bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrective Exercises Improve Movement Efficiency and Sensorimotor Function but Not Fatigue Sensitivity in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bagherian Sajad , Rahnama Nader , Wikstrom Erik A.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To investigate the effect of corrective exercises on functional movement patterns, sensorimotor function, self-reported function, and fatigue sensitivity in collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Laboratory of sports sciences.

Participants:

Forty male volunteers were randomly assigned to the experimental group (age 21.2 ± 1.7 years, height 174.5 ± 6.1 cm, and weight 69.6 ± 6.9 kg) or the control group (age 20.9 ± 1.8 years, height 178.2 ± 6.6 cm, and weight 68.8 ± 8.1 kg).

Intervention:

Participants in the experimental group performed supervised corrective exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Fatigue was induced with a progressive treadmill protocol before and after the 8-week intervention.

Main Outcome Measures:

Outcomes included movement efficiency during 3 squat tasks, static and dynamic postural control, strength of the ankle musculature, joint position sense, and self-reported function with the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure subscales. These outcomes were assessed before and immediately after fatiguing treadmill running both before and after 8-weeks of corrective exercises.

Results:

Significant improvements in movement efficiency, sensorimotor function, and self-reported function were noted in the experimental group relative to the control group (P < 0.001), in a nonfatigued state. However, in a fatigued stated, the experimental intervention only improved static postural control (P = 0.016) relative to the control group.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate that 8-weeks of corrective exercises were effective at enhancing movement efficiency, sensorimotor function, and self-reported function in collegiate athletes with CAI. However, this intervention program has limited abilities at reducing the effects of fatigue.
Surgical Approach Impacts Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Outcomes After Proximal Hamstring Repair
Authors: Wilson Thomas J. , Spinner Robert J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

The goal of this study was to characterize the risk of intraoperative injury to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and to evaluate potential risk factors for injury during surgical repair of proximal hamstring injuries.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Single tertiary referral center.

Patients:

The cohort consisted of all patients presenting to a single institution with a proximal hamstring avulsion injury who were managed with surgical repair between January 1, 2000 and August 1, 2016. A total of 67 patients were included in the cohort.

Independent Variables:

Variables assessed for their association with postoperative numbness in the distribution of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve included age, sex, body mass index, mechanism of injury, time to surgical repair, and incision used.

Main Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome of interest was neurologic symptoms referable to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

Results:

Postoperatively, 13 patients (19%) developed new numbness in the distribution of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. One patient reported neuropathic pain and paresthesias associated with the numbness. The use of a gluteal crease incision was the only predictive factor for postoperative numbness in the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve distribution (odds ratio 8.67; 95% confidence interval, 2.30-42.80; P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The current study provides data that can be used in discussing the risks and benefits of surgical repair with patients and when weighing the pros and cons of using a gluteal crease versus longitudinal incision.
Biomechanical Determinants of Right Ventricular Failure in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Scardulla Francesco , Bellavia Diego , Vitulo Patrizio , Romano Giuseppe , Mina Chiara , Gentile Giovanni , Clemenza Francesco , Pasta Salvatore
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease characterized by progressive adverse remodeling of the distal pulmonary arteries, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and load pressure on the right ventricle (RV), ultimately leading to RV failure. Invasive hemodynamic testing is the gold standard for diagnosing PH and guiding patient therapy. We hypothesized that lumped-parameter and biventricular finite-element (FE) modeling may lead to noninvasive predictions of both PH-related hemodynamic and biomechanical parameters that induce PH. We created patient-specific biventricular FE models that characterize the biomechanical response of the heart and coupled them with a lumped-parameter model that represents the systemic and pulmonic circulation. Simulations were calibrated by adjusting the pulmonary vascular resistance and myocardial contractility parameters through matching imaging data of ventricular chambers. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that the lumped-derived RV cardiac index (CI) was in good agreement with catheterization measurements collected from 10 patients with PH (R
2 = 0.82; p < 0.001). Biventricular FE analysis revealed a paradoxical leftward shift of the interventricular septum, and this correlated with invasive measurements of pulmonary vascular resistances (R = 0.70; p = 0.048) as found by Pearson’s coefficient. A significant difference was noted for RV myocardial fiber stress in healthy control patients (4.5 ± 0.7 kPa) compared with that of patients with PH at either rest (30.1 ± 12.1 kPa; p = 0.005) or simulated exercise conditions (69.6 ± 24.8 kPa; p < 0.001), thus suggesting adverse RV remodeling. This approach may become a useful and versatile tool for noninvasively assessing RV impairment induced by PH and realistically predicting ventricular mechanics and interactions for an improved management of patients with PH.
Antipsychotic medication and oropharyngeal dysphagia: systematic review
Authors: Miarons Font Marta , Rofes Salsench Laia
Published: October 2017

The association between antipsychotics (also known as neuroleptics) and oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) has been suggested in several case reports. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect of antipsychotic medication on OD. A systematic literature search was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines using the electronic databases Pubmed and Embase. In Pubmed, we used the MeSH terms ‘antipsychotic agents’ OR ‘tranquilizing agents’ combined with ‘deglutition disorders’ OR ‘deglutition’. In Embase, we used the Emtree terms ‘neuroleptic agents’ combined with ‘swallowing’ OR ‘dysphagia’. Two reviewers assessed the eligibility of each report independently. The level of evidence of the included studies was also assessed according to pre-established criteria. Case reports were excluded. We found 18 clinical studies of dysphagia related to antipsychotics: 12 were related both to typical and atypical antipsychotics, four to atypical antipsychotics and two to typical antipsychotics. According to the clinical studies included, prevalence of patients with swallowing problems taking antipsychotics ranged from 21.9 to 69.5% whereas prevalence of patients without swallowing problems taking antipsychotics ranged from 5 to 30.5%. The available evidence suggests considering an etiology of dysphagia in patients with swallowing problems who are taking antipsychotics, even if no other symptoms are present. Although few general conclusions can be drawn from current evidence, both typical and atypical antipsychotics can be associated with OD.
Comparison of gut-directed hypnotherapy and unspecific hypnotherapy as self-help format in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Gulewitsch Marco D. , Schlarb Angelika A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Psychosocial treatments for chronic abdominal pain in childhood or adolescence are effective, but time consuming and hardly available. In the present study, gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDHT) and unspecific hypnotherapy (UHT) were compared to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a hypnotherapeutic self-help intervention.

Participants and methods

Children/adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age with chronic abdominal pain were randomized to GDHT or UHT. The treatment period was 12 weeks each. Measurements were performed before and after treatment. The primary outcome was a pain diary. Analysis was carried out as per protocol.

Results

Of 45 participants included, 13 were lost to follow-up. Thirty-two participants (14 GHDT, 18 UHT) were analyzed. Dropouts had higher pain severity. Completers in both conditions showed good adherence and a similar decrease in days with pain and pain duration. Pain intensity decreased only in the UHT condition. Eleven participants (two GDHT, nine UHT) achieved clinical remission (>80% improvement) and 13 participants (seven GDHT, six UHT) improved significantly (30–80%).

Conclusion

Results suggest a high efficacy of standardized home-based hypnotherapy for children/adolescents with abdominal pain. Children/adolescents with high pain severity are at risk of dropping out. The UHT condition showed slight evidence of superiority, but conditions were equivalent on most outcomes. Taken together, self-help approaches based on hypnotherapy could close a treatment gap and prevent chronification.
Bony/Cartilaginous Mismatch: A Radiologic Investigation into the Cause of Tension Nose Deformity
Authors: Weinstock Michael S. , Stupak Howard D.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Tension nose deformity is believed to be caused by an “oversized” septal quadrangular cartilage. Prior studies have shown that quadrangular cartilage size is relatively consistent in populations. The authors hypothesize that the tension nose deformity is actually caused by an external extrusion of a normal sized septal cartilage from an undersized bony septal encasement.

Methods:

A retrospective case-control study of sagittal computed tomographic scans was conducted, measuring the perimeter and surface area of the quadrangular cartilage and bony septal aperture in tension nose cases and controls. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

Of 23 patients enrolled in the study, 12 patients were sorted into the tension nose group, and 11 patients were considered controls. Both groups had similar perimeter and surface area of their quadrangular cartilage, without statistical difference between the two groups. However, the tension nose group had a statistically significant reduction in bony septal aperture perimeter compared with controls (p < 0.01) and a larger externally extruded septum compared with their internal septal size. They also had a substantially higher rate of septal deviation than controls.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that a mismatch between a small bony septal aperture and a normal sized septal quadrangular cartilage may be responsible for caudal, upper lip, and dorsal fullness seen with the tension nose deformity caused by external extrusion of cartilage. Septal deviation may co-occur as a buckling phenomenon in a limited bony space. Surgical strategies to match the entire quadrangular cartilage size to the bony framework are suggested.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
The Lateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Analysis of 138 Flaps
Authors: Tuinder Stefania M. H. , Beugels Jop , Lataster Arno , de Haan Michiel W. , Piatkowski Andrzej , Saint-Cyr Michel , van der Hulst René R. W. J. , Allen Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Background:

The septocutaneous tensor fasciae latae or lateral thigh perforator flap was previously introduced by the authors’ group as an alternative flap for autologous breast reconstruction when the abdomen is not suitable as a donor site. The authors analyzed their experience with the lateral thigh perforator flap and present the surgical refinements that were introduced.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted of all lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstructions performed since September of 2012. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and flap reexplorations were recorded. Preoperative imaging with magnetic resonance angiography was performed in all patients. Surgical refinements introduced during this study included limitation of the flap width and the use of quilting sutures at the donor site.

Results:

A total of 138 lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstructions were performed in 86 consecutive patients. Median operative times were 277 minutes (range, 196 to 561 minutes) for unilateral procedures and 451 minutes (range, 335 to 710 minutes) for bilateral. Median flap weight was 348 g (range, 175 to 814 g). Two total flap losses (1.4 percent) were recorded, and 11 flaps (8.0 percent) required reexploration, which resulted in viable flaps. The incidence of donor-site complications was reduced significantly after the surgical refinements were introduced. Wound problems decreased from 40.0 percent to 6.3 percent, seroma decreased from 25.0 percent to 9.5 percent, and infection decreased from 27.5 percent to 9.5 percent.

Conclusions:

The lateral thigh perforator flap is an excellent option for autologous breast reconstruction, with minimal recipient-site complications. The surgical refinements resulted in a significant reduction of donor-site complications. Therefore, the lateral thigh perforator flap is currently the authors’ second choice after the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Should T-Tube Drainage be Performed for Choledocholithiasis after Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Woods , Li Ge , Chen Yan-ling
Published: October 2017

Background:

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been verified to be a comparatively effective treatment approach for uncomplicated choledocholithiasis, and it has been previously proposed that the primary duct closure (PDC) technique, in which the bile duct can directly be sutured in only 1 step compared with the T-tube drainage (TTD), can be deemed a choice after LCBDE; however, the conventional TTD performance is controversial in the minimally invasive surgery era. On the basis of the above-mentioned point, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the different effects between TTD and PDC after LCBDE.

Materials and Methods:

In PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, literature search was conducted to screen out randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare PDC with TTD. The analyzed outcome variables included overall morbidity, biliary-specific morbidity (retained stones, biliary leak, biliary peritonitis), other morbidities, operating time, postoperative hospital stay, reintervention (surgery, endoscopy/radiology), and median hospital expenses.

Results:

In this meta-analysis, there are 4 RCTs qualifying for inclusion, including 396 patients in all (222 in PDC and 214 in TTD). With respect to postoperative overall morbidity (P<0.05), biliary peritonitis (P<0.05), surgery time (P<0.05), length of stay (P<0.05), and median hospital expenses (P<0.05), PDC presented remarkably better results than TTD (P<0.05). Statistically, no remarkable distinction was found between the 2 groups as to biliary-specific morbidity, retained stones, biliary leak, other morbidities, or reintervention (radiology/endoscopy, surgery).

Conclusions:

In this meta-analysis, there was no evidence provided for clinical benefits of using TTD after LCBDE. Therefore, TTD should not routinely be performed after LCBDE. However, multicenter, large sample size, RCTs should be conducted to clarify this issue.
Clinical Indicators of Postoperative Bleeding in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Fecso Andras B. , Samuel Timothy , Elnahas Ahmad , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Jackson Timothy , Quereshy Fayez , Okrainec Allan
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between patient, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and bleeding after bariatric surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients, who underwent a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at our institution between March 2012 and May 2014. In total, 788 patients were included in this study. Seventeen patients had postoperative bleeding. The demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative medications were similar between the groups. Mean postoperative hemoglobin in the bleeding group was significantly lower (94 vs. 126; P<0.001) with a larger decrease from the baseline value (−43 vs. −12; P<0.001). The mean heart rate (91 vs. 81; P<0.001) and its increase from baseline (12 vs. −0.01; P<0.001) were significantly different in the bleeding patients. Postoperative hemoglobin and heart rate were associated with bleeding but not systolic blood pressure or patient characteristics. Further research is needed to develop a robust predictive model.
Monitoring modalities and assessment of fluid status: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
Authors: Plurad David S. , Chiu William , Raja Ali S. , Galvagno Samuel M. , Khan Uzer , Kim Dennis Y. , Tisherman Samuel A. , Ward Jeremy , Hamill Mark E. , Bennett Vicki , Williams Brian , Robinson Bryce
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Fluid administration in critically ill surgical patients must be closely monitored to avoid complications. Resuscitation guided by invasive methods are not consistently associated with improved outcomes. As such, there has been increased use of focused ultrasound and Arterial Pulse Waveform Analysis (APWA) to monitor and aid resuscitation. An assessment of these methods using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework is presented.

METHODS

A subsection of the Surgical Critical Care Task Force of the Practice Management Guideline Committee of EAST conducted two systematic reviews to address the use of focused ultrasound and APWA in surgical patients being evaluated for shock. Six population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) questions were generated. Critical outcomes were prediction of fluid responsiveness, reductions in organ failures or complications and mortality. Forest plots were generated for summary data and GRADE methodology was used to assess for quality of the evidence. Reviews are registered in PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (42015032402 and 42015032530).

RESULTS

Twelve focused ultrasound studies and 20 APWA investigations met inclusion criteria. The appropriateness of focused ultrasound or APWA-based protocols to predict fluid responsiveness varied widely by study groups. Results were mixed in the one focused ultrasound study and 9 APWA studies addressing reductions in organ failures or complications. There was no mortality advantage of either modality versus standard care. Quality of the evidence was considered very low to low across all PICO questions.

CONCLUSION

Focused ultrasound and APWA compare favorably to standard methods of evaluation but only in specific clinical settings. Therefore, conditional recommendations are made for the use of these modalities in surgical patients being evaluated for shock.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review, level II.
Maternally transmitted non-bacterial male killer inDrosophila biauraria
Authors: Kageyama Daisuke , Yoshimura Kanamu , Sugimoto Takafumi N. , Katoh Takehiro K. , Watada Masayoshi
Published: October 2017

A maternally inherited, all-female trait is widely found among arthropods, which is caused by bacterial endosymbionts such asWolbachia,Rickettsia,SpiroplasmaandCardinium. We discovered a single female ofDrosophila biauraria,collected from Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, that produced all-female offspring. This all-female trait was maternally inherited in the iso-female line (SP12F) by backcrossing with males of a normal line (SP11-20) with a 1 : 1 sex ratio derived from the same population. The all-female trait was not affected by tetracycline treatment performed for two consecutive generations. However, the microinjection of filter-sterilized homogenate of SP12F females into SP11-20 females established all-female matrilines. Our data suggest the role of transmissible agents, most likely viruses, but not bacteria or protists, as the possible cause of the all-female phenotype, which is likely to be achieved by killing of male embryos because egg hatch rates of SP12F were nearly half those of SP11-20. This is the first report in Diptera to demonstrate a maternally inherited virus-like element as the cause of the male-killing phenotype inD. biauraria.
Hierarchical temporal structure in music, speech and animal vocalizations: jazz is like a conversation, humpbacks sing like hermit thrushes
Authors: Kello Christopher T. , Bella Simone Dalla , Médé Butovens , Balasubramaniam Ramesh
Published: October 2017

Humans talk, sing and play music. Some species of birds and whales sing long and complex songs. All these behaviours and sounds exhibit hierarchical structure—syllables and notes are positioned within words and musical phrases, words and motives in sentences and musical phrases, and so on. We developed a new method to measure and compare hierarchical temporal structures in speech, song and music. The method identifies temporal events as peaks in the sound amplitude envelope, and quantifies event clustering across a range of timescales using Allan factor (AF) variance. AF variances were analysed and compared for over 200 different recordings from more than 16 different categories of signals, including recordings of speech in different contexts and languages, musical compositions and performances from different genres. Non-human vocalizations from two bird species and two types of marine mammals were also analysed for comparison. The resulting patterns of AF variance across timescales were distinct to each of four natural categories of complex sound: speech, popular music, classical music and complex animal vocalizations. Comparisons within and across categories indicated that nested clustering in longer timescales was more prominent when prosodic variation was greater, and when sounds came from interactions among individuals, including interactions between speakers, musicians, and even killer whales. Nested clustering also was more prominent for music compared with speech, and reflected beat structure for popular music and self-similarity across timescales for classical music. In summary, hierarchical temporal structures reflect the behavioural and social processes underlying complex vocalizations and musical performances.
Electronic and vibrational properties of carotenoids: from
in vitro
to
in vivo
Authors: Llansola-Portoles Manuel J. , Pascal Andrew A. , Robert Bruno
Published: October 2017

Carotenoids are among the most important organic compounds present in Nature and play several essential roles in biology. Their configuration is responsible for their specific photophysical properties, which can be tailored by changes in their molecular structure and in the surrounding environment. In this review, we give a general description of the main electronic and vibrational properties of carotenoids. In the first part, we describe how the electronic and vibrational properties are related to the molecular configuration of carotenoids. We show how modifications to their configuration, as well as the addition of functional groups, can affect the length of the conjugated chain. We describe the concept of effective conjugation length, and its relationship to the S
0
→ S
2
electronic transition, the decay rate of the S
1
energetic level and the frequency of the ν
1
Raman band. We then consider the dependence of these properties on extrinsic parameters such as the polarizability of their environment, and how this information (S
0
→ S
2
electronic transition, ν
1
band position, effective conjugation length and polarizability of the environment) can be represented on a single graph. In the second part of the review, we use a number of specific examples to show that the relationships can be used to disentangle the different mechanisms tuning the functional properties of protein-bound carotenoids.
Resource-driven encounters among consumers and implications for the spread of infectious disease
Authors: Borchering Rebecca K. , Bellan Steve E. , Flynn Jason M. , Pulliam Juliet R. C. , McKinley Scott A.
Published: October 2017

Animals share a variety of common resources, which can be a major driver of conspecific encounter rates. In this work, we implement a spatially explicit mathematical model for resource visitation behaviour in order to examine how changes in resource availability can influence the rate of encounters among consumers. Using simulations and asymptotic analysis, we demonstrate that, under a reasonable set of assumptions, the relationship between resource availability and consumer conspecific encounters is not monotonic. We characterize how the maximum encounter rate and associated critical resource density depend on system parameters like consumer density and the maximum distance from which consumers can detect and respond to resources. The assumptions underlying our theoretical model and analysis are motivated by observations of large aggregations of black-backed jackals at carcasses generated by seasonal outbreaks of anthrax among herbivores in Etosha National Park, Namibia. As non-obligate scavengers, black-backed jackals use carcasses as a supplemental food resource when they are available. While jackals do not appear to acquire disease from ingesting anthrax carcasses, changes in their movement patterns in response to changes in carcass abundance do alter jackals' conspecific encounter rate in ways that may affect the transmission dynamics of other diseases, such as rabies. Our theoretical results provide a method to quantify and analyse the hypothesis that the outbreak of a fatal disease among herbivores can potentially facilitate outbreaks of an entirely different disease among jackals. By analysing carcass visitation data, we find support for our model's prediction that the number of conspecific encounters at resource sites decreases with additional increases in resource availability. Whether or not this site-dependent effect translates to an overall decrease in encounters depends, unexpectedly, on the relationship between the maximum distance of detection and the resource density.
Investigation of microvascular morphological measures for skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation by image-based modelling in three dimensions
Authors: Zeller-Plumhoff B. , Daly K. R. , Clough G. F. , Schneider P. , Roose T.
Published: October 2017

The supply of oxygen in sufficient quantity is vital for the correct functioning of all organs in the human body, especially for skeletal muscle during exercise. Traditionally, microvascular oxygen supply capability is assessed by the analysis of morphological measures on transverse cross-sections of muscle, e.g. capillary density or capillary-to-fibre ratio. In this work, we investigate the relationship between microvascular structure and muscle tissue oxygenation in mice. Phase contrast imaging was performed using synchrotron radiation computed tomography (SR CT) to visualize red blood cells (RBCs) within the microvasculature in mouse soleus muscle. Image-based mathematical modelling of the oxygen diffusion from the RBCs into the muscle tissue was subsequently performed, as well as a morphometric analysis of the microvasculature. The mean tissue oxygenation was then compared with the morphological measures of the microvasculature. RBC volume fraction and spacing (mean distance of any point in tissue to the closest RBC) emerged as the best predictors for muscle tissue oxygenation, followed by length density (summed RBC length over muscle volume). The two-dimensional measures of capillary density and capillary-to-fibre ratio ranked last. We, therefore, conclude that, in order to assess the states of health of muscle tissue, it is advisable to rely on three-dimensional morphological measures rather than on the traditional two-dimensional measures.
Semicircular canals inAnolislizards: ecomorphological convergence and ecomorph affinities of fossil species
Authors: Dickson Blake V. , Sherratt Emma , Losos Jonathan B. , Pierce Stephanie E.
Published: October 2017

Anolis lizards are a model system for the study of adaptive radiation and convergent evolution. Greater Antillean anoles have repeatedly evolved six similar forms or ecomorphs: crown-giant, grass-bush, twig, trunk, trunk-crown and trunk-ground. Members of each ecomorph category possess a specific set of morphological, ecological and behavioural characteristics which have been acquired convergently. Here we test whether the semicircular canal system—the organ of balance during movement—is also convergent among ecomorphs, reflecting the shared sensory requirements of their ecological niches. As semicircular canal shape has been shown to reflect different locomotor strategies, we hypothesized that eachAnolisecomorph would have a unique canal morphology. Using three-dimensional semilandmarks and geometric morphometrics, semicircular canal shape was characterized in 41Anolisspecies from the Greater Antilles and the relationship between canal shape and ecomorph grouping, phylogenetic history, size, head dimensions, and perch characteristics was assessed. Further, canal morphology of modern species was used to predict the ecomorph affinity of five fossil anoles from the Miocene of the Dominican Republic. Of the covariates tested, our study recovered ecomorph as the single-most important covariate of canal morphology in modern taxa; although phylogenetic history, size, and head dimensions also showed a small, yet significant correlation with shape. Surprisingly, perch characteristics were not found to be significant covariates of canal shape, even though they are important habitat variables. Using posterior probabilities, we found that the fossil anoles have different semicircular canals shapes to modern ecomorph groupings implying extinct anoles may have been interacting with their Miocene environment in different ways to modernAnolisspecies.
The evolution of giant flightless birds and novel phylogenetic relationships for extinct fowl (Aves, Galloanseres)
Authors: Worthy Trevor H. , Degrange Federico J. , Handley Warren D. , Lee Michael S. Y.
Published: October 2017

The extinct dromornithids, gastornithids and phorusrhacids are among the most spectacular birds to have ever lived, with some giants exceeding 500 kg. The affinities and evolution of these and other related extinct birds remain contentious, with previous phylogenetic analyses being affected by widespread convergence and limited taxon sampling. We address these problems using both parsimony and tip-dated Bayesian approaches on an expansive taxon set that includes all key extinct flightless and flighted (e.g.Vegavisand lithornithids) forms, an extensive array of extant fowl (Galloanseres), representative Neoaves and palaeognaths. The Paleogene volant Lithornithidae are recovered as stem palaeognaths in the Bayesian analyses. The Galloanseres comprise four clades inferred to have diverged in the Late Cretaceous on Gondwana. In addition to Anseriformes and Galliformes, we recognize a robust new clade (Gastornithiformes) for the giant flightless Dromornithidae (Australia) and Gastornithidae (Eurasia, North America). This clade exhibits parallels to ratite palaeognaths in that flight presumably was lost and giant size attained multiple times. A fourth clade is represented by the CretaceousVegavis(Antarctica), which was strongly excluded from Anseriformes; thus, a crucial molecular calibration point needs to be reconsidered. The presbyornithidsWilaru(Australia) andPresbyornis(Northern Hemisphere) are robustly found to be the sister group to Anatoidea (Anseranatidae + Anatidae), a relatively more basal position than hitherto recognized. South America's largest bird,Brontornis, is not a galloansere, but a member of Neoaves related to Cariamiformes; therefore, giant Galloanseres remain unknown from this continent. Trait analyses showed that while gigantism and flightlessness evolved repeatedly in groups, diet is constrained by phylogeny: all giant Galloanseres and palaeognaths are herbivores or mainly herbivorous, and giant neoavians are zoophagous or omnivorous.
Progressive ontogenetic niche shift over the prolonged immaturity period of wandering albatrosses
Authors: Carravieri Alice , Weimerskirch Henri , Bustamante Paco , Cherel Yves
Published: October 2017

Very little is known about trophic ontogenetic changes over the prolonged immaturity period of long-lived, wide-ranging seabirds. By using blood and feather trophic tracers (δ
13
C and δ
15
N, and mercury, Hg), we studied age-related changes in feeding ecology during the immature phase of wandering albatrosses
Diomedea exulans
when they gradually change from a pure oceanic life to visits to their future breeding grounds. Immatures fed in subtropical waters at high trophic positions during moult. Between- and within-individual variations in isotopic niche were very high, irrespective of age, highlighting wide-ranging exploratory behaviours. In summer, while acting as central-place foragers from their future breeding colony, individuals progressively relied on lower trophic level prey and/or southern latitudes as they aged, until occupying a similar isotopic niche to that of adults. Immatures had exceptionally high Hg burdens, with males having lower Hg concentrations than females, suggesting that they foraged more in subantarctic waters. Our findings suggest a progressive ontogenetic niche shift during central-place foraging of this long-lived species.
Variability in larval gut pH regulation defines sensitivity to ocean acidification in six species of the Ambulacraria superphylum
Authors: Hu Marian , Tseng Yung-Che , Su Yi-Hsien , Lein Etienne , Lee Hae-Gyeong , Lee Jay-Ron , Dupont Sam , Stumpp Meike
Published: October 2017

The unusual rate and extent of environmental changes due to human activities may exceed the capacity of marine organisms to deal with this phenomenon. The identification of physiological systems that set the tolerance limits and their potential for phenotypic buffering in the most vulnerable ontogenetic stages become increasingly important to make large-scale projections. Here, we demonstrate that the differential sensitivity of non-calcifying Ambulacraria (echinoderms and hemichordates) larvae towards simulated ocean acidification is dictated by the physiology of their digestive systems. Gastric pH regulation upon experimental ocean acidification was compared in six species of the superphylum Ambulacraria. We observed a strong correlation between sensitivity to ocean acidification and the ability to regulate gut pH. Surprisingly, species with tightly regulated gastric pH were more sensitive to ocean acidification. This study provides evidence that strict maintenance of highly alkaline conditions in the larval gut of Ambulacraria early life stages may dictate their sensitivity to decreases in seawater pH. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and understanding pH regulatory systems in marine larval stages that may contribute to substantial energetic challenges under near-future ocean acidification scenarios.
Nutritional geometry of paternal effects on embryo mortality
Authors: Polak Michal , Simmons Leigh W. , Benoit Joshua B. , Ruohonen Kari , Simpson Stephen J. , Solon-Biet Samantha M.
Published: October 2017

Well-established causal links exist between maternal nutritional deficits and embryo health and viability. By contrast, environmental effects operating through the father that could influence embryo mortality have seldom been examined. Yet, ejaculates can require non-trivial resource allocation, and seminal plasma components are increasingly recognized to exert wide-ranging effects on females and offspring, so paternal dietary effects on the embryo should be expected. We test for effects of varying levels of protein (P), carbohydrate (C) and caloric load in adult male diet on embryo mortality inDrosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate that macronutrient balance and caloric restriction exert significant effects, and that nutritional effects are more impactful when a prior mating has occurred. Once-mated males produced embryos with marginally elevated mortality under high-caloric densities and a 1 : 8 P : C ratio. In contrast, embryos produced by twice-mated males were significantly more likely to die under male caloric restriction, an outcome that may have resulted from shifts in ejaculate quality and/or epigenetic paternal effects. Body nutrient reserves were strongly and predictably altered by diet, and body condition, in turn, was negatively related to embryo mortality. Thus, sire nutritional history and resultant shifts in metabolic state predict embryo viability and post-fertilization fitness outcomes.
Neural Correlates of Motor Imagery, Action Observation, and Movement Execution: A Comparison Across Quantitative Meta-Analyses
Authors: Hardwick Robert M , Caspers Svenja , Eickhoff Simon B , Swinnen Stephan P
Published: October 2017

There is longstanding interest in the relationship between motor imagery, action observation, and movement execution. Several models propose that these tasks recruit the same brain regions in a similar manner; however, there is no quantitative synthesis of the literature that compares their respective networks. Here we summarized data from neuroimaging experiments examining Motor Imagery (303 experiments, 4,902 participants), Action Observation (595 experiments, 11,032 participants), and related control tasks involving Movement Execution (142 experiments, 2,302 participants). Motor Imagery recruited a network of premotor-parietal cortical regions, alongside the thalamus, putamen, and cerebellum. Action Observation involved a cortical premotor-parietal and occipital network, with no consistent subcortical contributions. Movement Execution engaged sensorimotor-premotor areas, and the thalamus, putamen, and cerebellum. Comparisons across these networks highlighted key differences in their recruitment of motor cortex,and parietal cortex, and subcortical structures. Conjunction across all three tasks identified a consistent premotor-parietal and somatosensory network. These data amend previous models of the relationships between motor imagery, action observation, and movement execution, and quantify the relationships between their respective networks.

Highlights

We compared quantitative meta-analyses of movement imagery, observation, and execution

Subcortical structures were most commonly associated with imagery and execution

Conjunctions identified a consistent premotor-parietal-somatosensory network

These data can inform basic and translational work using imagery and observation
Predicting division planes of three-dimensional cells by soap-film minimization
Authors: Martinez Pablo , Allsman Lindy A. , Brakke Kenneth A. , Hoyt Christopher , Hayes Jordan , Liang Hong , Neher Wesley , Rui Yue , Roberts Allyson M. , Moradifam Amir , Goldstein Bob , Anderson Charles T. , Rasmussen Carolyn G.
Published: October 2017

One key aspect of cell division in multicellular organisms is the orientation of the division plane. Proper division plane establishment contributes to normal organization of the plant body. To determine the importance of cell geometry in division plane orientation, we designed a threedimensional probabilistic mathematical modeling approach to directly test the century-old hypothesis that cell divisions mimic “soap-film minima” or that daughter cells have equal volume and the resulting division plane is a local surface area minimum. Predicted division planes were compared to a plant microtubule array that marks the division site, the preprophase band (PPB). PPB location typically matched one of the predicted divisions. Predicted divisions offset from the PPB occurred when a neighboring cell wall or PPB was observed directly adjacent to the predicted division site, to avoid creating a potentially structurally unfavorable four-way junction. By comparing divisions of differently shaped plant and animal cells to divisions simulated in silico, we demonstrate the generality of this model to accurately predict in vivo division. This powerful model can be used to separate the contribution of geometry from mechanical stresses or developmental regulation in predicting division plane orientation.
A common molecular logic determines embryonic stem cell self-renewal and reprogramming
Authors: Dunn Sara-Jane , Li Meng Amy , Carbognin Elena , Smith Austin , Martello Graziano
Published: October 2017

During differentiation and reprogramming new cell identities are generated by reconfiguration of gene regulatory networks. Here we combined automated formal reasoning with experimentation to expose the logic of network activation during induction of naïve pluripotency. We find that a Boolean network architecture defined for maintenance of naïve state embryonic stem cells (ESC) also explains transcription factor behaviour and potency during resetting from primed pluripotency. Computationally identified gene activation trajectories were experimentally substantiated at single cell resolution. Contingency of factor availability explains the counterintuitive observation that Klf2, which is dispensable for ESC maintenance, is required during resetting. We tested 136 predictions formulated by the dynamic network, finding a predictive accuracy of 78.7%. Finally, we show that this network explains and predicts experimental observations of somatic cell reprogramming. We conclude that a common deterministic program of gene regulation is sufficient to govern maintenance and induction of naïve pluripotency. The tools exemplified here could be broadly applied to delineate dynamic networks underlying cell fate transitions.
Enzymatic synthesis of gene-length single-stranded DNA
Authors: Veneziano Rémi , Shepherd Tyson R. , Ratanalert Sakul , Bellou Leila , Tao Chaoqun , Bathe Mark
Published: October 2017

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) increases the likelihood of homology directed repair with reduced cellular toxic ity, yet ssDNA synthesis strategies are limited by the maximum length attainable, as well control over nucleotide composition. Here, we apply purely enzymatic synthesis to generate ssDNA greater than 15 kb using asymmetric PCR, and illustrate the incorporation of diverse modified nucleotides for therapeutic and imaging applications.
Diverse laboratory colonies ofAedes aegyptiharbor the same adult midgut bacterial microbiome
Authors: Dickson Laura B. , Ghozlane Amine , Volant Stevenn , Bouchier Christiane , Ma Laurence , Vega-Rúa Anubis , Dusfour Isabelle , Jiolle Davy , Paupy Christophe , Mayanja Martin N. , Kohl Alain , Lutwama Julius J. , Duong Veasna , Lambrechts Louis
Published: October 2017

Background

Host-associated microbes, collectively known as the microbiota, play an important role in the biology of multicellular organisms. In mosquito vectors of human pathogens, the gut bacterial microbiota influences vectorial capacity and has become the subject of intense study. In laboratory studies of vector biology, genetic effects are often inferred from differences between geographically and genetically diverse colonies of mosquitoes that are reared in the same insectary. It is unclear, however, to what extent genetic effects can be confounded by uncontrolled differences in the microbiota composition among mosquito colonies. To address this question, we used 16S metagenomics to compare the midgut bacterial microbiome of six recent laboratory colonies ofAedes aegyptirepresenting the geographical range and genetic diversity of the species.

Results

We found that the diversity, abundance, and community structure of the midgut bacterial microbiome was remarkably similar among the six different colonies ofAe. aegypti, regardless of their geographic origin. We also confirmed the relatively low complexity of bacterial communities inhabiting the mosquito midgut.

Conclusions

Our finding that geographically diverse colonies ofAe. aegyptireared in the same insectary harbor a similar gut bacterial microbiome supports the conclusion that the gut microbiota of adult mosquitoes is environmentally determined regardless of the host genotype. Thus, uncontrolled differences in microbiota composition are unlikely to represent a significant confounding factor in genetic studies of vector biology.
Characterization of Thylakoid Division Using Chloroplast Dividing Mutants inArabidopsis
Authors: Ho Jonathan , Kwan Warren , Li Vivian , Theg Steven M.
Published: October 2017

Chloroplasts are double membrane bound organelles that are found in plants and algae. Their division requires a number of proteins to assemble into rings along the center of the organelle and to constrict in synchrony. Chloroplasts possess a third membrane system, the thylakoids, which house the majority of proteins responsible for the light-dependent reactions. The mechanism that allows chloroplasts to sort out and separate the intricate thylakoid membrane structures during organelle division remain unknown. By characterizing the sizes of thylakoids found in a number of different chloroplast division mutants inArabidopsis, we show that thylakoids do not divide independently of the chloroplast division cycle. More specifically, we show that thylakoid division requires the formation of both the inner and the outer contractile rings of the chloroplast.
Characterization and remediation of sample index swaps by non-redundant dual indexing on massively parallel sequencing platforms
Authors: Costello Maura , Fleharty Mark , Abreu Justin , Farjoun Yossi , Ferriera Steven , Holmes Laurie , Howd Tom , Mason Tamara , Vicente Gina , Dasilva Michael , Brodeur Wendy , DeSmet Timothy , Dodge Sheila , Lennon Niall J. , Gabriel Stacey
Published: October 2017

Here, we present an in-depth characterization of the index swapping mechanism on Illumina instruments that employ the ExAmp chemistry for cluster generation (HiSeqX, HiSeq4000, and NovaSeq). We discuss best practices for eliminating the effects of index swapping on data integrity by utilizing unique dual indexing for complete filtering of index swapped reads. We calculate mean swap rates across multiple sample preparation methods and sequencer models, demonstrating that different methods can have vastly different swap rates, and show that even non-ExAmp chemistry instruments display trace levels of index swapping. Finally, using computational methods we provide a greater insight into the mechanism of index swapping.
Restoring p53 Function and Silencing REV3L Suppresses the Cancerous Metabolic Phenotype in Cisplatin Treated Human Non-Small Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kong Linghao , Murata Michael M. , Digman Michelle A.
Published: October 2017

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world accounting for over one-quarter of all cancer-related deaths, but in many cases, the cancer can develop a resistance to the cisplatin-based chemotherapies. It is well known that cancer cells exhibit the Warburg effect and some studies have suggested that cancer cell metabolism may be linked to cisplatin resistance. In this study, the effects of tumor suppressor protein p53 and translesional synthesis protein REV3L are studied to relate DNA damage signaling and repair to cellular metabolism by using the fluorescence lifetime of the metabolic coenzyme NADH. It was found that simultaneously restoring function to p53 and silencing REV3L suppressed the cancerous metabolic phenotype and resulted in the greatest amount of cancer cell death. This study demonstrates a previously unrecognized relationship between p53 and REV3L in cellular metabolism and may lead to improvements in chemotherapy treatment plans that reduce cisplatin resistance in cancer cells.