increase the risk of childhood obesity. Increased awareness of this association may allow the implementation of early interventions to reduce obesity and prevent potential deterioration of quality‐of‐life in this population.
Investigating the structure‐function relationship using Goldmann V standard automated perimetry where glaucomatous damage is advanced
Authors: Yanagisawa Mieko , Murata Hiroshi , Matsuura Masato , Fujino Yuri , Hirasawa Kazunori , Asaoka Ryo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo investigate if the structure‐function relationship between circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness and visual field (VF) thresholds is stronger when using the Goldmann V target rather than the GoldmanIIItarget where glaucomatous damage is advanced.MethodsOptical coherence tomography (OCT) andVF(Humphrey Field Analyzer 24‐2 or 30‐2) measurements with GoldmannIII(SITAstandard) and V (full‐threshold) targets were carried out in 51 eyes of 51 patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The relationship between cpRNFLthicknesses in supero‐ and infero‐temporal sectors, andVFsensitivity with the GoldmannIIIor V target was investigated.ResultVisual field sensitivities (dB) both with the GoldmannIIItarget and Goldmann V target showed a floor effect in the structure‐function relationship against cpRNFLthickness, at approximately 60 μm. There was no significant relationship between visual field sensitivity measured with the Goldmann V target (dBscale:p = 0.12, 1/Lambert scale:p = 0.40; linear mixed models) and cpRNFLthickness, when corresponding visual field sensitivity, measured with the GoldmannIIItarget, was <20 dB.ConclusionThere was no improvement in the structure‐function relationship using the Goldmann V target (full‐threshold), compared to using the GoldmannIIItarget (SITAstandard), where glaucomatous damage was advanced.
Neural gain induced by startling acoustic stimuli is additive to preparatory activation
Authors: McInnes Aaron N. , Corti Emily J. , Tresilian James R. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Marinovic Welber 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLoud acoustic stimuli presented during movement preparation can shorten reaction time and increase response forcefulness. We examined how efferent connectivity of an agonist muscle to reticulospinal and corticospinal pathways, and the level of prepared movement force, affect reaction time and movement execution when the motor response is triggered by an intense acoustic stimulus. In Experiment 1, participants executed ballistic wrist flexion and extension movements of low and high force in response to visual stimuli. A loud acoustic stimulus (LAS; 105 dBa) was presented simultaneously with the visual imperative stimulus in probe trials. In Experiment 2, participants executed ballistic wrist flexion movements ranging from 10%–50% of maximum voluntary contraction with a LAS presented in probe trials. The shortening of response initiation was not affected by movement type (flexion or extension) or prepared movement force. Enhancement of response magnitude, however, was proportionally greater for low force movements and for the flexor muscle. Changes in peak force induced by the intense acoustic stimulus indicated that the neural activity introduced to motor program circuits by acoustic stimulation is additive to the voluntary neural activity that occurs due to movement preparation, rather than multiplicative.
Culture and the Quality of Government
Authors: Porcher Simon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article uses a cross‐country data set to empirically investigate the relationship between national culture and the quality of government. Culture has a strong impact on the quality of government that remains stable even after controlling for differences in institutions and economic development. This effect remains significant when the continents are considered separately, with the exception of Asia. The results reveal the importance of culture in understanding the quality of government and open new avenues for research in comparative public administration in a globalized world.
Clinical significance of serum S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Akiyama Norimichi , Hozumi Hironao , Isayama Takuya , Okada Jun , Sugiura Katsunori , Yasui Hideki , Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. There are no established serum biomarkers for predicting the outcomes of IPF. S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 (S100A4) is considered as a marker of fibroblasts; however, its clinical application remains to be investigated. We evaluated the clinical relevance of S100A4 in IPF patients.MethodsSerum S100A4 levels in 95 consecutive IPF patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. S100A4 expression in lung tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and its association with disease progression (defined as deterioration in lung function or death) and mortality was assessed using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox hazards analysis.ResultsSerum S100A4 levels were undetectable in all HC but were detectable in 26 (27.3%) of the 95 IPF patients (P < 0.01). Immunostaining of lung tissues from IPF patients showed aggregation of numerous S100A4‐expressing cells around the fibroblastic foci and mature fibrotic regions. IPF patients with higher serum S100A4 levels had a significantly worse prognosis than those with low serum levels (2‐year cumulative survival rate: 41.7% vs 77.0%, respectively, P < 0.01). On multivariate analyses, baseline serum S100A4 levels (per 10 ng/mL increase) were independently associated with higher disease progression rate (odds ratio: 1.06, P = 0.01) and higher mortality (hazard ratio: 1.18, P = 0.03).ConclusionS100A4 is a promising serum biomarker that may help predict disease progression/mortality. Our findings may help establish treatment strategies for IPF.
Action Production and Event Perception as Routine Sequential Behaviors
Authors: Cooper Richard P. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is argued that event perception and routine sequential action production share a range of characteristics (e.g., similar levels of automaticity, the involvement of sequentially and hierarchically organized schemata, and the coupled operation of predictive and monitoring processes). With this in mind, and in an effort to develop a mechanistic account of event perception, we consider how an existing model of routine sequential action production might be applied in the domain of event perception. We focus the discussion on the multiple roles of prediction in the two domains, and we consider the implications of the application of the model of action production to event perception and for sequential processing more generally.
From reproduction to production, stomata are the master regulators
Authors: Brodribb Timothy J. , Sussmilch Frances , McAdam Scott A. M. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe best predictor of leaf level photosynthetic rate is the porosity of the leaf surface, as determined by the number and aperture of stomata on the leaf. This remarkable correlation between stomatal porosity (or diffusive conductance to water vapour gs) and CO2 assimilation rate (A) applies to all major lineages of vascular plants (Figure 1) and is sufficiently predictable that it provides the basis for the model most widely used to predict water and CO2 fluxes from leaves and canopies. Yet the Ball–Berry formulation is only a phenomenological approximation that captures the emergent character of stomatal behaviour. Progressing to a more mechanistic prediction of plant gas exchange is challenging because of the diversity of biological components regulating stomatal action. These processes are the product of more than 400 million years of co‐evolution between stomatal, vascular and photosynthetic tissues. Both molecular and structural components link the abiotic world of the whole plant with the turgor pressure of the epidermis and guard cells, which ultimately determine stomatal pore size and porosity to water and CO2 exchange (New Phytol., 168, 2005, 275). In this review we seek to simplify stomatal behaviour by using an evolutionary perspective to understand the principal selective pressures involved in stomatal evolution, thus identifying the primary regulators of stomatal aperture. We start by considering the adaptive process that has locked together the regulation of water and carbon fluxes in vascular plants, finally examining specific evidence for evolution in the proteins responsible for regulating guard cell turgor.
EVALUATION OF TRANSFORMED LAYER HARDNESS OF DLC COATING AFTER FRICTION TEST
Authors: Masripan Nor Azmmi , Tsukiyama Yosuke , Ohara Kenji , Umehara Noritsugu , Kousaka Hiroyuki , Tokoroyama Takayuki , Inami Shigeru , Zushi Koji , Fujita Masahito 
Published: October 2019

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) provide very excellence performance in term of friction coefficient and wear resistance under boundary lubrication. the nano characteristic of the transformed layer has not been studied in terms of its hardness which is believed to have a significant effect in the tribological performance. This study presented the scratch test of the DLC transformed layer was obtained from the AFM scratch test that governs the friction behavior of DLC. As a result, the hardness of the DLC transformed layer depends on the oil temperature, where the sliding interface of DLC softened during the friction test due to graphitization process
Prenatal alcohol exposure programmes offspring disease: insulin resistance in adult males in a rat model of acute exposure
Authors: Nguyen Tam M. T. , Steane Sarah E. , Moritz Karen M. , Akison Lisa K. 
Published: October 2019

Key points
Prenatal alcohol exposure has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring.
Previous preclinical models typically use high, chronic doses of alcohol throughout pregnancy to examine effects on offspring, particularly on the brain and behaviour.
In this study we use a rat model of moderate, acute, prenatal alcohol exposure to determine if this can be detrimental to maintenance of glucose homeostasis in adolescent and adult offspring.
Although female offspring were relatively unaffected, there was evidence of insulin resistance in 6‐month‐old male offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol, suggestive of a pre‐diabetic state.
This result suggests that even a relatively low‐dose, acute exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can still programme metabolic dysfunction in a sex‐specific manner.
AbstractAlcohol consumption is highly prevalent amongst women of reproductive age. Given that approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring. We examined the effect of an acute but moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on glucose metabolism, lipid levels and dietary preference in adolescent and/or adult rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received an oral gavage of ethanol (1 g kg−1 maternal body weight, n = 9 dams) or an equivalent volume of saline (control, n = 8 dams) at embryonic days 13.5 and 14.5. PAE resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05–0.06% 1 h post‐gavage in dams. Fasting blood glucose concentration was not affected by PAE in offspring at any age, nor were blood glucose levels during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in 6‐month‐old offspring (P > 0.5). However, there was evidence of insulin resistance in PAE male offspring at 6 months of age, with significantly elevated fasting plasma insulin (P = 0.001), a tendency for increased first phase insulin secretion during the GTT and impaired glucose clearance following an insulin challenge (P = 0.007). This was accompanied by modest alterations in protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in adipose tissue. PAE also resulted in reduced calorie consumption by offspring compared to controls (P = 0.04). These data suggest that a relatively low‐level, acute PAE programmes metabolic dysfunction in offspring in a sex‐specific manner. These results highlight that alcohol consumption during pregnancy has the potential to affect the long‐term health of offspring.
Differential impact of two critical respiratory centres in opioid‐induced respiratory depression in awake mice
Authors: Varga Adrienn G. , Reid Brandon T. , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Levitt Erica S. 
Published: October 2019

Key points
The main cause of death from opioid overdose is respiratory depression due to the activation of µ‐opioid receptors (MORs).
We conditionally deleted MORs from neurons in two key areas of the brainstem respiratory circuitry (the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF) and pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC)) to determine their role in opioid‐induced respiratory disturbances in adult, awake mice.
Deletion of MORs from KF neurons attenuated respiratory rate depression at all doses of morphine.
Deletion of MORs from preBötC neurons attenuated rate depression at the low dose, but had no effect on rate following high doses of morphine. Instead, high doses of morphine increased the occurrence of apnoeas.
The results indicate that opioids affect distributed key areas of the respiratory network in a dose‐dependent manner and countering the respiratory effects of high dose opioids via the KF may be an effective approach to combat overdose.
AbstractThe primary cause of death from opioid overdose is respiratory failure. High doses of opioids cause severe rate depression and increased risk of fatal apnoea, which correlate with increasing irregularities in breathing pattern. µ‐Opioid receptors (MORs) are widely distributed throughout the brainstem respiratory network, but the mechanisms underlying respiratory depression are poorly understood. The medullary pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC) and the pontine Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF) are considered critical for inducing opioid‐related respiratory disturbances. We used a conditional knockout approach to investigate the roles and relative contribution of MORs in KF and preBötC neurons in opioid‐induced respiratory depression in awake adult mice. The results revealed dose‐dependent and region‐specific opioid effects on the control of both respiratory rate and pattern. Respiratory depression induced by an anti‐nociceptive dose of morphine was significantly attenuated following deletion of MORs from either the KF or the preBötC, suggesting cumulative network effects on respiratory rate control at low opioid doses. Deletion of MORs from KF neurons also relieved rate depression at near‐maximal respiratory depressant doses of morphine. Meanwhile, deletion of MORs from the preBötC had no effect on rate following administration of high doses of morphine. Instead, a severe ataxic breathing pattern emerged with many apnoeas. We conclude that opioids affect distributed areas of the respiratory network and opioid‐induced respiratory depression cannot be attributed to only one area in isolation. However, countering the effects of near maximal respiratory depressant doses of opioids in the KF may be a powerful approach to combat opioid overdose.