bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Analysis of the Multi‐layer Detachment Folding in Eastern Sichuan Province
Authors: WANG Zongxiu , ZHANG Jin , LI Tao , XIE Guoai , MA Zongjin
Published: March 2015

A serial of “comb‐like and trough‐like” folds developed in eastern Sichuan, controlled by the multi‐layer detachment folding, is different from the classical Jura‐type structure in their development. The key factor resulting in the development of these structures is the occurrence of detachment layers in different parts of Neoprotozoic to Mesozoic stratigraphy of study area, which, from the bottom to the top, are the lower part of Banxi Group, Lower Cambrian (Niutitang Formation), Lower Silurian (Longmaxi Formation and Luoreping Formation), Upper Permian (Wujiaping Formation) and Lower Triassic (Daye Formation). On the basis of field survey combined with sand‐box modeling, this study argued that the detachment layer of the lower part of Banxi Group controlled the development of the “comb‐like” folds, and the lower part of Cambrian detachment layer controlled the development of “trough‐like” folds. Because of several detachment layers occurring in the study area, the development of duplex structures different scales is an important deformation mechanism, and the duplexes are the important structures distinguished from the typical detachment folding structures. Due to these duplexes, the surface structures and structural highs may not be the structural highs in the depth. Meanwhile, the detachment layers are good channels for oil/gas migration benefiting the understanding of accumulation and migration of oil and gas.
Carry‐over effects of winter habitat quality on en route timing and condition of a migratory passerine during spring migration
Authors: Paxton Kristina L. , Moore Frank R.
Published: March 2015

We examined how conditions prior to migration influenced migration performance of two breeding populations of black‐and‐white warblers Mniotilta varia by linking information on the migrant's winter habitat quality, measured via stable carbon isotopes, with information on their breeding destination, measured via stable hydrogen isotopes. The quality of winter habitat strongly influenced the timing of migration when we accounted for differential timing of migration between breeding populations. Among birds migrating to the same breeding destination, males and females arriving early to the stopover site originated from more mesic habitat than later arriving birds, suggesting that the benefits of occupying high‐quality mesic habitat during the winter positively influence the timing of migration. However, male warblers arriving early to the stopover site were not in better migratory condition than later arriving conspecifics that originated from poor‐quality xeric winter habitat, regardless of breeding destination. The two breeding populations stopover at the study site during different time periods, suggesting that the lower migratory condition of early birds is not a function of the time of season, but potentially a migrant's migration strategy. Strong selection pressures to arrive early on the breeding grounds to secure high‐quality breeding territories may drive males from high‐quality winter habitat to minimize time at the expense of energy. This migration strategy would result in a smaller margin of safety to buffer the effects of adverse weather or scarcity of food, increasing the risk of mortality. The migratory condition of females was the same regardless of the timing of migration or breeding destination, suggesting that females adopt a strategy that conserves energy during migration. This study fills an important gap in our understanding of the linkages between winter habitat quality and factors that influence the performance of migration, the phase of the annual cycle thought to be limiting most migratory bird populations.
A molecular analysis of the patterns of genetic diversity in local chickens from western Algeria in comparison with commercial lines and wild jungle fowls
Authors: Mahammi F. Z. , Gaouar S. B. S. , Laloë D. , Faugeras R. , Tabet‐Aoul N. , Rognon X. , Tixier‐Boichard M. , Saidi‐Mehtar N.
Published: March 2015

The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic variability of village chickens from three agro‐ecological regions of western Algeria: coastal (CT), inland plains (IP) and highlands (HL), to reveal any underlying population structure, and to evaluate potential genetic introgression from commercial lines into local populations. A set of 233 chickens was genotyped with a panel of 23 microsatellite markers. Geographical coordinates were individually recorded. Eight reference populations were included in the study to investigate potential gene flow: four highly selected commercial pure lines and four lines of French slow‐growing chickens. Two populations of wild red jungle fowls were also genotyped to compare the range of diversity between domestic and wild fowls. A genetic diversity analysis was conducted both within and between populations. Multivariate redundancy analyses were performed to assess the relative influence of geographical location among Algerian ecotypes. The results showed a high genetic variability within the Algerian population, with 184 alleles and a mean number of 8.09 alleles per locus. The values of heterozygosity (He and Ho) ranged from 0.55 to 0.62 in Algerian ecotypes and were smaller than values found in Jungle fowl populations and higher than values found in commercial populations. Although the structuring analysis of genotypes did not reveal clear subpopulations within Algerian ecotypes, the supervised approach using geographical data showed a significant (p < 0.01) differentiation between the three ecotypes which was mainly due to altitude. Thus, the genetic diversity of Algerian ecotypes may be under the influence of two factors with contradictory effects: the geographical location and climatic conditions may induce some differentiation, whereas the high level of exchanges and gene flow may suppress it. Evidence of gene flow between commercial and Algerian local populations was observed, which may be due to unrecorded crossing with commercial chickens. Chicken ecotypes from western Algeria are characterized by a high genetic diversity and must be safeguarded as an important reservoir of genetic diversity.
Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre
Authors: Cinar Kul B. , Bilgen N. , Lenstra J.A. , Korkmaz Agaoglu O. , Akyuz B. , Ertugrul O.
Published: March 2015

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honamlı, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.
Combined use of principal component analysis and random forests identify population‐informative single nucleotide polymorphisms: application in cattle breeds
Authors: Bertolini F. , Galimberti G. , Calò D.G. , Schiavo G. , Matassino D. , Fontanesi L.
Published: March 2015

The genetic identification of the population of origin of individuals, including animals, has several practical applications in forensics, evolution, conservation genetics, breeding and authentication of animal products. Commercial high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping tools that have been recently developed in many species provide information from a large number of polymorphic sites that can be used to identify population‐/breed‐informative markers. In this study, starting from Illumina BovineSNP50 v1 BeadChip array genotyping data available from 3711 cattle of four breeds (2091 Italian Holstein, 738 Italian Brown, 475 Italian Simmental and 407 Marchigiana), principal component analysis (PCA) and random forests (RFs) were combined to identify informative SNP panels useful for cattle breed identification. From a PCA preselected list of 580 SNPs, RFs were computed using ranking methods (Mean Decrease in the Gini Index and Mean Accuracy Decrease) to identify the most informative 48 and 96 SNPs for breed assignment. The out‐of‐bag (OOB) error rate for both ranking methods and SNP densities ranged from 0.0 to 0.1% in the reference population. Application of this approach in a test population (10% of individuals pre‐extracted from the whole data set) achieved 100% of correct assignment with both classifiers. Linkage disequilibrium between selected SNPs was relevant (r2 > 0.6) only in few pairs of markers indicating that most of the selected SNPs captured different fractions of variance. Several informative SNPs were in genes/QTL regions that affect or are associated with phenotypes or production traits that might differentiate the investigated breeds. The combination of PCA and RF to perform SNP selection and breed assignment can be easily implemented and is able to identify subsets of informative SNPs useful for population assignment starting from a large number of markers derived by high‐throughput genotyping platforms.
Relation Between Left Atrial Wall Thickness in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Intracardiac Electrogram Characteristics and ATP‐Provoked Dormant Pulmonary Vein Conduction
Authors: TAKAHASHI KEIKO , OKUMURA YASUO , WATANABE ICHIRO , NAGASHIMA KOICHI , SONODA KAZUMASA , SASAKI NAOKO , KOGAWA RIKITAKE , ISO KAZUKI , OHKUBO KIMIE , NAKAI TOSHIKO , HIRAYAMA ATSUSHI
Published: March 2015

LA Wall Thickness, LA Electrogram, and Dormant PV Conduction

Introduction

Atrial remodeling plays a key role in development of the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the wall thicknesses of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV)–LA junction affect remodeling and AF ablation is unknown. We investigated the relationship between wall thicknesses, electrogram characteristics, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐provoked dormant PV conduction as they pertain to AF.

Methods

In 50 patients with AF and 25 patients without AF, wall thicknesses of the LA and PV–LA junction were measured on 320‐slice computed tomography images. For the AF patients, NavX‐based voltage maps generated during sinus rhythm were obtained, and ATP‐provoked dormant PV conduction after PV isolation was evaluated.

Results

Walls of the LA and PV–LA junction were significantly thicker in the AF patients than in the control patients (1.83 ± 0.29 mm vs. 1.59 ± 0.28 mm, respectively; P = 0.0010; and 0.88 ± 0.14 mm vs. 0.65 ± 0.11 mm, P<0.0001, respectively). Wall thickness at the PV–LA junction was independently associated with AF (β = 0.40, P = 0.0002). In AF patients, the walls of the PV–LA junction showed stepwise thickening across bipolar voltages indicative of severe (bipolar voltage <33rd percentile) to moderate (33rd–66th percentiles) to mild fibrosis/scarring (≥66th percentile). Walls of the PV–LA junction with dormant PV conduction were significantly thicker than those without it (0.94 ± 0.19 mm vs. 0.86 ± 0.21 mm, respectively; P = 0.0025).

Conclusions

Together, the association between thickened PV–LA junction walls and AF and the increased bipolar voltage suggests that such wall thickening increases PV electrical activities, leading to initiation and maintenance of AF and perhaps to ATP‐provoked dormant PV conduction.
Antioxidant icariside II combined with insulin restores erectile function in streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Lin , Xu Yongde , Li Huixi , Lei Hongen , Guan Ruili , Gao Zhezhu , Xin Zhongcheng
Published: March 2015

Erectile dysfunction (ED) worsens in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) despite good control of blood glucose level with insulin. Recent studies imply that diabetic vascular stresses (e.g. oxidative stress) persist in spite of glucose normalization, which is defined as metabolic memory. Studies suggest that the interaction between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) mediates the development of metabolic memory. To investigate the effects of the antioxidant icariside II plus insulin on erectile function in streptozotocin (STZ)‐ induced type 1 diabetic rats. Fifty 8‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly distributed into five groups: normal control, diabetic, insulin‐treated diabetic, icariside II‐treated diabetic, and insulin plus icariside II‐treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Eight weeks after induction of diabetes, icariside II was administered by gastric lavage once a day (5 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; and 2–6 units of intermediate‐acting insulin were given to maintain normal glycemia for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were the ratio of intracavernous pressure (ICP) to mean arterial pressure (MAP); histology of penile endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells; neural nitric oxide synthase, AGEs and RAGE expression; malondialdehyde concentration; superoxide dismutase activity; and apoptosis index. Diabetic rats demonstrated a significantly lower ICP/MAP ratio, reduced penile endothelial cells, reduced smooth muscle cells, increased AGEs and RAGE, and increased apoptosis. Insulin and icariside II monotherapy partially restored erectile function and histological changes. However, the combination therapy group showed significantly better erectile parameters, cytological components and biochemistry, similar to those in the normal control group. These results suggest that, although insulin can effectively control glycemic levels, it does not completely alter the pathological changes in erectile tissues. Better efficacy could be expected with tight glycemic control plus the antioxidant icariside II. The proposed combination therapy might have the potential to eliminate metabolic memory by down‐regulating the AGEs‐RAGE‐oxidative stress axis.
Controlled aggregation of primary human pancreatic islet cells leads to glucose‐responsive pseudoislets comparable to native islets
Authors: Hilderink Janneke , Spijker Siebe , Carlotti Françoise , Lange Lydia , Engelse Marten , van Blitterswijk Clemens , de Koning Eelco , Karperien Marcel , van Apeldoorn Aart
Published: March 2015

Clinical islet transplantation is a promising treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. However, pancreatic islets vary in size and shape affecting their survival and function after transplantation because of mass transport limitations. To reduce diffusion restrictions and improve islet cell survival, the generation of islets with optimal dimensions by dispersion followed by reassembly of islet cells, can help limit the length of diffusion pathways. This study describes a microwell platform that supports the controlled and reproducible production of three‐dimensional pancreatic cell clusters of human donor islets. We observed that primary human islet cell aggregates with a diameter of 100–150 μm consisting of about 1000 cells best resembled intact pancreatic islets as they showed low apoptotic cell death (<2%), comparable glucose‐responsiveness and increasing PDX1, MAFA and INSULIN gene expression with increasing aggregate size. The re‐associated human islet cells showed an a‐typical core shell configuration with beta cells predominantly on the outside unlike human islets, which became more randomized after implantation similar to native human islets. After transplantation of these islet cell aggregates under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice, human C‐peptide was detected in the serum indicating that beta cells retained their endocrine function similar to human islets. The agarose microwell platform was shown to be an easy and very reproducible method to aggregate pancreatic islet cells with high accuracy providing a reliable tool to study cell–cell interactions between insuloma and/or primary islet cells.
High‐fat diet induces cardiac remodelling and dysfunction: assessment of the role played by SIRT3 loss
Authors: Zeng Heng , Vaka Venkata Ramana , He Xiaochen , Booz George W. , Chen Jian‐Xiong
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in obesity‐induced cardiac impairment. SIRT3 is a mitochondrial protein associated with increased human life span and metabolism. This study investigated the functional role of SIRT3 in obesity‐induced cardiac dysfunction. Wild‐type (WT) and SIRT3 knockout (KO) mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Body weight, fasting glucose levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, myocardial capillary density, cardiac function and expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α/‐2α were assessed. HFD resulted in a significant reduction in SIRT3 expression in the heart. Both HFD and SIRT3 KO mice showed increased ROS formation, impaired HIF signalling and reduced capillary density in the heart. HFD induced cardiac hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function. SIRT3 KO mice fed HFD showed greater ROS production and a further reduction in cardiac function compared to SIRT3 KO mice on ND. Thus, the adverse effects of HFD on cardiac function were not attributable to SIRT3 loss alone. However, HFD did not further reduce capillary density in SIRT3 KO hearts, implicating SIRT3 loss in HFD‐induced capillary rarefaction. Our study demonstrates the importance of SIRT3 in preserving heart function and capillary density in the setting of obesity. Thus, SIRT3 may be a potential therapeutic target for obesity‐induced heart failure.
Insulin combined with Chinese medicine improves glycemic outcome through multiple pathways in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Xinxia , Liu Ya , Xiong Daqian , Xie Chunguang
Published: March 2015

Introduction/Aims

Insufficient insulin secretion or inefficient insulin response are responsible for the clinical outcome of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Administration of insulin alone is prone to cause secondary effects, resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome. Shen‐Qi‐Formula (SQF), a well‐known Chinese medicinal formula, has been used for diabetic treatment for a long time. The present study was designed to investigate whether SQF in combination with insulin improved the clinical outcome of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and what mechanisms were possibly involved in the treatment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 219 patients were included in the study. Of these, 110 patients were treated with insulin monotherapy, and 109 with the combination therapy of SQF and insulin. Before and after 12‐week treatment, the fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, β‐cell function, insulin resistance and blood lipids were measured.

Results

The 12 weeks of SQF treatment in combination with insulin significantly decreased the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Insulin secretion was not increased after the treatment, but β‐cell function and insulin resistance were obviously improved. Furthermore, 12 weeks of treatment with SQF and insulin improved the levels of glucagon‐like peptide‐1, oxidative stress, blood lipids, coagulation function and bodyweight.

Conclusion

The results from our study showed that the combination therapy of SQF and insulin significantly improved the clinical outcome of type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with insulin monotherapy. The mechanism of improvement was possibly involved in the multiple pathways.
Predictability of 1‐h postload plasma glucose concentration: A 10‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kuang Lifen , Huang Zhimin , Hong Zhenzhen , Chen Ailing , Li Yanbing
Published: March 2015

Aims/Introduction

Elevated 1‐h postload plasma glucose concentration (1hPG) during oral glucose tolerance test has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a poorer cardiometabolic risk profile. The present study analyzed the predictability and cut‐off point of 1hPG in predicting type 2 diabetes in normal glucose regulation (NGR) subjects, and evaluated the long‐term prognosis of NGR subjects with elevated 1hPG in glucose metabolism, kidney function, metabolic states and atherosclerosis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 116 Han Chinese classified as NGR in 2002 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, were investigated. Follow‐up was carried out in 2012 to evaluate the progression of glucose metabolism, kidney function, metabolic syndrome and carotid atherosclerosis.

Results

The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were higher for 1hPG than FPG or 2hPG (0.858 vs 0.806 vs 0.746). The cut‐off value of 1hPG with the maximal sum of sensitivity and specificity in predicting type 2 diabetes in NGR subjects was 8.85 mmol/L. The accumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with 1hPG ≥8.85 mmol/L was higher than those <8.85 mmol/L (46.2% vs 3.3%, P = 0.000; relative risk 13.846, 95% confidence interval 4.223–45.400). On follow up, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and abnormal carotid intima‐media thickness in the subjects with 1hPG ≥8.85 mmol/L tended to be higher compared with those <8.85 mmol/L.

Conclusions

1hPG is a good predictor of type 2 diabetes in NGR subjects, and the best cut‐off point is 8.85 mmol/L. Some tendency indicates that NGR subjects with 1hPG ≥8.85 mmol/L are more prone to metabolic syndrome and carotid atherosclerosis.
The Development of a Consensus Statement on Normal Physiologic Birth: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Cheyney Melissa , Lawlor Mary , Myers Suzy , Schuiling Kerri , Tanner Tanya
Published: March 2015

Introduction

This article describes the process of developing consensus on a definition of, and best practices for, normal physiologic birth in the United States. Evidence supports the use of physiologic birth practices, yet a working definition of this term has been elusive.

Methods

We began by convening a task force of 21 individuals from 3 midwifery organizations and various childbirth advocacy and consumer groups. A modified Delphi approach was utilized to achieve consensus around 2 research questions: 1) What is normal physiologic birth? and 2) What practices most effectively support its achievement? Answers to these questions were collected anonymously from task force members during multiple phases that included a preliminary briefing, an initial face‐to‐face roundtable, 9 iterative Delphi rounds, and reciprocal feedback from a wider audience of stakeholders at national and international conferences. Content analysis identified specific statements and concepts in the first Delphi round, which were subsequently ranked in following rounds. An initial draft was constructed based on the priorities that emerged and presented for feedback to peers and childbirth advocates whose comments were incorporated into the final document.

Results

Four key themes were identified from our initial questions; these provided the framework for the document: 1) definitions of normal physiologic birth, 2) mechanisms and outcomes of normal physiologic birth, 3) factors that influence normal physiologic birth, and 4) recommendations for increasing normal physiologic birth. These areas comprised the final sections in the multi‐organizational consensus statement.

Discussion

The modified Delphi approach we employed allowed for the development of a consensus statement that will serve as a template for education, practice, and future research in maternity care. The completion of this statement marks the beginning of a project to promote systemic changes that support normal physiologic birth, and thus, have the potential to improve outcomes for mothers and infants.
Regulation of adipogenesis and osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells by vascular endothelial growth factor A
Authors: Berendsen A. D. , Olsen B. R.
Published: March 2015

Understanding the mechanisms by which bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiate into bone‐forming osteoblasts and marrow adipocytes is crucial to develop strategies for the treatment of several bone diseases. Age‐related bone loss resulting in osteopenia and osteoporosis has been associated with reduced numbers of osteoblasts and increased numbers of adipocytes, likely originating from differentiation defects in BMSCs. Although many factors involved in the complex regulation of osteoblast and adipocyte cell lineages have previously been identified, their functional interactions in the context of BMSC differentiation and maintenance of bone homeostasis during ageing are unknown. Recent discoveries have provided important new insights into the mechanisms by which the nuclear envelope protein lamin A and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) mutually control BMSC fate. Particularly interesting is the finding that VEGF in this context functions as an intracellular protein, unaffected by neutralizing antibodies, and not as a secreted growth factor. These insights may not only facilitate the identification of new targets for treating bone diseases but also lead to improved design of tissue engineering approaches aimed at stimulating bone regeneration and repair.
SURVEY OF STAFF OPINIONS ABOUT EXTENDED HAEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT TIME AND SERVICE IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Singh Seema , Procter Susan , Power Albert , Pusey Charles , Choi Peter , Duncan Neill , Brown Edwina
Published: March 2015

Background

We explored the potential impact of staff opinions and service provision upon patient's willingness to recruit to a clinical trial studying the effects of extended treatment time (TT) on haemodialysis (HD), six hours versus four hours for a period of twenty‐four weeks.

Methods

We conducted a local survey of dialysis nurses and a national survey of multidisciplinary HD staff opinions to extended TT including clinical benefits, tolerance to, prescription and ability to accommodate extended TT on in‐centre HD programmes.

Results

The survey was completed by 56/134 (42%) local nurses and the national survey by 15/72 (21%) of dialysis providers across the UK (35% nurses and 75% other healthcare professionals). The majority of respondents felt extended TT was clinically beneficial but only 42% of nurses would recommend extended TT compared to 95% of non‐nursing healthcare professionals (p < 0.0001). Although 45% of nurses felt that it was well tolerated, non‐nursing healthcare professionals suggested this was significantly higher at 75% (p < 0.05). The negative impact on service provision was agreed by 83% of nurses with the need to facilitate shifts within a finite time period and pressure to find session spaces being cited.

Conclusion

There is conflict between the understanding that extended TT is clinically beneficial and its prescription & delivery to patients. Enrolment to studies examining HD delivery strategies may be influenced by service provision and staff attitudes. In centre HD has been designed to maximise patient throughput and we may need to consider more flexible settings in which to deliver longer treatment time: Home HD maybe a solution.
OIL CHARGE HISTORY OF BITUMENS OF DIFFERING MATURITIES IN EXHUMED PALAEOZOIC RESERVOIR ROCKS AT TIANJINGSHAN, NW SICHUAN BASIN, SOUTHERN CHINA
Authors: Zhou Q. , Xiao X.M. , Tian H. , Wilkins R. W. T.
Published: March 2015

Low‐maturity soft bitumen (or biodegraded heavy oil) and higher maturity solid bitumen are present in Palaeozoic siliciclastics at Tianjingshan in the NW Sichuan Basin, southern China. The origin of these bitumens of variable maturities was investigated. Samples of low‐maturity bitumen from Lower Devonian sandstones and high‐ and low‐maturity bitumen from Upper Cambrian siltstones were analysed to investigate their organic geochemistry and stable isotope compositions. Lower Cambrian and Upper Permian black shales were also investigated to assess their source rock potential, and the burial and maturation history of potential source rocks was modelled using PetroMod. Liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fluid inclusions in the Devonian sandstones were analysed.

Results suggest that both the soft and solid bitumens are derived from crude oil generated by Lower Cambrian organic‐rich black shales. Reservoir rocks at Tianjingshan have experienced two separate oil charge events – in the early‐middle Triassic and early‐middle Jurassic, respectively. The first oil charge was generated by Lower Cambrian black shales in a kitchen area located in the hanging wall of the Tianjingshan fault. The later oil charge was also derived from Lower Cambrian black shales, but the kitchen area was located in the footwall of the fault. Movement on the Tianjingshan fault resulted in progressive burial of the Lower Devonian sandstone reservoir rocks until the end of the middle Triassic, and the “early” charged oil was thermally degraded into high‐maturity solid bitumen. The later‐charged oil was altered into soft bitumen of lower maturiy by biodegradation during uplift of the reservoir after the Jurassic.
Chloroplastic and cytoplasmic overexpression of sheep serotonin N‐acetyltransferase in transgenic rice plants is associated with low melatonin production despite high enzyme activity
Authors: Byeon Yeong , Lee Hyoung Yool , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: March 2015

Serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT), the penultimate enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, catalyzes the conversion of serotonin into N‐acetylserotonin. Plant SNAT is localized in chloroplasts. To test SNAT localization effects on melatonin synthesis, we generated transgenic rice plants overexpressing a sheep (Ovis aries) SNAT (OaSNAT) in their chloroplasts and compared melatonin biosynthesis with that of transgenic rice plants overexpressing OaSNAT in their cytoplasm. To localize the OaSNAT in chloroplasts, we used a chloroplast targeting sequence (CTS) from tobacco protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO), which expresses in chloroplasts. The purified recombinant CTS:OaSNAT fusion protein was enzymatically functional and localized in chloroplasts as confirmed by confocal microscopic analysis. The chloroplast‐targeted CTS:OaSNAT lines and cytoplasm‐expressed OaSNAT lines had similarly high SNAT enzyme activities. However, after cadmium and butafenacil treatments, melatonin production in rice leaves was severalfold lower in the CTS:OaSNAT lines than in the OaSNAT lines. Notably, enhanced SNAT enzyme activity was not directly proportional to the production of N‐acetylserotonin, melatonin, or 2‐hydroxymelatonin, suggesting that plant SNAT has a role in the homeostatic regulation of melatonin rather than in accelerating melatonin synthesis.
A retrospective study of the use of active suction wound drains in dogs and cats
Authors: Bristow P. C. , Halfacree Z. J. , Baines S. J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To report indications for use and complications associated with commonly used closed active suction wound drains in a large number of clinical cases.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical case records (from 2004 to 2010) for dogs and cats that had a closed active suction drain placed into a wound. Only the four most common drain types were included: Mini Redovac®, Redovac®, Jackson Pratt® and Wound Evac®.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐three drains were placed in 33 cats and 195 dogs. Mini Redovac drains were used most frequently in cats (76 · 5%) and Redovac drains in dogs (54 · 3%). The infection rate for clean surgeries in dogs was 15 · 6% (unattainable in cats). Major complications occurred in four dogs; minor complications occurred in 12 drains in cats (35 · 3%), and in 74 drains in dogs (33 · 8%). There was no statistically significant association between the type of drain and complication rate for either species.

Clinical Significance

Although closed active suction drains can be used with low risk of major complications, they lead to a high rate of infection in clean surgeries in dogs. It is recommended that such drains are kept in place for the shortest time possible and that strict asepsis is adhered to both during placement and management.
Severe chronic insomnia is not associated with higher body mass index
Authors: Crönlein Tatjana , Langguth Berthold , Busch Volker , Rupprecht Rainer , Wetter Thomas C.
Published: March 2015

Short sleep duration is widely considered to be a risk factor for weight gain, suggesting that patients suffering from sleep disorders are a risk group. Despite some positive preliminary data on patients with organic sleep disorders, empirical evidence for an increased body mass index in patients with insomnia is scarce. Two‐hundred and thirty‐three patients with a confirmed diagnosis of severe and chronic insomnia without co‐morbidity showing objectively impaired sleep quality were compared with respect to their body mass index with control data derived from a representative population survey matched in gender and age. As a result, patients with insomnia showed a lower body mass index (23.8 kg m−2 versus 27.1 kg m−2; P < 0.0005). Our findings suggest that patients with chronic insomnia do not exhibit overweight. These data are a valuable educational tool to calm patients’ fears about the consequences of insomnia, and contribute to the understanding of chronically disturbed sleep and weight regulation.
A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study on the Effect of Enterococcus faecium on Clinical Activity and Intestinal Gene Expression in Canine Food‐Responsive Chronic Enteropathy
Authors: Schmitz S. , Glanemann B. , Garden O.A. , Brooks H. , Chang Y.M. , Werling D. , Allenspach K.
Published: March 2015

Background

Canine chronic enteropathies (CE) are believed to be caused by an aberrant immune response towards the intestinal microbiome. Administration of probiotics can alleviate colitis in people. In vitro effects of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 E1707 (EF) previously have been evaluated using canine cells (e.g., whole blood, intestinal biopsies), but data on in vivo efficacy are lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Administration of EF to dogs with food‐responsive CE will improve clinical outcome and decrease the intestinal inflammatory profile.

Animals

Dogs diagnosed with CE were prospectively recruited to receive a hydrolyzed elimination diet plus either a synbiotic product containing EF or placebo for 6 weeks. Both veterinary staff and owners were blinded to the treatment.

Methods

Clinical severity index (CCECAI), clinicopathological data and gene expression using intestinal biopsies (TLR2/4/5/9, IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐23p19, RORC, IL‐2, IL‐12p35, TNFα, IL‐4, IFNy, IL‐10, TGFβ, IL‐1β, IL‐18, NLRP3, casp‐1, TFF1, TFF3 and PPARy) before and after 6 weeks of treatment were analyzed using linear mixed modeling.

Results

Of the 45 cases recruited, 12 finished the clinical trial. Seven received the synbiotic and 5 the placebo product. There was no difference between groups or treatments regarding clinical efficacy, histology scores or expression of any of the investigated genes.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Standard dietary treatment induced rapid clinical response in all cases. Because the study was underpowered, it was not possible to determine whether or not EF had an additional effect within the time period of 6 weeks.
Centropages typicus(Crustacea, Copepoda) reacts to volatile compounds produced by planktonic algae
Authors: Maibam Chingoileima , Fink Patrick , Romano Giovanna , Buia Maria Cristina , Butera Emanuela , Zupo Valerio
Published: March 2015

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may play the role of infochemicals and trigger chemotaxis and ecologically relevant responses in freshwater and marine invertebrates. Aquatic grazers use these signals as chemical cues to trace the presence of their food or to detect their predators. However, detailed data are still needed to fully understand the role of these relationships in marine plankton. We investigated the ability of the copepodCentropages typicusto perceive the odour of three planktonic diatoms (Skeletonema marinoi,Pseudonitzschia delicatissimaandChaetoceros affinis) and a dinoflagellate (Prorocentrum minimum). This information is ecologically relevant for orientation, habitat selection, predator avoidance and communication. In addition, as thepHof the medium influences the perception of chemical cues in aquatic environments, we tested the effect of seawater acidification resulting from increasing levels ofCO2, and its influences on the olfactory reactions of copepods. For this reason, our tests were repeated in normal (pH8.10) and acidified (pH7.76) seawater in order to simulate future ocean acidification scenarios. Using replicated chemokinetic assays we demonstrated thatVOCs produced byPs. delicatissimaandPr. minimumattract copepods at normalpH, but this effect is lowered in acidified water. By contrast, the odour ofS. marinoimainly induces a reaction of repulsion, but in acidified water and at higher concentrations this toxic diatom becomes attractive for copepods. Our experiments demonstrate, for the first time, that copepods are sensitive to the volatile compounds contained in various microalgae; VOCs prompt chemokinesis according to algal species and odour concentrations. However, seawater acidification induces changes in copepods' perception of odours. These findings highlight the sensitivity of chemically mediated interactions to global changes
A new calibration to determine the closure temperatures of Fe‐Mg ordering in augite from nakhlites
Authors: Alvaro M. , Domeneghetti M. C. , Fioretti A. M. , Cámara F. , Marinangeli L.
Published: March 2015

Recently it has been shown that the relatively low closure temperature (Tc) of 500 (100)°C calculated for augite from Miller Range nakhlite (MIL 03346,13) using the available geothermometers would correspond to a slow cooling rate inconsistent with the petrologic evidence for an origin from a fast‐cooled lava flow. Moreover, previous annealing experiments combined with HR‐SC‐XRD on an augite crystal from MIL 03346 clearly showed that at 600 °C, the Fe2+‐Mg degree of order remained unchanged, thus suggesting that the actual Tc is close to this temperature. In order to clarify this discrepancy, we undertook an ex situ annealing experimental study at 700, 800, and 900 °C, until the equilibrium in the intracrystalline Fe2+‐Mg exchange is reached, using an augite crystal from Miller Range nakhlite (MIL 03346,13) with a composition of about En36Fs24Wo40. These data allowed us to calculate the following new geothermometer calibration for Martian nakhlites: urn:x-wiley:10869379:media:maps12436:maps12436-math-0001where The application of this new equation to other Martian nakhlites (NWA 988 and Nakhla) suggests that for augite with composition close to that of MIL 03346, the Tc is up to 170 °C higher with respect to the one calculated using the previous available geothermometer equation, thus suggesting a significantly faster cooling in agreement with petrologic evidence.
Inferring the demographic history of Drosophila subobscura from nucleotide variation at regions not affected by chromosomal inversions
Authors: Pratdesaba Roser , Segarra Carmen , Aguadé Montserrat
Published: March 2015

Drosophila subobscura presents a rich and complex chromosomal inversion polymorphism. It can thus be considered a model system (i) to study the mechanisms originating inversions and how inversions affect the levels and patterns of variation in the inverted regions and (ii) to study adaptation at both the single‐gene and chromosomal inversion levels. It is therefore important to infer its demographic history as previous information indicated that its nucleotide variation is not at mutation–drift equilibrium. For that purpose, we sequenced 16 noncoding regions distributed across those parts of the J chromosome not affected by inversions in the studied population and possibly either by other selective events. The pattern of variation detected in these 16 regions is similar to that previously reported within different chromosomal arrangements, suggesting that the latter results would, thus, mainly reflect recent demographic events rather than the partial selective sweep imposed by the origin and frequency increase of inversions. Among the simple demographic models considered in our Approximate Bayesian Computation analysis of variation at the 16 regions, the model best supported by the data implies a population size expansion soon after the penultimate glacial period. This model constitutes a better null model, and it is therefore an important resource for subsequent studies aiming among others to uncover selective events across the species genome. Our results also highlight the importance of introducing the possibility of multiple hits in the coalescent simulations with an outgroup.
Polymorphism at the Clock gene predicts phenology of long‐distance migration in birds
Authors: Saino Nicola , Bazzi Gaia , Gatti Emanuele , Caprioli Manuela , Cecere Jacopo G. , Possenti Cristina D. , Galimberti Andrea , Orioli Valerio , Bani Luciano , Rubolini Diego , Gianfranceschi Luca , Spina Fernando
Published: March 2015

Dissecting phenotypic variance in life history traits into its genetic and environmental components is at the focus of evolutionary studies and of pivotal importance to identify the mechanisms and predict the consequences of human‐driven environmental change. The timing of recurrent life history events (phenology) is under strong selection, but the study of the genes that control potential environmental canalization in phenological traits is at its infancy. Candidate genes for circadian behaviour entrained by photoperiod have been screened as potential controllers of phenological variation of breeding and moult in birds, with inconsistent results. Despite photoperiodic control of migration is well established, no study has reported on migration phenology in relation to polymorphism at candidate genes in birds. We analysed variation in spring migration dates within four trans‐Saharan migratory species (Luscinia megarhynchos; Ficedula hypoleuca; Anthus trivialis; Saxicola rubetra) at a Mediterranean island in relation to Clock and Adcyap1 polymorphism. Individuals with larger number of glutamine residues in the poly‐Q region of Clock gene migrated significantly later in one or, respectively, two species depending on sex and whether the within‐individual mean length or the length of the longer Clock allele was considered. The results hinted at dominance of the longer Clock allele. No significant evidence for migration date to covary with Adcyap1 polymorphism emerged. This is the first evidence that migration phenology is associated with Clock in birds. This finding is important for evolutionary studies of migration and sheds light on the mechanisms that drive bird phenological changes and population trends in response to climate change.
A novel protein, Rsf1/Pxd1, is critical for the single‐strand annealing pathway of double‐strand break repair in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Wang Hanqian , Zhang Zhanlu , Zhang Lan , Zhang Qiuxue , Zhang Liang , Zhao Yangmin , Wang Weibu , Fan Yunliu , Wang Lei
Published: March 2015

The process of single‐strand annealing (SSA) repairs DNA double‐strand breaks that are flanked by direct repeat sequences through the coordinated actions of a series of proteins implicated in recombination, mismatch repair and nucleotide excision repair (NER). Many of the molecular and mechanistic insights gained in SSA repair have principally come from studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, there is little molecular understanding of the SSA pathway in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. To further our understanding of this important process, we established a new chromosome‐based SSA assay in fission yeast. Our genetic analyses showed that, although many homologous components participate in SSA repair in these species indicating that some evolutionary conservation, Saw1 and Slx4 are not principal agents in the SSA repair pathway in fission yeast. This is in marked contrast to the function of Saw1 and Slx4 in budding yeast. Additionally, a novel genus‐specific protein, Rsf1/Pxd1, physically interacts with Rad16, Swi10 and Saw1 in vitro and in vivo. We find that Rsf1/Pxd1 is not required for NER and demonstrate that, in fission yeast, Rsf1/Pxd1, but not Saw1, plays a critical role in SSA recombination.
A standard photomap of ovarian nurse cell chromosomes in the European malaria vector Anopheles atroparvus
Authors: ARTEMOV G. N. , SHARAKHOVA M. V. , NAUMENKO A. N. , KARAGODIN D. A. , BARICHEVA E. M. , STEGNIY V. N. , SHARAKHOV I. V.
Published: March 2015

Anopheles atroparvus (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the main malaria vectors of the Maculipennis group in Europe. Cytogenetic analysis based on salivary gland chromosomes has been used in taxonomic and population genetic studies of mosquitoes from this group. However, a high‐resolution cytogenetic map that could be used in physical genome mapping in An. atroparvus is still lacking. In the present study, a high‐quality photomap of the polytene chromosomes from ovarian nurse cells of An. atroparvus was developed. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization, 10 genes from the five largest genomic supercontigs on the polytene chromosome were localized and 28% of the genome was anchored to the cytogenetic map. The study established chromosome arm homology between An. atroparvus and the major African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, suggesting a whole‐arm translocation between autosomes of these two species. The standard photomap constructed for ovarian nurse cell chromosomes of An. atroparvus will be useful for routine physical mapping. This map will assist in the development of a fine‐scale chromosome‐based genome assembly for this species and will also facilitate comparative and evolutionary genomics studies in the genus Anopheles.
Deficient habituation to repeated rectal distensions in irritable bowel syndrome patients with visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Lowén M. B. O. , Mayer E. , Tillisch K. , Labus J. , Naliboff B. , Lundberg P. , Thorell L.‐H. , Ström M. , Engström M. , Walter S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients show evidence of altered central processing of visceral signals. One of the proposed alterations in sensory processing is an altered engagement of endogenous pain modulation mechanisms. The aim was to test the hypothesis that IBS patients with (IBS‐S) and without visceral hypersensitivity (IBS‐N) differ in their ability to engage endogenous pain modulation mechanism during habituation to repeated visceral stimuli.

Methods

Brain blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response was measured during repeated rectal distension and its anticipation in 33 IBS patients with and without visceral hypersensitivity and 18 healthy controls (HCs). BOLD response to early and late phase of the distension series was compared within and between groups.

Key Results

While BOLD response was similar during the early phase of the experiment, IBS‐S showed greater BOLD response than IBS‐N and HCs during the late phase of the distension series. IBS‐S showed increasing BOLD response both to the anticipation and delivery of low intensity rectal distensions in brain regions including insula, anterior and mid cingulate cortex. IBS‐N showed decreasing BOLD response to repeated rectal distensions in brain regions including insula, prefrontal cortex and amygdala.

Conclusions & Inferences

These findings are consistent with compromised ability of IBS‐S to respond to repeated delivery of rectal stimuli, both in terms of sensitization of sensory pathways and habituation of emotional arousal. The fact that both IBS subgroups met Rome criteria, and did not differ in terms of reported symptom severity demonstrates that similar symptom patterns can result from different underlying neurobiological mechanisms.