bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivators and Barriers to Reducing Sedentary Behavior Among Overweight and Obese Older Adults
Authors: Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Renz Anne , Rosenberg Dori E.
Published: February 2015

Purpose of the Study:

To explore individual, social, environmental, and program-related motivators, barriers, and impacts of sedentary behavior (SB) reduction among a group of overweight and obese older adults aged 60 and older.

Design and Methods:

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 participants following a SB reduction intervention. Transcripts from these interviews were iteratively coded by a team, and key themes were defined and refined guided by the social–ecological framework.

Results:

Motivators included the desire to improve health, newly acquired awareness of SB, the ease of incorporating SB reduction into current lifestyle, an adaptable environment, and the use of reminders. Barriers included existing health conditions, enjoyment of sedentary activities, unadaptable environments, fatigue, and difficulty understanding SB reduction as distinct from physical activity (PA). Participants reported impacts on physical and mental health and changes in awareness, exercise, and daily activity.

Implications:

Although in many ways motivators and barriers to reducing SB are similar to those of PA, SB interventions have special considerations and may ultimately be easier for some individuals to incorporate into their lifestyle.
The Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 Genome: A Comparative Analysis With S. fredii Strains Differing in Their Symbiotic Behavior With Soybean
Authors: Vinardell José-María , Acosta-Jurado Sebastián , Zehner Susanne , Göttfert Michael , Becker Anke , Baena Irene , Blom Jochem , Crespo-Rivas Juan Carlos , Goesmann Alexander , Jaenicke Sebastian , Krol Elizaveta , McIntosh Matthew , Margaret Isabel , Pérez-Montaño Francisco , Schneiker-Bekel Susanne , Serranía Javier , Szczepanowski Rafael , Buendía Ana-María , Lloret Javier , Bonilla Ildefonso , Pühler Alfred , Ruiz-Sainz José-Enrique , Weidner Stefan
Published: February 2015

Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 is a fast-growing rhizobial strain infecting a broad range of legumes including both American and Asiatic soybeans. In this work, we present the sequencing and annotation of the HH103 genome (7.25 Mb), consisting of one chromosome and six plasmids and representing the structurally most complex sinorhizobial genome sequenced so far. Comparative genomic analyses of S. fredii HH103 with strains USDA257 and NGR234 showed that the core genome of these three strains contains 4,212 genes (61.7% of the HH103 genes). Synteny plot analysis revealed that the much larger chromosome of USDA257 (6.48 Mb) is colinear to the HH103 (4.3 Mb) and NGR324 chromosomes (3.9 Mb). An additional region of the USDA257 chromosome of about 2 Mb displays similarity to plasmid pSfHH103e. Remarkable differences exist between HH103 and NGR234 concerning nod genes, flavonoid effect on surface polysaccharide production, and quorum-sensing systems. Furthermore a number of protein secretion systems have been found. Two genes coding for putative type III–secreted effectors not previously described in S. fredii, nopI and gunA, have been located on the HH103 genome. These differences could be important to understand the different symbiotic behavior of S. fredii strains HH103, USDA257, and NGR234 with soybean.
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus Can Overwinter in Stellaria aquatica, a Winter-Hardy TYLCV-Reservoir Weed
Authors: Kil Eui-Joon , Byun Hee-Seong , Kim Sunhoo , Cho Seungchan , Cho Sungrae , Roh Kangsan , Lee Kyeong-Yeoll , Choi Hong-Soo , Kim Chang-Seok , Lee Sukchan
Published: February 2015

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), one of the most serious plant viruses in tropical and subtropical regions, is transmitted to host plants by the vector insect Bemisia tabaci. In order to control TYLCV, it is important to identify weed hosts for overwintering TYLCV. Stellaria aquatica, a winter-hardy weed, was found growing with TYLCV-infected tomato plants in greenhouse production. TYLCV was detected in S. aquatica plants by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization analysis. The intergenic region nucleotide sequences amplified from TYLCV-infected tomato plants, TYLCV-viruliferous whiteflies, and S. aquatica were identical. During winter (December to February), TYLCV-viruliferous whiteflies and TYLCV-infected tomato plants were removed or absent from greenhouses. However, S. aquatica plants were observed over a period of 10 months from August to May in such greenhouses, and TYLCV was consistently detected in some of these plants. To investigate the transmission of TYLCV from TYLCV-infected S. aquatica plants to healthy tomato plants by whiteflies, TYLCV-infected S. aquatica plants were transplanted to pots in cages with nonviruliferous whiteflies and healthy tomato plants. After 4 weeks, tomato plants developed typical TYLCV disease symptoms, and TYLCV was detected in both whiteflies and tomato plants. These results show that S. aquatica can act as a winter-hardy reservoir for TYLCV, and suggest that this weed could play an important role in overwintering of TYLCV in tomato greenhouses.
First Report of Root Rot and Crown Necrosis Caused by Pythium aphanidermatum on Phaseolus vulgaris in Oman
Authors: Al-Mahmooli I. H. , Al-Fahdi A. R. , Al-Sadi A. M. , Deadman M. L.
Published: February 2015

In March 2013, 90% of mature bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Kendo) grown on a commercial farm in the north of Oman (Barka) developed symptoms of root rot and necrotic streaks on the crown area of the stem and wilted. A Pythium spp. was isolated consistently from roots and basal stems on 2.5% potato dextrose agar (PDA) and V8 (100% vegetable juice) plus 1.5% agar technical. Colonies of Pythium spp. on PDA and V8 plus agar developed abundant aerial mycelia, with the main hyphae being up to 10 μm wide. Zoosporangia were made up of terminal complexes of swollen hyphal branches of different lengths and up to 22 μm wide. Oogonia were terminal, globose, and smooth with a 26-μm diameter (average of 20). Antheridia were mostly intercalary, sometimes terminal, and broadly sac-shaped, 15 μm long and 11 μm wide (average of 20). Oospores were aplerotic, 23 μm in diameter (average of 24), with walls 1 to 2 μm thick at 25°C (ambient temperature). The internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and ITS4) sequence of the isolates matched the sequence of Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. in GenBank. The sequence of isolate Py1 was deposited in GenBank as Accession No. KM102739. This isolate was identified as P. aphanidermatum on the basis of morphological and cultural characteristics (1) and the ITS rDNA sequence. The ITS was found to share 100% nucleotide similarity to previously published sequences of the ITS (KJ755088). To fulfill Koch's postulate, a 5-mm plug of 5-day-old mycelium of isolate Py1 grown on 2.5% PDA was used to inoculate healthy seedlings of beans cv. Kendo. The plug was placed adjacent to the bean stem; PDA served as a control. Five replicate plants were used for the treatment and the control. The plants were maintained in a glasshouse at a temperature of 23 to 25°C. The plants were watered every day. The irrigation water had an electrical conductivity value of 0.2 dSm−1. Eleven days after inoculation, 90% of the plants developed root rot, crown necrosis, and wilt symptoms similar to those observed in the field. On the other hand, control plants did not show any symptoms. The pathogen was re-isolated from roots and basal stems of symptomatic plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. aphanidermatum as the causal agent of root and crown necrosis of mature bean plants in Oman. Future studies should focus on evaluating management options for this disease to avoid possible losses in a crop that has a high export value in Oman.

Reference: (1) Y. Serrano et al. Plant Dis. 92:174, 2008.
Bean pod mottle virus Time of Infection Influences Soybean Yield, Yield Components, and Quality
Authors: Byamukama E. , Robertson A. E. , Nutter F. W.
Published: February 2015

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) negatively affects soybean yield and quality, yet quantitative information on effect of time of BPMV infection on soybean yield and quality has not been reported. The impact of time of BPMV infection on soybean yield, yield components, and grain quality components were quantified during the 2006 and 2007 soybean growing seasons in Iowa. Soybean quadrats (30 cm in length) were established within soybean plots (‘NB3001’) that consisted of six rows and were 7.5 m long. Quadrats were sampled 9 times during the 2006 growing season and 10 times during the 2007 growing season, beginning 25 days after planting in both years. Sap was extracted from leaflet samples from each quadrat and tested for the presence or absence of BPMV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The day of year (DOY) and quadrat position when BPMV was first detected within each plot were recorded and mapped. Soybean yield, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, and 100-seed weight for each quadrat were determined. The relationship between time (DOY) of BPMV infection and soybean yield, soybean yield components, and soybean grain quality were then quantified using linear regression. DOY of BPMV infection within quadrats explained 89.7 and 57.9% of the variation in soybean grain yield in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Soybean yield damage functions (slopes) were 15.2 and 8.1 kg/ha per day, respectively, indicating that, for each day that BPMV infection was delayed, soybean yield increased by 15.2 kg/ha in 2006 and 8.1 kg/ha in 2007. The number of pods per plant increased by 0.15 pods for each day that BPMV infection was delayed (R2 = 72.8%) in 2006 but there was no relationship in 2007. The 100-seed weight had a significant linear relationship with the DOY when BPMV was first detected within quadrats in 2006 (slope = 0.013, R2 = 86.3%) but not in 2007. The percentage of mottled seed in 2006 decreased by 1% for each day that BPMV infection was delayed in 2006 (R2 = 87.4%). Both protein and oil content were affected by the DOY that BPMV was first detected within quadrats in 2006 but not in 2007. This study demonstrated that time of BPMV infection can negatively affect soybean yield, yield components, and grain quality components when BPMV disease risk is high.
The Effect of Sample Height on Spray Coverage in Mature Pecan Trees
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Hotchkiss Michael W. , Cottrell Ted E. , Wood Bruce W.
Published: February 2015

Pecan scab (caused by Fusicladium effusum) is the most damaging disease of pecan in the southeastern United States. Large air-blast sprayers for orchards are used to apply fungicide to control the disease but little quantitative information exists on the spray coverage achieved in the canopy of these trees. A series of experiments using water-sensitive spray cards to record spray coverage (percent area) at different heights and locations up to 15 m in the canopy of pecan trees showed a significantly greater percentage of card area covered at the lowest sample height when compared with the highest sample height. At the lowest height (5 m), spray coverage on individual cards ranged from 4.7 to 73.5% and, at the highest sample height (15 m), spray coverage ranged from 0.02 to 9.5%. In general, there was little significant difference in spray card coverage up to at least 10 m but, at 12.5 and 15 m, there was significantly less spray coverage compared with the coverage at 5 m. Regression analysis indicated a consistent linear relationship between sample height in the tree and the percent area covered. When spray cards were positioned at different heights without possible interference from pecan limbs and foliage, similar effects of sample height on spray coverage were noted. Wind speed measurements showed that air movement declined rapidly with distance from the sprayer fan. Whereas, at 2 m from the fan, wind speeds were approximately 26 m s−1, by 10 m, speeds had declined to 2 to 4 m s−1. At distances >12 m, wind speed was approaching ambient air movement of about 1 to 3 m s−1. Although aerial application resulted in numerically greater spray coverage at sample heights >10 m, it was not significant even though a weak linear relationship (R2 = 0.21 to 0.25) suggested an effect of height. Characterizing and understanding pesticide spray coverage in pecan will allow us to discern limits imposed by existing technology, and provide the basis for improving spray application methods (or tree management) for more efficacious disease control.
Rhizoctonia Anastomosis Groups Associated with Diseased Rooibos Seedlings and the Potential of Compost as Soil Amendment for Disease Suppression
Authors: Tewoldemedhin Y. T. , Lamprecht S. C. , Mazzola M.
Published: February 2015

Rhizoctonia spp. associated with rooibos in the Western Cape province of South Africa were recovered during the 2008 season by planting seedlings in rhizosphere soils collected from 14 rooibos nurseries. In all, 75 Rhizoctonia isolates were obtained, of which 67 were multinucleate and 8 were binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. The identity of these isolates to anastomosis group (AG) was determined through sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region. The collection of multinucleate isolates included representatives of AG-2-2 (67%), AG-4 HGI (14%), AG-11 (5%), and R. zeae (3%). Binucleate AGs included AG-Bo (4%) and AG-K (4%) and an unidentified binucleate Rhizoctonia (3%). Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-2 was the most widely distributed species of Rhizoctonia detected among the 11 nurseries sampled. All AGs recovered from rooibos have been previously reported on crop plants in South Africa, with the exception of R. zeae. However, this is the first study to classify the Rhizoctonia AGs recovered from rooibos. In glasshouse bioassays, the most virulent Rhizoctonia AGs on rooibos and lupin were AG-2-2, AG-4 HGI, and AG-11. Although plant damage was less than that observed for lupin and rooibos, oat was significantly affected by AG-2-2 and AG-4 HGI. Two composts sourced from independent suppliers were evaluated for disease suppression under glasshouse conditions. Compost amendment suppressed damping-off by most R. solani AGs, except for AG-4 HGI. Furthermore, within AG-2-2, suppression by compost was isolate specific.
Postharvest Quarantine Treatments for Diaphorina citri on Infested Curry Leaves
Authors: Anco D. J. , Poole G. H. , Gottwald T. R.
Published: February 2015

Studies were conducted to evaluate treatments that reduce survival and attachment of Diaphorina citri nymphs on infested curry leaves (Bergera koenigii). Decontamination of curry leaves infested with D. citri in relation to disinfectant (none or Pro-San), temperature (0, 40, and 50°C), and treatment duration (0, 5, 10, and 20 min) was examined using a split-split plot design. Experiments were performed three times. Treatment duration did not significantly affect D. citri nymph survival or removal (P > 0.2). Temperature and disinfectant each significantly affected D. citri nymph survival and removal (P < 0.031). The interaction of temperature and disinfectant was significant with respect to nymph survival (P < 0.0001) but did not significantly affect removal (P = 0.4589). Tissue damage was significantly affected by temperature (P = 0.0056), duration (P = 0.0023), the interaction of temperature and duration (P = 0.0320), and the interaction of disinfectant, temperature, and duration (P = 0.0410). Of the treatments resulting in 100% D. citri nymph mortality on infested curry leaves, 40°C for 5 min with Pro-San was accompanied with the least proportion of curry leaf tissue damage (0.14 greater than untreated control, P = 0.25). Results from these studies may be useful in formulation of future regulatory policies regarding trade of citrus foliage, especially those used as condiments.
Evaluation of the Modern Luque Trolley Construct for the Treatment of Early-onset Scoliosis Using a Gliding Implant in an Immature Animal Model
Authors: Ouellet Jean A. , Ferland Catherine E. , Klein Karina , Racloz Guillaume , Klein Karina , Richter Henning , Steffen Thomas , von Rechenberg Brigitte
Published: February 2015

Study Design:

This was an experimental animal study.

Objective:

To determine biological compatibility, stability, and growth potential of the Trolley Gliding Vehicle (TGV) used in a novel surgical technique for guided spinal growth.

Summary of Background Data:

Current treatments for early-onset scoliosis maintaining spinal growth consist of posteriorly based spinal constructs requiring repetitive lengthening. Such interventions have a high rate of complications. Using a muscle-sparing technique, a modified dual-growing rods construct, and new sliding spinal anchors, we aimed to test a modern Luque Trolley construct in an immature animal model.

Materials and Methods:

Six matched pairs of 3-month-old lambs were randomized to an observation or a surgical group and were followed for 9 months. The surgical group was subjected to implantation of a modern Luque Trolley construct with the new TGV inserted using a minimally invasive transmuscular technique capturing the spine and the 2 overlapping rods on either side. Physical examinations and imaging were performed at routine intervals, with a subsequent necropsy.

Results:

The spines of the study group grew 96% between the instrumented segments compared with the control group without evidence of implant failure. In total, 42% of the fixed anchors (pedicle screws) and 13.90% of the TGV were loose. All 6 animals had some heterotrophic bone formation tracking along the rods (<20%) mainly originating from the distal anchor point. We identified 19 unplanned spontaneous facet arthrodesis out of the 132 mobile facets found between the fixed proximal and distal anchors. An additional 10 facets spontaneously fused proximal to the most proximal instrumented implants.

Conclusions:

Implantation of a modern Luque construct with TGV allows for spinal growth in a nonscoliotic animal model. Implant loosening was likely mechanical as no signs of reactive inflammatory reaction were found. Reduction of heterotrophic ossification and spontaneous facet arthrodesis remains a challenge in the management of immature spine.
Prognostic models in coronary artery disease: Cox and network approaches
Authors: Mora Antonio , Sicari Rosa , Cortigiani Lauro , Carpeggiani Clara , Picano Eugenio , Capobianco Enrico
Published: February 2015

Predictive assessment of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is usually provided by computational approaches centred on Cox models. The complex interdependence structure underlying clinical data patterns can limit the performance of Cox analysis and complicate the interpretation of results, thus calling for complementary and integrative methods. Prognostic models are proposed for studying the risk associated with patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing vasodilator stress echocardiography, an established technique for CAD detection and prognostication. In order to complement standard Cox models, network inference is considered a possible solution to quantify the complex relationships between heterogeneous data categories. In particular, a mutual information network is designed to explore the paths linking patient-associated variables to endpoint events, to reveal prognostic factors and to identify the best possible predictors of death. Data from a prospective, multicentre, observational study are available from a previous study, based on 4313 patients (2532 men; 64±11 years) with known (n=1547) or suspected (n=2766) CAD, who underwent high-dose dipyridamole (0.84 mg kg−1over 6 min) stress echocardiography with coronary flow reserve (CFR) evaluation of left anterior descending (LAD) artery by Doppler. The overall mortality was the only endpoint analysed by Cox models. The estimated connectivity between clinical variables assigns a complementary value to the proposed network approach in relation to the established Cox model, for instance revealing connectivity paths. Depending on the use of multiple metrics, the constraints of regression analysis in measuring the association strength among clinical variables can be relaxed, and identification of communities and prognostic paths can be provided. On the basis of evidence from various model comparisons, we show in this CAD study that there may be characteristic factors involved in prognostic stratification whose complexity suggests an exploration beyond the analysis provided by the still fundamental Cox approach.
Morphological plasticity in a calcifying modular organism: evidence from an in situtransplant experiment in a natural CO2vent system
Authors: Lombardi Chiara , Cocito Silvia , Gambi Maria Cristina , Taylor Paul D.
Published: February 2015

Understanding is currently limited of the biological processes underlying the responses of modular organisms to climate change and the potential to adapt through morphological plasticity related to their modularity. Here, we investigate the effects of ocean acidification and seawater warming on the growth, life history and morphological plasticity in the modular bryozoanCalpensia nobilis using transplantation experiments in a shallow Mediterranean volcanic CO2vents system that simulates pH values expected for the year 2100. Colonies exposed at vent sites grew at approximately half the rate of those from the control site. Between days 34 and 48 of the experiment, they reached a possible ‘threshold’, due to the combined effects of exposure time and pH. Temperature did not affect zooid length, but longer zooids with wider primary orifices occurred in low pH conditions close to the vents. Growth models describing colony development under different environmental scenarios suggest that stressed colonies ofC. nobilisreallocate metabolic energy to the consolidation and strengthening of existing zooids. This is interpreted as a change in life-history strategy to support persistence under unfavourable environmental conditions. Changes in the skeletal morphology of zooids evident inC. nobilisduring short-time (87 days) exposure experiments reveal morphological plasticity that may indicate a potential to adapt to the more acidic Mediterranean predicted for the future.
Pre-zygotic isolation in the macroalgal genusFucusfrom four contact zones spanning 100–10 000 years: a tale of reinforcement?
Authors: Hoarau G. , Coyer J. A. , Giesbers M. C. W. G. , Jueterbock A. , Olsen J. L.
Published: February 2015

Hybrid zones provide an ideal natural experiment to study the selective forces driving evolution of reproductive barriers and speciation. If hybrid offspring are less fit than the parental species, pre-zygotic isolating barriers can evolve and strengthen in response to selection against the hybrids (reinforcement). Four contact zones between the intertidal macroalgaeFucus serratus(Fs) andFucus distichus(Fd), characterized by varying times of sympatry and order of species introduction provide an opportunity to investigate reinforcement. We examined patterns of hybridization and reproductive isolation betweenFsandFdin: (i) northern Norway (consisting of two natural sites, 10 000 years old), (ii) the Kattegat near Denmark (Fdintroduced, nineteenth century) and (iii) Iceland (Fsintroduced, nineteenth century). Using 10 microsatellites and chloroplast DNA, we showed that hybridization and introgression decreased with increasing duration of sympatry. The two younger contact zones revealed 13 and 24% hybrids and severalF1individuals, in contrast to the older contact zone with 2–3% hybrids and an absence ofF1s. Cross-fertilization experiments revealed that the reduction in hybridization in the oldest zone is consistent with increased gametic incompatibility.
Discrete line complexes and integrable evolution of minors
Authors: Bobenko A. I. , Schief W. K.
Published: February 2015

Based on the classical Plücker correspondence, we present algebraic and geometric properties of discrete integrable line complexes inCP3. Algebraically, these are encoded in a discrete integrable system that appears in various guises in the theory of continuous and discrete integrable systems. Geometrically, the existence of these integrable line complexes is shown to be guaranteed by Desargues' classical theorem of projective geometry. A remarkable characterization in terms of correlations ofCP3is also recorded.
Parental age influences developmental stability of the progeny inDrosophila
Authors: Colines Betina , Rodríguez Nahuel Cabrera , Hasson Esteban R. , Carreira Valeria , Frankel Nicolás
Published: February 2015

The stochastic nature of biochemical processes is a source of variability that influences developmental stability. Developmental instability (DI) is often estimated through fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a parameter that deals with within-individual variation in bilateral structures. A relevant goal is to shed light on how environment, physiology and genotype relate to DI, thus providing a more comprehensive view of organismal development. UsingDrosophila melanogasterisogenic lines, we investigated the effect of parental age, parental diet and offspring heterozygosity on DI. In this work, we have uncovered a clear relationship between parental age and offspring asymmetry. We show that asymmetry of the progeny increases concomitantly with parental age. Moreover, we demonstrate that enriching the diet of parents mitigates the effect of age on offspring symmetry. We show as well that increasing the heterozygosity of the progeny eliminates the effect of parental age on offspring symmetry. Taken together, our results suggest that diet, genotype and age of the parents interact to determine offspring DI in wild populations. These findings provide us with an avenue to understand the mechanisms underlying DI.
Individual quality and personality: bolder males are less fecund in the hermit crabPagurus bernhardus
Authors: Bridger Danielle , Bonner Simon J. , Briffa Mark
Published: February 2015

One explanation for animal personality is that different behavioural types derive from different life-history strategies. Highly productive individuals, with high growth rates and high fecundity, are assumed to live life at a fast pace showing high levels of boldness and risk taking, compared with less productive individuals. Here, we investigate among-individual differences in mean boldness (the inverse of the latency to recover from a startling stimulus) and in the consistency of boldness, in male hermit crabs in relation to two aspects of life-history investment. We assessed aerobic scope by measuring the concentration of the respiratory pigment haemocyanin, and we assessed fecundity by measuring spermatophore size. First, we found that individuals investing in large spermatophores also had high concentrations of haemocyanin. Using doubly hierarchical-generalized linear models to analyse longitudinal data on startle responses, we show that hermit crabs vary both in their mean response durations and in the consistency of their behaviour. Individual consistency was unrelated to haemocyanin concentration or spermatophore size, but mean startle response duration increased with spermatophore size. Thus, counter to expectations, it was the most risk-averse individuals, rather than the boldest and most risk prone, that were the most productive. We suggest that similar patterns should be present in other species, if the most productive individuals avoid risky behaviour.
Asymmetric neural coding revealed by
in vivo
calcium imaging in the honey bee brain
Authors: Rigosi Elisa , Haase Albrecht , Rath Lisa , Anfora Gianfranco , Vallortigara Giorgio , Szyszka Paul
Published: February 2015

Left–right asymmetries are common properties of nervous systems. Although lateralized sensory processing has been well studied, information is lacking about how asymmetries are represented at the level of neural coding. Using
in vivo
functional imaging, we identified a population-level left–right asymmetry in the honey bee's primary olfactory centre, the antennal lobe (AL). When both antennae were stimulated via a frontal odour source, the inter-odour distances between neural response patterns were higher in the right than in the left AL. Behavioural data correlated with the brain imaging results: bees with only their right antenna were better in discriminating a target odour in a cross-adaptation paradigm. We hypothesize that the differences in neural odour representations in the two brain sides serve to increase coding capacity by parallel processing.
Molecular basis for three-dimensional elaboration of theAquilegiapetal spur
Authors: Yant Levi , Collani Silvio , Puzey Joshua , Levy Clara , Kramer Elena M.
Published: February 2015

By enforcing specific pollinator interactions,Aquilegiapetal nectar spurs maintain reproductive isolation between species. Spur development is the result of three-dimensional elaboration from a comparatively two-dimensional primordium. Initiated by localized, oriented cell divisions surrounding the incipient nectary, this process creates a pouch that is extended by anisotropic cell elongation. We hypothesized that the development of this evolutionary novelty could be promoted by non-mutually exclusive factors, including (i) prolonged, KNOX-dependent cell fate indeterminacy, (ii) localized organ sculpting and/or (iii) redeployment of hormone-signalling modules. Using cell division markers to guide transcriptome analysis of microdissected spur tissue, we present candidate mechanisms underlying spur outgrowth. We see dynamic expression of factors controlling cell proliferation and hormone signalling, but no evidence of contribution from indeterminacy factors. Transcriptome dynamics point to a novel recruitment event in which auxin-related factors that normally function at the organ margin were co-opted to this central structure. Functional perturbation of the transition between cell division and expansion reveals an unexpected asymmetric component of spur development. These findings indicate that the production of this three-dimensional form is an example of organ sculpting via localized cell division with novel contributions from hormone signalling, rather than a product of prolonged indeterminacy.
Interspecific social networks promote information transmission in wild songbirds
Authors: Farine Damien R. , Aplin Lucy M. , Sheldon Ben C. , Hoppitt William
Published: February 2015

Understanding the functional links between social structure and population processes is a central aim of evolutionary ecology. Multiple types of interactions can be represented by networks drawn for the same population, such as kinship, dominance or affiliative networks, but the relative importance of alternative networks in modulating population processes may not be clear. We illustrate this problem, and a solution, by developing a framework for testing the importance of different types of association in facilitating the transmission of information. We apply this framework to experimental data from wild songbirds that form mixed-species flocks, recording the arrival (patch discovery) of individuals to novel foraging sites. We tested whether intraspecific and interspecific social networks predicted the spread of information about novel food sites, and found that both contributed to transmission. The likelihood of acquiring information per unit of connection to knowledgeable individuals increased 22-fold for conspecifics, and 12-fold for heterospecifics. We also found that species varied in how much information they produced, suggesting that some species play a keystone role in winter foraging flocks. More generally, these analyses demonstrate that this method provides a powerful approach, using social networks to quantify the relative transmission rates across different social relationships.
Where is the UK's pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban areas for flower-visiting insects
Authors: Baldock Katherine C. R. , Goddard Mark A. , Hicks Damien M. , Kunin William E. , Mitschunas Nadine , Osgathorpe Lynne M. , Potts Simon G. , Robertson Kirsty M. , Scott Anna V. , Stone Graham N. , Vaughan Ian P. , Memmott Jane
Published: February 2015

Insect pollinators provide a crucial ecosystem service, but are under threat. Urban areas could be important for pollinators, though their value relative to other habitats is poorly known. We compared pollinator communities using quantified flower-visitation networks in 36 sites (each 1 km
2
) in three landscapes: urban, farmland and nature reserves. Overall, flower-visitor abundance and species richness did not differ significantly between the three landscape types. Bee abundance did not differ between landscapes, but bee species richness was higher in urban areas than farmland. Hoverfly abundance was higher in farmland and nature reserves than urban sites, but species richness did not differ significantly. While urban pollinator assemblages were more homogeneous across space than those in farmland or nature reserves, there was no significant difference in the numbers of rarer species between the three landscapes. Network-level specialization was higher in farmland than urban sites. Relative to other habitats, urban visitors foraged from a greater number of plant species (higher generality) but also visited a lower proportion of available plant species (higher specialization), both possibly driven by higher urban plant richness. Urban areas are growing, and improving their value for pollinators should be part of any national strategy to conserve and restore pollinators.
Barb geometry of asymmetrical feathers reveals a transitional morphology in the evolution of avian flight
Authors: Feo Teresa J. , Field Daniel J. , Prum Richard O.
Published: February 2015

The geometry of feather barbs (barb length and barb angle) determines feather vane asymmetry and vane rigidity, which are both critical to a feather's aerodynamic performance. Here, we describe the relationship between barb geometry and aerodynamic function across the evolutionary history of asymmetrical flight feathers, from Mesozoic taxa outside of modern avian diversity (Microraptor,Archaeopteryx,Sapeornis,Confuciusornisand the enantiornithineEopengornis) to an extensive sample of modern birds. Contrary to previous assumptions, we find that barb angle is not related to vane-width asymmetry; instead barb angle varies with vane function, whereas barb length variation determines vane asymmetry. We demonstrate that barb geometry significantly differs among functionally distinct portions of flight feather vanes, and that cutting-edge leading vanes occupy a distinct region of morphospace characterized by small barb angles. This cutting-edge vane morphology is ubiquitous across a phylogenetically and functionally diverse sample of modern birds and Mesozoic stem birds, revealing a fundamental aerodynamic adaptation that has persisted from the Late Jurassic. However, in Mesozoic taxa stemward of Ornithurae and Enantiornithes, trailing vane barb geometry is distinctly different from that of modern birds. In both modern birds and enantiornithines, trailing vanes have larger barb angles than in comparatively stemward taxa likeArchaeopteryx, which exhibit small trailing vane barb angles. This discovery reveals a previously unrecognized evolutionary transition in flight feather morphology, which has important implications for the flight capacity of early feathered theropods such asArchaeopteryxandMicroraptor. Our findings suggest that the fully modern avian flight feather, and possibly a modern capacity for powered flight, evolved crownward ofConfuciusornis, long after the origin of asymmetrical flight feathers, and much later than previously recognized.
Discovery of large genomic inversions using pooled clone sequencing
Authors: Eslami Rasekh Marzieh , Chiatante Giorgia , Miroballo Mattia , Tang Joyce , Ventura Mario , Amemiya Chris T , Eichler Evan E. , Antonacci Francesca , Alkan Can
Published: February 2015

There are many different forms of genomic structural variation that can be broadly classified as copy number variation (CNV) and balanced rearrangements. Although many algorithms are now available in the literature that aim to characterize CNVs, discovery of balanced rearrangements (inversions and translocations) remains an open problem. This is mainly because the breakpoints of such events typically lie within segmental duplications and common repeats, which reduce the mappability of short reads. The 1000 Genomes Project spearheaded the development of several methods to identify inversions, however, they are limited to relatively short inversions, and there are currently no available algorithms to discover large inversions using high throughput sequencing technologies (HTS). Here we propose to use a sequencing method (Kitzman et al., 2011) originally developed to improve haplotype resolution to characterize large genomic inversions. This method, called pooled clone sequencing, merges the advantages of clone based sequencing approach with the speed and cost efficiency of HTS technologies. Using data generated with pooled clone sequencing method, we developed a novel algorithm, dipSeq, to discover large inversions (>500 Kbp). We show the power of dipSeq first on simulated data, and then apply it to the genome of a HapMap individual (NA12878). We were able to accurately discover all previously known and experimentally validated large inversions in the same genome. We also identified a novel inversion, and confirmed using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Availability: Implementation of the dipSeq algorithm is available at https://github.com/BilkentCompGen/dipseq
A Nucleus-Encoded Chloroplast Protein Regulated by Iron Availability Governs Expression of the Photosystem I Subunit PsaA inChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Lefebvre-Legendre Linnka , Choquet Yves , Kuras Richard , Loubéry Sylvain , Douchi Damien , Goldschmidt-Clermont Michel
Published: February 2015

The biogenesis of the photosynthetic electron transfer chain in the thylakoid membranes requires the concerted expression of genes in the chloroplast and the nucleus. Chloroplast gene expression is subjected to anterograde control by a battery of nucleus-encoded proteins that are imported in the chloroplast, where they mostly intervene at posttranscriptional steps. Using a new genetic screen, we identify a nuclear mutant that is required for expression of the PsaA subunit of photosystem I (PSI) in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This mutant is affected in the stability and translation of psaA messenger RNA. The corresponding gene, TRANSLATION OF psaA1 (TAA1), encodes a large protein with two domains that are thought to mediate RNA binding: an array of octatricopeptide repeats (OPR) and an RNA-binding domain abundant in apicomplexans (RAP) domain. We show that as expected for its function, TAA1 is localized in the chloroplast. It was previously shown that when mixotrophic cultures of C. reinhardtii (which use both photosynthesis and mitochondrial respiration for growth) are shifted to conditions of iron limitation, there is a strong decrease in the accumulation of PSI and that this is rapidly reversed when iron is resupplied. Under these conditions, TAA1 protein is also down-regulated through a posttranscriptional mechanism and rapidly reaccumulates when iron is restored. These observations reveal a concerted regulation of PSI and of TAA1 in response to iron availability.
ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM1Suppresses Ectopic Stem Cell Niche Formation in the Shoot Apical Meristem in a Largely Cytokinin-Independent Manner
Authors: Huang Wenwen , Pitorre Delphine , Poretska Olena , Marizzi Christine , Winter Nikola , Poppenberger Brigitte , Sieberer Tobias
Published: February 2015

Plants are able to reiteratively form new organs in an environmentally adaptive manner during postembryonic development. Organ formation in plants is dependent on stem cell niches (SCNs), which are located in the so-called meristems. Meristems show a functional zonation along the apical-basal axis and the radial axis. Shoot apical meristems of higher plants are dome-like structures, which contain a central SCN that consists of an apical stem cell pool and an underlying organizing center. Organ primordia are formed in the circular peripheral zone (PZ) from stem cell descendants in which differentiation programs are activated. One mechanism to keep this radial symmetry integrated is that the existing SCN actively suppresses stem cell identity in the PZ. However, how this lateral inhibition system works at the molecular level is far from understood. Here, we show that a defect in the putative carboxypeptidase ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM1 (AMP1) causes the formation of extra SCNs in the presence of an intact primary shoot apical meristem, which at least partially contributes to the enhanced shoot meristem size and leaf initiation rate found in the mutant. This defect appears to be neither a specific consequence of the altered cytokinin levels in amp1 nor directly mediated by the WUSCHEL/CLAVATA feedback loop. De novo formation of supernumerary stem cell pools was further enhanced in plants mutated in both AMP1 and its paralog LIKE AMP1, indicating that they exhibit partially overlapping roles to suppress SCN respecification in the PZ.
Crystal structure of 3-[(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione
Authors: Al-Omary Fatmah A. M. , El-Emam Ali A. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Quah Ching Kheng , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: February 2015

The title 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione derivative, C18H20N4OS2, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The 2-thienyl rings in both molecules are rotationally disordered over two orientations by approximately 180° about the single C—C bond that connects it to the oxadiazole thione ring; the ratios of site occupancies for the major and minor components were fixed in the structure refinement at 0.8:0.2 and 0.9:0.1 in moleculesAandB, respectively. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione ring forms dihedral angles of 7.71 (16), 10.0 (11) and 77.50 (12)° (moleculeA), and 6.5 (3), 6.0 (9) and 55.30 (12)° (moleculeB) with the major and minor parts of the disordered thiophene ring and the mean plane of the adjacent piperazine ring, respectively, resulting in approximately V-shaped conformations for the molecules. The piperazine ring in both molecules adopts a chair conformation. The terminal benzene ring is inclined towards the mean plane of the piperazine ring with N—C—C—C torsion angles of −58.2 (3) and −66.2 (3)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. In the crystal, no intermolecular hydrogen bonds are observed. The crystal packing features short S...S contacts [3.4792 (9) Å] and π–π interactions [3.661 (3), 3.664 (11) and 3.5727 (10) Å], producing a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium dicarba-7,8-nido-undecaborate
Authors: Klemes M. J. , Soderstrom L. , Hunting J. L. , Larsen A. S.
Published: February 2015

In the title molecular salt, C9H17N2+·C2H12B9−, the carborane cage has a bridging B—H—B bond on the open B3C2face. The butyl side chain of the cation adopts an extended conformation [C—C—C—C = 179.6 (1)°]. In the crystal, the imidazolium ring is almost coplanar with the open face of the carborane anion. The cations stack in the [010] direction and the dihedral angle between the imidazolium rings of adjacent cations is 68.45 (6)°. The butyl chains extend into the space between carborane anions.
An empirical analysis of international consumers’ associations with Bavarian food products by means of concept mapping
Authors: Seitz Carolin Claudia , Roosen Jutta
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Knowledge of consumers’ perception of foreign food products can be a key element for successful international marketing strategies, as operating on a regional or global level requires deep knowledge about international markets. Purchase decisions for most products are strongly linked to a person’s attitude towards these products, which are determined by beliefs and meanings associated with the product. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the perception of Bavarian food products in an international context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The qualitative technique of concept mapping has been used to uncover and visualise consumers’ semantic networks regarding Bavarian food products. Two European countries – Bulgaria and Romania – as well as two Asian ones – China and South Korea – are exemplary selected for this study.

Findings

– The results clearly show that the two frequently mentioned associations across all four countries are the same while the other associations which were enumerated show a greater heterogeneity. Furthermore the study provides empirical evidence that the associations regarding Bavarian food products of the European countries are more similar to each other than the Asian ones. South Koreans have more indirect than direct associations with Bavarian food products and Chinese semantic networks regarding Bavarian food products are the least complex. These findings are underpinned by network analysis.

Originality/value

– This study adds to the existing literature on country image by exploring international consumer’s cognitive networks regarding Bavarian food products by means of concept mapping.
Measuring office fit-out changes to determine recurring embodied energy in building life cycle assessment
Authors: Forsythe Perry , Wilkinson Sara
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to quantify and profile the indicative amount of retrofits in office buildings as a necessary step in quantifying the recurring embodied energy in office buildings. Buildings are a major source of energy usage and emissions, and office buildings are a significant contributor to this situation. Life cycle assessments in this area have tended to neglect the potentially large impact arising from recurring embodied energy associated with office fit-out – which is often akin to a short-term consumable rather than a long-term durable in many multi-storey buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used building permit data from the Melbourne Central Business District (n= 986) over the period 2006-2010 (inclusive) to quantify the number of retrofits and related trends. Building on this, a small number of targeted case study buildings were used to probe specific issues in profiling trends associated with high-frequency trends arising from the main sample.

Findings

– The data show that the number of retrofits varies according to location, grade, size and the age of buildings. Using the case study data, there is initial evidence to suggest that between 46 and 70 per cent of the floors in a high-rise office building will undergo retrofit in a five-year period. Further research should apply these data to recurring energy modelling for office buildings.

Research limitations/implications

– One limitation which applies to this study is that the research is limited to a defined geographical area in one Australian city, Melbourne. Secondly the study covers a specific period, and the number of retrofits may be affected negatively or positively depending on the prevailing market conditions.

Practical implications

– This paper raises important questions in respect of life cycle carbon emissions in the context of prevailing trends to shorter lease terms and practices around fit-out.

Originality/value

– The retrofit of office buildings tends to go unnoticed and unmeasured in the debate about sustainable buildings. The paper provides original thought development and important measurement input which will assist in providing a more accurate and meaningful life cycle assessment of office buildings.