bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Müllerian hormone reduces growth rate without altering follicular survival in isolated caprine preantral follicles cultured in vitro
Authors: Rocha R. M. P. , Lima L. F. , Brito I. R. , Silva G. M. , Correia H. H. V. , Ribeiro de Sá N. A. , Ferreira A. C. A. , Sales A. D. , Lobo C. H. , Campello C. C. , Smitz J. , Wheeler M. B. , Figueiredo J. R.
Published: May 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), with and without FSH, on the in vitro development of isolated caprine preantral follicles, as well as follicular steroid production and mRNA levels of AMH, hormone receptors (AMH and FSH), CYP19A1 (cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1), CYP17 (cytochrome P450, family 17, subfamily A, polypeptide 1), HSD3B (3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and Myc (myelocytomatosis oncogene). Isolated secondary follicles were cultured in minimum essential medium alpha (α-MEM+) alone or supplemented with 50 ng mL–1 AMH and/or 100 ng mL–1 FSH added sequentially on different days of culture. Follicles were cultured for a total of 18 days, with different media during the first (Days 0–9) and second (Days 10–18) halves of the culture period, resulting in six treatment groups, as follows: α-MEM+/α-MEM+, FSH/FSH, AMH/AMH, AMH+FSH/AMH+FSH, AMH/FSH, and FSH/AMH. Follicle development was evaluated on the basis of follicular growth, oocyte maturation and steroid secretion. There was a decrease in follicular growth rate in the AMH, AMH + FSH and AMH/FSH treatment groups compared with α-MEM+ and FSH treatment groups (P < 0.05). However, the different culture conditions had no effect on rates of meiotic resumption and steroid secretion (P > 0.05). Moreover, follicles cultured in the presence of FSH had lower levels of AMH receptor type II (AMHRII) mRNA compared with non-cultured control (freshly isolated follicles), and the AMH and AMH/FSH treatment groups. In conclusion, AMH reduces the follicular growth rate of isolated goat preantral follicles in vitro without affecting follicular survival.
Temporal regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, heat shock protein 70 and activating transcription factor 3 during prostaglandin F-induced luteal regression in pseudopregnant rats following heat stress
Authors: Bai Wu-jiao , Jin Peng-jing , Kuang Mei-qian , Wei Quan-wei , Shi Fang-xiong , Davis John S. , Mao Da-gan
Published: May 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase (PK) B signalling during prostaglandin F (PGF)-induced luteal regression. During pseudopregnancy, rats were exposed to heat stress (HS, 40°C, 2 h) for 7 days and treated with PGF or physiological saline on Day 7; serum and ovaries were collected 0, 1, 2, 8 or 24 h after PGF treatment. The early inhibitory effect of PGF on progesterone was reduced in HS rats. HSP70 expression in response to PGF was significantly enhanced in HS rats. PGF-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was significantly greater in the HS group; however, HS rats exhibited elevated basal levels of phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2. PGF treatment increased expression of activating transcription factor (ATF) 3 at 2 h, which was inhibited by heat stress. Evaluating PKB signalling revealed that phosphorylation of p-Akt (Thr308 and Ser473) was reduced at 8 and 24 h after PGF treatment in both non-heat stress (NHS) and HS groups, but there were no significant differences between the HS and NHS groups at any of the time points. In conclusion, the present study provides further evidence that heat stress may enhance HSP70 and affect ERK1/2 and ATF3 expression, but not Akt activation, during PGF-induced luteal regression in pseudopregnant rats.
Diagnosing species decline: a contextual review of threats,causes and future directions for management and conservation of the eastern quoll
Authors: Fancourt Bronwyn A.
Published: May 2016

Diagnosing the cause of a species’ decline is one of the most challenging tasks faced by conservation practitioners. For a species approaching extinction, it is not possible to go back in time to measure the agents that operated at various stages of the decline. Accordingly, managers are often restricted to measuring factors currently affecting residual populations, which may not be related to factors that operated earlier in the decline, and inferring other mechanisms from different lines of evidence. In this review, I adopt a methodical diagnostic framework to comprehensively evaluate the potential causal factors for the decline of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) in Tasmania, and propose a hypothesis as to the cause of decline. Potential causal agents were gleaned from two key sources: factors implicated in the eastern quoll’s historical demise on the Australian mainland, and factors that changed during the recent period of quoll decline in Tasmania. The three most likely candidate causal agents were investigated over 4 years to evaluate their likely contribution to the decline. Here, I synthesise the findings from this recent research to advance a hypothesis as to the cause of the eastern quoll decline in Tasmania. I suggest that a period of unsuitable weather reduced quoll populations to an unprecedented low abundance, and that populations are now too small to overcome established threat intensities to which they were robust when at higher densities. Residual small populations are inherently more susceptible to demographic, environmental and genetic stochasticity and are unlikely to recover without management intervention. I propose a study design to experimentally test this hypothesis, and outline priority areas for future research and actions to guide in the future management and conservation of the species. This case study illustrates an approach by which practical species conservation problems might be solved and recovery strategies may be better informed, thereby ensuring positive conservation outcomes for threatened species.
Deep-brain photoreception links luminance detection to motor output in
Xenopus
frog tadpoles
Authors: Currie Stephen P. , Doherty Gayle H. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Detecting and responding to light are basic requirements of nearly all life forms. Species from bacteria to man use light to regulate diverse behaviors from acute phototropism and visual processing to seasonal breeding cycles. Here, we describe a previously unidentified form of photoreception in the brain of frog tadpoles. The photoreceptors are preferentially activated by UV light and link ambient light levels to swimming activity. The pathway may be a simple method to optimize lighting conditions for feeding and avoiding predation, or may overlay and reinforce classical circadian systems. Deep-brain photoreception is of broad significance because the proteins involved are phylogenetically conserved.
F
1
-ATPase conformational cycle from simultaneous single-molecule FRET and rotation measurements
Authors: Sugawa Mitsuhiro , Okazaki Kei-ichi , Kobayashi Masaru , Matsui Takashi , Hummer Gerhard , Masaike Tomoko , Nishizaka Takayuki
Published: May 2016

Significance

The major source of ATP in life is ATP synthase, and its catalytic part is known to be the F
1
rotary motor. F
1
’s structure and function have been characterized in spectacular detail by crystallography and single-molecule techniques, respectively. However, despite more than two decades of intense research, the correspondence of the observed functional states and crystal structures is uncertain. To match structures and states, we perform single-molecule fluorescence-based distance measurements and simultaneous rotary angle measurements on F
1
-ATPase, and then exploit the wealth of structural data in their analysis. The resulting comprehensive view of the F
1
’s ATPase cycle reveals the functional principles in the coupling of chemical reactions, stator conformations, and rotary angles for efficient ATP synthesis.
Intermetallic compounds in friction stirred lap joints between AA5754/galvanised ultra-high strength steel
Authors: Ratanathavorn W. , Melander A. , Magnusson H.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents results of joining of AA5754 and DP800 based on the friction stir welding process. Joints were produced by the tool made of H13 tool steel which was allowed to penetrate through the aluminium sheet until reaching the surface of steel sheet without penetrating into it. This approach is an economic and robust way to operate the dissimilar welding process without excessive tool cost. Bonding was achieved by interfacial diffusion reactions between aluminium and iron with a formation of intermetallic compounds. The formation of brittle intermetallic compounds at the interface between the materials was studied. Three intermetallic phases were found at the interface including Al13Fe4, Al5Fe2 and Fe3Zn10. A range of process parameters was identified with a thickness of the intermetallic layers around 2 µm. Shear fracture failure mode was observed under overlap loading. The mechanisms of formation of the joints and factors controlling the strength were discussed.
Simulations in multipass welds using low transformation temperature filler material
Authors: Novotný L. , de Abreu H. F. G. , de Miranda H. C. , Béreš M.
Published: May 2016

Transient thermal and residual stress fields in flux-cored arc welds were examined using a finite element (FE) model. Experimental multipass welds were produced using both conventional and low transformation temperature (LTT) filler metals. Temperature-dependent material properties and both convective and radiant heat loss boundary condition have been considered in the FE model. The effects of the transformation temperature and interpass intervals on residual stresses were examined. It was found that compressive longitudinal residual stresses were developed at the weld centreline in the LTT filler metal. A short-time interpass interval causes the weld fusion zone to be above the martensite start temperature allowing the optimal use of the phase transformation effect. The FE model is sensitive to alteration in welding parameters and can satisfactorily predict the residual stress distribution in welded parts.
Collisionless pitch-angle scattering of runaway electrons
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Yulei , Qin Hong
Published: May 2016

It is discovered that the tokamak field geometry generates a toroidicity induced broadening of the pitch-angle distribution of runaway electrons. This collisionless pitch-angle scattering is much stronger than the collisional scattering and invalidates the gyro-center model for runaway electrons. As a result, the energy limit of runaway electrons is found to be larger than the prediction of the gyro-center model and to depend heavily on the background magnetic field.
Geometric complexity theory V: Efficient algorithms for Noether normalization
Authors: Mulmuley Ketan
Published: May 2016

We study a basic algorithmic problem in algebraic geometry, which we call NNL, of constructing a normalizing map as per Noether’s Normalization Lemma. For general explicit varieties, as formally defined in this paper, we give a randomized polynomial-time Monte Carlo algorithm for this problem. For some interesting cases of explicit varieties, we give deterministic quasi-polynomial time algorithms. These may be contrasted with the standard EXPSPACE-algorithms for these problems in computational algebraic geometry.

In particular, we show the following:

(1) The categorical quotient for any finite dimensional representation

V
V

of

S

L
m

SL_m

, with constant

m
m

, is explicit in characteristic zero.

(2) NNL for this categorical quotient can be solved deterministically in time quasi-polynomial in the dimension of

V
V

.

(3) The categorical quotient of the space of

r
r

-tuples of

m
×
m

m \times m

matrices by the simultaneous conjugation action of

S

L
m

SL_m

is explicit in any characteristic.

(4) NNL for this categorical quotient can be solved deterministically in time quasi-polynomial in

m
m

and

r
r

in any characteristic

p
∉
[
2
,
⌊
m

/

2
⌋
]

p \not \in [2,\lfloor m/2 \rfloor ]

.

(5) NNL for every explicit variety in zero or large enough characteristic can be solved deterministically in quasi-polynomial time, assuming the hardness hypothesis for the permanent in geometric complexity theory.

The last result leads to a geometric complexity theory approach to put NNL for every explicit variety in P.
Generic IRS in free groups, after Bowen
Authors: Eisenmann Amichai , Glasner Yair
Published: May 2016

Let

E
E

be a measure preserving equivalence relation, with countable equivalence classes, on a standard Borel probability space

(
X
,

B

,
μ
)

(X,\mathcal {B},\mu )

. Let

(
[
E
]
,

d

u

)

([E],d_{u})

be the (Polish) full group endowed with the uniform metric. If

F

r

=
⟨

s
1

,
…
,

s
r

⟩

\mathbb {F}_r = \langle s_1, \ldots , s_r \rangle

is a free group on

r
r

-generators and

α
∈

H
o
m

(

F

r

,
[
E
]
)

\alpha \in \mathrm {Hom}(\mathbb {F}_r,[E])

, then the stabilizer of a

μ
\mu

-random point

\alpha (\mathbb {F}_r)_x \ltcc \mathbb {F}_r is a random subgroup of

F

r

\mathbb {F}_r

whose distribution is conjugation invariant. Such an object is known as an invariant random subgroup or an IRS for short. Bowen’s generic model for IRS in

F

r

\mathbb {F}_r

is obtained by taking

α
\alpha

to be a Baire generic element in the Polish space

H
o
m

(

F

r

,
[
E
]
)

{\mathrm {Hom}}(\mathbb {F}_r, [E])

. The lean aperiodic model is a similar model where one forces

α
(

F

r

)

\alpha (\mathbb {F}_r)

to have infinite orbits by imposing that

α
(

s
1

)

\alpha (s_1)

be aperiodic.

In Bowen’s setting we show that for

r
>
∞

r > \infty

the generic IRS

\alpha (\mathbb {F}_r)_x \ltcc \mathbb {F}_r is of finite index almost surely if and only if

E
=

E
0

E = E_0

is the hyperfinite equivalence relation. For any ergodic equivalence relation we show that a generic IRS coming from the lean aperiodic model is co-amenable and core free. Finally, we consider the situation where

α
(

F

r

)

\alpha (\mathbb {F}_r)

is highly transitive on almost every orbit and in particular the corresponding IRS is supported on maximal subgroups. Using a result of Le Maître we show that such examples exist for any aperiodic ergodic

E
E

of finite cost. For the hyperfinite equivalence relation

E
0

E_0

we show that high transitivity is generic in the lean aperiodic model.
Src-dependent phosphorylation of caveolin-1 Tyr-14 promotes swelling and release of caveolae
Authors: Zimnicka Adriana M. , Husain Yawer S. , Shajahan Ayesha N. , Sverdlov Maria , Chaga Oleg , Chen Zhenlong , Toth Peter T. , Klomp Jennifer , Karginov Andrei V. , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy , Malik Asrar B. , Minshall Richard D.
Published: May 2016

Caveolin 1 (Cav1) is a required structural component of caveolae, and its phosphorylation by Src is associated with an increase in caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Here we demonstrate, using quantitative live-cell 4D, TIRF, and FRET imaging, that endocytosis and trafficking of caveolae are associated with a Cav1 Tyr-14 phosphorylation-dependent conformational change, which spatially separates, or loosens, Cav1 molecules within the oligomeric caveolar coat. When tracked by TIRF and spinning-disk microscopy, cells expressing phosphomimicking Cav1 (Y14D) mutant formed vesicles that were greater in number and volume than with Y14F-Cav1-GFP. Furthermore, we observed in HEK cells cotransfected with wild-type, Y14D, or Y14F Cav1-CFP and -YFP constructs that FRET efficiency was greater with Y14F pairs than with Y14D, indicating that pY14-Cav1 regulates the spatial organization of Cav1 molecules within the oligomer. In addition, albumin-induced Src activation or direct activation of Src using a rapamycin-inducible Src construct (RapR-Src) led to an increase in monomeric Cav1 in Western blots, as well as a simultaneous increase in vesicle number and decrease in FRET intensity, indicative of a Src-mediated conformational change in CFP/YFP-tagged WT-Cav1 pairs. We conclude that phosphorylation of Cav1 leads to separation or “spreading” of neighboring negatively charged N-terminal phosphotyrosine residues, promoting swelling of caveolae, followed by their release from the plasma membrane.
A Network Approach to Psychosis: Pathways Between Childhood Trauma and Psychotic Symptoms
Authors: Isvoranu Adela-Maria , van Borkulo Claudia D. , Boyette Lindy-Lou , Wigman Johanna T. W. , Vinkers Christiaan H. , Borsboom Denny ,   Group Investigators
Published: May 2016

Childhood trauma (CT) has been identified as a potential risk factor for the onset of psychotic disorders. However, to date, there is limited consensus with respect to which symptoms may ensue after exposure to trauma in early life, and whether specific pathways may account for these associations. The aim of the present study was to use the novel network approach to investigate how different types of traumatic childhood experiences relate to specific symptoms of psychotic disorders and to identify pathways that may be involved in the relationship between CT and psychosis. We used data of patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (n = 552) from the longitudinal observational study Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis Project and included the 5 scales of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and all original symptom dimensions of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Our results show that all 5 types of CT and positive and negative symptoms of psychosis are connected through symptoms of general psychopathology. These findings are in line with the theory of an affective pathway to psychosis after exposure to CT, with anxiety as a main connective component, but they also point to several additional connective paths between trauma and psychosis: eg, through poor impulse control (connecting abuse to grandiosity, excitement, and hostility) and motor retardation (connecting neglect to most negative symptoms). The results of the current study suggest that multiple paths may exist between trauma and psychosis and may also be useful in mapping potential transdiagnostic processes.
Fast methods for training Gaussian processes on large datasets
Authors: Moore C. J. , Chua A. J. K. , Berry C. P. L. , Gair J. R.
Published: May 2016

Gaussian process regression (GPR) is a non-parametric Bayesian technique for interpolating or fitting data. The main barrier to further uptake of this powerful tool rests in the computational costs associated with the matrices which arise when dealing with large datasets. Here, we derive some simple results which we have found useful for speeding up the learning stage in the GPR algorithm, and especially for performing Bayesian model comparison between different covariance functions. We apply our techniques to both synthetic and real data and quantify the speed-up relative to using nested sampling to numerically evaluate model evidences.
Discrete but variable structure of animal societies leads to the false perception of a social continuum
Authors: Rubenstein Dustin R. , Botero Carlos A. , Lacey Eileen A.
Published: May 2016

Animal societies are typically divided into those in which reproduction within a group is monopolized by a single female versus those in which it is shared among multiple females. It remains controversial, however, whether these two forms of social structure represent distinct evolutionary outcomes or endpoints along a continuum of reproductive options. To address this issue and to determine whether vertebrates and insects exhibit the same patterns of variation in social structure, we examined the demographic and reproductive structures of 293 species of wasps, ants, birds and mammals. Using phylogenetically informed comparative analyses, we found strong evidence indicating that not all reproductive arrangements within social groups are viable in nature and that in societies with multiple reproductives, selection favours instead taxon-specific patterns of decrease in the proportion of breeders as a function of group size. These outcomes suggest that the selective routes to sociality differ depending upon whether monopolization of reproduction by one individual is possible and that variation within and among taxonomic groups may lead to the false perception of a continuum of social structures. Thus, the occurrence of very large societies may require either complete reproductive monopolization (monogyny/singular breeding) or the maintenance of a taxon-specific range of values for the proportional decrease in the number of breeders within a group (polygyny/plural breeding), both of which may reduce reproductive conflict among females.
Quantitative studies of animal colour constancy: using the chicken as model
Authors: Olsson Peter , Wilby David , Kelber Almut
Published: May 2016

Colour constancy is the capacity of visual systems to keep colour perception constant despite changes in the illumination spectrum. Colour constancy has been tested extensively in humans and has also been described in many animals. In humans, colour constancy is often studied quantitatively, but besides humans, this has only been done for the goldfish and the honeybee. In this study, we quantified colour constancy in the chicken by training the birds in a colour discrimination task and testing them in changed illumination spectra to find the largest illumination change in which they were able to remain colour-constant. We used the receptor noise limited model for animal colour vision to quantify the illumination changes, and found that colour constancy performance depended on the difference between the colours used in the discrimination task, the training procedure and the time the chickens were allowed to adapt to a new illumination before making a choice. We analysed literature data on goldfish and honeybee colour constancy with the same method and found that chickens can compensate for larger illumination changes than both. We suggest that future studies on colour constancy in non-human animals could use a similar approach to allow for comparison between species and populations.
Disrupted learning: habitat degradation impairs crucial antipredator responses in naive prey
Authors: McCormick Mark I. , Lönnstedt Oona M.
Published: May 2016

Habitat degradation is a global problem and one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. Though widespread, the mechanisms that underlie faunal changes are poorly understood. In tropical marine systems, corals play a crucial role in forming habitat, but coral cover on many reefs is declining sharply. Coral degradation affects the olfactory cues that provide reliable information on the presence and intensity of threat. Here, we show for the first time that the ability of a habitat generalist to learn predators using an efficient and widespread method of predator learning is compromised in degraded coral habitats. Results indicate that chemical alarm cues are no longer indicative of a local threat for the habitat generalist (the damselfish,Pomacentrus amboinensis), and these cues can no longer be used to learn the identity of novel predators in degraded habitats. By contrast, a rubble specialist and congeneric (Pomacentrus coelestis) responded to olfactory threat cues regardless of background environment and could learn the identity of a novel predator using chemical alarm cues. Understanding how some species can cope with or acclimate to the detrimental impacts of habitat degradation on risk assessment abilities will be crucial to defining the scope of resilience in threatened communities.
Local adaptation drives thermal tolerance among parasite populations: a common garden experiment
Authors: Mazé-Guilmo Elise , Blanchet Simon , Rey Olivier , Canto Nicolas , Loot Géraldine
Published: May 2016

Understanding the evolutionary responses of organisms to thermal regimes is of prime importance to better predict their ability to cope with ongoing climate change. Although this question has attracted interest in free-living organisms, whether or not infectious diseases have evolved heterogeneous responses to climate is still an open question. Here, we ran a common garden experiment using the fish ectoparasiteTracheliastes polycolpus, (i) to test whether parasites living in thermally heterogeneous rivers respond differently to an experimental thermal gradient and (ii) to determine the evolutionary processes (natural selection or genetic drift) underlying these responses. We demonstrated that the reaction norms involving the survival rate of the parasite larvae (i.e. the infective stage) across a temperature gradient significantly varied among six parasite populations. Using aQst/Fstapproach and phenotype–environment associations, we further showed that the evolution of survival rate partly depended upon temperature regimes experiencedin situ, and was mostly underlined by diversifying selection, but also—to some extent—by stabilizing selection and genetic drift. This evolutionary response led to population divergences in thermal tolerance across the landscape, which has implications for predicting the effects of future climate change.
The Effects of Personal Pharmacogenetic Testing on the Effects of Pharmacy Student Perceptions of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Precision Medicine
Authors: Surofchy Dalga , Oh Sam S. , Galanter Joshua , Xiang Pin , Li Megan , Guo Su , Desai Tejal , Guglielmo Joseph B. , Giacomini Kathy , Long-Boyle Janel , Wu Alan HB , Burchard Esteban G
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate if pharmacy students’ participation in personal pharmacogenetic (Pgx) testing enhances their knowledge and attitude towards precision medicine (PM).

Methods

First-year pharmacy students were offered personalized pharmacogenetic testing as a supplement to a required curricular pharmacogenomics course. Ninety-eight of 122 (80%) students completed pre- and post-course surveys assessing knowledge and attitudes regarding PM; 73 students also volunteered for personal pharmacogenetic testing of the following drug metabolizing enzymes (CYP2C19,CYP2D6,UGT1A1) and pharmacodynamics-relevant proteins (interleukin (IL)-28B & human lymphocyte antigen HLAB*5701).

Results

Among the 122 students, we found that incorporating pharmacogenetic testing improved mean knowledge and attitude by 1.0 and 0.3 Likert points, respectively. We observed statistically significant improvements in 100% of knowledge and 70% of attitude-related statements for students who decided to undergo personal pharmacogenetic testing. Students who were enrolled in the course but did not partake in personalized pharmacogenetic testing had similar gains in knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility and importance of educating future pharmacists by incorporating pharmacogenetic testing into professional school curricula. Students who opt not to participate in genotyping may still benefit by learning vicariously through the shared learning environment created by genotyped students.
Male density and rapid evolution of genital morphology in the seed beetleCallosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Soper D. M. , Macy W. L.
Published: May 2016

Male reproductive structures are known to be extremely diverse, particularly in insect taxa. Male genital structures are thought to be some of the fastest evolving traits, but the processes responsible for this pattern remain unclear. In the present study we manipulated the mating regimes ofCallosobruchus maculatus, a seed beetle, to determine if male genital structures would be altered under forced monogamy and polyandry. Males in this species have an intromittent organ that contains spines that are known to puncture the female reproductive tract. We measured both testes size and genital spine length in monogamous and polyandrous treatments over seven generations. We found that testes size was not significantly different between treatments, but that genital spine length was significantly longer in the polyandrous treatment within seven generations. These results highlight the fact that evolution can occur rapidly when under strong sexual selection, a process that has been implicated in leading to morphological differences in male genitalia.
A Zika virus-associated microcephaly case with background exposure to STORCH agents
Authors: Hanaoka Mauro Mitsuru , Kanas Alexandre Fligelman , Braconi Carla Torres , Mendes Érica Araújo , Santos Robert Andreata , Souza Ferreira Luís Carlos de , Passos Cunha Marielton dos , Braga Patrícia Beltrão , Mendonça Dias João Leonardo , Polonio Carolina Manganeli , Garrido Andrade David Anibal , Freitas Carla Longo de , Rossato Cristiano , Brandão Wesley Nogueira , Schatzmann Peron Jean Pierre , Amorim Filho Antonio Gomes de , Andrade Joelma Queiroz , Vieira Francisco Rossana Pulcineli , Kok Fernando , Suzuki Lisa , Costa Leite Claudia da , Lucato Leandro Tavares , Sall Amadou Alpha , Andrade Zanotto Paolo Marinho de
Published: May 2016

We present a case of microcephaly associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) in a chronological, multimodal imaging approach, illustrating the hallmarks of this disease on intrauterine morphological ultrasound, transfontanelar ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also determined the serological e immunological status of the mother and newborn. Noticeably, there was evidence for maternal infection by ZIKV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), dengue virus (DENV) andToxoplasma gondii, which indicates a possible role of previous exposures to STORCH agents and possibly comorbidities in the severe fetal congenital manifestation.

Author Summary

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus causing dengue-like symptoms. In humans the illness is characterized by malaise and cutaneous rash and absent or short-termed fever. Recently, the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of microcephaly in Brazil as a delayed effect of the 2014-2015 outbreak of ZIKV in the Northeast of Brazil. A 20-fold increase in the notifications of newborns with microcephaly was documented during the second semester of 2015. This increase was almost immediately found to be associated with ZIKV infections, both in Brazil and, retrospectively, in French Polynesia. Herein we report a case of microcephaly associated with ZIKV and we also present evidence of other maternal infections. Our results indicated that, both mother and microcephaly infant had immunologic status compatible with previous exposure (in the mother) by STORCH agents. These indicate a possible role of previous exposures and possibly comorbidities in the severe fetal congenital manifestation. □
Impacts of white-tailed deer on regional patterns of forest tree recruitment
Authors: Bradshaw Lauren , Waller Donald M.
Published: May 2016

Local, short-to medium-term studies make clear that white-tailed deer can greatly suppress tree growth and survival in palatable tree species. To assess how deer have broadly affected patterns of tree recruitment across northern Wisconsin, we analyzed recruitment success in 11 common trees species that vary in palatability across 13,105 USFS - FIA plots sampled between 1983 and 2013. We also examined how recruitment in these species covaried with estimated deer densities here. Saplings of five palatable species were scarce relative to less palatable species and showed highly skewed distributions. Scarcity and skew provide reliable signals of deer impacts even when deer have severely reduced recruitment and/or no reliable deer density data are available. Deer densities ranged from 2.3-23 deer per km2over a 30 year period. Sapling numbers in two maples (Acer) and aspen (Populus) with intermediate palatability declined sharply in apparent response to higher deer density. Path analysis also reveals that deer act to cumulatively depress sapling recruitment in these species over successive decades. Together, these approaches show that deer have strongly depressed sapling recruitment in all taxa exceptAbiesandPicea. As these impacts are now propagating into larger sized trees, deer are also altering canopy composition composition and dynamics. The tools developed here provide efficient and reliable indicators for monitoring deer impacts on forest tree recruitment using consistent data collected by public agencies.
Bacteria regulate choanoflagellate development with lipid activators, inhibitors, and synergists
Authors: Woznica Arielle , Cantley Alexandra M. , Beemelmanns Christine , Freinkman Elizaveta , Clardy Jon , King Nicole
Published: May 2016

In choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, multicellular “rosette” development is regulated by environmental bacteria. The simplicity of this evolutionarily-relevant interaction provides an opportunity to identify the molecules and regulatory logic underpinning bacterial regulation of development. We find that the rosette-inducing bacteriumAlgoriphagus machipongonensisproduces three structurally divergent classes of bioactive lipids that, together, activate, enhance, and inhibit rosette development in the choanoflagellateS. rosetta. One class of molecules, the lysophosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs), elicits no response on its own, but synergizes with activating sulfonolipid rosette inducing factors (RIFs) to recapitulate the full bioactivity of liveAlgoriphagus. LPEs, while ubiquitous in bacteria and eukaryotes, have not previously been implicated in the regulation of a host-microbe interaction. This study reveals that multiple bacterially-produced lipids converge to activate, enhance, and inhibit multicellular development in a choanoflagellate.

Significance Statement

Bacterial symbionts profoundly influence the biology of their animal hosts, yet complex interactions between animals and their resident bacteria often make it challenging to characterize the molecules and mechanisms. Simple model systems can reveal fundamental processes underlying interactions between eukaryotes and their associated microbial communities, and provide insight into how bacteria regulate animal biology. In this study we isolate and characterize bacterial molecules that regulate multicellular development in the closest living relatives of animals, the choanoflagellate. We find that multiple bacterially-derived lipids converge to activate, enhance, and inhibit choanoflagellate multicellular development.
Systems-level chromosomal parameters represent the suprachromosomal basis for a non-random chromosomal arrangement in human interphase nuclei
Authors: Fatakia Sarosh N. , Mehta Ishita S. , Rao Basuthkar J.
Published: May 2016

Forty-six chromosome territories (CTs) are positioned uniquely in the human interphase nuclei, wherein each of their position can range from the center of the nucleus to its periphery. A non-empirical basis for their non-random arrangement remains unreported. Here, we derive a suprachromosomal basis of that overall arrangement (which we refer to as a CT constellation), and report a hierarchical nature of the same. Using matrix algebra, we unify intrinsic chromosomal parameters (e.g., chromosomal length, gene density, the number of genes per chromosome), to derive an extrinsic effective gene density matrix, the hierarchy of which is dominated by the extrinsic mathematical coupling of HSA19, followed by HSA17 (human chromosome 19 and 17, both preferentially interior CTs) with all CTs. We corroborate predicted constellations and the effective gene density hierarchy with published reports from fluorescent in situ hybridization based microscopy and Hi-C techniques, and delineate analogous hierarchy in disparate vertebrates. Our theory accurately predicts CTs localized to the nuclear interior, which interestingly share conserved synteny with HSA19 and/or HSA17. Finally, the effective gene density hierarchy dictates how inter-CT permutations represent plasticity within constellations and we suggest that a differential mix of coding with noncoding genome may modulate the same.
The effect of local inter-inhibitory connectivity on the dynamics of an activity-dependent neuronal network growth model
Authors: Barnard Rosanna C. , Kiss Istvan Z. , Berthouze Luc
Published: May 2016

The balance between excitation and inhibition in a neuronal network is considered to be an important predictor of neural excitability. Various processes are thought to maintain this balance across a range of stimuli/conditions. However, the developmental formation of this balance remains an open question, especially regarding the interplay between network blue-print (the spatial arrangement of excitatory and inhibitory nodes) and homeostatic processes. In this paper, we use a published model of activity-dependent growth to show that the E/I ratio alone cannot accurately predict system behaviour but rather it is the combination of this ratio and the underlying spatial arrangement of neurones that predict both activity in, and structure of, the resulting network. In particular, we highlight the particular role of clustered inter-inhibitory connectivity. We develop a measure that allows us to determine the relationship between inter-inhibitory connectivity clustering and system behaviour in an exhaustive list of spatial arrangements with a given fixed number of excitatory and inhibitory neurones. Our results reveal that, for a given E/I ratio, networks with high levels of inter-inhibitory clustering are more likely to experience oscillatory behaviour than networks with low levels, and we investigate the network attributes which characterise each global behaviour type produced by the model. We identify possible approaches for extensions of the current work, and discuss the implications these results may have on future modelling studies in this field.
Quantitative insertion-site sequencing (QIseq) for high throughput phenotyping of transposon mutants
Authors: Bronner Iraad F. , Otto Thomas D. , Zhang Min , Udenze Kenneth , Wang Chengqi , Quail Michael A. , Jiang Rays H.Y. , Adams John H. , Rayner Julian C.
Published: May 2016

Genetic screening using random transposon insertions has been a powerful tool for uncovering biology in prokaryotes, where whole-genome saturating screens have been performed in multiple organisms. In eukaryotes, such screens have proven more problematic, in part because of the lack of a sensitive and robust system for identifying transposon insertion sites. We here describe quantitative insertion-site sequencing, or QIseq, which uses custom library preparation and Illumina sequencing technology and is able to identify insertion sites from both the 5′ and 3′ ends of the transposon, providing an inbuilt level of validation. The approach was developed using piggyBac mutants in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum but should be applicable to many other eukaryotic genomes. QIseq proved accurate, confirming known sites in >100 mutants, and sensitive, identifying and monitoring sites over a >10,000-fold dynamic range of sequence counts. Applying QIseq to uncloned parasites shortly after transfections revealed multiple insertions in mixed populations and suggests that >4000 independent mutants could be generated from relatively modest scales of transfection, providing a clear pathway to genome-scale screens in P. falciparum. QIseq was also used to monitor the growth of pools of previously cloned mutants and reproducibly differentiated between deleterious and neutral mutations in competitive growth. Among the mutants with fitness defects was a mutant with a piggyBac insertion immediately upstream of the kelch protein K13 gene associated with artemisinin resistance, implying mutants in this gene may have competitive fitness costs. QIseq has the potential to enable the scale-up of piggyBac-mediated genetics across multiple eukaryotic systems.
The past, the present and the future of accounting for human rights
Authors: McPhail Ken , Ferguson John
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss a number of important recent developments in the area of business and human rights and considers the impact of these developments for accounting, assurance and reporting. Following the UN endorsement of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (the Guiding Principles) in June 2011, initiatives related to their implementation have advanced at a rapid pace. Despite the centrality of accounting, assurance and reporting to some of the key initiates – accounting research has, hitherto, lagged behind this growing momentum. In order to address this lacunae, this paper develops an agenda for future research in the area of accounting and human rights. In doing so, the paper provides an overview of the important contributions advanced by the other papers in this special issue ofAccounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws together and identifies key issues and themes related to the rapidly evolving research and policy domain of business and human rights and considers the relevance of these issues to accounting research.

Findings

– The paper highlights the wide-ranging impact the Guiding Principles and other developments in business and human rights have for accounting practice and draws attention to potential areas of research for accounting scholars. In particular, the paper highlights the emergence of business and human rights due diligence requirements, including their management and reporting. Further, the paper draws attention to the development of business and human rights reporting and assurance practice – which, while still in its infancy, has gathered considerable momentum and support.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides important insights into emerging issues and developments in business and human rights that have clear relevance to accounting research and practice.

Originality/value

– This paper, and the other contributions to this special issue ofAAAJ, provide a basis and a research agenda for accounting scholars seeking to undertake research in this significant and emerging field.
Business
&
human rights: a commentary from the inside
Authors: Posner Michael
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to first, provide an overview of the genesis of the business and human rights agenda; second, to identify key areas of focus in the emerging business and human rights agenda; and, finally, to argue for an approach to engaging business in the human rights agenda that is both challenging and practically orientated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on the author’s ethnographic experiences both as a human rights advocate with Human Rights First (1978-2009) and as Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the US State Department (2009-2013).

Findings

– The paper links the business and human rights agenda to the growth in size and power of corporations. It identifies six key areas of focus in this emerging agenda, specifically, supply chains and labor rights, the extractive industries especially relating to security, information technology and issues of freedom of expression, agriculture and issues of child and forced labor, and investment and socially responsible investors. The paper contends that business schools have a crucial role to play in engaging businesses in a challenging and practical way to provide them with workable solutions to these challenges.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper contends that we have come to the end of the beginning of the discussion of business and human rights and are now in the phase of defining what the rules are in this twenty-first century global economy. The paper provides important considerations for taking this phase forward.

Originality/value

– This paper provides original insights into the emergence of the business and human rights agenda. It identifies key areas of focus along with a valuable approach to making progress in these areas.
Predicting genotype compositions in norovirus seasons in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Doan Yen Hai , Kimura Hirokazu , Shinomiya Hiroto , Shirabe Komei , Katayama Kazuhiko
Published: May 2016

Noroviruses cause acute gastroenteritis. Since multiple genotypes of norovirus co‐circulate in humans, changing the genotype composition and eluding host immunity, development of a polyvalent vaccine against norovirus in which the genotypes of vaccine strains match the major strains in circulation in the target season is desirable. However, this would require prediction of changes in the genotype composition of circulating strains. A fitness model that predicts the proportion of a strain in the next season from that in the current season has been developed for influenza A virus. Here, such a fitness model that takes into account the fitness effect of herd immunity was used to predict genotype compositions in norovirus seasons in Japan. In the current study, a model that assumes a decline in the magnitude of cross immunity between norovirus strains according to an increase in the divergence of the major antigenic protein VP1 was found to be appropriate for predicting genotype composition. Although it is difficult to predict the proportions of genotypes accurately, the model is effective in predicting the direction of change in the proportions of genotypes. The model predicted that GII.3 and GII.4 may contract, whereas GII.17 may expand and predominate in the 2015–2016 season. The procedure of predicting genotype compositions in norovirus seasons described in the present study has been implemented in the norovirus forecasting system (NOROCAST).
What Accounts for the Decline of Happiness of Children as They Grow into Their Teens: A Hong Kong Case Study
Authors: Ho Lok Sang , Ip Patrick
Published: May 2016

This paper reports the results of two dual surveys of children from Primary 4 through Secondary 3 and their parents, conducted between November 2011–January 2012 and September–October 2013 in Hong Kong. One key finding, which confirms those reported from other parts of the world, is that happiness declines as children grow into their teens. The present study discovers that this is related to declines in love, insight, fortitude and engagement: four aspects of mental capital essential to happiness, which may be associated with mounting pressures as children grow up. Pressures from extracurricular activities surprisingly appear to have a much greater adverse effect on happiness than pressures from school work. These results may reflect the fact that a child's disposable time decreases monotonically as they grow older through age 13, with extracurricular activities aggravating the lack of leisure. Perceived financial well‐being of the household is found to be associated with children's happiness and children's love scores. A loving relationship between the parents and their respect for the child's opinions and privacy mitigate any intergenerational barrier to effective communication or negative effect from parents’ age, and enhance happiness.
Asymmetric federalism and economic voting
Authors: LEÓN SANDRA , ORRIOLS LLUIS
Published: May 2016

Although federal arrangements adopt a multiplicity of forms across and within federations, this article suggests that some models of power division are better than others at enhancing clarity of responsibility and electoral accountability. This conclusion is the result of exploring responsibility attribution and economic voting in a state where decentralisation arrangements vary across regions: the Spanish State of Autonomies. Using electoral surveys and aggregated economic data for the 1982–2012 period, the empirical analysis shows that regional economic voting is most pronounced in regions where decentralisation design concentrated authority and resources at one level of government, whereas it is inexistent in regions where devolution followed a more intertwined model of power distribution. The implication of the empirical findings is that the specific design of intergovernmental arrangements is crucial to make electoral accountability work in federations.