bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looks and Perceptual Justification
Authors: McGrath Matthew
Published: April 2016

Imagine I hold up a Granny Smith apple for all to see. You would thereby gain justified beliefs that it was green, that it was apple, and that it is a Granny Smith apple. Under classical foundationalism, such simple visual beliefs are mediately justified on the basis of reasons concerning your experience. Under dogmatism, some or all of these beliefs are justified immediately by your experience and not by reasons you possess. This paper argues for what I call the looks view of the justification of simple visual beliefs. According to the looks view, such beliefs are mediately justified on the basis of reasons concerning how the relevant things look. Unlike under classical foundationalism, under the looks view as I develop it, these reasons are public. They are public with respect to both their content and possession: with respect to content, they are not about ourselves and our experiences, and with respect to their possession, many people can have the very same looks‐related reasons.
Delayed dehiscence of the pericarp: role in germination and retention of viability of seeds of two cold desert annual Brassicaceae species
Authors: Lu J. J. , Tan D. Y. , Baskin C. C. , Baskin J. M.
Published: April 2016

Considerable variation occurs in post‐maturity timing of dehiscence in fruits of Brassicaceae species, and several studies have shown that the pericarp plays an important role in seed germination and retention of viability in species with indehiscent fruits. However, little is known about the significance to seed biology of delay in pericarp dehiscence for <1 year in the field. Thus, we determined the role of the pericarps of Leptaleum filifolium and Neotorularia korolkovii, which open in <1 year after fruit maturity and dispersal, in seed germination and retention of seed viability. We compared dormancy‐break via after‐ripening in the laboratory and germination phenology and retention of seed viability in intact siliques and isolated seeds buried in an experimental garden. Seeds of both species have Type 6 non‐deep physiological dormancy, which is enhanced by the pericarp. Seeds of both species after‐ripened during summer 2013, and some of them germinated in autumn and some in the following spring in watered and non‐watered soil. Germination percentages of seeds in siliques increased in soil in spring 2014, after the pericarps had opened. Most isolated seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii had germinated or were dead by spring 2014 and summer 2015, respectively, whereas 60% of the seeds of both species in the (opened) pericarps were viable after 24 months. Thus, although the pericarp opened 9–10 months after burial, its presence had a significant effect on seed dormancy, germination phenology and retention of viability of seeds of L. filifolium and N. korolkovii.
Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Spermatozoa of Fertile Stallions
Authors: Orsztynowicz M , Pawlak P , Podstawski Z , Nizanski W , Partyka A , Gotowiecka M , Kosiniak‐Kamysz K , Lechniak D
Published: April 2016

Contents

Predicting male fertility on non‐invasive sperm traits is of big importance to human and animal reproduction strategies. Combining the wide range of parameters monitored by computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with some molecular traits (e.g. mtDNA content) may help to identify markers of the male fertility. The aim of this study was to characterize variation in the mtDNA copy number in equine sperm and to investigate whether mtDNA content is correlated with quality traits of stallion spermatozoa and the age of the male. Ejaculates collected from 53 fertile stallions were divided into four age groups (3–5, 6–10, 11–14 and >15 years) and were subjected to a complex investigation including conventional analysis, CASA, flow cytometry and mtDNA content (real‐time PCR). The mean (±SD) number of mtDNA copies equalled 14 ± 9 and varied from 3 to 64. Considering the great number of sperm parameters monitored in this study, only few of them were correlated with the mtDNA content: ejaculate volume (a positive correlation), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH; a negative correlation) and the high mitochondrial activity index (a negative correlation). The stallion age was not correlated with the mtDNA copy number. This study provides the first set of data on mtDNA content in equine sperm and confirms phenomena previously described for humans and dog on associations between sperm mtDNA content and selected motility parameters monitored by the CASA. Basing our study on spermatozoa from fertile stallions could however limit the extent of detected associations.
Evidence for high temperature and 18O‐enriched fluids in the Arab‐D of the Ghawar Field, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Swart Peter K. , Cantrell Dave L. , Arienzo Monica M. , Murray Sean T.
Published: April 2016

Using the clumped isotope method, the temperature of dolomite and calcite formation and the oxygen isotopic composition (δ18Ow) of the diagenetic fluids have been determined in a core taken from the Arab‐D of the Ghawar field, the largest oil reservoir in the world. These analyses show that while the dolomites and limestones throughout the major zones of the reservoir recrystallized at temperatures between ca 80°C and 100°C, the carbonates near the top of the reservoir formed at significantly lower temperatures (20 to 30°C). Although the δ18O values of the diagenetic fluids show large variations ranging from ca <0‰ to ca +8‰, the variations exhibit consistent downhole changes, with the highest values being associated with the portion of the reservoir with the highest permeability and porosity. Within the limestones, dolomites and dolomites associated with the zone of high permeability, there are statistically significant different trends between the δ18Ow values and recrystallization temperature. These relationships have different intercepts suggesting that fluids with varying δ18Ow values were involved in the formation of dolomite and limestone compared to the formation of dolomite associated with the zone of high permeability. These new data obtained using the clumped isotope technique show how dolomitization and recrystallization by deep‐seated brines with elevated δ18Ow values influence the δ18O values of carbonates, possibly leading to erroneous interpretations unless temperatures can be adequately constrained.
Adolescents and social support situations
Authors: Olsson Ingrid , Hagekull Berit , Giannotta Fabrizia , Åhlander Camilla
Published: April 2016

The present study concerned adolescents' needs for social support with a focus on specific situations. The Adolescent Need for Social Support Questionnaire (ANSSQ) was developed based on qualitative interviews with typically developing adolescents about situations in which they need parent support. The questionnaire was tested on a sample of 380 Swedish 15‐year‐olds. A 3‐component structure reflecting the dimensions “Home and school”, “Low mood”, and “Sex and alcohol” was tested in SEM analyses. Scales based on these dimensions, measuring support from parents and peers, yielded satisfactory psychometric results. Parent support was preferred over peer support for “Home and school” situations; in the other two areas peers were more likely to be the support providers. Females turned more often to parents and friends for support than males. Seeking parental support was positively related to adolescent disclosure and negatively related to adolescent secrecy, indicating convergent and discriminant validity. Further validation of the ANSSQ is discussed. The current study points to possibilities for adapting measures of social support to contexts.
The effect of relational continuity of care in maternity and child health clinics on parenting self‐efficacy of mothers and fathers with loneliness and depressive symptoms
Authors: Tuominen Miia , Junttila Niina , Ahonen Pia , Rautava Päivi
Published: April 2016

This study explored the parenting self‐efficacy of the parents of 18‐month‐old children in the context of Finnish maternity and child health clinics. This parenting self‐efficacy was observed in relation with the relational continuity of care and parents' experienced loneliness and depressive symptoms. The relational continuity of care was provided by a public health nurse in maternity and child health clinics. The participating parents were drawn from the STEPS study that is being carried out by the Institute for Child and Youth Research at the University of Turku. The results showed that relational continuity of care provided by the same public health nurse in the maternity and child health clinics was associated with mothers' higher emotional loneliness and with lower scores on three dimensions of parents' parenting self‐efficacy. Loneliness and depressive symptoms negatively influenced parents' parenting self‐efficacy – however, in the case where the family had experienced relational continuity of care, the parents' higher levels of depressive symptoms had not weakened their parenting self‐efficacy beliefs. These results are discussed in terms of organizing maternity and child health clinic services.
Injuries in Swedish floorball: a cost analysis
Authors: Tranaeus U. , Heintz E. , Johnson U. , Forssblad M. , Werner S.
Published: April 2016

The epidemiology of sport injuries is well documented. However, the costs are rarely discussed. Previous studies have presented such costs in specific sports or localization. No study has investigated the costs related to injuries in elite floorball. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate cost of injuries in Swedish elite floorball players. During 1 year, 346 floorball players were prospectively followed. All time‐loss injures were recorded. The injured players were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their costs tied to the injury. Mean costs were calculated by multiplying the total resource use with the collected unit costs and dividing these total costs with the number of injuries as well as players. The results showed that the average cost per injury increased with the level of severity and ranged from 332 to 2358 Euros. The mild and moderate overuse injuries were costlier than the corresponding traumatic injuries. However, the severe traumatic injuries were associated with higher costs than overuse injuries. Knee injuries were the costliest. Our results indicate that there are costs to be saved, if floorball injuries can be avoided. They should be of interest to decision makers deciding whether to invest in preventive interventions.
Multiple pulmonary embolisms in a male marathon athlete: Is intense endurance exercise a real thrombogenic risk?
Authors: Sanz de la Garza M. , Lopez A. , Sitges M.
Published: April 2016

Intense endurance exercise could be associated with multiple thrombogenic risk factors, including dehydration, hemoconcentration, inflammation, and injuries. Despite an increasing number of reported cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in athletes that is raising awareness in the medical community, the prevalence is not well established and evidenced‐based guidelines for management of this clinical scenario are lacking. We present an episode of unprovoked DVT and multiple pulmonary embolisms with severe right ventricular dysfunction in a male runner. We highlight the challenge of diagnosing DVT and pulmonary embolism in athletes due to frequently atypical symptomatology and the emergent need for longitudinal studies to evaluate their thrombogenic risk and develop specific guidelines in this field.
Factorial validity and measurement invariance of the Perceived Susceptibility to Sport Injury scale
Authors: Gnacinski S. L. , Arvinen‐Barrow M. , Brewer B. W. , Meyer B. B.
Published: April 2016

The Perceived Susceptibility to Sport Injury (PSSI) scale is a measure that has recently surfaced in the sport injury literature. The factor structure of the PSSI scale has not been subjected to a rigorous factor analysis; thus, the factorial validity of the measure in athlete populations is unknown. To establish the validity of the PSSI scale in sports medicine research, the purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance across gender of the PSSI scale. Male and female intercollegiate athletes (N = 217) completed the PSSI scale during the off‐season. The factor structure was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) procedures and maximum likelihood estimation. The measurement invariance analysis was conducted via comparisons of fit indices within a series of hierarchically constrained models. Results of the CFA yielded a very good fit of the measurement model: χ2 (2) = 4.535, P = 0.104; RMSEA = 0.076; SRMR = 0.018; CFI = 0.995; NNFI = 0.985. Results of the measurement invariance analysis demonstrated strict invariance across gender, and no significant latent mean differences emerged between men and women. Study results support the factorial validity of the PSSI scale for use in future sports medicine research.
Physical activity, heart rate variability–based stress and recovery, and subjective stress during a 9‐month study period
Authors: Föhr T. , Tolvanen A. , Myllymäki T. , Järvelä‐Reijonen E. , Peuhkuri K. , Rantala S. , Kolehmainen M. , Korpela R. , Lappalainen R. , Ermes M. , Puttonen S. , Rusko H. , Kujala U.M.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and objective heart rate variability (HRV)‐based stress and recovery with subjective stress in a longitudinal setting. Working‐age participants (n = 221; 185 women, 36 men) were overweight (body mass index, 25.3–40.1 kg/m2) and psychologically distressed (≥3/12 points on the General Health Questionnaire). Objective stress and recovery were based on HRV recordings over 1–3 work days. Subjective stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale and PA level with a questionnaire. Data were collected at three time points: baseline, 10 weeks post intervention, and at the 36‐week follow‐up. We adopted a latent growth model to investigate the initial level and change in PA, objective stress and recovery, and subjective stress at the three measurement time points. The results showed that initial levels of PA (P < 0.001) and objective stress (P = 0.001) and recovery (P < 0.01) were associated with the change in subjective stress. The results persisted after adjustment for intervention group. The present results suggest that high PA and objectively assessed low stress and good recovery have positive effects on changes in subjective stress in the long‐term.
Dietary nitrate enhances arterial oxygen saturation after dynamic apnea
Authors: Patrician A. , Schagatay E.
Published: April 2016

Breath‐hold divers train to minimize their oxygen consumption to improve their apneic performance. Dietary nitrate has been shown to reduce the oxygen cost in a variety of situations, and our aim was to study its effect on arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) after dynamic apnea (DYN) performance. Fourteen healthy male apnea divers (aged 33 ± 11 years) received either 70 mL of concentrated nitrate‐rich beetroot juice (BR) or placebo (PL) on different days. At 2.5 h after ingesting the juice, they were asked to perform 2 × 75 m DYN dives in a pool with 4.5‐min recovery between dives. Each dive started after 2‐min countdown and without any warm‐up apneas, hyperventilation, or lung packing. SaO2 and heart rate were measured via pulse oximetry for 90 s before and after each dive. Mean SaO2 nadir values after the dives were 83.4 ± 10.8% with BR and 78.3 ± 11.0% with PL (P < 0.05). At 20‐s post‐dive, mean SaO2 was 86.3 ± 10.6% with BR and 79.4 ± 10.2% with PL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BR juice was found to elevate SaO2 after 75‐m DYN. These results suggest an oxygen conserving effect of dietary nitrate supplementation, which likely has a positive effect on maximal apnea performance.
Live high, train low – influence on resting and post‐exercise hepcidin levels
Authors: Govus A. D. , Peeling P. , Abbiss C. R. , Lawler N. G. , Swinkels D. W. , Laarakkers C. M. , Thompson K. G. , Peiffer J. J. , Gore C. J. , Garvican‐Lewis L. A.
Published: April 2016

The post‐exercise hepcidin response during prolonged (>2 weeks) hypoxic exposure is not well understood. We compared plasma hepcidin levels 3 h after exercise [6 × 1000 m at 90% of maximal aerobic running velocity (vVO2max)] performed in normoxia and normobaric hypoxia (3000 m simulate altitude) 1 week before, and during 14 days of normobaric hypoxia [196.2 ± 25.6 h (median: 200.8 h; range: 154.3–234.8 h) at 3000 m simulated altitude] in 10 well‐trained distance runners (six males, four females). Venous blood was also analyzed for hepcidin after 2 days of normobaric hypoxia. Hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) was measured via CO rebreathing 1 week before and after 14 days of hypoxia. Hepcidin was suppressed after 2 (Cohen's d = −2.3, 95% confidence interval: [−2.9, −1.6]) and 14 days of normobaric hypoxia (d = −1.6 [−2.6, −0.6]). Hepcidin increased from baseline, 3 h post‐exercise in normoxia (d = 0.8 [0.2, 1.3]) and hypoxia (d = 0.6 [0.3, 1.0]), both before and after exposure (normoxia: d = 0.7 [0.3, 1.2]; hypoxia: d = 1.3 [0.4, 2.3]). In conclusion, 2 weeks of normobaric hypoxia suppressed resting hepcidin levels, but did not alter the post‐exercise response in either normoxia or hypoxia, compared with the pre‐exposure response.
A potential role for cytomegalovirus in a facial ulcer in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Ezzatzadegan Jahromi S. , Lotfi Z. , Torabi‐Nezhad S. , Aslani F.S. , Pourabbas B.
Published: April 2016

Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is a well‐known consequence of immunosuppression and one of the expected pathogens in recipients of solid organs such as renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Infection by CMV in immunocompromised settings can be life‐threatening since many organs are involved and affected. Skin involvement has been rarely reported. In this report, we present a highly immunosuppressed RTR with CMV infection manifested as ulcerative skin lesions on the face, along with allograft dysfunction diagnosed by biopsy of the skin and the renal allograft, in addition to the presence of viral DNA in the tissue and antigenemia, which resolved following antiviral treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of facial skin involvement induced by CMV in an RTR. This report emphasizes the value of early biopsy in RTRs with skin lesions and highlights CMV infection as a possible etiology.
Ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplant recipients: a single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Young P.G. , Rubin J. , Angarone M. , Flaherty J. , Penugonda S. , Stosor V. , Ison M.G.
Published: April 2016

Background

Ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus (GCV‐R CMV) is an emerging challenge among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The literature suggests that about 1% of abdominal transplant recipients develop GCV‐R CMV infection. The epidemiology and outcome of GCV‐R CMV in SOT recipients who have received alemtuzumab induction is not well described.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, a single‐center, retrospective review of 2148 abdominal SOT recipients between January 2006 and July 2011 at our institution (n = 2148) was conducted to identify patients with proven or empirically treated GCV‐R CMV. Descriptive statistics on collected demographics, clinical course, and therapeutic outcomes were performed.

Results

Of 116 SOT recipient treated for CMV, 14 patients (12.1% of cases; 0.65% of all SOT patients) had proven or suspected GCV‐R CMV. Eight (50%) developed GCV‐R CMV while receiving valganciclovir (valGCV) prophylaxis. The remainder developed late‐onset disease, after having completed an average 212 days (range 83–353) of prophylaxis. Resistance was clinically suspected an average of 103 days (range 10–455) after CMV infection was initially identified; 10 patients had confirmed genotypic resistance. Foscarnet therapy was associated with resolution of CMV in 13.

Conclusion

Suboptimal dosing of valGCV is associated with development of GCV‐R CMV. Our observed rate of GCV‐R CMV in alemtuzumab‐induced patients is similar to rates seen to historical data for other induction agents.
Removal from liver transplantation list of a hepatitis C virus‐HIV co‐infected patient after successful treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir
Authors: Llaneras J. , Castells L. , Santos B. , Crespo M. , Puig T. , Esteban J.I. , Esteban R.
Published: April 2016

We present a human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patient with severe decompensated hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation (LT) who received a 24‐week course of interferon/ribavirin‐free antiviral treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir on a compassionate basis. Rapid viral suppression was associated with progressive improvement of his liver function tests. The patient achieved a sustained virological response and concomitant clinical improvement, which prompted removal from the LT list 12 weeks after the end of treatment.
Leishmaniasis in Turkey: first clinical isolation of Leishmania major from 18 autochthonous cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in four geographical regions
Authors: Özbilgin Ahmet , Çulha Gülnaz , Uzun Soner , Harman Mehmet , Topal Suhan Günaştı , Okudan Fulya , Zeyrek Fadile , Gündüz Cumhur , Östan İpek , Karakuş Mehmet , Töz Seray , Kurt Özgür , Akyar Işın , Erat Ayşegül , Güngör Dilek , Kayabaşı Çağla , Çavuş İbrahim , Bastien Patrick , Pratlong Francine , Kocagöz Tanıl , Özbel Yusuf
Published: April 2016

Objective

To report isolation of Leishmania major strains obtained from 18 Turkish autochthonous cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients infected with L. major between 2011 and 2014.

Methods

Initial diagnosis relied on microscopy and culture in enriched medium, prepared by adding specific amounts of liver extract, protein and lipid sources to NNN medium. Promastigotes were then transferred to RPMI medium including 10% of foetal calf serum for mass culture. Species‐specific real‐time PCR targeting ITS1 region of Leishmania spp. was performed using both lesion aspiration samples and cultured promastigotes. Two of 18 isolates were identified by isoenzyme analysis in the Leishmaniasis Reference Center in Montpellier, France. Each isolate was inoculated into the footpads of six mice to observe the pathogenicity of L. major. Developing lesions were observed, and the thickening of footpads was measured weekly.

Results

Melting curve analyses of 18 isolates showed a peak concordant with L. major, and two of them were confirmed by isoenzyme analyses as L. major zymodeme MON103. In the mouse model, acute lesions seen on day 21 were accepted as an indication of heavy infection. Severe impairments were observed on all mouse footpads over 3 weeks, which even progressed to extremity amputation.

Conclusion

Cutaneous leishmaniasis‐causing L. major was recently identified in Adana province in southern Turkey, with PCR. Our study shows that such CL cases are not limited to Adana but currently present from western to Southeastern Anatolia, and along the Mediterranean coast. The role of small mammals, the main reservoirs of L. major in Anatolia, needs to be elucidated, as do the underlying factors that cause severe clinical manifestations in L. major infections in Turkey, contrary to the infections in neighbouring countries.
An essential role of caffeoyl shikimate esterase in monolignol biosynthesis in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Ha Chan Man , Escamilla‐Trevino Luis , Yarce Juan Carlos Serrani , Kim Hoon , Ralph John , Chen Fang , Dixon Richard A.
Published: April 2016

Biochemical and genetic analyses have previously identified caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE) as an enzyme in the monolignol biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana, although the generality of this finding has been questioned. Here we show the presence of CSE genes and associated enzyme activity in barrel medic (Medicago truncatula, dicot, Leguminosae), poplar (Populus deltoides, dicot, Salicaceae), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, monocot, Poaceae). Loss of function of CSE in transposon insertion lines of M. truncatula results in severe dwarfing, altered development, reduction in lignin content, and preferential accumulation of hydroxyphenyl units in lignin, indicating that the CSE enzyme is critical for normal lignification in this species. However, the model grass Brachypodium distachyon and corn (Zea mays) do not possess orthologs of the currently characterized CSE genes, and crude protein extracts from stems of these species exhibit only a weak esterase activity with caffeoyl shikimate. Our results suggest that the reaction catalyzed by CSE may not be essential for lignification in all plant species.
Involvement of an ethylene response factor in chlorophyll degradation during citrus fruit degreening
Authors: Yin Xue‐ren , Xie Xiu‐lan , Xia Xiao‐jian , Yu Jing‐quan , Ferguson Ian B. , Giovannoni James J. , Chen Kun‐song
Published: April 2016

Chlorophyll degradation naturally occurs during plant senescence. However, in fruit such as citrus, it is a positive characteristic, as degreening is an important colour development contributing to fruit quality. In the present work, Citrus sinensis Osbeck, cv. Newhall fruit was used as a model for chlorophyll degradation. An ethylene response factor, CitERF13, was isolated and its transcriptional changes were closely correlated with fruit peel degreening during development or in response to ethylene. Dual‐luciferase and yeast one‐hybrid assays, as well as motif mutation, indicated that CitERF13 directly binds to the CitPPH promoter and enhances its activity. Transient and stable over‐expression of CitERF13 resulted in rapid chlorophyll degradation in Nicotiana tabacum leaves and led to accumulation of pheophorbide (Pheide) a, a metabolite of pheophorbide hydrolase (PPH). Similar results were observed from transient transformation of CitERF13 in citrus fruit peel. Moreover, this function of CitERF13 was conserved within Arabidopsis and tomato, as the homologs AtERF17 and SlERF16 similarly acted as activators of PPH genes and accelerators of chlorophyll degradation.
PLURIPETALA mediates ROP2 localization and stability in parallel to SCN1 but synergistically with TIP1 in root hairs
Authors: Chai Sen , Ge Fu‐Rong , Feng Qiang‐Nan , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2016

Prenylation, the post‐translational attachment of prenyl groups to substrate proteins, can affect their distribution and interactomes. Arabidopsis PLURIPETALA (PLP) encodes the shared α subunit of two heterodimeric protein isoprenyltransferases, whose functional loss provides a unique opportunity to study developmental and cellular processes mediated by its prenylated substrates, such as ROP GTPases. As molecular switches, the distribution and activation of ROPs are mediated by various factors, including guanine nucleotide exchange factors, GTPase activating proteins, guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs), prenylation, and S‐acylation. However, how these factors together ensure that dynamic ROP signalling is still obscure. We report here that a loss‐of‐function allele of PLP resulted in cytoplasmic accumulation of ROP2 in root hairs and reduced its stability. Consequently, two downstream events of ROP signalling, i.e. actin microfilament (MF) organization and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), were compromised. Genetic, cytological and biochemical evidence supports an additive interaction between prenylation and RhoGDI1/SCN1 in ROP2 distribution and stability whereas PLP acts synergistically with the protein S‐acyl transferase TIP GROWTH DEFECTIVE1 during root hair growth. By using root hair growth as a model system, we uncovered complex interactions among prenylation, RhoGDIs, and S‐acylation in dynamic ROP signalling.
Basset Hound thrombopathia in a 4‐month‐old female Ba‐Shar (Sharp Asset)
Authors: Christopherson Pete W. , Alexander Eric A. , King Kevin B. , Boudreaux Mary K.
Published: April 2016

A 3‐month‐old female Basset Hound‐Shar Pei mix puppy (Ba‐Shar or Sharp Asset) presented with oral bleeding due to a cracked molar. On physical exam, an aural hematoma was also noted that the owner indicated was chronic. The puppy was hospitalized for over 24 h until the bleeding was brought under control. At 4 months of age, the puppy again presented with oral bleeding due to loss of deciduous teeth and was hospitalized until bleeding was controlled. Coagulation screening tests, platelet numbers, and von Willebrand Factor antigen levels were within reference limits. Based on the presence of platelet‐type bleeding in the face of normal screening test results, samples were submitted for DNA testing for Basset Hound thrombopathia. The puppy tested as affected for the calcium and diacylglycerol regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor I (CalDAG‐GEFI) mutation causing this disorder. This is the first time thrombopathia has been diagnosed in a “designer” breed.
CLINICAL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS OF THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISK EXTRUSIONS AND PROTRUSIONS IN LARGE BREED DOGS
Authors: Gomes Sergio A , Volk Holger A , Packer Rowena MA , Kenny Patrick J , Beltran Elsa , De Decker Steven
Published: April 2016

Treatment recommendations differ for dogs with intervertebral disk extrusion vs. intervertebral disk protrusion. The aim of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to determine whether clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables could be used to predict a diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion in dogs. Dogs were included if they were large breed dogs, had an MRI study of the thoracolumbar or lumbar vertebral column, had undergone spinal surgery, and had the type of intervertebral disk herniation (intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion) clearly stated in surgical reports. A veterinary neurologist unaware of surgical findings reviewed MRI studies and recorded number, location, degree of degeneration and morphology of intervertebral disks, presence of nuclear clefts, disk space narrowing, extent, localization and lateralization of herniated disk material, degree of spinal cord compression, intraparenchymal intensity changes, spondylosis deformans, spinal cord swelling, spinal cord atrophy, vertebral endplate changes, and presence of extradural hemorrhage. Ninety‐five dogs were included in the sample. Multivariable statistical models indicated that longer duration of clinical signs (P = 0.01), midline instead of lateralized disk herniation (P = 0.007), and partial instead of complete disk degeneration (P = 0.01) were associated with a diagnosis of intervertebral disk protrusion. The presence of a single intervertebral herniation (P = 0.023) and dispersed intervertebral disk material not confined to the disk space (P = 0.06) made a diagnosis of intervertebral disk extrusion more likely. Findings from this study identified one clinical and four MRI variables that could potentially facilitate differentiating intervertebral disk extrusions from protrusions in dogs.
p21‐Activated kinase (Pak) regulates airway smooth muscle contraction by regulating paxillin complexes that mediate actin polymerization
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Huang Youliang , Gunst Susan J.
Published: April 2016

Key points

In airway smooth muscle, tension development caused by a contractile stimulus requires phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC), which activates crossbridge cycling and the polymerization of a pool of submembraneous actin.

The p21‐activated kinases (Paks) can regulate the contractility of smooth muscle and non‐muscle cells, and there is evidence that this occurs through the regulation of MLC phosphorylation.

We show that Pak has no effect on MLC phosphorylation during the contraction of airway smooth muscle, and that it regulates contraction by mediating actin polymerization.

We find that Pak phosphorylates the adhesion junction protein, paxillin, on Ser273, which promotes the formation of a signalling complex that activates the small GTPase, cdc42, and the actin polymerization catalyst, neuronal Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (N‐WASP).

These studies demonstrate a novel role for Pak in regulating the contractility of smooth muscle by regulating actin polymerization.

The p21‐activated kinases (Pak) can regulate contractility in smooth muscle and other cell and tissue types, but the mechanisms by which Paks regulate cell contractility are unclear. In airway smooth muscle, stimulus‐induced contraction requires phosphorylation of the 20 kDa light chain of myosin, which activates crossbridge cycling, as well as the polymerization of a small pool of actin. The role of Pak in airway smooth muscle contraction was evaluated by inhibiting acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced Pak activation through the expression of a kinase inactive mutant, Pak1 K299R, or by treating tissues with the Pak inhibitor, IPA3. Pak inhibition suppressed actin polymerization and contraction in response to ACh, but it did not affect myosin light chain phosphorylation. Pak activation induced paxillin phosphorylation on Ser273; the paxillin mutant, paxillin S273A, inhibited paxillin Ser273 phosphorylation and inhibited actin polymerization and contraction. Immunoprecipitation analysis of tissue extracts and proximity ligation assays in dissociated cells showed that Pak activation and paxillin Ser273 phosphorylation triggered the formation of an adhesion junction signalling complex with paxillin that included G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐interacting protein (GIT1) and the cdc42 guanine exchange factor, βPIX (Pak interactive exchange factor). Assembly of the Pak–GIT1–βPIX–paxillin complex was necessary for cdc42 and neuronal Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (N‐WASP) activation, actin polymerization and contraction in response to ACh. RhoA activation was also required for the recruitment of Pak to adhesion junctions, Pak activation, paxillin Ser273 phosphorylation and paxillin complex assembly. These studies demonstrate a novel role for Pak in the regulation of N‐WASP activation, actin dynamics and cell contractility.
Bioengineering a 3D integumentary organ system from iPS cells using an in vivo transplantation model
Authors: Takagi Ryoji , Ishimaru Junko , Sugawara Ayaka , Toyoshima Koh-ei , Ishida Kentaro , Ogawa Miho , Sakakibara Kei , Asakawa Kyosuke , Kashiwakura Akitoshi , Oshima Masamitsu , Minamide Ryohei , Sato Akio , Yoshitake Toshihiro , Takeda Akira , Egusa Hiroshi , Tsuji Takashi
Published: April 2016

A novel method is used to develop a functional 3D integumentary organ system, including appendage organs from iPS cells.
The dynamics of information-driven coordination phenomena: A transfer entropy analysis
Authors: Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Perra Nicola , Gonçalves Bruno , González-Bailón Sandra , Arenas Alex , Moreno Yamir , Vespignani Alessandro
Published: April 2016

This work defines the framework to explore the spatiotemporal signature of emergent collective phenomena on social media.
TIE2-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of H4 regulates DNA damage response by recruiting ABL1
Authors: Hossain Mohammad B. , Shifat Rehnuma , Johnson David G. , Bedford Mark T. , Gabrusiewicz Konrad R. , Cortes-Santiago Nahir , Luo Xuemei , Lu Zhimin , Ezhilarasan Ravesanker , Sulman Erik P. , Jiang Hong , Li Shawn S. C. , Lang Frederick F. , Tyler Jessica , Hung Mien-Chie , Fueyo Juan , Gomez-Manzano Candelaria
Published: April 2016

Membrane-bound enzyme relocates to the cell nucleus to modify chromatin, inducing cancer resistance to radiotherapy.
High-performance 3D printing of hydrogels by water-dispersible photoinitiator nanoparticles
Authors: Pawar Amol A. , Saada Gabriel , Cooperstein Ido , Larush Liraz , Jackman Joshua A. , Tabaei Seyed R. , Cho Nam-Joon , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: April 2016

Photoinitiator nanoparticles enable rapid 3D printing of hydrogels from waterborne systems using digital light printers.
Ancient mitochondrial DNA provides high-resolution time scale of the peopling of the Americas
Authors: Llamas Bastien , Fehren-Schmitz Lars , Valverde Guido , Soubrier Julien , Mallick Swapan , Rohland Nadin , Nordenfelt Susanne , Valdiosera Cristina , Richards Stephen M. , Rohrlach Adam , Romero Maria Inés Barreto , Espinoza Isabel Flores , Cagigao Elsa Tomasto , Jiménez Lucía Watson , Makowski Krzysztof , Reyna Ilán Santiago Leboreiro , Lory Josefina Mansilla , Torrez Julio Alejandro Ballivián , Rivera Mario A. , Burger Richard L. , Ceruti Maria Constanza , Reinhard Johan , Wells R. Spencer , Politis Gustavo , Santoro Calogero M. , Standen Vivien G. , Smith Colin , Reich David , Ho Simon Y. W. , Cooper Alan , Haak Wolfgang
Published: April 2016

Native American population history is reexamined using a large data set of pre-Columbian mitochondrial genomes.
Exploration and exploitation in the macrohistory of the pre-Hispanic Pueblo Southwest
Authors: Bocinsky R. Kyle , Rush Johnathan , Kintigh Keith W. , Kohler Timothy A.
Published: April 2016

Climate change can rapidly undermine ritual mechanisms that enhance social consensus, as shown for the Pueblo Southwest.
A highly conserved G-rich consensus sequence in hepatitis C virus core gene represents a new anti–hepatitis C target
Authors: Wang Shao-Ru , Min Yuan-Qin , Wang Jia-Qi , Liu Chao-Xing , Fu Bo-Shi , Wu Fan , Wu Ling-Yu , Qiao Zhi-Xian , Song Yan-Yan , Xu Guo-Hua , Wu Zhi-Guo , Huang Gai , Peng Nan-Fang , Huang Rong , Mao Wu-Xiang , Peng Shuang , Chen Yu-Qi , Zhu Ying , Tian Tian , Zhang Xiao-Lian , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2016

A conserved guanine-rich sequence could be a new target for anti–hepatitis C virus drug development.
Programmable colloidal molecules from sequential capillarity-assisted particle assembly
Authors: Ni Songbo , Leemann Jessica , Buttinoni Ivo , Isa Lucio , Wolf Heiko
Published: April 2016

Researchers produce tailor-made colloidal molecules from a variety of materials using a simple sequential assembly process.
Light-induced self-assembly of active rectification devices
Authors: Stenhammar Joakim , Wittkowski Raphael , Marenduzzo Davide , Cates Michael E.
Published: April 2016

Self-propelled particles that swim in response to light can self-assemble microfluidic rectification devices under nonuniform illumination.
Light-activated communication in synthetic tissues
Authors: Booth Michael J. , Schild Vanessa Restrepo , Graham Alexander D. , Olof Sam N. , Bayley Hagan
Published: April 2016

Synthetic tissues with minimal cellular functionality can be externally controlled by light.
Short-Term Exposure to Coal Combustion Waste Has Little Impact on the Skin Microbiome of Adult Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer)
Authors: Hughey Myra C. , Walke Jenifer B. , Becker Matthew H. , Umile Thomas P. , Burzynski Elizabeth A. , Minbiole Kevin P. C. , Iannetta Anthony A. , Santiago Celina N. , Hopkins William A. , Belden Lisa K.
Published: April 2016

Disruptions to the microbiome can impact host health as can exposure to environmental contaminants. However, few studies have addressed how environmental contaminants impact the microbiome. We explored this question for frogs that breed in wetlands contaminated with fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion that is enriched in trace elements. We found differences in the bacterial communities among a fly ash-contaminated site and several reference wetlands. We then experimentally assessed the impacts of fly ash on the skin microbiome of adult spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer). Frogs were exposed to fly ash in the laboratory for 12 h, the duration of a typical breeding event, and the skin microbiome was assessed after 5 days (experiment 1) or after 5 and 15 days (experiment 2). We examined bacterial community structure using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolite profiles using high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). We found little impact as the result of acute exposure to fly ash on the bacterial communities or metabolite profiles in either experiment, suggesting that the bacterial symbiont communities of adults may be relatively resistant to brief contaminant exposure. However, housing frogs in the laboratory altered bacterial community structure in the two experiments, which supports prior research suggesting that environmental source pools are important for maintaining the amphibian skin microbiome. Therefore, for contaminants like fly ash that may alter the potential source pool of symbionts, we think it may be important to explore how contaminants affect the initial assembly of the amphibian skin microbiome in larval amphibians that develop within contaminated sites.

IMPORTANCEAnimals are hosts to many symbiotic microorganisms, collectively called the microbiome, that play critical roles in host health. Therefore, environmental contaminants that alter the microbiome may impact hosts. Some of the most widespread contaminants, produced worldwide, are derived from the mining, storage, and combustion of coal for energy. Fly ash, for example, is a by-product of coal combustion. It contains compounds such as arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and strontium and is a recognized source of ground and surface water contamination. Here, we experimentally investigated the impacts of short-term fly ash exposure on the skin microbiome of spring peepers, one of many species of amphibian that sometimes breed in open fly ash disposal ponds. This research provides a look into the potential impacts of fly ash on an animal's microbiome and suggests important future directions for research on the effects of environmental contaminants on the microbiome.
Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Mixtures on Degradation, Gene Expression, and Metabolite Production in Four Mycobacterium Species
Authors: Hennessee Christiane T. , Li Qing X.
Published: April 2016

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants that are hazardous to human health. It has been demonstrated that members of the
Mycobacterium
genus are among the most effective degraders of PAHs, but few studies have focused on the degradation of PAH mixtures. In this study, single and mixed PAH metabolism was investigated in four phylogenetically distinct
Mycobacterium
species with respect to (i) parent compound degradation, (ii) bacterial growth, (iii) catabolic gene expression, and (iv) metabolite production. Synergistic and antagonistic effects on four model PAH compounds (benzo[
a
]pyrene, pyrene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene) characterized degradation of mixtures in a strain- and mixture-dependent manner. The mixture of pyrene and phenanthrene, in particular, resulted in antagonized degradation by three out of four bacterial species, and further studies were narrowed to investigate the degradation of this mixture. Antagonistic effects persisted over time and were correlated with reduced bacterial growth. Antagonized degradation of PAH was not caused by preferential degradation of secondary PAHs, nor were mixture compounds or concentrations toxic to cells growing on sugars. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) studies of the characterized catabolic pathway of phenanthrene showed that in one organism, antagonism of mixture degradation was associated with downregulated gene expression. Metabolite profiling revealed that antagonism in mixture degradation was associated with the shunting of substrate through alternative pathways not used during the degradation of single PAHs. The results of this study demonstrate metabolic differences between single and mixed PAH degradation with consequences for risk assessment and bioremediation of PAH-contaminated sites.

IMPORTANCE
Mycobacterium
species are promising organisms for environmental bioremediation because of their ubiquitous presence in soils and their ability to catabolize aromatic compounds. PAHs can be degraded effectively as single compounds, but mixed substrates often are subject to degradative inhibition, which may explain the persistence of these pollutants in soils. Single and mixed PAH degradation by diverse
Mycobacterium
species was compared, with associated bacterial growth, gene expression, and metabolite production. The results demonstrate that antagonism characterized degradation in a strain- and mixture-dependent manner. One strain that was versatile in its pathway use of single chemicals also efficiently degraded the mixture, whereas antagonism in other the strains was associated with altered metabolic profiles, indicating unusual pathway use. The impacts of this work on risk assessment and bioremediation modeling studies indicate the need to account for mixture-generated intermediates and to recognize mixture degradation as a property distinct from that of PAH substrate range.
Colony Location and Captivity Influence the Gut Microbial Community Composition of the Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea)
Authors: Delport Tiffany C. , Power Michelle L. , Harcourt Robert G. , Webster Koa N. , Tetu Sasha G.
Published: April 2016

Gut microbiota play an important role in maintenance of mammalian metabolism and immune system regulation, and disturbances to this community can have adverse impacts on animal health. To better understand the composition of gut microbiota in marine mammals, fecal bacterial communities of the Australian sea lion (
Neophoca cinerea
), an endangered pinniped with localized distribution, were examined. A comparison of samples from individuals across 11 wild colonies in South and Western Australia and three Australian captive populations showed five dominant bacterial phyla:
Firmicutes
,
Proteobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
,
Actinobacteria
, and
Fusobacteria
. The phylum
Firmicutes
was dominant in both wild (76.4% ± 4.73%) and captive animals (61.4% ± 10.8%), while
Proteobacteria
contributed more to captive (29.3% ± 11.5%) than to wild (10.6% ± 3.43%) fecal communities. Qualitative differences were observed between fecal communities from wild and captive animals based on principal-coordinate analysis. SIMPER (similarity percentage procedure) analyses indicated that operational taxonomic units (OTU) from the bacterial families
Clostridiaceae
and
Ruminococcaceae
were more abundant in wild than in captive animals and contributed most to the average dissimilarity between groups (SIMPER contributions of 19.1% and 10.9%, respectively). Differences in the biological environment, the foraging site fidelity, and anthropogenic impacts may provide various opportunities for unique microbial establishment in Australian sea lions. As anthropogenic disturbances to marine mammals are likely to increase, understanding the potential for such disturbances to impact microbial community compositions and subsequently affect animal health will be beneficial for management of these vulnerable species.

IMPORTANCE
The Australian sea lion is an endangered species for which there is currently little information regarding disease and microbial ecology. In this work, we present an in-depth study of the fecal microbiota of a large number of Australian sea lions from geographically diverse wild and captive populations. Colony location and captivity were found to influence the gut microbial community compositions of these animals. Our findings significantly extend the baseline knowledge of marine mammal gut microbiome composition and variability.