bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of shoot and root size on nitrogen uptake in wheat is affected by nitrate affinity in the roots during early growth
Authors: Pang Jiayin , Milroy Stephen P. , Rebetzke Gregory J. , Palta Jairo A.
Published: November 2015

Shoot and root system size influences N uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Previously, we showed that four wheat genotypes with different biomass had similar N uptake at tillering. In the present study, we determined whether the similarity in N uptake in these genotypes was associated with genotypic differences in the affinity of the root system for NO3– uptake. Kinetic parameters of NO3– uptake were measured in hydroponic seedlings of vigorous and nonvigorous early growth wheat genotypes by exposing them to solutions with differing concentrations of K15NO3 for 15 min. In the low concentration range, the high-affinity transport system of the nonvigorous cultivar Janz showed a higher maximum influx rate than the three vigorous lines and a higher affinity than two of the three vigorous lines. At high NO3– concentrations, where the low-affinity transport system was functional, the responsiveness of NO3– uptake to external concentrations was greater in Janz than in the vigorous lines. Both the high- and low-affinity transport systems were inducible. The genotypic variation in the kinetic parameters of NO3– uptake was large enough to offset differences in morphological traits and should be considered in efforts to improve N uptake. In a field trial, the growth and N uptake performance of the four wheat genotypes was investigated over the winter–spring growing season (June–November of 2010). The field trial showed that although early N uptake was disproportionately large relative to biomass accumulation, the differences in uptake at tillering can be changed by subsequent patterns of uptake.
Gordon Leslie Ada 1922–2012
Authors: Nossal Gustav , Parish Christopher
Published: November 2015

GordonAda, an outstanding virologist and immunologist,was the first to demonstrate that the influenza virus genome is composed of RNA, not DNA. In immunology he provided evidence that refuted the template theory of antibody formation and performed elegant experiments to prove Burnet's Clonal Selection Theory. His administrative skills created a research environment that nurtured the Doherty-Zinkernagel Nobel Prize in viral immunology and allowed him to assist WHO and others greatly in developing effective vaccines.
121 FIXED-TIME LAPAROSCOPIC OVIDUCTAL ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (LO-AI) WITH FROZEN-THAWED SEMEN IN PALLAS
Authors: Swanson W. F. , Bateman H. L. , Herrick J. R. , Lyons L. A. , Vansandt L. M.
Published: November 2015

The Pallas’ cat, a small-sized felid native to Central Asia, is becoming increasingly threatened in the wild. Their ex situ conservation would benefit from effective assisted reproduction methods, especially AI using frozen semen. In our previous research, we showed that laparoscopic oviductal AI (LO-AI) with low numbers of freshly collected spermatozoa could be used to produce viable offspring in Pallas’ cats. In the current study, our goal was to assess the feasibility of LO-AI with frozen semen, using a fixed time AI approach that has proven highly successful in domestic cats. Our specific objectives were to 1) compare two doses of oral progestin for suppressing ovarian function in Pallas’ cats and 2) assess ovarian responsiveness and fertility following gonadotropin treatment and fixed time AI with frozen-thawed sperm. Pallas’ cats (n = 5; 6 AI) housed at 4 zoos were fed altrenogest at 1 of 2 doses (0.088 or 0.176 mg kg–1 of body weight; 3 cats/dose) for 14–30 consecutive days. Six days after altrenogest cessation, females were injected (IM) with 200 IU of eCG followed 85 h later with 1000 IU of pLH, and inseminated (1–2.5 × 106 motile sperm/oviduct) using either frozen-thawed (5 AI) or freshly-collected (1 AI) sperm from 1 or 2 males. Endocrine profiles and pregnancy status were assessed with fecal estrogen/progestin EIA, and offspring paternity was determined with short tandem repeat molecular marker analysis. Following altrenogest treatment and gonadotropin injection, all females had pronounced estrogen surges and subsequently ovulated with no difference (P > 0.05) between altrenogest doses in CL (9.0 ± 1.5; mean ± standard error of the mean) or follicle (1.5 ± 1.1) number at time of AI. Following AI, five females had prolonged luteal phases (>50 days) consistent with early pregnancy. Two of these females had detectable urine relaxin at 45–55 days post-AI, indicative of functional placentae, but did not produce any kittens. A third female gave birth to a full-term (80 g of BW) stillborn kitten after a 76-day gestation. Paternity analysis revealed that the kitten was conceived from semen frozen 22 years earlier. These results indicate that oral progestin treatment permits consistent induction of follicular growth and ovulation in Pallas’ cats for fixed-time LO-AI. Although at least 3 females had probable conception, their failure to produce viable kittens suggests possible aberrations in luteal function or pregnancy maintenance. The birth of the first Pallas’ cat kitten following LO-AI with frozen semen (stored for more than 2 decades) provides evidence that this approach may have conservation merit with further refinement.
This study was funded by a Collection Stewardship Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with assistance of veterinary and animal care staff at the Cincinnati Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Pueblo Zoo and Red River Zoo.
Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis but not Mycoplasma genitalium in New Zealand
Authors: Oliphant Jeannie , Azariah Sunita
Published: November 2015

Background
There is a paucity of studies looking at associations between Mycoplasma genitalium and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of M. genitalium in women attending a sexual health service in New Zealand and secondly to examine for an association of M. genitalium with PID. Methods: Women consecutively attending the service for a sexual health screen (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis) were recruited to establish a baseline prevalence of M. genitalium. An extra cervical swab was taken for the detection of M. genitalium. Recruitment of additional women with a clinical diagnosis of PID continued until a sufficient sample size was obtained to examine the association of PID with M. genitalium. Women in the baseline sample without PID were used as the control group. Results: The control group included 250 women, with M. genitalium diagnosed in 8.7% (95% CI 5.8–12.9%) and C. trachomatis in 9.9% (95% CI 6.8–14.2%). Ninety-one women were recruited with PID; M. genitalium was diagnosed in 9.9% (95% CI 5.3–17.7%) and C. trachomatis in 27.5% (95% CI 19.4–37.4%). Multivariate analysis using clinically relevant variables showed that a diagnosis of C. trachomatis (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.24–4.81) but not M. genitalium (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.38–2.20) was significantly associated with a PID diagnosis. Conclusions: M. genitalium was almost as commonly diagnosed as C. trachomatis in this population. C. trachomatis was the only infection that was significantly associated with PID.
Sexual health among female Aboriginal university students in the Maritime Provinces of Canada: risk behaviours and health services use
Authors: Wilson Kevin , Steenbeek Audrey , Asbridge Mark , Cragg Amber , Langille Donald B.
Published: November 2015

Background
Young Aboriginal Canadian people are at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes, including sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Associations between Aboriginal ethnicity and sexual risk behaviours and related health services use among sexually active female university students in eastern Canada were examined. Methods: A secondary analysis of online survey data collected from sexually active female university students under age 30 years from eight post-secondary institutions in the Maritime Provinces of Canada was carried out (N = 5010). Students were asked about their ethnic backgrounds, health services use and sexual health behaviours. Logistic regressions were used to compare Aboriginal students to Caucasian students regarding their sexual health behaviours and services use. Results: In adjusted analyses, Aboriginal students were seen to be more likely to not have used a condom (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.34–4.18) or any form of effective contraception (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.75–5.31) at last intercourse. They also were more likely to report any lifetime testing for pregnancy (OR 5.81; 95% CI 3.07–10.99) and STIs (OR 2.95; 95% CI 1.11–7.82). Aboriginal students accessed university health services as often as their Caucasian counterparts. Conclusions: Aboriginal women attending university in the Maritime Provinces of Canada engage in greater sexual risk taking than Caucasian women and report more related testing. Health services providers working with university students should be aware of these lower rates of barrier protection and use of contraception among Aboriginal women, and use healthcare visits as opportunities to engage these women in reducing their sexual risk taking.
Capillary-induced giant elastic dipoles in thin nematic films
Authors: Jeridi Haifa , Gharbi Mohamed A. , Othman Tahar , Blanc Christophe
Published: November 2015

Significance

The coupling of capillarity and elasticity at liquid crystal interfaces is an emerging topic driven by the ability of both mechanisms to guide the self-assembly of microparticles into ordered structures. In this research, we explore fundamental questions about how capillary deformations at liquid crystal interfaces can affect the texture around particles captured in thin nematic films. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, the formation of giant elastic dipoles and develop a fuller understanding of their creation. The understanding of such elastocapillary effects could lead to new opportunities to control the spatial organization of colloidal particles and develop novel classes of reconfigurable materials that are highly interesting for technological applications.
Designed protein reveals structural determinants of extreme kinetic stability
Authors: Broom Aron , Ma S. Martha , Xia Ke , Rafalia Hitesh , Trainor Kyle , Colón Wilfredo , Gosavi Shachi , Meiering Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Much research has focused on the molecular basis for protein thermodynamic stability; by comparison, kinetic stability is much less understood. Thermodynamics define the equilibrium fraction of unfolded protein while kinetics define the rate of unfolding; the latter can be of great practical importance for ensuring a protein remains folded under biological conditions. Using extensive experimental and modeling analyses we show that ThreeFoil, a small glycan binding protein without disulfides, exhibits outstanding kinetic stability against chemical denaturation and proteolytic degradation. We demonstrate that high kinetic stability is successfully modeled in terms of extensive long-range intramolecular interactions. These results show that topological complexity is a key determinant of kinetic stability which should help in designing proteins to withstand harsh conditions.
A vacuolar phosphate transporter essential for phosphate homeostasis inArabidopsis
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Yang Lei , Luan Mingda , Wang Yuan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Bin , Shi Jisen , Zhao Fu-Geng , Lan Wenzhi , Luan Sheng
Published: November 2015

Significance

Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and inorganic phosphate (Pi) is stored largely in the vacuole of plant cells. Thus, vacuolar Pi maintains homeostasis of cytosolic Pi to ensure an optimal Pi supply for plants under variable Pi status in the soil. This study uncovered inArabidopsisa vacuolar phosphate transporter, VPT1, that mediates vacuolar Pi sequestration. Lack of VPT1 caused growth defects under both low-Pi and high-Pi conditions, implicating VPT1 in plant adaptation to constantly changing Pi levels in the environment. This finding not only supplies a missing link in our understanding of vacuolar Pi storage and homeostasis, but also provides a new path for engineering crops that can better adapt to variable Pi availability in the soil.
Mapping landscape friction to locate isolated tsetse populations that are candidates for elimination
Authors: Bouyer Jérémy , Dicko Ahmadou H. , Cecchi Giuliano , Ravel Sophie , Guerrini Laure , Solano Philippe , Vreysen Marc J. B. , De Meeûs Thierry , Lancelot Renaud
Published: November 2015

Significance

Tsetse flies transmit human and animal trypanosomoses in Africa, respectively a neglected disease (sleeping sickness) and the most important constraint to cattle production in infested countries (nagana), and they are the target of the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomoses Eradication Campaign (PATTEC). Here, we used genetic distances and remotely sensed environmental data to identify natural barriers to tsetse dispersal and potentially isolated tsetse populations for targeting elimination programs. The method can be used to prioritize intervention areas within the PATTEC initiative and it is applicable to the control campaigns of other vector and pest species, as well as to the conservation of endangered species in fragmented habitats.
Evidence of Landlocked Chinook Salmon Populations in California
Authors: Perales K. Martin , Rowan Jay , Moyle Peter B.
Published: November 2015

Natural reproduction of adfluvial Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha has been documented in their native and introduced range but not in California, the southern end of their native range. A combination of anecdotal evidence and survey data suggests that successful spawning by Chinook Salmon reared in California reservoirs could be common. The planted juveniles are often from different basins and are genetically distinguishable from local salmon populations below reservoirs. Consequently, the possibility of behavioral and genetic interactions may lead to complications of restoration efforts via trap and haul programs. The full extent of this phenomenon needs to be documented before trap and haul programs are initiated to reintroduce salmon above reservoirs.
Endothelial NOTCH1 is suppressed by circulating lipids and antagonizes inflammation during atherosclerosis
Authors: Briot Anaïs , Civelek Mete , Seki Atsuko , Hoi Karen , Mack Julia J. , Lee Stephen D. , Kim Jason , Hong Cynthia , Yu Jingjing , Fishbein Gregory A. , Vakili Ladan , Fogelman Alan M. , Fishbein Michael C. , Lusis Aldons J. , Tontonoz Peter , Navab Mohamad , Berliner Judith A. , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa
Published: November 2015

Although much progress has been made in identifying the mechanisms that trigger endothelial activation and inflammatory cell recruitment during atherosclerosis, less is known about the intrinsic pathways that counteract these events. Here we identified NOTCH1 as an antagonist of endothelial cell (EC) activation. NOTCH1 was constitutively expressed by adult arterial endothelium, but levels were significantly reduced by high-fat diet. Furthermore, treatment of human aortic ECs (HAECs) with inflammatory lipids (oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [Ox-PAPC]) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF and IL1β) decreased Notch1 expression and signaling in vitro through a mechanism that requires STAT3 activation. Reduction of NOTCH1 in HAECs by siRNA, in the absence of inflammatory lipids or cytokines, increased inflammatory molecules and binding of monocytes. Conversely, some of the effects mediated by Ox-PAPC were reversed by increased NOTCH1 signaling, suggesting a link between lipid-mediated inflammation and Notch1. Interestingly, reduction of NOTCH1 by Ox-PAPC in HAECs was associated with a genetic variant previously correlated to high-density lipoprotein in a human genome-wide association study. Finally, endothelial Notch1 heterozygous mice showed higher diet-induced atherosclerosis. Based on these findings, we propose that reduction of endothelial NOTCH1 is a predisposing factor in the onset of vascular inflammation and initiation of atherosclerosis.
An observation on generalized Hilbert-Kunz functions
Authors: Vraciu Adela
Published: November 2015

We prove that, under certain assumptions, generalized Hilbert-Kunz multiplicities can be expressed as linear combinations of classical Hilbert-Kunz multiplicities.
Almost isometric constants for partial unconditionality
Authors: Causey R. , Dilworth S.
Published: November 2015

We discuss optimal constants of certain projections on subsequences of weakly null sequences. Positive results yield constants arbitrarily close to

1
1

for Schreier type projections, and arbitrarily close to

1
1

for Elton type projections under the assumption that the weakly null sequence admits no subsequence generating a

c
0

c_0

spreading model. As an application, we prove that a weakly null sequence admitting a spreading model not equivalent to the

c
0

c_0

basis has a quasi-greedy subsequence with quasi-greedy constant arbitrarily close to

1
1

.
Variational problems of total mean curvature of submanifolds in a sphere
Authors: Guo Zhen , Yin Bangchao
Published: November 2015

Let

H

\mathbf {H}

be the mean curvature vector of an

n
n

-dimensional submanifold in a Riemannian manifold. The functional

H

=
∫
‖

H

‖

n

\mathcal {H}=\int \|\mathbf {H}\|^{n}

is called the total mean curvature functional. In this paper, we present the first variational formula of

H

\mathcal {H}

and then, for a critical surface of

H

\mathcal {H}

in the (

2
+
p

2+p

)-dimensional unit sphere

S

2
+
p

\mathbb {S}^{2+p}

, we establish the relationship between the integral of an extrinsic quantity of the surfaces and its Euler characteristic number.
Blood Pressure Out of the Office: Its Time Has Finally Come
Authors: Krakoff Lawrence R.
Published: November 2015

The diagnosis of hypertension includes measurement of blood pressure out of the office by either 24-hour ambulatory monitoring or home blood pressure monitoring. These methods have led to recognition of “white coat hypertension” (WCH) and “masked hypertension” (MH). Research in the 1930s first demonstrated that blood pressures in the office were often far different from those out of the office, at a time when there was no effective treatment. International attention was focused on another imminent world war and a highly controversial election in the United States. Hypertension was not a priority for concern. From the 1950s onward: (i) epidemiology linked hypertension to risk of cardiovascular disease, (ii) effective and safe drugs for treatment of hypertension appeared, (iii) randomized clinical trials demonstrated that drug treatment of hypertension is highly effective for prevention of cardiovascular disease, and (iv) advances in technology led to development of small, portable devices for recording blood pressure noninvasively at home or during usual activities. Accurate measurement of blood pressure in “real life” is now necessary and feasible for appropriate diagnosis and assessment of treatment. Out-of-office blood pressure measurement is emerging as the standard of care for hypertension.
Immediate Postnatal Overfeeding in Rats Programs Aortic Wall Structure
Alterations and Metalloproteinases Dysregulation in Adulthood
Authors: Achard Vincent , Sanchez Caroline , Tassistro Virginie , Verdier Monique , Alessi Marie-Christine , Grino Michel
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Alterations in the nutritional perinatal environment, such as intrauterine growth retardation with subsequent postnatal catch-up growth, program cardiovascular disease in adulthood, possibly through alterations in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. However, experimental evidences demonstrating that changes in the nutritional perinatal environment can program MMP-2 and -9 with subsequent alterations of vessel wall are lacking.

AIM

The current study evaluated whether immediate postnatal overfeeding is able to alter vascular morphological indexes and circulating and/or vascular MMP2-2 and -9 status.

METHODS

Aortic morphology (wall thickness and percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae) and circulating and aortic MMP-2 and -9 activity (measured by gelatin zymography) and aortic MMP-2 and -9 mRNA (measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)) were studied in adult male rats overfed (OF) or normofed (NF) during the immediate postnatal period.

RESULTS

Postnatal overfeeding induced early onset obesity. Adult OF rats presented with increased blood pressure and circulating MMP-2 and -9 activity. In the thoracic aorta, postnatal overfeeding increased wall thickness and decreased elastin integrity (as demonstrated by an increased percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae). OF rats showed enhanced aortic MMP-2 activity and MMP-9 mRNA levels. Circulating and aortic MMP-2 activity correlated positively with the percentage of incomplete elastin lamellae and aortic wall thickness, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate for the first time that immediate postnatal nutritional programming induces increases in circulating and aortic MMP-2 activity with parallel aortic wall alterations, such as decreased elastin integrity and enhanced thickening, showing that this experimental model is suitable for the study of perinatal nutritional programming of vascular functions.
Future projected impacts of ocean warming to potential squid habitat in western and central North Pacific
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , Saitoh Sei-Ichi , Igarashi Hiromichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Usui Norihisa , Kamachi Masafumi , Awaji Toshiyuki , Seito Masaki
Published: November 2015

Climate-driven changes in the marine ecosystem largely influence the distribution, abundance, and the consequent availability of marine resources to the fishery. In this study, we examined the potential habitat distributions of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) under the projected impacts of ocean warming. We used the sea surface temperature (SST) from the three CMIP5 climate scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) with the low to high future emissions. Based on the squid habitat models, SST showed the highest effect on the present potential squid habitat distribution that accounted for at least 60% of the predicted spatial patterns from May to July 2000–2010. This result underpinned the species' high sensitivity to the temperature changes in its feeding environments. Moreover, the projected future potential squid habitats revealed pronounced differences in the spatial and temporal patterns relative to the present habitat distributions across the different regions of the western and central North Pacific. The future squid habitat predictions revealed a net reduction in the suitable squid habitat coupled with the corresponding northward habitat retreat. Moreover, the magnitude of the predicted habitat changes was proportional to the levels of warming for the representative periods from May to July 2025, 2050, and 2100. The highest decrease in the spatial extent and poleward retreat of the potential squid habitat were observed from May to July 2100 under the RCP 8.5 scenario. These trends could translate to shorter squid fishing periods and offshore shifts of the squid fishing grounds. Thus, insights into the future spatio-temporal patterns and trajectories of the potential squid habitats could lend important implications on the availability of squid resources to the fishery and subsequent evaluation of squid fishery management options under climate change.
Effects of long-term exposure to ocean acidification conditions on future southern Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) fisheries management
Authors: Punt André E. , Foy Robert J. , Dalton Michael G. , Long W. Christopher , Swiney Katherine M.
Published: November 2015

Demographic models of pre- and post-recruitment population dynamics were developed to account for the effects of ocean acidification on biological parameters that affect southern Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) larval hatching success and larval and juvenile survival. Projections of stock biomass based on these linked models were used to calculate biological and economic reference points on which fisheries management advice is based and thus provide fisheries managers with strategic advice on the likely long-term consequences of ocean acidification. The models utilized information for southern Tanner crab in the eastern Bering Sea. This information included the monitoring data on which conventional size-structured stock assessments are based, as well as the functional relationships that determine survival based on experiments that evaluated the consequences of ocean acidification over the next 100–200 years on crab larval hatching success, larval survival, and the survival of juvenile crab. The results highlighted that juvenile survival had the largest effect (∼20% decrease over 75 years) on biological and economic reference points, while hatching success, particularly if density dependence occurs after hatching, and larval survival have smaller effects (<10% decrease). Catch and profits would be expected to decrease by >50% in 20 years if natural mortality is affected by ocean acidification. Additional laboratory data on oocyte and embryo development leads to large changes in biological reference points depending on the timing of ocean acidification effects relative to natural mortality. The results highlight the need for experiments to evaluate the longer term physiological effects of ocean acidification on multiple life history stages and to measure indices that directly inform population dynamics models to evaluate future management scenarios.
Fate of the other redcoat: remnants of colonial British foxes in the eastern United States
Authors: Kasprowicz Adrienne E. , Statham Mark J. , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: November 2015

Red foxes were absent or rare in the southeastern United States until the late 1800s. Their origins potentially include natural population increase/expansion, translocations from Europe, and, eventually, 20th century fur farming. Previous studies have found no European haplotypes in North America, but few samples were sourced from the Atlantic coastal plain, closer to the source of putative introductions. Through analysis of mitochondrial DNA in 584 red foxes from this region, we identified indigenous haplotypes in ≥ 35% of foxes, 1 of 2 European haplotypes in 17% of foxes and fur farm haplotypes in ≥ 13% of foxes; another 35% of foxes had haplotypes potentially indigenous or native. In contrast, only 3 of 135 (2%) male foxes carried a single European Y chromosome haplotype. Most European and fur farm haplotypes were found near the densely human-populated coastal plain and Hudson River lowlands; most red foxes of the Appalachians and Piedmont had native eastern haplotypes. Our findings suggest that the more remote, upland populations primarily reflect indigenous red fox matrilines, whereas urban-associated populations in and around the mid-Atlantic coastal plain and Hudson lowlands reflect an admixture of native and nonnative maternal sources. Autosomal markers are needed to further elucidate the extent of European and fur farm introgression in the Appalachians and further west.
Perceptions of Peer-to-Peer Interprofessional Feedback Among Students in the Health Professions
Authors: van Schaik Sandrijn M. , Regehr Glenn , Eva Kevin W. , Irby David M. , O’Sullivan Patricia S.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Interprofessional teamwork should include interprofessional feedback to optimize performance and collaboration. Social identity theory predicts that hierarchy and stereotypes may limit receptiveness to interprofessional feedback, but literature on this is sparse. This study explores perceptions among health professions students regarding interprofessional peer feedback received after a team exercise.

Method

In 2012–2013, students from seven health professions schools (medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, dietetics, and social work) participated in a team-based interprofessional exercise early in clinical training. Afterward, they wrote anonymous feedback comments for each other. Each student subsequently completed an online survey to rate the usefulness and positivity (on five-point scales) of feedback received and guessed each comment’s source. Data analysis included analysis of variance to examine interactions (on usefulness and positivity ratings) between profession of feedback recipients and providers.

Results

Of 353 study participants, 242 (68.6%) accessed the feedback and 221 (62.6%) completed the survey. Overall, students perceived the feedback as useful (means across professions = 3.84–4.27) and positive (means = 4.17–4.86). There was no main effect of profession of the feedback provider, and no interactions between profession of recipient and profession of provider regardless of whether the actual or guessed provider profession was entered into the analysis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that students have positive perceptions of interprofessional feedback without systematic bias against any specific group. Whether students actually use interprofessional feedback for performance improvement and remain receptive toward such feedback as they progress in their professional education deserves further study.
Television-Related Head Injuries in Children
Authors: Lichenstein Richard , Monroe David , Quayle Kimberly S. , Miskin Michelle , Cooper Arthur , Gerardi Michael J. , Callahan James M. , Dayan Peter S. , Holmes James F. , Kuppermann Nathan ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: November 2015

Objective

The objective of the study was to describe the epidemiology, cranial computed tomography (CT) findings, and clinical outcomes of children with blunt head trauma after television tip-over injuries.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of children younger than 18 years prospectively evaluated for blunt head trauma at 25 emergency departments (EDs) in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network from June 2004 to September 2006. Children injured from falling televisions were included. Patients were excluded if injuries occurred more than 24 hours before ED evaluation or if neuroimaging was obtained before evaluation. Data collected included age, race, sex, cranial CT findings, and clinical outcomes. Clinically important traumatic brain injuries (ciTBIs) were defined as death from TBI, neurosurgery, intubation for more than 24 hours for the TBI, or hospital admission of 2 nights or more for the head injury, in association with TBI on CT.

Results

A total of 43,904 children were enrolled into the primary study and 218 (0.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4% to 0.6%) were struck by falling televisions. The median (interquartile range) age of the 218 patients was 3.1 (1.9–4.9) years. Seventy-five (34%) of the 218 underwent CT scanning. Ten (13.3%; 95% CI, 6.6% to 23.2%) of the 75 patients with an ED CT had traumatic findings on cranial CT scan. Six patients met the criteria for ciTBI. Three of these patients died. All 6 patients with ciTBIs were younger than 5 years.

Conclusions

Television tip-overs may cause ciTBIs in children, including death, and the most severe injuries occur in children 5 years or younger. These injuries may be preventable by simple preventive measures such as anchoring television sets with straps.
Gastric pouches and the mucociliary sole: setting the stage for nervous system evolution
Authors: Arendt Detlev , Benito-Gutierrez Elia , Brunet Thibaut , Marlow Heather
Published: November 2015

Prerequisite for tracing nervous system evolution is understanding of the body plan, feeding behaviour and locomotion of the first animals in which neurons evolved. Here, a comprehensive scenario is presented for the diversification of cell types in early metazoans, which enhanced feeding efficiency and led to the emergence of larger animals that were able to move. Starting from cup-shaped, gastraea-like animals with outer and inner choanoflagellate-like cells, two major innovations are discussed that set the stage for nervous system evolution. First, the invention of a mucociliary sole entailed a switch from intra- to extracellular digestion and increased the concentration of nutrients flowing into the gastric cavity. In these animals, an initial nerve net may have evolved via division of labour from mechanosensory-contractile cells in the lateral body wall, enabling coordinated movement of the growing body that involved both mucociliary creeping and changes of body shape. Second, the inner surface of the animals folded into metameric series of gastric pouches, which optimized nutrient resorption and allowed larger body sizes. The concomitant acquisition of bilateral symmetry may have allowed more directed locomotion and, with more demanding coordinative tasks, triggered the evolution of specialized nervous subsystems. Animals of this organizational state would have resembled Ediacarian fossils such asDickinsoniaand may have been close to the cnidarian–bilaterian ancestor. In the bilaterian lineage, the mucociliary sole was used mostly for creeping, or frequently lost. One possible remnant is the enigmatic Reissner's fibre in the ventral neural tube of cephalochordates and vertebrates.
Modularity and Morphometrics: Error Rates in Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Garcia Guilherme , de Oliveira Felipe Bandoni , Marroig Gabriel
Published: November 2015

The study of modularity in morphological systems has increased in the past twenty years, parallel to the popularization of geometric morphometrics, which has led to the emergence of different criteria for detecting modularity on landmark data. However, compared to usual covariance matrix estimators, Procrustes estimators have properties that hinder their use. Here, we compare different representations of form, focusing on detecting modularity patterns defineda priori;we also compare two metrics: one derived from traditional morphometrics (MHI) and another that emerged in the context of landmark data (RV). Using Anthropoid skulls, we compare these metrics over three representations of form: interlandmark distances, Procrustes residuals, and local shape variables. Over Procrustes residuals, both tests fail to detect modularity patterns, while in remaining representations they show the distinction between early and late development in skull ontogeny. To estimate type I and II error rates, we built covariance matrices of known structure; these tests indicate that, considering both effect and sample sizes, tests using MHI are more robust than those using RV. However, both metrics have low power when used on Procrustes residuals. Thus, we conclude that the influence of development and function is poorly represented on Procrustes estimators for covariance matrices.
Dynamical Model of Drug Accumulation in Bacteria: Sensitivity Analysis and Experimentally Testable Predictions
Authors: Vesselinova Neda , Alexandrov Boian S. , Wall Michael E.
Published: November 2015

We present a dynamical model of drug accumulation in bacteria. The model captures key features in experimental time courses on ofloxacin accumulation: initial uptake; two-phase response; and long-term acclimation. In combination with experimental data, the model provides estimates of import and export rates in each phase, the time of entry into the second phase, and the decrease of internal drug during acclimation. Global sensitivity analysis, local sensitivity analysis, and Bayesian sensitivity analysis of the model provide information about the robustness of these estimates, and about the relative importance of different parameters in determining the features of the accumulation time courses in three different bacterial species:Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. The results lead to experimentally testable predictions of the effects of membrane permeability, drug efflux and trapping (e.g., by DNA binding) on drug accumulation. A key prediction is that a sudden increase in ofloxacin accumulation in bothE. coliandS. aureusis accompanied by a decrease in membrane permeability.

Author Summary

Bacteria live or die depending on how much antibiotic gets inside them. Using a simple mathematical model, detailed information about drug import and export can be teased out of time courses of internal drug levels after a sudden exposure. The results suggest that membrane permeability can suddenly decrease during exposure to drug, accompanied by an increase, rather than a decrease, in the internal drug level.
Evidence for the priming effect in a planktonic estuarine microbial community
Authors: Steen Andrew Decker , Quigley Lauren N. M. , Buchan Alison
Published: November 2015

The "priming effect", in which addition of labile substances changes the remineralization rate of recalcitrant organic matter, has been intensively studied in soils, but is less well-documented in aquatic systems. We investigated the extent to which additions of nutrients or labile organic carbon could influence remineralization rates of 14C-labeled, microbially-degraded, phytoplankton-derived organic matter (OM) in microcosms inoculated with microbial communities drawn from Groves Creek Estuary in coastal Georgia, USA. We found that amendment with labile protein plus phosphorus increased remineralization rates of degraded, phytoplankton-derived OM by up to 100%, whereas acetate slightly decreased remineralization rates relative to an unamended control. Addition of ammonium and phosphate induced a smaller effect, whereas addition of ammonium alone had no effect. Counterintuitively, alkaline phosphatase activities increased in response to the addition of protein under P-replete conditions, indicating that production of enzymes unrelated to the labile priming compound may be a mechanism for the priming effect. The observed priming effect was transient: after 36 days of incubation roughly the same quantity of organic carbon had been mineralized in all treatments including no-addition controls. This timescale is on the order of the typical hydrologic residence times of well-flushed estuaries suggesting that priming in estuaries has the potential to influence whether OC is remineralized in situ or exported to the coastal ocean.
Strongly asymmetric hybridization barriers shape the origin of a new polyploid species and its hybrid ancestor
Authors: Vallejo-Marin Marío , Cooley Arielle M. , Yue Qi Michelle Lee , Folmer Madison , McKain Michael R. , Puzey Joshua R.
Published: November 2015

Premise of the study:Hybridization between diploids and tetraploids can lead to new allopolyploid species, often via a triploid intermediate. Viable triploids are often produced asymmetrically, with greater success observed for “maternal-excess” crosses where the mother has a higher ploidy than the father. Here we investigate the evolutionary origins ofMimulus peregrinus, an allohexaploid recently derived from the triploidM. x robertsii, to determine whether reproductive asymmetry has shaped the formation of this new species.

Methods:We used reciprocal crosses between the diploid (M. guttatus) and tetraploid (M. luteus) progenitors to determine the viability of triploidM. x robertsiihybrids resulting from paternal-versus maternal-excess crosses. To investigate whether experimental results predict patterns seen in the field, we performed parentage analyses comparing natural populations ofM. peregrinusto its diploid, tetraploid, and triploid progenitors. Organellar sequences obtained from pre-existing genomic data, supplemented with additional genotyping was used to establish the maternal ancestry of multipleM. peregrinusandM. x robertsiipopulations.

Key results:We find strong evidence for asymmetric origins ofM. peregrinus, but opposite to the common pattern, with paternal-excess crosses significantly more successful than maternal-excess crosses. These results successfully predicted hybrid formation in nature: 111 of 114M. x robertsiiindividuals, and 27 of 27M. peregrinus, had anM. guttatusmaternal haplotype.

Conclusion:This study, which includes the firstMimuluschloroplast genome assembly, demonstrates the utility of parentage analysis through genome skimming. We highlight the benefits of complementing genomic analyses with experimental approaches to understand asymmetry in allopolyploid speciation.
Targeted mutations on 3D hub loci alter spatial interaction environment
Authors: Ding Bo , Zheng Lina , Medovoy David , Wang Wei
Published: November 2015

Many disease-related genotype variations (GVs) reside in non-gene coding regions and the mechanisms of their association with diseases are largely unknown. A possible impact of GVs on disease formation is to alter the spatial organization of chromosome. However, the relationship between GVs and 3D genome structure has not been studied at the chromosome scale. The kilobase resolution of chromosomal structures measured by Hi-C have provided an unprecedented opportunity to tackle this problem. Here we proposed a network-based method to capture global properties of the chromosomal structure. We uncovered that genome organization is scale free and the genomic loci interacting with many other loci in space, termed as hubs, are critical for stabilizing local chromosomal structure. Importantly, we found that cancer-specific GVs target hubs to drastically alter the local chromosomal interactions. These analyses revealed the general principles of 3D genome organization and provided a new direction to pinpoint genotype variations in non-coding regions that are critical for disease formation.
A computational model of inhibition of HIV-1 by interferon-alpha
Authors: Browne Edward P , Letham Benjamin , Rudin Cynthia
Published: November 2015

Type 1 interferons such as interferon-alpha (IFNα) inhibit replication of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) by upregulating the expression of genes that interfere with specific steps in the viral life cycle. This pathway thus represents a potential target for immune-based therapies that can alter the dynamics of host-virus interactions to benefit the host. To obtain a deeper mechanistic understanding of how IFNα impacts spreading HIV-1 infection, we modeled the interaction of HIV-1 with CD4 T cells and IFNαas a dynamical system. This model was then tested using experimental data from a cell culture model of spreading HIV-1 infection. We found that a model in which IFNαinduces reversible cellular states that block both early and late stages of HIV-1 infection, combined with a saturating rate of conversion to these states, was able to successfully fit the experimental dataset. Sensitivity analysis showed that the potency of inhibition by IFNαwas particularly dependent on specific network parameters and rate constants. This model will be useful for designing new therapies targeting the IFNαnetwork in HIV-1-infected individuals, as well as potentially serving as a template for understanding the interaction of IFNαwith other viruses.

Author Summary

Interferon-alpha (IFNα) is a key component of the host response to HIV-1, but the details of how IFNαregulates infection are still incompletely understood. To provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of how IFNαinhibits HIV-1, we simulated the interaction of IFNαand HIV-1 as a computational model and compared this model to an experimental dataset. We identify a model structure that is able to fit many key features of the data. Furthermore, we use the model to predict optimal strategies for targeting the IFNαpathway therapeutically. We anticipate that this model will be useful for further analysis of HIV-IFNα interactions and will help to guide new therapeutic strategies.
The pig X and Y Chromosomes: structure, sequence, and evolution
Authors: Skinner Benjamin M. , Sargent Carole A. , Churcher Carol , Hunt Toby , Herrero Javier , Loveland Jane E. , Dunn Matt , Louzada Sandra , Fu Beiyuan , Chow William , Gilbert James , Austin-Guest Siobhan , Beal Kathryn , Carvalho-Silva Denise , Cheng William , Gordon Daria , Grafham Darren , Hardy Matt , Harley Jo , Hauser Heidi , Howden Philip , Howe Kerstin , Lachani Kim , Ellis Peter J.I. , Kelly Daniel , Kerry Giselle , Kerwin James , Ng Bee Ling , Threadgold Glen , Wileman Thomas , Wood Jonathan M.D. , Yang Fengtang , Harrow Jen , Affara Nabeel A. , Tyler-Smith Chris
Published: November 2015

We have generated an improved assembly and gene annotation of the pig X Chromosome, and a first draft assembly of the pig Y Chromosome, by sequencing BAC and fosmid clones from Duroc animals and incorporating information from optical mapping and fiber-FISH. The X Chromosome carries 1033 annotated genes, 690 of which are protein coding. Gene order closely matches that found in primates (including humans) and carnivores (including cats and dogs), which is inferred to be ancestral. Nevertheless, several protein-coding genes present on the human X Chromosome were absent from the pig, and 38 pig-specific X-chromosomal genes were annotated, 22 of which were olfactory receptors. The pig Y-specific Chromosome sequence generated here comprises 30 megabases (Mb). A 15-Mb subset of this sequence was assembled, revealing two clusters of male-specific low copy number genes, separated by an ampliconic region including the HSFY gene family, which together make up most of the short arm. Both clusters contain palindromes with high sequence identity, presumably maintained by gene conversion. Many of the ancestral X-related genes previously reported in at least one mammalian Y Chromosome are represented either as active genes or partial sequences. This sequencing project has allowed us to identify genes—both single copy and amplified—on the pig Y Chromosome, to compare the pig X and Y Chromosomes for homologous sequences, and thereby to reveal mechanisms underlying pig X and Y Chromosome evolution.