bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male Mating Success and the Effect of Mating History on Ejaculate Traits in a Facultatively Parthenogenic Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum)
Authors: Alavi Yasaman , Elgar Mark A. , Jones Therésa M.
Published: April 2016

Males can typically increase their lifetime reproductive success by mating with multiple females. However, recent studies across a broad range of species have demonstrated physiological constraints on male multiple mating. In this study, we investigate male mating capacity in Extatosoma tiaratum, a facultative parthenogenetic phasmatid. Sperm limitation is thought to be one factor favouring the evolution and maintenance of parthenogenetic reproduction, but studies on male mating ability in facultative parthenogenetic species are extremely rare. To explore whether male mating success varies with mating history, we provided males with weekly mating opportunities with different females throughout their lives. We then observed mating success, and the variation in ejaculate size and quality within each mating. We showed that most, but not all, males can mate multiply, however the amount of ejaculate produced is variable and depends upon male body mass and mating history.
Crystal structures of the transpeptidase domain of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis penicillin‐binding protein PonA1 reveal potential mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Filippova Ekaterina V. , Kieser Karen J. , Luan Chi‐Hao , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Kiryukhina Olga , Rubin Eric J. , Anderson Wayne F.
Published: April 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a human respiratory pathogen that causes the deadly disease tuberculosis. The rapid global spread of antibiotic‐resistant M. tuberculosis makes tuberculosis infections difficult to treat. To overcome this problem new effective antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed. One promising target for new therapeutic approaches is PonA1, a class A penicillin‐binding protein, which is required for maintaining physiological cell wall synthesis and cell shape during growth in mycobacteria. Here, crystal structures of the transpeptidase domain, the enzymatic domain responsible for penicillin binding, of PonA1 from M. tuberculosis in the inhibitor‐free form and in complex with penicillin V are reported. We used site‐directed mutagenesis, antibiotic profiling experiments, and fluorescence thermal shift assays to measure PonA1's sensitivity to different classes of β‐lactams. Structural comparison of the PonA1 apo‐form and the antibiotic‐bound form shows that binding of penicillin V induces conformational changes in the position of the loop β4′‐α3 surrounding the penicillin‐binding site. We have also found that binding of different antibiotics including penicillin V positively impacts protein stability, while other tested β‐lactams such as clavulanate or meropenem resulted in destabilization of PonA1. Our antibiotic profiling experiments indicate that the transpeptidase activity of PonA1 in both M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis mediates tolerance to specific cell wall‐targeting antibiotics, particularly to penicillin V and meropenem. Because M. tuberculosis is an important human pathogen, these structural data provide a template to design novel transpeptidase inhibitors to treat tuberculosis infections.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession numbers 5CRF and 5CXW.
MicroRNAs in hepatic pathophysiology
Authors: Murakami Yoshiki , Kawada Norifumi
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non‐coding RNAs that range in length from 20 to 25 nucleotides. MicroRNAs are specific for multiple cellular functions, including cell generation, differentiation, multiplication, carcinogenesis, and apoptosis. Many researchers have recently reported that the aberrant expression of miRNAs in hepatic tissue was related to the pathogenesis of liver disease, including viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and fatty liver disease. Multiple studies have proposed that an analysis of circulating miRNAs may be useful for diagnosing etiologies or staging the progression of liver disease, as well as for therapeutic purposes, for example, nucleic acid therapy. This review summarizes and discusses recent advances in the knowledge of miRNAs for chronic liver diseases, with special interest in viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and biomarkers.
Macroeconomic Effects of Simultaneous Implementation of Reforms
Authors: Gerali Andrea , Notarpietro Alessandro , Pisani Massimiliano
Published: April 2016

This paper evaluates the macroeconomic effects of simultaneously implementing growth‐friendly fiscal consolidation and competition‐friendly reforms in one European country by simulating a dynamic general equilibrium model. Our results are as follows. First, in the case of joint implementation, the increase in gross domestic product (GDP) is larger than the sum of GDP increases obtained from implementing reforms separately. Growth‐friendly public debt consolidation uses lower interest payments in the long run to permanently reduce tax rates, and competition‐friendly reform expands the tax base, allowing for further rate reductions. Second, the medium‐term output loss associated with the temporary increase in taxes during the fiscal consolidation is mitigated by its implementation alongside the competition‐friendly reform, whose expansionary effects limit the tax rate increase. Third, in the short run (the first two years), all measures imply a macroeconomic cost in terms of output loss, which is smaller than the permanent output gain in the long run.
In vitro modeling of the interaction between human epithelial cells and lymphocytes upon influenza infection
Authors: Ilyushina Natalia A. , Wright Peter F.
Published: April 2016

Influenza viruses are a continuous threat to humans because of their ability to cross species barriers and adapt to new hosts. Data from murine studies, along with limited human data, suggest that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that recognize conserved epitopes of structural influenza proteins are the main mediators of influenza virus clearance. Additionally, the fact that many CTLs recognize epitopes shared between different influenza strains offers the potential for broad cross‐strain immunity. However, the mechanisms of cellular immunity against influenza viruses are poorly defined in humans, where the CTL response has been hard to measure and interpret. We developed a novel CTL assay that utilizes fully differentiated nasal human epithelial cells taken from volunteers as permissive targets for autologous peripheral blood‐derived influenza virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This in vitro system of human lymphocyte–epithelial cell co‐cultures can be considered as the closest approximation to events in vivo and can be employed for studying the interactions between the pathogen and human host. Modeling of the natural interaction process between the primary cell type that supports the productive replication of influenza and immune cells may allow us to put in perspective CTLs as a correlate of immunity to influenza in humans.
Gender differences in the prevalence and clustering of multiple health risk behaviours in young adults
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Psarrou Maria , Vassilaki Maria , Androulaki Zacharenia , Philalithis Anastas E.
Published: April 2016

Aims

To estimate the sex‐stratified prevalence and clustering of 14 behavioural and metabolic health risk factors in emerging adulthood.

Background

The high prevalence and the clustering of risk factors multiply health consequences and increase the threat to the future health and quality of life of young adults.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

During November‐December 2012, we assessed 14 lifestyle characteristics of 1058 1st year university students’ that were classified as: healthy (score = 0), unhealthy (score = 1) and high‐risk unhealthy (score = 2). We subsequently created a Multiple Health Risk Behaviours Index by summing the score of each behaviour adjusted to 0‐100.

Results

Only 0·3% of the students had one risk behaviour and 21·3% (male: 31·5%; female: 12·6%) had ≥10 of 14. Male students had higher risk index score. In adjusted regression analyses, female students had higher odds of reporting healthier behaviours in oral hygiene (tooth brushing), red meat and junk food consumption, binge drinking, cannabis/hashish/marijuana use and lower number of sexual partners and Body Mass Index. Male students reported higher physical activity. No statistically significant gender differences were noted for screen time/sedentary behaviours, condom use, smoking, sunburns, breakfast and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Conclusion

Although health‐compromising behaviours are highly prevalent in both men and women, they are gender‐related, with males engaging in more health risk behaviours than females. Preventive interventions may need to focus on gender‐informed approaches when targeting multiple health risk behaviours.
Mobile technology: students perceived benefits of apps for learning neuroanatomy
Authors: Morris N.P. , Lambe J. , Ciccone J. , Swinnerton B.
Published: April 2016

Technology‐enhanced learning is expanding rapidly because of research showing the benefits for learners in terms of engagement, convenience, attainment and enjoyment. Mobile learning approaches are also gaining in popularity, particularly during practical classes and clinical settings. However, there are few systematic studies evaluating the impact of tablet devices on students’ learning in practical settings. The main aim of this three‐year study was to gather rigorous evidence about students’ use of apps on a preconfigured tablet device in a neuroanatomy practical class, their perceptions of this and the impact of the intervention on learning outcomes, using data collected from three cohorts of students between 2011 and 2013. Results showed that students made extensive use of resources provided, considered the devices to be beneficial for learning, and found them to be easy to use with minimal support and training. Students’ ownership of touch screen devices increased significantly during the trial period as did their use of devices for academic study. Analysis of examination scores showed a statistically significant increase in performance for neuroanatomy‐related questions after the introduction of tablet devices.
Inflammatory facial acne during uncomplicated pregnancy and post‐partum in adult women: a preliminary hospital‐based prospective observational study of 35 cases from Taiwan
Authors: Yang C.‐C. , Huang Y.‐T. , Yu C.‐H. , Wu M.‐C. , Hsu C.‐C. , Chen W.
Published: April 2016

Background

Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in hormones and metabolism which can also exert impact on the skin.

Objectives

The study was aimed to evaluate the facial acne severity during pregnancy and post‐partum period and to identify risk factors for acne in pregnancy.

Methods

A hospital‐based prospective study on pregnant women at age ≥18 years was conducted during their routine maternal examination. The severity of inflammatory facial acne was evaluated by the number of acne lesions and Global Acne Severity Scale, based on pictures taken at the three trimesters of pregnancy and post‐partum period. Risk factors were identified by review of medical chart and questionnaires. Correlation with acne severity was statistically analysed.

Results

Thirty‐five pregnant women were included in this study with ages ranging from 25 to 40 years. The average number of facial acne was highest in the second trimester. Primigravida, female gender and low birth weight for gestational age of the newborn were associated with higher numbers of facial acne in the second and third trimester in our series.

Conclusions

Further investigation on a larger population and the relevant hormone changes is required to confirm and explain our findings.
Functional characterization of neurotransmitter activation and modulation in a nematode model ligand‐gated ion channel
Authors: Heusser Stephanie A. , Yoluk Özge , Klement Göran , Riederer Erika A. , Lindahl Erik , Howard Rebecca J.
Published: April 2016

The superfamily of pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels includes neurotransmitter receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission in vertebrates, and are targets for drugs including alcohols, anesthetics, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants. However, the mechanisms of ion channel opening, gating, and modulation in these receptors leave many open questions, despite their pharmacological importance. Subtle conformational changes in both the extracellular and transmembrane domains are likely to influence channel opening, but have been difficult to characterize given the limited structural data available for human membrane proteins. Recent crystal structures of a modified Caenorhabditis elegans glutamate‐gated chloride channel (GluCl) in multiple states offer an appealing model system for structure‐function studies. However, the pharmacology of the crystallographic GluCl construct is not well established. To establish the functional relevance of this system, we used two‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes to characterize activation of crystallographic and native‐like GluCl constructs by L‐glutamate and ivermectin. We also tested modulation by ethanol and other anesthetic agents, and used site‐directed mutagenesis to explore the role of a region of Loop F which was implicated in ligand gating by molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings indicate that the crystallographic construct functionally models concentration‐dependent agonism and allosteric modulation of pharmacologically relevant receptors. Specific substitutions at residue Leu174 in loop F altered direct L‐glutamate activation, consistent with computational evidence for this region's role in ligand binding. These insights demonstrate conservation of activation and modulation properties in this receptor family, and establish a framework for GluCl as a model system, including new possibilities for drug discovery.

image

In this study, we elucidate the validity of a modified glutamate‐gated chloride channel (GluClcryst) as a structurally accessible model for GABAA receptors. In contrast to native‐like controls, GluClcryst exhibits classical activation by its neurotransmitter ligand L‐glutamate. The modified channel is also sensitive to allosteric modulators associated with human GABAA receptors, and to site‐directed mutations predicted to alter channel opening.
‘Treating Africans differently’: using skin colour as proxy for HIV risk
Authors: Henrickson Mark , Fisher Meaghan
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

This paper examines the qualitative results of two studies of Black African new settler communities in New Zealand. The analysis investigates the issues of stigma and microaggressions and their effects on Black African communities.

Background

Previous work that investigated experiences of stigma faced by relatively early Black African new settlers to New Zealand found that new settlers experienced stigma, and their resulting isolation had negative implications for access to health and social services, regardless of HIV status.

Design

This paper is a meta‐analysis of two published studies, using original qualitative data from each.

Methods

Researchers for the first study, Standing in the Fire, interviewed 13 Black Africans living with HIV who were new settlers to New Zealand. The second study, AfricaNZ Care, was a national mixed method study which surveyed 703 Black African new settlers, and included 131 participants in 23 different focus groups. The present analysis includes only the qualitative data from the second study. Some, but not most, participants of the second study were living with HIV.

Results

Black African identity is used as a proxy for HIV status among non‐HIV specialist health care workers. Participants reported experiences of stigma and microaggressions based on their race, and a lack of knowledge about HIV in non‐HIV specialist nurses and other health care workers. They also experienced poor health care and education practices, professional prejudice against colleagues living with HIV and institutional challenges including failure to protect patient confidentiality.

Conclusions

HIV‐related stigma and microaggressions remain significant problems, not only for people living with HIV but also for those perceived to be at high risk for HIV.

Relevance to clinical practice

Experiences of stigmatising behaviour by health care professionals have a broad and significant range of impacts on patients’ health outcomes.
Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in the Evaluation of Carotid Space Paraganglioma versus Schwannoma
Authors: Gaddikeri Santhosh , Hippe Daniel S. , Anzai Yoshimi
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

To describe the potential role of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI in differentiating carotid space (CS) paraganglioma from schwannoma in the head and neck.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of 126 patients who had undergone DCE‐MRI between June 2008 and July 2014 and found six patients with histologically verified benign CS tumors. The images were evaluated for tumor T1 and T2 signal characteristics, flow voids, and enhancement pattern. The dynamic data were analyzed for quantitative parameters using extended Toft's model (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp) and semiquantitative parameters based on time–intensity curve (area under curve, peak enhancement, wash‐in, wash‐out, signal‐enhancement ratio [SER], and time for maximum enhancement [TME]). Due to the small sample size, groups were compared qualitatively.

RESULTS

Patients with CS paraganglioma (P group, n = 2) and schwannoma (S group, n = 4) were included. All tumors were hypointense on T1W imaging, hyperintense on T2W imaging, and show avid enhancement. One patient with paraganglioma had subtle flow voids. The conventional MR images were insufficient to confidently diagnose tumor type.

Both paragangliomas had high peak enhancement and SER, and a short TME, while the schwannomas had relatively low peak enhancement and SER with a longer TME. Ktrans, Kep, and Ve were relatively low in the paragangliomas than in the schwannomas.

CONCLUSION

DCE‐MRI could potentially be used to assist differentiating paraganglioma from schwannoma, when diagnosis is difficult on the conventional MR imaging sequences. Simple assessment of semiquantitative parameters suffices to provide supportive information.
The Relation Between Valence and Arousal in Subjective Experience Varies With Personality and Culture
Authors: Kuppens Peter , Tuerlinckx Francis , Yik Michelle , Koval Peter , Coosemans Joachim , Zeng Kevin J. , Russell James A.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

While in general arousal increases with positive or negative valence (a so‐called V‐shaped relation), there are large differences among individuals in how these two fundamental dimensions of affect are related in people's experience. In two studies, we examined two possible sources of this variation: personality and culture.

Method:

In Study 1, participants (Belgian university students) recalled a recent event that was characterized by high or low valence or arousal and reported on their feelings and their personality in terms of the Five‐Factor Model. In Study 2, participants from Canada, China/Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Spain reported on their feelings in a thin slice of time and on their personality.

Results:

In Study 1, we replicated the V‐shape as characterizing the relation between valence and arousal, and identified personality correlates of experiencing particular valence–arousal combinations. In Study 2, we documented how the V‐shaped relation varied as a function of Western versus Eastern cultural background and personality.

Conclusions:

The results showed that the steepness of the V‐shaped relation between valence and arousal increases with Extraversion within cultures, and with a West‐East distinction between cultures. Implications for the personality–emotion link and research on cultural differences in affect are discussed.
Trends in dental‐related use of hospital emergency departments in Florida
Authors: Tomar Scott L. , Carden Donna L. , Dodd Virginia J. , Catalanotto Frank A. , Herndon Jill Boylston
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The inability to access regular dental care may lead to care seeking at hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, EDs generally are not equipped or staffed to provide definitive dental services. This study examined trends and patterns of hospital ED use for dental‐related reasons in Florida, a large, diverse state with serious barriers to accessing dental care.

Methods

Data for this study were drawn from ambulatory ED discharge records compiled by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration for 2005‐2014. Visits for dental‐related reasons in Florida were defined by the patient's reported reason for seeking care or the ED physician's primary diagnosis using ICD‐9‐CM codes. We calculated frequencies, age‐specific and age‐adjusted rates per 100,000 population, and secular trends in dental‐related ED visits and their associated charges.

Results

The number of dental‐related visits to Florida EDs increased each year, from 104,642 in 2005 to 163,900 in 2014; the age‐adjusted rate increased by 43.6 percent. Total charges for dental‐related ED visits in Florida increased more than threefold during this time period, from $47.7 million in 2005 to $193.4 million in 2014 (adjusted for inflation). The primary payers for dental‐related ED visits in 2014 were Medicaid (38 percent), self‐pay (38 percent), commercial insurance (11 percent), Medicare (8 percent), and other (5 percent).

Conclusions

Dental‐related visits to hospital EDs in Florida have increased substantially during the past decade, as have their associated charges. Most patients did not receive definitive oral health care in EDs, and this trend represents an increasingly inefficient use of health care system resources.
(Please Don't) Say It to My Face! The Interaction of Feedback and Distance: Experiments with Vulgar Language
Authors: Johnson David Blake
Published: April 2016

I extend current understanding of non‐monetary punishments by introducing one‐way unrestricted feedback (vulgar language) from responders in laboratory and online ultimatum games. Feedback changes in the expected direction. Negative feedback is returned in the event of low offers while higher offers receive positive feedback. Additionally, the possibility of unrestricted feedback significantly increases amounts sent by proposers, but only in the lab. This effect is statistically significant and large in magnitude but is not present in the online experiments. These results illustrate that increases in social distance and/or physical proximity can weaken the effectiveness of non‐monetary punishments.
Target lesion response predicts survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma retreated with transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Fa , Guo Rong‐Ping , OuYang Han‐Yue , Shen Jing‐Xian , Zhao Jing , Tan Guo‐Sheng , Le Yong , Wei Wei , Shi Ming
Published: April 2016

Background & Aims

The discontinuation rules of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients who were assessed as progressive disease (PD) but stage progression‐free (SP‐free: still belongs to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B) after TACE are unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the PD‐pattern on the survival of these patients retreated with TACE.

Methods

In total, 115 consecutive patients who were assessed as PD but SP‐free after TACE and then underwent at least one subsequent TACE session were included. Sixty patients were assessed as PD with target lesion progression (TP), and 55 patients were assessed as PD with target lesion non‐progression (TNP). Survival and treatment‐related adverse events were compared between the two groups. Additional external validation was performed using a data set (n = 103) from another institution.

Results

Patients with TNP had significantly longer median post‐progression survival (PPS) than those with TP (21.0 vs. 11.9 months, P = 0.004). After TACE retreatment, the incidence of liver dysfunction was significantly higher for patients with TP than for patients with TNP (45% vs. 20%, P = 0.031). In the multivariate analysis, the target lesion response was one of the most significant prognostic factors for PPS (HR = 2.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–3.27; P = 0.005). The findings were supported by an independent external cohort.

Conclusions

Compared to patients with TNP, patients with TP might exhibit no improvement in survival and even present damaged liver function after retreatment with TACE. Target lesion response is useful as a clinical decision for repeated TACE in these patients.
The macrophage activation marker sCD163 is associated with morphological disease stages in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kazankov Konstantin , Barrera Francisco , Møller Holger Jon , Rosso Chiara , Bugianesi Elisabetta , David Ezio , Ibrahim Kamal Jouness Ramy , Esmaili Saeed , Eslam Mohammed , McLeod Duncan , Bibby Bo Martin , Vilstrup Hendrik , George Jacob , Grønbæk Henning
Published: April 2016

Background & Aims

Macrophage activation plays a key pathogenic role in experimental non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and contributes to the progression of steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. We studied macrophage activation in human NAFLD by measuring soluble (s)CD163, a specific macrophage activation marker, hypothesizing that sCD163 would be associated with the patients’ morphological disease grade. Furthermore, we investigated an association between sCD163 and the apoptosis marker cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) to explore a link between macrophage activation and apoptosis.

Methods

sCD163 associations with biochemical and histological measures of NAFLD were investigated in two independent cohorts of 157 Australian and 174 Italian NAFLD patients, with liver biopsies graded for NAFLD severity, steatosis and fibrosis. sCD163 and CK‐18 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In both cohorts sCD163 increased in parallel with the patients’ morphological disease grading, being independently associated with the Kleiner fibrosis score (P < 0.001). A high sCD163 predicted advanced fibrosis {F ≥ 3; Australian cohort: area under receiver‐operating characteristics curve 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.87], Italian cohort: 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72–0.88)}. In both groups, sCD163 was independently associated with CK‐18 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Soluble CD163 reflecting macrophage activation is associated with morphological features of NAFLD suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, NASH and particularly fibrosis. An independent association between sCD163 and cytokeratin‐18 suggests that apoptosis may contribute to macrophage activation in NAFLD/NASH.
The role of isoforms in the evolution of cryptic coloration in Peromyscus mice
Authors: Mallarino Ricardo , Linden Tess A. , Linnen Catherine R. , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: April 2016

A central goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic adaptation. While the contribution of protein‐coding and cis‐regulatory mutations to adaptive traits has been well documented, additional sources of variation – such as the production of alternative RNA transcripts from a single gene, or isoforms – have been understudied. Here, we focus on the pigmentation gene Agouti, known to express multiple alternative transcripts, to investigate the role of isoform usage in the evolution of cryptic colour phenotypes in deer mice (genus Peromyscus). We first characterize the Agouti isoforms expressed in the Peromyscus skin and find two novel isoforms not previously identified in Mus. Next, we show that a locally adapted light‐coloured population of P. maniculatus living on the Nebraska Sand Hills shows an upregulation of a single Agouti isoform, termed 1C, compared with their ancestral dark‐coloured conspecifics. Using in vitro assays, we show that this preference for isoform 1C may be driven by isoform‐specific differences in translation. In addition, using an admixed population of wild‐caught mice, we find that variation in overall Agouti expression maps to a region near exon 1C, which also has patterns of nucleotide variation consistent with strong positive selection. Finally, we show that the independent evolution of cryptic light pigmentation in a different species, P. polionotus, has been driven by a preference for the same Agouti isoform. Together, these findings present an example of the role of alternative transcript processing in adaptation and demonstrate molecular convergence at the level of isoform regulation.
Inferring the demographic history underlying parallel genomic divergence among pairs of parasitic and nonparasitic lamprey ecotypes
Authors: Rougemont Quentin , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Perrier Charles , Genthon Clémence , Besnard Anne‐Laure , Launey Sophie , Evanno Guillaume
Published: April 2016

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms generating parallel genomic divergence patterns among replicate ecotype pairs remains an important challenge in speciation research. We investigated the genomic divergence between the anadromous parasitic river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and the freshwater‐resident nonparasitic brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) in nine population pairs displaying variable levels of geographic connectivity. We genotyped 338 individuals with RAD sequencing and inferred the demographic divergence history of each population pair using a diffusion approximation method. Divergence patterns in geographically connected population pairs were better explained by introgression after secondary contact, whereas disconnected population pairs have retained a signal of ancient migration. In all ecotype pairs, models accounting for differential introgression among loci outperformed homogeneous migration models. Generating neutral predictions from the inferred divergence scenarios to detect highly differentiated markers identified greater proportions of outliers in disconnected population pairs than in connected pairs. However, increased similarity in the most divergent genomic regions was found among connected ecotype pairs, indicating that gene flow was instrumental in generating parallelism at the molecular level. These results suggest that heterogeneous genomic differentiation and parallelism among replicate ecotype pairs have partly emerged through restricted introgression in genomic islands.
Experimental evidence that brighter males sire more extra‐pair young in tree swallows
Authors: Whittingham Linda A. , Dunn Peter O.
Published: April 2016

Across taxa, extra‐pair mating is widespread among socially monogamous species, but few studies have identified male ornamental traits associated with extra‐pair mating success, and even fewer studies have experimentally manipulated male traits to determine whether they are related directly to paternity. As a consequence, there is little experimental evidence to support the widespread hypothesis that females choose more ornamented males as extra‐pair mates. Here, we conducted an experimental study of the relationship between male plumage colour and fertilization success in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), which have one of the highest levels of extra‐pair mating in birds. In this study, we experimentally dulled the bright blue plumage on the back of males (with nontoxic ink markers) early in the breeding season prior to most mating. Compared with control males, dulled males sired fewer extra‐pair young, and, as a result, fewer young overall. Among untreated males, brighter blue males also sired more extra‐pair young, and in paired comparisons, extra‐pair sires had brighter blue plumage than the within‐pair male they cuckolded. These results, together with previous work on tree swallows, suggest that extra‐pair mating behaviour is driven by benefits to both males and females.
Concerted action of NIC relaxase and auxiliary protein MobC in RA3 plasmid conjugation
Authors: Godziszewska Jolanta , Moncalián Gabriel , Cabezas Matilde , Bartosik Aneta A. , de la Cruz Fernando , Jagura‐Burdzy Grazyna
Published: April 2016

Conjugative transfer of the broad‐host‐range RA3 plasmid, the archetype of the IncU group, relies on the relaxase NIC that belongs to the as yet uncharacterized MOBP4 subfamily. NIC contains the signature motifs of HUH relaxases involved in Tyr nucleophilic attack. However, it differs in the residue involved in His activation for cation coordination and was shown here to have altered divalent cation requirements. NIC is encoded in the mobC‐nic operon preceded directly by oriT, where mobC encodes an auxiliary transfer protein with a dual function: autorepressor and stimulator of conjugative transfer. Here an interplay between MobC and NIC was demonstrated. MobC is required for efficient NIC cleavage of oriT in supercoiled DNA whereas NIC assists MobC in repression of the mobC‐nic operon. A 7‐bp arm of IR3 (IR3a) was identified as the binding site for NIC and the crucial nucleotides in IR3a for NIC recognition were defined. Fully active oriTRA3 was delineated to a 47‐bp DNA segment encompassing a conserved cleavage site sequence, the NIC binding site IR3a and the MobC binding site OM. This highly efficient RA3 conjugative system with defined requirements for minimal oriT could find ample applications in biotechnology and computational biology where simple conjugative systems are needed.
Effect of persistent menopausal symptoms on the wellbeing of Japanese breast cancer survivors
Authors: Yamamoto Sena , Masutani Eiko , Arao Harue
Published: April 2016

While more women with breast cancer survive because of advances in cancer treatment including hormonal therapy, they are at a risk of menopausal symptoms, which can threaten their psychological wellbeing. We examined the effect of menopausal symptoms on women's psychological wellbeing during three different phases of breast cancer: short‐term (0–1 years since diagnosis), medium‐term (2–5 years), and long‐term (more than 5 years). In this cross‐sectional study, 425 survivors treated with hormonal therapy were recruited from a convenience sample in Japan and completed an anonymous self‐administered questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis revealed that menopausal symptoms significantly contributed to psychological wellbeing in all phases. In long‐term survivors, menopausal symptoms were significantly milder; however, the negative effect was prolonged. One in three to four survivors was suspected to have poor psychological wellbeing, irrespective of time. Although the effect of menopausal symptoms on psychological wellbeing has been described in short‐term survivors, little is known about the long‐term effect. This study examines the effect of menopausal symptoms on psychological wellbeing, thereby providing useful information regarding long‐term quality of life.
Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the incivility in nursing education‐revised (INE‐R) survey
Authors: De Gagne Jennie C. , Kang Hee Sun , Hyun Myung Sun
Published: April 2016

In this study, we developed and tested the psychometric properties of a translated and culturally adapted Korean version of the Incivility in Nursing Education‐Revised (INE‐R) survey. Using a cross‐sectional design, the INE‐R was administered to a convenience sample of 284 students enrolled in three Korean nursing colleges. Descriptive statistics were calculated for 24 student and 24 faculty incivility behavior items. Underlying factor structure was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and model fit was assessed using chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit and other fit indices. For student incivility items, a four‐factor model provided the best fit for the data, while a two‐factor model provided the best fit for faculty incivility items. Overall reliability of the INE‐R for student and faculty incivility behavior was estimated as α = 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. The Korean version of the INE‐R is a reliable measure for assessing perceptions of student and faculty incivility among Korean nursing students.
Karyology of Aconitum subgenus Lycoctonum (Ranunculaceae) from China, with a report of the new base chromosome number x = 6 in the genus Aconitum
Authors: Hong Yu , Gao Qi , Luo Yan , Luo Jiang‐Ping , Zhang Yu , Yuan Qiong , Yang Qin‐Er
Published: April 2016

In order to gain better knowledge of the number and morphology of chromosomes in Aconitum subgen. Lycoctonum in China, 60 populations belonging to 20 species were cytologically studied. Chromosome numbers of six species (A. apetalum, A. finetianum, A. fletcheranum, A. longecassidatum, A. umbrosum and A. wangyedianense) are here reported for the first time. One species, A. fletcheranum, has 2n = 12, and thus is a diploid based on x = 6, a new base chromosome number for the genus Aconitum. Most of the remaining taxa are diploid (2n = 16) based on x = 8, but five taxa (A. angustius, A. brevicalcaratum var. brevicalcaratum, A. brevicalcaratum var. parviflorum, A.chrysotrichum and A. crassiflorum) are tetraploid with 2n = 32, and one species (A. apetalum) is hexaploid with 2n = 48, the highest ploidy level currently known in the subgenus. Disregarding differences in the presence or absence and number of satellites, the karyotypes of all the 2n = 16 species are quite uniform (2n = 2m + 6sm + 8st), but A. novoluridum, the only species of A. section Alatospermum, has an intrachromosomally less asymmetric karyotype (2n = 2m + 14sm), which lends further support for the primitive condition of its section as inferred from gross‐morphology. Chromosomal variation in the subgenus and the relationships of some of the species are discussed.
Convergence of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 and PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR signalling during shade avoidance
Authors: Pacín Manuel , Semmoloni Mariana , Legris Martina , Finlayson Scott A. , Casal Jorge J.
Published: April 2016

Shade‐avoidance responses require CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 (COP1) but the mechanisms of action of COP1 under shade have not been elucidated.

Using simulated shade and control conditions, we analysed: the transcriptome and the auxin levels of cop1 and phytochrome interacting factor 1 (pif1) pif3 pif4 pif5 (pifq) mutants; the dynamics of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and LONG HYPOCOTYL IN FAR‐RED (HFR1) proteins; and the epistatic relationships between cop1 and pif3, pif4, pif5, hy5 and hfr1 mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Despite severely impaired shade‐avoidance responses, only a few genes that responded to shade in the wild‐type failed to do so in cop1. Shade enhanced the convergence between cop1 and pifq transcriptomes, mainly on shade‐avoidance marker genes. Shade failed to increase auxin levels in cop1. Residual shade avoidance in cop1 was not further reduced by the pif3, pif4 or pif5 mutations, suggesting convergent pathways. HFR1 stability decreased under shade in a COP1‐dependent manner but shade increased HY5 stability.

The cop1 mutant retains responses to shade and is more specifically impaired in shade avoidance. COP1 promotes the degradation of HFR1 under shade, thus increasing the ability of PIFs to control gene expression, increase auxin levels and promote stem growth.
Plants adapted to nutrient limitation allocate less biomass into stems in an arid‐hot grassland
Authors: Yan Bangguo , Ji Zhonghua , Fan Bo , Wang Xuemei , He Guangxiong , Shi Liangtao , Liu Gangcai
Published: April 2016

Biomass allocation can exert a great influence on plant resource acquisition and nutrient use. However, the role of biomass allocation strategies in shaping plant community composition under nutrient limitations remains poorly addressed.

We hypothesized that species‐specific allocation strategies can affect plant adaptation to nutrient limitations, resulting in species turnover and changes in community‐level biomass allocations across nutrient gradients. In this study, we measured species abundance and the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in leaves and soil nutrients in an arid‐hot grassland. We quantified species‐specific allocation parameters for stems vs leaves based on allometric scaling relationships. Species‐specific stem vs leaf allocation parameters were weighted with species abundances to calculate the community‐weighted means driven by species turnover.

We found that the community‐weighted means of biomass allocation parameters were significantly related to the soil nutrient gradient as well as to leaf stoichiometry, indicating that species‐specific allocation strategies can affect plant adaptation to nutrient limitations in the studied grassland. Species that allocate less to stems than leaves tend to dominate nutrient‐limited environments.

The results support the hypothesis that species‐specific allocations affect plant adaptation to nutrient limitations. The allocation trade‐off between stems and leaves has the potential to greatly affect plant distribution across nutrient gradients.
Homomorphic ZW chromosomes in a wild strawberry show distinctive recombination heterogeneity but a small sex‐determining region
Authors: Tennessen Jacob A. , Govindarajulu Rajanikanth , Liston Aaron , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: April 2016

Recombination in ancient, heteromorphic sex chromosomes is typically suppressed at the sex‐determining region (SDR) and proportionally elevated in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). However, little is known about recombination dynamics of young, homomorphic plant sex chromosomes.

We examine male and female function in crosses and unrelated samples of the dioecious octoploid strawberry Fragaria chiloensis in order to map the small and recently evolved SDR controlling both traits and to examine recombination patterns on the incipient ZW chromosome.

The SDR of this ZW system is located within a 280 kb window, in which the maternal recombination rate is lower than the paternal one. In contrast to the SDR, the maternal PAR recombination rate is much higher than the rates of the paternal PAR or autosomes, culminating in an elevated chromosome‐wide rate. W‐specific divergence is elevated within the SDR and a single polymorphism is observed in high species‐wide linkage disequilibrium with sex.

Selection for recombination suppression within the small SDR may be weak, but fluctuating sex ratios could favor elevated recombination in the PAR to remove deleterious mutations on the W. The recombination dynamics of this nascent sex chromosome with a modestly diverged SDR may be typical of other dioecious plants.
Allosensitization does not alter post‐transplant outcomes in pediatric patients bridged to transplant with a ventricular assist device
Authors: Castleberry Chesney , Zafar Farhan , Thomas Tamara , Khan Muhammad S. , Bryant Roosevelt , Chin Clifford , Morales David L. S. , Lorts Angela
Published: April 2016

Patients supported with a VAD are at increased risk for sensitization. We aimed to determine risk factors for sensitization as well as the impact of sensitization on post‐transplant outcomes. The UNOS database (January 2004–June 2014) was used to identify patients (≤18 yrs) supported with a durable VAD. Rates and degree of sensitization in the VAD cohort were calculated. Post‐transplant survival was determined comparing outcomes of sensitized vs. non‐sensitized patients. There were 3097 patients included in the study; 19% (n = 579) were bridged with a VAD. Of these, 41.8% were sensitized vs. 29.9% of the patients who were not bridged with a VAD (p < 0.001). VAD was an independent predictor of sensitization (OR 2.05 [1.63–2.57]; p < 0.001). There was no difference in sensitization based on device type (continuous vs. pulsatile flow, p = 0.990). Post‐transplant survival rates between the sensitized and non‐sensitized VAD patients were not different, including patients with a PRA >50% and VAD patients with a positive DSC (p = 0.280 and 0.160, respectively). In conclusion, pediatric VAD patients are more likely to be sensitized, but there was no difference in sensitization based on device type. In addition, sensitization does not appear to impact outcomes.
Intra‐subject variability in muscle activity and co‐contraction during jumps and landings in children and adults
Authors: Raffalt P. C. , Alkjær T. , Simonsen E. B.
Published: April 2016

We investigated muscle activity, intra‐subject variability in muscle activity and co‐contraction during vertical jumps and landings in children and adults. Ten male children and 10 male adults completed 10 countermovement jumps (CMJ), 10 drop jumps (DJ) from 30 cm, 10 low and high landings from 30 and 60 cm for the children and 60 and 90 cm for the adults. The adults also performed ten DJ from 60 cm. EMG was recorded from nine lower limb muscles in the right leg and normalized to isometric MVC. Statistical parametric mapping was used to reveal differences in the muscle activity and intra‐subject variability in the muscle activity. Co‐contraction was quantified for two thigh muscle pairs and one plantar flexor/dorsiflexor muscle pair and group differences were assessed (two‐way ANOVA). No significant differences were observed in the less eccentric demanding CMJ while significantly higher muscle activity magnitude and intra‐subject variability were observed for the children during the initial part of the contact phase of DJ and landings, indicating a less consistent muscle activity pattern in the children. This may indicate that vertical jumps/landings involving a high amount of eccentric muscle contraction constrain the muscle activation in children, possibly because of immature motor control.
Evolutionary history of a secondary terrestrial Australian diving beetle (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) reveals a lineage of high morphological and ecological plasticity
Authors: TOUSSAINT EMMANUEL F. A. , HENDRICH LARS , ESCALONA HERMES E. , PORCH NICK , BALKE MICHAEL
Published: April 2016

The evolution of a secondary terrestrial lifestyle in diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) has never been analysed in a phylogenetic framework before. Here we study Terradessus caecus Watts, a terrestrial species of the subfamily Hydroporinae endemic to Australia. We infer its phylogenetic placement using Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood methods based on a multilocus molecular dataset. We also investigate the divergence time estimates of this lineage using a Bayesian relaxed clock approach. Finally, we infer ancestral ecological preferences using a likelihood approach. We recover T. caecus nested in the genus Paroster Sharp with strong support. Therefore, we establish a synonymy for both species of Terradessus with Paroster: Paroster caecus (Watts) n.comb. and Paroster anophthalmus (Brancucci & Monteith) n.comb. Paroster is an endemic Australian genus that has a remarkable number of subterranean species in underground aquifers with highly derived morphologies. Our results highlight one of the most remarkable radiations of aquatic beetles with independent ecological pathways likely linked to palaeoclimatic disruptions in the Neogene. Paroster caecus (Watts) n.comb. originated from a mid‐Miocene split following the onset of an aridification episode that has been ongoing to the present day. The deep changes in ecological communities in association with the drying‐out of palaeodrainage systems might have pushed this lineage to colonize a new niche in terrestrial habitats.
Can We Avoid the Repugnant Conclusion?
Authors: Parfit Derek
Published: April 2016

According to the Repugnant Conclusion: Compared with the existence of many people who would all have some very high quality of life, there is some much larger number of people whose existence would be better, even though these people would all have lives that were barely worth living. I suggest some ways in which we might be able to avoid this conclusion. I try to defend a strong form of lexical superiority.