bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stable actin core of mechanosensory stereocilia features continuous turnover of actin cross-linkers
Authors: Roy Pallabi , Perrin Benjamin J.
Published: June 2018

Stereocilia are mechanosensitive protrusions on the surfaces of sensory hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound, gravity, and head movement. Their cores are composed of parallel actin filaments that are cross-linked and stabilized by several actin-binding proteins, including fascin-2, plastin-1, espin, and XIRP2. The actin filaments are the most stable known, with actin turnover primarily occurring at the stereocilia tips. While stereocilia actin dynamics has been well studied, little is known about the behavior of the actin cross-linking proteins, which are the most abundant type of protein in stereocilia after actin and are critical for stereocilia morphogenesis and maintenance. Here, we developed a novel transgenic mouse to monitor EGFP-fascin-2 incorporation . In contrast to actin, EGFP-fascin-2 readily enters the stereocilia core. We also compared the effect of EGFP-fascin-2 expression on developing and mature stereocilia. When it was induced during hair cell development, we observed increases in both stereocilia length and width. Interestingly, stereocilia size was not affected when EGFP-fascin-2 was induced in adult stereocilia. Regardless of the time of induction, EGFP-fascin-2 displaced both espin and plastin-1 from stereocilia. Altering the actin cross-linker composition, even as the actin filaments exhibit little to no turnover, provides a mechanism for ongoing remodeling and repair important for stereocilia homeostasis.
Discrete regions of the kinesin-8 Kip3 tail differentially mediate astral microtubule stability and spindle disassembly
Authors: Dave Sandeep , Anderson Samuel J. , Sinha Roy Pallavi , Nsamba Emmanuel T. , Bunning Angela R. , Fukuda Yusuke , Gupta Mohan L.
Published: June 2018

To function in diverse cellular processes, the dynamic properties of microtubules must be tightly regulated. Cellular microtubules are influenced by a multitude of regulatory proteins, but how their activities are spatiotemporally coordinated within the cell, or on specific microtubules, remains mostly obscure. The conserved kinesin-8 motor proteins are important microtubule regulators, and family members from diverse species combine directed motility with the ability to modify microtubule dynamics. Yet how kinesin-8 activities are appropriately deployed in the cellular context is largely unknown. Here we reveal the importance of the nonmotor tail in differentially controlling the physiological functions of the budding yeast kinesin-8, Kip3. We demonstrate that the tailless Kip3 motor domain adequately governs microtubule dynamics at the bud tip to allow spindle positioning in early mitosis. Notably, discrete regions of the tail mediate specific functions of Kip3 on astral and spindle microtubules. The region proximal to the motor domain operates to spatially regulate astral microtubule stability, while the distal tail serves a previously unrecognized role to control the timing of mitotic spindle disassembly. These findings provide insights into how nonmotor tail domains differentially control kinesin functions in cells and the mechanisms that spatiotemporally control the stability of cellular microtubules.
Graph-guided multi-task sparse learning model: a method for identifying antigenic variants of influenza A(H3N2) virus
Authors: Han Lei , Li Lei , Wen Feng , Zhong Lei , Zhang Tong , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Influenza virus antigenic variants continue to emerge and cause disease outbreaks. Time-consuming, costly and middle-throughput serologic methods using virus isolates are routinely used to identify influenza antigenic variants for vaccine strain selection. However, the resulting data are notoriously noisy and difficult to interpret and integrate because of variations in reagents, supplies and protocol implementation. A novel method without such limitations is needed for antigenic variant identification.

Results

We developed a Graph-Guided Multi-Task Sparse Learning (GG-MTSL) model that uses multi-sourced serologic data to learn antigenicity-associated mutations and infer antigenic variants. By applying GG-MTSL to influenza H3N2 hemagglutinin sequences, we showed the method enables rapid characterization of antigenic profiles and identification of antigenic variants in real time and on a large scale. Furthermore, sequences can be generated directly by using clinical samples, thus minimizing biases due to culture-adapted mutation during virus isolation.

Availability and implementation

MATLAB source codes developed for GG-MTSL are available through http://sysbio.cvm.msstate.edu/files/GG-MTSL/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
iEnhancer-EL: identifying enhancers and their strength with ensemble learning approach
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Kai , Huang De-Shuang , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Identification of enhancers and their strength is important because they play a critical role in controlling gene expression. Although some bioinformatics tools were developed, they are limited in discriminating enhancers from non-enhancers only. Recently, a two-layer predictor called ‘iEnhancer-2L’ was developed that can be used to predict the enhancer’s strength as well. However, its prediction quality needs further improvement to enhance the practical application value.

Results

A new predictor called ‘iEnhancer-EL’ was proposed that contains two layer predictors: the first one (for identifying enhancers) is formed by fusing an array of six key individual classifiers, and the second one (for their strength) formed by fusing an array of ten key individual classifiers. All these key classifiers were selected from 171 elementary classifiers formed by SVM (Support Vector Machine) based on kmer, subsequence profile and PseKNC (Pseudo K-tuple Nucleotide Composition), respectively. Rigorous cross-validations have indicated that the proposed predictor is remarkably superior to the existing state-of-the-art one in this area.

Availability and implementation

A web server for the iEnhancer-EL has been established at http://bioinformatics.hitsz.edu.cn/iEnhancer-EL/, by which users can easily get their desired results without the need to go through the mathematical details.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Beyond the H&E: Advanced Technologies for in situ Tissue Biomarker Imaging
Authors: Himmel Lauren E , Hackett Troy A , Moore Jessica L , Adams Wilson R , Thomas Giju , Novitskaya Tatiana , Caprioli Richard M , Zijlstra Andries , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita , Boyd Kelli L
Published: June 2018

For decades, histopathology with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining has been and remains the gold standard for reaching a morphologic diagnosis in tissue samples from humans and veterinary species. However, within the past decade, there has been exponential growth in advanced techniques for in situ tissue biomarker imaging that bridge the divide between anatomic and molecular pathology. It is now possible to simultaneously observe localization and expression magnitude of multiple protein, nucleic acid, and molecular targets in tissue sections and apply machine learning to synthesize vast, image-derived datasets. As these technologies become more sophisticated and widely available, a team-science approach involving subspecialists with medical, engineering, and physics backgrounds is critical to upholding quality and validity in studies generating these data. The purpose of this manuscript is to detail the scientific premise, tools and training, quality control, and data collection and analysis considerations needed for the most prominent advanced imaging technologies currently applied in tissue sections: immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, laser capture microdissection, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic/optical methods. We conclude with a brief overview of future directions for ex vivo and in vivo imaging techniques.
Finiteness of Frobenius Traces of a Sheaf on a Flat Arithmetic Scheme
Authors: Shimizu Koji
Published: June 2018

For a lisse $\ell $-adic sheaf on a scheme flat and of finite type over $\mathbb{Z}$, we consider the field generated over $ \mathbb{Q}$ by Frobenius traces of the sheaf at closed points. Assuming conjectural properties of geometric Galois representations of number fields and the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis, we prove that the field is finite over $\mathbb{Q}$ when the sheaf is de Rham at $\ell $ pointwise. This is a number field analog of Deligne’s finiteness result about Frobenius traces in the function field case.
Effect of a Shoulder Movement Intervention on Joint Mobility, Pain, and Disability in People With Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mueller Michael J , Sorensen Christopher J , McGill Janet B , Clark B Ruth , Lang Catherine E , Chen Ling , Bohnert Kathryn L , Hastings Mary K
Published: June 2018

Background

People with diabetes are at high risk for shoulder pain, limited joint mobility, and adhesive capsulitis.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a shoulder movement intervention (ShoMo) compared to a wellness intervention on the primary outcomes of active shoulder flexion and reported Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) measured after intervention and 9 months later.

Design

The design was a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Setting

The setting was a research center at an academic medical center.

Participants

Fifty-two participants with type 2 diabetes and shoulder pain or limited motion were randomized to a group receiving ShoMo (N = 27; mean age = 59.3; SD = 7.0) or a group receiving wellness activities (N = 25; mean age = 57.9; SD = 7.7).

Intervention

The ShoMo group received instruction in a progressive, active shoulder movement program. The wellness group received instruction in diabetes management.

Measurements

Measurements were made at baseline, after 3 months of intervention, and at 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline.

Results

After intervention, the ShoMo group had a 7.2-degree increase in active shoulder flexion compared with the wellness group (95% CI = 0.9–13.5°), but there was no difference at subsequent follow-ups. The ShoMo group showed a 12.7-point improvement in the SPADI score compared to the wellness group after intervention (95% CI = 1.1–24.3), which remained better than the wellness group 9 months later.

Limitations

The number of participants and duration of follow-up were inadequate to determine if intervention can help to prevent future severe shoulder problems.

Conclusions

A progressive shoulder movement program can have meaningful effects on active motion and symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes and mild-to-moderate shoulder symptoms, with symptom improvement lasting at least 9 months.
Escape Dynamics in Learning Models
Authors: Williams Noah
Published: June 2018

This article illustrates and characterizes how adaptive learning can lead to recurrent large fluctuations. Learning models have typically focused on the convergence of beliefs towards an equilibrium. However in stochastic environments, there may be rare but recurrent episodes where shocks cause beliefs to escape from the equilibrium, generating large movements in observed outcomes. I characterize the escape dynamics by drawing on the theory of large deviations, developing new results which make this theory directly applicable in a class of learning models. The likelihood, frequency, and most likely direction of escapes are all characterized by a deterministic control problem. I illustrate my results with two simple examples.
Rapid production and characterization of antimicrobial colicins using Escherichia coli-based cell-free protein synthesis
Authors: Jin Xing , Kightlinger Weston , Kwon Yong-Chan , Hong Seok Hoon
Published: June 2018

Colicins are antimicrobial proteins produced by Escherichia coli, which, upon secretion from the host, kill non-host E. coli strains by forming pores in the inner membrane and degrading internal cellular components such as DNA and RNA. Due to their unique cell-killing activities, colicins are considered viable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Recombinant production of colicins requires co-production of immunity proteins to protect host cells; otherwise, the colicins are lethal to the host. In this study, we used cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) to produce active colicins without the need for protein purification and co-production of immunity proteins. Cell-free synthesized colicins were active in killing model E. coli cells with different modes of cytotoxicity. Pore-forming colicins E1 and nuclease colicin E2 killed actively growing cells in a nutrient-rich medium, but the cytotoxicity of colicin Ia was low compared to E1 and E2. Moreover, colicin E1 effectively killed cells in a nutrient-free solution, while the activity of E2 was decreased compared to nutrient-rich conditions. Both colicins E1 and E2 decreased the level of persister cells (metabolically dormant cell populations that are insensitive to antibiotics) by up to six orders of magnitude compared to that of the rifampin pretreated persister cells. This study finds that colicins can eradicate non-growing cells including persisters, and that CFPS is a promising platform for rapid production and characterization of toxic proteins.
Identifying the optimal course delivery platform in an undergraduate animal behavior research course1
Authors: Arnold Danielle M , Mortensen Christopher J , Thoron Andrew C , Miot Jon K , Miller-Cushon Emily K
Published: June 2018

There is a critical need to evaluate pedagogical delivery platforms best suited for undergraduates in the information age. Our goal was to identify the optimum course delivery platform for a basic research course based on student performance and critical thinking scores. Students were expected to plan, conduct, and report on an animal behavior research project of their own design. The course was taught in three different formats: traditional, online, and flipped, over 2 yr by the same instructor at both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. Student assessments included weekly quizzes, assignments, a written report, a poster presentation, and attendance. We conducted pre- and postassessments using the Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT). Students’ grades differed depending on format delivery and were also different between University of Florida and Santa Fe College students. For students at the University of Florida, quiz grades and poster grades did not differ (P < 0.50) between formats. However, assignment grades (P = 0.04) and report grades (P < 0.001) differed by format and were higher in the flipped and online-only version of the course, compared with traditional. For students at the Santa Fe College, quiz grades (P = 0.71) did not differ, but assignment (P < 0.001), report (P = 0.003), and poster (P < 0.001) grades were higher in the flipped and traditional format of the course. Within the flipped format at the University of Florida, student CCTT scores increased (P < 0.001) between pre- and posttest, whereas the scores within the other formats did not differ. When we compared the magnitude of change between pre- and posttest scores across formats, students at the University of Florida in the flipped format tended (P = 0.060) to have a greater gain than students in the online format. For students at Santa Fe College, there was no difference between pre- and posttest CCTT scores for any format, and the magnitude of change in scores did not differ between formats. Overall, our results suggest that teaching format influences student grades and critical thinking scores. Different effects were seen in different student populations; however, positive effects of the flipped format on student grades were seen at both institutions. In conclusion, flipped format courses may improve learning and critical thinking in an early research-based course.
Multi-Behavioral Endpoint Testing of an 87-Chemical Compound Library in Freshwater Planarians
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Hagstrom Danielle , Hayes Patrick , Graham Aaron , Collins Eva-Maria S
Published: June 2018

There is an increased recognition in the field of toxicology of the value of medium-to-high-throughput screening methods using in vitro and alternative animal models. We have previously introduced the asexual freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica as a new alternative animal model and proposed that it is particularly well-suited for the study of developmental neurotoxicology. In this article, we discuss how we have expanded and automated our screening methodology to allow for fast screening of multiple behavioral endpoints, developmental toxicity, and mortality. Using an 87-compound library provided by the National Toxicology Program, consisting of known and suspected neurotoxicants, including drugs, flame retardants, industrial chemicals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and presumptive negative controls, we further evaluate the benefits and limitations of the system for medium-throughput screening, focusing on the technical aspects of the system. We show that, in the context of this library, planarians are the most sensitive to pesticides with 16/16 compounds causing toxicity and the least sensitive to PAHs, with only 5/17 causing toxicity. Furthermore, while none of the presumptive negative controls were bioactive in adult planarians, 2/5, acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid, were bioactive in regenerating worms. Notably, these compounds were previously reported as developmentally toxic in mammalian studies. Through parallel screening of adults and developing animals, planarians are thus a useful model to detect such developmental-specific effects, which was observed for 13 chemicals in this library. We use the data and experience gained from this screen to propose guidelines for best practices when using planarians for toxicology screens.
Target Spot-Incited Defoliation and Yields of Selected Cotton Cultivars as Influenced by Fungicide Inputs
Authors: Hagan A. K. , Bowen K. L. , Miller B. , Nichols R. L.
Published: June 2018

Target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, prematurely defoliates and occasionally reduces cotton yield across the southeastern United States. Reaction of the cultivars Deltapine 1137 B2RF, Deltapine 1252 B2RF, Fibermax 1944 GLB2, PhytoGen 499 WRF, PhytoGen 575 WRF, and Stoneville 6448 GLB2 to target spot and lint yield as influenced by a full-season Headline + Bravo Ultrex fungicide program was assessed for 3 years in southwest Alabama. Significantly greater final % and relative area under the disease curve (relAUC) season-long defoliation was recorded for PhytoGen 499 WRF than the other cultivars, which had similarly lower defoliation values. A significant yield gain of 92 kg of lint/ha valued at $142/ha across all cultivars was obtained with the fungicide program. In addition, PhytoGen 499 WRF and Fibermax 1944 GLB2 had significantly lower defoliation and greater yield gains (189 and 263 kg of lint/ha, respectively) with the fungicide than no fungicide program. Hardlock incidence was greater in 2016 than in preceding years and did not differ by fungicide program. Open and unopen boll counts were similar across all cultivars and fungicide programs. Study results indicate that partially resistant cultivars may be an effective tool for managing target spot in cotton.
Role of Motor Competence and Executive Functioning in Weight Loss: A Study in Children with Obesity
Authors: Augustijn Mireille J. C. M. , D'Hondt Eva , Van Acker Lore , De Guchtenaere Ann , Lenoir Matthieu , Caeyenberghs Karen , Deconinck Frederik J. A.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to compare motor competence and executive functioning (EF) between children with obesity and peers with healthy weight. Additionally, the predictive value of motor competence and EF in weight loss after a 5-month multidisciplinary residential treatment program was examined.

Methods:

Thirty-two children with obesity (7–11 years, 14 boys) and 32 age-matched controls (18 boys) performed 8 motor skill tasks and 4 tasks of EF (only at baseline). In the group of children with obesity, anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline and 5 months after the start of their treatment program. Also in control children, there was a time span of 5 months in between anthropometric measurements.

Results:

Lower levels of motor competence and reduced updating abilities, inhibition control, and planning skills were observed in children with obesity compared with healthy-weight controls. Within the total group, better general motor competence and balance skills were significantly associated with better updating, inhibition control, and planning. Finally, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that ball skills, balance skills, and inhibition/updating at baseline predicted 14% to 17% of the variance in weight loss after a 5-month treatment program in children with obesity.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that motor competence and EF are both relevant factors associated with childhood obesity. Moreover, these factors seem to be significant predictors of weight loss. Future (intervention) studies are needed to understand the impact of the difficulties in motor and EF on obesity-related behaviors as well as on short-term and, especially, long-term weight loss and maintenance.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and the Surgical Outcome of Conjunctival Granulomas After Pterygium Surgery
Authors: Zhang Zongduan , Yang Zhengwei , Pan Qintuo , Chen Pinyi , Guo Linning
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To measure the incidence and evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcome, and prognosis of conjunctival granulomas (CGs) after pterygium surgery.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of 3851 pterygium eyes (3330 patients) that underwent pterygium surgery from March 2004 to May 2017. The outcomes were evaluated in 52 eyes (50 patients) that developed CGs after pterygium surgery.

Results:

CGs developed in 52 of 3851 operated pterygium eyes (1.4%) over a 13-year period. Mean patient age was 54.4 ± 9.9 years (range, 28–72 years). The mean onset time of the CG after pterygium surgery was 42.8 ± 18.3 days (range, 12–90 days). The location of the granulation was around the free conjunctival flap. Histopathologic examination showed inflammatory granulation tissue with large amounts of inflammatory cell infiltration. All CGs were successfully cured by surgical excision combined with corticosteroid eye drops. No patient had recurrence at a mean follow-up time of 6 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the difference of the cumulative survival rate of pterygium surgery methods was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Using the multivariate Cox regression model, 2 factors were found to be not correlated with the survival rate of patients with CGs: sex (P = 0.17) and the category of pterygium (primary or recurrent) (P = 0.96).

Conclusions:

CGs are an uncommon potential complication of pterygium surgery. The histologic characteristics, including the proliferation of inflammatory granulation tissue with large amounts of inflammatory cell infiltration, could be helpful to diagnose this disease. Surgical excision combined with corticosteroid drops proved to be a simple and effective treatment of CGs.
Validity and Reliability of a Novel Handheld Osmolarity System for Measurement of a National Institute of Standards Traceable Solution
Authors: Chan Clara C. , Borovik Armand , Hofmann Ilan , Gulliver Eric , Rocha Guillermo
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel handheld osmolarity system (I-PEN Osmolarity System; I-MED Pharma Inc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada) for measurement of the osmolarity of a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable solution at a variety of ambient temperatures.

Methods:

A total of 65 measurements of an NIST solution with a verified osmolarity of 290 ± 2 mOsmol/L were taken using 3 separate handheld osmolarity systems, 65 unique single-use sensors (SUSs) from 3 different lots, and 2 adaptors. Mean values were calculated using the device, SUS, and adaptor. Measurements were taken using a handheld osmolarity system, an adaptor, and 56 individual SUSs at 6 different ambient temperatures ranging from 17.7 to 26.5°C.

Results:

Overall, the mean osmolarity measured was 294.06 mOsmol/L (SD ±2.29; percent coefficient of variation 0.78), ranging from 286.60 to 298.18 mOsmol/L. This fell within a prespecified acceptable variability of ±4 mOsmol/L (SD ±7). Mean values did not vary across devices, adaptors, or single-use sensors used. Mean osmolarity measurements increased with rising ambient temperatures, with an R
2 = 0.88. The temperature correction factor was calculated to be 2.01 mOsmol/L per °C.

Conclusions:

The osmolarity system reliably and accurately measured the osmolarity of an NIST solution in a laboratory setting, using an adaptor to correct for differences in resistance between a laboratory NIST solution measurement and direct measurements on the palpebral conjunctiva of the eyelid. The handheld osmolarity system represents a rapid and accurate instrument for measurement of tear osmolarity in a simulated testing setting.
Nursing Staff Characteristics on Resident Outcomes in Nursing Homes
Authors: SHIN Juh Hyun
Published: June 2018

Background:

The outlook of administrative staff and registered nurses (RNs) plays a critical role in the management of nursing homes. No previous study has compared the outcomes of nursing homes with RNs on staff with those of nursing homes without RNs on staff in Korea.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nurse-led nursing homes, staff turnover, and resident outcomes in nursing homes in Korea.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional design, 36 nursing homes with 30 or more beds participated. Primary data included 15 quality indicators.

Results:

Nursing homes with RNs had statistically significant better resident outcomes. RN turnover related positively to the prevalence of falls ( β = 1.68, p < .05) and tube feeding (β = 1.71, p < .01) and negatively to incontinence (β = −1.53, p < .01). Nursing homes with RNs with tenures greater than 1 year had statistically significant lower prevalence of falls (β = −0.47, p < .05), incontinence (β = −0.45, p < .05), weight loss (β = −0.53 p < .05), and bed rest (β = −0.54, p < .01) and increased range of motion (β = 0.51, p < .05). Interestingly, having a nurse as a director for more than 1 year related negatively to the incidence of urinary tract infection (β = −0.56, p < .05) in residents. The rate of RN turnover was found to impact fall prevalence (β = 1.68, p < .05) and tube feeding (β = 1.71, p < .01) positively and to impact incontinence (β = −1.53, p < .01) negatively.

Conclusions:

Turnover of nursing home staff and length of tenure may contribute to the more effective management of nursing homes, higher-quality long-term care insurance, and RN-staffing-related laws. Assessing staff characteristics and the tenure of employees promotes the effective management of nursing homes.
Visual Acuity Is Not the Best at the Preferred Retinal Locus in People with Macular Disease
Authors: Bernard Jean-Baptiste , Chung Susana T. L.
Published: June 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

Little is known about how the preferred retinal locus (PRL) develops in patients with macular disease. We found that acuity is worse at the PRL than at other retinal locations around the scotoma, suggesting that the selection of the PRL location is unlikely to be based on optimizing acuity.

PURPOSE

Following the onset of bilateral macular disease, most patients adopt a retinal location outside the central scotoma, the PRL, as their new retinal location for visual tasks. Very little information is known about how the location of a PRL is chosen. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the selection of the location for a PRL is based on optimizing visual acuity, which predicts that acuity is the best at the PRL, compared with other retinal locations.

METHODS

Using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope that allowed us to position visual targets at precise retinal locations, we measured acuity psychophysically using a four-orientation Tumbling-E presented at the PRL and at multiple (ranged between 23 and 36 across observers) locations around the scotoma for five observers with bilateral macular disease.

RESULTS

For all five observers, the acuity at the PRL was never the best among all testing locations. Instead, acuities were better at 15 to 86% of the testing locations other than the PRL, with the best acuity being 17 to 58% better than that at the PRL. The locations with better acuities did not cluster around the PRL and did not necessarily lie at the same distance from the fovea or the PRL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding that acuity is worse at the PRL than at other locations around the scotoma implies that the selection of the PRL location is unlikely to be based on optimizing acuity.
Supporting Clinicians After Adverse Events: Development of a Clinician Peer Support Program
Authors: Lane Michael A. , Newman Brianne M. , Taylor Mary Z. , O'Neill Meg , Ghetti Chiara , Woltman Robin M. , Waterman Amy D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Many healthcare organizations have developed processes for supporting the emotional needs of patients and their families after medical errors or adverse events. However, the clinicians involved in such events may become “second victims” and frequently experience emotional harm that impacts their personal and professional lives. Many “second victims,” particularly physicians, do not receive adequate support by their organizations.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team was assembled to create a clinician peer support program (PSP) at a large academic medical center including both adult and pediatric hospitals. A curriculum was developed to train clinicians to provide support to their peers based on research of clinician response to adverse events, utilization of various support resources, and clinician resiliency and ways to enhance natural resilience. Between April 2014 and January 2017, 165 individuals were referred to the program including 68 (41.2%) residents, 17 (10.3%) fellows, 70 (42.4%) faculty members, 6 (3.6%) nurse practitioners/physician assistants, and 4 (2.4%) certified registered nurse anesthetists. An average of 4.8 individuals were referred per month (range = 0–12). Of the 165 clinicians referred, 17 (10.3%) declined follow-up from the program. Individuals receiving support had a median of two interactions (range = 1–10). Among those receiving support from the clinician PSP, 16 (10.8%) required referral to a higher level of support.

Conclusions

We describe the multiple steps necessary to create a successful PSP focused on physicians and midlevel providers. There is an unmet need to provide support to this group of healthcare providers after medical errors and adverse events.
A model to estimate seabird field metabolic rates
Authors: Dunn Ruth E. , White Craig R. , Green Jonathan A.
Published: June 2018

For free-ranging animals, field metabolic rate (FMR) is the sum of their energy expenditure over a specified period. This quantity is a key component of ecological processes at every biological level. We applied a phylogenetically informed meta-analytical approach to identify the large-scale determinants of FMR in seabirds during the breeding season. Using data from 64 studies of energetics in 47 species, we created a model to estimate FMR for any seabird population. We found that FMR was positively influenced by body mass and colony latitude and that it increased throughout the breeding season from incubation to brood to crèche. FMR was not impacted by colony-relative predation pressure or species average brood size. Based on this model, we present an app through which users can generate estimates of FMR for any population of breeding seabird. We encourage the use of this app to complement behavioural studies and increase understanding of how energetic demands influence the role of seabirds as driving components of marine systems.
Near absence of differential gene expression in the retina of rainbow trout after exposure to a magnetic pulse: implications for magnetoreception
Authors: Fitak Robert R. , Schweikert Lorian E. , Wheeler Benjamin R. , Ernst David A. , Lohmann Kenneth J. , Johnsen Sönke
Published: June 2018

The ability to perceive the Earth's magnetic field, or magnetoreception, exists in numerous animals. Although the mechanism underlying magnetoreception has not been clearly established in any species, in salmonid fish, it is hypothesized to occur by means of crystals of magnetite associated with nervous tissue such as the brain, olfactory organ or retina. In this study, rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
) were exposed to a brief magnetic pulse known to disrupt magnetic orientation behaviour in several animals. Changes in gene expression induced by the pulse were then examined in the retina. Analyses indicated that the pulse elicited differential expression of only a single gene,
gamma-crystallin M3-like
(
crygm3
). The near absence of an effect of the magnetic pulse on gene expression in the retina stands in sharp contrast to a recent study in which 181 genes were differentially expressed in brain tissue of
O. mykiss
after exposure to the same pulse. Overall, our results suggest either that magnetite-based magnetoreceptors in trout are not located in the retina, or else that they are unaffected by magnetic pulses that can disrupt magnetic orientation behaviour in animals.
Mathematical model of a serine integrase-controlled toggle switch with a single input
Authors: Pokhilko Alexandra , Ebenhöh Oliver , Stark W. Marshall , Colloms Sean D.
Published: June 2018

Dual-state genetic switches that can change their state in response to input signals can be used in synthetic biology to encode memory and control gene expression. A transcriptional toggle switch (TTS), with two mutually repressing transcription regulators, was previously used for switching between two expression states. In other studies, serine integrases have been used to control DNA inversion switches that can alternate between two different states. Both of these switches use two different inputs to switch ON or OFF. Here, we use mathematical modelling to design a robust one-input binary switch, which combines a TTS with a DNA inversion switch. This combined circuit switches between the two states every time it receives a pulse of a single-input signal. The robustness of the switch is based on the bistability of its TTS, while integrase recombination allows single-input control. Unidirectional integrase-RDF-mediated recombination is provided by a recently developed integrase-RDF fusion protein. We show that the switch is stable against parameter variations and molecular noise, making it a promising candidate for further use as a basic element of binary counting devices.
Carbon nanotube-based flexible electrothermal film heaters with a high heating rate
Authors: Jia Song-Lin , Geng Hong-Zhang , Wang Luda , Tian Ying , Xu Chun-Xia , Shi Pei-Pei , Gu Ze-Zeng , Yuan Xue-Shuang , Jing Li-Chao , Guo Zhi-Ying , Kong Jing
Published: June 2018

High-performance, flexible film heaters with carbon nanotube transparent conducting films are easily fabricated by both a rod-coating method and a spraying method. The main conclusion we have reached is that the film demonstrates a heating rate of 6.1°C s
−1
at 35 V and sheet resistance as low as 94.7 

Ω

 sq
−1
with 72.04% optical transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm by the spraying method after a series of post-treatment processes with acid and distilled water. Then, we adopt a mathematical method of nonlinear fitting to simulate the collected experimental data and the functions effectively. Furthermore, through analysis of the formula, the correlation between temperature and time is well explained. Therefore, carbon nanotube-based, flexible, transparent heaters exhibit high electrothermal performance and are expected to find different applications, e.g. various functional devices such as heating materials, heatable smart windows or dining tables.
A novel polyamine-type starch/glycidyl methacrylate copolymer for adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Chen Youning , Zhao Wei , Wang Huan , Meng Xiaohua , Zhang Linjie
Published: June 2018

A novel polyamine-type starch/glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) copolymer with a high capacity for the adsorption of heavy metal ions was prepared via graft copolymerization of GMA and corn starch and a subsequent amination reaction between amino group of diethylenetriamine and epoxy group in GMA. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and adsorption properties on modified starch of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) were studied. By analysing the relationship between adsorption capacity and pH, adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics, it is proved that the adsorption of the four metal ions is mainly based on the chemical adsorption of coordination. The maximum adsorption capacities of the copolymer were up to 2.33, 1.25, 0.83 and 0.56 mmol g−1for Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III), respectively. The adsorption of the four concerned metal ions was hardly affected by common coexisting ions such as Na(I), K(I), Ca(II) and Mg(II), whereas it was slightly decreased when Fe(II) and Zn(II) coexisted in the solution, which illustrates the selective adsorption of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(III) from wastewater. After 10 cycles of adsorption–desorption experiments, there was no significant change in the adsorption capacity, indicating that the polyamine-type starch/GMA copolymer has high adsorption capacity and good reusability.
How realistic are painted lightnings? Quantitative comparison of the morphology of painted and real lightnings: a psychophysical approach
Authors: Stromp Mark , Farkas Alexandra , Kretzer Balázs , Száz Dénes , Barta András , Horváth Gábor
Published: June 2018

Inspired by the pioneer work of the nineteenth century photographer, William Nicholson Jennings, we studied quantitatively how realistic painted lightnings are. In order to answer this question, we examined 100 paintings and 400 photographs of lightnings. We used our software package to process and evaluate the morphology of lightnings. Three morphological parameters of the main lightning branch were analysed: (i) number of branchesNb, (ii) relative lengthr, and (iii) number of local maxima (peaks)Npof the turning angle distribution. We concluded: (i) Painted lightnings differ from real ones inNbandNp. (ii) Ther-values of painted and real lightnings vary in the same range. (iii) 67 and 22% of the studied painted and real lightnings were non-bifurcating (Nb = 1, meaning only the main branch), the maximum ofNbof painted and real lightnings is 11 and 51, respectively, and painted bifurcating lightnings possess mostly 2–4 branches, while real lightnings have mostly 2–10 branches. To understand these findings, we performed two psychophysical experiments with 10 test persons, whose task was to guessNbon photographs of real lightnings which were flashed for short time periods Δt = 0.5, 0.75 and 1 s (characteristic to lightnings) on a monitor. We obtained that (i) test persons can estimate the number of lightning branches quite correctly ifNb ≤ 11. (ii) IfNb > 11, its value is strongly underestimated with exponentially increasing difference between the real and estimated numbers. (iii) The estimation is independent of the flashing period Δtof lightning photos/pictures. (iv) The estimation is more accurate, if skeletonized lightning pictures are flashed, rather than real lightning photos. These findings explain why artists usually illustrate lightnings with branches not larger than 11.
Nutrient pollution disrupts key ecosystem functions on coral reefs
Authors: Silbiger Nyssa J. , Nelson Craig E. , Remple Kristina , Sevilla Jessica K. , Quinlan Zachary A. , Putnam Hollie M. , Fox Michael D. , Donahue Megan J.
Published: June 2018

There is a long history of examining the impacts of nutrient pollution and pH on coral reefs. However, little is known about how these two stressors interact and influence coral reef ecosystem functioning. Using a six-week nutrient addition experiment, we measured the impact of elevated nitrate (NO
−
3
) and phosphate (PO
3−
4
) on net community calcification (NCC) and net community production (NCP) rates of individual taxa and combined reef communities. Our study had four major outcomes: (i) NCC rates declined in response to nutrient addition in all substrate types, (ii) the mixed community switched from net calcification to net dissolution under medium and high nutrient conditions, (iii) nutrients augmented pH variability through modified photosynthesis and respiration rates, and (iv) nutrients disrupted the relationship between NCC and aragonite saturation state documented in ambient conditions. These results indicate that the negative effect of NO
−
3
and PO
3−
4
addition on reef calcification is likely both a direct physiological response to nutrients and also an indirect response to a shifting pH environment from altered NCP rates. Here, we show that nutrient pollution could make reefs more vulnerable to global changes associated with ocean acidification and accelerate the predicted shift from net accretion to net erosion.
Attacked ravens flexibly adjust signalling behaviour according to audience composition
Authors: Szipl Georgine , Ringler Eva , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: June 2018

A fundamental attribute of social intelligence is the ability to monitor third-party relationships, which has been repeatedly demonstrated in primates, and recently also in captive ravens. It is yet unknown how ravens make use of this ability when dealing with different types of social relationships simultaneously during complex real-life situations. Free-ranging non-breeder ravens live in societies characterized by high fission–fusion dynamics and structured by age, pair-bond status and kinship. Here, we show that free-ranging ravens modify communication during conflicts according to audience composition. When being attacked by dominant conspecifics, victims of aggression signal their distress via defensive calls. Victims increased call rates when their kin were in the bystander audience, but reduced call rates when the bystanders were bonding partners of their aggressors. Hence, ravens use social knowledge flexibly and probably based on their own need (i.e. alert nearby allies and avoid alerting nearby rivals).
Toxicity and taste: unequal chemical defences in a mimicry ring
Authors: Winters Anne E. , Wilson Nerida G. , van den Berg Cedric P. , How Martin J. , Endler John A. , Marshall N. Justin , White Andrew M. , Garson Mary J. , Cheney Karen L.
Published: June 2018

Mimicry of warning signals is common, and can be mutualistic when mimetic species harbour equal levels of defence (Müllerian), or parasitic when mimics are undefended but still gain protection from their resemblance to the model (Batesian). However, whether chemically defended mimics should be similar in terms of toxicity (i.e. causing damage to the consumer) and/or unpalatability (i.e. distasteful to consumer) is unclear and in many studies remains undifferentiated. In this study, we investigated the evolution of visual signals and chemical defences in a putative mimicry ring of nudibranch molluscs. First, we demonstrated that the appearance of a group of red spotted nudibranchs molluscs was similar from the perspective of potential fish predators using visual modelling and pattern analysis. Second, using phylogenetic reconstruction, we demonstrated that this colour pattern has evolved multiple times in distantly related individuals. Third, we showed that these nudibranchs contained different chemical profiles used for defensive purposes. Finally, we demonstrated that although levels of distastefulness towards Palaemon shrimp remained relatively constant between species, toxicity levels towards brine shrimp varied significantly. We highlight the need to disentangle toxicity and taste when considering chemical defences in aposematic and mimetic species, and discuss the implications for aposematic and mimicry signal evolution.
Taking turns: bridging the gap between human and animal communication
Authors: Pika Simone , Wilkinson Ray , Kendrick Kobin H. , Vernes Sonja C.
Published: June 2018

Language, humans’ most distinctive trait, still remains a ‘mystery’ for evolutionary theory. It is underpinned by a universal infrastructure—cooperative turn-taking—which has been suggested as an ancient mechanism bridging the existing gap between the articulate human species and their inarticulate primate cousins. However, we know remarkably little about turn-taking systems of non-human animals, and methodological confounds have often prevented meaningful cross-species comparisons. Thus, the extent to which cooperative turn-taking is uniquely human or represents a homologous and/or analogous trait is currently unknown. The present paper draws attention to this promising research avenue by providing an overview of the state of the art of turn-taking in four animal taxa—birds, mammals, insects and anurans. It concludes with a new comparative framework to spur more research into this research domain and to test which elements of the human turn-taking system are shared across species and taxa.
Linking pollinator efficiency to patterns of pollen limitation: small bees exploit the plant–pollinator mutualism
Authors: Koski Matthew H. , Ison Jennifer L. , Padilla Ashley , Pham Angela Q. , Galloway Laura F.
Published: June 2018

Seemingly mutualistic relationships can be exploited, in some cases reducing fitness of the exploited species. In plants, the insufficient receipt of pollen limits reproduction. While infrequent pollination commonly underlies pollen limitation (PL), frequent interactions with low-efficiency, exploitative pollinators may also cause PL. In the widespread protandrous herb
Campanula americana
, visitation by three pollinators explained 63% of the variation in PL among populations spanning the range. Bumblebees and the medium-sized
Megachile campanulae
enhanced reproductive success, but small solitary bees exacerbated PL. To dissect mechanisms behind these relationships, we scored sex-specific floral visitation, and the contributions of each pollinator to plant fitness using single flower visits. Small bees and
M. campanulae
overvisited male-phase flowers, but bumblebees frequently visited female-phase flowers. Fewer bumblebee visits were required to saturate seed set compared to other bees. Scaling pollinator efficiency metrics to populations, small bees deplete large amounts of pollen due to highly male-biased flower visitation and infrequent pollen deposition. Thus, small bees reduce plant reproduction by limiting pollen available for transfer by efficient pollinators, and appear to exploit the plant–pollinator mutualism, acting as functional parasites to
C. americana
. It is therefore unlikely that small bees will compensate for reproductive failure in
C. americana
when bumblebees are scarce.