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Rafael Quintana Miranda Estudiantes del doctorado en Derecho (1953). (Foto: Mediateca.inah.gob.mx) Vale la pena recordar y mencionar a los primeros doctores en Derecho, quienes nos han dejado un gran legado [...]

Salt stress severely impairs plant growth and productivity. Here, the salinity response modulation by nitrogen nutrition forms was evaluated in two important grass C4 species (sorghum and maize). The crops were grown under nitrate (NO3−) or ammonium (NH4+) nutrition and subjected to salinity with 75 mM NaCl for 7 days. Growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, oxidative damage, and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated. In salt absence, maize plants displayed low shoot dry mass under NH4+nutrition compared to NO3−supply; this injury was intensified by salt exposure. NH4+-grown stressed plants’ elevated sensibility is associated with decreased photosynthetic performance due to photochemical limitations. Although the NH4+-grown stressed maize plants activated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes, the mechanisms were inefficient to prevent the oxidative damage, resulting in increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) in the leaves. In sorghum, dry mass was also decreased by salinity, except for NO3−-grown plants, at least in the evaluated time point. Salt-stressed sorghum plants showed unaltered CO2assimilation under NH4+nutrition, a response closely related to maintenance of photosystem II efficiency. Additionally, NH4+-stimulated SOD, guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD), and CAT enzymes’ integrated activities were critical in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) under salinity once the increase in MDA and EL was less prominent than reported for maize plants. Findings clearly evidence that grass species display contrasting responses to salinity and the different N forms, highlighting the high susceptibility of salt-stressed maize plants under NH4+nutrition and an opposite response for sorghum.

The application of machine learning (ML) techniques in supply chain (SC) processes has been gaining popularity over the last years, because ML significantly helps making the SC faster and more efficient, automatising its processes, improving decision making, and mitigating risks, among other benefits that results in cost savings or more profits. The goal of this work was to analyse the existing studies about the integration of ML into supply chain management (SCM), exploring gaps and trends, from a bibliometric analysis of the articles published. The analysis consisted of assessing the total number of published documents between 2000 and 2020. The main contribution of this research was the identification of significant details about the studies conducted involving the integration of ML and SCM, which will help in the development of new studies in this important area.

Organizing decision-making processes in companies so that they are well-structured and consistent is very important in the constant search for competitiveness and sustainability in business. A recurring and relevant problem refers to the selection of suppliers for outsourced processes, as is the case of outsourcing transportation. In this context, this manuscript presents a model to help managers select freight companies, based on the assessment of logistics costs, applying Machine Learning techniques. The model is integrated with a Decision Support System and was applied to a real case of a multinational automotive company in Brazil, comparing the results with what occurred in practice. The results showed that the automotive company could have saved approximately 7% of its logistics costs by shipping its products annually, with a confidence level of 95%. The proposed framework showed advantages for the company, such as the possibility of quickly simulating possible scenarios and mitigating the logistics costs involved.

AbstractCircadian rhythm sleep disorders are alterations that are characterized by a shift in the sleep-wake cycle relative to day and night, such as the delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), which is a retard of at least 2 hours in the sleep start. Typically, the patient falls asleep after 2 a.m. and wakes up after 10 a.m. and with symptom of sleep onset insomnia. The prevalence of DSPD in young adults is 0.48%, increasing to 3.3% in adolescents. Interestingly, patients with COVID-19 infection report anxiety due to the intensive care unit lockdown and constant exposure to bright light. In addition, post-COVID patients have an increased risk of developing DSPD. For example, in adolescent post-COVID patients, the prevalence of DSPD increases to 63.3%. Patients with DSPD also have alterations in metabolic health, poor school performance, cognitive impairment, and a higher risk of developing other diseases. The objective of the present review is therefore to describe the characteristics of DSPD during the COVID-19 pandemic and to outline its possible implications for physical health (eg, metabolism) and mental health (eg, anxiety or depression).

Purpose This review focuses on utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in analysis of biofluid markers in glaucoma. We detail the accuracy and validity of AI in the exploration of biomarkers to provide insight into glaucoma pathogenesis.Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases including Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. Studies pertaining to biofluid marker analysis using AI or bioinformatics in glaucoma were included. Identified studies were critically appraised and assessed for risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools.Results A total of 10,258 studies were screened and 39 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 23 cross-sectional studies (59%), nine prospective cohort studies (23%), six retrospective cohort studies (15%), and one case-control study (3%). Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was the most commonly studied subtype (55% of included studies). Twenty-four studies examined disease characteristics, 10 explored treatment decisions, and 5 provided diagnostic clarification. While studies examined at entire metabolomic or proteomic profiles to determine changes in POAG, there was heterogeneity in the data with over 175 unique, differentially expressed biomarkers reported. Discriminant analysis and artificial neural network predictive models displayed strong differentiating ability between glaucoma patients and controls, although these tools were untested in a clinical context.Conclusion The use of AI models could inform glaucoma diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity. While insight into differentially expressed biomarkers is valuable in pathogenic exploration, no clear pathogenic mechanism in glaucoma has emerged.

Corneal and ocular surface diseases (OSDs) carry significant psychosocial and economic burden worldwide. We set out to review the literature on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics for analysis of biofluid biomarkers in corneal and OSDs and evaluate their utility in clinical decision making. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science were systematically queried for articles using AI or bioinformatics methodology in corneal and OSDs and examining biofluids from inception to August 2021. In total, 10,264 articles were screened, and 23 articles consisting of 1058 individuals were included. Using various AI/bioinformatics tools, changes in certain tear film cytokines that are proinflammatory such as increased expression of apolipoprotein, haptoglobin, annexin 1, S100A8, S100A9, Glutathione S-transferase, and decreased expression of supportive tear film components such as lipocalin-1, prolactin inducible protein, lysozyme C, lactotransferrin, cystatin S, and mammaglobin-b, proline rich protein, were found to be correlated with pathogenesis and/or treatment outcomes of dry eye, keratoconus, meibomian gland dysfunction, and Sjögren’s. Overall, most AI/bioinformatics tools were used to classify biofluids into diseases subgroups, distinguish between OSD, identify risk factors, or make predictions about treatment response, and/or prognosis. To conclude, AI models such as artificial neural networks, hierarchical clustering, random forest, etc., in conjunction with proteomic or metabolomic profiling using bioinformatics tools such as Gene Ontology or Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, were found to inform biomarker discovery, distinguish between OSDs, help define subgroups with OSDs and make predictions about treatment response in a clinical setting.

The selection of rhizobia for soybean is a sustainable strategy to increase the yield of this crop. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Bradyrhizobiumstrains for nitrogen fixation and modulation of physiological parameters and grain production in inoculated soybean genotypes. The experiment was carried out with three soybean genotypes (M8349 IPRO, M8372 IPRO, and Bônus 8579 RSF) and six nitrogen (N) sources (UFLA06-19, UFLA06-22, UFLA06-24, a commercial inoculant, and two controls without inoculation (without and with nitrogen)). The UFLA strains increased nitrogen accumulation in the shoots of the M8372 IPRO genotype and modulated photosynthetic pigments and soluble carbohydrates contents in symbiosis with the M8349 IPRO genotype. Strains UFLA06-22 and UFLA06-24 were efficient in grain nitrogen accumulation in genotypes M8372 IPRO and M8349 IPRO. Principal component analysis shows the close positioning of several parameters in soybean genotypes inoculated with these strains. Our results demonstrate the potential of strains UFLA06-22 and UFLA06-24 for sustainable soybean production.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The emerging changes in healthcare impose significant burdens on integrated outpatient specialty services with respect to setting patient expectations, handling outside medical records, and coordinating specialty appointments scheduling. [...]

To evaluate the prognostic association between preoperative features seen on OCT imaging and postoperative visual acuity (VA) outcomes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs).

Objective. To update the evidence map on the effects of interventions for post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation. Method. The search scope was defined according to the population (patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and post-acute COVID sequelae), the context (interventions for rehabilitation), and the type of study (systematic reviews, rapid reviews, scoping reviews or overviews of reviews). Following a search in PubMed and the Virtual Health Library, two independent authors selected the articles for review. The map was updated on July 27, 2022, using the same procedures employed in the initial review. Results. The initial evidence map included 22 studies (four systematic reviews, four rapid reviews, four reviews of case reports, one scoping review, and nine systematic review protocols). In the present update, an additional 10 studies were included. The analysis revealed four groups of interventions (multimodal, therapeutic, complementary, and pharmacological) and seven groups of outcomes (pathological conditions, diseases/ respiratory disorders, pain, physiological and metabolic markers, mental health/quality of life, sensory function, and mortality), totaling 166 associations between interventions and outcomes. The highest number of associations was observed for complementary therapies (n = 94). Among the outcomes, the highest number of associations was observed for physiological and metabolic markers, pathological conditions, and mental health/quality of life (44, 41, and 35 associations respectively). Conclusions. The map update involved the analysis of 69 associations, most notably exercise (isolated, multicomponent, or multimodal intervention), with 23 positive and four potentially positive effects) and pharmacologic and complementary therapies for sensorial functions (15 associations). The high number of systematic review protocols indicates that the literature is still incipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact upon teachers across the world. In Chile, the confinement also had a negative effect on teachers’ wellbeing. However, there are no studies assessing teachers' mental health, affect, burnout, or social support during this period. Consequently, our study tested a mediation moderation model with Macro from SPSS in a sample of 635 teachers examining subjective wellbeing with the Pemberton Happiness Index, their emotions using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, their burnout with the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Burnout Syndrome and their social support with the Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form. The study results suggest that the impact of burnout on teachers' wellbeing is mediated by negative and positive emotions. Additionally, this mediation was moderated by social support levels perceived by teachers. These results confirm the importance of providing additional support to teachers during the Pandemic.

La pandemia de COVID19ha tenido un impacto negativo en los profesores de todo el mundo. En Chile, el confinamiento también ha tenido un efecto negativo en el bienestar de los profesores. Sin embargo, no han habido estudios que evalúen la salud mental, los afectos, el agotamiento o el apoyo social de los profesores durante este período. De esta forma, este estudio ha probado un modelo de mediación moderada con Marco de SPSS en una muestra de 635 profesores a lo largo del país, examinando el bienestar subjetivo con el Índice de Felicidad de Pemberton, sus emociones mediante el Cuestionario de Afectos Positivos y Negativos, su estrés con el Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Desgaste y su apoyo social con el Cuestionario de Apoyo Social-Forma Corta. Los resultados han mostrado que el impacto del desgaste laboral en el bienestar de los profesores está mediado por los afectos negativos y positivos. Además, esta mediación ha sido moderada por los niveles de apoyo social percibidos por los profesores. Estos resultados han confirmado la importancia de proporcionar apoyo adicional a los profesores durante la pandemia.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2010.05.008 Byline: Michelle A. Wilt, Rafael Miranda, C. Daniel Johnson, Peggy Sue Love Keywords: Efficiency; improvement; productivity Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine a method of measuring productivity among general radiographers in a moderate-sized hospital and to improve and sustain productivity within that work area. Author Affiliation: Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kangaroo Position (KP) in microcirculation (MC) of the flexor muscles of preterm newborns.

AbstractParasomnias are involuntary behaviors or subjective experiences during sleep. Our objective was to review existing information on the presence of parasomnias in patients with addictions or during treatment for addictions. Information about parasomnias related to rapid-eye-movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in patients with addictions, while using substances or in abstinence, was reviewed. A systematic search of published articles reporting parasomnias as a consequence of drug use or abuse was conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases. The search for the studies was performed in three phases: (1) by title, (2) by abstract, and (3) by complete text. The search was performed independently by two researchers, who then compared their results from each screening phase. Seventeen articles were found. The consumption of alcohol was reported in association with arousal disorders, such as sexsomnia and sleep-related eating disorder; and REM sleep behavior disorder was reported during alcohol withdrawal. Cocaine abuse was associated with REM sleep behavior disorder with drug consumption dream content. Overall, we found that several types of parasomnias were very frequent in patients with addictions. To avoid accidents in bedroom, legal problems, and improve evolution and prognosis; must be mandatory to include security measures related to sleep period; avoid pharmacological therapy described as potential trigger factor; improve sleep hygiene; and give pharmacological and behavioral treatments for patients with these comorbid sleep disorders.

The current COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has generated negative psychological effects on the global population. In this context, one of the most vulnerable groups is adolescents, who have faced a range of challenging scenarios. The consequences of this pandemic for the wellbeing of adolescents need to be researched across countries. From this perspective, this study aims to characterize the wellbeing of adolescents from Mexico and Chile during the pandemic and delve into the relationship between victimization and the hedonic and eudaimonic types of wellbeing. Data from adolescent students (n = 3,275) were used, with the support of the Global Research Alliance. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted and their results indicated that: 1) Late adolescents scored lower on flourishing, and males scored higher than females. There was also a higher prevalence of languishing in late adolescents from both countries, as well as high levels of languishing in non-binary adolescents, especially in Chile; 2) There was a high prevalence of poly-victimization, with the highest percentage reported by females and the late adolescent group in both countries; 3) Non-victims had a higher probability of being in the flourishing group than victims in both countries; 4) Poly-victimization especially had an effect on the eudaimonic wellbeing of early adolescents and on the hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing of late adolescents in both countries. Implications related to the mental health policies for adolescence are discussed in terms of how to increase adolescent wellbeing.

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Developing salt-tolerant plants has emerged as a highly efficient approach to cope with salinity damage on crop growth and productivity. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of salt acclimation in cowpea plants [Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp] and screen salt-tolerant potential genotypes during the early vegetative stage. Seven cowpea genotypes (Epace, Juruá, Maratauã, Milagroso, Pitiúba, Sempre verde, and TVU) were irrigated for 24 days with saline solutions of electrical conductivity 0.8 (control), 4.0 (moderate stress), and 8.0 dS m−1(severe stress). Growth, water status, membrane damage, and variables related to photosynthetic machinery efficiency were evaluated. Biomass accumulation dramatically decreased with salinity, and the reductions were intensified by increasing the salt level. Nevertheless, under moderate salinity, Pitiúba plants showed less reductions in growth than other genotypes. Under moderate stress, Pitiúba plants exhibited maintenance of osmotic potential and photosynthetic pigments, which was consistent with unaltered membrane and elevated leaf succulence, resulting in improved photochemical performance. Conversely, although TVU, Juruá, and Milagroso plants had activated responses against moderate salinity, including reduced leaf osmotic potential and improved stomatal conductance, these responses were not sufficient to mitigate salt injury. The findings clearly show that the Pitiúba genotype activates coordinated responses to mitigate moderate salt damage, constituting an alternative for cultivating cowpea plants in saline environments.

To verify the short‐term influence of the kangaroo position (KP) on the electromyography activity of preterm newborns.

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, https://doi.org/. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.

N-Boc-N-(2-(tritylthio)ethoxy)glycine has been developed as a building block for peptide ubiquitination, which is fully compatible with solid-phase Fmoc chemistry and common peptide modifications including phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, biotinylation, and fluorescence labeling. The optimal conditions for peptide cleavage and auxiliary removal were obtained. The utility of this building block in peptide ubiquitination was demonstrated by the synthesis of seven ubiquitinated histone and Tau peptides bearing various modifications. Cys residues were well tolerated and did not require orthogonal protection. The structural integrity and folding of the synthesized ubiquitinated peptides were confirmed by enzymatic deubiquitination of a fluorescently labeled ubiquitin conjugate. The synthetic strategy using this building block provides a practical approach for the preparation of ubiquitinated peptides with diverse modifications.

ABSTRACTRiver fragmentation is one of the main threats to diadromous fish species. We aimed to create a new and simple connectivity index to calculate habitat accessibility that considers habitat suitability for fish species, using the Bidasoa River basin in the north of Spain and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as an example. A habitat connectivity index (HCI) was calculated for the river basin using upstream passability and segment length as variables. We then calculated a new habitat quality index for each river segment and multiplied it by river segment length to create the Breeding Habitat Connectivity Index (HCIb). These 2 indices were first calculated using only upstream barrier passability and then by adding downstream passability. In each case, the indices show different outcomes but a similar pattern: in all cases, main-stem obstacles closest to the river mouth most affected the connectivity index, even when habitat quality was considered. Although we cannot compare the indices to the real area used by salmon because spatial tracking was not performed during the study years, we consider that including habitat quality in a river connectivity index adds useful information for scientists and managers.

The strategies for thermal regulation and environmental control found in nature are countless. In this article, a parallelism between animals and building energy systems is defined in order to identify and emphasize the immediate opportunities that biomimicry offers for future research. The motivation was the need to find alternative solutions to tackle problems mainly in the efficiency of heating, ventilation and cooling systems. Due to the wide range of possibilities offered by animals, this study is largely limited to the strategies that cold-blooded animals have developed through evolutionary adaptation to the environment.

Existen pocos estudios que vinculen la victimización sufrida por bullyingcon la satisfacción con la vida. Por ello, este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el efecto mitigador del apoyo de figuras adultas (padres, madres y adultos de la escuela) sobre la relación de la victimización por bullyingy la satisfacción con la vida en adolescentes. Con este fin, se evalúa una muestra de 5774 adolescentes provenientes de 71 escuelas públicas ubicadas en barrios violentos de Lima, Perú. Para ello, se realiza un análisis de moderación para evaluar el rol de las figuras adultas de apoyo en la casa y la escuela. Los resultados muestran que el apoyo de los adultos en casa mitiga la relación negativa entre la victimización y la satisfacción con la vida. Este efecto es mayor en el caso del apoyo adulto en la casa. El apoyo brindado por los adultos, tanto en la casa como en la escuela, favorece que los adolescentes que padecen de una alta prevalencia de victimización puedan mantener niveles superiores de satisfacción con la vida respecto a los adolescentes que perciben bajo apoyo de los adultos. Finalmente, se discute la necesidad de que adultos en la escuela y padres realicen acciones coordinadas para prevenir y disminuir la prevalencia de este tipo de violencia entre compañeros/as.

There are still few studies relating bullying victimization and life satisfaction (LS). This study aimed to assess the mitigating effect of adult figures support (at school and home) on the relationship between bullying victimization and life satisfaction experienced by adolescents. To this end, a sample of 5774 adolescents from 71 schools located throughout the violent neighborhoods of Lima (Peru) was evaluated. A moderation analysis was performed to assess the moderating role of support adult figures from home and school. The results show that the support of adults at home and school mitigate the negative effect of bullying victimization on life satisfaction, and this effect is larger in the case of adult home support. Adult support at home and school help students with high prevalence of bullying victimization maintain high levels of life satisfaction compared to adolescents with low support from adults. Finally, the need for adults at school and home to take joint measures to prevent and reduce the prevalence of this type of peer violence is discussed.

CrossFit is recognized as one of the fastest growing high-intensity functional training modes in the world. However, scientific data regarding the practice of CrossFit is sparse. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the findings of scientific literature related to CrossFit via systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme/MedLine, and SciELO online databases were conducted for articles reporting the effects of CrossFit training. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The Oxford Levels of Evidence was used for all included articles, and only studies that investigated the effects of CrossFit as a training program were included in the meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, effect sizes (ESs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed using a random-effects model. Thirty-one articles were included in the systematic review and four were included in the meta-analysis. However, only two studies had a high level of evidence at low risk of bias. Scientific literature related to CrossFit has reported on body composition, psycho-physiological parameters, musculoskeletal injury risk, life and health aspects, and psycho-social behavior. In the meta-analysis, significant results were not found for any variables. The current scientific literature related to CrossFit has few studies with high level of evidence at low risk of bias. However, preliminary data has suggested that CrossFit practice is associated with higher levels of sense of community, satisfaction, and motivation.

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the fish assemblages of Andean mountain streams is restricted to accessible areas. This study is the first biological survey of the remote Suaza River in the Colombian Andes, at its source in the Cueva de los Guácharos National Park. Mechanistic insight into the ecological patterns and gradients of the river is provided, focusing on the spatial distribution of fish communities in relation to environmental variables and habitat characteristics. Electrofishing surveys and macroinvertebrate sampling were carried out, the river habitat was characterized, three environmental quality indices were applied, and potential water pollutant concentrations were measured. Twenty-seven fish species were recorded – two of them exotic (Poecilia reticulataand Xiphophorus hellerii) – as well as 45 macroinvertebrate families. Fish species richness was higher at lower altitudes with gentle slopes, where habitat temperature, size and heterogeneity were higher. Although macroinvertebrate diversity slightly increased downstream following a similar pattern as fish species richness, it declined at lower sites. Fish assemblages were distributed in three clusters corresponding to headwaters, middle sections and lower reaches of the river, showing correlations with environmental factors, suggesting habitat preferences. Although the headwaters of the Suaza River remains pristine inside the park, human influence is responsible for ecosystem alteration downstream.

The present study proposes a multi-objective optimization method for wind and photovoltaic (PV) hybrid generation with battery energy storage, considering a tariff policy issue for the grid-connected residential scenario. The proposed method used the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to model two objective functions, one environmental (Carbon footprint) and the other financial (Net Present Value - NPV) in relation to four controllable variables. To perform the multi-objective optimization, the Normal-Boundary Intersection (NBI) was used to construct the Pareto frontier. Finally, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) criterion was used to select the best Pareto optimal point. The proposed model was applied in Brazilian cities from different geographic regions. The main results of the study indicated that only regions with favorable environmental conditions and higher energy tariffs became financially viable for the proposed model, with NPV values ranging from R$ −76,080.94 to R$ 69,675.23. As for the Carbon footprint (emission of CO2eq), the values ranged from 8951.47 to 27,939.78 kgCO2/kWh, being strongly influenced by the adopted power generation technology. The use of LCOE to select the best solution provided a metric for the cost of implementing a technology, whose values ranged from 1.093 to 1.981 R$/kWh. It is still not advantageous to opt for the use of batteries for later use at peak hours, even when the tariff modality selected was the white tariff; and energy storage systems that could enable the implementation of this policy proved to be economically unfeasible. In the current Brazilian legislation, the services and benefits generated by energy storage are not remunerated, which penalizes the investment in this type of technology. As proved, solar PV technology, despite being cheaper, was penalized by a greater need for storage capacity, which led to optimal configurations with greater participation of wind generation. This indicates the need for incentives mainly related to wind energy and batteries, which are still expensive elements in the national scenario for a residential generation, reducing the probability of achieving economic viability.

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins comprise a large family of helical repeat proteins that influence gene expression in mitochondria and chloroplasts. PPR tracts can bind RNA via a modular one repeat–one nucleotide mechanism in which the nucleotide is specified by the identities of several amino acids in each repeat. This mode of recognition, the so-called PPR code, offers opportunities for the prediction of native PPR binding sites and the design of proteins to bind specified RNAs.However, a deep understanding of the parameters that dictate the affinity and specificity of PPR–RNA interactions is necessary to realize these goals. We report a comprehensive analysis of the sequence specificity of PPR10, a protein that binds similar RNA sequences of ∼18 nucleotides (nt) near the chloroplast atpHand psaJgenes in maize. We assessed the contribution of each nucleotide in the atpHbinding site to PPR10 affinity in vitro by analyzing the effects of single-nucleotide changes at each position. In a complementary approach, the RNAs bound by PPR10 from partially randomized RNA pools were analyzed by deep sequencing. The results revealed three patches in which nucleotide identity has a major impact on binding affinity. These include 5 nt for which protein contacts were not observed in a PPR10–RNA crystal structure and 4 nt that are not explained by current views of the PPR code. These findings highlight aspects of PPR–RNA interactions that pose challenges for binding site prediction and design.

ABSTRACTAssessment of freshwater ecosystems is crucial for measuring their ecological status and providing primary information for their conservation. This editorial introduces a special section of Inland Waters regarding the study of ecological monitoring and biodiversity conservation of inland waters. Papers in this special section of Inland Waters are briefly described and a synthesis of the topic is provided to offer a summary of contents and an overview of the subject matter.

AbstractThis work provides insight into an Andean–Amazonian river system by conducting a comprehensive study of the biodiversity and ecological processes in a poorly studied neotropical freshwater ecosystem. Hacha River in western Colombia harbours a rich and largely unknown biodiversity and is experiencing an increase in anthropogenic impacts from the city of Florencia. Changes in natural habitat characteristics and environmental quality were analysed and related to the distribution of fish and macroinvertebrates. Four environmental quality indices were applied, and concentrations of potential water pollutants were measured. All environmental quality indices used were reliable because they produced similar assessments of the ecological integrity of the study sites and were inversely related to the potential water pollutant concentrations. Fish and macroinvertebrate communities notably changed in response to differences in environmental quality, reinforcing the ecological integrity assessments. Nevertheless, natural gradients that influence fish and macroinvertebrate distributions showed an overlap with changes in environmental quality, thereby confounding the ability to discern the influence of natural and anthropogenic-induced alterations and to confirm an initials hift in fish assemblages due to anthropogenic impacts.

AbstractThe Owens Tui Chub Siphateles bicolor snyderihas become endangered by introgressive hybridization with the Lahontan Tui Chub S. bicolor obesasince the 1960s. Adequate conservation strategies require prior identification of pure populations, which is usually difficult because the diagnostic features presented in the formal subspecies description do not always allow unequivocal determination of populations. In the present study, the shape and some meristic features of the scales, along with the shape of other bones with taxonomic value, were analyzed to distinguish both parental subspecies and their hybrids in samples diagnosed in a previous work using microsatellite DNA. Scales, pharyngeal arches, dentaries, cleithra, and opercula of 211 individuals from 16 localities across the Owens River and neighbouring basins in California and Nevada were compared. The results show that the meristic parameters of the scales were in agreement with values provided by Miller (1973) for the parental subspecies. Shape analyses were based on landmark or Fourier methods, depending on the shape characteristic of each structure. Geometric morphometric analyses provided variable discriminatory power between subspecies depending on the studied bone. In scales, pharyngeal arches, and dentaries, the derived morphological patterns matched the shape descriptions set forth by Miller (1973) for both parental subspecies. In all cases, the observed morphometric variability of hybrids was too high to separate them from parental subspecies. However, joint analysis of the five structures produced groupings that were concordant with the genetic analyses: localities of parental subspecies in separate groups and an intermediate group with the hybrid swarm localities that was morphologically closer to Lahontan. Finally, a new derived parameter (the ratio between scale lengths from the anterior and posterior body) is suggested as a promising tool for rapid discrimination of Owens Tui Chub from Lahontan Tui Chub and their hybrid populations.Received August 5, 2014; accepted December 4, 2014

AbstractInvasive alien species present a global threat to biodiversity, particularly where pathogens and symbionts are involved. Branchiobdellidans are clitellate annelids with an obligate ectosymbiotic association primarily on astacoidean crayfish. There are several examples of branchiobdellidan species adopting a geographically exotic host where endemic and exotic crayfishes cohabit the same water body. The first records of a western North American branchiobdellidan, Xironogiton victoriensis, adopting the eastern North American crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, in 2 river basins in Spain provide further evidence of the ectosymbionts’ tolerance to adopt an exotic host. Given worldwide translocations of these and other commercial crayfish species, limnologists and agency managers need to be alert for further introductions of X. victoriensisand other branchiobdellidans. Impacts of these exotic ectosymbionts on habitat and biota at a new location are unknown, as are their consequences on native biodiversity.

A Waveform Generation Language for Arbitrary Waveform Synthesis THE WAVEFORM GENERATION LANGUAGE (WGL) was developed by Hewlett-Packard as a software tool for waveform design and analysis. Running on HP 9000 […]

The functions of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have remained elusive since more than 50 years. Previous reports have identified several independent processes affected by the loss and subsequent recovery of REM sleep (hippocampal neurogenesis, brain stem neuronal cell death, and neurotransmitter content in several brain regions); however, a common underlying mechanism has not been found. We propose that altered brain homeostasis secondary to blood-brain barrier breakdown may explain all those changes induced by REM sleep loss. Therefore, the present report aimed to study the consequences of REM sleep restriction upon blood-brain barrier permeability to Evans blue. REM sleep restriction was induced by the multiple platform technique; male rats were REM sleep restricted 20h daily (with 4h sleep opportunity) during 10 days; control groups included large platform and intact rats. To study blood-brain barrier permeability Evans blue was intracardially administered; stained brains were sliced and photographed for optical density quantification. An independent experiment was carried out to elucidate the mechanism of blood-brain breakdown by transmission electron microscopy. REM sleep restriction increased blood-brain barrier permeability to Evans blue in the whole brain as compared to both control groups. Brief periods of sleep recovery rapidly and effectively restored the severe alteration of blood-brain barrier function by reducing blood-to-brain transfer of Evans blue. The mechanism of bloodbrain barrier breakdown involved increased caveolae formation at brain endothelial cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that REM sleep regulates the physical barrier properties of the blood-brain barrier.

Eurasian otters Lutra lutra (L.) are known to be opportunistic, exploiting the most abundant prey available, however, there have been few studies of otter diet in lowland areas of Britain. The Somerset Levels and Moors, a coastal flood plain and marsh area of 64 000 ha in SW England, is an otter stronghold where a number of introduced, non-native fishes (common carp Cyprinus carpio, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus) have been introduced, with the latter species occurring locally in high abundances. The present study aimed to determine whether otters of the Somerset Levels are preying on, and thus represent ‘biological resistance’ to, these non-native fishes. In 2004–2005, otter spraints (feces) were collected seasonally in areas of the Levels also subjected to fisheries surveys, and the data were used to determine diet composition and preferences. Otter diet was dominated by European eel Anguilla anguilla and threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, and non-native species occurred relatively rarely (carp, sunbleak) or not at all (pumpkinseed) in the otter spraints. Seasonal variations in otter diet were observed, with birds notable for summer and sticklebacks for winter. Despite their relative prominence in the Somerset Levels, non-native fish species represented minor components of the otter's diet, a pattern also observed in Spain. In particular, the popular angling species (carp) was taken infrequently, but the species of high conservation interest (eel) was a preferred and common item in otter diet.

AbstractScales of eight common European cyprinid species were studied. Six scales were extracted from each specimen from three predetermined body areas. The main differences among the species' scales were described. Maximum and minimum lateral radius and maximum length were measured, and the number of radii noted. The relationships between standard length and scale measurements were best described by power functions, and maximum length showed the best fit in most of the analyzed cases. Scales from different body areas showed significant differences in body length estimates. The number of radii increased with age in all species, except for goldfish Carassius auratus, roach Rutilus rutilus, and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus. This number might be related to the general activity of the fish or to environmental conditions. Much information can be obtained from scales, but it should be interpreted with care. Detailed and precise scale studies are needed for diet analyses and piscivorous impact evaluation.

Herein, we describe the unique interplay among biomedical ethics, principles of distributive justice, and economic theory to highlight the role of health technology assessments to compare therapeutic options for aortic valve replacement. From the perspective of the Canadian health care system, transcatheter aortic-valve implantation is associated with higher costs but also higher incremental health benefits compared with surgical aortic-valve replacement. At current willingness to pay thresholds, transcatheter aortic-valve replacement is likely cost effective across the spectrum of risk, from inoperable patients to those at low surgical risk. However, we highlight the nuances within each subgroup of surgical risk that merit careful consideration by the heart team. Moreover, incorporation of patients and their preferences in decision making is key. In particular, in young, low-risk patients, there remains uncertainty regarding the optimal treatment, with unique concerns around valve durability, selection of valve prosthesis, and consideration for special procedures such as the Ross procedure. Nonetheless, current research suggests that, universally, patients prefer a less invasive approach compared with a more invasive approach. Finally, we highlight that there remain critical issues around timeliness of access to care and unacceptable geographic inequities across Canada. Further research into alternative funding mechanisms and integrated cross-sector care pathways is necessary to address these issues.

We present evidence of volcano‐tectonic interactions at Sabancaya volcano that we relate to episodic magma injection and high regional fluid pore pressures. We present a surface deformation time series at Sabancaya including observations from ERS‐1/2, Envisat, Sentinel‐1, COSMO‐SkyMed, and TerraSAR‐X that spans June 1992 to February 2019. These data show deep‐seated inflation northwest of Sabancaya from 1992–1997 and 2013–2019, as well as creep and rupture on multiple faults. Afterslip on the Mojopampa fault following a 2013 MW5.9 earthquake is anomalously long lived, continuing for at least 6 years. The best fit fault plane for the afterslip is right‐lateral motion on an EW striking fault at 1 km depth. We also model surface deformation from two 2017 earthquakes (MW4.4 and MW5.2) on unnamed faults, for which the best fit models are NW striking normal faults at 1–2 km depth. Our best fit model for a magmatic inflation source (13 km depth, volume change of 0.04 to 0.05 km3yr−1) induces positive Coulomb static stress changes on these modeled fault planes. Comparing these deformation results with evidence from satellite thermal and degassing data, field observations, and seismic records, we interpret strong pre‐eruptive seismicity at Sabancaya as a consequence of magmatic intrusions destabilizing tectonic faults critically stressed by regionally high fluid pressures. High fluid pressure likely also promotes fault creep driven by static stress transfer from the inflation source. We speculate that combining high pore fluid pressures with sufficiently large, offset magmatic inflation can promote strong earthquakes during volcanic unrest. InSAR analysis provides evidence for laterally and vertically complex volcanic plumbing system at SabancayaHigh fluid pressure at Sabancaya promotes strong seismicity during 2012–2019 eruptive periodHigh fluid pressure and static stress transfer from deep inflation promote long‐lived fault creep

ABSTRACTThe salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway is the only mechanism known for Na+extrusion in plant cells. SOS pathway activation involves Ca2+-sensing proteins, such as calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins, and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). In this signalling mechanism, a transit increase in cytosolic Ca2+concentration triggered by Na+accumulation is perceived by CBL (also known as SOS3). Afterward, SOS3 physically interacts with a CIPK (also known as SOS2), forming the SOS2/SOS3 complex, which can regulate the number downstream targets, controlling ionic homeostasis. For instance, the SOS2/SOS3 complex phosphorylates and activates the SOS1 plasmalemma protein, which is a Na+/H+antiporter that extrudes Na+out of the cell. The CBL-CIPK networking system displays specificity, complexity and diversity, constituting a critical response against salt stress and other abiotic stresses. In a study reported in the journal Plant and Cell Physiology, we showed that NH4+induces the robust activation of transporters for Na+homeostasis in root cells, especially the SOS1 antiporter and plasma membrane H+-ATPase, differently than does NO3−. Despite some studies having shown that external NH4+ameliorates salt-induced effects on ionic homeostasis, there is no evidence that NH4+per seor some product of its assimilation is responsible for these responses. Here, we speculate about the signalling role behind glutamine in CBL-CIPK modulation, which could effectively activate the SOS pathway in NH4+-fed stressed plants.