bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Movement Patterns of Inconnu in an Arctic Estuary Delta Complex
Authors: Smith N. J. , Sutton T. M. , Savereide J. W.
Published: July 2015

Inconnu Stenodus leucichthys are a large, long-lived, piscivorous whitefish harvested in subsistence and sport fisheries in Alaska. In the Kotzebue region of northwestern Alaska, Inconnu are one of the most important food fishes, with 20,000+ fish being harvested each year. This study was conducted to describe the summer and winter distribution of Inconnu from the Hotham Inlet–Selawik Lake delta complex, Alaska, between 2010 and 2012. Data collection methods consisted of surgically implanting acoustic telemetry tags in 80 fish from both the Selawik and Kobuk rivers in 2010 and 2011 (n = 320 total) and deploying a fixed array of 20 acoustic receiving stations throughout Selawik Lake and Hotham Inlet. Tagged Inconnu detections revealed that individuals from the Selawik and Kobuk rivers displayed a high degree of spatial and temporal overlap while colocated in the Hotham Inlet–Selawik Lake complex during both sampling years. During the winter period, tagged fish from both rivers predominately occupied the northern end of Hotham Inlet. In the summer period, fish moved between the northern end of Hotham Inlet to Selawik Lake and the southern end of Hotham Inlet. Average daily displacements for Selawik and Kobuk River Inconnu ranged from 2,000–10,000 m/d. As well as providing a more complete account of Inconnu life history, these results provide useful data that can be used for developing future management strategies, such as the appropriateness of stock-specific harvest guidelines and spatial and temporal regulations.

Received January 12, 2015; accepted May 6, 2015
A Comparative Study of Screening Instruments and Biomarkers for the Detection of Cannabis Use
Authors: Meersseman Paulien , Vanhoutte Simon , Van Damme Joris , Maes Lea , Lemmens Gilbert , Heylens Gunter , Verstraete Alain G.
Published: July 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness of 3 different screening instruments (questionnaires) for the detection of cannabis use (CU) with biological markers in blood and hair.

Methods

Ninety-four students were recruited in October 2013. Participants filled out the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), the CAGE-AID (“Cut down Annoyed Guilty Eye-opener”—Adapted to Include Drugs), and ProbCannabis-DT questionnaires concerning their possible CU. Blood and hair samples were taken and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Logistic regression (Nagelkerke R2) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. THCCOOH (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoic acid) plasma of ≥5 ng/mL and THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) hair concentrations of ≥0.1 and ≥0.02 ng/mg were used as the gold standard for CU. The questionnaire results were compared with different concentration ranges for THCCOOH in plasma (<5, 5–75, and >75 ng/mL, indicating the intensity of use) and THC in hair ( ≥0.02 ng/mg, ≥0.1 ng/mg).

Results

The Nagelkerke R2 for comparing the SDS, CAGE-AID, and ProbCannabis-DT with THCCOOH in plasma was 0.350, 0.489, and 0.335, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.772 (0.662–0.882), 0.797 (0.710–0.884), and 0.769 (0.669–0.870), respectively. Corresponding sensitivity/specificity were 70%/84%, 100%/59%, and 87%/67%, respectively. These values were similar to those compared to a 0.02 ng/mg THC cutoff in hair.

Conclusions

Moderate agreement was found between all questionnaires and biomarkers of CU. The CAGE-AID and probCannabis-DT questionnaires were very sensitive, but less specific. SDS was less sensitive, but more specific.
A Demonstration Project Implementing Extended-Release Naltrexone in Los Angeles County
Authors: Cousins Sarah J. , Denering Loretta , Crèvecoeur-MacPhail Desirée , Viernes John , Sugita Wayne , Barger James , Kim Tina , Weimann Stefanie , Rawson Richard A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Extended-released naltrexone (XR-NTX) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication associated with higher rates of abstinence, reduced cravings, and delayed relapse to use. However, there is a dearth of literature on real-world implementation of XR-NTX. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, developed a demonstration project to inc'rease access to XR-NTX. This article describes that project, along with data on the expansion of XR-NTX service delivery and patient uptake.

Methods

A secondary descriptive data analysis of demographics, substance use history, current substance use behaviors, health-related variables, and dosing records was conducted on 609 patients who received XR-NTX from Los Angeles County substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities from April 2010 through July 2013. A geographic information system approach mapped the distribution of XR-NTX–referring agencies across Los Angeles County.

Results

Of the 609 records analyzed, a majority of patients (64%) obtained more than 1 dose of XR-NTX. Most XR-NTX patients reported alcohol use disorder (71.9%; n = 438). Compared with the general Los Angeles County substance use disorder patients, XR-NTX recipients reported more severe substance use histories. Finally, XR-NTX was accessed by providers in 6 of the 8 Service Planning Areas of Los Angeles County.

Conclusions

These findings reflect a higher XR-NTX cessation rate and a lower average number of doses, in contrast to similar demonstration projects in community settings with patients on parole or probation. However, this study shows that it is feasible to engage treatment providers in the use XR-NTX among their patients with alcohol or opioid use disorders. Several implications for future research and implementation are discussed.
Feasibility and Acceptability of An Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview Version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in Primary Care Patients
Authors: Spear Suzanne E. , Shedlin Michele , Gilberti Brian , Fiellin Maya , McNeely Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Background

This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of a computer self-administered approach to substance use screening from the perspective of primary care patients.

Methods

Forty-eight patients from a large safety net hospital in New York City completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and a qualitative interview to assess feasibility and acceptability, comprehension, comfort with screening questions, and preferences for screening mode (interviewer or computer). Qualitative data analysis organized the participants’ feedback into major themes.

Results

Participants overwhelmingly reported being comfortable with the ACASI ASSIST. Mean administration time was 5.2 minutes (range: 1.6–14.8 minutes). The major themes from the qualitative interviews were (1) ACASI ASSIST is feasible and acceptable to patients, (2) Social stigma around substance use is a barrier to patient disclosure, and (3) ACASI screening should not preclude personal interaction with providers.

Conclusions

The ACASI ASSIST is an appropriate and feasible approach to substance use screening in primary care. Because of the highly sensitive nature of substance use, screening tools must explain the purpose of screening, assure patients that their privacy is protected, and inform patients of the opportunity to discuss their screening results with their provider.
Involvement of microRNA214 and transcriptional regulation in reductions in mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase mRNA levels in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat livers
Authors: Michihara Akihiro , Ide Norie , Mizutani Yurika , Okamoto Manami , Uchida Maya , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Akasaki Kenji
Published: July 2015

Hypocholesterolemia has been epidemiologically identified as one of the causes of stroke (cerebral hemorrhage). We previously reported that lower protein levels of mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase (MPD), which is responsible for reducing serum cholesterol levels in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), in the liver were caused by a reduction in mRNA levels. However, the mechanism responsible for reducing MPD expression levels in the SHRSP liver remains unclear. Thus, we compared microRNA (miR)-214 combined with the 3′-untranslated region of MPD mRNA and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) between SHRSP and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). miR-214 levels in the liver were markedly higher in SHRSP than in WKY, whereas hnRNA levels were significantly lower. These results indicate that the upregulation of miR-214 and downregulation of MPD transcription in the liver both play a role in the development of hypocholesterolemia in SHRSP.
Carl Jung’s relationship with Sabina Spielrein: a reassessment
Authors: Launer John
Published: July 2015

The aim of this article is to give an accurate account of the relationship between Sabina Spielrein and Carl Gustav Jung, based on a close reading of the available documentary evidence. I challenge many of the commonly held assumptions about their relationship. These include the belief that Spielrein was Jung’s first analytic patient, that they had a long and mutually passionate affair, and that Spielrein was the inspiration behind Jung’s conception of the ‘anima’. I argue that there is little evidence for these and a number of other beliefs that have been passed down through successive cultural iterations without careful documentary analysis.
Density Transition Based Self-Focusing of cosh-Gaussian Laser Beam in Plasma with Linear Absorption*
Authors: Kant Niti , Wani Manzoor Ahmad
Published: July 2015

Density transition based self-focusing of cosh-Gaussian laser beam in plasma with linear absorption has been studied. The field distribution in the plasma is expressed in terms of beam width parameter, decentered parameter, and linear absorption coefficient. The differential equation for the beam width parameter is solved by following Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) and paraxial approximation through parabolic wave equation approach. The behaviour of beam width parameter with dimensionless distance of propagation is studied at optimum values of plasma density, decentered parameter and with different absorption levels in the medium. The results reveal that these parameters can affect the self-focusing significantly.
Composition Dependence of Electrocaloric Effect in (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 −xPbTiO3 Single Crystals*
Authors: Qiu Jian-Hua , Wang Xiu-Qin , Yuan Ning-Yi , Ding Jian-Ning
Published: July 2015

Composition dependence of electrocaloric effect is investigated in (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xPbTiO3 single crystals by using an eighth-order Landau–Devonshire theory. The applied electric field along [001] direction reduces the ferroelectric-ferroelectric phase transition temperatures, but increases the Curie temperatures. The electrocaloric coefficients of tetragonal phase are much larger than that of rhombohedral and monoclinic phase. A negative electrocaloric effect is observed near the MC–T phase transition in 0.69Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.31PbTiO3 single crystal. The application of a strong enough electric field results in a high adiabatic temperature change over a broad range of temperature. Therefore, it would be useful to construct a solid state cooling cycle over a broad temperature range for practical applications.
Nonlinearity of Quantum Mechanics and Solution of the Problem of Wave Function Collapse
Authors: Melkikh Alexey V.
Published: July 2015

The problem of the wave function collapse (a problem of measurement in quantum mechanics) is considered. It is shown that it can be solved based on quantum mechanics and does not require any additional assumptions or new theories. The particle creation and annihilation processes, which are described based on quantum field theory, play a key role in the measurement processes. Superposition principle is not valid for the system of equations of quantum field theory for particles and fields, because this system is a non-linear. As a result of the creation (annihilation) of a particle, an additional uncertainty arises, which “smears” the interference pattern. The imposition of such a large number of uncertainties in the repetitive measurements leads to the classical behavior of particles. The decoherence theory also implies the creation and annihilation of particles, and this processes are the consequence of non-linearity of quantum mechanics. In this case, the term “collapse of the wave function” becomes a consequence of the other statements of quantum mechanics instead of a separate postulate of quantum mechanics.
OJ287: Post-Newtonian Calculation in Harmonic Coordinate and Pulsar Timing Residual Confirmation*
Authors: Cheng Bin , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2015

We calculate and discuss the motion of the binary black hole OJ287 based on Post-Newtonian approximation in a harmonic coordinate. With gravitational waveform obtained, theoretical timing residual of PSR B1855+09 induced by gravitational radiation of OJ287 is presented and compared with observed data, further shows that hypothesis referring to OJ287 as a binary BH system might be proper. The energy flux of gravitational radiation from binary is also provided, from which we find that the flux changes sign successively: ĖN > 0, Ė1PN < 0, Ė2PN > 0, in agreement with the relative signs of forces of each PN order, revealed in the previous work.
Vector Breathers in an Averaged Dispersion-Managed Birefringent Fiber System*
Authors: Li Ji-Tao , Han Jin-Zhong , Zhang Xian-Tu
Published: July 2015

A variable-coefficient coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation in an averaged dispersion-managed birefringent fiber is investigated. Based on the one-to-one correspondence between variable-coefficient and constant-coefficient equations, an analytical breather solution is derived. As an example to exhibit dynamical behaviors of solution, its controllable excitations including rear excitation, peak excitation and initial excitation are discussed.
Algebro-Geometric Solutions with Characteristics of a Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation with Three-Potential Functions*
Authors: Zhang Yu-Feng , Feng Bin-Lu , Rui Wen-Juan , Zhang Xiang-Zhi
Published: July 2015

With the help of a simple Lie algebra, an isospectral Lax pair, whose feature presents decomposition of element (1, 2) into a linear combination in the temporal Lax matrix, is introduced for which a new integrable hierarchy of evolution equations is obtained, whose Hamiltonian structure is also derived from the trace identity in which contains a constant γ to be determined. In the paper, we obtain a general formula for computing the constant γ. The reduced equations of the obtained hierarchy are the generalized nonlinear heat equation containing three-potential functions, the mKdV equation and a generalized linear KdV equation. The algebro-geometric solutions (also called finite band solutions) of the generalized nonlinear heat equation are obtained by the use of theory on algebraic curves. Finally, two kinds of gauge transformations of the spatial isospectral problem are produced.
Energy Staggering in Ground Bands of232Th and236,238U Nuclei Using the Interacting Vector Boson Model
Authors: Khalaf A.M. , Sirag M.M. , Kotb M.
Published: July 2015

The ΔI = 2 and ΔI = 4 staggering parameters of transition energies Eγfor normally deformed positive parity ground bands in232Th and236,238U nuclei are studied in framework of the symplectic extension of the interacting vector boson model. The model parameters are obtained from the fitting procedure between the calculated excitation energies and the corresponding experimental ones. The staggering parameters represent the finite difference approximations to higher order derivatives dnEγ/dInof the γ-ray transition energies in a ΔI = 2 and ΔI = 4 bands, which yielding multipoint formulae. The first order derivative (two-point formula) provides us with information about the dynamical moment of inertia. The staggering oscillation for the fourth order derivative (five-point formula) is about 0.5 KeV and is even larger than that in superdeformed bands. The quite similarity in dynamical moments of inertia of the isotopes236,238U up to high spin states indicate that the phenomenon of identical bands is not restricted to superdeformed bands.
Interferon-γ–inducible Rab20 regulates endosomal morphology and EGFR degradation in macrophages
Authors: Pei Gang , Schnettger Laura , Bronietzki Marc , Repnik Urska , Griffiths Gareth , Gutierrez Maximiliano Gabriel
Published: July 2015

Little is known about the molecular players that regulate changes in the endocytic pathway during immune activation. Here we investigate the role of Rab20 in the endocytic pathway during activation of macrophages. Rab20 is associated with endocytic structures, but the function of this Rab GTPase in the endocytic pathway remains poorly characterized. We find that in macrophages, Rab20 expression and endosomal association significantly increase after interferon-γ (IFN-γ) treatment. Moreover, IFN-γ and Rab20 expression induce a dramatic enlargement of endosomes. These enlarged endosomes are the result of homotypic fusion promoted by Rab20 expression. The expression of Rab20 or the dominant-negative mutant Rab20T19N does not affect transferrin or dextran 70 kDa uptake. However, knockdown of Rab20 accelerates epidermal growth factor (EGF) trafficking to LAMP-2–positive compartments and EGF receptor degradation. Thus this work defines a function for Rab20 in the endocytic pathway during immune activation of macrophages.
Ipl1/Aurora-B is necessary for kinetochore restructuring in meiosis I inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Meyer Régis E. , Chuong Hoa H. , Hild Marrett , Hansen Christina L. , Kinter Michael , Dawson Dean S.
Published: July 2015

In mitosis, the centromeres of sister chromosomes are pulled toward opposite poles of the spindle. In meiosis I, the opposite is true: the sister centromeres move together to the same pole, and the homologous chromosomes are pulled apart. This change in segregation patterns demands that between the final mitosis preceding meiosis and the first meiotic division, the kinetochores must be restructured. In budding yeast, unlike mammals, kinetochores are largely stable throughout the mitotic cycle. In contrast, previous work with budding and fission yeast showed that some outer kinetochore proteins are lost in early meiosis. We use quantitative mass spectrometry methods and imaging approaches to explore the kinetochore restructuring process that occurs in meiosis I in budding yeast. The Ndc80 outer kinetochore complex, but not other subcomplexes, is shed upon meiotic entry. This shedding is regulated by the conserved protein kinase Ipl1/Aurora-B and promotes the subsequent assembly of a kinetochore that will confer meiosis-specific segregation patterns on the chromosome.
Coupling between cytoplasmic concentration gradients through local control of protein mobility in theCaenorhabditis eleganszygote
Authors: Wu Youjun , Zhang Huaiying , Griffin Erik E.
Published: July 2015

Cell polarity is characterized by the asymmetric distribution of factors at the cell cortex and in the cytoplasm. Although mechanisms that establish cortical asymmetries have been characterized, less is known about how persistent cytoplasmic asymmetries are generated. During the asymmetric division of the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote, the PAR proteins orchestrate the segregation of the cytoplasmic RNA-binding proteins MEX-5/6 to the anterior cytoplasm and PIE-1, POS-1, and MEX-1 to the posterior cytoplasm. In this study, we find that MEX-5/6 control the segregation of GFP::PIE-1, GFP::POS-1, and GFP::MEX-1 by locally increasing their mobility in the anterior cytoplasm. Remarkably, PIE-1, POS-1, and MEX-1 form gradients with distinct strengths, which correlates with differences in their responsiveness to MEX-5/6. We show that MEX-5/6 act downstream of the polarity regulators PAR-1 and PAR-3 and in a concentration-dependent manner to increase the mobility of GFP::PIE-1. These findings suggest that the MEX-5/6 concentration gradients are directly coupled to the establishment of posterior-rich PIE-1, POS-1, and MEX-1 concentration gradients via the formation of anterior-fast, posterior-slow mobility gradients.
Blood Pressure Lowering Medication, Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure
Variability, and Cognitive Function in Old Age
Authors: Wijsman Liselotte W. , de Craen Anton J.M. , Muller Majon , Sabayan Behnam , Stott David , Ford Ian , Trompet Stella , Jukema J. Wouter , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Mooijaart Simon P.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with cognitive impairment. We assessed to what extent the association between BP variability and cognitive impairment is mediated by the association of BP lowering medication (BPLM) with both BP variability and cognition.

METHODS

We studied 5,606 participants from the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER). BP was measured every 3 months during 3.2 years; BP variability was defined as the SD of BP measurements during follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and during follow-up using the Stroop test, Letter-Digit Coding test, and immediate and delayed Picture-Word Learning tests. Multivariate regression models were used with and without adjustments for BPLM to calculate the percentage to which BPLM mediated the association between BP variability and cognition.

RESULTS

Participants taking calcium antagonists had a higher score in baseline Letter-Digit Coding test (mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 (0.06; 0.88). Participants taking beta-blockers had a steeper decline in Stroop test (additional change per year (95% CI) 0.40 (0.09; 0.70) and Letter-Digit Coding test (0.08 (−0.15; −0.02)). Furthermore, a steeper decline in Stroop test was found in participants taking renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (0.50 (0.16; 0.85). Systolic BP variability was higher in participants taking beta-blockers and RAS inhibitors (mean difference in systolic BP variability in mm Hg (95% CI) 0.75 (0.45; 1.04) and 1.37 (1.04; 1.71) respectively). Participants taking diuretics, calcium antagonists, and RAS inhibitors had a higher diastolic BP variability (mean difference in diastolic BP variability in mm Hg (95% CI) 0.27 (0.04; 0.49), 0.37 (0.12; 0.62) and 0.65 (0.37; 0.93) SD, respectively). Beta estimates remained essentially the same when we adjusted for BPLM in the association of BP variability with cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between BP variability and cognitive impairment was not mediated by BPLM.
Experimental design in ocean acidification research: problems and solutions
Authors: Cornwall Christopher E. , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: July 2015

Ocean acidification has been identified as a risk to marine ecosystems, and substantial scientific effort has been expended on investigating its effects, mostly in laboratory manipulation experiments. However, performing these manipulations correctly can be logistically difficult, and correctly designing experiments is complex, in part because of the rigorous requirements for manipulating and monitoring seawater carbonate chemistry. To assess the use of appropriate experimental design in ocean acidification research, 465 studies published between 1993 and 2014 were surveyed, focusing on the methods used to replicate experimental units. The proportion of studies that had interdependent or non-randomly interspersed treatment replicates, or did not report sufficient methodological details was 95%. Furthermore, 21% of studies did not provide any details of experimental design, 17% of studies otherwise segregated all the replicates for one treatment in one space, 15% of studies replicated CO2 treatments in a way that made replicates more interdependent within treatments than between treatments, and 13% of studies did not report if replicates of all treatments were randomly interspersed. As a consequence, the number of experimental units used per treatment in studies was low (mean = 2.0). In a comparable analysis, there was a significant decrease in the number of published studies that employed inappropriate chemical methods of manipulating seawater (i.e. acid–base only additions) from 21 to 3%, following the release of the “Guide to best practices for ocean acidification research and data reporting” in 2010; however, no such increase in the use of appropriate replication and experimental design was observed after 2010. We provide guidelines on how to design ocean acidification laboratory experiments that incorporate the rigorous requirements for monitoring and measuring carbonate chemistry with a level of replication that increases the chances of accurate detection of biological responses to ocean acidification.
High dispersion spectroscopy of solar-type superflare stars. III. Lithium abundances
Authors: Honda Satoshi , Notsu Yuta , Maehara Hiroyuki , Notsu Shota , Shibayama Takuya , Nogami Daisaku , Shibata Kazunari
Published: July 2015

We report on the abundance analysis of Li in solar-type (G-type main sequence) superflare stars which were found by the analysis of Kepler photometric data. Li is a key element to understand the evolution of the stellar convection zone, which reflects the age of solar-type stars. We performed the high-dispersion spectroscopy of solar-type superflare stars with Subaru/High Dispersion Spectrograph and confirmed that 34 stars show no evidence of binarity in our previous study. In this study, we derived the Li abundances of these 34 objects. We investigate correlations of Li abundance with stellar atmospheric parameters, rotational velocity, and superflare activities to understand the nature of superflare stars and the possibility of the nucleosynthesis of Li by superflares. We confirm the large dispersion in the Li abundance, and the correlation with stellar parameters is not seen. When compared with the Li abundance in the Hyades cluster, which is younger than the Sun, it is suggested that half of the observed stars are younger than Hyades cluster. The measured value of v sin i (projected rotational velocity) supports that those objects are younger than the Sun. However, there are some objects which show the low Li abundance and slowly rotate on the basis of the estimated v sin i and P (period of brightness variation). This result indicates that superflare stars are not only young stars but also old stars like our Sun. In our observations, we could not find any evidence of Li production by superflares. Further research on Li isotope abundances of superflare stars would clarify the issue of Li production by stellar flares.
RAD sequencing and genomic simulations resolve hybrid origins within North American
Canis
Authors: Rutledge L. Y. , Devillard S. , Boone J. Q. , Hohenlohe P. A. , White B. N.
Published: July 2015

Top predators are disappearing worldwide, significantly changing ecosystems that depend on top-down regulation. Conflict with humans remains the primary roadblock for large carnivore conservation, but for the eastern wolf (
Canis lycaon
), disagreement over its evolutionary origins presents a significant barrier to conservation in Canada and has impeded protection for grey wolves (
Canis lupus
) in the USA. Here, we use 127 235 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified from restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) of wolves and coyotes, in combination with genomic simulations, to test hypotheses of hybrid origins of
Canis
types in eastern North America. A principal components analysis revealed no evidence to support eastern wolves, or any other
Canis
type, as the product of grey wolf × western coyote hybridization. In contrast, simulations that included eastern wolves as a distinct taxon clarified the hybrid origins of Great Lakes-boreal wolves and eastern coyotes. Our results support the eastern wolf as a distinct genomic cluster in North America and help resolve hybrid origins of Great Lakes wolves and eastern coyotes. The data provide timely information that will shed new light on the debate over wolf conservation in eastern North America.
δ-Conotoxin SuVIA suggests an evolutionary link between ancestral predator defence and the origin of fish-hunting behaviour in carnivorous cone snails
Authors: Jin Ai-Hua , Israel Mathilde R. , Inserra Marco C. , Smith Jennifer J. , Lewis Richard J. , Alewood Paul F. , Vetter Irina , Dutertre Sébastien
Published: July 2015

Some venomous cone snails feed on small fishes using an immobilizing combination of synergistic venom peptides that target K
v
and Na
v
channels. As part of this envenomation strategy, δ-conotoxins are potent ichtyotoxins that enhance Na
v
channel function. δ-Conotoxins belong to an ancient and widely distributed gene superfamily, but any evolutionary link from ancestral worm-eating cone snails to modern piscivorous species has not been elucidated. Here, we report the discovery of SuVIA, a potent vertebrate-active δ-conotoxin characterized from a vermivorous cone snail (
Conus suturatus
). SuVIA is equipotent at hNa
V
1.3, hNa
V
1.4 and hNa
V
1.6 with EC
50
s in the low nanomolar range. SuVIA also increased peak hNa
V
1.7 current by approximately 75% and shifted the voltage-dependence of activation to more hyperpolarized potentials from –15 mV to –25 mV, with little effect on the voltage-dependence of inactivation. Interestingly, the proximal venom gland expression and pain-inducing effect of SuVIA in mammals suggest that δ-conotoxins in vermivorous cone snails play a defensive role against higher order vertebrates. We propose that δ-conotoxins originally evolved in ancestral vermivorous cones to defend against larger predators including fishes have been repurposed to facilitate a shift to piscivorous behaviour, suggesting an unexpected underlying mechanism for this remarkable evolutionary transition.
Sex differences in senescence: the role of intra-sexual competition in early adulthood
Authors: Beirne Christopher , Delahay Richard , Young Andrew
Published: July 2015

Males and females frequently differ in their rates of ageing, but the origins of these differences are poorly understood. Sex differences in senescence have been hypothesized to arise, because investment in intra-sexual reproductive competition entails costs to somatic maintenance, leaving the sex that experiences stronger reproductive competition showing higher rates of senescence. However, evidence that sex differences in senescence are attributable to downstream effects of the intensity of intra-sexual reproductive competition experienced during the lifetime remains elusive. Here, we show using a 35 year study of wild European badgers (Meles meles), that (i) males show higher body mass senescence rates than females and (ii) this sex difference is largely attributable to sex-specific downstream effects of the intensity of intra-sexual competition experienced during early adulthood.Our findings provide rare support for the view that somatic maintenance costs arising from intra-sexual competition can cause both individual variation and sex differences in senescence.
Plant defences against ants provide a pathway to social parasitism in butterflies
Authors: Patricelli Dario , Barbero Francesca , Occhipinti Andrea , Bertea Cinzia M. , Bonelli Simona , Casacci Luca P. , Zebelo Simon A. , Crocoll Christoph , Gershenzon Jonathan , Maffei Massimo E. , Thomas Jeremy A. , Balletto Emilio
Published: July 2015

Understanding the chemical cues and gene expressions that mediate herbivore–host-plant and parasite–host interactions can elucidate the ecological costs and benefits accruing to different partners in tight-knit community modules, and may reveal unexpected complexities. We investigated the exploitation of sequential hosts by the phytophagous–predaceous butterfly
Maculinea arion
, whose larvae initially feed on
Origanum vulgare
flowerheads before switching to parasitize
Myrmica
ant colonies for their main period of growth. Gravid female butterflies were attracted to
Origanum
plants that emitted high levels of the monoterpenoid volatile carvacrol, a condition that occurred when ants disturbed their roots: we also found that
Origanum
expressed four genes involved in monoterpene formation when ants were present, accompanied by a significant induction of jasmonates. When exposed to carvacrol,
Myrmica
workers upregulated five genes whose products bind and detoxify this biocide, and their colonies were more tolerant of it than other common ant genera, consistent with an observed ability to occupy the competitor-free spaces surrounding
Origanum
. A cost is potential colony destruction by
Ma. arion
, which in turn may benefit infested
Origanum
plants by relieving their roots of further damage. Our results suggest a new pathway, whereby social parasites can detect successive resources by employing plant volatiles to simultaneously select their initial plant food and a suitable sequential host.
Diffusion tensor imaging of dolphin brains reveals direct auditory pathway to temporal lobe
Authors: Berns Gregory S. , Cook Peter F. , Foxley Sean , Jbabdi Saad , Miller Karla L. , Marino Lori
Published: July 2015

The brains of odontocetes (toothed whales) look grossly different from their terrestrial relatives. Because of their adaptation to the aquatic environment and their reliance on echolocation, the odontocetes' auditory system is both unique and crucial to their survival. Yet, scant data exist about the functional organization of the cetacean auditory system. A predominant hypothesis is that the primary auditory cortex lies in the suprasylvian gyrus along the vertex of the hemispheres, with this position induced by expansion of ‘associative′ regions in lateral and caudal directions. However, the precise location of the auditory cortex and its connections are still unknown. Here, we used a novel diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence in archival post-mortem brains of a common dolphin (
Delphinus delphis
) and a pantropical dolphin (
Stenella attenuata
) to map their sensory and motor systems. Using thalamic parcellation based on traditionally defined regions for the primary visual (V1) and auditory cortex (A1), we found distinct regions of the thalamus connected to V1 and A1. But in addition to suprasylvian-A1, we report here, for the first time, the auditory cortex also exists in the temporal lobe, in a region near cetacean-A2 and possibly analogous to the primary auditory cortex in related terrestrial mammals (Artiodactyla). Using probabilistic tract tracing, we found a direct pathway from the inferior colliculus to the medial geniculate nucleus to the temporal lobe near the sylvian fissure. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of post-mortem DTI in archival specimens to answer basic questions in comparative neurobiology in a way that has not previously been possible and shows a link between the cetacean auditory system and those of terrestrial mammals. Given that fresh cetacean specimens are relatively rare, the ability to measure connectivity in archival specimens opens up a plethora of possibilities for investigating neuroanatomy in cetaceans and other species.
Kordia zhangzhouensis sp. nov., isolated from surface freshwater
Authors: Du Juan , Liu Yang , Lai Qiliang , Dong Chunming , Xie Yanrong , Shao Zongze
Published: July 2015

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium, JS14SB-1T, was isolated from the surface freshwater of the Jiulong River, PR China. Strain JS14SB-1T grew at 15–38 °C (optimum, 28–35 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 1.0–7.0 % (w/v) NaCl [optimum 3.0–5.0 % (w/v)]. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain JS14SB-1T was affiliated to the genus Kordia, sharing low similarities (95.1–97.1 %) to all type strains of species of this genus. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) value between strain JS14SB-1T and the closely related strain Kordia jejudonensis SSK3-3T was 20.70 ± 2.33 % and far below the 70 % DDH value taken as the gold standard for delineation of bacterial species. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipid, aminolipid, several unidentified phospholipids and lipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-6. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 33.8 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain JS14SB-1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Kordia, for which the name Kordia zhangzhouensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is JS14SB-1T ( = MCCC 1A00726T = KCTC 42140T).
Nocardiopsis oceani sp. nov. and Nocardiopsis nanhaiensis sp. nov., actinomycetes isolated from marine sediment of the South China Sea
Authors: Pan Hua-Qi , Zhang Dao-Feng , Li Li , Jiang Zhao , Cheng Juan , Zhang Yong-Guang , Wang Hong-Fei , Hu Jiang-Chun , Li Wen-Jun
Published: July 2015

Two actinomycete strains, designated 10A08AT and 10A08BT, were isolated from marine sediment samples of the South China Sea and their taxonomic positions were determined by a polyphasic approach. The two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic strains produced branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae, and no diffusible pigment was produced in the media tested. At maturity, spore chains were formed on aerial hyphae and all mycelium fragmented with age. Whole-cell hydrolysates of both strains contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and no diagnostic sugars. Their predominant menaquinones (>10 %) were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-10(H6) for strain 10A08AT and MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6), MK-10(H4) and MK-10(H6) for strain 10A08BT. The polar lipids detected from the two strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and unknown phosphoglycolipids and phospholipids. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of both strains were iso-C16 : 0 and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains 10A08AT and 10A08BT were 70.9 and 71.6 mol%, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the two strains were shown to be most closely related to species of the genus Nocardiopsis. DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness values of < 70 % between these two isolates and their closest neighbour, Nocardiopsis terrae YIM 90022T, and between the two strains supported the conclusion that they represent two novel species. Based on phylogenetic analysis and phenotypic and genotypic data, it is concluded that the two isolates belong to the genus Nocardiopsis, and the names Nocardiopsis oceani sp. nov. (type strain 10A08AT = DSM 45931T = BCRC 16951T) and Nocardiopsis nanhaiensis sp. nov. (type strain 10A08BT = CGMCC 47227T = BCRC 16952T) are proposed.
The status of the species Shewanella irciniae Lee et al. 2006. Request for an opinion
Authors: Rameshkumar N.
Published: July 2015

During a taxonomic study in describing a novel species of the genus Shewanella from a mangrove ecosystem, it was found that the type strain Shewanella irciniae was not available from the Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM) and the type strain received from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) culture collection and from the author who described this species were found to be members of the genus Brevibacillus based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Therefore, this species cannot be included in any further scientific studies. It is therefore proposed that the Judicial Commission of the International Committee of Systematics of Prokaryotes place the name Shewanella irciniae on the list of rejected names, if a suitable replacement for the type strain is not found or a neotype strain is not proposed within two years following the publication of this Request for an Opinion.
Paenibacillus physcomitrellae sp. nov., isolated from the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Zhou Xun , Nan Guo Guan , Qi Wang Le , Lan Bai Su , Li Li Chun , Yu Rong , Hong Li Yan
Published: July 2015

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain XBT, was isolated fromPhyscomitrella patensgrowing in Beijing, China. The isolate was identified as a member of the genusPaenibacillusbased on phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic inferences. The novel strain was spore-forming, motile, catalase-negative and weakly oxidase-positive. Optimal growth of strain XBToccurred at 28°C and pH 7.0–7.5. The major polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and several unidentified components, including one phospholipid, two aminophospholipids, three glycolipids, one aminolipid and one lipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The diamino acid found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan wasmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acid components (>5 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0(51.2 %), anteiso-C17 : 0(20.6 %), iso-C16 : 0(8.3 %) and C16 : 0(6.7 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, showed that strain XBTfell within the evolutionary distances encompassed by the genusPaenibacillus; its closest phylogenetic neighbour wasPaenibacillus yonginensisDCY84T(96.6 %). Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain XBTis considered to represent a novel species of the genusPaenibacillus, for which the namePaenibacillus physcomitrellaesp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is XBT( = CGMCC 1.15044T = DSM 29851T).
Mesorhizobium waimense sp. nov. isolated from Sophora longicarinata root nodules and Mesorhizobium cantuariense sp. nov. isolated from Sophora microphylla root nodules
Authors: De Meyer Sofie E. , Wee Tan Heng , Heenan Peter B. , Andrews Mitchell , Willems Anne
Published: July 2015

In total 14 strains of Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from Sophora longicarinata and Sophora microphylla root nodules and authenticated as rhizobia on these hosts. Based on the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, they were shown to belong to the genus Mesorhizobium, and the strains from S. longicarinata were most closely related to Mesorhizobium amorphae ACCC 19665T (99.8–99.9 %), Mesorhizobium huakuii IAM 14158T (99.8–99.9 %), Mesorhizobium loti USDA 3471T (99.5–99.9 %) and Mesorhizobium septentrionale SDW 014T (99.6–99.8 %), whilst the strains from S. microphylla were most closely related to Mesorhizobium ciceri UPM-Ca7T (99.8–99.9 %), Mesorhizobium qingshengii CCBAU 33460T (99.7 %) and Mesorhizobium shangrilense CCBAU 65327T (99.6 %). Additionally, these strains formed two distinct groups in phylogenetic trees of the housekeeping genes glnII, recA and rpoB. Chemotaxonomic data, including fatty acid profiles, supported the assignment of the strains to the genus Mesorhizobium and allowed differentiation from the closest neighbours. Results of DNA–DNA hybridizations, MALDI-TOF MS analysis, ERIC-PCR, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of our strains from their closest neighbouring species. Therefore, the strains isolated from S. longicarinata and S. microphylla represent two novel species for which the names Mesorhizobium waimense sp. nov. (ICMP 19557T = LMG 28228T = HAMBI 3608T) and Mesorhizobium cantuariense sp. nov. (ICMP 19515T = LMG 28225T = HAMBI 3604T), are proposed respectively.
Flectobacillus rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Oryza sativa (L.), and emended description of the genus Flectobacillus
Authors: Ramaprasad E.V.V. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: July 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, pale orange, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain, designated JC289T was isolated from a rhizosphere soil sample of the plant Oryza sativa (L.). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis clearly allocated strain JC289T to the Flectobacillus cluster, showing highest sequence similarities to Flectobacillus roseus GFA-11T (99.5 %), Flectobacillus major ATCC 29496T (96.7 %) and Flectobacillus lacus CL-GP79T (94.6 %). Major (>5 %) fatty acids of strain JC289T were C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0 2-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, with minor amounts (>1– < 5 %) of C14 : 0, C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C17 : 1B and/or iso-C17 : 1I. Menaquinone-7 was the major quinone of strain JC289T, and the polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified glycolipids and five unidentified lipids. DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain JC289T with Flectobacillus roseus LMG 24501T and Flectobacillus major LMG 13163T were 24.6 % (31.4 %, reciprocal analysis) and 16.2 % (22.4 %), respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, physiological and biochemical test results, and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain JC289T can be differentiated from its closest relatives in the genus Flectobacillus. Based on the data presented, it is concluded that strain JC289T represents a novel species of the genus Flectobacillus, for which the name Flectobacillus rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC289T ( = KCTC 42575T = LMG 28712T).
Algoriphagus aestuarii sp. nov., a member of the Cyclobacteriaceae isolated from a tidal-flat sediment of the Yellow Sea in Korea
Authors: Jung Yong-Taek , Lee Jung-Sook , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: July 2015

A Gram-strain-negative, coccoid or oval-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain, designated MDM-1T, was isolated from a tidal-flat sediment on the Korean peninsula. Strain MDM-1T was found to grow optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 30 °C and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MDM-1T falls within the clade comprising species of the genus Algoriphagus, clustering with the type strains of Algoriphagus halophilus, A. lutimaris, A. chungangensis and A. machipongonensis, with which it exhibited 97.2–98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Sequence similarities to the type strains of the other recognized species of the genus Algoriphagus were 92.8–97.6 %. Strain MDM-1T was found to contain MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain MDM-1T was determined to be 42.7 mol% and the mean DNA–DNA relatedness with A. halophilus KCTC 12051T, A. lutimaris S1-3T, A. chungangensis KCTC 23759T, A. machipongonensis DSM 24695T and A. ratkowskyi CIP 107452T was 19.7–5.2 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain MDM-1T is distinguishable from recognized species of the genus Algoriphagus. On the basis of the data presented, strain MDM-1T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Algoriphagus, for which the name Algoriphagus aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MDM-1T ( = KCTC 42199T = NBRC 110552T).
Saccharicrinis marinus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment
Authors: Liu Qian-Qian , Li Juan , Xiao Di , Lu Jin-Xing , Chen Guan-Jun , Du Zong-Jun
Published: July 2015

A novel bacterial strain, designated Y11T, was isolated from marine sediment at Weihai in China. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that the novel isolate showed highest similarity to Saccharicrinis fermentans DSM 9555T (94.0 %) and Saccharicrinis carchari SS12T (92.7 %). Strain Y11T was a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-endospore-forming, yellow-pigmented bacterium and was able to hydrolyse agar weakly. It was catalase-negative, oxidase-positive, facultatively anaerobic and motile by gliding. Optimal growth occurred at 28–30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 34.4 mol%. The strain contained MK-7 as the prevalent menaquinone. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 1ω6c. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown lipids. Data from the present polyphasic taxonomic study clearly place the strain as representing a novel species within the genus Saccharicrinis, for which the name Saccharicrinis marinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y11T ( = CICC10837T = KCTC42400T).