bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of phosphine resistance in susceptible Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) populations under different immigration regimes and selection pressures
Authors: Rafter Michelle A. , McCulloch Graham A. , Daglish Gregory J. , Walter Gimme H.
Published: May 2017

Insecticide resistance is an escalating global issue for a wide variety of agriculturally important pests. The genetic basis and biochemical mechanisms of resistance are well characterized in some systems, but little is known about the ecological aspects of insecticide resistance. We therefore designed a laboratory experiment to quantify the progression of phosphine resistance in Tribolium castaneum populations subject to different immigration regimes and selection pressures. Mated resistant females were added to originally susceptible populations under two distinct migration rates, and in addition, half of the populations in each migration treatment were exposed to selection pressures from phosphine fumigation. The progression of phosphine resistance was assessed by screening beetles for the resistance allele at rph2. Phosphine resistance increased slowly in the low migration treatment and in the absence of selection, as expected. But at the higher migration rate, the increase in frequency of the resistance allele was lower than predicted. These outcomes result from the high levels of polyandry known in T. castaneum females in the laboratory, because most of the Generation 1 offspring (86%) were heterozygous for the rph2 allele, probably because resistant immigrant females mated again on arrival. Phosphine resistance was not fixed by fumigation as predicted, perhaps because susceptible gametes and eggs survived fumigation within resistant females. In terms of phosphine resistance progression in populations exposed to selection, the effect of fumigation negated the difference in migration rates. These results demonstrate how species‐specific traits relating to the mating system may shape the progression of insecticide resistance within populations, and they have broad implications for the management of phosphine resistance in T. castaneum in the field. ​We specify and discuss how these mating system attributes need to be accounted for when developing guidelines for resistance management.
Quality characteristics of angel food cake and muffin using lentil protein as egg/milk replacer
Authors: Jarpa‐Parra Marcela , Wong Leah , Wismer Wendy , Temelli Feral , Han Jay , Huang Weijuan , Eckhart Ewelina , Tian Zhigang , Shi Kaiyong , Sun Tianwei , Chen L.
Published: May 2017

Replacement of animal proteins could be interesting for the food industry because it allows long‐term cost savings, among other reasons. Replacing egg/milk protein (50–100 wt%) by lentil protein (LP) was evaluated on angel cake/muffin quality. The replacement did not significantly affect final product volume, neither the muffins nor the angel food cakes. LP did not affect dough formation and contributed to hold crumb structure building an entangled network in both cake products. In addition, angel cakes and muffins containing LP had significantly lower baking loss than the control. Inferior quality for angel cakes and muffins containing LP was observed regarding hardness and chewiness that increased upon storage, compared to the control. For sensory evaluation in angel cakes, appearance of LP formulations showed lower scores than the control, likely due to the change of crumb colour. Other attributes were not significantly impacted by LP presence. For muffins, M‐100‐LPC formulation showed significant differences with the control for most of the attributes, except appearance and flavour. Indeed, consumers preferred muffins with 100% egg/milk protein replacement, which received higher acceptability scores than control. They also appreciated the ‘nutty’ flavour and moisture of angel cake with 50% egg protein replacement. This research suggests that lentil protein can totally or partially substitute egg/milk protein as foam and emulsion stabiliser in cakes, producing products with satisfactory quality.
Sensory profiles of artisan goat cheeses as influenced by the cultural context and the type of panel
Authors: Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús , Ramón‐Canul Lorena Guadalupe , Díaz‐Rivera Pablo , Juárez‐Barrientos José Manuel , Herman‐Lara Erasmo , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Herrera‐Corredor José Andrés
Published: May 2017

The research was performed to evaluate influence of the cultural context and the type of panel on sensory profiles of artisan goat cheeses. Two types of sensory panels from the goat cheese‐making region (experienced/trained artisan cheese producers vs. goat cheese consumers) and two types of sensory panels from a city area (trained descriptive panellists vs. cheese consumers) were formed. The sensory profiles generated with QDA® and Flash Profile techniques were compared using the hierarchical multiple factor analysis at two levels: type of panel and geographical area. This study demonstrated that sensory panels from the goat cheese‐making region used lesser attributes for characterising cheeses. Some discrepancies in sensory profiles were found between the two consumer panels. The two experienced/trained panels were more discriminative and their sensory profiles were similar. Recruiting artisan goat cheese producers for sensory profiling of their own products is a reasonable alternative when training is appropriately conducted.
Larval development and post‐larval growth of Branchiomma bairdi (Annelida: Sabellidae) from a Mediterranean population
Authors: Pasqua Michela Del , Lezzi Marco , Licciano Margherita , Giangrande Adriana
Published: May 2017

Branchiomma bairdi is a Caribbean fan worm introduced in several localities worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, where the species’ range has rapidly expanded. Reproduction in B. bairdi was previously investigated in both extra‐Mediterranean and Mediterranean areas, but no information is available on larval development and post‐larval growth. In the present article, we examined these features for a population from the Mar Grande of Taranto (Ionian Sea). The species is hermaphrodite, and fertilization occurs in situ. Mucus seems to play an important role in fertilization, and also in preserving eggs before fertilization. The trochophore stage develops within the mucus and after hatching, larvae swim for about 3 d before settlement. The trochophore showed a distinct prototroch and two red dorsolateral larval eyes. The pelagic stage takes only 96 h even though prototroch is maintained after settlement, disappearing at 5 d, when larvae showed three chaetigers and branchial crown consisted of four radioles. Some interesting observations concerning changes in the morphology of chaetae and in the number of uncini during growth are also reported, together with discussion of the development of stylodes, an important diagnostic feature in Branchiomma species identification.
Embryogenesis and larval development of the seastar Astropecten armatus
Authors: Pernet Bruno , Livingston Brian T. , Sojka Caitlin , Lizárraga David
Published: May 2017

Astropectinid seastars typically develop as either feeding bipinnaria larvae or nonfeeding, barrel‐shaped larvae. Understanding the direction and frequency of evolutionary transitions between these larval nutritional modes requires knowledge of the distribution of developmental diversity in the family, but the development of only a few astropectinids is known. Here we describe embryogenesis, larval development, and metamorphosis of Astropecten armatus, an astropectinid common in soft‐sediment subtidal habitats in southern California. Adults were reproductively mature all year except during the winter months (December–February). Oocytes averaged 137 μm in diameter, the smallest reported in the genus. Fertilized oocytes developed into feeding bipinnaria larvae that fed in the plankton for at least 4 weeks, and in some cases up to 33 weeks, before metamorphosis. The tube feet of juveniles were adhesive, but lacked suckers, contrary to some previous descriptions of suckered tube feet in the juveniles of paxillosidans.
Corticosterone primes the neuroinflammatory response to Gulf War Illness‐relevant organophosphates independently of acetylcholinesterase inhibition
Authors: Locker Alicia R. , Michalovicz Lindsay T. , Kelly Kimberly A. , Miller Julie V. , Miller Diane B. , O'Callaghan James P.
Published: May 2017

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi‐symptom disorder affecting veterans of the 1991 Gulf War. Among the symptoms of GWI are those associated with sickness behavior, observations suggestive of underlying neuroinflammation. We have shown that exposure of mice to the stress hormone, corticosterone (CORT), and to diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), as a nerve agent mimic, results in marked neuroinflammation, findings consistent with a stress/neuroimmune basis of GWI. Here, we examined the contribution of irreversible and reversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors to neuroinflammation in our mouse model of GWI. Male C57BL/6J mice received 4 days of CORT (400 mg/L) in the drinking water followed by a single dose of chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO; 8 mg/kg, i.p.), DFP (4 mg/kg, i.p.), pyridostigmine bromide (PB; 3 mg/kg, i.p.), or physostigmine (PHY; 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). CPO and DFP alone caused cortical and hippocampal neuroinflammation assessed by qPCR of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, IL‐6, C–C chemokine ligand 2, IL‐1β, leukemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin M; CORT pretreatment markedly augmented these effects. Additionally, CORT exposure prior to DFP or CPO enhanced activation of the neuroinflammation signal transducer, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In contrast, PHY or PB alone or with CORT pretreatment did not produce neuroinflammation or STAT3 activation. While all of the CNS‐acting AChE inhibitors (DFP, CPO, and PHY) decreased brain AChE activity, CORT pretreatment abrogated these effects for the irreversible inhibitors. Taken together, these findings suggest that irreversible AChE inhibitor‐induced neuroinflammation and particularly its exacerbation by CORT, result from non‐cholinergic effects of these compounds, pointing potentially to organophosphorylation of other neuroimmune targets.

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Can native shrubs facilitate the early establishment of contrasted co‐occurring oaks in Mediterranean grazed areas?
Authors: Costa A. , Villa S. , Alonso P. , García‐Rodríguez J.A. , Martín F.J. , Martínez‐Ruiz C. , Fernández‐Santos B.
Published: May 2017

Questions

Can shrubs (Cytisus multiflorus) and large herbivore exclusion (fence) facilitate seedling survival and growth of marcescent and sclerophyllous oaks (Quercus pyrenaicavsQ. ilexsubsp.ballota) under a bioclimatic limit in Mediterranean grazed areas?

Location

Open oak woodlands, central‐western Spain.

Methods

A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted by planting 200 seedlings of eachQuercusspecies under four different treatments combining the influence of nurse shrubs and fencing onQuercusseedling survival and growth.

Results

Cytisus multiflorusenhanced poorQuercusseedling survival found in the study area, at least during the first 2 yr after planting and particularly during the first dry season. The improvement in soil organic matter under the shrub canopy may have contributed to this positive effect, which was more pronounced onQ. pyrenaicaseedlings. Seedling herbivory did not seem to be a limitation to survival. Increased seedling growth in both species was also very low, and no growth was recorded 2 yr after planting without shrubs. The positive shrub effect on seedling growth, especially marked in fenced areas, was more important inQ. pyrenaicain the first growing period and inQ. ilexin the second; 2 yr after planting no difference in shrub effect on growth was found in eitherQuercusspecies. Seedling herbivory was a limitation to seedling growth in areas without shrubs, mainly in the case ofQ. pyrenaica.

Conclusions

In Mediterranean grazed areas with important summer drought and very sandy soil, shrubbyC. multiflorusplants have a clear facilitative effect on seedlings of ecologically contrastedQuercusspecies. The facilitative effect was found in both marcescent and sclerophyllous oak seedlings, but to a different degree depending on the species considered and the variable measured (survival or growth). In terms of survival, the marcescent species was more favoured by shrub cover than the sclerophyllous one, and this effect was accentuated through time. However, in terms of growth, althoughQ. pyrenaicawas initially more favoured by shrubs, differences between the two species were attenuated after 2 yr. Therefore,C. multifloruscan have a key role in restoration of these oak degraded environments.
A test of genomic modularity among life‐history adaptations promoting speciation with gene flow
Authors: Ragland Gregory J. , Doellman Meredith M. , Meyers Peter J. , Hood Glen R. , Egan Scott P. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Hahn Daniel A. , Nosil Patrik , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2017

Speciation with gene flow may require adaptive divergence of multiple traits to generate strong ecologically based reproductive isolation. Extensive negative pleiotropy or physical linkage of genes in the wrong phase affecting these diverging traits may therefore hinder speciation, while genetic independence or “modularity” among phenotypic traits may reduce constraints and facilitate divergence. Here, we test whether the genetics underlying two components of diapause life history, initial diapause intensity and diapause termination timing, constrain differentiation between sympatric hawthorn and apple‐infesting host races of the fly Rhagoletis pomonella through analysis of 10,256 SNPs measured via genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). Loci genetically associated with diapause termination timing were mainly observed for SNPs mapping to chromosomes 1–3 in the genome, most notably for SNPs displaying higher levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD), likely due to inversions. In contrast, selection on initial diapause intensity affected loci on all five major chromosomes of the genome, specifically those showing low levels of LD. This lack of overlap in genetically associated loci suggests that the two diapause phenotypes are largely modular. On chromosome 2, however, intermediate level LD loci and a subgroup of high LD loci displayed significant negative relationships between initial diapause intensity and diapause termination time. These gene regions on chromosome 2 therefore affected both traits, while most regions were largely independent. Moreover, loci associated with both measured traits also tended to exhibit highly divergent allele frequencies between the host races. Thus, the presence of nonoverlapping genetic modules likely facilitates simultaneous, adaptive divergence for the measured life‐history components.
Rapid, broad‐scale gene expression evolution in experimentally harvested fish populations
Authors: Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva , Sävilammi Tiina , Leder Erica , Arlinghaus Robert , Primmer Craig R.
Published: May 2017

Gene expression changes potentially play an important role in adaptive evolution under human‐induced selection pressures, but this has been challenging to demonstrate in natural populations. Fishing exhibits strong selection pressure against large body size, thus potentially inducing evolutionary changes in life history and other traits that may be slowly reversible once fishing ceases. However, there is a lack of convincing examples regarding the speed and magnitude of fisheries‐induced evolution, and thus, the relevant underlying molecular‐level effects remain elusive. We use wild‐origin zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model for harvest‐induced evolution. We experimentally demonstrate broad‐scale gene expression changes induced by just five generations of size‐selective harvesting, and limited genetic convergence following the cessation of harvesting. We also demonstrate significant allele frequency changes in genes that were differentially expressed after five generations of size‐selective harvesting. We further show that nine generations of captive breeding induced substantial gene expression changes in control stocks likely due to inadvertent selection in the captive environment. The large extent and rapid pace of the gene expression changes caused by both harvest‐induced selection and captive breeding emphasizes the need for evolutionary enlightened management towards sustainable fisheries.
Trophic and non‐trophic interactions influence the mechanisms underlying biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships under different abiotic conditions
Authors: Guerrero‐Ramírez Nathaly R. , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: May 2017

Plant diversity effects on ecosystem functioning usually have been studied from a plant perspective. However, the mechanisms underlying biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships may also depend on positive or negative interactions between plants and other biotic and abiotic factors, which remain poorly understood. Here we assessed whether plant–herbivore and/or plant–detritivore interactions modify the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship and the mechanisms underlying biodiversity effects, including complementarity and selection effects, biomass allocation, vertical distribution of roots, and plant survival using a microcosm experiment. We also evaluated to what extent trophic and non‐trophic interactions are affected by abiotic conditions by studying drought effects. Our results show that biotic and abiotic conditions influence the shape of the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationship, varying from hump‐shaped to linear. For instance, total biomass increased linearly with plant richness in the presence of detritivores, but not in the absence of detritivores. Moreover, detritivore effects on belowground plant productivity were highly context dependent, varying in the presence of herbivores. Plant interactions with soil biota, especially with herbivores, influenced the mechanisms underlying diversity effects. Herbivores increased plant complementarity and modified biomass allocation and vertical distribution of roots. Furthermore, biotic–abiotic interactions influenced plant productivity differently across plant functional groups. Our findings emphasize the importance of complex biotic interactions underlying biodiversity effects, and that these biotic interactions may change with abiotic conditions. Despite minor changes in productivity in the short‐term, soil biota‐induced changes in plant–plant interactions and plant survival are likely to have significant long‐term consequences for ecosystem functioning. Considering the context‐dependency of multichannel interactions may contribute to reconciling differences among observed patterns in biodiversity studies. Further, abiotic conditions modified the effects of biotic interactions, suggesting that changes in environmental conditions may not only affect ecosystems directly, but also change the biotic composition of and dynamics within ecosystems.
Meta‐Analysis of the Transcriptome Reveals a Core Set of Shade‐Avoidance Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sellaro Romina , Pacín Manuel , Casal Jorge J.
Published: May 2017

The presence of neighboring vegetation modifies the light input perceived by photo‐sensory receptors, initiating a signaling cascade that adjusts plant growth and physiology. Thousands of genes can change their expression during this process, but the structure of the transcriptional circuit is poorly understood. Here we present a meta‐analysis of transcriptome data fromArabidopsis thalianaexposed to neighbor signals in different contexts, including organs where growth is promoted or inhibited by these signals. We identified a small set of genes that consistently and dynamically respond to neighbor light signals. This group is also affected by light during de‐etiolation and day/night cycles. Among these genes, many of those with positive response to neighbor signals are binding targets ofPHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTORS(PIFs) and function as transcriptional regulators themselves, but none of these features is observed among those with negative response to neighbor signals. Changes. in neighbor signals can mimic the transcriptional signature of auxin, gibberellins, brassinosteroid, abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid and cytokinin but in a context‐dependent manner. We propose the existence of a small core set of genes involved in downstream communication ofPIFsignaling status and in the control of light sensitivity and chloroplast metabolism.
Common Structural Elements in the Chromophore Binding Pocket of the Pfr State of Bathy Phytochromes
Authors: Velázquez Escobar Francisco , Buhrke David , Michael Norbert , Sauthof Luisa , Wilkening Svea , Tavraz Neslihan N. , Salewski Johannes , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Scheerer Patrick , Friedrich Thomas , Siebert Friedrich , Hildebrandt Peter
Published: May 2017

Phytochromes are bimodal photoreceptors which, upon light absorption by the tetrapyrrole chromophore, can be converted between a red‐absorbing state (Pr) and far‐red‐absorbing state (Pfr). In bacterial phytochromes, either Pr or Pfr are the thermally stable states, thereby constituting the classes of prototypical and bathy phytochromes, respectively. In this work, we have employed vibrational spectroscopies to elucidate the origin of the thermal stability of the Pfr states in bathy phytochromes. Here, we present the first detailed spectroscopic analysis of RpBphP6 (Rhodopseudomas palustris), which together with results obtained for Agp2 (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) and PaBphP (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) allows identifying common structural properties of the Pfr state of bathy phytochromes, which are (1) a homogenous chromophore structure, (2) the protonated ring C propionic side chain of the chromophore and (3) a retarded H/D exchange at the ring D nitrogen. These properties are related to the unique strength of the hydrogen bonding interactions between the ring D N‐H group with the side chain of the conserved Asp194 (PaBphP numbering). As revealed by a comparative analysis of homology models and available crystal structures of Pfr states, these interactions are strengthened by an Arg residue (Arg453) only in bathy but not in prototypical phytochromes.
Influence of Heterogeneity on the Ultrafast Photoisomerization Dynamics of Pfr in Cph1 Phytochrome
Authors: Stensitzki Till , Yang Yang , Wölke Anna Lena , Knapp Ernst‐Walter , Hughes Jon , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Heyne Karsten
Published: May 2017

Photoisomerization of a protein‐bound chromophore is the basis of light sensing and signaling in many photoreceptors. Phytochrome photoreceptors can be photoconverted reversibly between the Pr and Pfr states through photoisomerization of the methine bridge between rings C and D. Ground‐state heterogeneity of the chromophore has been reported for both Pr and Pfr. Here, we report ultrafast visible (Vis) pump–probe and femtosecond polarization‐resolved Vis pump–infrared (IR) probe studies of the Pfr photoreaction in native and 13C/15N‐labeled Cph1 phytochrome with unlabeled PCB chromophore, demonstrating different S0 substates, Pfr‐I and Pfr‐II, with distinct IR absorptions, orientations and dynamics of the carbonyl vibration of ring D. We derived time constants of 0.24 ps, 0.7 ps and 6 ps, describing the complete initial photoreaction. We identified an isomerizing pathway with 0.7 ps for Pfr‐I, and silent dynamics with 6 ps for Pfr‐II. We discuss different origins of the Pfr substates, and favor different facial orientations of ring D. The model provides a quantum yield for Pfr‐I of 38%, in line with ~35% ring D rotation in the electronic excited state. We tentatively assign the silent form Pfr‐II to a dark‐adapted state that can convert to Pfr‐I upon light absorption.
Functional Expression of Gloeobacter Rhodopsin in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Chen Que , Arents Jos , Ganapathy Srividya , de Grip Willem J. , Hellingwerf Klaas J.
Published: May 2017

Proteorhodopsins are light‐driven proton pumps that occur widespread in Nature, where they function predominantly in environments with high incident irradiance. Their maximal absorbance is usually in the blue range, but can be extended into the (far)red range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because they can be expressed heterologously, they may be exploited in studies aimed at increasing the efficiency of photosynthesis. Here we report further studies toward this goal, by comparing the expression of two different bacterial rhodopsins (Proteorhodopsin and Gloeobacter rhodopsin) in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. In particular, we investigated the pigments bound by the respective apo‐opsins, and the oligomeric state of the corresponding holo‐rhodopsins, both in Escherichia coli and in the cyanobacterial membranes. We conclude that the two proton‐pumping rhodopsins are predominantly present in an oligomeric state (hexamers for Proteorhodopsin and trimers for Gloeobacter rhodopsin). Furthermore, Gloeobacter rhodopsin is able to bind an antenna carotenoid (in addition to retinal) and has the highest pumping rate at given light intensity. However, its lower expression level will decrease its physiological effectiveness. It remains to be established which of these two bacterial rhodopsins is best in stimulating the growth rate of its cyanobacterial host.
Long‐lasting β‐aminobutyric acid‐induced resistance protects tomato fruit against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wilkinson S. W. , Pastor V. , Paplauskas S. , Pétriacq P. , Luna E.
Published: May 2017

Minimizing losses to pests and diseases is essential for producing sufficient food to feed the world's rapidly growing population. The necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea triggers devastating pre‐ and post‐harvest yield losses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Current control methods are based on the pre‐harvest use of fungicides, which are limited by strict legislation. This investigation tested whether induction of resistance by β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) at different developmental stages provides an alternative strategy to protect post‐harvest tomato fruit against B. cinerea. Soil‐drenching plants with BABA once fruit had already formed had no impact on tomato susceptibility to B. cinerea. However, BABA application to seedlings significantly reduced post‐harvest infection of fruit. This resistance response was not associated with a yield reduction; however, there was a delay in fruit ripening. Untargeted metabolomics revealed differences between fruit from water‐ and BABA‐treated plants, demonstrating that BABA triggered a defence‐associated metabolomics profile that was long lasting. Targeted analysis of defence hormones suggested a role of abscisic acid (ABA) in the resistance phenotype. Post‐harvest application of ABA to the fruit of water‐treated plants induced susceptibility to B. cinerea. This phenotype was absent from the ABA‐exposed fruit of BABA‐treated plants, suggesting a complex role of ABA in BABA‐induced resistance. A final targeted metabolomic analysis detected trace residues of BABA accumulated in the red fruit. Overall, it was demonstrated that BABA induces post‐harvest resistance in tomato fruit against B. cinerea with no penalties in yield.
Induction of telomere‐mediated chromosomal truncation and behavior of truncated chromosomes in Brassica napus
Authors: Yan Xiaohong , Li Chen , Yang Jie , Wang Lijun , Jiang Chenghong , Wei Wenhui
Published: May 2017

Engineered minichromosomes could be stably inherited and serve as a platform for simultaneously transferring and stably expressing multiple genes. Chromosomal truncation mediated by repeats of telomeric sequences is a promising approach for the generation of minichromosomes. In the present work, direct repetitive sequences of Arabidopsis telomere were used to study telomere‐mediated truncation of chromosomes in Brassica napus. Transgenes containing alien Arabidopsis telomere were successfully obtained, and Southern blotting and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results show that the transgenes resulted in successful chromosomal truncation in B. napus. In addition, truncated chromosomes were inherited at rates lower than that predicted by Mendelian rules. To determine the potential manipulations and applications of the engineered chromosomes, such as the stacking of multiple transgenes and the Cre/lox and FRT/FLP recombination systems, both amenable to genetic manipulations through site‐specific recombination in somatic cells, were tested for their ability to undergo recombination in B. napus. These results demonstrate that alien Arabidopsis telomere is able to mediate chromosomal truncation in B. napus. This technology would be feasible for chromosomal engineering and for studies on chromosome structure and function in B. napus.
Red blood cell transfusions during sickle cell anemia vaso‐occlusive crises: a report from the magnesium in crisis (MAGiC) study
Authors: Hulbert Monica L. , Panepinto Julie A. , Scott J. Paul , Liem Robert I. , Cook Lawrence J. , Simmons Timothy , Brousseau David C. ,   Pediatric Emergency Care and Research Network Sickle Cell Disease Working Group
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Little is known about red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices for children hospitalized for a sickle cell vaso‐occlusive pain crisis (VOC). We hypothesized that transfusion would be associated with the development of acute chest syndrome (ACS), lower hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and lack of hydroxyurea therapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of all children admitted for a sickle cell pain crisis enrolled in the Magnesium in Crisis (MAGiC) randomized trial; all had HbSS or S‐β0 thalassemia. ACS development and transfusion administration were prospectively collected during the parent trial. All Hb values during the hospitalization were recorded, as was parent report of child receiving hydroxyurea. Relative risks (RRs) of transfusion were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of 204 enrolled children, 40 (19.6%) received a transfusion. Of the 30 children who developed ACS, 22 (73.3%) received transfusions compared to 18 of 174 (10.3%) without ACS: the RR of transfusion in children with ACS was 7.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4‐11.5). Among those without ACS, the lowest Hb was most strongly associated with transfusions: RR was 3.1 (95% CI 2.0 – 4.7) for each 1 g/dL decrease in lowest Hb. In a binary recursive partitioning model for those without ACS, a lowest recorded Hb level of less than 6.3 g/dL was significantly associated with transfusion during admission (p < 0.01). Hydroxyurea use was not associated with transfusions in any analysis.

CONCLUSION

ACS increased the RR of transfusion in children hospitalized for VOC sevenfold. In children without ACS, transfusion was associated with lowest Hb concentration, particularly Hb concentration of less than 6.3 g/dL.
Strategy and Innovation of Mushroom Business in Rural Area Indonesia: Case Study of a Developed Mushroom Enterprise from Cianjur district, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Febrianda Rendi , Tokuda Hiromi
Published: May 2017

Mushroom farming has become attractive business in agricultural sector due to its simplicity and flexibility of cultivation and quite profitable. Health awareness of Indonesian people about mushroom gives a positive impact to mushroom business. Behind the good aspects, several evidence argued that production performance of mushroom business is not optimal related to less capacity and deficiently appropriate knowledge. This paper aims to learn the unique strategy and innovation from local mushroom enterprise which is very famous in Cianjur distric, West Java, Indonesia in order to improve the business performance. Using technological (innovation) approach and qualitative method, this study concluded that there are two types of strategies, one relating to the technological part, and the other relating to the organization part. The technological focuses on attracting market and enhancing the yield productivity. The organization part focuses on developing capacity to fulfill the demand by making a contract agreement resembling contract farming with local society. For local society, the contract agreement has benefit to minimize both market failure and production problems under supervison support and without monopoly action. The strategies were capable of being successful innovation by interacting and cooperating with external sources, and performing certain adjustment with local condition.
Parental and Adult Attachment and Eating Symptomology in Eating Disorder Patients and Sine Morbo Individuals
Authors: Szalai Tamás Dömötör , M.A. Edit Czeglédi
Published: May 2017

Attachment can contribute to eating disorder symptomology through various paths, including emotion regulation. However, the relationship between parental and adult attachment and emotional eating and other eating disorder symptoms have been barely investigated on comparative samples. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online survey aimed to assess the relationship between parental and adult attachment qualities with the eating behavior severity, emotional eating, and the level of depression in 67 female anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder patients, compared to 67 female sine morbo individuals. Eating disorder patients less frequently had secure attachment, and were more often fearful or preoccupied than sine morbo individuals. In sine morbo individuals lower adult attachment security, but in patients, lower parental care was related to eating disorder symptoms. In sine morbo individuals, higher preoccupation, but in patients, higher fearfulness and lower care was related to emotional eating. Lower attachment security (OR = 0.54), younger age (OR = 0.93) and higher depression (OR = 1.04) explained 36.6% of the variance of diagnosed eating disorders. A complex interplay could be highlighted between dysfunctional attachment dimensions and eating symptomology in both groups—but with different patterns. Perceived parental care may be influential for eating disorder patients, whilst the degree of adult attachment security can be influential for sine morbo individuals. Lower attachment security was a predictor of eating disorders, which suggests the protective value of enhancing attachment security. However, further attachment-based interventions are required.
Impact of Personality of Working Women on Marital Satisfaction
Authors: Dey Seema , Ghosh Jyotirmoy
Published: May 2017

Personality traits denote inherited or acquired individual characteristics of thought, feeling and actions that include the psycho-physical, emotional, conscious and unconscious behavior pattern of a person. The major problem in marriage is adjustment to a mate. Interpersonal relationships play as important role in marriage like friendships. But after marriage, the interpersonal relationships are difficult to maintain compare to social life. To evaluate the impact of personality traits on marital adjustment this study was carried out among working women in organized sector. A total of 300 employed women from different professions, e.g. education, health and other services were selected from Ranchi, Hazaribag, Ramgarh and Bokaro district of Jharkhand. Marital relationship is shaped by the action and interaction of various external factors like income, education, type of work, household responsibilities, type of family and internal factors viz., background, interest, temperament, values. Results reveal that majority of the respondents had similar interests and values. There was significant difference in temperament between college teacher-clerk and school teacher-clerk. The respondent belonging to higher service and lower service had no significant difference with respect to similarities of interest and value. Additionally there was a significant difference in adaptability between doctor and clerk, officer and clerk, and school teacher and clerk. To achieve marital harmony one has to be rational, tolerant, cooperative and loving. Successful marriage depends mainly on flexibility, independence, sufficient emotional support and positive communication between the partners.
Flexible adaptation of male germ cells from female iPSCs of endangered
Tokudaia osimensis
Authors: Honda Arata , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Izu Haruna , Kawano Yoshihiro , Inokuchi Mizuho , Honsho Kimiko , Lee Ah-Reum , Nabekura Hiroki , Ohta Hiroshi , Tsukiyama Tomoyuki , Ohinata Yasuhide , Kuroiwa Asato , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Saitou Mitinori , Jogahara Takamichi , Koshimoto Chihiro
Published: May 2017

T
okudaia osimensis
exhibits high sexual plasticity, through which female somatic cells can be converted to male germline cells.
Picosecond amorphization of SiO
2
stishovite under tension
Authors: Misawa Masaaki , Ryuo Emina , Yoshida Kimiko , Kalia Rajiv K. , Nakano Aiichiro , Nishiyama Norimasa , Shimojo Fuyuki , Vashishta Priya , Wakai Fumihiro
Published: May 2017

Quantum simulation reveals that fast tensile amorphization is key to hard and tough ceramics made of Earth-abundant silica.
PD-1 and CTLA-4: Two checkpoints, one pathway?
Authors: Walker Lucy S. K.
Published: May 2017

PD-1–centered therapies rely on CD28 activation to promote anti-tumor immunity.
Enrichment and Physiological Characterization of a Cold-Adapted Nitrite-Oxidizing Nitrotoga sp. from an Eelgrass Sediment
Authors: Ishii Kento , Fujitani Hirotsugu , Soh Kentaro , Nakagawa Tatsunori , Takahashi Reiji , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: May 2017

Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are responsible for the second step of nitrification in natural and engineered ecosystems. The recently discovered genus
Nitrotoga
belongs to the
Betaproteobacteria
and potentially has high environmental importance. Although environmental clones affiliated with
Nitrotoga
are widely distributed, the limited number of cultivated
Nitrotoga
spp. results in a poor understanding of their ecophysiological features. In this study, we successfully enriched the nonmarine cold-adapted
Nitrotoga
sp. strain AM1 from coastal sand in an eelgrass zone and investigated its physiological characteristics. Multistep-enrichment approaches led to an increase in the abundance of AM1 to approximately 80% of the total bacterial population. AM1 was the only detectable NOB in the bacterial community. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of AM1 was 99.6% identical to that of “
Candidatus
Nitrotoga arctica,” which was enriched from permafrost-affected soil. The highest nitrogen oxidation rate of AM1 was observed at 16°C. The half-saturation constant (

K
m

) and the generation time were determined to be 25 μM NO
2
−
and 54 h, respectively. The nitrite oxidation rate of AM1 was stimulated at concentrations of <30 mM NH
4
Cl but completely inhibited at 50 mM NH
4
Cl. AM1 can grow well under specific environmental conditions, such as low temperature and in the presence of a relatively high concentration of free ammonia. These results help improve our comprehension of the functional importance of
Nitrotoga
.

IMPORTANCE
Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are key players in the second step of nitrification, which is an important process of the nitrogen cycle. Recent studies have suggested that the organisms of the novel NOB genus
Nitrotoga
were widely distributed and played a functional role in natural and engineered ecosystems. However, only a few
Nitrotoga
enrichments have been obtained, and little is known about their ecology and physiology. In this study, we successfully enriched a
Nitrotoga
sp. from sand in a shallow coastal marine ecosystem and undertook a physiological characterization. The laboratory experiments showed that the
Nitrotoga
enrichment culture could adapt not only to low temperature but also to relatively high concentrations of free ammonia. The determination of as-yet-unknown unique characteristics of
Nitrotoga
contributes to the improvement of our insights into the microbiology of nitrification.
Improving Baculovirus Infectivity by Efficiently Embedding Enhancing Factors into Occlusion Bodies
Authors: Yang Shili , Zhao Lijuan , Ma Ruipeng , Fang Wei , Hu Jia , Lei Chengfeng , Sun Xiulian
Published: May 2017

The relatively low infectivity of baculoviruses to their host larvae limits their use as insecticidal agents on a larger scale. In the present study, a novel strategy was developed to efficiently embed foreign proteins into
Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus
(AcMNPV) occlusion bodies (OBs) to achieve stable expression of foreign proteins and to improve viral infectivity. A recombinant AcMNPV bacmid was constructed by expressing the 150-amino-acid (aa) N-terminal segment of polyhedrin under the control of the
p10
promoter and the remaining C-terminal 95-aa segment under the control of the
polyhedrin
promoter. The recombinant virus formed OBs in
Spodoptera frugiperda
9 cells, in which the occlusion-derived viruses were embedded in a manner similar to that for wild-type AcMNPV. Next, the 95-aa polyhedrin C terminus was fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein, and the recombinant AcMNPV formed fluorescent green OBs and was stably passaged
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The AcMNPV recombinants were further modified by fusing truncated
Agrotis segetum granulovirus
enhancin or truncated
Cydia pomonella granulovirus
ORF13 (GP37) to the C-terminal 95 aa of polyhedrin, and both recombinants were able to form normal OBs. Bioactivity assays indicated that the median lethal concentrations of these two AcMNPV recombinants were 3- to 5-fold lower than that of the control virus. These results suggest that embedding enhancing factors in baculovirus OBs by use of this novel technique may promote efficient and stable foreign protein expression and significantly improve baculovirus infectivity.

IMPORTANCE
Baculoviruses have been used as bioinsecticides for over 40 years, but their relatively low infectivity to their host larvae limits their use on a larger scale. It has been reported that it is possible to improve baculovirus infectivity by packaging enhancing factors within baculovirus occlusion bodies (OBs); however, so far, the packaging efficiency has been low. In this article, we describe a novel strategy for efficiently embedding foreign proteins into AcMNPV OBs by expressing N- and C-terminal (dimidiate) polyhedrin fragments (150 and 95 amino acids, respectively) as fusions to foreign proteins under the control of the
p10
and
polyhedrin
promoters, respectively. When this strategy was used to embed an enhancing factor (enhancin or GP37) into the baculovirus OBs, 3- to 5-fold increases in baculoviral infectivity were observed. This novel strategy has the potential to create an efficient protein expression system and a highly efficient virus-based system for insecticide production in the future.
The vanishing duodenal polyp: mesenteric invagination presenting as duodenal pseudopolyp
Authors: de Bakker Bernadette S , Phoa Saffire S K S , Kara Mohammed , Al-Eryani Sabaa , Gielen Marieke E , Ponsioen Cyriel I J , de Bakker Henri M , van Gulik Thomas M
Published: May 2017

Duodenal polypoid masses are an uncommon finding mainly diagnosed incidentally at endoscopy or surgery. We report a 39-year-old female patient with symptoms of intermittent stabbing pain in the upper right abdominal quadrant and an iron deficiency anaemia, without complaints of weight loss, haematemesis or melaena. A duodenal polyp and acute duodenitis have been described during endoscopic examinations and CT and ultrasound. Surgical excision of the polyp was advised. Intraoperatively, an elongated duodenum was remarkable; however, at duodenotomy, no polyp was found, nor during intraoperative endoscopy. Looking back at the endoscopy and imaging results, it was noted that the polyp varied in size and location. It was therefore concluded that we dealt with the pseudopolyp phenomenon, caused by invagination of the duodenal wall and its mesentery into the duodenum, presenting as a lipomatous pseudopolyp. Telescopic invagination of the duodenal wall was facilitated by the elongated hypermobile duodenum.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function in children with cancer from diagnosis throughout treatment
Authors: Thorsteinsson Troels , Larsen Hanne Baekgaard , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Thing Lone Friis , Krustrup Peter , Pedersen Mogens Theisen , Christensen Karl Bang , Mogensen Pernille Rudebeck , Helms Anne Sofie , Andersen Lars Bo
Published: May 2017

Background

Children with cancer experience severe reductions in physical fitness and functionality during and following intensive treatment. This may negatively impact their quality of life.

Purpose

To describe the physical capacity and functionality of children with cancer during and after treatment as well as the feasibility of physical activity intervention in the Rehabilitation including Social and Physical activity and Education in Children and Teenagers with Cancer study.

Patients and methods

The study included children diagnosed from January 2013 to April 2016 with paediatric cancer or Langerhans cell histiocytosis, all treated with chemotherapy. Seventy-five of 78 consecutively eligible children (96.2%) were included. Median age was 11 years (range 6‒18). The physical capacity and function were assessed based on testing of physical strength, balance and cardiorespiratory fitness. Children were tested at diagnosis, 3 and 6 months after diagnosis and 1 year after cessation of treatment. The feasibility evaluation was inspired by the criteria for reporting the development and evaluation of complex interventions in healthcare.

Results

All children participated in the physical intervention programme with no dropouts. Strenuous physical exercise and physiological testing during paediatric cancer treatment was safe and feasible, with only five minor adverse events during the intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly lower in children with cancer than norms for healthy age-matched children at diagnosis (difference 19.1 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 15.4 to 22.7; p <0.0001), during treatment 3 and 6 months from diagnosis (difference 21.0 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 17.4 to 24.6; p <0.0001 and difference 21.6 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 17.3 to 25.8; p <0.0001, respectively) and 1 year after cessation of treatment (difference 6.9 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 1.1 to 12.7; p <0.0072). Furthermore, children with cancer experienced a pronounced decline in physical function.

Conclusion

This study shows that it is safe and feasible to perform strenuous physical exercise and testing during paediatric cancer treatment and that children with cancer have significantly lower physical capacity and functionality than healthy age-matched norms.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01772862.