bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizations of weighted compactness of commutators via 𝐶𝑀𝑂(ℝⁿ)
Authors: Wu Huoxiong , Yang Dongyong
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the authors show that a function

b
∈

BMO

(

R

n

)

b\in \textrm {BMO}(\mathbb R^n)

is in

CMO

(

R

n

)

\textrm {CMO}(\mathbb R^n)

if and only if the Riesz transform commutator

[
b
,

R
i

]

[b, R_i]

is compact on

L
w
p

(

R

n

)

L^p_w(\mathbb R^n)

for

i
∈
{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
n
}

i\in \{1, 2,\cdots ,n\}

,

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

p\in (1, \infty )

, and

w
∈

A
p

(

R

n

)

w\in A_p(\mathbb R^n)

, and if and only if the fractional integral commutator

[
b
,

I
α

]

[b, I_\alpha ]

is compact from

L

w
p

p

(

R

n

)

L^p_{w^p}(\mathbb R^n)

to

L

w
q

q

(

R

n

)

L^q_{w^q}(\mathbb R^n)

, where

α
∈
(
0
,
n
)

\alpha \in (0, n)

,

p
,
q
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

p,q\in (1, \infty )

with

1
p

=

1
q

+

α
n

\frac 1p=\frac 1q+\frac \alpha n

and

w
∈

A

p
,

q

(

R

n

)

w\in A_{p,\,q}(\mathbb R^n)

.
Paths to uniqueness of critical points and applications to partial differential equations
Authors: Bonheure Denis , Földes Juraj , dos Santos Ederson , Saldaña Alberto , Tavares Hugo
Published: May 2018

We prove a general criterion for the uniqueness of critical points of a functional in the presence of constraints such as positivity, boundedness, or fixed mass. Our method relies on convexity properties along suitable paths and significantly generalizes well-known uniqueness theorems. Due to the flexibility in the construction of the paths, our approach does not depend on the convexity of the domain and can be used to prove the uniqueness in subsets, even if it does not hold globally. The results apply to all critical points and not only to minimizers, providing the uniqueness of solutions to the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations. For functionals emerging from elliptic problems, the assumptions of our abstract theorems follow from maximum principles, decay properties, and novel general inequalities. To illustrate our method we present a unified proof of known results, as well as new theorems for mean-curvature type operators, fractional Laplacians, Hamiltonian systems, Schrödinger equations, and Gross-Pitaevskii systems.
Visit-to-Visit Variability of Blood Pressure Is Associated With Hospitalization and Mortality in an Unselected Adult Population
Authors: Basson Marc D , Klug Marilyn G , Hostetter Jeffrey E , Wynne Joshua
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been associated with poor health outcomes in high-risk patients, but its association with more general populations is poorly understood.

METHODS

We analyzed outcomes from 240,622 otherwise unselected patients who had 10 or more outpatient blood pressure readings recorded over a 3-year period and were aged from 20 to 100 years.

RESULTS

Whether calculated as SD, average change, or greatest change and systolic or diastolic blood pressure, we found that higher outpatient BPV was associated with subsequent hospitalization and mortality. Systolic pressure average change exceeding 10–12 mm Hg or diastolic exceeding 8 mm Hg significantly increased risk of hospitalization and death (odds ratios [ORs] from 2.0 to 4.5). Variability in the highest decile increased risks even more dramatically, with propensity-matched ORs from 4.4 to 42. A systolic change exceeding 35 mm Hg increased the relative risk of death 4.5-fold. Similarly, a diastolic change greater than 23–24 mm Hg almost tripled the risks of hospitalization and death. Neither stratification for hypertension nor propensity matching for risk factors within the database affected these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Systolic and diastolic variabilities were each associated with subsequent adverse outcomes. Physicians should pay special attention to patients with swings in blood pressure between clinic visits. Electronic medical records should flag such variability.
Rapid inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque progression by sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Sun Xin , Guo Shuyuan , Yao Jianting , Wang Huan , Peng Chenghai , Li Bicheng , Wang Yu , Jiang Yongxing , Wang Tengyu , Yang Yang , Cheng Jiali , Wang Wei , Cao Zhengyu , Zhao Xuezhu , Li Xiang , Sun Jing , Yang Jiemei , Tian Fang , Chen Xi , Li Qiannan , Gao Weiwei , Shen Jing , Zhou Qi , Wang Peng , Li Zhitao , Tian Zhen , Zhang Zhiguo , Cao Wenwu , Li Min , Tian Ye
Published: May 2018

Aims

Currently, efficient regimens to reverse atherosclerotic plaques are not available in the clinic. Herein, we present sonodynamic therapy (SDT) as a novel methodology to rapidly inhibit progression of atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and results

In atherosclerotic rabbit and apoE-deficient mouse models, SDT efficiently decreased the atherosclerotic burden within 1 week, revealing a decrease in the size of the atherosclerotic plaque and enlarged lumen. The shrunken atherosclerotic plaques displayed compositional alterations, with a reduction in lesional macrophages and lipids. The rapid efficacy of SDT may be due to its induction of macrophage apoptosis, enhancement of efferocytosis, and amelioration of inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque. Compared with atorvastatin, the standard of care for atherosclerosis, SDT showed more significant plaque shrinkage and lumen enlargement during 1 week treatment. Furthermore, SDT displayed good safety without obvious side effects. In a pilot clinical trial recruiting the patients suffering atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease, combination therapy of SDT with atorvastatin efficiently reduced progression of atherosclerotic plaque within 4 weeks, and its efficacy was able to last for at least 40 weeks.

Conclusion

SDT is a non-invasive and efficacious regimen to inhibit atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Acetylenotrophy: a hidden but ubiquitous microbial metabolism?
Authors: Akob Denise M , Sutton John M , Fierst Janna L , Haase Karl B , Baesman Shaun , Luther George W , Miller Laurence G , Oremland Ronald S
Published: May 2018

Acetylene (IUPAC name: ethyne) is a colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon, composed of two triple bonded carbon atoms attached to hydrogens (C2H2). When microbiologists and biogeochemists think of acetylene, they immediately think of its use as an inhibitory compound of certain microbial processes and a tracer for nitrogen fixation. However, what is less widely known is that anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms can degrade acetylene, using it as a sole carbon and energy source and providing the basis of a microbial food web. Here, we review what is known about acetylene degrading organisms and introduce the term 'acetylenotrophs' to refer to the microorganisms that carry out this metabolic pathway. In addition, we review the known environmental sources of acetylene and postulate the presence of an hidden acetylene cycle. The abundance of bacteria capable of using acetylene and other alkynes as an energy and carbon source suggests that there are energy cycles present in the environment that are driven by acetylene and alkyne production and consumption that are isolated from atmospheric exchange. Acetylenotrophs may have developed to leverage the relatively high concentrations of acetylene in the pre-Cambrian atmosphere, evolving later to survive in specialized niches where acetylene and other alkynes were produced.
Nesting Biology of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae)
Authors: He Chunling , Zhu Chaodong
Published: May 2018

Xylocopa, an important genus in Hymenoptera: Apidae, is of great significance in research on the early stages of insect social evolution. Most species in this genus burrow into wooden structures. Only the Proxylocopa subgenus nests in the soil. Here, we report the nesting behavior of Xylocopa xinjiangensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae), which is distributed only in Western China. During July 2013 and August 2016, we observed the nest architecture and nest building process of X. xinjiangensis. X. xinjiangensis is solitary and nests in the soil walls of gullies, mounds, and cliffs in the Manas area, Xinjiang, multiplying at the rate of one generation a year. Newly emerged females eclose in the fall and build wintering nests first. The next spring, outbound wintering females build breeding nests, although a few wintering females may use the breeding nests built by their mothers. The location and structure of X. xinjiangensis wintering nests are different from those of the breeding nests. The wintering nest is simple in structure, consisting of a tunnel leading perpendicularly from the surface to the interior. The structure of the breeding nest may be either a branching tunnel or a straight-chain tunnel. The first cell that X. xinjiangensis builds in the breeding nest is closest to the entrance, which is a significant difference from the behavior of carpenter bees that construct nests in wood structures. The results of this study lay the foundation for the utilization and protection of X. xinjiangensis resources and facilitate a better understanding of the evolution of the Xylocopa population.
Clinical Outcomes of Upfront Stereotactic Radiosurgery Alone for Patients With 5 to 15 Brain Metastases
Authors: Hughes Ryan T , McTyre Emory R , LeCompte Michael , Cramer Christina K , Munley Michael T , Laxton Adrian W , Tatter Stephen B , Ruiz Jimmy , Pasche Boris , Watabe Kounosuke , Chan Michael D
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The role of primary stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with >4 brain metastases (BM) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of patients treated with upfront SRS alone for 1, 2 to 4, and 5 to 15 BM and assess for predictors of clinical outcomes in the 5 to 15 BM group.

METHODS

A total of 478 patients treated with upfront SRS were stratified by number of lesions: 220 had 1 BM, 190 had 2 to 4 BM, and 68 patients had 5 to 15 BM. Overall survival and whole brain radiotherapy-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The cumulative incidences of local failure and distant brain failure (DBF) were estimated using competing risks methodology. Clinicopathologic and dosimetric parameters were evaluated as predictors of survival and DBF in patients with 5 to 15 BM using Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

Median overall survival was 8.0, 6.3, and 4.7 mo for patients with 1, 2 to 4, and 5 to 15 BM, respectively (P = .14). One-year DBF was 27%, 44%, and 40%, respectively (P = .01). Salvage SRS and whole brain radiotherapy rates did not differ. Progressive extracranial disease and gastrointestinal primary were associated with poor survival while RCC primary was associated with increased risk of DBF. No evaluated dose-volume parameters predicted for death, neurologic death or toxicity.

CONCLUSION

SRS for 5 to 15 BM is well tolerated without evidence of an associated increase in toxicity, treatment failure, or salvage therapy. Further prospective, randomized studies are warranted to clarify the role of SRS for these patients.
How Police Leaders Learn to Lead
Authors: Filstad Cathrine , Karp Tom , Glomseth Rune
Published: May 2018

This article examines how Norwegian police leaders learn to lead and what constitutes police practices. Twenty-seven police leaders were shadowed during and interviewed about their daily practices of policing. We found that police leaders learn foremost through their experiences by practising leadership within the context of police culture. We therefore argue for a shift from teaching to acknowledging learning through practice instead of learning through practice constituting missed opportunities for learning and being ‘due to chance’. The Norwegian police culture and the Norwegian Police Service not being a learning organization will strongly influence what Norwegian police leaders learn. Consequently, Norwegian police leaders learn management more than they learn leadership. We argue for combining management and leadership in future police leadership practices We also argue for the importance of enabling police leaders to construct their manoeuvring space, acknowledging the importance of a manoeuvring space in police leaders’ learning to ensure their learning results in changes in established practices.
Identification of Plant Compounds Involved in the Microbe-Plant Communication During the Coinoculation of Soybean with Bradyrhizobium elkanii and Delftia sp. strain JD2
Authors: Cagide Célica , Riviezzi Braulio , Minteguiaga Manuel , Morel María A. , Castro-Sowinski Susana
Published: May 2018

Delftia sp. strain JD2 is a betaproteobacterium characterized as a plant growth–promoting bacterium with a ‘helper’ function, enhancing the performance of rhizobial inoculant strains during the coinoculation of alfalfa and clover. In this work we analyzed i) the effect of the coinoculation with Bradyrhizobium elkanii and Delftia sp. strain JD2 strains on the performance of soybean plants and ii) the production of a few secondary plant metabolites that would explain the positive effect of coinoculation on the growth and development of soybean plants. The results showed a beneficial effect of coinoculation on soybean growth, nodulation rate, and pulse yield, with the concomitant benefit for the agricultural economy. In addition, based on a metabolomics approach, we demonstrated that a different pattern of plant metabolites is being produced at different stages of plant growth. The new information suggests that the coinoculation of soybean changes the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant, including changes in the metabolic status of main and secondary nodules within the plant. The relevance of producing a different pattern of photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments, flavonoids, organic acids, and carbohydrates are discussed. Finally, we propose that JD2 could be used together with bradyrhizobia to manipulate the chemical composition of plant tissues, promoting the nutritional benefits and health of soybean.
Identification and Characterization of Alternaria Species Associated with Moldy Core of Apple in Chile
Authors: Elfar Karina , Zoffoli Juan P. , Latorre Bernardo A.
Published: May 2018

Moldy core (MC) of apple is an important disease in Chile, with prevalence observed between 4 and 46% in Fuji, Oregon Spur Red Chief, and Scarlet apple in the 2014–15 and 2015–16 growing seasons. However, there is no information on the identity of the causal agents associated with MC in Chile. The analysis of 653 MC fruit revealed the presence of several genera of filamentous fungi. However, species of Alternaria (67.7%) were by far the most frequently fungi isolated. In total, 41 Alternaria isolates were characterized morphologically and molecularly using Alternaria major allergen Alt a1, calmodulin, and plasma membrane ATPase gene regions. Six small-spored Alternaria spp. were identified; namely, in order of importance, Alternaria tenuissima, A. arborescens, A. alternata, and A. dumosa in sect. Alternaria; A. frumenti in sect. Infectoriae; and A. kordkuyana in sect. Pseudoalternaria. MC symptoms were reproducible and consisted of a light gray to dark olive-green mycelium over the carpel and seed of immature and mature fruit, confirming that the isolates of these Alternaria spp. were pathogenic. These isolates caused brown necrotic lesions with concentric rings on wounded detached apple leaves. This study demonstrated that at least six Alternaria spp. are the cause of MC of apple in Chile. These Alternaria spp. were isolated alone, or with two or more species coexisting in the same fruit. This is the first report of A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, A. frumenti, A. dumosa, and A. kordkuyana associated with MC of apple in Chile and the first report of A. frumenti, A. kordkuyana, and A. dumosa causing MC of apple worldwide.
Standardizing Pathogenicity Assays for Fusarium Wilt Pathogens of Ornamental Palms
Authors: Elliott Monica L.
Published: May 2018

Standardized protocols for determining pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum ff. spp. canariensis and palmarum, the cause of Fusarium wilt of ornamental palms, were developed using small palm plants with a minimum of three to four seedling leaves. For both protocols, a standard amount of inoculum (25 ml of 106 spores/ml) was pipetted onto and between the leaf bases of each plant, with excess material running down onto the roots and collecting in the container. After 3 days, the palm plants were transplanted into 450-ml containers filled with pine bark/sedge peat/sand potting mix. The protocol for F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis differed from the protocol of F. oxysporum f. sp. palmarum by requiring that the lower 20% of roots be cut prior to inoculation and having the assay run for 6 months versus 3 months. These two assays were used to evaluate pathogenicity of multiple isolates of each pathogen. All 15 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. palmarum were pathogenic, whereas only 7 of 13 F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis isolates were pathogenic. These assays were also used to determine susceptibility of other palm species to these pathogens. Washingtonia filifera, Butia odorata, Phoenix dactylifera, and P. reclinata appeared susceptible to F. oxysporum f. sp. palmarum, at least in the seedling stage. Other inoculation techniques are described that may be useful for evaluating Fusarium wilt disease management methods.
Guided growth for caput valgum in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Peng Shih-Hui , Lee Wei-Chun , Kao Hsuan-Kai , Yang Wen-E. , Chang Chia-Hsieh
Published: May 2018

This study reported guided growth for caput valgum deformity and subsequent hip development. Ten children with unilateral hip dysplasia had guided growth by one eccentric transphyseal screw at age 9.1 years with minimum 2 years of follow-up. The first change was decreasing articulotrochanteric distance and then increasing physis tilt angle and head-shaft angle by 1.5 years. The center edge angle that was significantly less than the normal side (18.3 vs. 24.8°) preoperatively became comparable between both the hips 2 years later. Rebounding of physis inclination after screw back out suggested mechanical tethering, rather than permanent physis closure, resulted in morphologic changes in the femur. Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, level IV.
Substantial Heterogeneity in Progress Toward Reaching the 90-90-90 HIV Target in the WHO European Region
Authors: Porter Kholoud , Gourlay Annabelle , Attawell Kathy , Hales David , Supervie Virginie , Touloumi Giota , Rosinska Magda , Vourli Georgia , van Sighem Ard , Pharris Anastasia , Noori Teymur ,   the ECDC Dublin Declaration Monitoring Network
Published: May 2018

Background:

Achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target by 2020 is expected to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. We report on progress in the WHO European Region in meeting this target.

Methods:

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) sent questionnaires to 55 countries in 2016. We report estimates for 4 stages of the continuum of HIV care (living with HIV, diagnosed, treated, and virally suppressed), corresponding to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) target and explore differences by subregion and challenges with reporting data.

Findings:

Forty-four countries provided data for ≥1 stage, and 29 for all 4 stages. Estimated HIV prevalence was 0.19% (range 0.02%–0.84%, n = 37 countries providing stage 1 data). The proportion diagnosed of people living with HIV ranged from 38% to 98% (n = 37 reporting number of people living with HIV and diagnosed). The proportion on ART of those diagnosed ranged from 27% to 96% (n = 40 reporting numbers diagnosed and treated), and viral suppression rates ranged from 32% to 97% (n = 31 providing numbers treated and virally suppressed). The overall continuum of care estimate for 29 countries with complete data was 81-84-88, which differed by subregion: 84-88-90, 84-69-62, and 57-45-57 for the western, central, and eastern subregions, respectively. Challenges in reporting data included absence of a single data source for all stages, shortage of expertise, and lack of financial and human resources.

Conclusions:

There is an urgent need to strengthen HIV testing programs throughout Europe, particularly in the eastern subregion, and to remove constraints hampering access to testing and care. Recent changes to treatment guidelines should help reduce the numbers diagnosed not treated.
The Experience of Living With a Gluten-Free Diet
Authors: Rodríguez Almagro Julián , Rodríguez Almagro David , Solano Ruiz Carmen , Siles González José , Hernández Martínez Antonio
Published: May 2018

Celiac disease represents a problem in our society, not only because of its interest in terms of healthcare, but also because of its increasing prevalence in recent years and the impact it has on sufferers and their families. This integrative review investigated current knowledge about the experience of living with a gluten-free diet, as well as social support and the role played by nurses and/or associations in the process. A total of 18 articles were selected. Results revealed greater family support is needed to deal with the day-to-day issues of a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, women diagnosed with celiac disease have more psychological distress than men according to some studies. Sufferers of celiac disease report that more information is needed at all levels (hotel and catering, healthcare, social), which would help generate coping strategies. The few studies retrieved that talk about this topic show that following a gluten-free diet affects the personal, family, emotional, social, and financial dimensions of sufferers of celiac disease. The nurse tends to be the person whom those coping with the illness go to for support, although celiac disease associations are also a fundamental pillar in this support. Policy makers need to adapt health services to the needs of individuals with celiac disease.
Symptom Comparisons Between Asian American and White American Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Han Claire Jungyoun , Dong Chaoqun , Jarrett Monica E. , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: May 2018

There is little information on racial/ethnic characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In this study, we determined whether the severity of symptoms (gastrointestinal, psychological distress), cognitive beliefs about irritable bowel syndrome, and life impacts (life interference, health-related quality of life) differ between Asian American and White American women with irritable bowel syndrome. We also look at the relationships among these variables. Asian American women (N = 21) and age- and design-matched White American women (N = 63) with irritable bowel syndrome were included. Data were collected from questionnaires and a 28-day daily diary (e.g., abdominal pain, depression). The percent of days with moderate/severe abdominal pain and psychological distress were significantly higher, and constipation- and diarrhea-dominant bowel pattern subtypes were prevalent in White Americans as compared with Asian Americans. Positive relationships of gastrointestinal symptoms with psychological distress, and of gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms with negative cognitive beliefs and negative life impact, were observed in White Americans. Further studies to evaluate contributing (e.g., cultural–environmental, pathophysiological, diet) factors of symptom characteristics in Asian Americans are suggested. Our study provides useful information for healthcare providers to understand symptoms and cultural factors and the potential for culturally tailored symptom management for this patient group.
Noise-induced bistability in the quasi-neutral coexistence of viral RNAs under different replication modes
Authors: Sardanyés Josep , Arderiu Andreu , Elena Santiago F. , Alarcón Tomás
Published: May 2018

Evolutionary and dynamical investigations into real viral populations indicate that RNA replication can range between the two extremes represented by so-called ‘stamping machine replication’ (SMR) and ‘geometric replication’ (GR). The impact of asymmetries in replication for single-stranded (+) sense RNA viruses has been mainly studied with deterministic models. However, viral replication should be better described by including stochasticity, as the cell infection process is typically initiated with a very small number of RNA macromolecules, and thus largely influenced by intrinsic noise. Under appropriate conditions, deterministic theoretical descriptions of viral RNA replication predict a quasi-neutral coexistence scenario, with a line of fixed points involving different strands' equilibrium ratios depending on the initial conditions. Recent research into the quasi-neutral coexistence in two competing populations reveals that stochastic fluctuations fundamentally alter the mean-field scenario, and one of the two species outcompetes the other. In this article, we study this phenomenon for viral RNA replication modes by means of stochastic simulations and a diffusion approximation. Our results reveal that noise has a strong impact on the amplification of viral RNAs, also causing the emergence of noise-induced bistability. We provide analytical criteria for the dominance of (+) sense strands depending on the initial populations on the line of equilibria, which are in agreement with direct stochastic simulation results. The biological implications of this noise-driven mechanism are discussed within the framework of the evolutionary dynamics of RNA viruses with different modes of replication.
How robust is familiar face recognition? A repeat detection study of more than 1000 faces
Authors: Chapman Angus F. , Hawkins-Elder Hannah , Susilo Tirta
Published: May 2018

Recent theories suggest that familiar faces have a robust representation in memory because they have been encountered over a wide variety of contexts and image changes (e.g. lighting, viewpoint and expression). By contrast, unfamiliar faces are encountered only once, and so they do not benefit from such richness of experience and are represented based on image-specific details. In this registered report, we used a repeat detection task to test whether familiar faces are recognized better than unfamiliar faces across image changes. Participants viewed a stream of more than 1000 celebrity face images for 0.5 s each, any of which might be repeated at a later point and has to be detected. Some participants saw the same image at repeats, while others saw a different image of the same face. A post-experimental familiarity check allowed us to determine which celebrities were and were not familiar to each participant. We had three predictions: (i) detection would be better for familiar than unfamiliar faces, (ii) detection would be better across same rather than different images, and (iii) detection of familiar faces would be comparable across same and different images, but detection of unfamiliar faces would be poorer across different images. We obtained support for the first two predictions but not the last. Instead, we found that repeat detection of faces, regardless of familiarity, was poorer across different images. Our study suggests that the robustness of familiar face recognition may have limits, and that under some conditions, familiar face recognition can be just as influenced by image changes as unfamiliar face recognition.
Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing for SNP discovery and high-density genetic map construction in southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis)
Authors: Xie Mimi , Ming Yao , Shao Feng , Jian Jianbo , Zhang Yaoguang , Peng Zuogang
Published: May 2018

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and high-density genetic maps are important resources for marker-assisted selection, mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genome structure analysis. Although linkage maps in certain catfish species have been obtained, high-density maps remain unavailable in the economically important southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis). Recently developed restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) markers have proved to be a promising tool for SNP detection and genetic map construction. The objective of the present study was to construct a high-density linkage map using SNPs generated by next-generation RAD sequencing inS. meridionalisfor future genetic and genomic studies. An F1 population of 100 individuals was obtained by intraspecific crossing of two wild heterozygous individuals. In total, 77 634 putative high-quality bi-allelic SNPs between the parents were discovered by mapping the parents' paired-end RAD reads onto the reference contigs from both parents, of which 54.7% were transitions and 45.3% were transversions (transition/transversion ratio of 1.2). Finally, 26 714 high-quality RAD markers were grouped into 29 linkage groups by using de novo clustering methods (Stacks). Among these markers, 4514 were linked to the female genetic map, 23 718 to the male map and 6715 effective loci were linked to the integrated map spanning 5918.31 centimorgans (cM), with an average marker interval of 0.89 cM. High-resolution genetic maps are a useful tool for both marker-assisted breeding and various genome investigations in catfish, such as sequence assembly, gene localization, QTL detection and genome structure comparison. Hence, such a high-density linkage map will serve as a valuable resource for comparative genomics and fine-scale QTL mapping in catfish species.
Metabolic rates are significantly lower in abyssal Holothuroidea than in shallow-water Holothuroidea
Authors: Brown Alastair , Hauton Chris , Stratmann Tanja , Sweetman Andrew , van Oevelen Dick , Jones Daniel O. B.
Published: May 2018

Recent analyses of metabolic rates in fishes, echinoderms, crustaceans and cephalopods have concluded that bathymetric declines in temperature- and mass-normalized metabolic rate do not result from resource-limitation (e.g. oxygen or food/chemical energy), decreasing temperature or increasing hydrostatic pressure. Instead, based on contrasting bathymetric patterns reported in the metabolic rates of visual and non-visual taxa, declining metabolic rate with depth is proposed to result from relaxation of selection for high locomotory capacity in visual predators as light diminishes. Here, we present metabolic rates of Holothuroidea, a non-visual benthic and benthopelagic echinoderm class, determined
in situ
at abyssal depths (greater than 4000 m depth). Mean temperature- and mass-normalized metabolic rate did not differ significantly between shallow-water (less than 200 m depth) and bathyal (200–4000 m depth) holothurians, but was significantly lower in abyssal (greater than 4000 m depth) holothurians than in shallow-water holothurians. These results support the dominance of the visual interactions hypothesis at bathyal depths, but indicate that ecological or evolutionary pressures other than biotic visual interactions contribute to bathymetric variation in holothurian metabolic rates. Multiple nonlinear regression assuming power or exponential models indicates that
in situ
hydrostatic pressure and/or food/chemical energy availability are responsible for variation in holothurian metabolic rates. Consequently, these results have implications for modelling deep-sea energetics and processes.
More than a sum of parts: robust face recognition by integrating variation
Authors: Menon Nadia , Kemp Richard I. , White David
Published: May 2018

Familiarity incrementally improves our ability to identify faces. It has been hypothesized that this improvement reflects the refinement of memory representations which incorporate variation in appearance across encounters. Although it is established that exposure to variation improves face identification accuracy, it is not clear how variation is assimilated into internal face representations. To address this, we used a novel approach to isolate the effect of
integrating
separate exposures into a single-identity representation. Participants (
n
 = 113) were exposed to either a single video clip or a pair of video clips of target identities. Pairs of video clips were presented as either a single identity (associated with a single name, e.g. Betty-Sue) or dual identities (associated with two names, e.g. Betty and Sue). Results show that participants exposed to pairs of video clips showed better matching performance compared with participants trained with a single clip. More importantly, identification accuracy was higher for faces presented as single identities compared to faces presented as dual identities. This provides the first direct evidence that the integration of information across separate exposures benefits face matching, thereby establishing a mechanism that may explain people's impressive ability to recognize familiar faces.
Synergistic antibacterial activity between penicillenols and antibiotics against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Shuihong , Mou Qianqian , Xu Xinya , Qi Shuhua , Leung Polly H. M.
Published: May 2018

Penicillenol A2 (isolated from deep-sea fungus
Penicillium biourgeianum
DFFSCS023) has good antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
and in combination with
beta
-lactam antibiotics it could significantly decrease methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) survival, which provides a novel treatment consideration for MRSA-caused infections.
Phoretic interactions and oscillations in active suspensions of growing
Escherichia coli
Authors: Šimkus Remigijus , Meškienė Rita , Aučynaitė Agota , Ledas Žilvinas , Baronas Romas , Meškys Rolandas
Published: May 2018

Bioluminescence imaging experiments were carried out to characterize spatio-temporal patterns of bacterial self-organization in active suspensions (cultures) of bioluminescent
Escherichia coli
and its mutants. An analysis of the effects of mutations shows that spatio-temporal patterns formed in standard microtitre plates are not related to the chemotaxis system of bacteria. In fact, these patterns are strongly dependent on the properties of mutants that characterize them as self-phoretic (non-flagellar) swimmers. In particular, the observed patterns are essentially dependent on the efficiency of proton translocation across membranes and the smoothness of the cell surface. These characteristics can be associated, respectively, with the surface activity and the phoretic mobility of a colloidal swimmer. An analysis of the experimental data together with mathematical modelling of pattern formation suggests the following: (1) pattern-forming processes can be described by Keller–Segel-type models of chemotaxis with logistic cell kinetics; (2) active cells can be seen as biochemical oscillators that exhibit phoretic drift and alignment; and (3) the spatio-temporal patterns in a suspension of growing
E. coli
form due to phoretic interactions between oscillating cells of high metabolic activity.
Utilization of steric hindrance of alkyl lithium-based initiator to synthesize high 1,4 unit-containing hydroxyl- terminated polybutadiene
Authors: Min Xin , Fan Xiaodong , Liu Jie
Published: May 2018

A novel alkyl lithium-based initiator with relatively large steric hindrance,
tert
-butyldimethylsiloxydimethylpropyl lithium (TBDMSODPrLi), was designed and synthesized. By using TBDMSODPrLi, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) was prepared via anionic polymerization. The macromolecular structure of HTPB was characterized and verified by FTIR and
1
H-NMR. It was found that 1,4 unit content in HTPB initiated by TBDMSODPrLi was significantly higher (over 90%) compared to a HTPB (1,4 unit content of 70%) initiated with another initiator possessing smaller steric hindrance. The possible mechanism, which was based on initiator steric hindrance affecting monomer chain addition behaviour, was deduced. It was that the initiator's larger steric hindrance blocked lithium's intermolecular association during anionic polymerization; as a result, it could effectively increase the 1,4 unit content in HTPB. To further study how to obtain higher and stable 1,4 unit content, the optimal anionic polymerization technique for HTPB was explored including polymerization temperature, time and the amount of initiator used. The study concluded that utilization of an initiator with larger steric hindrance and reducing the polymerization temperature were two important factors to raise the 1,4 unit content in HTPB.
Copper-catalysed regioselective sulfenylation of indoles with sodium sulfinates
Authors: Luo Xiaojun , Liu Qiang , Zhu Hongxia , Chen Huoji
Published: May 2018

A copper-catalysed sulfenylation of indoles with sodium sulfinates that affords 3-sulfenylindoles in good-to-excellent yields in
N
,
N
-dimethyl formamide (DMF) is described. In the process, DMF serves not only as a solvent but also as a reductant. This transformation is easy to carry out and has mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance.
A Late Cretaceous mammal from Brazil and the first radioisotopic age for the Bauru Group
Authors: Castro Mariela C. , Goin Francisco J. , Ortiz-Jaureguizar Edgardo , Vieytes E. Carolina , Tsukui Kaori , Ramezani Jahandar , Batezelli Alessandro , Marsola Júlio C. A. , Langer Max C.
Published: May 2018

In the last three decades, records of tribosphenidan mammals from India, continental Africa, Madagascar and South America have challenged the notion of a strictly Laurasian distribution of the group during the Cretaceous. Here, we describe a lower premolar from the Late Cretaceous Adamantina Formation, São Paulo State, Brazil. It differs from all known fossil mammals, except for a putative eutherian from the same geologic unity andDeccanolestes hislopi, from the Maastrichtian of India. The incompleteness of the material precludes narrowing down its taxonomic attribution further than Tribosphenida, but it is larger than most coeval mammals and shows a thin layer of parallel crystallite enamel. The new taxon helps filling two major gaps in the fossil record: the paucity of Mesozoic mammals in more northern parts of South America and of tribosphenidans in the Cretaceous of that continent. In addition, high-precision U-Pb geochronology provided a post-Turonian maximal age (≤87.8 Ma) for the type stratum, which is overlain by the dinosaur-bearing Marília Formation, constraining the age of the Adamantina Formation at the site to late Coniacian–late Maastrichtian. This represents the first radioisotopic age for the Bauru Group, a key stratigraphic unit for the study of Cretaceous tetrapods in Gondwana.
On the evolution of visual female sexual signalling
Authors: Rooker Kelly , Gavrilets Sergey
Published: May 2018

A long-standing evolutionary puzzle surrounds female sexual signals visible around the time of ovulation. Even among just primates, why do some species have substantial sexual swellings and/or bright colorations visible around females' genital regions, while other species are like humans, with no signs of ovulation visible? What is the evolutionary purpose behind not just these signs, but also this great variation seen among species? Here, we examine the evolutionary trade-offs associated with visual ovulation signalling using agent-based modelling. Our model predicts how various factors, including male genetic heterogeneity and reproductive inequality, female physiological costs, group size, and the weighting of genetic versus non-genetic benefits coming from males, each influence the strength of ovulation signalling. Our model also predicts that increasing the impacts of infanticide will increase ovulation signalling. We use comparative primate data to show that, as predicted by our model, larger group size and higher risk of infanticide each correlate with having stronger visual ovulation signs. Overall, our work resolves some old controversies and sheds new light on the evolution of visual female sexual signalling.
The energetic cost of parasitism in a wild population
Authors: Hicks Olivia , Burthe Sarah J. , Daunt Francis , Newell Mark , Butler Adam , Ito Motohiro , Sato Katsufumi , Green Jonathan A.
Published: May 2018

Parasites have profound fitness effects on their hosts, yet these are often sub-lethal, making them difficult to understand and quantify. A principal sub-lethal mechanism that reduces fitness is parasite-induced increase in energetic costs of specific behaviours, potentially resulting in changes to time and energy budgets. However, quantifying the influence of parasites on these costs has not been undertaken in free-living animals. We used accelerometers to estimate energy expenditure on flying, diving and resting, in relation to a natural gradient of endo-parasite loads in a wild population of European shagsPhalacrocorax aristotelis. We found that flight costs were 10% higher in adult females with higher parasite loads and these individuals spent 44% less time flying than females with lower parasite loads. There was no evidence for an effect of parasite load on daily energy expenditure, suggesting the existence of an energy ceiling, with the increase in cost of flight compensated for by a reduction in flight duration. These behaviour specific costs of parasitism will have knock-on effects on reproductive success, if constraints on foraging behaviour detrimentally affect provisioning of young. The findings emphasize the importance of natural parasite loads in shaping the ecology and life-history of their hosts, which can have significant population level consequences.
Maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids as a reproductive isolating barrier
Authors: Rice Amber M. , McQuillan Michael A.
Published: May 2018

Selection against hybrid offspring, or postzygotic reproductive isolation, maintains species boundaries in the face of gene flow from hybridization. In this review, we propose that maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids is an important, but overlooked form of postzygotic reproductive isolation. Although a role for learning in premating isolation has been supported, whether learning deficiencies can contribute to postzygotic isolation has rarely been tested. We argue that the novel genetic combinations created by hybridization have the potential to impact learning and memory abilities through multiple possible mechanisms, and that any displacement from optima in these traits is likely to have fitness consequences. We review evidence supporting the potential for hybridization to affect learning and memory, and evidence of links between learning abilities and fitness. Finally, we suggest several avenues for future research. Given the importance of learning for fitness, especially in novel and unpredictable environments, maladaptive learning and memory in hybrids may be an increasingly important source of postzygotic reproductive isolation.
Effects of dams on downstream molluscan predator–prey interactions in the Colorado River estuary
Authors: Smith Jansen A. , Handley John C. , Dietl Gregory P.
Published: May 2018

River systems worldwide have been modified for human use and the downstream ecological consequences are often poorly understood. In the Colorado River estuary, where upstream water diversions have limited freshwater input during the last century, mollusc remains from the last several hundred years suggest widespread ecological change. The once abundant clam
Mulinia modesta
has undergone population declines of approximately 94% and populations of predators relying on this species as a food source have probably declined, switched to alternative prey species or both. We distinguish between the first two hypotheses using a null model of predation preference to test whether
M. modesta
was preyed upon selectively by the naticid snail,
Neverita reclusiana
, along the estuary's past salinity gradient. To evaluate the third hypothesis, we estimate available prey biomass today and in the past, assuming prey were a limiting resource. Data on the frequency of drill holes—identifiable traces of naticid predation on prey shells—showed several species, including
M. modesta
, were preferred prey.
Neverita reclusiana
was probably able to switch prey. Available prey biomass also declined, suggesting the
N. reclusiana
population probably also declined. These results indicate a substantial change to the structure of the benthic food web. Given the global scale of water management, such changes have probably also occurred in many of the world's estuaries.
PANDA: A comprehensive and flexible tool for proteomics data quantitative analysis
Authors: Chang Cheng , Guo Chaoping , Ding Yuqing , Xu Kaikun , Han Mingfei , He Fuchu , Zhu Yunping
Published: May 2018

As the experiment techniques and strategies in quantitative proteomics are improving rapidly, the corresponding algorithms and tools for protein quantification with high accuracy and precision are continuously required to be proposed. Here, we present a comprehensive and flexible tool named PANDA for proteomics data quantification. PANDA, which supports both label-free and labeled quantifications, is compatible with existing peptide identification tools and pipelines with considerable flexibility. Compared with MaxQuant on two complex da-tasets, PANDA was proved to be more accurate and precise with less computation time. Additionally, PANDA is an easy-to-use desktop ap-plication tool with user-friendly interfaces.

Availability

PANDA is freely available for download at https://sourceforge.net/projects/panda-tools/.

Contact

1987ccpacer@163.com and zhuyunping@gmail.com
Purification of Cross-linked RNA-Protein Complexes by Phenol-Toluol Extraction
Authors: Urdaneta Erika C , Vieira-Vieira Carlos H , Hick Timon , Wessels Hans-Herrmann , Figini Davide , Moschall Rebecca , Medenbach Jan , Ohler Uwe , Granneman Sander , Selbach Matthias , Beckmann Benedikt M
Published: May 2018

Recent methodological advances allowed the identification of an increasing number of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their RNA-binding sites. Most of those methods rely, however, on capturing proteins associated to polyadenylated RNAs which neglects RBPs bound to non-adenylate RNA classes (tRNA, rRNA, pre-mRNA) as well as the vast majority of species that lack poly-A tails in their mRNAs (including all archea and bacteria). To overcome these limitations, we have developed a novel protocol, Phenol Toluol extraction (PTex), that does not rely on a specific RNA sequence or motif for isolation of cross-linked ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), but rather purifies them based entirely on their physicochemical properties. PTex captures RBPs that bind to RNA as short as 30 nt, RNPs directly from animal tissue and can be used to simplify complex workflows such as PAR-CLIP. Finally, we provide a first global RNA-bound proteome of human HEK293 cells andSalmonellaTyphimurium as a bacterial species.
Fronto-central P3a to distracting sounds: an index of their arousing properties
Authors: Masson Rémy , Bidet-Caulet Aurélie
Published: May 2018

The P3a observed after novel events is an event-related potential comprising an early fronto-central phase and a late fronto-parietal phase. It has classically been considered to reflect the attention processing of distracting stimuli. However, novel sounds can lead to behavioral facilitation as much as behavioral distraction. This illustrates the duality of the orienting response which includes both an attentional and an arousal component. Using a paradigm with visual or auditory targets to detect and irrelevant unexpected distracting sounds to ignore, we showed that the facilitation effect by distracting sounds is independent of the target modality and endures more than 1500 ms. These results confirm that the behavioral facilitation observed after distracting sounds is related to an increase in unspecific phasic arousal on top of the attentional capture. Moreover, the amplitude of the early phase of the P3a to distracting sounds positively correlated with subjective arousal ratings, contrary to other event-related potentials. We propose that the fronto-central early phase of the P3a would index the arousing properties of distracting sounds and would be linked to the arousal component of the orienting response. Finally, we discuss the relevance of the P3a as a marker of distraction.