bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More than just meat: Carcass decomposition shapes trophic identities in a terrestrial vertebrate
Authors: Barceló Gonzalo , Perrig Paula L. , Dharampal Prarthana , Donadio Emiliano , Steffan Shawn A. , Pauli Jonathan N. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Most food web models fail to account for the full complexity of interactions within a community, particularly where microbes are involved. Carcasses are microbe‐rich resources and may represent a common nexus for the macrobiome and microbiome, effectively uniting autotrophs, consumers, predators and microbiota.

We evaluated the role of carcasses as multitrophic resources and explored dietary partitioning for a sexually dimorphic obligate scavenger known for its hierarchical social system. This study was set in a well‐studied community of camelids Vicugna, Lama guanicoe, pumas Puma concolor and Andean condors Vultur gryphus in the Andes. We hypothesized that condors, by feeding on trophically distinct dietary substrates within any given carcass, would have highly variable trophic position (TP) values. Furthermore, we expected that the microbial consumers within the carcass would inflate TP values in both, the carrion and the condors. Thus, we expected that the trophic heterogeneity within a carcass could facilitate sex‐based dietary partitioning in condors.

We used a multifaceted approach to assess the foraging of Andean condors, using regurgitated pellet and bulk isotopic analyses, and also quantified the TP of the entire community of graminoids, camelids, camelid carrion, pumas, and female and male condors employing compound‐specific stable isotopes analysis of amino acids.

Our analysis of condor pellets and bulk isotopes revealed non‐trivial plant consumption, close to 10% of condor diet. Isotope analysis of amino acids revealed that condors had highly variable TPs (2.9 ± 0.3) compared to pumas (3.0 ± 0.0) and camelids (2.0 ± 0.1), likely representing ‘trophic omnivory’, wherein the condors consume plants (TP = 1.0 ± 0.1) and microbe‐colonized carrion (2.3 ± 0.1). Female condors exhibited a TP (2.8 ± 0.2) lower than strict carnivory, suggesting that they consume more plant biomass in a carcass, while males (TP = 3.1 ± 0.3) are likely consuming more of the microbe‐rich animal tissue.

Our study highlights that carcasses represent a trophically heterogeneous resource and that vertebrate scavengers can feed across trophic groups within the carcass, from autotrophs to secondary consumers, and from both the macrobiome and microbiome. Thus, integration of microbes in macroecological contexts can help to resolve trophic identity, and better characterize the importance of microbes in detritivorous and omnivorous species.

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Riparian reserves protect butterfly communities in selectively logged tropical forest
Authors: Montejo‐Kovacevich Gabriela , Marsh Charles J. , Smith Sophie H. , Peres Carlos A. , Edwards David P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSelective logging is the most widespread habitat disturbance in tropical forests. Primary forest set‐asides along riparian zones are mandated in many countries and a key question is whether these riparian reserves provide biodiversity conservation benefits.We characterise butterfly communities in fixed‐width riparian reserves of 30 m on each bank along narrow streams (<10 m) paired with interior logged forest transects, and in primary forests within a selective logging concession in the south‐western Brazilian Amazon.We found that primary forest species richness was more similar to riparian reserves than to paired interior logged forest points, whereas abundance remained higher in both riparian reserves and interior logged points, likely due to the intrusion of canopy‐dwelling species in disturbed habitats, as previously reported in the literature. Butterfly assemblages within riparian reserves were more similar to unlogged primary forests than interior logged points, and canopy height in riparian reserves was associated with increased assemblage similarity to primary forest points.Changes in abundance relative to primary forest were of a larger magnitude in interior logged points than in riparian reserves within logged forests, highlighting the role of riparian reserves in maintaining primary forest‐like communities. We found no particular primary forest butterfly clades to be more sensitive to changes in abundance than other clades.Synthesis and applications. Mandatory conservation set‐asides around streams or rivers (riparian buffers) have an important role in protecting the abundance and composition of primary forest butterfly assemblages within selective logging concessions in tropical rainforests. This study highlights the need to assess the conservation value of protecting unlogged riparian forest strips in other taxa to inform policy.
RR‐1 cuticular protein TcCPR69 is required for growth and metamorphosis in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Xie Jia , Peng Guifang , Wang Miao , Zhong Qisheng , Song Xiaowen , Bi Jingxiu , Tang Jing , Feng Fan , Gao Han , Li Bin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCuticle is not only critical for protecting insects from noxious stimuli but is also involved in a variety of metabolic activities. Cuticular proteins (CPs) affect cuticle structure and mechanical properties during insect growth, reproduction, and environmental adaptation. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a member of the RR‐1 subfamily of CPs with an R&R consensus (CPR) in Tribolium castaneum (TcCPR69). Although it was previously reported to be highly expressed in the wings, we found that knocking down TcCPR69 by RNA interference (RNAi) did not cause obvious wing abnormalities but markedly disrupted the growth and metamorphosis of beetles with 100% cumulative mortality; additionally, the chitin content of the pharate adult was decreased and the new abdominal cuticle was significantly thinner before molting. TcCPR69 showed chitin‐binding ability and the expression levels of key genes involved in chitin metabolism (trehalase [TcTRE], chitin synthase [TcCHSA and TcCHSB], and chitinase [TcCHT5 and TcCHT10]) were also decreased by TcCPR69 knockdown. TcCPR69 gene expression peaked shortly after molting and was increased 2.61 fold at 12 h after 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection. This was reversed by RNAi of the ecdysone‐related genes ecdysone receptor (TcECR) and fushi tarazu transcription factor 1 (TcFTZ‐F1). These results indicate that TcCPR69 is positively regulated by 20E signaling to contribute to cuticle formation and maintain chitin accumulation during the growth and metamorphosis of beetles.
Safety of daprodustat in patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease: A pooled analysis of phase 3 studies in Japan
Authors: Nangaku Masaomi , Akizawa Tadao , Nagakubo Takashi , Yonekawa Taeko , Kimura Toshifumi , Endo Yukihiro , Cobitz Alexander 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionDaprodustat is an approved treatment for anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Japan.MethodsThis post hoc analysis evaluated pooled safety data for daprodustat from 3 phase 3 Japanese studies in dialysis‐dependent and nondialysis patients with anemia of CKD.ResultsMedian drug exposure duration was 365 days for both daprodustat (N = 369) and injectable erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA, N = 285). The incidence per 100 patient‐years of on‐therapy adverse events (AEs) was 363.1 and 306.4 in the daprodustat and ESA groups, respectively. The incidence per 100 patient‐years of thromboembolic and retinal events were 5.55 and 6.91 (daprodustat) and 6.28 and 7.46 (ESA), respectively. Cardiovascular and malignancy events were similar between groups, although analysis of these were limited by sample size and study duration.ConclusionThe safety of daprodustat was comparable to ESA in this pooled analysis, although further large‐scale research is needed to evaluate long‐term risks including cardiovascular and malignancy events.
Effect of roasting temperature and time on volatile compounds, total tocopherols, and fatty acids of flaxseed oil
Authors: Sun Xuelian , Zhang Bo , Han Jiajia , Wei Changqing , Liu Wenyu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRoasting affects the physicochemical and nutritional qualities of flaxseed oil (FSO). The FSO samples were extracted from the roasting flaxseeds at 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐min points and at different temperatures (140°C, 160°C, and 180°C). A total of 61 volatile compounds were identified, and the quantity of the volatile compounds increased significantly (p < 0.05) after roasting. The maximum aldehyde (25.83%) and heterocyclic content (29.26%) was obtained from the samples roasted at 200°C for 20 and 30 min, respectively. The predominant fatty acid in FSO samples was linolenic acid (46.01%–49.35%), which changed dynamically during roasting. The loss of α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol after roasting was 28.73, 109.78, and 6.67 mg/100 g, respectively. The principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis results showed good discrimination of the different FSO samples into three groups, which were mainly related to the roasting time. Therefore, it can be concluded that roasting time has a stronger effect on the volatile composition of FSO than the temperature during the roasting process. This work provides a basis for improving the aroma of FSO.Practical ApplicationThe roasting process is used to extract flaxseed oil (FSO) from flaxseeds. Studying the physicochemical properties and quality characteristics of FSO under diverse roasting conditions is an important step in producing FSO in the food industry, which can give precise instructions to produce flaxseed oil in factories. The results of this study document the volatile constituents generated in FSO samples extracted from flaxseeds during roasting, which may help manufacturers, who are trying to develop natural and artificial FSO flavors.
Risks and Controls in a Changing Business Environment: Global Transportation Facility and Concerns About Missing Revenues*
Authors: Messer Ron 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis case examines the effects of privatization in the aviation industry, specifically as it concerns an airport referred to as the Global Transportation Facility (GTF). In a deregulated environment, it is important for airports to ensure that all revenues earned from aircraft landings and passenger use of its terminal buildings are identified, billed, and collected. This will be a concern to users of financial information, including those holding corporate debt and government authorities, as well as the airport's senior management, board of directors and other stakeholders. Your role as the head of internal audit at GTF is to determine whether aviation‐related billings are complete and accurate. You are also concerned about the consequences of errors in reported revenues, including how to identify these and assess their impact.
Single‐fit bootstrapping: A simple alternative to the delta method
Authors: Fletcher David , Jowett Tim 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn many environmental and ecological settings, the analysis of data involves calculation of a confidence interval for a nonlinear function of the model parameters. In the frequentist approach, this is often achieved by using a Wald interval in which the standard error of the estimate of the function is obtained using the delta method.The purpose of this paper is to promote a simple alternative to the delta method that will provide better coverage properties when the estimates of the model parameters have a distribution that is approximately multivariate normal, as will be the case asymptotically for maximum likelihood estimates in regular models. We propose a simple diagnostic tool that can be used to assess the reliability of this assumption.The method we promote can be thought of as a computationally efficient version of parametric bootstrapping, as it mimics such bootstrapping without a need to refit the model.We provide two examples to illustrate use of the new method and present simulation results which show that its coverage properties are superior to those for a Wald interval based on the delta method when the assumption of normality for the estimates of the model parameters is reliable. We also compare its coverage properties and computational effort with those of parametric bootstrapping.
Antibacterial activity of the CAP18 peptide against Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri, the causative agent of citrus canker, as evaluated by in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Habibollahi Faezeh , Hosseinipour Akbar , Lohrasbi‐Nejad Azadeh 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe bacterium Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (Xcc), causing citrus canker disease, poses a severe threat to citrus production worldwide. New approaches for managing the disease are required because of the limited number of bactericides available, reported pathogen resistance to copper pesticides, and the side effects of such compounds on citrus trees and the environment. In this study, the bacterium was isolated from a Mexican lime tree showing typical disease symptoms and identified as Xcc using conventional biochemical tests and specific PCR. The antibacterial activity of the recombinant peptide CAP18 (rCAP18) against the Xcc bacterium was assessed. Measuring the MIC parameter showed that purified rCAP18 caused bacterial growth inhibition by 90% at a concentration of 4.5 μM. Furthermore, a heterogeneous membrane system consisting of POPE:POPG:TOCL (5:1:3) was created using molecular dynamics simulation. The interaction effect of the oligomeric structure of rCAP18 (rCAP18OLIGO) on the components of a lipid bilayer membrane was determined by measuring the membrane thickness, the order parameter of the acyl chains and the area of each phospholipid. The results obtained from simulation and measurement of order parameters showed that, among the three phospholipids, rCAP18OLIGO more affected the orientation of carbon atoms in POPG. Fluctuations of average area per lipid for each phospholipid showed that rCAP18OLIGO had more interactions with POPG > TOCL > POPE, respectively, in the outer half of the membrane. The results obtained from in silico studies confirmed that the penetration of rCAP18OLIGO into the lipid bilayer membrane reduced the membrane thickness and caused its deformation during the simulation time. This mechanism is possibly the leading factor of Xcc growth inhibition by rCAP18 in vitro. Therefore, the rCAP18 peptide as an antibacterial agent can provide a way to develop a new approach to control the citrus canker disease.
Patient‐ and provider‐level factors that underlie alcohol use disorder treatment offer and acceptance in veterans with cirrhosis
Authors: Chaudhari Rahul B. , Duong Nikki , Shrestha Shreesh , Badal Bryan , Dharia Neerav , Robalino Gonzaga Ernesto , Spoutz Patrick , Chia Linda , Wade James B. , Rogal Shari , Bajaj Jasmohan S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundUntreated alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with poor cirrhosis outcomes. We evaluated factors associated with AUD treatment discussions and initiation in the Veterans Health Administration.MethodsChart reviews were conducted for veterans with International Classification of Diseases codes for both cirrhosis and AUD who were receiving care at one of three large medical centers in 2020. Factors associated with a 1‐year offer of AUD treatment and its acceptance were assessed using regression models, which included as covariates demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and depression, as measured by the patient health questionnaire (PHQ‐2) from the electronic health record.ResultsThe cohort included 654 veterans, 68 of whom were engaged in AUD treatment at baseline and 174 who were documented as being in AUD remission. Treatment was offered to 264 (64%) of the 412 veterans with opportunities to initiate it. AUD treatment discussions were most often documented by practitioners in primary care (n = 162), hepatology (n = 45), or both (n = 41). Multivariable logistic regression modeling revealed that treatment was significantly more likely to be offered to patients with co‐occurring bipolar disorder (OR 2.94, p = 0.03) or depression (1.50, p = 0.05) or who were younger (0.97, p = 0.01). Of the 264 patients offered AUD treatment, 107 (40%) agreed to initiate it. Acceptance of an offer of treatment was significantly associated with hospitalization in the prior year (OR 1.74, p = 0.05), prior AUD treatment (9.92, p < 0.0001), and a higher PHQ‐2 depression score (2.85, p = 0.004).ConclusionsWe identified factors associated with an offer of AUD treatment and its initiation among veterans with cirrhosis. Application of these findings could increase the likelihood that veterans with alcoholic cirrhosis initiate AUD treatment.
Impact of adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure on interneurons and their surrounding perineuronal nets in adulthood
Authors: Dannenhoffer Carol A. , Gómez‐A Alexander , Macht Victoria A. , Jawad Rayyanoor , Sutherland Elizabeth Blake , Vetreno Ryan P. , Crews Fulton T. , Boettiger Charlotte A. , Robinson Donita L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBinge alcohol exposure during adolescence results in long‐lasting alterations in the brain and behavior. For example, adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in rodents results in long‐term loss of functional connectivity among prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatal regions as well as a variety of neurochemical, molecular, and epigenetic alterations. Interneurons in the PFC and striatum play critical roles in behavioral flexibility and functional connectivity. For example, parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are known to contribute to neural synchrony and cholinergic interneurons contribute to strategy selection. Furthermore, extracellular perineuronal nets (PNNs) that surround some interneurons, particularly PV+ interneurons, further regulate cellular plasticity. The effect of AIE exposure on the expression of these markers within the PFC is not well understood.MethodsThe present study tested the hypothesis that AIE exposure reduces the expression of PV+ and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)+ interneurons in the adult PFC and striatum and increases the related expression of PNNs (marked by binding of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin lectin) in adulthood. Male rats were exposed to AIE (5 g/kg/day, 2‐days‐on/2‐days‐off, i.e., P25 to P54) or water (CON), and brain tissue was harvested in adulthood (>P80). Immunohistochemistry and co‐immunofluorescence were used to assess the expression of ChAT, PV, and PNNs within the adult PFC and striatum following AIE exposure.ResultsChAT and PV interneuron densities in the striatum and PFC were unchanged after AIE exposure. However, PNN density in the PFC of AIE‐exposed rats was greater than in CON rats. Moreover, significantly more PV neurons were surrounded by PNNs in AIE‐exposed subjects than controls in both PFC subregions assessed: orbitofrontal cortex (CON = 34%; AIE = 40%) and medial PFC (CON = 10%; AIE = 14%).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that, following AIE exposure, PV interneuron expression in the adult PFC and striatum is unaltered, while PNNs surrounding these neurons are increased. This increase in PNNs may restrict the plasticity of the ensheathed neurons, thereby contributing to impaired microcircuitry in frontostriatal connectivity and related behavioral impairments.
An analysis of skin thickness in the Dezhou donkey population and identification of candidate genes by RNA‐seq
Authors: Wang Min , Li Haijing , Zhang Xinhao , Yang Li , Liu Yu , Liu Shuqin , Sun Yujiang , Zhao Chunjiang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to analyze the main factors that have a significant impact on skin thickness, and to further identify the genes and signaling pathways regulating skin growth by RNA‐seq in Dezhou donkeys. Skin samples from different body regions of 15 slaughtered donkeys were obtained to study variations in skin thickness over the bodies. Skin thickness data for another 514 donkeys was obtained by minimally invasive skin sampling from the back, and measurements of the donkeys’ body size traits and pedigree data were also collected. These data were used to analyze changes in skin thickness and estimate genetic parameters. In addition, transcriptomic analysis was conducted on the skin tissues of individuals from two groups with significant differences in skin thickness. Our results showed that skin thickness over the bodies ranged from 1.08 to 4.36 mm. The skin from the back was the thickest and had the highest correlation with that of other regions of the body. The skin thickness decreased from the back to the side of the ventral abdomen, and the skin thickness on the limbs increased from the proximal end to the distal end. The results also showed that the skin from the same body regions of jacks was thicker than that of jennies in the same age group. The skin thickness of jennies increased from birth to the age of 2 and then clearly decreased after 2 years of age. The estimated heritability of skin thickness was 0.15, and the genetic correlations between skin thickness and body size traits were negligible. Transcriptome analysis showed that the thick‐skin group had 65 up‐regulated genes and 38 down‐regulated genes compared with the thin‐skin group. The differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in epidermal development and cell adhesion molecule signaling pathways. We identified the candidate genes responsible for variations in skin thickness in the Dezhou donkey, including KRT10, KRT1, CLDN9, MHCII and MMP28. These results contribute to a better understanding of the growth and development of donkey skin, reveal the molecular mechanism responsible for donkey skin thickness and suggest directions for genetic selection in the Dezhou donkey population.
Volunteering for a better future: A pilot Sustainability Ambassadors Training Program
Authors: Solly Kane , Smyer Michael A. , Nichols Kim , Steffens Niklas K. , Kastelle Timothy H. , Pachana Nancy A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveOlder adults are an untapped resource for leading sustainability change. This study assessed a pilot study of a Sustainability Ambassadors Training Program for older adults.MethodsThe pilot training program was conducted with a sample of 14 older adults over a single day, with some follow‐up activities for participants at home. Activities included completing a sustainable action card‐sorting activity measuring an individual's ability to make sustainable changes within their lives. A brief researcher‐devised empowerment scale was administered pre‐ and postworkshop.ResultsQuantitative data revealed that sustainability empowerment increased from pre‐ to post‐training sessions and was related to the number of sustainability actions participants thought were achievable.ConclusionsThe data suggest that such a brief training workshop can both yield personal change and potentially provide opportunities for a peer network to facilitate change within communities.