bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of Exophiala dermatitidis infection in a child after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: case report and literature review of paediatric cases
Authors: Tanuskova Dominika , Horakova Julia , Buzassyova Darina , Poczova Miroslava , Bodova Ivana , Svec Peter , Chocholova Alica , Adamcakova Jaroslava , Sykora Tomas , Pozdechova Miroslava , Geczova Lucia , Kolenova Alexandra
Published: June 2017

Introduction.
Exophiala dermatitidisis a relatively common environmental black yeast with worldwide distribution and is a rare cause of fungal infection, mostly in patients with certain predisposing factors. Due to the rarity of the infection, little is known about the specific predisposing factors, way of infection or treatment.

Case presentation. Here, we report what is to our knowledge the first case of E. dermatitidis infection in a child after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We also review all paediatric cases reported in the literature since 1993.

Conclusion. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of E. dermatitidis infection in a child after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This report should increase the awareness of E. dermatitidis in immunocompromised paediatric patients, particularly after stem cell transplantation.
Developmental dynamics of cross-modality in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Hattori Ryoma , Hensch Takao K
Published: June 2017

Maturation of GABAergic circuits in primary visual cortex (V1) opens a critical period (CP), a developmental window of enhanced plasticity for visual functions. However, how inhibition promotes the plasticity remains unclear. Here, we investigated the developmental dynamics of auditory responses and audiovisual interactions in mouse V1. Modulation of V1 spiking activity by a transient sound was temporally dynamic with alternating enhancement and suppression phases. When paired with grating visual stimuli, sound-driven spike enhancement and suppression were weaker and stronger with preferred orientation than with non-preferred orientations, respectively, leading to impaired net orientation selectivity in V1 neurons. Strikingly, the net orientation selectivity was impervious to sound specifically during the CP due to equal total amounts of sound-driven spike enhancements and suppressions. This balance of spike modulations at the CP was achieved by the preferential maturation of sound-driven spike suppression. However, further maturation of sound-driven spike enhancement broke the balance after the CP. Spectral analysis of field potentials revealed the enhancement of a GABA-mediated sound-driven power suppression specifically at CP. Reduction of inhibition by 10-day dark-exposure or genetic deletion of GAD65 gene dampened sound-driven spike suppression in V1. Furthermore, acute suppression of either parvalbumin-expressing (PV) or somatostatinexpressing (SST) neurons suggested their early or late recruitments by sound, respectively. Our results point to the dampened net non-visual sensory influence as one of the functional roles of GABA circuit maturation during a developmental CP. The insensitivity of visual selectivity to sound during the CP may promote functional maturation of V1 asvisualcortex.
Transcriptome analysis of the quantitative distribution of theCyrtotrachelus buquetipopulation in two cities in China
Authors: Luo Chaobing , Liu Anxuan , Long Wencong , Liao Hong , Yang Yaojun
Published: June 2017

Background:Cyrtotrachelus buquetiis a forest pest that severely damages bamboo shoots. Reducing the population of this insect involves complex mechanisms and is dependent on diverse gene expression influenced by environmental factors.

Methods:In this study, samples from two regions of China, Muchuan in Sichuan Province and Chishui in Guizhou Province, were investigated through RNA-seq to explore the causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the population reduction of this species. Environmental factors, such as temperature, heavy metal content, and pH, may affect the reduced population ofC. buquetiin Chishui.

Results:Approximately 44 million high-quality reads were generated, and 94.2% of the data were mapped to the transcriptome. A total of 15,641 out of the 29,406 identified genes were predicted. Moreover, 348 genes were differentially expressed between the two groups of imagoes and included 77 upregulated and 271 downregulated UniGenes. The functional analysis showed that these genes were significantly enriched in ribosome and metabolic pathway categories. The candidate genes, which contributed toC. Buquetireduction, included 41 genes involved in the ribosome constitution category, five genes in the one-carbon pool pathway by folate category, and five heat shock protein genes.

Conclusions:Downregulation of these candidate genes seems to have impaired metabolic processes, such as protein, DNA, RNA, and purine synthesis, as well as carbon and folate metabolism, and finally resulted in the observed reduced population ofC. buqueti. Furthermore, temperature, heavy metal content, and pH might influence the population by altering the expressions of genes involved in these metabolic processes.
Exclusive functional subnetworks of intracortical projections neurons in primary visual cortex
Authors: Kim Mean-Hwan , Znamenskiy Petr , Iacaruso Maria Florencia , Mrsic-Flogel Thomas D.
Published: June 2017

The rules by which neurons in neocortex choose their synaptic partners are not fully understood. In sensory cortex, intermingled neurons encode different attributes of sensory inputs and relay them to different long-range targets. While neurons with similar responses to sensory stimuli make connections preferentially, the relationship between synaptic connectivity within an area and long-range projection target remains unclear. We examined the local connectivity and visual responses of primary visual cortex neurons projecting to anterolateral (AL) and posteromedial (PM) higher visual areas in mice. Although the response properties of layer 2/3 neurons projecting to different targets were often similar, they avoided making connections with each other. Thus, projection target acts independently of response similarity to constrain local synaptic connectivity of cortical neurons. We propose that this segregated connectivity rule reduces the crosstalk between different populations of projection neurons, allowing top-down signal to modulate the activity of these output channels independently.
Targeted dynein inhibition generates flagellar beating
Authors: Lin Jianfeng , Nicastro Daniela
Published: June 2017

Motile cilia and flagella are highly conserved organelles that are essential for the normal development and health of many eukaryotes including humans. To reveal the molecular mechanism of motility, we used cryo-electron tomography of active sea urchin sperm flagella to directly visualize the macromolecular complexes and their structural changes during flagellar beating. We resolved distinct conformations of dynein motors and regulators, and showed that many of them are distributed in bend-direction-dependent fashion in active flagella. Our results provide direct evidence for the conformational switching predicted by the “switch-point-hypothesis”. However, they also reveal a fundamentally different mechanism of generating motility by inhibiting dyneins, rather than activating them, causing an asymmetric distribution of force and thus bending. Our high-resolution structural and biochemical analyses provide a new understanding of the distinct roles played by various dyneins and regulators in ciliary motility and suggest a molecular mechanism for robust beating in an all-or-none manner.

HIGHLIGHTS

Direct visualization of the switching mechanism for flagellar motility.

Flagellar beating is generated by oscillating the side of dynein inhibition.

I1 dynein, I1-tether and N-DRC are key regulators that are involved in switching.

Structural insights into distinct roles of dynein isoforms in flagellar motility.
Second-generation method for analysis of chromatin binding using formaldehyde crosslinking kinetics
Authors: Zaidi Hussain , Hoffman Elizabeth A. , Shetty Savera J. , Bekiranov Stefan , Auble David T.
Published: June 2017

Formaldehyde crosslinking underpins many of the most commonly used experimental approaches in the chromatin field, especially in capturing site-specific protein-DNA interactions. Extending such assays to assess the stability and binding kinetics of protein-DNA interactions is more challenging, requiring absolute measurements with a relatively high degree of physical precision. We previously described an experimental framework called CLK, which uses time-dependent formaldehyde crosslinking data to extract chromatin binding kinetic parameters. Many aspects of formaldehyde behavior in cells are unknown or undocumented, however, and could potentially impact analyses of CLK data. Here we report biochemical results that better define the properties of formaldehyde crosslinking in budding yeast cells. These results have the potential to inform interpretations of ‘standard’ chromatin assays including chromatin immunoprecipitation, and the chemical complexity we uncovered resulted in the development of an improved method for measuring binding kinetics using the CLK approach. Optimum conditions included an increased formaldehyde concentration and more robust glycine quench conditions. Notably, we find that formaldehyde crosslinking rates can vary dramatically for different protein-DNA interactions in vivo. Some interactions were crosslinked much faster than the time scale for macromolecular interaction, making them suitable for kinetic analysis. For other interactions, we find the crosslinking reaction occurred on the same time scale or slower than binding dynamics; for these it was in some cases possible to compute the in vivo equilibrium-binding constant but not on- and off-rates for binding. Selected TATA-binding protein-promoter interactions displayed dynamic behavior on the minute to several minutes time scale.
Hippocampal Spike-Timing Correlations Lead to Hexagonal Grid Fields
Authors: Monsalve-Mercado Mauro M , Leibold Christian
Published: June 2017

Space is represented in the mammalian brain by the activity of hippocampal place cells as well as in their spike-timing correlations. Here we propose a theory how this temporal code is transformed to spatial firing rate patterns via spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity. The resulting dynamics of synaptic weights resembles well-known pattern formation models in which a lateral inhibition mechanism gives rise to a Turing instability. We identify parameter regimes in which hexagonal firing patterns develop as they have been found in medial entorhinal cortex.
TreeTime: maximum likelihood phylodynamic analysis
Authors: Sagulenko Pavel , Puller Vadim , Neher Richard A.
Published: June 2017

Mutations that accumulate in the genome of replicating biological organisms can be used to infer their evolutionary history. In the case of measurably evolving organisms genomes often reveal their detailed spatiotemporal spread. Such phylodynamic analyses are particularly useful to understand the epidemiology of rapidly evolving viral pathogens. The number of genome sequences available for different pathogens, however, has increased dramatically over the last couple of years and traditional methods for phylodynamic analysis scale poorly with growing data sets. Here, we present TreeTime, a Python based framework for phylodynamic analysis using an approximate Maximum Likelihood approach. TreeTime can estimate ancestral states, infer evolution models, reroot trees to maximize temporal signals, estimate molecular clock phylogenies and population size histories. The run time of TreeTime scales linearly with data set size.
Metagenomic characterization of the effect of feed additives on the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistome of feedlot cattle
Authors: Thomas Milton , Webb Megan , Ghimire Sudeep , Blair Amanda , Olson Kenneth , Fenske Gavin John , Fonder Alex Thomas , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Brake Derek , Scaria Joy
Published: June 2017

In North America, antibiotic feed additives such as monensin and tylosin are added to the finishing diets of feedlot cattle to counter the ill-effects of feeding diets with rapidly digestible carbohydrates. While these feed additives have been proven to improve feed efficiency, and reduce liver abscess incidence, how these products impact the gastrointestinal microbiota is not completely understood. Furthermore, there are concerns that antibiotic feed additives may expand the antibiotic resistome of feedlot cattle by enriching antimicrobial resistance genes in pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiota. In this study, we analyzed the impact of providing antibiotic feed additives to feedlot cattle using metagenome sequencing of treated and untreated animals. Our results indicate that use of antibiotic feed additives does not produce discernable changes at the phylum level however treated cattle had reduced the abundance of gram-positive bacteria at the genus level. The abundance of Ruminococcus, Erysipelotrichaceae and Lachanospira in the gut of treated steers was reduced. This may impact the ability of these animals to exclude pathogens from the gut. However, our results did not show any correlation between the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the gut microbiota and the administration of antibiotic feed additives.
Lack of evidence for sex differences in higher cognitive function in macaques
Authors: Nagy Jamie R.J. , Damatac Christienne G. , Baxter Mark G. , Rudebeck Peter H. , Croxson Paula L.
Published: June 2017

Here we assessed whether higher cognitive function differed between male and female rhesus monkeys using tests of episodic memory and strategy implementation. We did not find any difference between males and females on behavioral performance or on analyses of grey matter volume of key regions. Our findings suggest that, at least where higher cognitive function in healthy monkeys is concerned, the sexes may not differ.
Large class teaching with Backstage
Authors: Bry François , Pohl Alexander Yong-Su
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Several challenges of today’s higher education were motivations to reconsider the contents and formats of lectures and tutorials and to conceive the classroom communication system Backstage, a social media platform supporting a novel form of large-class teaching. The purpose of this paper is to report on the challenges met, on the novel teaching form and on an evaluation of this teaching form.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of Backstage in two courses is evaluated. One of the courses has been specially adapted to promote student participation, the other course has been held in a traditional way. To investigate the usefulness and acceptance of Backstage in the given settings the data collected on Backstage and student responses in surveys are analyzed.

Findings

The results indicate that Backstage can foster interactivity and awareness in large-class lectures when used in combination with a teaching format that provides opportunities for and encourges lecture-relevant communication. Furthermore, students appreciated the use of Backstage.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports on a case study which lacks generalizability. Further studies under controlled conditions and of the learning effectiveness of the approach are still outstanding.

Practical implications

This paper describes an approach fostering a form of Active Learning in large classes. Since large classes are widespread in higher education, the approach has a considerable practical potential.

Social implications

The paper describes an approach to large class higher education teaching in using social media.

Originality/value

Similar results have not been published so far.
Beyond students’ perceptions: investigating learning presence in an educational blogging community
Authors: Jimoyiannis Athanassios , Tsiotakis Panagiotis
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated framework for designing and investigating students’ engagement patterns and learning presence in educational blogs. The framework was grounded on the ideas of self-directed and reflective learning, and was applied to analyse students’ blogging activities in the context of an undergraduate course.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research framework was organized along three dimensions: content artefacts, blogging processes and community building. With regard to the methodological tools used, this study integrates content analysis of students’ posts using the framework of community of inquiry, the representation of learning mapping and social network analysis methods.

Findings

The results have revealed important information about the different ways of students’ engagement and learning presence within the blogging groups, the contribution and the influence each student had, as well as the structure and the cohesion of the learning community developed around the blogging project.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are limited by the blended course features, the specific sample and the context of implementation. Future research needs to consider and analyse students’ lurking or invisible presence in educational blogging communities.

Practical implications

This study has yielded promising results with regard to the design of educational blogs in higher education that aim to enhance students’ engagement, reflection, collaboration and self-directed learning.

Originality/value

The originality concerns the proposed conceptual framework which can guide the design, monitoring and analysis of blogging processes in order to reveal students’ learning presence within self-directed communities of blogging.
Methodological review of studies on educational leaders and emotions (1992-2012)
Authors: Berkovich Izhak , Eyal Ori
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to do methodological review of the literature on educational leaders and emotions that includes 49 empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1992 and 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The work systematically analyzes descriptive information, methods, and designs in these studies, and their development over time.

Findings

The review suggests that scholarly interest in educational leaders and emotions has increased over time, and identifies methodological patterns in this body of research. The results are compared with methodological data from other syntheses in the disciplines of educational administration (EA) and organizational behavior for the purpose of using the findings to produce broader insights into the meaning of an emerging research field in EA.

Originality/value

The findings of the methodological review are interpreted from two conceptual perspectives: functionalist and critical. Together, they offer a holistic portrayal of the meaning of producing scientific knowledge in an emerging research field in EA.
Modelling of tri-parameter bidding integrating cost, time and risk: a stochastic approach
Authors: Rabie Mohamad , El-Sayegh Sameh
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new tri-parameter bidding model integrating cost, time and risk. The key value of the model is that it remains within the framework of the competitive bidding system while controlling the risk resulting from float loss.

Design/methodology/approach

The model utilizes stochastic scheduling to quantify the float loss impact at the project level. Prospective bidders are evaluated based on their total combined bid (TCB) including cost, time and risk. The risk parameter is calculated as the relative risk between the bidder’s schedule and the client’s baseline schedule.

Findings

The results confirmed that choosing the contractor based on the lowest price and time reduces the available float and increases the schedule risks. The probability of completing the project on time dropped from 46 per cent for the baseline schedule to 19 per cent for the bidder with the most compressed schedule. The selected bidder, using the proposed model, has the lowest TCB of cost, time and risk. Results show that adding the risk parameter in the evaluation changed the ranking of the bidders.

Research limitations/implications

The model does not discuss all project risks that the contractor retains. It focuses on schedule risks that result from shortening project duration. The model focuses on solving the problem with price plus time bidding method by addressing the schedule risk issue. Other criteria, such as sustainability, are not considered.

Practical implications

The proposed model encourages contractors to pay more attention to the time parameter and the schedule risks resulting from aggressive reduction in project duration.

Originality/value

Problems arose, in the current complex construction industry, as owners rely solely on price as the award criterion. Recently, the bi-parameter bidding system, A + B, introduced the time parameter to the awarding criteria. However, reducing the project duration by compressing the schedule consumes the float of non-critical activities, which reduces the schedule flexibility of a project. The proposed model allows clients to evaluate potential bidders objectively. Rather than evaluating the bidders based on price, in the conventional low bid system, or based on price and time, as in the A + B system, the bidders are evaluated based on three parameters: price, time and risk.
Mechanical modeling for predicting the axial restraint forces and rotations of steel top and seat angle connections at elevated temperatures
Authors: El Kalash Sana , Hantouche Elie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims at developing a mechanical-based model for predicting the thermally induced axial forces and rotation of steel top and seat angles connections with and without web angles subjected to elevated temperatures due to fire. Finite element (FE) simulations and experimental results are used to develop the mechanical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model incorporates the overall connection and column-beam rotation of key component elements, and includes nonlinear behavior of bolts and base materials at elevated temperatures and some major geometric parameters that impact the behavior of such connections when exposed to fire. This includes load ratio, beam length, angle thickness, and gap distance. The mechanical model consists of multi-linear and nonlinear springs that predict each component stiffness, strength, and rotation.

Findings

The capability of the FE model to predict the strength of top and seat angles under fire loading was validated against full scale tests. Moreover, failure modes, temperature at failure, maximum compressive axial force, maximum rotation, and effect of web angles were all determined in the parametric study. Finally, the proposed mechanical model was validated against experimental results available in the literature and FE simulations developed as a part of this study.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides important insights into fire-induced axial forces and rotations and their implications on the design of steel bolted top and seat angle connections. The originality of the proposed mechanical model is that it requires low computational effort and can be used in more advanced modelling applications for fire analysis and design.
Influence of high temperature on the stability performance of high density polyethylene and crumb rubber powder modified HMA mixture
Authors: Gibreil Hussein Adam Abdalla , Feng Cheng Pei
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In high-temperature regions (tropical regions) temperatures rises in summer, which affects the performance of asphalt pavement. Therefore, we must consider the conditions of asphalt pavement, especially in these regions. This study aims to investigate the influence of high temperature on the stability performance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and crumb rubber powder (CRP) modified hot mix asphalt (HMA) using Marshall design parameters and rutting test.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, three HMA mixtures with 4 per cent HDPE and 15 per cent CRP, 5 per cent HDPE and 10 per cent CRP, and 6 per cent HDPE and 5 per cent CRP concentrations were used for the Marshall stability test and dynamic stability (rutting test) at 60-75°C, and water stability test at 60°C.

Findings

The results showed that when test temperature was increased from 60°C to 75°C, the Marshall stability and dynamic stability of three HDPE- and CRP-modified HMA mixtures decreased, and these three HDPE- and CRP-modified HMA mixtures have a good moisture damage resistance. Of the three HMA mixtures with different HDPE and CRP concentrations, HMA mixtures with 5 per cent HDPE and 10 per cent CRP concentration exhibit optimal Marshall stability, dynamic stability and water stability.

Originality/value

This study showed the effects of high-temperatures changes on the stability performance of HDPE- and CRP-modified HMA mixtures.
How Can Subnational Governments Deliver Their Policy Objectives in the Age of Austerity? Reshaping Homelessness Policy in Wales
Authors: Connell Andrew , Martin Steve , St Denny Emily
Published: June 2017

This article explores how a devolved government in a small country, faced with external constraints beyond its immediate control, can deploy policy resources to shape a distinctive approach to public services. We analyse recent homelessness policy in Wales using the NATO (Nodality, Authority, Treasure, Organisation) typology of tools of government proposed by Hood and Margetts, and show how this can be applied usefully to understand the choices that governments must make in conducting relationships with other institutions. We conclude that a combination of Nodality and Authority provide powerful resources for a subnational government which has only limited formal powers and fiscal autonomy.
Understanding Suicide Across the Lifespan: A United States Perspective of Suicide Risk Factors, Assessment & Management
Authors: Steele Ian H. , Thrower Natasha , Noroian Paul , Saleh Fabian M.
Published: June 2017

Suicide is a troubling, preventable phenomenon. Prior to attempts, individuals often seek help, prompting practitioners to perform risk assessments that ideally use evidence‐based risk management strategies. A literature review was performed using Harvard Countway Library of Medicine, Google Scholar, PubMed. Key words used were “Forensic Science,” “Suicide Risk Management,” “Pediatric Suicide Risk Factors,” “Adult Suicide Risk Factors,” “Geriatric Suicide Risk Factors,” “Suicide Risk Assessment.” Parameters limited articles to studies/reviews completed in the past twenty years in the United States. Results indicated predictors of suicide in juveniles were insomnia, burdensomeness, and recent conflicts with family or a romantic partner. Adults had greater risk if male, substance abusing, with marital/job loss. Elderly individuals with multiple medical comorbidities, hopelessness, and isolation were at higher risk. Everyone evaluated should be screened for access to firearms. Management of suicide risk involves providing the least restrictive form of treatment which maintains an individual's safety.
The Princess and the Dwarf: Polish Perspectives on Collecting and the Grand Tour
Authors: Devitt Tremblay Maeve
Published: June 2017

This article contributes to the re‐evaluation of the Grand Tour by considering ‘alternative’ educational journeys. Two travellers are discussed: a mother accompanying her son on his Grand Tour, and a dwarf who toured Western Europe as a curiosity in royal courts. Although these were atypical Grand Tours, both resulted in increased cultural hegemony, thus having similarities to more typical Grand Tour voyages. By collecting material objects and acquiring new talents abroad, both travellers extended their education and reinforced their positions in society. Moreover, this article attempts to bring greater recognition to Polish Grand Tours as examples of Eastern European cosmopolitanism.
Causes of colony mortality in bumblebees
Authors: Goulson D. , O'Connor S. , Park K. J.
Published: June 2017

Despite considerable interest in bumblebees and their conservation, few data are available on basic life‐history parameters such as rates of nest predation and the proportion of wild nests that survive to reproduction. Here, we use a combination of data collected by volunteers and our own direct observations which together describe the fate of 908 bumblebee nests in the UK between 2008 and 2013. Overall, 75% of nests produced gynes, with marked differences between species; the recently arrived species, Bombus hypnorum, had the highest proportion of colonies surviving to gyne production (96%), with the long‐tongued Bombus hortorum having the lowest success in reaching gyne production (41%). There were also large differences between bumblebee species in the timing of nesting, gyne production and nest mortality, with B. hypnorum and Bombus pratorum nests starting early, producing most gynes before mid‐summer, and then dying off in June, whereas at the other end of the spectrum Bombus pascuorum nests started late and produced gynes mainly in August. There was evidence for the partial or complete destruction of 100 nests. The main reported causes were excavation by a large mammal, probably primarily Meles meles (50%). Human disturbance was the second greatest cause of nest mortality (26%), followed by flooding (7%). Wax moth infestations were common (55% of nests), with B. hypnorum nests most frequently infested. However, infestation did not results in reduced likelihood of gyne production, perhaps because infestations often do not become severe until after some gynes have been produced. Our study provides novel insights into the little‐studied biology of wild bumblebee nests and factors affecting their survival; collecting similar datasets in the future would enable fascinating comparisons as to how parameters such as nest survival and reproduction are changing over time, and are affected by management interventions for bees.
Genome‐wide association analysis identifies potential regulatory genes for eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage
Authors: Yang L. , Du X. , Wei S. , Gu L. , Li N. , Gong Y. , Li S.
Published: June 2017

Plumage color in chicken is determined by the proportion of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigmentation. As the main ingredient in plumage melanin, eumelanin plays a key role in the dark black, brown and grey coloration. However, very few studies have been performed to identify the related genes and mutations on a genome‐wide scale. Herein, a resource family consisting of one backcross population and two F2 cross populations between a black roster and Yukou Brown I parent stockbreed was constructed for identification of genes related to eumelanin pigmentation. Chickens with eumelanin in their plumage were classified as the case group, and the rest were considered the control group. A genome‐wide association study of this phenotype and genotypes using Affymetrix 600K HD SNP arrays in this F2 family revealed 13 significantly associated SNPs and in 10 separate genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5. Based on previous studies in model species, we inferred that genes, including NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) and sonic hedgehog (SHH), may play roles in the development of neural crest cells or melanoblasts during the embryonic period, which may also affect the eumelanin pigmentation. Our results facilitate the understanding of the genetic basis of eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage.
Control of breathing and ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia in deer mice native to high altitudes
Authors: Ivy C. M. , Scott G. R.
Published: June 2017

Aim

We compared the control of breathing and heart rate by hypoxia between high‐ and low‐altitude populations of Peromyscus mice, to help elucidate the physiological specializations that help high‐altitude natives cope with O2 limitation.

Methods

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) native to high altitude and congeneric mice native to low altitude (Peromyscus leucopus) were bred in captivity at sea level. The F1 progeny of each population were raised to adulthood and then acclimated to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (12 kPa, simulating hypoxia at ~4300 m) for 5 months. Responses to acute hypoxia were then measured during stepwise reductions in inspired O2 fraction.

Results

Lowlanders exhibited ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH), in which hypoxia acclimation enhanced the hypoxic ventilatory response, made breathing pattern more effective (higher tidal volumes and lower breathing frequencies at a given total ventilation), increased arterial O2 saturation and heart rate during acute hypoxia, augmented respiratory water loss and led to significant growth of the carotid body. In contrast, highlanders did not exhibit VAH – exhibiting a fixed increase in breathing that was similar to hypoxia‐acclimated lowlanders – and they maintained even higher arterial O2 saturations in hypoxia. However, the carotid bodies of highlanders were not enlarged by hypoxia acclimation and were similar in size to those of normoxic lowlanders. Highlanders also maintained consistently higher heart rates than lowlanders during acute hypoxia.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that highland deer mice have evolved high rates of alveolar ventilation and respiratory O2 uptake without the significant enlargement of the carotid bodies that is typical of VAH in lowlanders, possibly to adjust the hypoxic chemoreflex for life in high‐altitude hypoxia.
Association of the 5‐HT2A receptor gene promoter polymorphism‐1438G/A with anorexia nervosa and psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population: A preliminary study
Authors: Kang Qing , Chen Jue , Yu Shunying , Yuan Aihua , Zhang Yanxia , Zhang Ran , Jiang Wenhui , Zhang Chen , Zhang Haiyin , Zhang Mingdao , Xiao Zeping
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the possible role of the 5‐HT2A‐1438G/A polymorphism in the susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN) in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

The ‐1438G/A polymorphism of 249 female AN patients, 228 matched healthy controls, and 198 trios was genotyped using SNaP shot assay. Psychopathological traits of eating‐disordered behaviors in AN subjects were examined using the Chinese version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.

Results

Neither the case‐control analysis nor the transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant associations between the ‐1438G/A polymorphism and AN (P > .05). However, AA homozygote patients with AN had lower weight and shape concern scores of the EDE‐Q6.0 than those of GA heterozygotes (P < .05).

Discussion

Our findings suggested that female AN patients with 5‐HT2A −1438AA genotype may be characterized by less severe eating‐disordered psychopathological traits in the Chinese Han population.
Changes in floristic composition and physiognomy are decoupled along elevation gradients in central Argentina
Authors: Giorgis Melisa A. , Cingolani Ana M. , Gurvich Diego E. , Tecco Paula A. , Chiapella Jorge , Chiarini Franco , Cabido Marcelo
Published: June 2017

Questions

Most vegetation descriptions tacitly assume that floristic composition and physiognomy are tightly linked. However, the two vegetation properties may not respond in a similar way to environmental and disturbance gradients, leading to uninformed management planning and difficulties when attempting to restore degraded ecosystems. In this context, we addressed two main questions: (1) how close are relations between floristic and physiognomic types as defined by numerical vegetation classification in mountain ecosystems; and (2) how are floristic and physiognomic types distributed along the elevation gradient?

Location

Central mountains of Argentina, between 500 and 1700 m a.s.l.

Methods

We selected 437 sites where we performed complete floristic and physiognomic relevés. We classified eight physiognomic and eight floristic types. We tested the relationship between the two classifications through a chi square analysis. We tested the association between elevation and each physiognomic and floristic type with random permutations.

Results

In general, floristic types were significantly and positively associated with more than one physiognomic type and vice versa. Physiognomic and floristic types responded differently to the elevation gradient. Floristic types were restricted to different sections of the gradient, although having large overlap among them. In contrast, seven out of the eight physiognomic types did not show elevation restriction, being distributed along the complete elevation gradient. The open low woodland with shrubs was the only restricted physiognomy, significantly absent from the upper part of the gradient.

Conclusions

We highlight the importance of considering the two vegetation properties independently when characterizing vegetation patterns in heterogeneous systems, since they show decoupled responses to environmental gradients. We note that the assumption of a direct link between floristic composition and physiognomy may induce bias into the understanding of vegetation patterns and processes. Hence, we encourage managers and restoration practitioners to consider the complete range of possible physiognomic types under each floristic type.
Examining the role of positive and negative intergroup contact and anti‐immigrant prejudice in Brexit
Authors: Meleady Rose , Seger Charles R. , Vermue Marieke
Published: June 2017

This study examined the interplay of anti‐immigrant prejudice and intergroup contact experience on voting intentions within Britain's 2016 referendum on its membership in the European Union. In the days before the referendum, we asked more than 400 British people how they planned to vote. We measured a number of demographic factors expected to predict voting intentions as well as individuals’ prejudice towards and intergroup contact experience (positive and negative) with EU immigrants. Anti‐immigrant prejudice was a strong correlate of support for Brexit. Negative intergroup contact experience was associated with higher anti‐immigrant prejudice and, in turn, increased support for ‘Leave’. Positive intergroup contact, on the other hand, seemed to play a reparative role, predicting lower prejudice and increasing support for ‘Remain’.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new class of benzo[b]furan derivatives as antiproliferative agents, with in silico predicted antitubulin activity
Authors: Lauria Antonino , Gentile Carla , Mingoia Francesco , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Bartolotta Roberta , Delisi Riccardo , Buscemi Silvestre , Martorana Annamaria
Published: June 2017

A new series of 3‐benzoylamino‐5‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)methylaminobenzo[b]furans were synthesized and screened as antitumor agents. As a general trend, tested compounds showed concentration‐dependent antiproliferative activity against HeLa and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines, exhibiting GI50 values in the low micromolar range. In most cases, insertion of a methyl substituent on the imidazole moiety improved the antiproliferative activity. Therefore, methyl‐imidazolyl‐benzo[b]furans compounds were tested in cell cycle perturbation experiments, producing cell cycle arrest with proapoptotic effects. Their core similarity to known colchicine binding site binders led us to further study the structure features as antitubulin agents by in silico protocols.
The Role of Mothers' Child‐Based Worth in Their Affective Responses to Children's Performance
Authors: Ng Florrie Fei‐Yin , Pomerantz Eva M. , Lam Shui‐fong , Deng Ciping
Published: June 2017

This research examined whether American and Chinese mothers' tendencies to base their worth on children's performance contributes to their affective responses to children's performance. Study 1 used daily interviews to assess mothers' warmth (vs. hostility) and children's school performance (N = 197; Mage = 12.81 years). In Study 2, such affect was observed in the laboratory following children's manipulated performance on cognitive problems (N = 128; Mage = 10.21 years). The more mothers based their worth on children's performance, the more their warmth (vs. hostility) decreased when children failed in Study 1. This pattern was evident only among Chinese mothers in Study 2. In both studies, child‐based worth did not contribute to mothers' affective responses to children's success.
Young Infants’ Word Comprehension Given An Unfamiliar Talker or Altered Pronunciations
Authors: Bergelson Elika , Swingley Daniel
Published: June 2017

To understand spoken words, listeners must appropriately interpret co‐occurring talker characteristics and speech sound content. This ability was tested in 6‐ to 14‐months‐olds by measuring their looking to named food and body part images. In the new talker condition (n = 90), pictures were named by an unfamiliar voice; in the mispronunciation condition (n = 98), infants’ mothers “mispronounced” the words (e.g., nazz for nose). Six‐ to 7‐month‐olds fixated target images above chance across conditions, understanding novel talkers, and mothers’ phonologically deviant speech equally. Eleven‐ to 14‐months‐olds also understood new talkers, but performed poorly with mispronounced speech, indicating sensitivity to phonological deviation. Between these ages, performance was mixed. These findings highlight the changing roles of acoustic and phonetic variability in early word comprehension, as infants learn which variations alter meaning.
Linking genetic and ecological differentiation in an ungulate with a circumpolar distribution
Authors: Yannic Glenn , Ortego Joaquín , Pellissier Loïc , Lecomte Nicolas , Bernatchez Louis , Côté Steeve D
Published: June 2017

Genetic differentiation among populations may arise from the disruption of gene flow due to local adaptation to distinct environments and/or neutral accumulation of mutations and genetic drift resulted from geographical isolation. Quantifying the role of these processes in determining the genetic structure of natural populations remains challenging. Here, we analyze the relative contribution of isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR), isolation‐by‐environment (IBE), genetic drift and historical isolation in allopatry during Pleistocene glacial cycles on shaping patterns of genetic differentiation in caribou/reindeer populations Rangifer tarandus across the entire distribution range of the species. Our study integrates analyses at range‐wide and regional scales to partial out the effects of historical and contemporary isolation mechanisms. At the circumpolar scale, our results indicate that genetic differentiation is predominantly explained by IBR and historical isolation. At a regional scale, we found that IBR, IBE and population size significantly explained the spatial distribution of genetic variation among populations belonging to the Euro‐Beringian lineage within North America. In contrast, genetic differentiation among populations within the North American lineage was predominantly explained by IBR and population size, but not IBE. We also found discrepancies between genetic and ecotype designation across the Holarctic species distribution range. Overall, these results indicate that multiple isolating mechanisms have played roles in shaping the spatial distribution of genetic variation across the distribution range of a large mammal with high potential for gene flow. Considering multiple spatial scales and simultaneously testing a comprehensive suite of potential isolating mechanisms, our study contributes to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying organism–landscape interactions.
Condition explains individual variation in mobbing behavior
Authors: Abolins‐Abols Mikus , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: June 2017

During mobbing, individuals approach predators with the apparent aim of reducing the risk of predation. The intensity of mobbing may depend on the costs and benefits of this behavior, which likely vary among individuals and between different social contexts. We studied whether Dark‐eyed junco male mobbing behavior is related to social environment, individual condition, and age during experimentally induced mobbing events. Based on risk‐taking theory, we predicted that individuals with high residual reproductive value—younger individuals and those in better condition—would show weaker mobbing behavior. We also expected to see weaker mobbing when the total number of individuals in the mobbing assemblage was small. All subjects were caught to assess condition and age. Focal males were then attracted to simulated mobbing events using heterospecific alarm calls. Social environment did not explain individual variation in mobbing behavior in focal juncos. Community‐wise, the relationship between the closest approach and group size was not significantly different from chance. Junco males in better condition approached the predator less closely and were less likely to give alarm calls. Age did not explain variation in mobbing. Both the mean approach and probability of giving alarm calls by junco males were repeatable, in contrast to the size and composition of mobbing assemblages in junco territories, which were inconsistent. Our results show that variation in mobbing can be linked to individual state, which likely affects the costs and benefits of mobbing.
Direct ink writing of ceramic matrix composite structures
Authors: Franchin Giorgia , Wahl Larissa , Colombo Paolo
Published: June 2017

We present the development of an ink containing chopped fibers that is suitable for direct ink writing (DIW), enabling to obtain ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structures with complex shape. We take advantage of the unique formability opportunities provided by the use of a preceramic polymer as both polymeric binder and ceramic source. Inks suitable for the extrusion of fine filaments (<1 mm diameter) and containing a relatively high amount of fibers (>30 vol% for a nozzle diameter of 840 μm) were formulated. Despite some optimization of ink rheology still being needed, complex CMC structures with porosity of ~75% and compressive strength of ~4 MPa were successfully printed. The process is of particular interest for its ability to orient the fibers in the extrusion direction due to the shear stresses generated at the nozzle tip. This phenomenon was observed in the production of polymer matrix composites, but it is here employed for the first time for the production of ceramic matrix ones. The possibility to align high aspect ratio fillers using DIW opens the path to layer‐by‐layer design for optimizing the mechanical and microstructural properties within a printed object, and could potentially be extended to other types of fillers.
Novel dual heterojunction between MoS2 and anatase TiO2 with coexposed {101} and {001} facets
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Lili , Yu Weipeng , Jiang Fan , Zhang Erpan , Wang Hongbo , Kong Zhe , Xi Junhua , Ji Zhenguo
Published: June 2017

This work prepared an anatase TiO2 by controlling coexposed {101} and {001} facets. The anatase TiO2 was composited with MoS2, and the photocatalytic behavior was studied. The relationship between the exposed ratio of {001} facets and the enhancement proportion by the composite was compared. An appropriate exposed ratio of {001} facets, instead of a high ratio, can cause the highest enhancement proportion for photocatalytic activity. This finding confirmed that exposed {001} facets are not the main factors for improving photocatalytic activity. Dual heterojunction was observed to form between MoS2 and anatase TiO2 with coexposed {101} and {001} facets, which is a crystal‐face heterojunction between {101} and {001} facets and a semiconductor heterojunction between MoS2 and {001} facets of TiO2. In this dual heterojunction, photo‐induced electrons in TiO2 will flow into {101} facets of TiO2, instead of MoS2, whereas the photo‐induced holes in TiO2 will flow into MoS2 to reach a high separation efficiency. This finding further revealed the elevating mechanism of constructing heterojunction based on coexposed crystal faces.