bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure and activity of nodulation-suppressing CLE peptide hormones of legumes
Authors: Hastwell April H. , Gresshoff Peter M. , Ferguson Brett J.
Published: December 2014

Legumes form a highly-regulated symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria known as rhizobia. This interaction results in the de novo formation of root organs called nodules, in which the rhizobia fix atmospheric di-nitrogen (N2) for the plant. Molecular mechanisms that regulate the nodulation process include the systemic ‘autoregulation of nodulation’ and the local nitrogen-regulation of nodulation pathways. Both pathways are mediated by novel peptide hormones called CLAVATA/ESR-related (CLE) peptides that act to suppress nodulation via negative feedback loops. The mature peptides are 12–13 amino acids in length and are post-translationally modified from the C-terminus of tripartite-domain prepropeptides. Structural redundancy between the prepropeptides exists; however, variations in external stimuli, timing of expression, tissue specificity and presence or absence of key functional domains enables them to act in a specific manner. To date, nodulation-regulating CLE peptides have been identified in Glycine max (L.) Merr., Medicago truncatula Gaertn., Lotus japonicus (Regel) K.Larsen and Phaseolus vulgaris L. One of the L. japonicus peptides, called LjCLE-RS2, has been structurally characterised and found to be an arabinosylated glycopeptide. All of the known nodulation CLE peptides act via an orthologous leucine rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase. Perception of the peptide results in the production of a novel, unidentified inhibitor signal that acts to suppress further nodulation events. Here, we contrast and compare the various nodulation-suppressing CLE peptides of legumes.
Investigation of terpene diversification across multiple sequenced plant genomes
Authors: Boutanaev Alexander M. , Moses Tessa , Zi Jiachen , Nelson David R. , Mugford Sam T. , Peters Reuben J. , Osbourn Anne
Published: December 2014

Significance

The terpenes are the largest class of plant natural products. This major class of compounds represents tremendous chemical diversity of which only a relatively small fraction has so far been accessed and used by industry. The primary drivers of terpene diversification are terpenoid synthases and cytochromes P450, which synthesize and modify terpene scaffolds. Here, focusing on these two gene families, we investigate terpene synthesis and evolution across 17 sequenced plant genomes. Our analyses shed light on the roots of terpene biosynthesis and diversification in plants. They also reveal that different genomic mechanisms of pathway assembly predominate in eudicots and monocots.
Estimation of Hook Selectivity of Red Snapper and Vermilion Snapper from Fishery Independent Surveys of Natural Reefs in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Campbell Matthew D. , Pollack Adam G. , Driggers William B. , Hoffmayer Eric R.
Published: December 2014

Implementation of circle hook regulations in the Gulf of Mexico will impact the length structure and age structure of the snapper–grouper fishery catch as well as demographic data for stock assessments; therefore, an understanding of circle hook selectivity patterns is critical. Indirect selectivity analysis of the vertical line catch of Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus and Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens showed that for both species, there were significant differences in mean FL among hook sizes, broad length frequency distributions, and wide selectivity curves. Although the results suggest that hook size regulations could be a useful management strategy for targeting desired size classes of these snappers, the broadly overlapping length distributions indicate that undersized catch would not be eliminated. Selectivity curves generated from the different families of distributions produced equally good fit to the data and provided a basis for evaluating various selectivity curves when the size structure of the sampled population is unknown. If the size structure of the population is known, then the use of direct selectivity methods is recommended. Right skewed distributions generally fit the data best, suggesting that hook regulations are likely to be more effective if the desired goal is to reduce the amount of undersized catch by eliminating small hook sizes. Conversely, elimination of large hooks appears to be less likely to reduce the catch of larger size classes because mouth gape is likely the primary limiting factor and small hooks can catch large fish. Catch rates were significantly different among hook sizes; thus, regulations based on hook size could impact fishing effort and change the dynamics of how the snapper–grouper fishery is prosecuted. Tradeoffs between moderate improvements in size class targeting, changes in effort, and various components of fishing mortality (i.e., catch and regulatory discards) will require further investigation through simulation modeling or field experimentation.

Received April 23, 2014; accepted September 16, 2014
Informing Recovery Goals Based on Historical Population Size and Extant Habitat: A Case Study of the Gulf Sturgeon
Authors: Ahrens R. N. M. , Pine W. E.
Published: December 2014

Conservation efforts under regulatory programs such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Magnuson–Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act seek to restore species in decline to a level where the populations are no longer in jeopardy. Key to designing effective conservation plans for the more than 2,500 species currently managed by these two U.S. programs is the establishment of realistic restoration targets given changes in habitats and ecosystems. Accomplishing this is difficult, particularly for populations that have experienced significant habitat alterations. We developed and assessed an approach for establishing quantifiable goals for the recovery of a threatened species by (1) estimating historical population biomass prior to directed fishing, (2) identifying large scale habitat modifications that limit available critical habitat, (3) assessing the relationship between historical baselines, habitat characteristics, and extant available habitat, and (4) using these relationships to inform recovery efforts in rivers where traditional stock assessment methods are not possible. In our case study of Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, we found that the current population levels in four of the seven river systems in the recovery plan are likely at or exceeding the mean carrying capacity, given the current levels of available habitat. In the remaining three rivers, extant Gulf Sturgeon populations are likely below their estimated carrying capacity levels. Our approach is of management importance because it establishes realistic recovery criteria through the assessment of changes in habitat from historic to present levels and is widely applicable across a species' range. An important application of this approach is to assess the potential benefits to fish species from management actions, such as dam removal or spawning habitat restoration, that are designed to restore habitat and promote species recovery.

Received March 25, 2014; accepted September 29, 2014
Observations of Seasonal Movement from a Single Tag Release Group of Pacific Cod in the Eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Rand Kimberly M. , Munro Peter , Neidetcher Sandra K. , Nichol Daniel G.
Published: December 2014

The Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus in the eastern Bering Sea is the target of one of the most lucrative fisheries in Alaska; however, relatively little is known about the movement of Pacific Cod and how this interacts with intense fishing on local spawning aggregations of cod every spring (January–April). This study aimed to draw inferences on Pacific Cod movement using a single tag release group of fish and the fishery as a representative for movement by qualitatively examining both temporal and spatial patterns of tag recoveries. Based on the tag recoveries in this study and past genetic studies, there is evidence that Pacific Cod show both homing tendencies and site fidelity during the spring when large aggregations of cod form to spawn. This study also supports results from an earlier study on Pacific Cod movement in this region and presents new insights into cod movement patterns. The cod in this tag release group were widely distributed across the Bering Sea during the summer and fall months and returned to the vicinity of the release site in the spring, presumably to spawn. Understanding the movement of cod and their interactions with the fishery is essential to the successful management of the Pacific Cod stock.

Received May 12, 2014; accepted October 7, 2014
Gould’s Laws
Authors: Haufe Chris
Published: December 2014

Much of Stephen Jay Gould’s legacy is dominated by his views on the contingency of evolutionary history expressed in his classicWonderful Life. However, Gould also campaigned relentlessly for a “nomothetic” paleontology. How do these commitments hang together? I argue that Gould’s conception of science and natural law combined with his commitment to contingency to produce an evolutionary science centered around the formulation of higher-level evolutionary laws.
Constitutively active ESCRT-II suppresses the MVB-sorting phenotype of ESCRT-0 and ESCRT-I mutants
Authors: Mageswaran Shrawan Kumar , Johnson Natalie K. , Odorizzi Greg , Babst Markus
Published: December 2014

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) protein complexes function at the endosome in the formation of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) containing cargo proteins destined for the vacuolar/lysosomal lumen. The early ESCRTs (ESCRT-0 and -I) are likely involved in cargo sorting, whereas ESCRT-III and Vps4 function to sever the neck of the forming ILVs. ESCRT-II links these functions by initiating ESCRT-III formation in an ESCRT-I–regulated manner. We identify a constitutively active mutant of ESCRT-II that partially suppresses the phenotype of an ESCRT-I or ESCRT-0 deletion strain, suggesting that these early ESCRTs are not essential and have redundant functions. However, the ESCRT-III/Vps4 system alone is not sufficient for ILV formation but requires cargo sorting mediated by one of the early ESCRTs.
Insect Tattoos on Humans: A “Dermagraphic” Study
Authors: Pearson G. A.
Published: December 2014

In recent years, the tattoo has undergone a renaissance in America. Musicians, movie stars, and athletes all adorn themselves with artwork, and their fans follow suit. Self-modification, though, is hardly a new phenomenon. Tattooing has been practiced for at least 6,000 years, possibly longer (Brain 1984). What do tattoos reveal of the owner's personal imagery and values? Is a tatoo the human equivalent of aposematic coloring? Perhaps a signal saying: “Beware! I might be dangerous,” or a symbol proclaiming “Warning! I'm deviant.” In a culture that values physical attractiveness so highly, why would someone choose to be aberrant? What pictures would you choose as a representation of yourself?
State of the art prediction of HIV-1 protease cleavage sites
Authors: Rögnvaldsson Thorsteinn , You Liwen , Garwicz Daniel
Published: December 2014

Motivation: Understanding the substrate specificity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 protease is important when designing effective HIV-1 protease inhibitors. Furthermore, characterizing and predicting the cleavage profile of HIV-1 protease is essential to generate and test hypotheses of how HIV-1 affects proteins of the human host. Currently available tools for predicting cleavage by HIV-1 protease can be improved.

Results: The linear support vector machine with orthogonal encoding is shown to be the best predictor for HIV-1 protease cleavage. It is considerably better than current publicly available predictor services. It is also found that schemes using physicochemical properties do not improve over the standard orthogonal encoding scheme. Some issues with the currently available data are discussed.

Availability and implementation: The datasets used, which are the most important part, are available at the UCI Machine Learning Repository. The tools used are all standard and easily available.

Contact:  thorsteinn.rognvaldsson@hh.se
Wheat Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight is Associated With Changes in Photosynthetic Parameters
Authors: Yang Shimin , Li Xin , Chen Wanquan , Liu Taiguo , Zhong Shengfu , Ma Lixia , Zhang Min , Zhang Huaiyu , Yu Dailong , Luo Peigao
Published: December 2014

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important wheat disease worldwide; however, its effects on the physiological parameters in plants with different levels of FHB resistance remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of Fusarium graminearum infection on yield and the photosynthesis-associated parameters Pn, Gs, and Ci of wheat flag leaves and determined the influence of FHB resistance. The FHB-resistant wheat genotype L699 and its susceptible sister line L661 were point- and spray-inoculated. Photosynthesis-associated parameters were subsequently measured using a modulated photosynthesis system, and FHB intensity was evaluated. Compared with L661, FHB caused more significant reductions in the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of flag leaves in L699. However, FHB caused a larger reduction in the 1000-grain weight and total grain weight per spike in L661 compared with L699. Independence sample t test showed that FHB resistance was significantly higher in L699 compared with L661. We concluded that under the conditions of the present study, FHB had a significantly greater effect on net photosynthesis in the resistant line compared with the susceptible line; however, it had a greater impact on yield components in the susceptible line. These results provide a new insight into the physiological cost of host resistance to FHB.
Determination of the Role of Berberis spp. in Wheat Stem Rust in China
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhao Shilei , Chen Xianming , Wang Zhiyan , Wang Long , Yao Juanni , Chen Wen , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng
Published: December 2014

Previous studies on the relationship of barberry (Berberis spp.) and wheat stem rust suggested that, although some barberry species can serve as alternate hosts for the stem rust fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, barberry plants play no role in wheat stem rust development and virulence variation of P. graminis f. sp. tritici in China. In the present study, severe rust infections on Berberis shensiana, B. brachypoda, B. potaninii, B. soulieana, and B. aggregata were observed during field surveys in 2011 and 2012. Through artificial inoculation of wheat seedlings (‘Mingxian 169’) under greenhouse conditions with aeciospores from naturally infected barberry plants, 185 isolates of P. graminis f. sp. tritici were obtained. From the 27 selected isolates that were tested on a set of wheat genotypes used to differentiate P. graminis f. sp. tritici races in China, 18 races were identified, of which 8 races were new and others were of Chinese 21 and 34 race groups. In addition to the information of virulence or avirulence patterns on the Chinese differentials, none of the races were virulent to resistance gene Sr31. The virulence frequencies based on individual Sr genes or differentials ranged from 0 to 96%. Using molecular markers for P. graminis f. sp. tritici, 75 of 4,036 samples of single aecia were identified as P. graminis f. sp. tritici. The low detectable rate of P. graminis f. sp. tritici was verified based on both infection and molecular marker tests. This observation may be correlated with the low levels of wheat stem rust in the surveyed regions. This study shows that P. graminis f. sp. tritici can produce new races through sexual reproduction on Berberis spp. in China.
Genomic Analyses of Cherry Rusty Mottle Group and Cherry Twisted Leaf-Associated Viruses Reveal a Possible New Genus Within the Family Betaflexiviridae
Authors: Villamor D. E. V. , Susaimuthu J. , Eastwell K. C.
Published: December 2014

It is demonstrated that closely related viruses within the family Betaflexiviridae are associated with a number of diseases that affect sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and other Prunus spp. Cherry rusty mottle-associated virus (CRMaV) is correlated with the appearance of cherry rusty mottle disease (CRMD), and Cherry twisted leaf-associated virus (CTLaV) is linked to cherry twisted leaf disease (CTLD) and apricot ringpox disease (ARPD). Comprehensive analysis of previously reported full genomic sequences plus those determined in this study representing isolates of CTLaV, CRMaV, Cherry green ring mottle virus, and Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus revealed segregation of sequences into four clades corresponding to distinct virus species. High-throughput sequencing of RNA from representative source trees for CRMD, CTLD, and ARPD did not reveal additional unique virus sequences that might be associated with these diseases, thereby further substantiating the association of CRMaV and CTLaV with CRMD and CTLD or ARPD, respectively. Based on comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity values, phylogenetic relationships with other triple-gene block-coding viruses within the family Betaflexiviridae, genome organization, and natural host range, a new genus (Robigovirus) is suggested.
High-symmetry embeddings of interpenetrating periodic nets. Essential rings and patterns of catenation
Authors: Bonneau Charlotte , O'Keeffe Michael
Published: December 2014

Symmetrical embeddings are given for multiply intergrown sets of some commonly occurring nets such asdia(diamond),qtz(quartz),pcu(net of primitive cubic lattice) andsrs(labyrinth net of theGminimal surface). Data are also given for all known pairs of nets which have edge-transitive self-dual tilings. Examples are given for symmetrical polycatenation of the 2-periodic netssql(square lattice) andhcb(honeycomb). The idea that the rings that are the faces of natural tilings form a complete basis set (essential rings) is explored and patterns of catenation of such rings described.
What information is provided in Australian emergency departments about fitness‐to‐drive after mild traumatic brain injury: A national survey
Authors: Baker Anne , Unsworth Carolyn A. , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: December 2014

Background/aim

Occupational therapists work together with their medical and nursing colleagues to ensure that patients are able to return to safe and legal driving upon discharge from the emergency department after a range of illnesses and/or injuries. This study aimed to determine the type of information that is provided nationally in emergency departments to people after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with respect to fitness‐to‐drive.

Methods

Cross‐sectional electronic survey mailed to all emergency departments in Australia (N = 110). Responses were invited from medical, nursing, and allied‐health professionals. The survey asked respondents to comment about the existence and use of fitness‐to‐drive management guidelines, as well as their opinion on when clearance should be given to return to driving post injury.

Results

104 clinicians completed the survey; the majority of respondents were medical staff (n = 46, 51%) followed by allied‐health staff (n = 23, 25%), with the highest response rate provided from Victoria (n = 41, 45%). Just over one‐third of respondents' emergency departments (n = 34, 36%) recommended a period of ‘no driving’ after mTBI, and within these departments, this recommendation was usually provided by medical staff (n = 25, 80%). Consensus was not displayed with respect to the safest time to return to driving after mTBI. Opinions from respondents strongly suggested that a review of fitness‐to‐drive management guidelines was required for mTBI patients (n = 78, 88%).

Conclusion

No consensus exists in the fitness‐to‐drive recommendations provided to patients after mTBI, and clinicians have reported the need for a review of fitness‐to‐drive management guidelines in Australian emergency departments. With their understanding about the complex interplay of the skills required for safe driving, occupational therapists are positioned to help guide the development of protocols in this area.
First report of a multidrug‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae of sequence type 11 causing sepsis in a free‐ranging beaver (Castor fiber)
Authors: Pilo Paola , Vogt Debora , Origgi Francesco C. , Endimiani Andrea , Peterson Susanne , Perreten Vincent
Published: December 2014

Klebsiella pneumoniae of sequence type (ST) 11 is a hyper‐epidemic nosocomial clone spreading worldwide among humans and also emerging in pets. In this report, we describe a clinical case of fatal sepsis due to this multidrug‐resistant (MDR) pathogen in a Eurasian beaver. The isolate showed resistance to six different classes of antimicrobials including third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. This is the first report describing the detection of a MDR K. pneumoniae ST11 in a free‐ranging animal. Our finding highlights the potential for environmental dissemination of hyper‐epidemic clones of K. pneumoniae and possible spread in wildlife and cause epizootics.
Effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid gel on the incidence of dentinal cracks caused by three novel nickel‐titanium systems
Authors: Aydin Ugur , Aksoy Fatih , Karataslioglu Emrah , Yildirim Cihan
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of crack formation while using Reciproc, WaveOne and Twisted File Adaptive with and without ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) gel. Seventy extracted mandibular premolars were included. The teeth were decoronated until roots of 16 mm were obtained. Samples were distributed into seven groups: group 1, no canal preparation (control); other groups were instrumented so; group 2, Reciproc; group 3, Reciproc + EDTA; group 4, WaveOne; group 5, WaveOne + EDTA; group 6, Twisted File Adaptive; group 7, Twisted File Adaptive + EDTA. Roots were horizontally sectioned from 3, 6 and 9 mm from apex and observed under stereomicroscope. The number and the incidence of cracks were recorded and statistically analysed with chi‐squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Control group did not reveal any cracks. Crack formation with three novel Ni‐Ti instruments was similar. Using EDTA gel did not reduce crack occurrence.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin Modulates Maternal Immune Response in Pregnant Women and Mice with Thrombophilia
Authors: Luley Lydia , Schumacher Anne , Mulla Melissa J. , Franke Dirk , Löttge Michael , Fill Malfertheiner Sara , Tchaikovski Svetlana N. , Costa Serban‐Dan , Hoppe Berthold , Abrahams Vikki M. , Zenclussen Ana C.
Published: December 2014

Problem

Thrombophilia is associated with pregnancy complications. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) improves pregnancy outcome, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear.

Methods of study

We analyzed Treg frequency in blood from thrombophilic pregnancies treated with LMWH (n = 32) or untreated (n = 33) and from healthy pregnancies (n = 39) at all trimesters. Additionally, we treated pregnant wild‐type, heterozygous and homozygous factor‐V‐Leiden (FVL) mice with LMWH or PBS and determined Treg frequency, pro‐/anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels and Caspase‐3‐activity in placenta and decidua.

Results

Treg frequencies were increased in second and third trimester in LMWH‐treated thrombophilic pregnancies compared to controls. Treg levels were comparable to those of normal pregnancies. Homozygous FVL mice had decreased decidual Tregs compared to wild‐type mice. LMWH treatment normalized Tregs and was associated with increased decidual IL‐10 mRNA. LMWH diminished Caspase‐3‐activity in mice of all genotypes.

Conclusion

We demonstrated anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of LMWH in pregnant FVL mice. LMWH increased Treg levels in mice and humans, which suggests benefits of LMWH treatment for thrombophilic women during pregnancy.
‘Country women are resilient but. …’: Family planning access in rural Victoria
Authors: Kruss Julie , Gridley Heather
Published: December 2014

Objective

This study examined barriers to accessing three types of family planning service (emergency contraception, termination of pregnancy and options counselling) within the Grampians region of Victoria. In addressing the challenges faced by geographically marginalised women, the intention was to contribute to feminist psychological research in the field of women's health.

Design

The qualitative study drew on community and health psychology frameworks. Community psychology's ecological perspective takes into account the different contexts of people's lives, while the focus on psychosocial aspects of women's reproductive health behaviour places the study in a health psychology domain.

Setting

Grampians region of Victoria, Australia.

Participants

Eleven professionals whose employment was connected to family planning services in Victoria.

Interventions

Semi‐structured interviews.

Main outcome measures

The study documented professionals’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers to accessing family planning services in rural areas and the implications for women's psychosocial health and their ability to make timely decisions about a pregnancy.

Results

A thematic analysis confirmed that women in the Grampians region face many barriers including lack of local services, privacy, misinformation and judgmental service providers. While these issues could arise anywhere, the problem is compounded in rural areas by limited options and rural cultural pressures.

Conclusions

This study highlights the complexity of many rural women's reproductive ‘choices’, and recommends plausible strategies to tackle barriers and facilitate access to family planning services. Reproductive health research can benefit from community and health psychology perspectives that consider psychosocial and cultural contexts as well as biomedical factors.
An examination of the value‐belief‐norm theory model in predicting pro‐environmental behaviour in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang
Published: December 2014

Stern's value‐belief‐norm (VBN) theory of environmentalism suggests that perceiving adverse effects from global warming could promote mitigation behaviour. The VBN theory of environmentalism postulates a causal chain of five variables: values, the New Environmental (or Ecological) Paradigm (NEP), awareness of consequences (AC), ascription of responsibility (AR) to self‐beliefs, and personal norms (PN). Given a limited number of studies with East Asian participants, this study examines the applicability of the VBN theory model in predicting pro‐environmental behaviour in Taiwan to enhance the intercultural validation. A questionnaire study was conducted among 757 Taiwanese respondents. The results of structural equation modelling analysis and Sobel tests confirm the direct and mediatory effects of the causal sequence of the variables in the VBN theory of pro‐environmental behaviour, with NEP, AC beliefs, AR beliefs, and PN all bearing a mediating relationship between their antecedent and outcome variables in the causal chain. We elucidate the research results of the intercultural validation of the VBN theory model in this empirical study to clarify pro‐environmental behaviour.
Emergent ethics in participatory video: negotiating the inherent tensions as group processes evolve
Authors: Shaw Jacqueline
Published: December 2014

Community practitioner‐researchers are enthusiastic about participatory video's potential in opening space for new relational dynamics to evolve across difference. In reality, practice involves negotiation between the intention to build expressive agency and the (often conflicting) agendas of the variously positioned project actors. There is an ethical need to acknowledge the messy reality of the participatory video context, interrogate the power dynamics as processes evolve and understand participants' experiences of taking part. Research into the approach ofRealTime, aUK‐based participatory video project provider, identified key practice tensions as basis for more nuanced praxis. In this paper, I reflect on three tensions as they manifested in twoUKprojects: one with women from community development backgrounds and one with men on a residential drug programme. I consider participatory video as an iteratively evolving group process and suggest that the relationships that develop through project interactions are a key to maximising possibilities. I propose that negotiating practice ethically is an intrinsic factor in the emergent dynamics, which needs ongoing consideration. I conclude that there is insufficient contextualised understanding about how participatory video's potential can be enabled or constrained in longer term projects.
Genetic evaluation using random regression models with different covariance functions for test‐day milk yield in an admixture population of Thailand goats
Authors: Thepparat Mongkol , Boonkum Wuttigrai , Duangjinda Monchai , Tumwasorn Sornthep , Nakavisut Sansak , Thongchumroon Thumrong
Published: December 2014

The objectives of this study were to compare covariance functions (CF) and estimate the heritability of milk yield from test‐day records among exotic (Saanen, Anglo‐Nubian, Toggenburg and Alpine) and crossbred goats (Thai native and exotic breed), using a random regression model. A total of 1472 records of test‐day milk yield were used, collected from 112 does between 2003 and 2006. CF of the study were Wilmink function, second‐ and third‐order Legendre polynomials, and linear splines 4 knots located at 5, 25, 90 and 155 days in milk (SP25–90) and 5, 35, 95 and 155 of days in milk (SP35–95). Variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). Goodness of fit, Akaike information criterion (AIC), percentage of squared bias (PSB), mean square error (MSE), and empirical correlation (RHO) between the observed and predicted values were used to compare models. The results showed that CF had an impact on (co)variance estimation in random regression models (RRM). The RRM with splines 4 knots located at 5, 25, 90 and 155 of days in milk had the lowest AIC, PSB and MSE, and the highest RHO. The heritability estimated throughout lactation obtained with this model ranged from 0.13 to 0.23.
Relationships between immunoglobulin and fat‐soluble vitamins in colostrum of Japanese Black multiparous cows
Authors: Wang Mengdong , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yoshioka Hidetugu , Nagase Hiroshi , Kitamura Shoko , Itoyama Erina , Murakami Hiroaki , Sugimoto Miki , Kume Shinichi
Published: December 2014

Data from 19 Japanese Black multiparous cows were collected to clarify the relationships among immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol contents in colostrum of cows in order to evaluate the role of fat‐soluble vitamins on colostral IgG and IgA production. Mean colostral IgG was 141 mg/mL, ranging from 65 to 208 mg/mL, whereas mean colostral IgA was 8.7 mg/mL, ranging from 1.0 to 34.6 mg/mL. Colostral IgG increased with aging in multiparous cows. There were positive correlations between colostral IgG and colostral vitamin A or colostral α‐tocopherol in cows, and the higher adjusted R2 was obtained in the prediction model of colostral IgG from age and colostral vitamin A. Colostral vitamin A was positively correlated with colostral β‐carotene or colostral α‐tocopherol in cows, but there were no relationships between colostral IgA and colostral IgG or colostral fat‐soluble vitamins. These results indicate that fat‐soluble vitamin contents in colostrum of cows may change in similar patterns and high colostral vitamin A is related with high colostral IgG.
Phase I/II study exploring ImMucin, a pan‐major histocompatibility complex, anti‐MUC1 signal peptide vaccine, in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Carmon Lior , Avivi Irit , Kovjazin Riva , Zuckerman Tsila , Dray Lillian , Gatt Moshe E. , Or Reuven , Shapira Michael Y.
Published: December 2014

ImMucin, a 21‐mer cancer vaccine encoding the signal peptide domain of the MUC1 tumour‐associated antigen, possesses a high density of T‐ and B‐cell epitopes but preserves MUC1 specificity. This phase I/II study assessed the safety, immunity and clinical response to 6 or 12 bi‐weekly intradermal ImMucin vaccines, co‐administered with human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor to 15 MUC1‐positive multiple myeloma (MM) patients, with residual or biochemically progressive disease following autologous stem cell transplantation. Vaccination was well tolerated; all adverse events were temporal grade 1 2 and spontaneously resolved. ImMucin vaccination induced a robust increase in γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells (≤80‐fold), a pronounced population of ImMucin multimer CD8+ T‐cells (>2%), a 9·4‐fold increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation and 6·8‐fold increase in anti‐ImMucin antibodies, accompanied with T‐cell and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. A significant decrease in soluble MUC1 levels was observed in 9/10 patients. Stable disease or improvement, persisting for 17·5‐41·3 months (ongoing) was achieved in 11/15 patients and appeared to be associated with low‐intermediate PDL1 (CD274) bone marrow levels pre‐ and post‐vaccination. In summary, ImMucin, a highly tolerable cancerous vaccine, induces robust, diversified T‐ and B‐cell ImMucin‐specific immunity in MM patients, across major histocompatibility complex‐barrier, resulting in at least disease stabilization in most patients.
Relationships between T cell and IgE/IgG4 epitopes of the Anisakis simplex major allergen Ani s 1
Authors: Garcia Alonso M. , Caballero M. L. , Umpierrez A. , Lluch‐Bernal M. , Knaute T. , Rodríguez‐Pérez R.
Published: December 2014

Background

Anisakiasis is a global disease caused by the consumption of raw or lightly cooked fish parasitized with third‐stage Anisakis larvae. Anisakis simplex allergens may cause severe allergic reactions including angio‐oedema, urticaria and anaphylaxis. Approximately 80% of allergic patients have allergen‐specific IgE against Ani s 1, and the diagnostic value of testing for antibodies to Ani s 1 has been extensively demonstrated. However, no previous studies have investigated the molecular aspects of the allergic response to Ani s 1. Knowledge of allergen‐specific T cell and B cell (IgE and IgG4) epitopes is important for elucidating the immunological mechanisms underlying allergic responses, and for understanding why particular proteins behave as allergens.

Objective

To elucidate the main T cell‐ and B cell (IgE and IgG4)‐ binding regions of Ani s 1.

Methods

T cell epitopes were identified by peptide proliferation assays using T cell lines derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 11 patients with Anisakis allergy, and IgE and IgG4 epitopes were identified by microarray immunoassay using sera from a different group of 11 patients with Anisakis allergy.

Results

Several T cell epitopes of Ani s 1 were identified, of which Ani s 1145–156, Ani s 1151–162 and Ani s 1163–171 located at the C‐terminal end of the protein were the most relevant. IgE and IgG4 recognized largely the same peptides, including Ani s 122–41, Ani s 125–44, Ani s 127–47, Ani s 137–56 and Ani s 194–113.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This is the first report describing the T cell epitopes of an important allergen of A. simplex, and the first B cell epitope study of this allergen in the Spanish population. This information can help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the allergic response to Ani s 1, potentially leading to therapeutic and diagnostic advances.
Increased IL‐21 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasalpolyps
Authors: Xiao L. , Wei Y. , Zhang Y.‐N. , Luo X. , Yang B.‐Y. , Yu S.‐F. , Wu X.‐M. , Wu C.‐Y. , Li H.‐B.
Published: December 2014

Background

IL‐21 is a key cytokine for regulating B cell immunity, which is involved in several inflammatory conditions. This study sought to define a role for IL‐21 in activated B lymphocytes and enhanced tissue eosinophilia in NP tissues during the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Methods

NP and uncinate process tissues were collected from 64 CRSwNP patients, 25 CRSsNP patients, and 29 control subjects. IL‐21 expression was examined using IHC staining, qRT‐PCR, flow cytometry, and ELISA, and its clinical implication was evaluated. Moreover, the effects of IL‐21 on B cell differentiation and Ig production in cultured NP cells were examined in vitro.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of IL‐21 were significantly increased in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.05). Polyp IL‐21 level was significantly associated with polyp size, tissue eosinophilia and asthma comorbidity, and recurrence after surgery (P < 0.05). Both Th1 and Th17 cells were the main cellular sources of IL‐21 in polyp tissues. The percentage of IL‐21+CD4+ cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues and matched PBMCs (P < 0.01). Accordingly, the percentage of CD19+CD20+/− CD38high cells was significantly higher in polyp tissues compared with control tissues (P < 0.01). Moreover, recombinant IL‐21 significantly increased the percentage of CD19+CD20+/− CD38high cells (plasmablasts) and IgG and IgA production in cultured NP cells in vitro (P < 0.05).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Increased IL‐21 level in polyp tissues was associated with disease severity, local B cell activation, and immunoglobulin production, suggesting that IL‐21 might play an important role in promoting persistent mucosal inflammation in CRSwNP patients.
Magnetic endoscope imaging in single‐balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Schlag Christoph , Neu Bruno , Klare Peter , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Schmid Roland M. , von Delius Stefan
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim

Magnetic endoscope imaging (MEI) provides continuous viewing of the position of the endoscope on a monitor without using X‐ray and has already been established for colonoscopy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new MEI probe for enteroscopy.

Methods

In this prospective feasibility study, consecutive patients received single‐balloon enteroscopy guided by the new MEI probe. Fluoroscopy was also used in all examinations. MEI images were compared to fluoroscopy images with respect to concordance of loop configuration by two independent observers after the examinations. Main outcome measurement was the rate of concordant MEI and fluoroscopy images with respect to loop configuration.

Results

In all 10 patients, single‐balloon enteroscopy with MEI was carried out without any adverse events or technical difficulties. Concordance of MEI and fluoroscopy images was seen in 36/38 images (95%; 95% CI, 82–99%) by both observers. Overall agreement between the two observers was 95% (κ = 0.47, 95% CI, −0.04–1).

Conclusion

The use of MEI in single‐balloon enteroscopy is safe and feasible. Detection and control of loops can be accurately achieved.
Sampling procedures and adult sex ratios in spruce budworm
Authors: Rhainds Marc , Heard Stephen B.
Published: December 2014

Unbiased estimates of sex ratios that reflect local abundance of adult insects are practically difficult to obtain because many gender‐specific behavioural adaptations differentially influence the catchability of males and females in commonly applied sampling procedures. Historic data on outbreak populations of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the major pest of conifers in Nearctic boreal forests, include dozens of sex ratio observations for 10 different sampling procedures; these data illustrate the importance of understanding the reproductive ecology of adults to contextualize sex ratio assessments. Sex ratios of resident adults (assessed by rearing field‐collected pupae to adulthood or fogging host trees with insecticide) were not different from 1:1. Sex ratios of in‐flight adults collected using Malaise traps or light traps deployed in tree canopies were consistently male‐biased, which presumably reflects the higher level of flight activity for males relative to females. Sex ratios of moths captured outside the forest canopy (presumed migrants), in contrast, were consistently female‐biased, a trend which is expected because females seeking oviposition sites are more likely to undergo migration than are males. The sex ratio among adults that died from natural causes (collected on drop trays) was not distinguishable from 1:1. In pre‐outbreak (endemic) populations, sex ratios estimated by light trapping were much more strongly male‐biased than in outbreak populations. This surprising result should, however, be interpreted with caution because little is known of reproductive ecology in endemic budworm populations.
Interspecific differences in early life‐history traits in a species complex of stream‐resident galaxiids
Authors: Jones Peter E. , Closs Gerard P.
Published: December 2014

Fish differentially provision resources to eggs and larvae to optimise survival during the critical early life‐history period. Resource allocation is limited by a trade‐off between egg size and fecundity, and the optimal strategy varies with habitat type. This study examines the consequences of egg size differences for the early life‐histories of four closely related galaxiid species which occur in contrasting habitat types on the South Island, New Zealand. Headwater species had substantially larger water‐hardened eggs, longer incubation times, and newly hatched larvae were on average up to 41% longer than lower catchment species. Significant interspecific differences in gape diameter, eye diameter and myomere depth were also observed. Swimming ability was positively associated with larval length at hatch. Interspecific differences in length and swimming ability were generally maintained throughout the larval period, despite larvae being reared under relatively benign conditions where many other studies suggest initial differences should disappear. These results demonstrate the consequences of differential maternal provisioning to the egg for larval traits. The larger larvae of headwater species are likely to be more resistant to starvation and have improved foraging ability compared to lower catchment species; traits which are likely to confer them survival advantages in the low productivity, food‐scarce environments they occupy. The smaller larvae of lower catchment species are likely to be a consequence of females investing in fecundity in these relatively resource‐rich streams.
New insights into the role of the disordered WIP N‐terminal domain revealed by NMR structural characterization
Authors: Elazari‐Shalom Hila , Shaked Hadassa , Esteban‐Martin Santiago , Salvatella Xavier , Barda‐Saad Mira , Chill Jordan H.
Published: December 2014

WASp‐interacting protein (WIP) is an intrinsically disordered 503‐residue polypeptide with a key role in actin polymerization in activated T cells. Its interaction with actin is mediated by a pair of conserved actin binding motifs (ABMs) at the WIP N‐terminus, a domain that has not been investigated in its unbound form. Here we use NMR to investigate the biophysical behavior of the N‐terminal ABM in WIP using protonless 13C′‐detected spectroscopy. Secondary chemical shifts, residual dipolar couplings and temperature effects identify residual structure throughout the ABM, which exhibits transient helical and β‐strand character for residues 30–42 and 44–62, respectively. These observed structural propensities echo the structure observed in the actin‐bound state of the ABM. Furthermore, residues preceding the canonical ABM (17–25) and conserved among WIP‐related proteins exhibit transient β‐strand character, suggesting that the WIPN interaction epitope extends towards the N‐terminal polyproline motif. This suggests a possible role for this region in mediating the WIP interaction with polyproline binders such as profilin. In revealing these features of the WIP ABM this study demonstrates the unique ability of NMR in characterizing unstructured domains and provides necessary information for further investigation of WIP‐mediated protein–protein interactions.
Associational susceptibility in broccoli: mediated by plant volatiles, impeded by ozone
Authors: Li Tao , Blande James D.
Published: December 2014

Plant‐emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mediate interactions within a plant community. Typically, receiving a signal from a damaged neighbour enhances the defensive attributes of a receiver plant. The mechanisms underlying plant–plant interactions may be divided into active and passive processes, both of which involve transit ofVOCs between plants and are vulnerable to environmental perturbation. Numerous studies have documented between‐plant interactions, but the specific effects on a receiver plant's interactions with herbivores have received little attention. Moreover, the relative contributions of active and passive processes to plant defence and the effects of environmental pollutants on the processes have been largely unexplored. We used a system comprisingBrassica oleraceavar.italica(broccoli) and the specialist herbivorePlutella xylostellato test whether plants previously exposed to herbivore‐damaged neighbours differed from nonexposed plants in their susceptibility to oviposition. We then investigated the roles of active and passive mechanisms in our observations and whether differences in susceptibility remained under elevated ozone concentrations. Plants exposed to herbivore‐damaged neighbours were more susceptible to oviposition than plants exposed to undamaged neighbours, which indicates associational susceptibility. Mechanistically, active and passive volatile‐mediated processes occurred in tandem with the passive process – involving adsorption of sesquiterpenes to receiver plants – appearing to structure the oviposition response. Exposure to ozone rapidly degraded the sesquiterpenes and eliminated the associational susceptibility. Plant volatiles have typically been thought to play roles in between‐plant interactions and to promote receiver plant defence. Here, we show that receiver plants may also become more susceptible to oviposition and thus more likely to be damaged. Extensive disruption of volatile‐mediated interactions by an atmospheric pollutant highlights the need to consider the pervading environment and changes therein when assessing their ecological significance.