bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuckoo parasitism in a cavity nesting host: near absent egg‐rejection in a northern redstart population under heavy apparent (but low effective) brood parasitism
Authors: Thomson Robert L. , Tolvanen Jere , Forsman Jukka T.
Published: October 2015

Brood parasite – host systems continue to offer insights into species coevolution. A notable system is the redstartPhoenicurus phoenicurusparasitized by the ‘redstart‐cuckoo’Cuculus canorusgens. Redstarts are the only regular cuckoo hosts that breed in cavities, which challenges adult cuckoos in egg laying and cuckoo chicks in host eviction. We investigated parasitism in this system and found high overall parasitism rates (31.1% of 360 redstart nests), but also that only 33.1% of parasitism events (49 of 148 eggs) were successful in laying eggs into redstart nest cups. The majority of cuckoo eggs were mislaid and found on the rim of the nest; outside the nest cup. All available evidence suggests these eggs were not ejected by hosts. The effective parasitism rate was therefore only 12.8% of redstart nests. Redstarts responded to natural parasitism by deserting their nests in 13.0% of cases, compared to desertion rates of 2.8% for non‐parasitized nests. Our egg parasitism experiments found low rates (12.2%) of rejection of artificial non‐mimetic cuckoo eggs. Artificial mimetic and real cuckoo eggs added to nests were rejected at even lower rates, and were always rejected via desertion. Under natural conditions, only 21 cuckoo chicks fledged of 150 cuckoo eggs laid. Adding to this low success, is that cuckoo chicks are sometimes unable to evict all host young, and were more likely to die as a result compared to cuckoo chicks reared alone. This low success seems to be mainly due to the cavity nesting strategy of the redstart which is a challenging obstacle for the cuckoo. The redstart‐cuckoo system appears to be a fruitful model system and we suggest much more emphasis should be placed on frontline defences such as nest site selection strategies when investigating brood parasite–host coevolution.
Targeted Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Continuous Rhythm Assessment With an Insertable Cardiac Monitor: The Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation With Continuous Monitoring (REACT.COM) Pilot Study
Authors: PASSMAN ROD , LEONG‐SIT PETER , ANDREI ADIN‐CRISTIAN , HUSKIN ANNA , TOMSON TODD T. , BERNSTEIN RICHARD , ELLIS ETHAN , WAKS JONATHAN W. , ZIMETBAUM PETER
Published: October 2015

The Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation With Continuous Monitoring

Introduction

Chronic anticoagulation is recommended for patients with AF and additional stroke risk factors, even during long periods of sinus rhythm. Continuous rhythm assessment with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) and use of rapid onset novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) allow for targeted anticoagulation only around an AF episode, potentially reducing bleeding complications without compromising stroke risk.

Methods

This multicenter, single‐arm study enrolled patients on NOAC with nonpermanent AF and CHADS2 score 1 or 2. After a 60‐day run‐in with no AF episodes ≥ 1 hour, NOACs were discontinued but reinitiated for 30 days following any AF episode ≥ 1 hour diagnosed through daily ICM transmissions. Major endpoints included time on NOAC, stroke, and bleeding.

Results

Among 59 enrollees, 75% were male, age 67 ± 8 years, 76% paroxysmal AF, 69% had prior AF ablation, and mean CHADS2 score 1.3 ± 0.5. Over 466 ± 131 mean days of follow‐up there were 24,004 ICM transmissions with a compliance rate of 98.7%. A total of 35 AF episodes ≥ 1 hour occurred in 18 (31%) patients, resulting in a total time on NOAC of 1,472 days. This represents a 94% reduction in the time on NOAC compared to chronic anticoagulation. There were three traumatic bleeds (all on aspirin), three potential transient ischemic attacks (all on aspirin with CHADS2 score of 1), and no strokes or deaths.

Conclusions

A targeted strategy of ICM‐guided intermittent NOAC administration is feasible. A large‐scale trial is necessary to evaluate the safety of this approach.
Sudden Cardiac Death Despite a Functional Cardioverter‐Defibrillator: The Case for Early and Aggressive Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia in Selected Patients
Authors: MONTGOMERY JAY A. , KANAGASUNDRAM ARVINDH N. , CLAIR WALTER K. , ROTTMAN JEFFREY N. , CROSSLEY GEORGE H.
Published: October 2015

Sudden Cardiac Death Despite a Functional Defibrillator

We present three cases within 11 months at a single institution of sustained VT that fell below the programmed detection rate of the patients’ implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), two of which continued until converting to an agonal VF that did not meet criteria for detection, and a third case that could not be successfully defibrillated after a prolonged period of VT. These episodes may be under‐recognized due to the dependence of device diagnostic storage on programming and the post‐mortem effort that is often required to review these events. Some patients, likely those with the most advanced heart failure, may not tolerate sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and may even die from ventricular arrhythmias without ever having a rhythm that meets detection criteria in a ventricular fibrillation (VF) zone.
Extraordinary capture of a Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus in the temperate south‐eastern Indian Ocean and its molecular phylogenetic relationship within the Etelinae
Authors: Wakefield C. B. , Moore G. I. , Bertram A. E. , Snow M. , Newman S. J.
Published: October 2015

The capture of a rarely encountered Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus (female, 587 mm fork length) from the upper continental slope (c. 350 m) off the south coast of Western Australia (c. 34·5° S; 122·5° E) in January 2014 represents its first record from the temperate Indian Ocean and a southern range extension. This record suggests that spawning of this predominantly tropical species may probably be occurring in the eastern Indian Ocean, considering the extensive, and unlikely, distance the progeny would have otherwise travelled from its typical distribution in the western and central Pacific Ocean.
Subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study of the multicenter registry database
Authors: Lee Sangheun , Kim Beom Kyung , Song Kijun , Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Seung Up , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Kim Do Young ,   Korea Central Cancer Registry
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim:

We aimed to subclassify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer intermediate and advanced stages, which include a highly heterogeneous population.

Methods:

From two registries (“random” and “voluntary” cohorts in the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group), patients who were newly diagnosed as HCC with intermediate or advanced stage between 2003 and 2005 were considered eligible. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method with comparison by log‐rank test.

Results:

Patients with intermediate‐stage HCC (n = 994) were subclassified according to tumor size and Child–Pugh class. Patients with tumor size < 5 cm (B1), those with tumor size ≥ 5 cm and Child–Pugh A (B2), and those with tumor size ≥ 5 cm and Child–Pugh B (B3) had median OS of 30.73, 20.60, and 9.23 months, respectively (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test). Among patients with advanced stage HCC (n = 1746), patients were subclassified according to presence of significant portal vein invasion (sPVI; defined as portal vein invasion in lobar, main, or contralateral branch) and extrahepatic spread (EHS). Patients with neither sPVI nor EHS (C1), those with either sPVI or EHS (C2), and those with both sPVI and EHS (C3) had median OS of 8.43, 4.63, and 3.63 months, respectively (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test).

Conclusion:

Subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer intermediate and advanced stages might be useful for determining patient prognosis and guiding treatment strategies for HCC.
Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels with Crohn's disease in Chinese patients
Authors: Xia Sheng‐long , Lin Xin‐xin , Guo Mao‐dong , Zhang Da‐guan , Zheng Shu‐zi , Jiang Li‐jia , Jin Jie , Lin Xiu‐qing , Ding Ran , Jiang Yi
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim:

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates immune responses and inflammation through binding with 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, the active form of vitamin D. The serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level clinically reflects vitamin D status in the human body. We investigated the association of VDR polymorphisms and 25(OH)D levels in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods:

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) were genotyped by SNaPshot. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by electro‐chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results:

A total of 297 patients with CD and 446 controls were recruited. Compared with controls, mutant alleles and genotypes of BsmI and TaqI were less prevalent in patients with CD (all P < 0.05/4 = 0.0125). The AAC haplotype formed by BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI was also less prevalent in patients with CD (P = 0.004). Furthermore, 124 patients and 188 controls were randomly selected for measurements of 25(OH)D levels. Average 25(OH)D level was lower in patients with CD than in controls (15.46 ± 8.11 vs 21.64 ± 9.45 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and negatively linked to CD activity index (β = −0.829, P < 0.001), platelet count (β = −0.253, P < 0.001) and neutrophil percentage (β = −0.136, P = 0.005) in patients with CD. The ApaI mutant genotype and vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were independently associated with CD (P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). In patients with CD, vitamin D deficiency interacted with FokI, ApaI, and TaqI mutant genotypes (P = 0.027, P = 0.024, and P = 0.040, respectively).

Conclusions:

Vitamin D receptor (BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and lower 25(OH)D levels are associated with CD in Chinese patients. Moreover, VDR (FokI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and vitamin D deficiency may have a combined impact on CD.
Food acceptance and neophobia in children with phenylketonuria: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Evans S. , Daly A. , Chahal S. , MacDonald J. , MacDonald A.
Published: October 2015

Background

In phenylketonuria (PKU), little is known about the effect of bitter‐tasting phenylalanine‐free l‐amino acid exposure on taste preference development. The present prospective study aimed to determine the flavour preferences of children with PKU versus healthy control children.

Methods

Thirty‐five children with PKU and 35 age/gender‐matched controls, aged 4–13 years, tasted 10 blinded puree foods in random order. They were rated using a seven‐point pictorial hedonic scale (super yummy to super yucky) and ranked in preferential order. Caregivers completed a neophobia and food frequency questionnaire on behalf of their children.

Results

Both PKU and control groups rated sweet foods higher than savoury, bitter and sour foods. However, control children ranked fruits as a group higher than PKU children (mean 3.7 versus 4.6; P = 0.03), whereas PKU children ranked vegetables as a group higher than controls (mean 5.6 versus 6.3; P = 0.05). Children with PKU had more neophobia and were untrusting/fearful of new foods.

Conclusions

Although there was some evidence to suggest that children with PKU aged ≥4 years prefer savoury foods (vegetables) more than control children, they did not prefer bitter‐tasting foods, and so early and persistent administration of bitter‐tasting l‐amino acids was not associated with apparent taste imprinting. Neophobia appears to play significant part in food refusal in PKU, perhaps more so than taste preferences.
Molecular Characterization of Divergent Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge Virus Isolates from Eastern Canada
Authors: Bhagwat Basdeo , Dickison Virginia , Su Li , Bernardy Mike , Wiersma Paul A. , Nie Xianzhou , Xiang Yu
Published: October 2015

The complete genome sequences of four new isolates of strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV) were determined and analysed. The isolates, designated as AB41‐01, AB41‐02, NB1165 and NS26, were found from strawberry fields showing strawberry decline symptoms in eastern Canada. AB41‐01 and AB41‐02 were from a single‐plant sample originating from Prince Edward Island, while NB1165 came from New Brunswick and NS26 from Nova Scotia. Nucleotide sequence identities are 95.8% between AB41‐01 and NB1165, 99.6% between AB41‐02 and NS26, and 84% between AB41‐01/NB1165 and AB41‐02/NS26. The four isolates share nucleotide sequence identities of 83.5–89.9% to two previously identified SMYEV isolates, namely MY18 and D7. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the four Canadian isolates represented two new SMYEV strain types and the strain divergences were not likely from recombination events among all presently known SMYEV isolates.
The neuroprotective and anti‐apoptotic effects of melatonin on hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia‐induced oxidative brain damage
Authors: Pazar Asilay , Kolgazi Meltem , Memisoglu Aslı , Bahadir Elif , Sirvanci Serap , Yaman Akan , Yeğen Berrak Ç. , Ozek Eren
Published: October 2015

Melatonin exerts protection in several inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. To investigate the neuroprotective effects of melatonin in an experimental hemolysis‐induced hyperbilirubinemia, newborn Sprague–Dawley rats (25–40 g, n = 72) were injected with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (PHZ; 75 mg/kg) and the injections were repeated at the 24th hour. Rats were treated with saline or melatonin (10 mg/kg) 30 min before the first and second PHZ injections and 24 h after the 2nd PHZ injections. Control rats (n = 24) were injected with saline, but not PHZ. At sixth hours after the last injections of saline or melatonin, all rats were decapitated. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL–1β, IL‐10 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100B levels in the plasma were measured. Brain tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured, and brain tissues were evaluated for apoptosis by TUNEL method. In the saline‐treated PHZ group, hemoglobin, hematocrit levels were reduced, and total/direct bilirubin levels were elevated when compared to control group. Increased plasma TNF‐α, IL‐1β levels, along with decreased BDNF, S100B and IL‐10 values were observed in the saline‐treated PHZ group, while these changes were all reversed in the melatonin‐treated group. Increased MDA levels and MPO activities in the brain tissues of saline‐treated hyperbilirubinemic rats, concomitant with depleted brain GSH stores, were also reversed in the melatonin‐treated hyperbilirubinemic rats. Increased TUNEL(+) cells in the hippocampus of saline‐treated PHZ group were reduced by melatonin treatment. Melatonin exerts neuroprotective and anti‐apoptotic effects on the oxidative neuronal damage of the newborn rats with hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia.
Psychological distress in Rome III functional dyspepsia patients presenting for testing of gastric emptying
Authors: Dibaise J. K. , Islam R. S. , Dueck A. C. , Roarke M. C. , Crowell M. D.
Published: October 2015

Background

There have been conflicting results from studies that have evaluated psychological disturbances in functional dyspepsia (FD). We conducted a comprehensive survey of psychological measures in patients undergoing gastric emptying testing (GET) in order to determine the relationship among psychological distress, gastric emptying, and dyspeptic symptoms.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred for GET were prospectively enrolled. Details regarding patient characteristics, health care utilization, dyspeptic symptoms, quality of life, and psychological dysfunction were obtained. Depression, anxiety, somatization, stress, positive and negative affect, and alexithymia were queried using validated questionnaires. We compared those dyspeptic patients who met Rome III criteria for FD to those who did not meet these criteria.

Key Results

Two hundred and nine patients (160 female; mean age 46.6 years ± 17.3 years) participated. Around 151 patients (72%) met Rome III criteria for FD. In the entire group, a high level of depression, anxiety, somatization, and perceived stress was present compared to population norms. Health care seeking behavior and symptom severity were greater in those with FD and quality of life was lower compared to non‐FD. Gastric emptying did not differentiate the two groups and similar degrees of psychological distress were present whether emptying was delayed or normal.

Conclusions & Inferences

In patients referred for GET, substantial psychological distress is present. The degree of distress was similar regardless of whether the patient met Rome III FD criteria or not. Further evaluation of psychological dysfunction in FD patients may lead to improved diagnosis and determination of the most appropriate treatment.
Radical nursing and the emergence of technique as healthcare technology
Authors: Barnard Alan
Published: October 2015

The integration of technology in care is core business in nursing and this role requires that we must understand and use technology informed by evidence that goes much deeper and broader than actions and behaviours. We need to delve more deeply into its complexity because there is nothing minor or insignificant about technology as a major influence in healthcare outcomes and experiences. Evidence is needed that addresses technology and nursing from perspectives that examine the effects of technology, especially related to increasing demands for efficiency, the relationship of technology to nursing and caring, and a range of philosophical questions associated with empowering people in their healthcare choices. Specifically, there is a need to confront in practice the ways technique influences care. Technique is the creation of a kind of thinking that is necessary for contemporary healthcare technology to develop and be applied in an efficient and rational manner. Technique is not an entity or specific thing, but rather a way of thinking that seeks to shape and organize nursing activity, and manage efficiently individual difference(s) in care. It emphasizes predetermined causal relationships, conformity, and sameness of product, process, and thought. In response is needed a radical vision of nursing that attempts in a real sense to ensure we meet the needs of individuals and their community. Activism and advocacy are needed, and a willingness to create a certain detachment from the imperatives that technique demands. It is argued that our responsibility as nurses is to respond in practice to the errors, advantages, difficulties, and temptations of technology for the benefit of those who most need our assistance and care.
Resolving the ‘nitrogen paradox’ of arbuscular mycorrhizas: fertilization with organic matter brings considerable benefits for plant nutrition and growth
Authors: Thirkell Tom J. , Cameron Duncan D. , Hodge Angela
Published: October 2015

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can transfer nitrogen (N) to host plants, but the ecological relevance is debated, as total plant N and biomass do not generally increase. The extent to which the symbiosis is mutually beneficial is thought to rely on the stoichiometry of N, phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) availability. While inorganic N fertilization has been shown to elicit strong mutualism, characterized by improved plant and fungal growth and mineral nutrition, similar responses following organic N addition are lacking. Using a compartmented microcosm experiment, we determined the significance to a mycorrhizal plant of placing a 15N‐labelled, nitrogen‐rich patch of organic matter in a compartment to which only AMF hyphae had access. Control microcosms denied AMF hyphal access to the patch compartment. When permitted access to the patch compartment, the fungus proliferated extensively in the patch and transferred substantial quantities of N to the plant. Moreover, our data demonstrate that allowing hyphal access to an organic matter patch enhanced total plant N and P contents, with a simultaneous and substantial increase in plant biomass. Furthermore, we demonstrate that organic matter fertilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal plants can foster a mutually beneficial symbiosis based on nitrogen transfer, a phenomenon previously thought irrelevant.
Causative pathogens and antibiotic resistance in children hospitalized for urinary tract infection
Authors: Koçak Mesut , Büyükkaragöz Bahar , Çelebi Tayfur Asli , Çaltik Aysun , Köksoy Adem Yasin , Çizmeci Zeynep , Günbey Sacit
Published: October 2015

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common bacterial infections in children and a major cause of hospitalization. In this study we investigated the clinical characteristics, causative uropathogens; their antibiotic susceptibility and resistance patterns, treatment modalities and efficacy in children hospitalized for UTI in a tertiary care setting.

Methods

Patients hospitalized for an upper UTI between March 2009 and July 2014 were enrolled. The urine culture–antibiogram results and accompanying urinary tract abnormalities were recorded retrospectively.

Results

A total of 142 patients (104 girls, 73.2%; 38 boys, 26.8%) were enrolled. Mean patient age was 32.6 ± 4.1 months. History of recurrent UTI was present in 45.8% (n = 65), with prior hospitalization in 12.0% (n = 17). Frequency of vesicoureteral reflux was 18.3% (n = 26). Gram‐negative enteric microorganisms yielded growth in all culture‐positive UTI and the most common microorganism wasEscherichia coli(n = 114, 80.3%). Extended spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing (ESBL (+)) bacterial strains were detected in 49.3% (n = 70), with third‐generation cephalosporin resistance in all and increased duration of hospitalization.

Conclusions

The prevalence of UTI with ESBL (+) bacterial strains with multi‐drug resistance is increasing in the hospitalized pediatric population, therefore rational use of antibiotics is essential.
Pediatric extended spectrum β‐lactamase infection: Community‐acquired infection and treatment options
Authors: Sethaphanich Napapailin , Santanirand Pitak , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Techasaensiri Chonnamet , Chaisavaneeyakorn Sujittra , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: October 2015

Background

Infection caused by extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in pediatric patients has been increasing and spreading to the community, compromising the options for effective antibiotics. This retrospective study was conducted to identify which antibiotics ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae remain susceptible to. In addition, the prevalence of community‐acquired infection caused by these organisms, and the possibility of association between these organisms and septic shock, were explored.

Methods

Antibiotic susceptibility of ESBL‐producing and non‐ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from pediatric patients were reviewed to determine the rates of susceptibility to various antibiotics. A chart review was performed to clarify the prevalence of community‐acquired infection and the severity.

Results

Of 849 strains analyzed, 40% were ESBL positive. Apart from cephalosporins, ESBL‐producing strains were also less likely to be susceptible to other antibiotics, such as quinolones, gentamicin, netilmicin, and cotrimoxazole, more than 90% of which were still susceptible to amikacin, carbapenems, colistin, and tigecycline. Around 20% of community‐acquired infections in the present study were caused by ESBL‐producing strains. ESBL‐producing strains found in the community were more likely to be susceptible to gentamicin, netilmicin, and cefepime than those found in hospital. Infection caused by ESBL‐producing strains was not significantly associated with septic shock.

Conclusion

The increase in infection caused by ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae limits the availability of effective antibiotics. Given that carbapenems are necessary for treating serious infections, amikacin, cefepime, and piperacillin/tazobactam are possible options for consolidative therapy or for non‐serious infection.
Sexual similarity, complementarity, accuracy, and overperception in same‐sex couples
Authors: DE JONG DAVID C. , REIS HARRY T.
Published: October 2015

We examined whether similarity, complementarity, accuracy, and positive illusions exist within the sex lives of same‐sex romantic couples. Partners had similar and complementary sexual desires and they perceived each other's desires with considerable accuracy; these effects were greater than in randomly matched pseudocouples. As evidence of positive sexual illusions, people overperceived sexual similarity and complementarity, and they overperceived the accuracy with which their partner knew their desires. Using actor–partner interdependence models (D. A. Kenny, D. A. Kashy, & W. L. Cook, 2006), similarity, complementarity, and positive illusions predicted sexual satisfaction, but a partner's actual accuracy did not. In parallel with earlier findings from heterosexual couples, this work indicates that positive sexual illusions are motivated cognitive processes that benefit sexual satisfaction, as theories of relationship maintenance suggest.
The Amniotic Membrane: Development and Potential Applications – A Review
Authors: Favaron PO , Carvalho RC , Borghesi J , Anunciação ARA , Miglino MA
Published: October 2015

Contents

Foetal membranes are essential tissues for embryonic development, playing important roles related to protection, breathing, nutrition and excretion. The amnion is the innermost extraembryonic membrane, which surrounds the foetus, forming an amniotic sac that contains the amniotic fluid (AF). In recent years, the amniotic membrane has emerged as a potential tool for clinical applications and has been primarily used in medicine in order to stimulate the healing of skin and corneal diseases. It has also been used in vaginal reconstructive surgery, repair of abdominal hernia, prevention of surgical adhesions and pericardium closure. More recently, it has been used in regenerative medicine because the amniotic‐derived stem cells as well as AF‐derived cells exhibit cellular plasticity, angiogenic, cytoprotective, immunosuppressive properties, antitumoural potential and the ability to generate induced pluripotent stem cells. These features make them a promising source of stem cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering. In this review, we discussed the development of the amnion, AF and amniotic cavity in different species, as well as the applicability of stem cells from the amnion and AF in cellular therapy.
Sedimentology, depositional environments and significance of an Ediacaran salt‐withdrawal minibasin, Billy Springs Formation, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Authors: Counts John W. , Amos Kathryn J.
Published: October 2015

The late Ediacaran Billy Springs Formation is a little‐studied, mudstone‐dominated unit deposited in the Adelaide Rift Complex of South Australia. Sediments are exposed in an approximately 11 km × 15 km synclinal structure interpreted as a salt‐withdrawal minibasin. The stratigraphic succession is characterized by convolute‐laminated slump deposits, rhythmically laminated silty mudstones, rare diamictites and fining‐upward turbidite lithofacies. Lithofacies are the product of deposition in a deepwater slope or shelf setting, representing one of the few such examples preserved within the larger basin. Although exact correlations with other formations are unclear, the Billy Springs Formation probably represents the distal portion of a highstand systems tract, and is overlain by coarser sediments of the upper Pound Subgroup. Diamictite intervals are interpreted to be the product of mass flow processes originating from nearby emergent diapirs, in contrast to previous studies that suggest a glacial origin for extrabasinal clasts. Within the spectrum of outcropping minibasins around the world, the sediments described here are unique in their dominantly fine‐grained nature and overall lithological homogeneity. Exposures such as these provide an opportunity to better understand the sedimentological processes that operate in these environments, and provide an analogue for similar settings in the subsurface that act as hydrocarbon reservoir‐trap systems.
Remarks on Ergativity and Phase Theory
Authors: Karimi Yadgar
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses one empirical domain where a transitivevP, though being a full propositional construction, does not form a phase. Drawing data from the past transitive structures,akaergative constructions, in Kurdish, I will demonstrate that the interface‐oriented arguments underlying the determination of the first phase (v*P vs.vP) fall short of accounting for the emergent case/agreement pattern in these structures. Instead, à la Chomsky (2008), a view will be endorsed of the first phase in which avPconstitutes a strong phase only if its head is associated with a full complement of φ‐features, regardless of whether an external θ‐role is projected in [spec,vP]. Thus construed, the identification of a strong phase need not be procrastinated until the wholevPis formed, rather the status of a phase will be decided once a φ‐complete/‐defective v° enters into the derivation.
Dislocation Loop in Isotropic Bimaterial With Linear Springlike Imperfect Interface
Authors: Wu Wenwang , Xu Shucai , Lv Cunjing , Xia Re , Zhang Jinhuan
Published: October 2015

The mobility of dislocations and their interaction with interfaces in nanocrystal and multilayers affect the mechanical behaviors of the material, depending on material compositions and interface conditions. In this paper, a semi-analytical solution is developed for calculating the elastic fields of dislocation loops within isotropic bimaterials with linear springlike imperfect interface models. Calculation examples of dislocation loops within Al–Cu bimaterials are performed, which demonstrate the reliability of the semi-analytical approach. The effects of constant matrix on the interface elastic fields are studied, showing that the interface constant matrix can influence the elastic fields drastically. Comparisons between perfect bonding and imperfect interface models are performed to study the effects of interface imperfection conditions on the in-plane and out-of-plane elastic fields across the bimaterial interface plane.
Polyacrylamide/GelMA Hydrogel Templates for Breast Cancer Cell Spheroids Fabrication
Authors: Li Yuhui , Li Xiang , Zheng Lu , Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Feng
Published: October 2015

Fabrication of cellular spheroids is critical for creating functional tissue units and investigating the mechanism of tumorigenesis, development, and intercellular and cell–matrix interactions in vitro. Herein, we developed a novel, simple, and facile method for cell spheroid fabrication by using polyacrylamide/gelatin methacrylate (PA/GelMA) hydrogel composites. Arrays of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell spheroids can be easily formed by tuning the GelMA composition. The shape and size of cell spheroids can be also well controlled by regulating cell seeding density and culturing time. All these results suggested that this simple and facile platform can serve as a useful tool to generate three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroids and can be integrated within high-throughput drug screening platforms, which will be of great help in engineering functional tissue models and regenerative medicines.
But Is It Creative? Delineating the Impact of Expertise and Concept Ratings on Creative Concept Selection
Authors: Gosnell Christopher A. , Miller Scarlett R.
Published: October 2015

While creativity is often stressed in the conceptual phases of design, it is rarely considered during the concept selection process. Before effective methods can be developed to aid in creative concept section, however, differences in the perceptions of creativity between expert and novice designers and the influence of creativity evaluation methods on the process must be considered. Therefore, this paper was developed to address these questions by studying 11 expert and 11 novice designers. Specifically the study was developed to understand if experts' and novices' perception of a concepts creativity aligned, to introduce and compare the utility of our tool for assessing semantic creativity (TASC) to existing creativity evaluation methods, and to identify if our TASC method could be used as a proxy for expert evaluators. Our findings reveal that experts and novices generally had similar perceptions of a concept's creativity and that the TASC method was tapping into similar constructs of human perceptions of concept creativity. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence the selection or filtering of creative ideas after idea generation and provide a framework for research in this field.
Sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B on biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis in planktonic condition
Authors: Wang Xinna , Leung Albert Wingnang , Hua Heyu , Xu Chuanshan , Ip Margaret
Published: October 2015

Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic pathogen causing biofilm-associated infections. To investigate sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B on biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis in planktonic culture, a biofilm-producing strain Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984) was incubated with hypocrellin B and then exposed to ultrasound at intensity (ISATA) of 1.56 W/cm2 with a frequency of 1 MHz in continuous mode for 5 min. After sonodynamic treatment of hypocrellin B, the bacterial growth was measured using the colony counting method. Bacterial membrane integrity was investigated using a flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured using a flow cytometry with DCFH-DA staining. The results showed that sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B significantly induced survival reduction of Staphylococcus epidermidis in a hypocrellin B dose-dependent manner, and a 4-log reduction was observed after the combined treatment of hypcorellin B (40 μM) and ultrasound sonication with the intensity of 1.56 W/cm2 for 5 min. Bacterial membrane integrity was notably damaged and the level of intracellular ROS level was remarkably increased after sonodynamic treatment. The findings demonstrated that sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B had significant antibacterial activity on biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis in planktonic condition probably through increasing intracellular ROS level to cause damage to bacterial membrane integrity.
Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Women Engaging in Recreational Horseback Riding
Authors: Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Nowak Alicja , Leszczynski Piotr
Published: October 2015

Background:

An increased occurrence of lifestyle-related diseases such as osteoporosis indicates the necessity for taking preventive action, including regularly engaging in physical activity. The aim of the study was to assess the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone turnover markers levels in young adult women engaging in recreational horseback riding and to determine the relationship between training characteristics and bone metabolism indices.

Methods:

The study involved 43 women: 23 equestrians and 20 age- and body mass index–matched controls. The hip and spine aBMD and serum levels of the bone turnover markers: osteocalcin and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide were measured.

Results:

No significant differences were found in somatic features, concentrations of bone turnover markers, or bone mass variables. Correlation analysis of the equestrian participants showed significant relationship between body mass and BMDL1–L4 (P < .05) as well as between BMI and BMDL1–L4 (P ≤ .01) and z-score L1–L4 (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The study showed no differences in bone mass and levels of bone metabolic indices between groups of women practicing horseback riding at the recreational level and subjects who do not participate in frequent systematic physical activity. No relationship between training characteristics and bone turnover markers were found.
The great Arctic experiment
Authors: Wren Kathy , Stern Gavin
Published: October 2015

Climate change is affecting the region's estuaries, politics, and what it means to go home
The realities of risk-cost-benefit analysis
Authors: Fischhoff Baruch
Published: October 2015

Setting policy, knowing risks

Policy-makers often commission formal analyses to estimate the costs, risks, and benefits of proposed projects or policies. Applications range from estimating the risks of commercial nuclear power, to setting priorities among environmental risks, to comparing technologies for generating electricity, to weighing the benefits and risks of prescription drugs. In the United States, analyses are required for all major federal regulations. Fischhoff reviews how such analyses are limited by the scientific and ethical judgments inherent in the process and require collaboration between those who generate the analyses and those who want to use them.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aaa6516
Gate control of mechanical itch by a subpopulation of spinal cord interneurons
Authors: Bourane Steeve , Duan Bo , Koch Stephanie C. , Dalet Antoine , Britz Olivier , Garcia-Campmany Lidia , Kim Euiseok , Cheng Longzhen , Ghosh Anirvan , Ma Qiufu , Goulding Martyn
Published: October 2015

A circuit controlling mechanical itch

Considerable progress has been made in understanding and treating chemically induced itch. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying mechanically evoked itch. Bourane
et al.
produced a model of mechanical itch by reducing the number of neuropeptide Y–expressing inhibitory spinal interneurons. This led to a selective increase in mechanically evoked itch-like behavior in mice. In contrast, chemically evoked itch or pain behavior remained unaffected.

Science
, this issue p.
550
From the lab to the real world
Authors: Charness Gary , Fehr Ernst
Published: October 2015

Laboratory experiments provide precise quantitative predictions of peer effects in the field

[Also see Report by
Herbst and Mas
]
Visualizing trans-infection
Authors: Hope Thomas J.
Published: October 2015

Systemic spread of a virus starts with multiple modes of transmission in the lymph node

[Also see Report by

Sewald
et al.

]
Eric Davidson (1937–2015)
Authors: Erwin Douglas H.
Published: October 2015

A developmental biologist uncovered the structure and evolution of gene regulatory networks
Zero tolerance. Period
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: October 2015

Earlier this month, famed astronomer Geoff Marcy's sexual harassment of female students was exposed. He has since resigned from the University of California, Berkeley, in the face of concerted pressure from peers and students. It is unconscionable for someone to use academic power to be a sexual predator, but the reality is that Marcy operated in an academic culture that turned a blind eye to such behavior.
High Prevalence of Mycoplasma faucium DNA in the Human Oropharynx
Authors: Edouard Sophie , Courtois Gaëlle Denis , Gautret Philippe , Jouve Jean-Luc , Minodier Philippe , Noël Guilhem , Roch Antoine , Brouqui Philippe , Stein Andreas , Drancourt Michel , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Raoult Didier
Published: October 2015

Mycoplasma faucium
has recently been associated with brain abscesses and seems to originate from the mouth. We evaluated its prevalence by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in the oropharynxes of 644 subjects and found that 25% harbored
M. faucium
, probably constituting the gateway for entrance of the bacteria into cerebral abscesses.
Are Pathogenic Leptospira Species Agents of Community-Acquired Pneumonia? Case Reports of Leptospirosis Presenting as Pneumonia
Authors: Gasem M. Hussein , Farida Helmia , Ahmed Ahmed , Severin Juliţte A. , Suryanto Agus , Isbandrio Bambang , Verbrugh Henri A. , Hartskeerl Rudy A. , van den Broek Peterhans J.
Published: October 2015

We report four Indonesian cases meeting the clinical and radiological criteria for community-acquired pneumonia and other findings suggestive of leptospirosis. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses of serum and urine samples and serology confirmed the diagnosis of leptospirosis in each. Results of qPCR analysis of throat swabs were concordant with those obtained with acute-phase serum samples, which suggests its potential for use as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for leptospirosis.
Chemical Cross-Linking Stabilizes Native-Like HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimer Antigens
Authors: Schiffner Torben , de Val Natalia , Russell Rebecca A. , de Taeye Steven W. , de la Peña Alba Torrents , Ozorowski Gabriel , Kim Helen J. , Nieusma Travis , Brod Florian , Cupo Albert , Sanders Rogier W. , Moore John P. , Ward Andrew B. , Sattentau Quentin J.
Published: October 2015

Major neutralizing antibody immune evasion strategies of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer include conformational and structural instability. Stabilized soluble trimers such as BG505 SOSIP.664 mimic the structure of virion-associated Env but nevertheless sample different conformational states. Here we demonstrate that treating BG505 SOSIP.664 trimers with glutaraldehyde or a heterobifunctional cross-linker introduces additional stability with relatively modest effects on antigenicity. Thus, most broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) epitopes were preserved after cross-linking, whereas the binding of most weakly or nonneutralizing antibodies (non-NAb) was reduced. Cross-linking stabilized all Env conformers present within a mixed population, and individual conformers could be isolated by bNAb affinity chromatography. Both positive selection of cross-linked conformers using the quaternary epitope-specific bNAbs PGT145, PGT151, and 3BC315 and negative selection with non-NAbs against the V3 region enriched for trimer populations with improved antigenicity for bNAbs. Similar results were obtained using the clade B B41 SOSIP.664 trimer. The cross-linking method may, therefore, be useful for countering the natural conformational heterogeneity of some HIV-1 Env proteins and, by extrapolation, also vaccine immunogens from other pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
The development of a vaccine to induce protective antibodies against HIV-1 is of primary public health importance. Recent advances in immunogen design have provided soluble recombinant envelope glycoprotein trimers with near-native morphology and antigenicity. However, these trimers are conformationally flexible, potentially reducing B-cell recognition of neutralizing antibody epitopes. Here we show that chemical cross-linking increases trimer stability, reducing binding of nonneutralizing antibodies while largely maintaining neutralizing antibody binding. Cross-linking followed by positive or negative antibody affinity selection of individual stable conformational variants further improved the antigenic and morphological characteristics of the trimers. This approach may be generally applicable to HIV-1 Env and also to other conformationally flexible pathogen antigens.
Knockout of the Host Resistance Gene
Pkr
Fully Restores Replication of Murine Cytomegalovirus m142 and m143 Mutants
In Vivo
Authors: Ostermann Eleonore , Warnecke Gabriele , Waibler Zoe , Brune Wolfram
Published: October 2015

Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) proteins m142 and m143 are essential for viral replication. They bind double-stranded RNA and prevent protein kinase R-induced protein synthesis shutoff. Whether the two viral proteins have additional functions such as their homologs in human cytomegalovirus do remained unknown. We show that MCMV m142 and m143 knockout mutants attain organ titers equivalent to those attained by wild-type MCMV in
Pkr
knockout mice, suggesting that these viral proteins do not encode additional PKR-independent functions relevant for pathogenesis
in vivo
.
Fluid Spatial Dynamics of West Nile Virus in the United States: Rapid Spread in a Permissive Host Environment
Authors: Di Giallonardo Francesca , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Docherty Douglas E. , McLean Robert G. , Zody Michael C. , Qu James , Yang Xiao , Birren Bruce W. , Malboeuf Christine M. , Newman Ruchi M. , Ip Hon S. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: October 2015

The introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999 is a classic example of viral emergence in a new environment, with its subsequent dispersion across the continent having a major impact on local bird populations. Despite the importance of this epizootic, the pattern, dynamics, and determinants of WNV spread in its natural hosts remain uncertain. In particular, it is unclear whether the virus encountered major barriers to transmission, or spread in an unconstrained manner, and if specific viral lineages were favored over others indicative of intrinsic differences in fitness. To address these key questions in WNV evolution and ecology, we sequenced the complete genomes of approximately 300 avian isolates sampled across the United States between 2001 and 2012. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a relatively star-like tree structure, indicative of explosive viral spread in the United States, although with some replacement of viral genotypes through time. These data are striking in that viral sequences exhibit relatively limited clustering according to geographic region, particularly for those viruses sampled from birds, and no strong phylogenetic association with well-sampled avian species. The genome sequence data analyzed here also contain relatively little evidence for adaptive evolution, particularly of structural proteins, suggesting that most viral lineages are of similar fitness and that WNV is well adapted to the ecology of mosquito vectors and diverse avian hosts in the United States. In sum, the molecular evolution of WNV in North America depicts a largely unfettered expansion within a permissive host and geographic population with little evidence of major adaptive barriers.

IMPORTANCE
How viruses spread in new host and geographic environments is central to understanding the emergence and evolution of novel infectious diseases and for predicting their likely impact. The emergence of the vector-borne West Nile virus (WNV) in North America in 1999 represents a classic example of this process. Using approximately 300 new viral genomes sampled from wild birds, we show that WNV experienced an explosive spread with little geographical or host constraints within birds and relatively low levels of adaptive evolution. From its introduction into the state of New York, WNV spread across the United States, reaching California and Florida within 4 years, a migration that is clearly reflected in our genomic sequence data, and with a general absence of distinct geographical clusters of bird viruses. However, some geographically distinct viral lineages were found to circulate in mosquitoes, likely reflecting their limited long-distance movement compared to avian species.