title: PeerJ description: Articles published in PeerJ link: https://peerj.com/articles/index.rss3?journal=peerj&page=1721 creator: info@peerj.com PeerJ errorsTo: info@peerj.com PeerJ language: en title: Which psychological, social and physical environmental characteristics predict changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors during early retirement? A longitudinal study link: https://peerj.com/articles/3242 last-modified: 2017-05-11 description: BackgroundIn the context of healthy ageing, it is necessary to identify opportunities to implement health interventions in order to develop an active lifestyle with sufficient physical activity and limited sedentary time in middle-aged and older adults. The transition to retirement is such an opportunity, as individuals tend to establish new routines at the start of retirement. Before health interventions can be developed, the psychological, social and physical environmental determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviors during early retirement should be identified, ideally with longitudinal studies. The aim of this paper was first to examine whether psychological, social and physical environmental factors at the start of retirement predict longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors during the first years of retirement. Second, moderating effects of gender and educational levels were examined.MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. In total, 180 recently retired (>1 month, <2 years at baseline) adults completed a postal questionnaire twice (in 2012–2013 and two years later in 2014–2015). The validated questionnaire assessed socio-demographic information, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and psychological, social and physical environmental characteristics. Multiple moderated hierarchic regression analyses were conducted in SPSS 22.0.ResultsHigher perceived residential density (p < 0.001) and lower aesthetics (p = 0.08) predicted an increase in active transportation (adjusted R2 = 0.18). Higher baseline self-efficacy was associated with an increase in leisure-time physical activity (p = 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.13). A more positive perception of old age (p = 0.04) and perceiving less street connectivity (p = 0.001) were associated with an increase in screen time (adjusted R2 = 0.06). Finally, higher baseline levels of modeling from friends (p = 0.06) and lower perceived land use mix access (p = 0.09) predicted an increase in car use (adjusted R2 = 0.06). A few moderating effects, mainly of educational level, were found.DiscussionWalkability characteristics (perceived residential density) and self-efficacy at the start of retirement are the most important predictors of longitudinal changes in active transportation and leisure-time physical activity. Few moderating effects were found, so health interventions at the start of retirement focusing on self-efficacy and specific walkability characteristics could be effective to increase physical activity in recently retired adults. No firm conclusions can be drawn on the importance of the examined predictors to explain change in car use and screen time, possibly other factors like the home environment, or automatic processes and habit strength are more important to explain sedentary behaviors. creator: Delfien Van Dyck creator: Greet Cardon creator: Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3242 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Van Dyck et al. title: Psychophysical measurements in children: challenges, pitfalls, and considerations link: https://peerj.com/articles/3231 last-modified: 2017-05-11 description: Measuring sensory sensitivity is important in studying development and developmental disorders. However, with children, there is a need to balance reliable but lengthy sensory tasks with the child’s ability to maintain motivation and vigilance. We used simulations to explore the problems associated with shortening adaptive psychophysical procedures, and suggest how these problems might be addressed. We quantify how adaptive procedures with too few reversals can over-estimate thresholds, introduce substantial measurement error, and make estimates of individual thresholds less reliable. The associated measurement error also obscures group differences. Adaptive procedures with children should therefore use as many reversals as possible, to reduce the effects of both Type 1 and Type 2 errors. Differences in response consistency, resulting from lapses in attention, further increase the over-estimation of threshold. Comparisons between data from individuals who may differ in lapse rate are therefore problematic, but measures to estimate and account for lapse rates in analyses may mitigate this problem. creator: Caroline Witton creator: Joel B. Talcott creator: G. Bruce Henning uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3231 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Witton et al. title: A new molecular diagnostic tool for surveying and monitoring Triops cancriformis populations link: https://peerj.com/articles/3228 last-modified: 2017-05-11 description: The tadpole shrimp, Triops cancriformis, is a freshwater crustacean listed as endangered in the UK and Europe living in ephemeral pools. Populations are threatened by habitat destruction due to land development for agriculture and increased urbanisation. Despite this, there is a lack of efficient methods for discovering and monitoring populations. Established macroinvertebrate monitoring methods, such as net sampling, are unsuitable given the organism’s life history, that include long lived diapausing eggs, benthic habits and ephemerally active populations. Conventional hatching methods, such as sediment incubation, are both time consuming and potentially confounded by bet-hedging hatching strategies of diapausing eggs. Here we develop a new molecular diagnostic method to detect viable egg banks of T. cancriformis, and compare its performance to two conventional monitoring methods involving diapausing egg hatching. We apply this method to a collection of pond sediments from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, which holds one of the two remaining British populations of T. cancriformis. DNA barcoding of isolated eggs, using newly designed species-specific primers for a large region of mtDNA, was used to estimate egg viability. These estimates were compared to those obtained by the conventional methods of sediment and isolation hatching. Our method outperformed the conventional methods, revealing six ponds holding viable T. cancriformis diapausing egg banks in Caerlaverock. Additionally, designed species-specific primers for a short region of mtDNA identified degraded, inviable eggs and were used to ascertain the levels of recent mortality within an egg bank. Together with efficient sugar flotation techniques to extract eggs from sediment samples, our molecular method proved to be a faster and more powerful alternative for assessing the viability and condition of T. cancriformis diapausing egg banks. creator: Graham S. Sellers creator: Larry R. Griffin creator: Bernd Hänfling creator: Africa Gómez uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3228 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Sellers et al. title: Poly(ADP-ribosylation) is present in murine sciatic nerve fibers and is altered in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth-1E neurodegenerative model link: https://peerj.com/articles/3318 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: BackgroundPoly-ADP-ribose (PAR) is a polymer synthesized by poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) as a postranslational protein modification and catabolized mainly by poly-ADP-ribose glycohydrolase (PARG). In spite of the existence of cytoplasmic PARPs and PARG, research has been focused on nuclear PARPs and PAR, demonstrating roles in the maintenance of chromatin architecture and the participation in DNA damage responses and transcriptional regulation. We have recently detected non-nuclear PAR structurally and functionally associated to the E-cadherin rich zonula adherens and the actin cytoskeleton of VERO epithelial cells. Myelinating Schwann cells (SC) are stabilized by E-cadherin rich autotypic adherens junctions (AJ). We wondered whether PAR would map to these regions. Besides, we have demonstrated an altered microfilament pattern in peripheral nerves of Trembler-J (Tr-J) model of CMT1-E. We hypothesized that cytoplasmic PAR would accompany such modified F-actin pattern.MethodsWild-type (WT) and Tr-J mice sciatic nerves cryosections were subjected to immunohistofluorescence with anti-PAR antibodies (including antibody validation), F-actin detection with a phalloidin probe and DAPI/DNA counterstaining. Confocal image stacks were subjected to a colocalization highlighter and to semi-quantitative image analysis.ResultsWe have shown for the first time the presence of PAR in sciatic nerves. Cytoplasmic PAR colocalized with F-actin at non-compact myelin regions in WT nerves. Moreover, in Tr-J, cytoplasmic PAR was augmented in close correlation with actin. In addition, nuclear PAR was detected in WT SC and was moderately increased in Tr-J SC.DiscussionThe presence of PAR associated to non-compact myelin regions (which constitute E-cadherin rich autotypic AJ/actin anchorage regions) and the co-alterations experienced by PAR and the actin cytoskeleton in epithelium and nerves, suggest that PAR may be a constitutive component of AJ/actin anchorage regions. Is PAR stabilizing the AJ-actin complexes? This question has strong implications in structural cell biology and cell signaling networks. Moreover, if PAR played a stabilizing role, such stabilization could participate in the physiological control of axonal branching. PARP and PAR alterations exist in several neurodegenerative pathologies including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Hungtington’s diseases. Conversely, PARP inhibition decreases PAR and promotes neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons in vitro. Coherently, the PARP inhibitor XAV939 improves myelination in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Until now such results have been interpreted in terms of nuclear PARP activity. Our results indicate for the first time the presence of PARylation in peripheral nerve fibers, in a healthy environment. Besides, we have evidenced a PARylation increase in Tr-J, suggesting that the involvement of cytoplasmic PARPs and PARylation in normal and neurodegenerative conditions should be re-evaluated. creator: Laura I. Lafon Hughes creator: Carlos J. Romeo Cardeillac creator: Karina B. Cal Castillo creator: Salomé C. Vilchez Larrea creator: José R. Sotelo Sosa creator: Gustavo A. Folle Ungo creator: Silvia H. Fernández Villamil creator: Alejandra E. Kun González uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3318 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Lafon Hughes et al. title: A survey of fishes associated with Hawaiian deep-water Halimeda kanaloana (Bryopsidales: Halimedaceae) and Avrainvillea sp. (Bryopsidales: Udoteaceae) meadows link: https://peerj.com/articles/3307 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: The invasive macroalgal species Avrainvillea sp. and native species Halimeda kanaloana form expansive meadows that extend to depths of 80 m or more in the waters off of O‘ahu and Maui, respectively. Despite their wide depth distribution, comparatively little is known about the biota associated with these macroalgal species. Our primary goals were to provide baseline information on the fish fauna associated with these deep-water macroalgal meadows and to compare the abundance and diversity of fishes between the meadow interior and sandy perimeters. Because both species form structurally complex three-dimensional canopies, we hypothesized that they would support a greater abundance and diversity of fishes when compared to surrounding sandy areas. We surveyed the fish fauna associated with these meadows using visual surveys and collections made with clove-oil anesthetic. Using these techniques, we recorded a total of 49 species from 25 families for H. kanaloana meadows and surrounding sandy areas, and 28 species from 19 families for Avrainvillea sp. habitats. Percent endemism was 28.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Wrasses (Family Labridae) were the most speciose taxon in both habitats (11 and six species, respectively), followed by gobies for H. kanaloana (six species). The wrasse Oxycheilinus bimaculatus and cardinalfish Apogonichthys perdix were the most frequently-occurring species within the H. kanaloana and Avrainvillea canopies, respectively. Obligate herbivores and food-fish species were rare in both habitats. Surprisingly, the density and abundance of small epibenthic fishes were greater in open sand than in the meadow canopy. In addition, species richness was also higher in open sand for Avrainvillea sp. We hypothesize that the dense holdfasts and rhizoids present within the meadow canopy may impede benthic-dwelling or bioturbator species, which accounted for 86% and 57% of individuals collected in sand adjacent to H. kanaloana and Avrainvillea sp. habitats, respectively. Of the 65 unique species recorded in this study, 16 (25%) were detected in clove oil stations alone, illustrating the utility of clove-oil anesthetic in assessing the diversity and abundance of small-bodied epibenthic fishes. creator: Ross C. Langston creator: Heather L. Spalding uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3307 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Langston and Spalding title: Sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) survival, oil spills, shrimp fisheries, and hurricanes link: https://peerj.com/articles/3287 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: Migratory seabirds face threats from climate change and a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Although most seabird research has focused on the ecology of individuals at the colony, technological advances now allow researchers to track seabird movements at sea and during migration. We combined telemetry data on Onychoprion fuscatus (sooty terns) with a long-term capture-mark-recapture dataset from the Dry Tortugas National Park to map the movements at sea for this species, calculate estimates of mortality, and investigate the impact of hurricanes on a migratory seabird. Included in the latter analysis is information on the locations of recovered bands from deceased individuals wrecked by tropical storms. We present the first known map of sooty tern migration in the Atlantic Ocean. Our results indicate that the birds had minor overlaps with areas affected by the major 2010 oil spill and a major shrimp fishery. Indices of hurricane strength and occurrence are positively correlated with annual mortality and indices of numbers of wrecked birds. As climate change may lead to an increase in severity and frequency of major hurricanes, this may pose a long-term problem for this colony. creator: Ryan M. Huang creator: Oron L. Bass Jr creator: Stuart L. Pimm uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3287 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Huang et al. title: Screening of a natural compound library identifies emodin, a natural compound from Rheum palmatum Linn that inhibits DPP4 link: https://peerj.com/articles/3283 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: Historically, Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in the treatment of hyperglycemia, but the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain largely unknown. Here, we screened a compound library primarily comprised of natural compounds extracted from herbs and marine organisms. The results showed that emodin, a natural compound from Rheum palmatum Linn, inhibited DPP4 activity with an in vitro IC50 of 5.76 µM without inhibiting either DPP8 or DPP9. A docking model revealed that emodin binds to DPP4 protein through Glu205 and Glu206, although with low affinity. Moreover, emodin treatment (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, P.O.) in mice decreased plasma DPP4 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Our study suggests that emodin inhibits DPP4 activity and may represent a novel therapeutic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. creator: Zhaokai Wang creator: Longhe Yang creator: Hu Fan creator: Peng Wu creator: Fang Zhang creator: Chao Zhang creator: Wenjie Liu creator: Min Li uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3283 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Wang et al. title: Analysis of genomic variation in lung adenocarcinoma patients revealed the critical role of PI3K complex link: https://peerj.com/articles/3216 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: BackgroundMolecularly targeted therapies improved survival status of some patients with lung adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 40% of all lung cancers, and in-depth study of gene alterations is important for the personalized treatment.MethodsThe legacy archive data of clinical information and genomic variations under the project TCGA Lung Adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the GDC Data Portal using R package TCGAbiolinks. The significantly aberrant copy number variants segments were figured out using GAIA. After annotation, the genes involving CNV were used to get enriched pathways. Recurrent amplifications and deletions were identified and visualized by OncoPrint. Genomic alterations in cancer, including CNV and mutations, were represented in Circos.ResultsThe significantly aberrant CNV segments were found, and the genes involved were associated with the immune system. In an analysis of 517 mutation annotated files, we highlighted 63 highly recurrent mutated genes which were associated with lung cancer signaling. These genes involved in important pathways related to cancer progression. The intersections between the genes involving in the significantly aberrant CNV and the genes harboring recurrent somatic SNP were extracted. The PI3K protein family acted as critical roles in the lung adenocarcinoma, since the components of the PI3K protein family include PIK3C2B, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and so forth were presented in the intersections.ConclusionWe represented a comprehensive annotation of genomic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma and proposed that PI3K signaling proteins were critical for it. creator: Zhao min Deng creator: Lin Liu creator: Wen hai Qiu creator: Yong qun Zhang creator: Hong yan Zhong creator: Ping Liao creator: Yun hong Wu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3216 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Deng et al. title: Transcriptome sequencing and SNP detection in Phoebe chekiangensis link: https://peerj.com/articles/3193 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: BackgroundPhoebe chekiangensis is a rare tree species that is only distributed in south-eastern China. Although this species is famous for its excellent wood properties, it has not been extensively studied at the molecular level.ResultsHere, the transcriptome of P. chekiangensis was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology, and 75,647 transcripts with 48,011 unigenes were assembled and annotated. In addition, 162,938 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were predicted and 25 were further validated using the Sanger method.ConclusionThe currently available SNP prediction software packages showed low levels of correspondence when compared. The transcriptome and SNPs will contribute to the exploration of P. chekiangensis genetic resources and the understanding of its molecular mechanisms. creator: Bing He creator: Yingang Li creator: Zhouxian Ni creator: Li-an Xu uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3193 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 He et al. title: Cave features, seasonality and subterranean distribution of non-obligate cave dwellers link: https://peerj.com/articles/3169 last-modified: 2017-05-10 description: Seasonality impacts species distributions through changes of the environmental conditions that affect the presence of individuals at a given place. Although the dynamics of cave microclimates are well known, only a few studies have evaluated the effects of such dynamics on non-strictly cave species. Here we assessed if species exploiting subterranean environments show changes in habitat occupation related to seasonal variation of cave microclimates. We surveyed 16 caves in central Italy every month for one year. Caves were subdivided into longitudinal sectors of three meters. In each sector we measured cave morphology and microclimatic features, assessed the occurrence of eight non-troglobitic taxa (orthopterans, spiders, gastropods and amphibians), and related species distribution to environmental features and sampling periods. The occurrence of most species was related to both cave morphology and microclimatic features. The survey month was the major factor determining the presence of species in cave sectors, indicating that cave-dwelling taxa show strong seasonality in activity and distribution. For multiple species, we detected interactions between sampling period and microclimatic features, suggesting that species may associate with different microhabitats throughout the year. The richest communities were found in sites with specific microclimates (i.e., high humidity, warm temperature and low light) but seasonality for species richness was strong as well, stressing the complexity of interactions between outdoor and subterranean environments. creator: Enrico Lunghi creator: Raoul Manenti creator: Gentile Francesco Ficetola uri: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3169 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ rights: ©2017 Lunghi et al.