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A key assumption in trophic position (TP) estimation using stable isotope analysis is that consumers are in isotopic equilibrium with their resources. Here, we assess the degree to which time‐varying resource dynamics and isotope incorporation rates of consumers influence consumer TP estimates across multiple trophic levels and aquatic ecosystems. We constructed a first‐order kinetics model to explore consumer stable isotope incorporation rates and modeled the effect on TP calculations using bulk and compound‐specific stable isotope data from previous experimental and observational studies. We found TP estimates of higher trophic level consumers are less accurate than lower trophic level consumers when applying bulk stable isotope analysis (BSIA) and using particulate organic matter as the stable isotope baseline. The accuracy of TP estimates depended on the time‐varying dynamics of the stable isotope baseline. Tertiary consumers had the highest TP estimation error, and this error was not eliminated by sampling tissues with fast incorporation rates (i.e., blood) in the tertiary consumer. Compound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of individual amino acids was more accurate in estimating TP for all consumers and ecosystems compared to BSIA. Our analysis confirms that consideration for the dynamic nature of stable isotope ratios is necessary for accurate TP estimates. Finally, we show how first‐order kinetics models can provide a useful framework for integrating prey and consumer incorporation rates in stable isotope studies to improve TP estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of females to store sperm for extended periods in their reproductive tracts (termed long‐term sperm storage, LTSS) has been reported across a diversity of vertebrate taxa. The evolutionary, ecological, and physiological significance of LTSS is wide‐ranging and includes the ability to produce offspring when mates may be temporally scarce by way of decoupling copulation from ovulation, inbreeding avoidance, and the generation and maintenance of genetic diversity in progeny. Among vertebrate lineages, nonavian reptiles exhibit a remarkable capacity for LTSS, with the production of viable offspring reported after periods exceeding 6 years since prior contact with a potential mate. Given that female reptiles are able to store viable sperm for prolonged periods, it is important to disentangle LTSS from that of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), a reproductive trait which appears widespread among all reptile lineages. The implications of this distinction are particularly important in the context of the development and management of captive breeding programs. To accurately determine between the two reproductive strategies, genomic screening is highly recommended. Following a period of isolation for 13 months from a potential male mate, a female Himalayan Mountain Pitviper (Ovophis monticola) produced a clutch of three male offspring. Here, through genome‐scale analyses of the female and her progeny, we document the first record of LTSS in this genus and exclude FP as the alternative hypothesis. Research Highlights: A female mountain pitviper produced three male offspring after 13 months of isolation.Genome‐scale analyses confirm long‐term sperm storage as the mechanism, rejecting the alternative strategy of facultative parthenogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This review concerns a series of dominantly inherited haemolytic anaemias in which the membrane of the erythrocyte 'leaks' the univalent cations, compromising the osmotic stability of the cell. The majority of the conditions are explained by mutations in one of six genes, coding for multispanning membrane proteins of different structure and function. These are: RhAG, coding for an ammonium carrier; SLC4A1, coding for the band 3 anion exchanger; PIEZO1, coding for a mechanosensitive cation channel; GLUT1, coding for a glucose transporter; KCNN4, coding for an internal‐calcium‐activated potassium channel; and ABCB6, coding for a porphyrin transporter. This review describes the five clinical syndromes associated with genetic defects in these genes and their variable genotype/phenotype relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators must contend with numerous challenges to successfully find and subjugate prey. Complex traits related to hunting are partially controlled by a large number of co‐evolved genes, which may be disrupted in hybrids. Accordingly, research on the feeding ecology of animals in hybrid zones has shown that hybrids sometimes exhibit transgressive or novel behaviors, yet for many taxa, empirical studies of predation and diet across hybrid zones are lacking. We undertook the first such field study for a hybrid zone between two snake species, the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) and the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Specifically, we leveraged established field methods to quantify the hunting behaviors of animals, their prey communities, and the diet of individuals across the hybrid zone in southwestern New Mexico, USA. We found that, even though hybrids had significantly lower body condition indices than snakes from either parental group, hybrids were generally similar to non‐hybrids in hunting behavior, prey encounter rates, and predatory attack and success. We also found that, compared to C. scutulatus, C. viridis was significantly more active while hunting at night and abandoned ambush sites earlier in the morning, and hybrids tended to be more viridis‐like in this respect. Prey availability was similar across the study sites, including within the hybrid zone, with kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) as the most common small mammal, both in habitat surveys and the frequency of encounters with hunting rattlesnakes. Analysis of prey remains in stomachs and feces also showed broad similarity in diets, with all snakes preying primarily on small mammals and secondarily on lizards. Taken together, our results suggest that the significantly lower body condition of hybrids does not appear to be driven by differences in their hunting behavior or diet and may instead relate to metabolic efficiency or other physiological traits we have not yet identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a common highly symptomatic form of ulcerative colitis that can be difficult to treat. Aim: To assess the efficacy of medical treatments for UP. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL on 23 November 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of medical therapy for adults with UP. Primary outcomes included induction and maintenance of clinical remission. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each outcome. Results: We included 53 RCTs (n = 4096) including 46 induction studies (n = 3731) and seven maintenance studies (n = 365). First‐line therapies included topical 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), conventional corticosteroids, budesonide, and oral 5‐ASA. Therapy for refractory UP included topical tacrolimus and small molecules. Topical 5‐ASA was superior to placebo for induction (RR 2.72, 95% CI 1.94–3.82) and maintenance of remission (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.26–3.46). Topical corticosteroids were superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.62–4.92). Topical budesonide was superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.34, 95% CI 1.44–3.81). Combination therapy with topical 5‐ASA and topical corticosteroids was superior to topical monotherapy with either agent. Topical tacrolimus was superior to placebo. Etrasimod was superior to placebo for induction (RR 4.71, 95% CI 1.2–18.49) and maintenance of remission (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.31–3.32). Conclusions: Topical 5‐ASA and corticosteroids are effective for active UP. Topical 5‐ASA may be effective for maintenance of remission. Tacrolimus may be effective for induction of remission. Etrasimod may be effective for induction and for maintenance of remission. Trials should include UP to expand the evidence base for this under‐represented population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tagging techniques have been applied to the GI tract to assess bowel contractions and content mixing. We aimed to evaluate the dependence of a tagging measurement (for assessing chyme mixing) on inter‐observer variability in both the ascending colon (AC) and descending colon (DC) and to investigate the temporal variation and hence reliability of the colonic tagging technique by acquiring multiple measurements over time on healthy participants. Methods: Two independent datasets of healthy adults were used for the retrospective inter‐observer variability (Study 1: 13 datasets and Study 2: 31 datasets), and ten participants were scanned for the prospective temporal variation study following a 1 L mannitol oral preparation. All colonic tagging data were acquired on 3 T MRI scanners. The mean and the standard deviation (SD) maps were generated pixel‐by‐pixel using custom‐written software in MATLAB. The colonic regions of interest were defined using MIPAV software. Bland–Altman plots and scatter plots were used for the inter‐observer variability. The mean and SD of all repeated measures for each subject were calculated along with a one‐way ANOVA to test for variations with time. Results: Scatter plots and Bland–Altman plots showed a large range of data with low variation and small limits of agreements (<5% CoV). The intraclass correlation coefficient of inter‐rater reliability was excellent and 0.97 or above for the AC and DC measurements for both datasets. The temporal variation study shows that there was no significant difference found between the multiple measures with time (p = 0.53, one‐way repeated measures ANOVA test). Conclusions: MRI tagging technique can provide an assessment of colonic chyme mixing. The inter‐observer study data showed high inter‐rater agreement. The temporal variation study showed some individual variations with time suggesting multiple measurements may be needed to increase accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animal species exist in fission–fusion societies, where the size and composition of conspecific groups change spatially and temporally. To help investigate such phenomena, social network analysis (SNA) has emerged as a powerful conceptual and analytical framework for assessing patterns of interconnectedness and quantifying group‐level interactions. We leveraged behavioral observations via radiotelemetry and genotypic data from a long‐term (>10 years) study on the pitviper Crotalus atrox (western diamondback rattlesnake) and used SNA to quantify the first robust demonstration of social network structures for any free‐living snake. Group‐level interactions among adults in this population resulted in structurally modular networks (i.e., distinct clusters of interacting individuals) for fidelis use of communal winter dens (denning network), mating behaviors (pairing network), and offspring production (parentage network). Although the structure of each network was similar, the size and composition of groups varied among them. Specifically, adults associated with moderately sized social groups at winter dens but often engaged in reproductive behaviors—both at and away from dens—with different and fewer partners. Additionally, modules formed by individuals in the pairing network were frequently different from those in the parentage network, likely due to multiple mating, long‐term sperm storage by females, and resultant multiple paternity. Further evidence for fission–fusion dynamics exhibited by this population—interactions were rare when snakes were dispersing to and traversing their spring–summer home ranges (to which individuals show high fidelity), despite ample opportunities to associate with numerous conspecifics that had highly overlapping ranges. Taken together, we show that long‐term datasets incorporating SNA with spatial and genetic information provide robust and unique insights to understanding the social structure of cryptic taxa that are understudied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is a winter oilseed crop that also functions as cover crop, oil feedstock for biofuel, and novel plant‐based protein. New pennycress specialty varieties were developed by conventional breeding techniques, but protein chemical and functional traits are still unknown. This research evaluated three new lines (black‐seeded B3 and yellow‐seeded TTG1/Y1126 and TT8) for protein extractability and functionality. Seeds were ground cryogenically and then hexane‐defatted until residual oil content was 0.5%–0.7% dry basis, db. Protein in defatted seed meals was extracted using saline method (1: 10 wt/vol, 0.1 M NaCl, 2 h, 50°C). TT8 and Y1126 had greater protein recoveries (ca. 50%) than those of B3 (36%) and wild‐type pennycress (WTP, 40%). TT8 produced higher purity protein isolate (94.3%) than did Y1126 (75.0%) and B3 (71.3%). TT8 and Y1126 protein band patterns were different from WTP and B3, reflecting varietal changes. The new varieties' protein extracts were more soluble than WTP protein in acidic pH, with TT8 showing the highest solubility (81%–93%). TT8, Y1126 and B3 foaming capacities (113–135 ml) were superior to those of WTP (101–107 ml). Emulsification properties (EAI 95–230 m2/g protein, ESI 13–24 min) were similar and increased with pH. B3, Y1126, and TT8 formed heat‐induced gels at much lower concentration than did WTP (3% vs. 6%) and their water‐holding capacities (pH 7) were two to fivefold greater. This work demonstrated that mutations in the TTG1 or TT8 gene in yellow‐seeded lines resulted in improved protein recoveries and functionalities that are desirable in plant‐based proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Understanding the response of predators to ecological change at multiple temporal scales can elucidate critical predator–prey dynamics that would otherwise go unrecognized. We performed compound‐specific nitrogen stable isotope analysis of amino acids on 153 harbor seal museum skull specimens to determine how trophic position of this marine predator has responded to ecosystem change over the past century. The relationships between harbor seal trophic position, ocean condition, and prey abundance, were analyzed using hierarchical modeling of a multi‐amino‐acid framework and applying 1, 2, and 3 years temporal lags. We identified delayed responses of harbor seal trophic position to both physical ocean conditions (upwelling, sea surface temperature, freshwater discharge) and prey availability (Pacific hake, Pacific herring, and Chinook salmon). However, the magnitude and direction of the trophic position response to ecological changes depended on the temporal delay. For example, harbor seal trophic position was negatively associated with summer upwelling but had a 1‐year delayed response to summer sea surface temperature, indicating that some predator responses to ecosystem change are not immediately observable. These results highlight the importance of considering dynamic responses of predators to their environment as multiple ecological factors are often changing simultaneously and can take years to propagate up the food web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational models are useful to estimate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions at regional scales. However, empirically based parameter values are required for the models to accurately represent carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization rates of different organic amendments in more and less humid regions or during wet and dry periods of the growing season. A controlled environment study was conducted to assess the rates of C and N mineralization in differently processed sewage sludge (biosolids) in wet and dry soil. Parameter values were estimated for use in modelling the degradation of three types of biosolids. A loam soil with either 49% water‐filled pore space (WFPS) or 29% WFPS was amended with mesophilic anaerobically digested (digested), alkaline‐stabilized, or composted biosolids. Headspace samples were collected and analysed for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and soil samples for nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+). Four different first‐order models were fitted to the cumulative CO2–C and N2O–N data (R2 > 0.98), and soil NO3− (R2 > 0.65) and NH4+ (R2 > 0.93) concentrations. CO2–C data indicated that C mineralization was higher in soil with 49% WFPS than in soils with 29% WFPS. Seventy‐nine percent of the C compounds in digested biosolids degraded in soil with 49% WFPS, compared with 52% for alkaline‐stabilized biosolids and 8% for composted biosolids. The fitted coefficient values were similar for all of the four first‐order models used in this study and provide useful information for parameterizing more sophisticated mechanistic models of the degradation of biosolids in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aetiology of sickle cell disease is well known, but pathogenesis is complicated and details remain uncertain. A thorough understanding may suggest novel ways for designing more effective therapies. One area of importance, covered here in Nader et al., is the altered cation permeability of sickle cells and how the co‐ordinated operation of a number of membrane transport proteins contributes to disease progression, all driven by the initial event of HbS polymerisation. There are echoes here of the cation leaks of hereditary stomatocytosis. Nader et al. propose a central role for PIEZO1, a novel mechanosensitive channel found in red cells, which may be aberrantly activated in sickle cells following HbS polymerisation and which may have potential as a novel target for future chemotherapies. Commentary on: Nader et al. Piezo1 activation augments sickling propensity and the adhesive properties of sickle red blood cells in a calcium‐dependent manner. Br J Haematol 2023;202:657–668. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For instance, being anchored to specific habitat features that are essential for survival (eg winter shelters for temperate species) likely renders snakes reluctant to disperse long distances and thus unable to effectively respond to habitat loss and changing climate regimes (Deutsch I et al i . For example, intra- or interspecific transmission of the fungal pathogen causing ophidiomycosis, an emerging snake-specific disease afflicting numerous species, may occur in shared winter shelters (Tetzlaff I et al i . In addition to these direct impacts, indirect effects due to communal hyperfidelity may negatively affect snake populations. [Extracted from the article]

Biological monitoring is important for assessing the ecological condition of surface waters. However, there are challenges in determining what constitutes reference conditions, what assemblages should be used as indicators, and how assemblage data should be converted into quantitative indicator scores. In this study, we developed and applied biological condition gradient (BCG) modeling to fish and macroinvertebrate data previously collected from large, sandy bottom southwestern USA rivers. Such rivers are particularly vulnerable to altered flow regimes resulting from dams, water withdrawals and climate change. We found that sensitive ubiquitous taxa for both fish and macroinvertebrates had been replaced by more tolerant taxa, but that the condition assessment ratings based on fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages differed. We conclude that the BCG models based on both macroinvertebrate and fish assemblage condition were useful for classifying the condition of southwestern USA sandy bottom rivers. However, our fish BCG model was slightly more sensitive than the macroinvertebrate model to anthropogenic disturbance, presumably because we had historical fish data, and because fish may be more sensitive to dams and altered flow regimes than are macroinvertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watershed classification has long been a key tool in the hydrological sciences, but few studies have been extended to biogeochemistry. We developed a combined hydro‐biogeochemical classification for watersheds draining to the coastal margin of the Northeast Pacific coastal temperate rainforest (1,443,062 km2), including 2,695 small coastal rivers (SCR) and 10 large continental watersheds. We used cluster analysis to group SCR watersheds into 12 types, based on watershed properties. The most important variables for distinguishing SCR watershed types were evapotranspiration, slope, snowfall, and total precipitation. We used both streamflow and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) measurements from rivers (n = 104 and 90 watersheds respectively) to validate the classification. Watershed types corresponded with broad differences in streamflow regime, mean annual runoff, DOC seasonality, and mean DOC concentration. These links between watershed type and river conditions enabled the first region‐wide empirical characterization of river hydro‐biogeochemistry at the land‐sea margin, spanning extensive ungauged and unsampled areas. We found very high annual runoff (mean > 3,000 mm, n = 10) in three watershed types totaling 59,024 km2 and ranging from heavily glacierized mountain watersheds with high flow in summer to a rain‐fed mountain watershed type with high flow in fall‐winter. DOC hotspots (mean > 4 mg L−1, n = 14) were found in three other watershed types (48,557 km2) with perhumid rainforest climates and less‐mountainous topography. We described four patterns of DOC seasonality linked to watershed hydrology, with fall‐flushing being widespread. Hydro‐biogeochemical watershed classification may be useful for other complex regions with sparse observation networks. Plain Language Summary: Watersheds transfer large amounts of freshwater to the ocean, yet each watershed does this differently from the next. Geographic differences in climate and topography affect the global biogeochemical cycling of elements like carbon. However, most rivers in regions like the carbon‐dense rainforest of western North America have no measurements of streamflow or carbon, making it hard to predict how river dynamics change across geographic locations. Our goal was to classify and map watershed types for an entire coastal region, with consideration of both water and carbon. Our results show the locations of watershed types with very different amounts and seasonality of runoff and of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). While we focused on DOC, these watershed types might naturally differ in other aspects of river biogeochemistry such as organic nitrogen and iron. Maps of watershed types should help society understand how land and sea are linked together over complex regions within a changing climate. However, certain watershed types have little or no long‐term monitoring to guide climate adaptation. While many studies have classified watersheds from a hydrology perspective, few have considered carbon as well. Combining hydrology and biogeochemistry when mapping watershed types may be useful in other regions of the world. Key Points: Unsupervised classification of 12 watershed types based on watershed properties predicts aspects of river hydrology and biogeochemistryClimate and topography create complex spatial mosaics of watershed types, streamflow regimes, and dissolved organic carbon dynamicsWatershed classification for hydro‐biogeochemistry may be useful for predictive mapping in other complex regions with sparse observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective water release from the deeper pools of reservoirs alters the temperature of downstream rivers. Thermal destabilization of downstream rivers can be detrimental to the riverine ecosystem by disturbing the growth stages of various aquatic species. To predict this impact of planned hydropower dams worldwide, we present a framework called "FUture Temperatures Using River hISTory (FUTURIST)." The framework used historical records of in‐situ river temperatures for existing dams in the U.S. and remote sensing observations for those in other regions to train an artificial neural network (ANN) model that predicts temperature change between upstream and downstream rivers. Validation of FUTURIST‐modeled impacts for dams worldwide showed promising results with a root mean squared error of 2.5°C (0.9°C) and categorical accuracy of 63% (88%) during the summer (winter) season. The trained ANN model afforded prediction of the likely thermal impacts of 216 planned dams. Results suggest that during the summer season, 73% of future dams will potentially cool downstream rivers by up to 6.6°C. Winter season operations were predicted to consistently warm downstream rivers by temperatures of up to 2°C. Reservoirs that experience strong stratification have the most potential to impact downstream pre‐dam thermal regimes. For copious existing or planned dams worldwide that are yet to be mapped of their thermal impacts, FUTURIST provides an efficient path forward to carry out a global thermal assessment and design sustainable hydropower expansion plans so that the upcoming dams can be operated in a more eco‐sensitive manner than the existing ones. Plain Language Summary: Today, aquatic biodiversity is at a very high risk in many large river systems such as the Congo, Amazon, and Mekong, where extensive hydropower dams are planned. In this study, we present a global study to map the impact of planned hydropower dams on the thermal regime of the river system. A machine learning model was used to learn how the design and operations of existing dams across the globe have altered river temperatures downstream of the dams. This model was validated globally over another set of dams and then used to predict the impact of future dams. An assessment of 216 such planned dams revealed that the vast majority will likely to reduce the summer temperatures and to increase the winter temperatures. Our framework, which is easy to implement and produces quick results, can aid in prioritizing hydropower infrastructure in the context of renewable energy generation and proactively address the serious impacts on our ecosystem and river habitat. Key Points: Past records of thermal impacts can help predict the likely impact of future damsWe predict a shift toward lower summer temperatures and higher winter temperatures for downstream rivers due to planned dam operationsReservoirs with strong thermal stratification tend to severely impact downstream thermal regime [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Fatigue is the inability to achieve or maintain an expected work output resulting from central or peripheral mechanisms. The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) fatigue can reach 86% in active disease, persisting in 50%‐52% of patients with mild to inactive disease. Fatigue is the commonest reason for work absence in IBD, and patients often report fatigue burden to be greater than that of primary disease symptoms. Relatively few evidence‐based treatment options exist, and the aetiology is poorly understood. Aim: To review the available data and suggest a possible aetiology of IBD fatigue and to consider the efficacy of existing management strategies and highlight potential future interventions. Methods: We reviewed fatigue‐related literature in IBD using PubMed database. Results: Disease related factors such as inflammation and pharmacological treatments negatively impact skeletal muscle and brain physiology, likely contributing to fatigue symptoms. Secondary factors such as malnutrition, anaemia, sleep disturbance and psychological comorbidity are potential determinants. Immune profile, faecal microbiota composition and physical fitness differ significantly between fatigued and non‐fatigued patients, suggesting these may be aetiological factors. Solution‐focused therapy, high‐dosage thiamine supplementation and biological therapy may reduce fatigue perception in IBD. The effect of physical activity interventions is inconclusive. Conclusions: A multimodal approach is likely required to treat IBD fatigue. Established reversible factors like anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies and active disease should initially be resolved. Psychosocial intervention shows potential efficacy in reducing fatigue perception in quiescent disease. Restoring physical deconditioning by exercise training intervention may further improve fatigue burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in high‐frequency environmental sensing and statistical approaches have greatly expanded the breadth of knowledge regarding aquatic ecosystem metabolism—the measurement and interpretation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). Aquatic scientists are poised to take advantage of widely available datasets and freely‐available modeling tools to apply functional information gained through ecosystem metabolism to help inform environmental management. Historically, several logistical and conceptual factors have limited the widespread application of metabolism in management settings. Benefitting from new instrumental and modeling tools, it is now relatively straightforward to extend routine monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO) to dynamic measures of aquatic ecosystem function (GPP and ER) and key physical processes such as gas exchange with the atmosphere (G). We review the current approaches for using DO data in environmental management with a focus on the United States, but briefly describe management frameworks in Europe and Canada. We highlight new applications of diel DO data and metabolism in regulatory settings and explore how they can be applied to managing and monitoring ecosystems. We then review existing data types and provide a short guide for implementing field measurements and modeling of ecosystem metabolic processes using currently available tools. Finally, we discuss research needed to overcome current conceptual limitations of applying metabolism in management settings. Despite challenges associated with modeling metabolism in rivers and lakes, rapid developments in this field have moved us closer to utilizing real‐time estimates of GPP, ER, and G to improve the assessment and management of environmental change. This article is categorized under:Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater EcosystemsWater and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic climate change will impact nutrient cycles, primary production, and ecosystem structure in the world's oceans, although considerable uncertainty exists regarding the magnitude and spatial variability of these changes. Understanding how regional‐scale ocean conditions control nutrient availability and ultimately nutrient assimilation into food webs will inform how marine resources will change in response to climate. To evaluate how ocean conditions influence the assimilation of nitrogen and carbon into coastal marine food webs, we applied a novel dimension reduction analysis to a century of newly acquired molecular isotope data derived from historic harbor seal bone specimens. By measuring bulk δ13C and δ15N values of source amino acids of these top predators from 1928 to 2014, we derive indices of primary production and nitrogen resources that are assimilated into food webs. We determined coastal food webs responded to climate regimes, coastal upwelling, and freshwater discharge, yet the strength of responses to individual drivers varied across the northeast Pacific. Indices of primary production and nitrogen availability in the Gulf of Alaska were dependent on regional climate indices (i.e., North Pacific Gyre Oscillation) and upwelling. In contrast, the coastal Washington and Salish Sea food webs were associated with local indices of freshwater discharge. For some regions (eastern Bering Sea, northern Gulf of Alaska) food web‐assimilated production was coupled with nitrogen sources; however, other regions demonstrated no production‐nitrogen coupling (Salish Sea). Temporal patterns of environmental indices and isotopic data from Washington state varied about the long‐term mean with no directional trend. Data from the Gulf of Alaska, however, showed below average harbor seal δ13C values and above average ocean conditions since 1975, indicating a change in primary production in recent decades. Altogether, these findings demonstrate stable isotope data can provide useful indices of nitrogen resources and phytoplankton dynamics specific to what is assimilated by food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kwakshua Watersheds Observatory (KWO) is an integrative watersheds observatory on the coastal margin of a rain‐dominated bog‐forest landscape in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Established in 2013, the goal of the KWO is to understand and model the flux of terrestrial materials from land to sea – the origins, pathways, processes and ecosystem consequences – in the context of long‐term environmental change. The KWO consists of seven gauged watersheds and a network of observation sites spanning from land to sea and along drainage gradients within catchments. Time‐series datasets include year‐round measurements of weather, soil hydrology, streamflow, aquatic biogeochemistry, microbial ecology and nearshore oceanographic conditions. Sensor measurements are recorded every 5 min and water samples are collected approximately monthly. Additional observations are made during high‐flow conditions. We used remote sensing to map watershed terrain, drainage networks, soils and terrestrial ecosystems. The watersheds range in size from 3.2 to 12.8 km2, with varying catchment characteristics that influence hydrological and biogeochemical responses. Despite local variation, the overall study area is a global hotspot for yields of dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved iron at the coastal margin. This observatory helps fill an important gap in the global network of observatories, in terms of spatial location (central coast of BC), climate (temperate oceanic), hydrology (very high runoff, pluvial regime), geology (igneous intrusive, glacially scoured), vegetation (bog rainforest) and soils (large stores of organic carbon). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern Mississippi River (M.R.) Delta is plumbed by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers, setting water and sediment dispersal pathways for Earth's fifth‐largest river system. The Atchafalaya River's (A.R.) partial annexation of discharge from the M.R., particularly between 1926 and 1950, prompted warnings of a rapid river avulsion and the construction of the Old River Control Structure to regulate flow. Natural and anthropogenic causes of this discharge annexation are difficult to disentangle. Here, we develop and validate a hydrodynamic model of flow partitioning through the historic channel network. We then isolate how several key changes to the system affected discharge partitioning and stage at the A.R.‐M.R. diversion. Simulations show that erosion of the upper A.R. can account for 73% of the water discharge increase. Dredging in the lower A.R. between 1932 and 1950 can account for 35% of the water discharge increase, and was also an important control on shear stress distribution. The lower M.R. was slightly erosional during this period, and therefore hindered the A.R. discharge increase. Significant lacustrine delta deposition in A.R. had little effect on partitioning. These findings highlight the importance of A.R. enlargement processes on avulsion dynamics at this site. Given the essential nature of this river junction to the society, transportation, and commerce of the United States, improved attribution of discharge increases may lead to future management strategies that are broadly impactful. Key Points: The rapid increase in discharge to the Atchafalaya River between 1926 and 1950 is explained first by natural erosion and second by dredgingErosion measured in the lower Mississippi River would have reduced Atchafalaya discharge had Atchafalaya Basin remained fixedDelta growth in the Atchafalaya Basin did not change partitioning, as it was downstream of a reach with steep water surface slope [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased small bowel permeability leads to bacterial translocation, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers are needed to evaluate these changes in vivo, stratify an individual's risk, and evaluate the efficacy of interventions. MRI is an established biomarker of small bowel inflammation.Purpose: To characterize changes in the small bowel with quantitative MRI measures associated with increased permeability induced by indomethacin.Study Type: Prospective single-center, double-blind, two-way crossover provocation study.Subjects: A provocation cohort (22 healthy volunteers) and intrasubject reproducibility cohort (8 healthy volunteers).Field Strength/sequence: 2D balanced turbo field echo sequences to measure small bowel wall thickness, T2 , and motility acquired at 3T.Assessment: Participants were randomized to receive indomethacin or placebo prior to assessment. After a minimum 2-week washout, measures were repeated with the alternative allocation. MR measures (wall thickness, T2 , motility) at each study visit were compared to the reference standard 2-hour lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion ratio (LMR) test performed by a lab technician. All analyses were performed blind.Statistical Tests: Normality was tested (Shapiro-Wilk's test). Paired testing (Student's t-test or Wilcoxon) determined the significance of paired differences with indomethacin provocation. Pearson's correlation coefficient compared significant measures with indomethacin provocation to LMR. Intrasubject (intraclass correlation) and interrater variability (Bland-Altman) were assessed.Results: Indomethacin provocation induced a significant increase in LMR compared to placebo (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in small bowel T2 (0.12 seconds compared to placebo 0.07 seconds, P < 0.05). Small bowel wall thickness (P = 0.17) and motility (P = 0.149) showed no significant change. T2 and LMR were positively correlated (r = 0.68, P < 0.05). T2 measurements were robust to interobserver (intraclass correlation 0.89) and intrasubject variability (Bland-Altman bias of 0.005 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.04 to +0.05 seconds, and 0.0006 seconds, 95% CI -0.05 to +0.06 seconds).Data Conclusion: MR measures of small bowel wall T2 were significantly increased following indomethacin provocation and correlated with 2-hour LMR test results.Level Of Evidence: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gait disturbance is an early, disabling feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) that is typically refractory to dopaminergic medication. The cortical cholinergic system, originating in the nucleus basalis of Meynert of the basal forebrain, has been implicated. However, it is not known if degeneration in this region relates to a worsening of disease‐specific gait impairment. Objective: To evaluate associations between sub‐regional cholinergic basal forebrain volumes and longitudinal progression of gait impairment in PD. Methods: 99 PD participants and 47 control participants completed gait assessments via an instrumented walkway during 2 minutes of continuous walking, at baseline and for up to 3 years, from which 16 spatiotemporal characteristics were derived. Sub‐regional cholinergic basal forebrain volumes were measured at baseline via MRI and a regional map derived from post‐mortem histology. Univariate analyses evaluated cross‐sectional associations between sub‐regional volumes and gait. Linear mixed‐effects models assessed whether volumes predicted longitudinal gait changes. Results: There were no cross‐sectional, age‐independent relationships between sub‐regional volumes and gait. However, nucleus basalis of Meynert volumes predicted longitudinal gait changes unique to PD. Specifically, smaller nucleus basalis of Meynert volume predicted increasing step time variability (P = 0.019) and shortening swing time (P = 0.015); smaller posterior nucleus portions predicted shortening step length (P = 0.007) and increasing step time variability (P = 0.041). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that degeneration of the cortical cholinergic system predicts longitudinal progression of gait impairments in PD. Measures of this degeneration may therefore provide a novel biomarker for identifying future mobility loss and falls. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our Gas/EA/IRMS technique might close this calibration gap, as it can be adapted to calibrate isotope ratios in non-CH 4 gases to available liquid/solid RMs. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Arobustmethodfordirectcalibrationofisotoperatiosin gasesagainstliquid/solidreferencematerials,includinga laboratorycomparisonfor 13 C-CH 4 Although stable carbon isotope ratios in atmospheric methane (CH 4) are frequently used to constrain biogeochemical processes responsible for the increase of this powerful greenhouse gas, 1-3 certified reference materials (RMs) for isotope ratios in CH 4 have been lacking for decades. Our Gas/EA/IRMS systems enable adherence to the PIT for the measurements of gaseous/liquid/solid samples, which is critical for the calibration of isotope ratios in gases against liquid/solid RMs with high accuracy. A robust method for direct calibration of isotope ratios in gases against liquid/solid reference materials, including a laboratory comparison for 13C-CH4. [Extracted from the article]

There are few resources available for assessing historical change in fish trophic dynamics, but specimens held in natural history collections could serve as this resource. In contemporary trophic ecology studies, trophic and source information can be obtained from compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids of nitrogen (CSIA‐AA‐N).We subjected whole Sebastes ruberrimus and Clupea pallasii to formalin fixation and 70% ethanol preservation. We extracted tissue samples from each fish pre‐fixation, after each chemical change, and then in doubling time for 32–64 days once placed in the final preservative. All samples were subjected to CSIA‐AA‐N, and their glutamic acid and phenylalanine profiles and associated trophic position were examined for differences over time by species.Glutamic acid and phenylalanine values were inconsistent in direction and magnitude, particularly during formalin fixation, but stabilized similarly (in 70% ethanol) among conspecifics. In some cases, the amino acid values of our final samples were significantly different than our initial pre‐preservation samples. Nonetheless, significant differences in glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and estimated trophic position were not detected among samples that were in 70% ethanol for >24 hr.Our results suggest that the relative trophic position of fluid‐preserved specimens can be estimated using CSIA‐AA‐N, and CSIA‐AA‐N estimates for fluid‐preserved specimens should only be reported as relative differences. Timelines of trophic position change can be developed by comparing specimens collected at different points in time, revealing trophic information of the past and cryptic ecosystem responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific salmon acquire most of their biomass in the ocean before returning to spawn and die in coastal streams and lakes, thus providing subsidies of marine-derived nitrogen (MDN) to freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent declines in salmon abundance have raised questions of whether managers should mitigate for losses of salmon MDN subsidies. To test the long-term importance of salmon subsidies to riparian ecosystems, we measured soil nitrogen cycling in response to a 20-yr manipulation where salmon carcasses were systematically removed from one bank and deposited on the opposite bank along a 2- km stream in southwestern Alaska. Soil samples were taken at different distances from the stream bank along nine paired transects and measured for organic and inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and nitrogen transformation rates. Marine-derived nitrogen was measured using 15N/14N for bulk soils, and NH+4 and NO-3 soil pools. Stable isotope analyses confirmed 15N/14N was elevated on the salmon-enhanced bank compared to the salmon-depleted bank. However, 15N/14N values of plant-available inorganic nitrogen exceeded the 15N/14N of salmon inputs, highlighting nitrogen isotope fractionation in soils that raises significant methodological issues with standard MDN assessments in riparian systems. Surprisingly, despite 20 yr of salmon supplementation, the presence of MDN did not cause a long-term increase in soil nitrogen availability. This finding indicates the importance of MDN to ecosystem nitrogen biogeochemistry, and riparian vegetation may be overestimated for some systems. Given that essential nutrients can also be pollutants, we urge more critical analyses of the role of MDN to inform compensatory mitigation programs targeting salmon nutrient enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cumulative dementia incidence in Parkinson's disease (PD) is significant, with major personal and socioeconomic impacts on individuals with PD and their carers. Early identification of dementia risk is vital to ensuring optimal intervention. Saccadic deficits often distinguish neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment, but their ability to predict cognitive decline in PD has yet to be determined. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate baseline (6.4 ± 6.1 months since PD diagnosis) differences in pro-saccadic metrics between those with early PD and healthy age-matched adults; and (2) assess the ability of baseline pro-saccades to predict subsequent cognitive decline over 4.5 years.Methods: One hundred and forty-one PD and 90 age-matched participants recruited at diagnosis underwent saccadometric assessment of pro-saccades at baseline and had cognition assessed at baseline, 18, 36, and 54 months. Pro-saccadic characteristics included latency, duration, amplitude, peak, and average velocity. Cognitive assessment included executive function, attention, fluctuating attention, and memory. Linear mixed-effects models examined pro-saccadic metrics as predictors of cognitive decline over 54 months.Results: Pro-saccades were significantly impaired at baseline in PD compared with controls. Pro-saccadic characteristics of latency, duration, peak, and average velocity predicted decline in global cognition, executive function, attention, and memory over 54 months in PD. In addition, only reduction in global cognition and attention were predicted by pro-saccadic metrics in age-matched adults, indicating that PD findings were not purely age related.Conclusions: Saccadic characteristics are impaired in early PD and are predictive of cognitive decline in several domains. Assessment of saccades may provide a useful non-invasive biomarker for long-term PD cognitive decline in early disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Accelerated induction regimens of infliximab have been proposed to improve response rates in patients with steroid‐refractory acute severe colitis. Aim: To determine the differences in outcome for acute severe ulcerative colitis between accelerated and standard‐dose infliximab Methods: We collected data on hospitalised patients receiving differing regimens of rescue therapy for steroid‐refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis. Our primary outcome was 30‐day colectomy rate. Secondary outcomes were colectomy within index admission, and at 90 days and 12 months. We used propensity score analysis with optimal calliper matching using high risk covariates defined a priori to reduce potential provider selection bias. Results: We included 131 patients receiving infliximab rescue therapy; 102 received standard induction and 29 received accelerated induction. In the unmatched cohort, there was no difference by type of induction in the 30‐day colectomy rates (18% vs 20%, P = .45), colectomy during index admission (13% vs 20%, P = .26) or overall colectomy (20% vs 24%, P = .38). In the propensity score‐matched cohort of 52 patients, 30‐day colectomy (57% vs 27%, P = .048) and index admission colectomy (53% vs 23%, P = .045) rates were higher in those receiving standard induction compared to accelerated induction but there was no difference in overall colectomy rates (57% vs 31%, P = .09). There was no significant difference in length of stay or in complication and infection rates. Conclusion: In a propensity score‐matched cohort, steroid‐refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis patients, short‐term, but not long‐term, colectomy rates appear to be lower in those receiving an accelerated induction regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ovine total hip arthroplasty model was developed to evaluate metal ion release, wear, the biological response and adverse tissue reaction to metal‐on‐metal (MoM) bearing materials. The performance of an advanced superlattice ceramic coating (SLC) was evaluated as a bearing surface and experimental groups divided into; (1) MoM articulating surfaces coated with a SLC coating (SLC‐MoM), (2) uncoated MoM surfaces (MoM), and (3) metal on polyethylene (MoP) surfaces. Implants remained in vivo for 13 months and blood chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) metal ion levels were measured pre and postoperatively. Synovial tissue was graded using an ALVAL scoring system. When compared with the MoM group, sheep with SLC‐MoM implants showed significantly lower levels of chromium and cobalt metal ions within blood over the 13‐month period. Evidence of gray tissue staining was observed in the synovium of implants in the MOM group. A significantly lower ALVAL score was measured in the SLC‐MoM group (3.88) when compared with MoM components (6.67) (p = 0.010). ALVAL results showed no significant difference when SLC‐MOM components were compared to MoP (5.25). This model was able to distinguish wear and the effect of released debris between different bearing combinations and demonstrated the effect of a SLC coating when applied onto the bearing surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1760–1771, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of prior voluntary activation of a muscle on the subsequently-recorded compound muscle action potential (CMAP).Methods: The CMAPs from the hypothenar, thenar, and extensor digitorum brevis muscles were recorded in 6 healthy volunteers at rest and for up to 30 min following 5 separate epochs of up to 20 s of voluntary muscle activation.Results: There was consistent, significant (P < 0.02) enhancement of the negative area, amplitude, and duration of the CMAP after activation. The enhancement was maximal, up to 144% of baseline, within about 1 min post-activation; thereafter, the CMAP gradually returned to baseline over about 15 min.Discussion: Activation of a muscle within several minutes prior to testing enhances the subsequently-recorded CMAP. This observation highlights prior muscle activation as a physiological variable that influences the size of the CMAP during motor nerve conduction studies. Muscle Nerve, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical freshwater ecosystems are some of the world's most biodiverse and productive systems where determining what sustainable exploitation of inland fisheries looks like is particularly challenging. One of the greatest obstacles to sustainable management is collecting and using quality data on fish production and yield. The biodiversity and hydro‐ecology of these systems often under open‐access governance, add to the complexity of managing them. This paper describes an integrated citizen‐science, earth observation, environmental DNA and independent survey approach to collecting fish and fisheries data, using the Cambodian Mekong as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a scaffold‐hopping approach, imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine analogues of the ZSTK474 (benzimidazole) class of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors have been synthesized for biological evaluation. Compounds were prepared using a heteroaryl Heck reaction procedure, involving the palladium‐catalysed coupling of 2‐(difluoromethyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines with chloro, iodo or trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy (trifloxy) substituted 1,3,5‐triazines or pyrimidines, with the iodo intermediates being preferred in terms of higher yields and milder reaction conditions. The new compounds maintain the PI3K isoform selectivity of their benzimidazole analogues, but in general show less potency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Biological therapy is currently widely used to treat IBD. Infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab are currently licensed anti‐TNF therapies. Biosimilar anti‐TNF monoclonal antibodies are increasingly used. Anti‐TNF therapies are widely used and their adverse effects are well characterised, and may cause significant morbidity and mortality in a small proportion of exposed patients. Gastroenterologists need to understand the mechanisms for these effects, recognise these swiftly and manage such events appropriately. Aim: To cover the range of potential adverse reactions as a result of biologic therapy and specifically management of these events. Methods: A Medline and Pubmed search was undertaken. Search terms included were "anti‐TNF," "infliximab" or "adalimumab" or "golimumab" combined with the keywords "ulcerative colitis" or "Crohn's disease" or "inflammatory bowel disease" and then narrowed to articles containing the keywords "complications," "side effects" or "adverse events" or "safety profile." International guidelines were also reviewed where relevant. Results: Adverse events discussed in this review include infusion reactions, blood disorders and infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal and opportunistic infections) as well as autoimmune, dermatological disorders, cardiac and neurological conditions. Malignancies including solid organ, haematological and those linked to viral disease are discussed. Conclusions: Anti‐TNF therapy has wide‐ranging effects on the immune system resulting in a spectrum of potential adverse events in a small proportion of patients. Research advances are improving the understanding, recognition and management of these adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this literature review is on the three interacting brain areas that participate in decision‐making: basal ganglia, ventral motor thalamic nuclei, and medial prefrontal cortex, with an emphasis on the participation of the ventromedial and ventral anterior motor thalamic nuclei in prefrontal cortical function. Apart from a defining input from the mediodorsal thalamus, the prefrontal cortex receives inputs from ventral motor thalamic nuclei that combine to mediate typical prefrontal functions such as associative learning, action selection, and decision‐making. Motor, somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortices are mainly contacted in layer 1 by the ventral motor thalamic nuclei and in layer 3 by thalamocortical input from mediodorsal thalamus. We will review anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral evidence for the proposed participation of ventral motor thalamic nuclei and medial prefrontal cortex in rat and mouse motor decision‐making. Here we review evidence that considers prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, motor ventral thalamus (particularly, the ventromedial and ventral anterior nuclei) and their projection back to the prefrontal cortex, layer 1, as an important network involved in the learning of beneficial versus costly choices in the mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to bridge the gap between earlier literature on striatal cholinergic interneurons and mechanisms of microcircuit interaction demonstrated with the use of newly available tools. It is well known that the main source of the high level of acetylcholine in the striatum, compared to other brain regions, is the cholinergic interneurons. These interneurons provide an extensive local innervation that suggests they may be a key modulator of striatal microcircuits. Supporting this idea requires the consideration of functional properties of these interneurons, their influence on medium spiny neurons, other interneurons, and interactions with other synaptic regulators. Here, we underline the effects of intrastriatal and extrastriatal afferents onto cholinergic interneurons and discuss the activation of pre‐ and postsynaptic muscarinic and nicotinic receptors that participate in the modulation of intrastriatal neuronal interactions. We further address recent findings about corelease of other transmitters in cholinergic interneurons and actions of these interneurons in striosome and matrix compartments. In addition, we summarize recent evidence on acetylcholine‐mediated striatal synaptic plasticity and propose roles for cholinergic interneurons in normal striatal physiology. A short examination of their role in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Tourette's pathologies and dystonia is also included. We review literature on striatal cholinergic interneurons: their synaptic and non‐synaptic release, afferents, and connectivity with the activation of pre‐ and postsynaptic cholinergic receptors and their role in the modulation of normal and pathological microcircuits. Drawings illustrate glutamatergic and dopaminergic afferents and magnified microcircuit with cholinergic interneuron (red) surrounded by GABAergic interneurons (different colors) and medium spiny neurons (green). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using tagged and recaptured Atlantic salmon Salmo salar (n = 106) the present analysis shows that the most commonly applied linear back‐calculation method for estimating past length, the Dahl‐Lea method, resulted in overestimation of the length of large smolts and underestimation of small smolts. A correction equation (y = 0.53x + 6.23) for estimating true smolt length (y) from lengths back‐calculated from adult scale measures (x) to account for these systematic discrepancies is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the life insurance company lending to small business in the United States. It is explained that the investment operations of the United States life insurance industry spread over a wide geographic area, covering the United States, Canada, and, to a small extent, certain other foreign countries. The article discusses how life insurance companies are major lenders to several major markets, including the residential mortgage market, the farm mortgage market, the commercial and industrial mortgage market, and the corporate bond market.

The article examines key issues relevant to the federal home loan bank system and the control of credit in the U.S. There exists a popular belief that, apart from the U.S. Treasury, the only other money-creating agency in the economy is the commercial banking system. It is believed that commercial banks can create money through checking accounts. The economy is thus known as a closed monetary system, with variations in the amount of money happening only as the result of gold movements, changes in outstanding Treasury currency, or variations in commercial bank demand deposits.

There is a widely acknowledged need to explicitly include humans in our conceptual and mathematical models of food webs. However, a simple and generalized method for incorporating humans into fisheries food webs has yet to be established. We developed a simple graphical framework for defining whole‐system inland fishery food webs that includes a continuum of fishery behaviors. This range of behaviors mimics those of generalist to specialist predators, which differentially influence ecosystem diversity, sustainability, and functioning. Fishery behaviors in this food‐web context are predicted to produce a range of “fishery types” – from targeted (ie specialist) to multispecies (ie generalist) inland fisheries – and relate to the socioeconomic status of fishery participants. Fishery participants in countries with low Human Development Index (HDI) values are highly connected through fisheries food webs relative to humans in more developed countries. Our framework shows that fisheries can occupy a variety of roles within a food‐web model and may thereby affect food‐web stability in different ways. This realization could help to improve sustainable fisheries management at a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A short synthesis of 7‐oxo‐1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine from 2‐acetylpyridine and phenylhydrazine is described. Ring C is forged using 2‐chloro‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide. This derivative of the natural alkaloid 1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine is an inhibitor of the ZipA–FtsZ protein–protein complex, which is a novel antibacterial target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research evaluated a value‐added use of pennycress protein by producing films and determining their properties. Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) grows over the winter months, and is harvested in the spring. Pennycress seeds have high oil content and are a good candidate for biodiesel production. In order to extract the most value from pennycress, all parts of the seed must be utilized. An improved pilot‐plant method for extracting protein from pennycress was developed providing a pennycress protein isolate (PPI) in high yield and purity (92% crude protein). Formic acid was found to be a good solvent for PPI and was used to produce transparent colored films. Glycerol (GLY) was found to be a good plasticizer for PPI, and films having between 10 and 30% GLY were produced. Higher GLY content resulted in films with an increase in elongation (up to 194%) but reduced tensile strength (TS) (from 21.8 to 3.2 MPa). With increasing relative humidity (RH), TS decreased and elongation increased. The glass transition temperature and heat deflection temperature for select PPI films were between 75–115 and 93–117 °C, respectively. The films had relatively low water vapor and oxygen permeability. The overall balance of properties suggests that PPI films may have value in film applications, especially in composites where exposure to moisture may be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The deuterium ratio (2H/1H) in tissue is often used to estimate terrestrial subsidies to aquatic consumers because of strongly differentiated values between terrestrial and aquatic primary producers. However, quantitative deuterium‐based analyses of terrestrial resource assimilation are highly dependent on several poorly defined assumptions. We explored the sensitivity of these estimates to assumptions regarding environmental water contributions to consumer deuterium content (ω) and algal photosynthetic hydrogen discrimination (εH). We also tested whether 13C/12C and 2H/1H‐based estimates of terrestrial resource assimilation give similar outcomes. The average of the 12 experiments that have directly estimated proportional contributions of environmental water to consumer tissue 2H/1H was 0.27 ± 0.11 (mean ± SD), with similar values for invertebrates and fish. Conversely, of the 28 field studies that have used 2H/1H to characterize aquatic food webs, all but one assume a value that is less than our current best estimate, usually substantially less. A reanalysis of the raw data from four recent case studies indicates the calculated terrestrial contribution to aquatic consumers is extremely sensitive to this assumption. When the authors’ original assumptions were used (i.e., ω = 0.16 ± 0.05), the estimated proportional contribution of terrestrial resources to aquatic consumers (θT) averaged 29 ± 17%, and when ω = 0.27 was used the average estimated assimilation of allochthonous resources was ≈0.00. A compilation of published photosynthetic hydrogen discrimination values for microalgae averaged εH = −150 ± 27‰ (SD, n = 99), and a sensitivity analysis showed the outcomes of these calculations were also strongly influenced by uncertainty in εH. There was no statistical association between 13C/12C and 2H/1H‐based estimates of terrestrial subsidies (r = −0.12, n = 274). This analysis indicates that the assumptions in deuterium‐based estimates of terrestrial resource assimilation are highly influential but poorly constrained; therefore, the impact of these assumptions on calculated outputs must be carefully assessed and thoroughly reported. Due to the highly uncertain assumptions inherent in deuterium‐based analyses, we urge much more caution when using this approach to estimate terrestrial subsidies to consumers in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Psychiatric disorders and stress in women have been associated with poor IVF outcome. We hypothesized that both partners in the infertile couples are emotionally affected, and cytokines in both may link psychological to reproductive outcome. Method of Study: Forty‐five IVF couples completed questionnaires and visual analog scales for stress and psychiatric disorders and had cytokines measured in serum, semen, cervicovaginal, and follicular fluids. Multivariable analyses, t tests, maximum likelihood estimates, Spearman correlation, and data mining were applied. Results: Psychopathology was found in 72% of the couples. Female and male stress were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression in the respective partner, and with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth. Lower serum TGF‐β and higher cervicovaginal IL‐6 and IL‐1β were associated with stress. In data decision trees, cytokines in relation to stress and depression in both partners were found indicative of IVF failure. Conclusion: Infertile couples may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and treatment of both partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient synthesis of 6‐oxo‐1,2,3,4,5,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐α]quinolizine from 2‐acetylpyridine and phenylhydrazine is described. This derivative of the natural alkaloid desbromoarborescidine A is an important entry point to the sarpagine‐vobasine family of plant alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Metallothioneins (MTs) are a class of dynamic proteins that have been investigated extensively using mass spectrometric methods due to their amenability to ionization. Here we detect the formation of oxidative and non‐oxidative MT dimers using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) which has previously been overlooked with lower-resolution techniques. Methods: Recombinant human MT1a and its isolated domain fragments were analyzed by high-resolution Thermo Q-Exactive and Bruker time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers. Covalent Cys modification was performed using N-ethylmalemide to probe the effect of Cys oxidation on dimer formation. Results: Dimerization was detected in the analysis of select charge states of Zn7MT and apo-βMT. Specifically, high resolution (140 k) revealed the +6 dimer peaks overlapping with the +3 charge state, but not with the other charge states (+4, +5, +6). The proteins with covalently modified Cys did not show dimer formation in any of their charge states. Apo-α and apo-βαMT also did not form dimers under the conditions tested. Conclusions: Dimerization of MT was detected for zinc metalated and certain apo-MT forms with HRMS, which was not seen with lower-resolution techniques. These dimers appear overlapped only with certain charge states, confounding their analysis for structural characterization of MTs. The Zn-MT dimers appeared to be non-oxidative; however, the formation of dimers in the apo-protein is likely dependent on Cys oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]