bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Larva‐mediated chalkbrood resistance‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism markers in the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Liu Y. , Yan L. , Li Z. , Huang W.‐F. , Pokhrel S. , Liu X. , Su S.
Published: March 2016

Chalkbrood is a disease affecting honey bees that seriously impairs brood growth and productivity of diseased colonies. Although honey bees can develop chalkbrood resistance naturally, the details underlying the mechanisms of resistance are not fully understood, and no easy method is currently available for selecting and breeding resistant bees. Finding the genes involved in the development of resistance and identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can be used as molecular markers of resistance is therefore a high priority. We conducted genome resequencing to compare resistant (Res) and susceptible (Sus) larvae that were selected following in vitro chalkbrood inoculation. Twelve genomic libraries, including 14.4 Gb of sequence data, were analysed using SNP‐finding algorithms. Unique SNPs derived from chromosomes 2 and 11 were analysed in this study. SNPs from resistant individuals were confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing using in vitro reared larvae and resistant colonies. We found strong support for an association between the C allele at SNP C2587245T and chalkbrood resistance. SNP C2587245T may be useful as a genetic marker for the selection of chalkbrood resistance and high royal jelly production honey bee lines, thereby helping to minimize the negative effects of chalkbrood on managed honey bees.
Community ‐and hospital laboratory‐based surveillance for respiratory viruses
Authors: Zachariah Philip , Whittier Susan , Reed Carrie , LaRussa Philip , Larson Elaine L. , Vargas Celibell Y. , Saiman Lisa , Stockwell Melissa S.
Published: March 2016

Traditional surveillance for respiratory viruses relies on symptom detection and laboratory detection during medically attended encounters for acute respiratory infection/influenza‐like illness (ARI/ILI). Ecological momentary reporting using text messages is a novel method for surveillance. This study compares respiratory viral activity detected through longitudinal community‐based surveillance using text message responses for sample acquisition and testing to respiratory viral activity obtained from hospital laboratory data from the same community. We demonstrate a significant correlation between community‐ and hospital laboratory‐based surveillance for most respiratory viruses, although the relative proportions of viruses detected in the community and hospital differed significantly.
Unusual Polarization Ordering in Lanthanum Modified Lead Zirconate Titanate (Pb0.97La0.03)(Zr0.90Ti0.10)0.9925O3
Authors: Peláiz‐Barranco Aimé , Villaurrutia Rafael , de los Santos Guerra José , Saint‐Grégoire Pierre
Published: March 2016

Lanthanum incorporation in lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) increases the stability range of the antiferroelectric phase in the Zr‐rich side of the phase diagram. The paper presents the analysis, which has been carried out on (Pb0.97La0.03)(Zr0.90Ti0.10)0.9925O3 ceramic system since it exhibits interesting results with ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AFE) phases, and coexistence of both properties in some temperature range. Transmission electron microscopy evidences a complex domain structure, where nanodomains appear within larger ones. The data are consistent with the possibility to have in this material a ferroelastic phase of novel type in which the coexistence mechanism between FE and AFE properties is associated with the oscillation in space of the polarization. The possibility for a determining role of a rigid unit mode in structural instabilities, dependence on composition and doping, and pretransitional effects in the perovskite family is underlined by the obtained results for the studied system.
Hardiness, psychosocial factors and shift work tolerance among nurses – a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Saksvik‐Lehouillier Ingvild , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Magerøy Nils , Pallesen Ståle
Published: March 2016

Aim

To examine the predictive power of the subfactors of hardiness (commitment, control and challenge) on shift work tolerance (measured with sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety and depression) over 2 years in nurses working shifts. We also investigated the direct effects of psychosocial variables such as role conflict, social support and fair leadership on shift work tolerance, as well as their moderating role on the relationship between hardiness and shift work tolerance.

Background

Several scholars have discussed the role of individual differences and psychosocial variables in predicting shift work tolerance. The conclusions are not clear.

Design

Longitudinal questionnaire study.

Methods

A sample of Norwegian nurses employed in shift work including nights participated in this longitudinal questionnaire study: 1877 at baseline, 1228 at 1‐year follow‐up and 659 nurses at 2‐year follow‐up. Data were collected in three waves, first wave in 2008 and third in 2011 and were analysed with a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

Results

We found that the subfactor commitment could predict fatigue over 1 year and anxiety and depression over 2 years. Challenge could predict anxiety over 1 year. Control was unrelated to shift work intolerance. Hardiness did not predict sleepiness. Social support, role conflict and fair leadership were important for some aspects of shift work tolerance; however, hardiness seemed to be more eminent for shift work tolerance than the psychosocial variables. Social support moderated the relationship between hardiness and shift work tolerance to some degree, but this interaction was weak.

Conclusion

Hardiness can to some degree predict shift work tolerance over 2 years among nurses.
A cross‐sectional survey on consequences of nurses' burnout: moderating role of organizational politics
Authors: Basar Ufuk , Basim Nejat
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess whether perceptions of organizational politics (defined as self‐serving behaviours at the expense of others) influence the prospective associations between nurses' burnout and its consequences, namely, intention to quit and neglect of work.

Background

Researchers have previously investigated relationships between nurses’ burnout, intention to quit, neglect of work and perceptions of organizational politics in different research models and from different perspectives. As far as we know, no studies have considered whether nurses’ perceptions of organizational politics moderate the influence of burnout.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using self‐report questionnaires.

Method

Data were collected by questionnaire from a sample of 456 nurses from six private hospitals in Ankara, Turkey in March 2015. Four different previously designed scales were used to measure research variables (burnout, intention to quit, neglect of work and perceptions of organizational politics). Following confirmatory validity and reliability analyses of data collection instruments, descriptive statistics for each research variable were analysed. Structural regression models were created to assess relationships among variables.

Findings

Burnout resulted in intention to quit and neglect. Intention to quit partially mediated the association between burnout and neglect. Burnout gave rise to intention to quit slightly more strongly in nurses who had greater perceptions of organizational politics.

Conclusion

This study uncovers and emphasizes the moderating role of perceptions of organizational politics in consequences of burnout. This may help hospital managers and nurses to improve costs, efficiency, satisfaction and productivity.
MicroRNA expression profile of human periodontal ligament cells under the influence of Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS
Authors: Du Anqing , Zhao Sen , Wan LingYun , Liu TianTao , Peng Zaoxia , Zhou ZiYu , Liao Zhengyu , Fang Huan
Published: March 2016

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is caused by bacterial infection and leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues and resorption of alveolar bone. Thus, special attention should be paid to the mechanism under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced periodontitis because LPS is the major cause of periodontitis. However, to date, miRNA expression in the LPS‐induced periodontitis has not been well characterized. In this study, we investigated miRNA expression patterns in LPS‐treated periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). Through miRNA array and differential analysis, 22 up‐regulated miRNAs and 28 down‐regulated miRNAs in LPS‐treated PDLCs were identified. Seven randomly selected up‐regulated (miR‐21‐5p, 498, 548a‐5p) and down‐regulated (miR‐495‐3p, 539‐5p, 34c‐3p and 7a‐2‐3p) miRNAs were examined by qRT‐PCR, and the results proved the accuracy of the miRNA array. Moreover, targets of these deregulated miRNAs were analysed using the miRWalk database. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery software were performed to analyse the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of differential expression miRNAs, and the results shown that Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway, cAMP signalling pathway, transforming growth factor‐beta signalling pathway, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway and other pathways were involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying LPS‐induced periodontitis. In conclusion, this study provides clues for enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms and roles of miRNAs as key regulators of LPS‐induced periodontitis.
Internalization of nanopolymeric tracers does not alter characteristics of placental cells
Authors: Bigini Paolo , Zanier Elisa R. , Saragozza Silvia , Maciotta Simona , Romele Pietro , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Silini Antonietta , Pischiutta Francesca , Sammali Eliana , Balducci Claudia , Violatto Martina B. , Talamini Laura , Garry David , Moscatelli Davide , Ferrari Raffaele , Salmona Mario , De Simoni Maria Grazia , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe , Grati Francesca Romana , Parolini Ornella
Published: March 2016

In the cell therapy scenario, efficient tracing of transplanted cells is essential for investigating cell migration and interactions with host tissues. This is fundamental to provide mechanistic insights which altogether allow for the understanding of the translational potential of placental cell therapy in the clinical setting. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) from human placenta are increasingly being investigated for their potential in treating patients with a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using poly (methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA‐NPs) to trace placental MSC, namely those from the amniotic membrane (hAMSC) and early chorionic villi (hCV‐MSC). We report that PMMP‐NPs are efficiently internalized and retained in both populations, and do not alter cell morphofunctional parameters. We observed that PMMP‐NP incorporation does not alter in vitro immune modulatory capability of placental MSC, a characteristic central to their reparative/therapeutic effects in vitro. We also show that in vitro, PMMP‐NP uptake is not affected by hypoxia. Interestingly, after in vivo brain ischaemia and reperfusion injury achieved by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) in mice, iv hAMSC treatment resulted in significant improvement in cognitive function compared to PBS‐treated tMCAo mice. Our study provides evidence that tracing placental MSC with PMMP‐NPs does not alter their in vitro and in vivo functions. These observations are grounds for the use of PMMP‐NPs as tools to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of hAMSC and hCV‐MSC in preclinical models of inflammatory‐driven diseases.
Ambient particulate matter exposure and cardiovascular diseases: a focus on progenitor and stem cells
Authors: Cui Yuqi , Sun Qinghua , Liu Zhenguo
Published: March 2016

Air pollution is a major challenge to public health. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) is the key component for air pollution, and associated with significant mortality. The majority of the mortality following PM exposure is related to cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms for the adverse effects of PM exposure on cardiovascular system remain largely unknown and under active investigation. Endothelial dysfunction or injury is considered one of the major factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of vasculature. Particulate matter exposure significantly suppressed the number and function of EPCs in animals and humans. However, the mechanisms for the detrimental effects of PM on EPCs remain to be fully defined. One of the important mechanisms might be related to increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Bone marrow (BM) is a major source of EPCs. Thus, the number and function of EPCs could be intimately associated with the population and functional status of stem cells (SCs) in the BM. Bone marrow stem cells and other SCs have the potential for cardiovascular regeneration and repair. The present review is focused on summarizing the detrimental effects of PM exposure on EPCs and SCs, and potential mechanisms including ROS formation as well as clinical implications.
Validation of the Turkish version of medication regimen complexity index among elderly patients
Authors: Okuyan Betul , Babi Bedis , Sancar Mesut , Ay Pınar , Yücel Emre , Yücel Aylin , Izzettin Fikret Vehbi
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to validate the Turkish version of the ‘Medication Regimen Complexity Index’ (MRCI).

Methods

This validation study has been conducted in prescriptions of the first 100 elderly patients who had visited the pharmacy for their prescription refill to evaluate convergent and divergent validity of the Turkish version. The reliability of the Turkish version was assessed with inter‐rater and test‐retest analysis after its translation and cultural adaptation.

Results

The mean age of the 100 patients (53 women) was 74.9 years (SD = 7.58, 65–95). The scale showed high inter‐rater reliability and test‐retest reliability for the total and subscale scores (p < 0.05). A strong and positive correlation between the number of medications in a prescription and the total Medication Regimen Complexity Index scores (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) was determined. There were no statistically significant differences between age, gender and MRCI scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

These results show that the Turkish version of MRCI is a reliable and valid tool in elderly patients.
Geographic Variations of Colorectal and Breast Cancer Late‐Stage Diagnosis and the Effects of Neighborhood‐Level Factors
Authors: Lin Yan , Wimberly Michael C.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the geographic variations of late‐stage diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer as well as to investigate the effects of 3 neighborhood‐level factors—socioeconomic deprivation, urban/rural residence, and spatial accessibility to health care—on the late‐stage risks.

Methods

This study used population‐based South Dakota cancer registry data from 2001 to 2012. A total of 4,878 CRC cases and 6,418 breast cancer cases were included in the analyses. Two‐level logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk of late‐stage CRC and breast cancer.

Findings

For CRC, there was a small geographic variation across census tracts in late‐stage diagnosis, and residing in isolated small rural areas was significantly associated with late‐stage risk. However, this association became nonsignificant after adjusting for census‐tract level socioeconomic deprivation. Socioeconomic deprivation was an independent predictor of CRC late‐stage risk, and it explained the elevated risk among American Indians. No relationship was found between spatial accessibility and CRC late‐stage risk. For breast cancer, no geographic variation in the late‐stage diagnosis was observed across census tracts, and none of the 3 neighborhood‐level factors was significantly associated with late‐stage risk.

Conclusions

Results suggested that socioeconomic deprivation, rather than spatial accessibility, contributed to CRC late‐stage risks in South Dakota as a rural state. CRC intervention programs could be developed to target isolated small rural areas, socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, as well as American Indians residing in these areas.
Association of work productivity with clinical and patient‐reported factors in patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Stepanova M. , Henry L. , Younossi I. , Weinstein A. , Nader F. , Hunt S.
Published: March 2016

Patients with HCV infection have reduced work productivity (WP), in terms of both presenteeism (impairment in work productivity while working) and absenteeism (productivity loss due to absence from work). The aim of this study was to identify clinical and patient‐reported factors that are predictive of WP in HCV‐infected patients. HCV‐infected patients enrolled in clinical trials completed 3 PRO questionnaires (CLDQ‐HCV, SF‐36 and FACIT‐F) and one work productivity (WPAI:SHP) questionnaire. In employed subjects, work productivity and its absenteeism and presenteeism components were calculated using WPAI:SHP instrument. Of 4121 HCV‐infected patients with work productivity data, 2480 (60.2%) reported to be employed, and of those, 2190 had completed all PRO questionnaires before treatment initiation. Of the study cohort, 519/2190 (23.7%) had severe work impairment. In multiple linear regression analysis, work productivity was predicted by lower scores in activity/energy domain of CLDQ‐HCV, physical well‐being domain of FACIT‐F, worry domain of CLDQ‐HCV and role physical domain of SF‐36 (all P < 0.0005). Furthermore, presenteeism was independently predicted by the activity/energy of CLDQ‐HCV, physical well‐being of FACIT‐F, worry domain of CLDQ‐HCV, role physical scale of SF‐36 and fatigue scale of FACIT‐F (P < 0.002). Finally, absenteeism was independently predicted by physical well‐being scale of FACIT‐F and role physical scale of SF‐36 (all P < 0.002). Clinically, work productivity impairment was predicted by the presence of cirrhosis, anxiety, depression and clinically overt fatigue (P < 0.01). Thus, the most important drivers of WP in HCV are impairment of physical aspects of PROs and clinical history of depression, anxiety, fatigue and cirrhosis.
Teacher expectations and student literacy engagement and achievement
Authors: Pantaleo Sylvia
Published: March 2016

Notwithstanding the complex and dynamic nature of teaching and learning in schools, over four decades of research findings have consistently revealed a correlation between teacher expectations and student achievement. Focusing on teacher expectations for the narrative structures created by young children, this article features a discussion of data gathered during a multifaceted study with 7‐ and 8‐year‐old students. The overall purpose of the case study research was to explore the development of student understanding of elements of visual art and design and diverse narrative structures in picturebooks. For the culminating activity of the research, the students had opportunities to apply and transform their knowledge of the instructional foci when they composed their own multimodal print texts. Analysis of the students' narrative structures revealed the multiple forms of metalepsis, the purposeful breaking of storyworld/narrative boundaries, evident in their writing and artwork. In addition to a discussion about the socially situated nature of the children's multimodal text‐making, the article includes a consideration of the importance of teacher expectations with respect to student literacy engagement and achievement.
Prevention and treatment of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome after kidney transplantation
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: March 2016

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by an over‐activated, dysregulated alternative complement pathway due to genetic mutation and environmental triggers. Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a serious, life‐threatening disease characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy, which causes haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, and acute renal failure. Since recurrences of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome frequently lead to end‐stage kidney disease even in renal allografts, kidney transplantation for patients with end‐stage kidney disease secondary to atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome has long been contraindicated. However, over the past several years, advancements in the management of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome have allowed successful kidney transplantation in these patients. The key factor of this success is eculizumab, a humanized anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody, which inhibits terminal membrane‐attack complex formation and thrombotic microangiopathy progression. In the setting of kidney transplantation, there are different possible triggers of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence, such as brain‐death related injury, ischaemia–reperfusion injury, infections, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and rejection. Principal strategies are to prevent endothelial damage that could potentially activate alternative complement pathway activation and subsequently lead to atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence in kidney allograft. Published data shows that prophylactic eculizumab therapy is highly effective for the prevention of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence, and prompt treatment with eculizumab as soon as recurrence is diagnosed is important to maintain renal allograft function. Further study to determine the optimal dosing and duration of prophylactic therapy and treatment of post‐transplant atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome recurrence is needed.
Compartmentalized gene regulatory network of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Guo Li , Zhao Guoyi , Xu Jin‐Rong , Kistler H. Corby , Gao Lixin , Ma Li‐Jun
Published: March 2016

Head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum threatens world‐wide wheat production, resulting in both yield loss and mycotoxin contamination.

We reconstructed the global F. graminearum gene regulatory network (GRN) from a large collection of transcriptomic data using Bayesian network inference, a machine‐learning algorithm. This GRN reveals connectivity between key regulators and their target genes. Focusing on key regulators, this network contains eight distinct but interwoven modules. Enriched for unique functions, such as cell cycle, DNA replication, transcription, translation and stress responses, each module exhibits distinct expression profiles.

Evolutionarily, the F. graminearum genome can be divided into core regions shared with closely related species and variable regions harboring genes that are unique to F. graminearum and perform species‐specific functions. Interestingly, the inferred top regulators regulate genes that are significantly enriched from the same genomic regions (P < 0.05), revealing a compartmentalized network structure that may reflect network rewiring related to specific adaptation of this plant pathogen.

This first‐ever reconstructed filamentous fungal GRN primes our understanding of pathogenicity at the systems biology level and provides enticing prospects for novel disease control strategies involving the targeting of master regulators in pathogens. The program can be used to construct GRNs of other plant pathogens.
Macroevolutionary patterns of ultraviolet floral pigmentation explained by geography and associated bioclimatic factors
Authors: Koski Matthew H. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: March 2016

Selection driven by biotic interactions can generate variation in floral traits. Abiotic selection, however, also contributes to floral diversity, especially with respect to patterns of pigmentation. Combining comparative studies of floral pigmentation and geography can reveal the bioclimatic factors that may drive macroevolutionary patterns of floral color.

We create a molecular phylogeny and measure ultraviolet (UV) floral pattern for 177 species in the Potentilleae tribe (Rosaceae). Species are similar in flower shape and visible color but vary in UV floral pattern. We use comparative approaches to determine whether UV pigmentation variation is associated with geography and/or bioclimatic features (UV‐B, precipitation, temperature).

Floral UV pattern was present in half of the species, while others were uniformly UV‐absorbing. Phylogenetic signal was detected for presence/absence of pattern, but among patterned species, quantitative variation in UV‐absorbing area was evolutionarily labile. Uniformly UV‐absorbing species tended to experience higher UV‐B irradiance. Patterned species occurring at higher altitudes had larger UV‐absorbing petal areas, corresponding with low temperature and high UV exposure.

This analysis expands our understanding of the covariation of UV‐B irradiance and UV floral pigmentation from within species to that among species, and supports the view that abiotic selection is associated with floral diversification among species.
Rice PROTEIN l‐ISOASPARTYL METHYLTRANSFERASE isoforms differentially accumulate during seed maturation to restrict deleterious isoAsp and reactive oxygen species accumulation and are implicated in seed vigor and longevity
Authors: Petla Bhanu Prakash , Kamble Nitin Uttam , Kumar Meenu , Verma Pooja , Ghosh Shraboni , Singh Ajeet , Rao Venkateswara , Salvi Prafull , Kaur Harmeet , Saxena Saurabh Chandra , Majee Manoj
Published: March 2016

PROTEIN l‐ISOASPARTYL O‐METHYLTRANSFERASE (PIMT) is a protein‐repairing enzyme involved in seed vigor and longevity. However, the regulation of PIMT isoforms during seed development and the mechanism of PIMT‐mediated improvement of seed vigor and longevity are largely unknown.

In this study in rice (Oryza sativa), we demonstrate the dynamics and correlation of isoaspartyl (isoAsp)‐repairing demands and PIMT activity, and their implications, during seed development, germination and aging, through biochemical, molecular and genetic studies.

Molecular and biochemical analyses revealed that rice possesses various biochemically active and inactive PIMT isoforms. Transcript and western blot analyses clearly showed the seed development stage and tissue‐specific accumulation of active isoforms. Immunolocalization studies revealed distinct isoform expression in embryo and aleurone layers. Further analyses of transgenic lines for each OsPIMT isoform revealed a clear role in the restriction of deleterious isoAsp and age‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation to improve seed vigor and longevity.

Collectively, our data suggest that a PIMT‐mediated, protein repair mechanism is initiated during seed development in rice, with each isoform playing a distinct, yet coordinated, role. Our results also raise the intriguing possibility that PIMT repairs antioxidative enzymes and proteins which restrict ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, etc. in seed, particularly during aging, thus contributing to seed vigor and longevity.
Statin intake is associated with MMP‐1 level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis
Authors: Poston CJ , Pierce TC , Li Y , Brinson CW , Lu Z , Lauer AW , Leite RS , Huang Y
Published: March 2016

Background

This study was conducted to assess whether statin intake is associated with clinical parameters of periodontitis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients.

Methods

We first determined the effect of simvastatin on MMP expression in mononuclear cells. We then recruited 117 non‐diabetic and diabetic patients, who all had periodontitis and took or did not take statin, and measured periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and collected gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to quantify MMPs.

Results

The in vitro studies showed that simvastatin potently inhibited the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 upregulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high glucose in mononuclear cells. The patient study showed that, after adjusting for age and smoking status, PPD in diabetic patients on statin was significantly less than that in diabetic patients not on statin. MMP‐1 level in GCF of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients on statin was lower than that of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients not on statin, respectively. No difference was found for MMP‐8 and ‐9 levels in GCF.

Conclusion

Statin intake is associated with reduced PPD in diabetic patients and MMP‐1 level in GCF in either non‐diabetic or diabetic patients.
Revenue Management for Intermodal Transportation: The Role of Dynamic Forecasting
Authors: Luo Ting , Gao Long , Akçay Yalçın
Published: March 2016

We study a joint capacity leasing and demand acceptance problem in intermodal transportation. The model features multiple sources of evolving supply and demand, and endogenizes the interplay of three levers—forecasting, leasing, and demand acceptance. We characterize the optimal policy, and show how dynamic forecasting coordinates leasing and acceptance. We find (i) the value of dynamic forecasting depends critically on scarcity, stochasticity, and volatility; (ii) traditional mean‐value equivalence approach performs poorly in volatile intermodal context; (iii) mean‐value‐based forecast may outperform stationary distribution‐based forecast. Our work enriches revenue management models and applications. It advances our understanding on when and how to use dynamic forecasting in intermodal revenue management.
Measuring lesion attributes and analysing their spatial patterns at the leaf scale using digital image analysis
Authors: Schwanck A. A. , Del Ponte E. M.
Published: March 2016

Digital image analysis was used to quantify size, shape and relative positions of individual plant disease lesions to determine their spatial distribution pattern at the leaf scale. Rice brown spot was used as a necrotrophic pathogen causing numerous discrete lesions. A 50‐leaf subsample was selected from an existing data set of 350 images of leaves taken from the field, and analysed for disease severity using image analysis. Further measurements included size, shape and the relative positions of lesions for all leaves with severity > 8% (n = 25) and an additional 25‐leaf sample with severity <8%. A total of 3964 necrotic and/or halo areas were selected using a manually defined threshold in the computer program Assess. There were significant and positive associations (Pearson's r > 0.81; P < 0.001) between the size‐related measurements (lesion area, longest and shortest axis). Coalesced areas, formed by interconnection of lesions and associated haloes, and a high number of small lesions were found with an increase in severity, suggesting a secondary cycle and autoinfection process. Results from quadrat‐based (Poisson distribution and Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs) and distance‐based (point‐process Poisson) spatial methods were in good agreement and, together with a Taylor power law model, suggested a shift from random to predominantly aggregated patterns of lesions at severities approaching 10%. This framework, which is applicable to other foliar diseases, proved useful in providing quantitative knowledge of epidemic processes at the leaf scale. Finally, these results may be useful in improving simulation models and disease assessment methods.
The Future is Now: Reducing Psychological Distance to Increase Public Engagement with Climate Change
Authors: Jones Charlotte , Hine Donald W. , Marks Anthony D. G.
Published: March 2016

Many people perceive climate change as psychologically distant—a set of uncertain events that might occur far in the future, impacting distant places and affecting people dissimilar to themselves. In this study, we employed construal level theory to investigate whether a climate change communication intervention could increase public engagement by reducing the psychological distance of climate change. Australian residents (N = 333) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: one framed to increase psychological distance to climate change (distal frame), and the other framed to reduce psychological distance (proximal frame). Participants then completed measures of psychological distance of climate change impacts, climate change concern, and intentions to engage in mitigation behavior. Principal components analysis indicated that psychological distance to climate change was best conceptualized as a multidimensional construct consisting of four components: geographic, temporal, social, and uncertainty. Path analysis revealed the effect of the treatment frame on climate change concern and intentions was fully mediated by psychological distance dimensions related to uncertainty and social distance. Our results suggest that climate communications framed to reduce psychological distance represent a promising strategy for increasing public engagement with climate change.
Seeking Synthesis: The Integrative Problem in Understanding Language and Its Evolution
Authors: Dale Rick , Kello Christopher T. , Schoenemann P. Thomas
Published: March 2016

We discuss two problems for a general scientific understanding of language, sequences and synergies: how language is an intricately sequenced behavior and how language is manifested as a multidimensionally structured behavior. Though both are central in our understanding, we observe that the former tends to be studied more than the latter. We consider very general conditions that hold in human brain evolution and its computational implications, and identify multimodal and multiscale organization as two key characteristics of emerging cognitive function in our species. This suggests that human brains, and cognitive function specifically, became more adept at integrating diverse information sources and operating at multiple levels for linguistic performance. We argue that framing language evolution, learning, and use in terms of synergies suggests new research questions, and it may be a fruitful direction for new developments in theory and modeling of language as an integrated system.
Lipid Droplets Form from Distinct Regions of the Cell in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Meyers Alex , del Rio Zuania P. , Beaver Rachael A. , Morris Ryan M. , Weiskittel Taylor M. , Alshibli Amany K. , Mannik Jaana , Morrell‐Falvey Jennifer , Dalhaimer Paul
Published: March 2016

Eukaryotic cells store cholesterol/sterol esters (SEs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) in lipid droplets, which form from the contiguous endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. However, it is not known if droplets preferentially form from certain regions of the ER over others. Here, we used fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells where the nuclear and cortical/peripheral ER domains are distinguishable by light microscopy to show that SE‐enriched lipid droplets form away from the nucleus at the cell tips, whereas TAG‐enriched lipid droplets form around the nucleus. Sterols localize to the regions of the cells where droplets enriched in SEs are observed. TAG droplet formation around the nucleus appears to be a strong function of diacylglycerol (DAG) homeostasis with Cpt1p, which coverts DAG into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine localized exclusively to the nuclear ER. Also, Dgk1p, which converts DAG into phosphatidic acid localized strongly to the nuclear ER over the cortical/peripheral ER. We also show that TAG more readily translocates from the ER to lipid droplets than do SEs. The results augment the standard lipid droplet formation model, which has SEs and TAGs flowing into the same nascent lipid droplet regardless of its biogenesis point in the cell.
Designer protein delivery: From natural to engineered affinity-controlled release systems
Authors: Pakulska Malgosia M. , Miersch Shane , Shoichet Molly S.
Published: March 2016

Temporarily caught in a bind

When an atom or molecular fragment is covalently bonded, its release is controlled by the rate of degradation of the bond or by the rate of degradation of the matrix or shell material that keeps it trapped. When molecules are held by noncovalent interactions, the affinity of the molecule to its binding site can be tuned by a number of parameters, such as changing pH, temperature, or salt concentration. This makes it possible to finely tune the release profile. Pakulska
et al.
review our increased understanding of these interactions as found in nature, and their increased use for the delivery of molecular agents and therapeutics.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aac4750
Pure H
–
conduction in oxyhydrides
Authors: Kobayashi Genki , Hinuma Yoyo , Matsuoka Shinji , Watanabe Akihiro , Iqbal Muhammad , Hirayama Masaaki , Yonemura Masao , Kamiyama Takashi , Tanaka Isao , Kanno Ryoji
Published: March 2016

Transporting the hydrogen anion

Hydrogen cation (H
+
) transport is common in both biological systems and engineered ones such as fuel cells. In contrast, the transport of hydrogen anions (H
−
) is far less common and is usually coupled with or compromised by the parallel transport of electrons. Kobayashi
et al.
examined the transport of H
−
in a series of rare-earth lithium oxyhydrides (see the Perspective by Yamaguchi). They prevented electronic conduction by using Li
+
as a countercation. In an electrochemical cell, the oxyhydride material acted as a solid-state electrolyte for H
−
, which suggests an alternative avenue for developing energy storage devices.

Science
, this issue p.
1314
; see also p.
1262
Formation of pseudomorphic nanocages from Cu
2
O nanocrystals through anion exchange reactions
Authors: Wu Hsin-Lun , Sato Ryota , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Kimura Masato , Haruta Mitsutaka , Kurata Hiroki , Teranishi Toshiharu
Published: March 2016

Creating semiconductor nanocages

The surface area of nanomaterials can be increased by creating open cage structures. Now it seems that the shape of nanocrystals can be used as a tool to manipulate crystal structure in nanocrystals. Wu
et al.
show how single nanocrystals of copper oxide are converted through anion exchange reactions to multiply twinned open cages of a copper sulfide in a process that changes the crystal lattice symmetries. These structures were then converted into cadmium sulfide nanocages through cation exchange.

Science
, this issue p.
1306
Unconventional endocannabinoid signaling governs sperm activation via the sex hormone progesterone
Authors: Miller Melissa R. , Mannowetz Nadja , Iavarone Anthony T. , Safavi Rojin , Gracheva Elena O. , Smith James F. , Hill Rose Z. , Bautista Diana M. , Kirichok Yuriy , Lishko Polina V.
Published: March 2016

Progesterone signaling in sperm

Cumulus cells surrounding the ovulated egg release the female hormone progesterone, which is necessary for sperm activation in mammals. Miller
et al.
identified the human sperm progesterone receptor as the orphan enzyme ABHD2. When bound by progesterone, the ABHD2 receptor acts as a lipid hydrolase to deplete an endocannabinoid inhibitor of the plasma membrane's calcium channel. This allows the entry of calcium ions through the calcium channel to activate sperm that are then primed for fertilization.

Science
, this issue p.
555
Excavating Neandertal and Denisovan DNA from the genomes of Melanesian individuals
Authors: Vernot Benjamin , Tucci Serena , Kelso Janet , Schraiber Joshua G. , Wolf Aaron B. , Gittelman Rachel M. , Dannemann Michael , Grote Steffi , McCoy Rajiv C. , Norton Heather , Scheinfeldt Laura B. , Merriwether David A. , Koki George , Friedlaender Jonathan S. , Wakefield Jon , Pääbo Svante , Akey Joshua M.
Published: March 2016

Denisovan DNA retained in Melanesians

Modern humans carry remnants of DNA from interbreeding events with archaic lineages, such as Neandertals. However, people from Oceania also retain genes from a second ancient lineage, the Denisovans. Vernot
et al.
surveyed archaic genomic sequences in a worldwide sample of modern humans, including 35 individuals from the Melanesian Islands. All non-African genomes surveyed contained Neandertal DNA, but a significant Denisovan component was found only in the Melanesians. Reconstruction of this genetic history suggests that Neandertals bred with modern humans multiple times, but Denosivans only once, in ancestors of modern-day Melanesians.

Science
, this issue p.
235
The enigmatic tuft cell in immunity
Authors: Harris Nicola
Published: March 2016

An intestinal cell stimulates the immune response to parasitic infections

[Also see Report by

Howitt
et al.

]
Improved High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Eurypsychrophile
Rhodotorula
sp. JG1b, Isolated from Permafrost in the Hyperarid Upper-Elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Goordial Jacqueline , Raymond-Bouchard Isabelle , Riley Robert , Ronholm Jennifer , Shapiro Nicole , Woyke Tanja , LaButti Kurt M. , Tice Hope , Amirebrahimi Mojgan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Greer Charles , Bakermans Corien , Whyte Lyle
Published: March 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Rhodotorula
sp. strain JG1b, a yeast that was isolated from ice-cemented permafrost in the upper-elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The sequenced genome size is 19.39 Mb, consisting of 156 scaffolds and containing a total of 5,625 predicted genes. This is the first known cold-adapted
Rhodotorula
sp. sequenced to date.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Enterococcus faecium
Commensal Isolate E1002
Authors: Tytgat Hanne L. P. , Douillard François P. , Laine Pia K. , Paulin Lars , Willems Rob J. L. , de Vos Willem M.
Published: March 2016

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has been associated with an increase in multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections. Here, we report the 2.614-Mb genome sequence of the
Enterococcus faecium
commensal isolate E1002, which will be instrumental in further understanding the determinants of the commensal and pathogenic lifestyle of
E. faecium
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain MI (HIP5827)
Authors: Hishinuma Tomomi , Katayama Yuki , Matsuo Miki , Sasaki Takashi , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: March 2016

We report the complete genome sequence of vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) strain MI (HIP5827).
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two
Campylobacter coli
Isolates from the Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Program in Colombia
Authors: Bernal Johan F. , Donado-Godoy Pilar , Valencia María Fernanda , León Maribel , Gómez Yolanda , Rodríguez Fernando , Agarwala Richa , Landsman David , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo
Published: March 2016

Campylobacter coli
, along with
Campylobacter jejuni
, is a major agent of gastroenteritis and acute enterocolitis in humans. We report the whole-genome sequences of two multidrug-resistance
C. coli
strains, isolated from the Colombian poultry chain. The isolates contain a variety of antimicrobial resistance genes for aminoglycosides, lincosamides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracycline.
Draft Genome Sequence of an
ortho
-Nitrophenyl-β-
d
-Galactoside (ONPG)-Negative Strain of
Vibrio cholerae
, Isolated from Drakes Bay, California
Authors: Wu Cindy H. , Chen Chih-Ying , Morales Christina , Kiang David
Published: March 2016

We present the draft whole-genome sequence of a
Vibrio cholerae
strain (Vc25-3) isolated from Drakes Bay, California. This environmental isolate has an atypical morphology and is
ortho
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-galactoside (ONPG)-negative.
Complete Genome Sequence of
emm
28 Type
Streptococcus pyogenes
MEW123, a Streptomycin-Resistant Derivative of a Clinical Throat Isolate Suitable for Investigation of Pathogenesis
Authors: Jacob Kristin M. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J. , Dawid Suzanne R. , Watson Michael E.
Published: March 2016

We present here the complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus pyogenes
type
emm
28 strain MEW123, a streptomycin-resistant derivative of a pediatric throat isolate. The genome length is 1,878,699 bp, with 38.29% G+C% content. The genome sequence adds value to this virulent
emm
28 representative strain and will aid in the investigation of streptococcal pathogenesis.
Haemodynamic instability of uncommon aetiology in Switzerland
Authors: Pucci Lorenzo , Addor Orane , Duplain Hervé
Published: March 2016

In Switzerland, vitamin C deficiency is a rare condition. Nonetheless, in clinical practice, there are some patients exhibiting a vitamin C deficiency as a result of an unbalanced diet or intestinal malabsorption. We report the clinical history of a 55-year-old man known for alcoholism and insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, for haemodynamic instability caused by blood loss due to fragile vessels (skin, gastrointestinal). Further analyses revealed a severe lack of vitamin C. The patient received a high dose of intravenous substitutive treatment, leading to a favourable clinical outcome.
Dawn of a new era: the completely interventionally treated patient
Authors: Kypta Alexander , Blessberger Hermann , Lichtenauer Michael , Steinwender Clemens
Published: March 2016

A frail 75-year-old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation and angina pectoris was admitted to our department for further evaluation. Echocardiography revealed concurrent severe aortic valve stenosis. Furthermore, significant coronary artery stenoses were identified on the coronary angiogram. We chose the following treatment strategy: first, two drug eluting stents were implanted successfully in the left anterior descending and circumflex artery, respectively. Second, a 23 mm Core Valve bioprosthesis (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) was implanted without complications within the same session. Two weeks after hospital discharge, the patient showed up at our outpatient department, with a symptomatic complete atrioventricular-block with an escape rhythm of 35 bpm. Thus, finally, a leadless pacemaker Micra (Medtronic Inc) was implanted via a transvenous transfemoral access without any complications.
A malignant cause of hypoglycaemia: a metastatic insulin-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Sandoval Mark Anthony , Pagsisihan Daveric , Berberabe A'Ericson , Palugod-Lopez Elaine Gayle
Published: March 2016

Most cases of insulinomas are benign. We report a case of a malignant form of insulinoma. A 46-year-old man presented with behavioural changes associated with hypoglycaemia. Diagnostic work up revealed high serum insulin, high C-peptide and low glucose levels, compatible with endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. CT imaging of the abdomen revealed a pancreatic head mass and multiple liver masses. Biopsy of the pancreatic mass revealed a grade three pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Histological analysis of a liver mass showed that it was identical to the pancreatic mass, confirming its metastatic nature. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with en bloc splenectomy. There was persistence of hypoglycaemic symptoms after removal of the pancreatic mass, suggesting that the liver metastases were also functioning. Symptoms were controlled by diazoxide and octreotide long-acting release. The patient is already 1 year postsurgery with no recurrence of severe hypoglycaemia, and he has good functional capacity and has returned to his office job.
Pleural effusion of malignant aetiology: cell block technique to establish the diagnosis
Authors: García Carretero Rafael , Manotas-Hidalgo Manuela , Romero Brugera Marta , El Bouayadi Mohamed Liliam
Published: March 2016

We describe cases of two previously healthy women presenting with progressively worsening breathlessness for 1–2 months. In both cases, physical examination was suggestive of a left-sided pleural effusion, confirmed by chest X-ray. Analysis of aspirated fluid showed a lymphocytic exudate, but cytological analysis was negative for malignancy in both patients. CT scan revealed malignancies as the underlying cause of the effusions. Both patients were managed with intercostal drainage in order to collect a sufficient amount of pleural fluid to perform a new technique in our hospital: cell block. This proved to be extremely useful in assessing the definitive diagnosis and management of both women. We briefly discuss the approach to a malignant pleural effusion and the aid of this not-so-new technique.