bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megafaunal influences on tree recruitment in African equatorial forests
Authors: Terborgh J. , Davenport L. C. , Niangadouma R. , Dimoto E. , Mouandza J. C. , Scholtz O. , Jaen M. R.
Published: September 2015

The forests of central Africa are distinct from counterpart forests in Amazonia by having fewer trees ≥ 10 cm dbh ha−1, especially small trees < 20 cm dbh, and in having sapling cohorts with less diversity than canopy trees. We tested four hypotheses to investigate whether herbivory, in particular, browsing by forest elephants, could be a factor in these differences. We found that the density of small saplings and diversity of large saplings were inversely associated with local density of elephants. We then tested the hypothesis that steep slopes might serve as refugia from elephant foraging, but found that elephants routinely forage on slopes with an inclination of less than ca 30 deg. Nevertheless, the diversity of small trees (≥ 10 cm, < 20 cm dbh) was higher on slopes than on paired level‐ground sites. The incidence of break scars on saplings ≥ 2 cm dbh and < 6 cm dbh was greater (107/100 stems) on level ground than on slopes (77/100 stems), although high variability precluded statistical significance. After correcting for background breakage not caused by elephants, an estimated 71% of breaks on level ground and 43% of breaks on slopes were attributable to elephants. Liana loads borne by trees at different sites were highly variable and unrelated to slope. Apparently, disturbances are more critical to liana development than herbivory. Elephants, along with other large mammals such as gorillas, duikers, red river hogs and rodents, appear to act as powerful filters on the tree recruitment process in African forests that still retain intact megafaunal communities.
Temporal variation in antibiotic environments slows down resistance evolution in pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Roemhild Roderich , Barbosa Camilo , Beardmore Robert E. , Jansen Gunther , Schulenburg Hinrich
Published: September 2015

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern to public health. New treatment strategies may alleviate the situation by slowing down the evolution of resistance. Here, we evaluated sequential treatment protocols using two fully independent laboratory‐controlled evolution experiments with the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 and two pairs of clinically relevant antibiotics (doripenem/ciprofloxacin and cefsulodin/gentamicin). Our results consistently show that the sequential application of two antibiotics decelerates resistance evolution relative to monotherapy. Sequential treatment enhanced population extinction although we applied antibiotics at sublethal dosage. In both experiments, we identified an order effect of the antibiotics used in the sequential protocol, leading to significant variation in the long‐term efficacy of the tested protocols. These variations appear to be caused by asymmetric evolutionary constraints, whereby adaptation to one drug slowed down adaptation to the other drug, but not vice versa. An understanding of such asymmetric constraints may help future development of evolutionary robust treatments against infectious disease.
Direct Formation and Luminescence of Nanocrystals in the System Eu2Sn2O7–Gd2Sn2O7 Complete Solid Solutions
Authors: Hirano Masanori , Ohmori Toshiaki
Published: September 2015

Nanocrystals with orange‐reddish luminescence based on the pyrochlore‐type complete solid solutions with cube‐like morphology in the Eu2Sn2O7–Gd2Sn2O7 system were directly formed from the precursor solutions of SnCl4, GdCl3, and EuCl3 under weakly basic hydrothermal conditions at temperatures higher than 180°C for 5 h. The crystallite of Gd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore gradually grew from 10 to 37 nm as the hydrothermal treatment temperature rose from 180°C to 240°C. The lattice parameter of cubic phase linearly increased with increased europium concentration according to the Vegard's law. The characteristic orange‐reddish photoluminescence spectra of Gd2Sn2O7:Eu3+ cubelike nanocrystals with crystallite size from 34 to 37 nm that were formed at 240°C for 5 h were attributed to the most sharp orange (586 nm) luminescence with high intensity and quite broad red (610–630 nm) emission with weak intensity, according to the 5D0→7F1 and 5D0→7F2 transitions of Eu3+, respectively. At a composition of (Eu0.09Gd0.91)2Sn2O7, the intensity of orange emission reached the maximum. The Red‐to‐Orange (5D0→7F2/5D0→7F1) (R/O) emission intensity ratio was in the low range from 0.10 to 0.14, which was a characteristic of Gd2Sn2O7:Eu3+.
Validation of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale ESCID for pain assessment in non‐communicative and mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a research protocol
Authors: Latorre‐Marco Ignacio , Solís‐Muñoz Montserrat , Acevedo‐Nuevo María , Hernández‐Sánchez María Leonor , López‐López Candelas , Sánchez‐Sánchez María del Mar , Wojtysiak‐Wojcicka Mónika , De las Pozas‐Abril Julia
Published: September 2015

Aim

To investigate the validity and reliability of the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale (ESCID) in medically and surgically non‐communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients.

Background

Scales based on behavioural indicators of pain are suggested to measure pain in non‐communicative critically ill patients. Scales proposed thus far have a range not comparable to those used with patients who can report their pain. A scale with a 0‐10 range and more behavioural indicators is proposed to improve the detection and measurement of pain.

Design

A multicentre prospective observational design to validate a scale‐measuring instrument.

Methods

Three hundred non‐communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients from 20 different intensive care units will be observed for 5 minutes before, during and 15 minutes after three procedures: turning, tracheal suctioning and soft friction with gauze on healthy tissue. Two independent observers will assess the pain of subjects with the Behavioural Pain Scale and the ESCID scale simultaneously. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used. Student's t‐test will be used to compare components of the twos scales. Inter‐rater and intrarater agreement will be investigated. The reliability scale will be measured using Cronbach's alpha. Approval date for this protocol was January 2012.

Discussion

A greater number of behavioural indicators in the ESCID scale than in previously validated scales, with a 0‐10 score range, can improve the detection and measurement of pain in non‐communicative and mechanically ventilated critical patients. Funding granted in 2011 by the Spanish Health Research Fund (PI 11/00766, Health Ministry).

Trial registration: Study registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01744717).
Estimating Materials Stocked by Land‐Use Type in Historic Urban Buildings Using Spatio‐Temporal Analytical Tools
Authors: Marcellus‐Zamora Kimberlee A. , Gallagher Patricia M. , Spatari Sabrina , Tanikawa Hiroki
Published: September 2015

The construction industry is an important contributor to urban economic development and consumes large volumes of building material that are stocked in cities over long periods. Those stocked spaces store valuable materials that may be available for recovery in the future. Thus quantifying the urban building stock is important for managing construction materials across the building life cycle. This article develops a new approach to urban building material stock analysis (MSA) using land‐use heuristics. Our objective is to characterize buildings to understand materials stocked in place by: (1) developing, validating, and testing a new method for characterizing building stock by land‐use type and (2) quantifying building stock and determining material fractions. We conduct a spatial MSA to quantify materials within a 2.6‐square‐kilometer section of Philadelphia from 2004 to 2012. Data were collected for buildings classified by land‐use type from many sources to create maps of material stock and spatial material intensity. In the spatial MSA, the land‐use type that returned the largest footprint (by percentage) and greatest (number) of buildings were civic/institutional (42%; 147) and residential (23%; 275), respectively. The model was validated for total floor space and the absolute overall error (n = 46; 20%) in 2004 and (n = 47; 24%) in 2012. Typically, commercial and residential land‐use types returned the lowest overall error and weighted error. We present a promising alternative method for characterizing buildings in urban MSA that leverages multiple tools (geographical information systems [GIS], design codes, and building models) and test the method in historic Philadelphia.
Blind colour separation of H&E stained histological images by linearly transforming the colour space
Authors: CELIS R. , ROMO D. , ROMERO E.
Published: September 2015

Blind source separation methods aim to split information into the original sources. In histology, each dye component attempts to specifically characterize different microscopic structures. In the case of the hematoxylin–eosin stain, universally used for routine examination, quantitative analysis may often require the inspection of different morphological signatures related mainly to nuclei patterns, but also to stroma distribution. Stain separation is usually a preprocessing operation that is transversal to different applications. This paper presents a novel colour separation method that finds the hematoxylin and eosin clusters by projecting the whole space to a folded surface connecting the distributions of a series of planes that divide the cloud of H&E tones. The proposed method produces density maps closer to those obtained with the colour mixing matrices set by an expert, when comparing with the density maps obtained using nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), independent component analysis (ICA) and a state‐of‐the‐art method. The method has outperformed three baseline methods, NMF, Macenko and ICA, in about 8%, 12% and 52% for the eosin component, whereas this was about 4%, 8% and 26% for the hematoxylin component.
The role of fasciae in Civinini–Morton's syndrome
Authors: Stecco Carla , Fantoni Ilaria , Macchi Veronica , Del Borrello Mario , Porzionato Andrea , Biz Carlo , De Caro Raffaele
Published: September 2015

This study evaluates the pathogenetic role of the perineural connective tissue and foot fasciae in Civinini–Morton's neuroma. Eleven feet (seven male, four female; mean age: 70.9 years) were dissected to analyse the anatomy of inter‐metatarsal space, particularly the dorsal and plantar fasciae and metatarsal transverse ligament (DMTL). The macrosections were prepared for microscopic analysis. Ten Civinini–Morton neuromas obtained from surgery were also analysed. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from 40 patients and 29 controls were compared. Dissections showed that the width of the inter‐metatarsal space is established by two fibrous structures: the dorsal foot fascia and the DMTL, which, together, connect the metatarsal bones and resist their splaying. Interosseous muscles spread out into the dorsal fascia of the foot, defining its basal tension. The common digital plantar nerve (CDPN) is encased in concentric layers of fibrous and loose connective tissue, continuous with the vascular sheath and deep foot fascia. Outside this sheath, fibroelastic septa, from DMTL to plantar fascia, and little fat lobules are present, further protecting the nerve against compressive stress. The MRI study revealed high inter‐individual variability in the forefoot structures, although only the thickness of the dorsal fascia represented a statistically significant difference between cases and controls. It was hypothesized that alterations in foot support and altered biomechanics act on the interosseous muscles, increasing the stiffness of the dorsal fascia, particularly at the points where these muscles are inserted. Chronic rigidity of this fascia increases the stiffness of the inter‐metatarsal space, leading to entrapment of the CDPN.
Variation in the shape and mechanical performance of the lower jaws in ceratopsid dinosaurs (Ornithischia, Ceratopsia)
Authors: Maiorino Leonardo , Farke Andrew A. , Kotsakis Tassos , Teresi Luciano , Piras Paolo
Published: September 2015

Ceratopsidae represents a group of quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaurs that inhabited western North America and eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous. Although horns and frills of the cranium are highly variable across species, the lower jaw historically has been considered to be relatively conservative in morphology. Here, the lower jaws from 58 specimens representing 21 ceratopsoid taxa were sampled, using geometric morphometrics and 2D finite element analysis (FEA) to explore differences in morphology and mechanical performance across Ceratopsoidea (the clade including Ceratopsidae, Turanoceratops and Zuniceratops). Principal component analyses and non‐parametric permuted manovas highlight Triceratopsini as a morphologically distinct clade within the sample. A relatively robust and elongate dentary, a larger and more elongated coronoid process, and a small and dorso‐ventrally compressed angular characterize this clade, as well as the absolutely larger size. By contrast, non‐triceratopsin chasmosaurines, Centrosaurini and Pachyrhinosaurini have similar morphologies to each other. Zuniceratops and Avaceratops are distinct from other taxa. No differences in size between Pachyrhinosaurini and Centrosaurini are recovered using non‐parametric permuted anovas. Structural performance, as evaluated using a 2D FEA, is similar across all groups as measured by overall stress, with the exception of Triceratopsini. Shape, size and stress are phylogenetically constrained. A longer dentary as well as a long coronoid process result in a lower jaw that is reconstructed as relatively much more stressed in triceratopsins.
Similarities and differences between the solar wind light noble gas compositions determined on Apollo 15 SWC foils and on NASA Genesis targets
Authors: Vogel N. , Bochsler P. , Bühler F. , Heber V. S. , Grimberg A. , Baur H. , Horstmann M. , Bischoff A. , Wieler R.
Published: September 2015

We compare the solar wind (SW) He, Ne, and Ar compositions collected during the Apollo Solar Wind Composition (SWC) experiments (1969–1972; Al‐ & Pt‐foils) and the Genesis mission (2002–2004; so‐called DOS targets considered here). While published SW 20Ne/22Ne and 36Ar/38Ar ratios of both data sets agree, differences exist in the 4He/3He, 4He/20Ne, and 20Ne/36Ar ratios. However, 20Ne/36Ar ratios from Apollo‐16 Pt‐foils, exclusively adopted as SW values by the SWC team, are consistent with the Genesis results. We investigate if the differences indicate a variability of the SW over the course of about 30 yr, or systematic biases of the two data sets, which were collected in different environments and measured several decades apart in different laboratories (University of Bern; ETH Zurich). New measurements of Apollo‐15 SWC aluminum foils in Zurich generally agree with the original measurements performed in Bern. Zurich samples show slightly lower 4He concentrations suggesting a few percent of diffusive loss of 4He during storage of the foils. A 3% difference between the He isotopic ratios measured in Bern and in Zurich possibly represents an analytical bias between the laboratories. The low SW 4He/20Ne and 20Ne/36Ar ratios in Apollo‐15 Al‐foils compared to Genesis data are consistent with a mixture of Genesis‐like SW and noble gases from small amounts of lunar dust. Our data suggest that the mean SW He, Ne, and Ar isotopic and elemental compositions have not significantly changed between the overall Apollo and Genesis mission collection periods.
Extra‐fine particle inhaled corticosteroids, pharma‐cokinetics and systemic activity in children with asthma
Authors: Wolthers Ole D.
Published: September 2015

During recent years, extra‐fine particle inhaled corticosteroids with a median aerodynamic diameter ≤2 μm have been introduced in the treatment of asthma. The aim of this paper was to review pharmacokinetics and systemic activity of extra‐fine particle hydroalkane pressurized metered dose inhaled (pMDI) ciclesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate in children. A literature review was performed. Systemic bioavailability of oral and pulmonary deposition of extra‐fine ciclesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate was 52% and 82%, the half‐life in serum 3.2 and 1.5 h and first‐pass hepatic metabolism >99% and 60%, respectively. Secondary analyses of urine cortisol/creatinine excretion found no effects of ciclesonide pMDI between 40 and 320 μg/day or of beclomethasone dipropionate pMDI between 80 and 400 μg/day. Ciclesonide pMDI 40, 80 and 160 μg/day caused no effects on short‐term lower leg growth rate as assessed by knemometry. Ciclesonide 320 μg/day was associated with a numerically short‐term growth suppression equivalent to 30% which was similar to 25% and 36% suppression caused by beclomethasone dipropionate HFA and CFC 200 μg/day, respectively. Consistent with the differences in key pharmacokinetic features, beclomethasone dipropionate is associated with a systemic activity detected by knemometry at a lower dose than ciclesonide. Whether that correlates with a clinically important difference remains to be explored. Assessments of systemic activity of beclomethasone dipropionate <200 μg/day and of ciclesonide >180 μg/day as well as head‐to‐head comparisons are warranted. Preferably, such studies should apply the sensitive method of knemometry.
Infective endocarditis associated with acute leukemia: Report of two cases
Authors: Keino Dai , Tsuzuki Yoshimitsu , Mori Takashi , Kakuage Shiori , Nakano Marie , Asoh Kentaro , Mori Tetsuya , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Yamamoto Hitoshi
Published: September 2015

There have been few reports regarding infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with leukemia. In the first case, a 15‐year‐old girl with Down syndrome was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On admission, methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was detected on blood culture. Echocardiography was performed because MSSA was detected repeatedly even after treatment. Vegetation in all of the atria and ventricles met the Duke criteria defining IE. She died of multiple organ failure 21 days after diagnosis. In the second case, an 11‐year‐old boy with acute myeloid leukemia underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). He had fever 68 days after PBSCT, and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected on blood culture. Echocardiography showed vegetation in the right atrium and ventricle. Daptomycin was administered for 7 weeks, and recurrence was not observed. IE should be considered when S. aureus bacteremia is documented even in patients with leukemia.
Removal of Phosphorus by Hemodialysis
Authors: Daugirdas John T.
Published: September 2015

The control of serum phosphorus by dialysis is made difficult by the fact that intradialytic blood levels tend to be low, and because phosphorus is removed almost exclusively from the plasma during its passage through the dialyzer. The most practical way to increase phosphorus removal is to extend dialysis time, although attention to dialysis efficiency (surface area, advanced membrane, and higher blood and dialysate flow rates) also plays a role. Benefits of hemodiafiltration in helping control serum phosphorus have been claimed, but not found in all studies. Because serum phosphorus levels tend to plateau during the later parts of a dialysis session, extending weekly dialysis time is of greater benefit for phosphorus removal than for urea removal. Increasing dialysis frequency also probably has a small benefit. It appears that 18–30 hours of dialysis per week are required to obviate the need for phosphorus binders. Several promising models of phosphorus kinetics are under development. These may help predict the change in treatment on serum phosphorus levels, but their ability to do so has not yet been critically assessed.
Development of standard definitions for surveillance of complications related to blood donation
Authors: Goldman M. , Land K. , Robillard P. , Wiersum‐Osselton J.
Published: September 2015

Standard definitions of donor reactions allow each blood establishment to monitor donor adverse events and compare with other organizations to develop best practices. The ISBT Haemovigilance Working Party leads a multi‐organizational effort to update the 2008 ISBT standard for surveillance of complications related to blood donation. Revised definitions have been developed and endorsed by the ISBT, AABB, International Haemovigilance Network (IHN) and other international organizations.
Molecular Characterization and Serology of Leptospira kirschneri (Serogroup Grippotyphosa) Isolated from Urine of a Mare Post‐Abortion in Brazil
Authors: Hamond C. , Martins G. , Bremont S. , Medeiros M. A. , Bourhy P. , Lilenbaum W.
Published: September 2015

A strain of Leptospira kirschneri (serogroup Grippotyphosa) was cultured from urine of a mare post‐abortion in Brazil and characterized by serogrouping, multiple‐locus variable‐number tandem repeat analysis, PGFE, and sequencing of genes rrs and secY. Strains of L. kirschneri have apparently never been recovered from horses in tropical area, only in Europe and USA. Knowledge of local epidemiology is important to interpret genetic profiles of leptospires circulating in an area.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Faecal Escherichia coli Isolates from Pig Farms with Different Durations of In‐feed Antimicrobial Use
Authors: Gibbons J. F. , Boland F. , Egan J. , Fanning S. , Markey B. K. , Leonard F. C.
Published: September 2015

Antimicrobial use and resistance in animal and food production are of concern to public health. The primary aims of this study were to determine the frequency of resistance to 12 antimicrobials in Escherichia coli isolates from 39 pig farms and to identify patterns of antimicrobial use on these farms. Further aims were to determine whether a categorization of farms based on the duration of in‐feed antimicrobial use (long‐term versus short‐term) could predict the occurrence of resistance on these farms and to identify the usage of specific antimicrobial drugs associated with the occurrence of resistance. Escherichia coli were isolated from all production stages on these farms; susceptibility testing was carried out against a panel of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial prescribing data were collected, and farms were categorized as long term or short term based on these. Resistance frequencies and antimicrobial use were tabulated. Logistic regression models of resistance to each antimicrobial were constructed with stage of production, duration of antimicrobial use and the use of 5 antimicrobial classes included as explanatory variables in each model. The greatest frequencies of resistance were observed to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole and streptomycin with the highest levels of resistance observed in isolates from first‐stage weaned pigs. Differences in the types of antimicrobial drugs used were noted between long‐term and short‐term use farms. Categorization of farms as long‐ or short‐term use was sufficient to predict the likely occurrence of resistance to 3 antimicrobial classes and could provide an aid in the control of resistance in the food chain. Stage of production was a significant predictor variable in all models of resistance constructed and did not solely reflect antimicrobial use at each stage. Cross‐selection and co‐selection for resistance was evident in the models constructed, and the use of trimethoprim/sulphonamide drugs in particular was associated with the occurrence of resistance to other antimicrobials.
Influence of Pastoralists’ Sociocultural Activities on Tsetse–Trypanosome–Cattle Reservoir Interface: The Risk of Human African Trypanosomiasis in North‐Central Nigeria
Authors: Alhaji N. B. , Kabir J.
Published: September 2015

The study investigated socio‐cultural characteristics of pastoralists that influenced on the tsetse‐trypanosome‐cattle reservoir interface thereby predisposing them to HAT in Niger State, North‐central Nigeria. It was a cross‐sectional survey of adult pastoral herders, aged 30 years and above, and conducted between October 2012 and February 2013. A face‐to‐face structured questionnaire was administered on the pastoralists nested in 96 cattle herds with questions focused on pastoralists’ socio‐cultural activities and behavioral practices related to HAT risk. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used to describe the obtained data. A total of 384 pastoralists participated, with mean age of 49.6 Â ± 10.76 SD years. Male respondents constituted 86.7% of gender, while pastoralists of age group 40–49 years constituted 35.4% of respondents. About 59.4% of the pastoralists had knowledge about HAT and its symptoms and only 33.9% of them believed that cattle served as reservoir of HAT trypanosome. Knowledge/belief levels of the pastoralists about African trypanosomiasis occurrence in humans and animals were statistically significant. Males were four times more likely to be exposed to HAT (OR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.42, 9.52); age group 60–69 was also four times more likely to be exposed (OR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.56, 8.28); and nomadic pastoralists were two times more likely to be exposed to HAT (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.14). All cultural practices significantly influenced exposure to HAT with extensive husbandry system three times more likely to predisposed pastoralists to HAT (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.65, 6.24). Socio‐cultural characteristics of pastoralists influenced exposure to HAT risk and, therefore, there is a need to sensitize them to bring changes to their socio‐cultural practices and perceptions to achieve effective and long term sustainable HAT control. Elimination strategies of parasites in animals and vectors should be considered to avoid reintroduction from animal reservoirs.
Optimal shift of pattern shifting for mitigation of mask defects in extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Li Sikun , Wang Xiangzhao , Zhang Heng
Published: September 2015

Mask blank fabrication is usually concerned with defect problems in extreme ultraviolet lithography. Pattern shifting method and its combinations with other methods are the most promising methods for defect mitigation. Two methods, namely, minimum impact method and maximum number method, are proposed for determining the optimal pattern shift. A function is proposed to describe the impact of defect. The defect heights at different locations in the defect region are introduced to determine the impact. The minimum impact of all defects and the maximum number of covered defects after pattern shifting are considered as merit functions in the two methods, respectively. In addition, the error tolerance and mask writer error are also considered in the merit functions. Finally, the two methods are compared.
The Beneficial Effect of Parasympathetic Reactivation on Sympathetic Drive During Simulated Rugby Sevens
Authors: Douglas Jamie , Plews Daniel J. , Handcock Phil J. , Rehrer Nancy J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To determine whether a facilitated recovery via cold-water immersion (CWI) after simulated rugby sevens would influence parasympathetic reactivation and repeated-sprint (RS) performance across 6 matches in a 2-d tournament.

Methods:

Ten male team-sport athletes completed 6 rugby sevens match simulations over 2 d with either postmatch passive recovery (PAS) or CWI in a randomized crossover design. Parasympathetic reactivation was determined via the natural logarithm of the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent R-R intervals (ln rMSSD). RS performance was calculated as time taken (s) to complete 6 × 30-m sprints within the first half of each match.

Results:

There were large increases in postintervention ln rMSSD between CWI and PAS after all matches (ES 90% CL: +1.13; ±0.21). Average heart rate (HR) during the RS performance task (HRAverage RS) was impaired from baseline from match 3 onward for both conditions. However, HRAverage RS was higher with CWI than with PAS (ES 90% CL: 0.58; ±0.58). Peak HR during the RS performance task (HRPeak RS) was similarly impaired from baseline for match 3 onward during PAS and for match 4 onward with CWI. HRPeak RS was very likely higher with CWI than with PAS (ES 90% CL: +0.80; ±0.56). No effects of match or condition were observed for RS performance, although there were moderate correlations between the changes in HRAverage RS (r 90% CL: –0.33; ±0.14), HRPeak RS (r 90% CL: –0.38; ±0.13), and RS performance.

Conclusion:

CWI facilitated cardiac parasympathetic reactivation after a simulated rugby sevens match. The decline in average and peak HR across matches was partially attenuated by CWI. This decline was moderately correlated with a reduction in RS performance.
Developmental Trajectories in Early Sport Specialization: A Case for Early Sampling from a Physical Growth and Motor Development Perspective
Authors: Goodway Jacqueline D. , Robinson Leah E.
Published: September 2015

This commentary examines the argument for early sport specialization versus sport sampling from a physical growth and motor development perspective. Three developmental frameworks are examined (Mountain of Motor Development, Developmental Model of Sport Participation, Spirals of Engagement Trajectory model) to make the case that a broad base of fundamental motor skill competence is necessary in the early years before sport specialization in the adolescent years. Early sport specialization is criticized from the standpoint of increased risk for overuse injury, concerns about long-term growth, and the fact that early and intense practice schedules often do not differentiate elite versus nonelite athletes. A strong argument is made for early sport sampling to acquire a broad base of fundamental motor skills to apply to different sports, and to allow physical maturity to develop before specializing in sport. Such an approach also better equips a child to be active across the lifespan.
Conjuring chemical cornucopias out of thin air
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: September 2015

Economic barriers to solar fuels are driving research into making other chemicals from similar recipes.
How single cells work together
Authors: Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: September 2015

Are single-celled symbioses organelle evolution in action?
Genomic correlates of response to CTLA-4 blockade in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Van Allen Eliezer M. , Miao Diana , Schilling Bastian , Shukla Sachet A. , Blank Christian , Zimmer Lisa , Sucker Antje , Hillen Uwe , Geukes Foppen Marnix H. , Goldinger Simone M. , Utikal Jochen , Hassel Jessica C. , Weide Benjamin , Kaehler Katharina C. , Loquai Carmen , Mohr Peter , Gutzmer Ralf , Dummer Reinhard , Gabriel Stacey , Wu Catherine J. , Schadendorf Dirk , Garraway Levi A.
Published: September 2015

Is cancer immunotherapy a private affair?

Immune checkpoint blockade, a relatively new cancer treatment, substantially extends the survival of a subset of patients. Previous work has shown that patients whose tumors harbor the largest number of mutations—and thus produce a large number of “neoantigens” recognized as foreign by the immune system—are most likely to benefit. Expanding on these earlier studies, Van Allen
et al.
studied over 100 patients with melanoma and found a similar correlation (see the Perspective by Gubin and Schreiber). There was no evidence, however, that specific neoantigen sequences were shared by patients who responded.

Science
, this issue p.
207
, see also p.
158
Draft Genome Sequence of Parabacteroides goldsteinii with Putative Novel Metallo-β-Lactamases Isolated from a Blood Culture from a Human Patient
Authors: Krogh Thøger Jensen , Agergaard Charlotte Nielsen , Møller-Jensen Jakob , Justesen Ulrik Stenz
Published: September 2015

Parabacteroides goldsteinii
was isolated from a blood culture. Genomic DNA was sequenced using a MiSeq sequencer and assembled using the SPAdes genome assembler. The draft genome sequence was 6,851,868 bp, spanning 282 contigs of 5,253 coding sequences, 66 tRNAs, and 5 rRNAs. Several putative novel metallo-β-lactamases were discovered.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Chromobacterium subtsugae Isolates from Wild and Cultivated Cranberry Bogs in Southeastern Massachusetts
Authors: Vöing Kristin , Harrison Alisha , Soby Scott D.
Published: September 2015

Chromobacterium subtsugae
was isolated from cranberry bogs in Massachusetts. While it is unknown what environmental role these bacteria play in bog soils, they hold potential as biological control agents against the larvae of insect pests. Potential virulence genes were identified, including the violacein synthesis pathway, siderophores, and several chitinases.
Importance of early cardiac rehabilitation on changes in exercise capacity: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: McPhee Patrick G. , Winegard Karen J. , MacDonald Maureen J. , McKelvie Robert S. , Millar Philip J.
Published: September 2015

Graded cardiopulmonary exercise tests were analyzed from 62 coronary artery disease patients (n = 48 males; age, 72 ± 10 years; body mass index, 27 ± 4 kg/m2) before and after 18 ± 2 months of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Early initiation of CR (<114 days) produced greater increases in peak metabolic equivalents (METs) compared with the late (≥114 days) CR group (68% ± 51% vs. 41% ± 39%, p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between CR delay and peak METs (r = −0.32; p = 0.02). Early initiation of CR may be important to maximize cardiorespiratory adaptations to chronic exercise training.
Regulation of skeletal muscle capillary growth in exercise and disease
Authors: Haas Tara L. , Nwadozi Emmanuel
Published: September 2015

Capillaries, which are the smallest and most abundant type of blood vessel, form the primary site of gas, nutrient, and waste transfer between the vascular and tissue compartments. Skeletal muscle exhibits the capacity to generate new capillaries (angiogenesis) as an adaptation to exercise training, thus ensuring that the heightened metabolic demand of the active muscle is matched by an improved capacity for distribution of gases, nutrients, and waste products. This review summarizes the current understanding of the regulation of skeletal muscle capillary growth. The multi-step process of angiogenesis is coordinated through the integration of a diverse array of signals associated with hypoxic, metabolic, hemodynamic, and mechanical stresses within the active muscle. The contributions of metabolic and mechanical factors to the modulation of key pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules are discussed within the context of responses to a single aerobic exercise bout and short-term and long-term training. Finally, the paradoxical lack of angiogenesis in peripheral artery disease and diabetes and the implications for disease progression and muscle health are discussed. Future studies that emphasize an integrated analysis of the mechanisms that control skeletal muscle capillary growth will enable development of targeted exercise programs that effectively promote angiogenesis in healthy individuals and in patient populations.
Psychology of Habit
Authors: Wood Wendy , Rünger Dennis
Published: September 2015

As the proverbial creatures of habit, people tend to repeat the same behaviors in recurring contexts. This review characterizes habits in terms of their cognitive, motivational, and neurobiological properties. In so doing, we identify three ways that habits interface with deliberate goal pursuit: First, habits form as people pursue goals by repeating the same responses in a given context. Second, as outlined in computational models, habits and deliberate goal pursuit guide actions synergistically, although habits are the efficient, default mode of response. Third, people tend to infer from the frequency of habit performance that the behavior must have been intended. We conclude by applying insights from habit research to understand stress and addiction as well as the design of effective interventions to change health and consumer behaviors.
Remembering Preservation in Hippocampal Amnesia
Authors: Clark Ian A. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: September 2015

The lesion-deficit model dominates neuropsychology. This is unsurprising given powerful demonstrations that focal brain lesions can affect specific aspects of cognition. Nowhere is this more evident than in patients with bilateral hippocampal damage. In the past 60 years, the amnesia and other impairments exhibited by these patients have helped to delineate the functions of the hippocampus and shape the field of memory. We do not question the value of this approach. However, less prominent are the cognitive processes that remain intact following hippocampal lesions. Here, we collate the piecemeal reports of preservation of function following focal bilateral hippocampal damage, highlighting a wealth of information often veiled by the field's focus on deficits. We consider how a systematic understanding of what is preserved as well as what is lost could add an important layer of precision to models of memory and the hippocampus.
A genetic variant of cortactin linked to acute lung injury impairs lamellipodia dynamics and endothelial wound healing
Authors: Choi Sangwook , Camp Sara M. , Dan Arkaprava , Garcia Joe G. N. , Dudek Steven M. , Leckband Deborah E.
Published: September 2015

Inflammatory mediators released in acute lung injury (ALI) trigger the disruption of interendothelial junctions, leading to loss of vascular barrier function, protein-rich pulmonary edema, and severe hypoxemia. Genetic signatures that predict patient recovery or disease progression are poorly defined, but recent genetic screening of ALI patients has identified an association between lung inflammatory disease and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene for the actin-binding and barrier-regulatory protein cortactin. This study investigated the impact of this disease-linked cortactin variant on wound healing processes that may contribute to endothelial barrier restoration. A microfabricated platform was used to quantify wound healing in terms of gap closure speed, lamellipodia dynamics, and cell velocity. Overexpression of wild-type cortactin in endothelial cells (ECs) improved directional cell motility and enhanced lamellipodial protrusion length, resulting in enhanced gap closure rates. By contrast, the cortactin SNP impaired wound closure and cell locomotion, consistent with the observed reduction in lamellipodial protrusion length and persistence. Overexpression of the cortactin SNP in lung ECs mitigated the barrier-enhancing activity of sphingosine 1-phosphate. These findings suggest that this common cortactin variant may functionally contribute to ALI predisposition by impeding endothelial wound healing.
SGLT inhibitors attenuate NO-dependent vascular relaxation in the pulmonary artery but not in the coronary artery
Authors: Han Ying , Cho Young-Eun , Ayon Ramon , Guo Rui , Youssef Katia D. , Pan Minglin , Dai Anzhi , Yuan Jason X.-J. , Makino Ayako
Published: September 2015

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT)2 are a new class of oral drugs for type 2 diabetic patients that reduce plasma glucose levels by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption. There is increasing evidence showing the beneficial effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on glucose control; however, less information is available regarding the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes. The present study was designed to determine whether SGLT inhibitors regulate vascular relaxation in mouse pulmonary and coronary arteries. Phlorizin (a nonspecific SGLT inhibitor) and canagliflozin (a SGLT2-specific inhibitor) relaxed pulmonary arteries in a dose-dependent manner, but they had little or no effect on coronary arteries. Pretreatment with phlorizin or canagliflozin significantly inhibited sodium nitroprusside (SNP; a nitric oxide donor)-induced vascular relaxation in pulmonary arteries but not in coronary arteries. Phlorizin had no effect on cGMP-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries. SNP induced membrane hyperpolarization in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and pretreatment of cells with phlorizin and canagliflozin attenuated SNP-induced membrane hyperpolarization by decreasing K+ activities induced by SNP. Contrary to the result observed in ex vivo experiments with SGLT inhibitors, SNP-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries was not altered by chronic administration of canagliflozin. On the other hand, canagliflozin administration significantly enhanced SNP-dependent relaxation in coronary arteries in diabetic mice. These data suggest that SGLT inhibitors differentially regulate vascular relaxation depending on the type of arteries, duration of the treatment, and health condition, such as diabetes.
Efficient Mitochondrial Genome Editing by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Jo Areum , Ham Sangwoo , Lee Gum Hwa , Lee Yun-Il , Kim SangSeong , Lee Yun-Song , Shin Joo-Ho , Lee Yunjong
Published: September 2015

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has been widely used for nuclear DNA editing to generate mutations or correct specific disease alleles. Despite its flexible application, it has not been determined if CRISPR/Cas9, originally identified as a bacterial defense system against virus, can be targeted to mitochondria for mtDNA editing. Here, we show that regular FLAG-Cas9 can localize to mitochondria to edit mitochondrial DNA with sgRNAs targeting specific loci of the mitochondrial genome. Expression of FLAG-Cas9 together with gRNA targeting Cox1 and Cox3 leads to cleavage of the specific mtDNA loci. In addition, we observed disruption of mitochondrial protein homeostasis following mtDNA truncation or cleavage by CRISPR/Cas9. To overcome nonspecific distribution of FLAG-Cas9, we also created a mitochondria-targeted Cas9 (mitoCas9). This new version of Cas9 localizes only to mitochondria; together with expression of gRNA targeting mtDNA, there is specific cleavage of mtDNA. MitoCas9-induced reduction of mtDNA and its transcription leads to mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and cell growth inhibition. This mitoCas9 could be applied to edit mtDNA together with gRNA expression vectors without affecting genomic DNA. In this brief study, we demonstrate that mtDNA editing is possible using CRISPR/Cas9. Moreover, our development of mitoCas9 with specific localization to the mitochondria should facilitate its application for mitochondrial genome editing.
How Well Do Gridded Datasets of Observed Daily Precipitation Compare over Australia?
Authors: Contractor Steefan , Alexander Lisa V. , Donat Markus G. , Herold Nicholas
Published: September 2015

Daily gridded precipitation data are needed for investigating spatiotemporal variability of precipitation, including extremes; however, uncertainties related to daily precipitation products are large. Here, we compare a range of precipitation grids for Australia. These datasets include products derived solely from in situ observations (interpolated datasets) and two products that combine both remote sensed data and in situ observations. We find that all precipitation grids have similar climatologies for annual aggregated precipitation totals and annual maximum precipitation. The temporal correlations of daily precipitation values are higher between the interpolated datasets, but the correlations between the most widely used interpolated product (AWAP) and the two remotely sensed products (TRMM and GPCP) are still reasonable. Our results, however, point to distinct structural uncertainties between those datasets gridding in situ observations and those datasets deriving precipitation estimates primarily from satellite measurements. All datasets analysed agree well for low to moderate daily precipitation amounts up to about 20 mm but diverge at upper quantiles, indicating that substantial uncertainty exists in gridded precipitation extremes over Australia.
Numerical Solution of Continuation Problem for 3D Steady-State Diffusion in Cylindrically Layered Medium
Authors: Kulbay Magira , Maussumbekova Saule , Mukanova Balgaisha
Published: September 2015

This work is based on the application of Fourier and quasi-solution methods for solving the continuation inverse problem for 3D steady-state diffusion model inside a cylindrical layered medium. The diffusion coefficient is supposed to be a piecewise constant function, Cauchy data are given on the outer boundary of the cylinder, and we seek to recover the temperature at the inner boundary of the cylinder. Numerical experiments are investigated and show the capacity of proposed method only for smooth boundary condition. Under the suitable choice of regularization parameters we recover the distribution of temperature on the inner boundary with satisfactory quality for noisy data.
Hyaluronan Synthase: The Mechanism of Initiation at the Reducing End and a Pendulum Model for Polysaccharide Translocation to the Cell Exterior
Authors: Weigel Paul H.
Published: September 2015

Hyaluronan (HA) biosynthesis has been studied for over six decades, but our understanding of the biochemical details of how HA synthase (HAS) assembles HA is still incomplete. Class I family members include mammalian and streptococcal HASs, the focus of this review, which add new intracellular sugar-UDPs at the reducing end of growing hyaluronyl-UDP chains. HA-producing cells typically create extracellular HA coats (capsules) and also secrete HA into the surrounding space. Since HAS contains multiple transmembrane domains and is lipid-dependent, we proposed in 1999 that it creates an intraprotein HAS-lipid pore through which a growing HA-UDP chain is translocated continuously across the cell membrane to the exterior. We review here the evidence for a synthase pore-mediated polysaccharide translocation process and describe a possible mechanism (the Pendulum Model) and potential energy sources to drive this ATP-independent process. HA synthases also synthesize chitin oligosaccharides, which are created by cleavage of novel oligo-chitosyl-UDP products. The synthesis of chitin-UDP oligomers by HAS confirms the reducing end mechanism for sugar addition during HA assembly by streptococcal and mammalian Class I enzymes. These new findings indicate the possibility that HA biosynthesis is initiated by the ability of HAS to use chitin-UDP oligomers as self-primers.
Synthesis, Herbicidal Evaluation, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Benzophenone Oxime Ether Derivatives
Authors: Ma Jimei , Ma Mingwei , Sun Linhao , Zeng Zhen , Jiang Hong
Published: September 2015

A novel series of benzophenone oxime ether derivatives with tertiary amine groups were synthesized and their herbicidal activities of 24 compounds againstOryza sativa, Sorghum sudanense, Brassica chinensis, andAmaranthus mangostanusL. were also evaluated. Most of these compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effect on root growth at 20 ppm. Based on the herbicidal activity data, computational Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis and molecular docking were undertaken. CoMFA contour maps were generated for the design of benzophenone oxime ether analogues with enhancing activity.
Utilization of Glycosaminoglycans/Proteoglycans as Carriers for Targeted Therapy Delivery
Authors: Misra Suniti , Hascall Vincent C. , Atanelishvili Ilia , Moreno Rodriguez Ricardo , Markwald Roger R. , Ghatak Shibnath
Published: September 2015

The outcome of patients with cancer has improved significantly in the past decade with the incorporation of drugs targeting cell surface adhesive receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, and modulation of several molecules of extracellular matrices (ECMs), the complex composite of collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans that dictates tissue architecture. Cancer tissue invasive processes progress by various oncogenic strategies, including interfering with ECM molecules and their interactions with invasive cells. In this review, we describe how the ECM components, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, influence tumor cell signaling. In particular this review describes how the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) and its major receptor CD44 impact invasive behavior of tumor cells, and provides useful insight when designing new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cancer.