bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse LMS/F algorithms with application to adaptive system identification
Authors: Gui Guan , Mehbodniya Abolfazl , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: December 2013

Standard least mean square/fourth (LMS/F) is a classical adaptive algorithm that combined the advantages of both least mean square (LMS) and least mean fourth (LMF). The advantage of LMS is fast convergence speed while its shortcoming is suboptimal solution in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) environment. On the contrary, the advantage of LMF algorithm is robust in low SNR while its drawback is slow convergence speed in high SNR case. Many finite impulse response systems are modeled as sparse rather than traditionally dense. To take advantage of system sparsity, different sparse LMS algorithms with lp‐LMS and l0‐LMS have been proposed to improve adaptive identification performance. However, sparse LMS algorithms have the same drawback as standard LMS. Different from LMS filter, standard LMS/F filter can achieve better performance. Hence, the aim of this paper is to introduce sparse penalties to the LMS/F algorithm so that it can further improve identification performance. We propose two sparse LMS/F algorithms using two sparse constraints to improve adaptive identification performance. Two experiments are performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms by computer simulation. In the first experiment, the number of nonzero coefficients is changing, and the proposed algorithms can achieve better mean square deviation performance than sparse LMS algorithms. In the second experiment, the number of nonzero coefficient is fixed, and mean square deviation performance of sparse LMS/F algorithms is still better than that of sparse LMS algorithms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Lallzyme MMX‐based rapid method for fission yeast protoplast preparation
Authors: Flor‐Parra Ignacio , Zhurinsky Jacob , Bernal Manuel , Gallardo Paola , Daga Rafael R.
Published: December 2013

Fungal cells including yeasts are surrounded by cell wall that counteracts turgor pressure and prevents cell lysis. Many yeast experiments, including genetic manipulation of sterile strains, morphogenesis studies, nucleic acid isolation and many others, require mechanical breakage or enzymatic removal of the cell wall. Some of these experiments require the generation of live cells lacking cell walls, called protoplasts, that can be maintained in osmostabilized medium. Enzymatic digestion of cell wall proteoglycans is a commonly used method of protoplast preparation. Currently existing protocols for fission yeast cell wall digestion are time consuming and not very efficient. We developed a new rapid method for fission yeast protoplast preparation that relies on digesting cell walls with Lallzyme MMX commercial enzyme mix, which produces protoplasts from all cells in less than 10 min. We demonstrate that these protoplasts can be utilized in three commonly used fission yeast protocols. Thus, we provide the fission yeast community with a robust and efficient plasmid extraction method, a new protocol for diploid generation and an assay for protoplast recovery that should be useful for studies of morphogenesis. Our method is potentially applicable to other yeasts and fungi. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time to Breast Cancer Relapse Predicted By Primary Tumour Characteristics, Not Lymph Node Involvement
Authors: Fitzpatrick Danielle J. , Lai Christine S. , Parkyn Robert F. , Walters David , Humeniuk Vladimir , Walsh David C. A.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The risk of breast cancer recurrence has been linked to tumour size, grade, oestrogen (ER) receptor status, and degree of lymph node (LN) involvement. However, the role of these variables in predicting time to relapse is not well defined. This study was designed to identify patient and primary tumour characteristics that predict risk periods for breast cancer recurrence within our institution, to enable more tailored surveillance strategies.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a cohort of 473 patients who presented to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, with recurrent breast cancer between 1968 and 2008. Patient and primary tumour characteristics were collected, including age, menopausal status, tumour grade, size, ER and progesterone receptor (PR) status, and LN involvement and modeled against time to relapse using Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Results

High tumour grade, size ≥20 mm, ER negativity, and PR negativity were shown on univariate analysis to correlate significantly with earlier recurrence (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0012, P = 0.0006, and P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified tumour grade and size as significant predictors of timing of relapse after adjustment for other variables. LN involvement, menopausal status, and age did not significantly correlate with earlier recurrence.

Conclusions

High tumour grade and larger size were shown to independently predict earlier breast cancer relapse. While LN involvement increases absolute recurrence risk, our study proposes that it does not influence timing of relapse. Use of these predictors will enable key risk periods for onset of relapse to be characterised according to tumour profile with more appropriate discharge to primary care providers for ongoing surveillance.
The Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida expansion in Poland: the role of immigration
Authors: Ledwoń Mateusz , Betleja Jacek , Stawarczyk Tadeusz , Neubauer Grzegorz
Published: December 2013

The Whiskered Tern population in Poland has rapidly increased from 40 breeding pairs in 1990 to over 1,600 in 2007, with strongest local population in the Upper Vistula River Valley. Owing to rather low pre-breeding and adult apparent survival rates estimated for this population (0.54 and 0.80, respectively) and a delay in accession to reproduction (recruitment completed at age 3), matrix modelling indicated an intrinsic growth rate ofλcalc = 1.02. Observed growth rates of both the Polish and the Upper Vistula River Valley populations wasλobs = 1.29. Using the deterministic population projection matrix including immigrant class, we estimated that, on average, 44 immigrants should enter the Upper Vistula River Valley population annually to match the observed growth. With survival rates increased (ΦP = 0.63,ΦB = 0.90) as to mimic no emigration and reduced dispersal, the estimated number of immigrants was only eight, indicating that substantial emigration rates are likely. A majority of the breeding sites were recorded in man-made water bodies. Colonisation has started in the southeast and proceeded towards the northwest. The strong, stable population in western Ukraine may explain high numbers of immigrants that could originate from there. Other factors favouring quick colonisation of Poland include availability of suitable breeding sites, the wide flexibility of the species with respect to breeding habitat, plentiful food, and high breeding success in the Upper Vistula River Valley. It also seems likely that westward shifts in both breeding and wintering ranges could add to the strong population increases in Eastern Europe.
Early Results of Sacro–Iliac Joint Fixation following Long Fusion to the Sacrum in Adult Spine Deformity
Authors: Schroeder Josh E. , Cunningham Matthew E. , Ross Tom , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba
Published: December 2013

Background

The sacro–iliac joint (SIJ) is the largest joint in the human body. When the lumbar spine is fused to the sacrum, motion across the SIJ is increased, leading to increased degeneration of the SIJ. Degeneration can become symptomatic in up to 75% of the cases when a long lumbar fusion ends with a sacral fixation. If medical treatments fail, patients can undergo surgical fixation of the SIJ.

Questions/Purposes

This study reports the results of short-term complications, length of stay, and clinical as well as radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous SIJ fixation for SIJ pain following long fusions to the sacrum for adult scoliosis.

Methods

A retrospective review of all the patients who underwent a percutaneous fixation of the SIJ after corrective scoliosis surgery was performed in a single specialized scoliosis center between the years 2011–2013. Ten SIJ fusions were performed in six patients who failed conservative care for SIJ arthritis. Average age was 50 (range 25–60 years). The patients were 15.3 years in average after the original surgical procedure (range 4–25 years). Average post-operative follow-up was 10.25 months (range 15–4 months). The medical charts of the patients were reviewed for hospital stay, complications, pre- and post-operative pain, quality of life, and satisfaction with surgery using the visual analogues score (VAS), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)22 and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires. Images were reviewed for fixation of the SIJ, fusion, and deviation of the implants from the SIJ.

Results

There were no complications in surgery or post-operatively. Discharge was on post-operative day 2 (range 1–4 days). Leg VAS score improved from 6.5 to 2.0 ( P < 0.005; minimal clinically important difference (MCID) 1.6). Back VAS score decreased from 7.83 to 2.67 mm ( P < 0.005; MCID 1.2). ODI scores dropped from 22.2 to 10.5 ( P = 0.0005; MCID 12.4). SRS22 scores increased from 2.93 to 3.65 ( P = 0.035; MCID 0.2) with the largest increases in the pain, function, and satisfaction domains of the questionnaires.

Conclusion

Fixation of the SIJ in patients that fail conservative care for SIJ arthritis after long fusions ending in the sacrum provides a reduction in back pain and improved quality of life in the short and medium range follow-up period.
Internet use and addiction among Finnish Adolescents (15–19 years)
Authors: Sinkkonen Hanna‐Maija , Puhakka Helena , Meriläinen Matti
Published: December 2013

This study investigates Internet use among Finnish adolescents (n = 475) combining qualitative and quantitative research. Internet use was evaluated using the Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998a, 1998b). The data was divided into three parts according to the test scores: normal users (14.3%), mild over‐users (61.5%), and moderate or serious over‐users (24.2%). The most common reason for use was having fun. While half the students reported disadvantages associated with their use, further qualitative analysis revealed that students with serious overuse did not report any harm caused by using the Internet. As disadvantages of using the Internet, students reported that it is time‐consuming and causes mental, social, and physical harm and poor school attendance. Four factors of Internet addiction were found, and for two of them, a statistical difference between females and males was found.
Imatinib treatment and Aβ42 in humans
Authors: Olsson Bob , Legros Laurence , Guilhot François , Strömberg Kia , Smith James , Livesey Frederick J. , Wilson David H. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj
Published: December 2013

Background

The first‐line treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), imatinib, has been shown to decrease the production of amyloid‐β (Aβ) in vitro and in animal studies. However, whether imatinib has this effect in humans is not known.

Methods

Plasma levels of Aβ42 were analyzed in sequential samples from CML patients treated with imatinib (n = 51). The effect of imatinib on Aβ production was also investigated in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells overexpressing the amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the Swedish mutation, in mouse primary cortical neurons and in human Down syndrome embryonic stem‐cell‐derived cortical neurons.

Results

Twelve months of imatinib treatment did not lower plasma Aβ42 levels in CML patients, and imatinib treatment did not lead to less Aβ42 production in any of the in vitro models whereas β‐ and γ‐secretase inhibitors did.

Conclusion

These data question the previously described role of imatinib in inhibiting amyloidogenic APP processing and as a drug candidate for AD.
Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health‐related Measures of Fitness in Adults With Spina Bifida: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Crytzer Theresa M. , Dicianno Brad E. , Kapoor Roohi
Published: December 2013

Spina bifida (SB) is the most common birth defect in United States that results in permanent lifelong disability according to the Spina Bifida Association. Advancements in medical care have led to a longer life span and an increase in the risk of secondary conditions, for example, obesity, with age. The need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle is even stronger in adults with SB than the general population. Our objective was to fill a gap in the literature by highlighting the current state of the literature on health‐related measures of fitness, exercise, and physical activity (PA) in adults with SB. PubMed and Ovid were searched for articles by using the terms “spina bifida or myelomeningocele and exercise,” published between January 1, 1988 and May 10, 2012. Results of studies showed that adults with SB had an inactive lifestyle, lower aerobic capacity, decreased level of daily PA, higher prevalence of obesity, and lower health‐related quality of life compared with reference groups. Therapeutic interventions reduced pain, increased biomechanical efficiency during wheelchair propulsion, and improved PA and balance. Overall, the quality of the evidence on PA, exercise, and health‐related measures of fitness is low in SB. Given misdistribution of adipose tissue, short stature, scoliosis, and joint contractures, future research should be conducted to determine the most reliable and low‐cost methods of measuring body composition and to establish norms. Other reference standards, for example, aerobic capacity, require further development. Studies are needed to investigate lifestyle interventions that facilitate PA and exercise, and to determine the amount of exercise required to reduce secondary conditions as people with SB age.
Conscientious objection and refusal to provide reproductive healthcare: A White Paper examining prevalence, health consequences, and policy responses
Authors: Chavkin Wendy , Leitman Liddy , Polin Kate ,   for Global Doctors for Choice
Published: December 2013

Background

Global Doctors for Choice—a transnational network of physician advocates for reproductive health and rights—began exploring the phenomenon of conscience‐based refusal of reproductive healthcare as a result of increasing reports of harms worldwide. The present White Paper examines the prevalence and impact of such refusal and reviews policy efforts to balance individual conscience, autonomy in reproductive decision making, safeguards for health, and professional medical integrity.

Objectives and search strategy

The White Paper draws on medical, public health, legal, ethical, and social science literature published between 1998 and 2013 in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Estimates of prevalence are difficult to obtain, as there is no consensus about criteria for refuser status and no standardized definition of the practice, and the studies have sampling and other methodologic limitations. The White Paper reviews these data and offers logical frameworks to represent the possible health and health system consequences of conscience‐based refusal to provide abortion; assisted reproductive technologies; contraception; treatment in cases of maternal health risk and inevitable pregnancy loss; and prenatal diagnosis. It concludes by categorizing legal, regulatory, and other policy responses to the practice.

Conclusions

Empirical evidence is essential for varied political actors as they respond with policies or regulations to the competing concerns at stake. Further research and training in diverse geopolitical settings are required. With dual commitments toward their own conscience and their obligations to patients' health and rights, providers and professional medical/public health societies must lead attempts to respond to conscience‐based refusal and to safeguard reproductive health, medical integrity, and women's lives.
“The Empire Will Compensate You”: The Structural Dynamics of the U.S. Overseas Basing Network
Authors: Cooley Alexander , Nexon Daniel H.
Published: December 2013

Many commentators refer to the U.S. overseas network of military installations as an “empire,” yet very few have examined the theoretical and practical significance of such an analogy. This article explores the similarities and differences between the basing network and imperial systems. We argue that American basing practices and relations combine elements of liberal multilateralism with “neo-imperial” hegemony. Much, but far from all, of the network shares with ideal-typical empires a hub-and-spoke system of unequal relations among the United States and its base-host country “peripheries.” But Washington rarely exercises rule over host-country leaders and their constituents. Historical examples suggest that this combination of imperial and non-imperial elements has rendered the United States vulnerable to political cross-pressures, intermediary exits, and periodic bargaining failures when dealing with overseas base hosts. Moreover, globalizing processes, especially increasing information flows and the transnational networking of anti-base movements, further erode U.S. capacity to maintain multivocal legitimation strategies and keep the terms of its individual basing bargains isolated from one another. Case studies of the rapid contestation of the terms of the U.S. basing presence in post-Soviet Central Asia and post-2003 Iraq illustrate some of these dynamics.
Induction of antigen‐positive cell death by the expression of Perforin, but not DTa, from a DNA vaccine enhances the immune response
Authors: Gargett Tessa , Grubor‐Bauk Branka , Garrod Tamsin J , Yu Wenbo , Miller Darren , Major Lee , Wesselingh Steve , Suhrbier Andreas , Gowans Eric J
Published: December 2013

The failure of traditional protein‐based vaccines to prevent infection by viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C highlights the need for novel vaccine strategies. DNA vaccines have shown promise in small animal models, and are effective at generating anti‐viral T cell‐mediated immune responses; however, they have proved to be poorly immunogenic in clinical trials. We propose that the induction of necrosis will enhance the immune response to vaccine antigens encoded by DNA vaccines, as necrotic cells are known to release a range of intracellular factors that lead to dendritic cell (DC) activation and enhanced cross‐presentation of antigen. Here we provide evidence that induction of cell death in DNA vaccine‐targeted cells provides an adjuvant effect following intradermal vaccination of mice; however, this enhancement of the immune response is dependent on both the mechanism and timing of cell death after antigen expression. We report that a DNA vaccine encoding the cytolytic protein, perforin, resulted in DC activation, enhanced broad and multifunctional CD8 T‐cell responses to the HIV‐1 antigen GAG and reduced viral load following challenge with a chimeric virus, EcoHIV, compared with the canonical GAG DNA vaccine. This effect was not observed for a DNA vaccine encoding an apoptosis‐inducing toxin, DTa, or when the level of perforin expression was increased to induce cell death sooner after vaccination. Thus, inducing lytic cell death following a threshold level of expression of a viral antigen can improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines, whereas apoptotic cell death has an inhibitory effect on the immune response.
A turn-on fluorescein spirolactam derivative as a high selective fluorescence probe for detection of silver ion(i) in water
Authors: Lin Dong-Sheng , Lai Jia-Ping , Sun Hui , Yang Zhou , Zuo Yue
Published: December 2013

A fluorescein spirolactam derivative was synthesized and used as a “turn-on” fluorescence probe for the detection of Ag+ in water samples.
A light-induced reversible phase separation and its coupling to a dynamic library of imines
Authors: Vantomme Ghislaine , Hafezi Nema , Lehn Jean-Marie
Published: December 2013

Irradiation of an acetonitrile–water solution of the bis-pyridyl hydrazone 1 and calcium chloride causes a photo-induced phase separation. It is coupled to a covalent library of imines, undergoing constitutional reorganization upon phase separation.
The role of the non-canonical Wnt–planar cell polarity pathway in neural crest migration
Authors: Mayor Roberto , Theveneau Eric
Published: December 2013

The neural crest is an embryonic stem cell population whose migratory behaviour has been likened to malignant invasion. The neural crest, as does cancer, undergoes an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migrates to colonize almost all the tissues of the embryo. Neural crest cells exhibit collective cell migration, moving in streams of high directionality. The migratory neural crest streams are kept in shape by the presence of negative signals in their vicinity. The directionality of the migrating neural crest is achieved by contact-dependent cell polarization, in a phenomenon called contact inhibition of locomotion. Two cells experiencing contact inhibition of locomotion move away from each other after collision. However, if the cell density is high only cells exposed to a free edge can migrate away from the cluster leading to the directional migration of the whole group. Recent work performed in chicks, zebrafish and frogs has shown that the non-canonical Wnt–PCP (planar cell polarity) pathway plays a major role in neural crest migration. PCP signalling controls contact inhibition of locomotion between neural crest cells by localizing different PCP proteins at the site of cell contact during collision and locally regulating the activity of Rho GTPases. Upon collision RhoA (ras homologue family member A) is activated, whereas Rac1 is inhibited at the contact between two migrating neural crest cells, leading to the collapse of protrusions and the migration of cells away from one another. The present review summarizes the mechanisms that control neural crest migration and focuses on the role of non-canonical Wnt or PCP signalling in this process.
Efficient carrier frequency offset estimation for orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access uplink with an arbitrary number of subscriber stations
Authors: Ho Hsien‐Kwei , Kiang Jean‐Fu
Published: December 2013

An efficient method is proposed to estimate the carrier frequency offsets (CFOs) in the orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access (OFDMA) uplink. The conventional alternating projection method is accelerated by utilising the inherited properties of the matrices involved. The multiplication of large sparse projection matrices can be elegantly transformed to a series of products involving small dense matrices, and the inverse operation of these large matrices can be substituted by direct computations. Hence, the computational cost is significantly reduced without compromising the accuracy of the CFO estimation.
The signaling network that silences the spindle assembly checkpoint upon the establishment of chromosome bipolar attachment
Authors: Jin Fengzhi , Wang Yanchang
Published: December 2013

Significance

Mistakes in chromosome attachment activate the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to delay anaphase onset. However, it is poorly understood how this checkpoint is silenced to initiate anaphase once all chromosomes are attached properly. Our research uncovers the SAC silencing network (SSN) in budding yeast. Chromosome bipolar attachment applies tension on chromosomes. The SSN prevents SAC silencing prior to tension generation but triggers SAC silencing once chromosomes are under tension, thereby ensuring that cells enter anaphase only after bipolar attachment. Our data indicate that the coordination of SAC silencing with chromosome attachment is achieved through the modulation of the phosphorylation of a kinetochore protein.
Mutational effects on stability are largely conserved during protein evolution
Authors: Ashenberg Orr , Gong L. Ian , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: December 2013

Significance

The properties of proteins are in principle determined by interactions among all of their residues, but for practical reasons, phylogenetic analyses assume that residues change independently. We experimentally investigate the extent to which the effects of individual mutations on protein stability change as other residues diverge. We find that mutational effects on stability are highly conserved, with relatively little interdependence. Of course, mutations can still interact in other ways to affect protein function in a nonindependent manner. Nonetheless, our results suggest that the preference of a position for specific amino acids tends to be well conserved during the evolution of protein homologs with similar structures and functions.
Media’s role in broadcasting acute stress following the Boston Marathon bombings
Authors: Holman E. Alison , Garfin Dana Rose , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: December 2013

Significance

Media coverage of collective traumas may trigger psychological distress in individuals outside the directly affected community. We examined whether repeated media exposure to the Boston Marathon bombings was associated with acute stress and compared the impact of direct exposure (being at/near the bombings) vs. media exposure (bombing-related television, radio, print, online, and social media coverage) on acute stress. We conducted an Internet-based survey 2–4 wk postbombings with a nationally representative sample and representative subsamples from Boston and New York (4,675 adults). Repeated bombing-related media exposure was associated with higher acute stress than was direct exposure. Media coverage following collective traumas can diffuse acute stress widely. This unique study compares the impact of direct vs. indirect media-based community trauma exposure on acute stress responses.
Antagonism of SAMHD1 is actively maintained in natural infections of simian immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Spragg Chelsea J. , Emerman Michael
Published: December 2013

Significance

Restriction factors are a component of the primate innate immune defense against viral pathogens. The recently discovered restriction factor SAMHD1 prevents lentiviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus and the related simian immunodeficiency virus from replicating in myeloid cells and resting T cells. Many lentiviruses encode accessory genes to antagonize SAMHD1 to replicate more efficiently, resulting in the rapid evolution of SAMHD1 to escape viral antagonism, characteristic of a molecular arms race between host and virus. HIV-1, surprisingly, does not encode a SAMHD1 antagonist. By examining viral adaptation to SAMHD1 polymorphism occurring in naturally infected primates, we show that SAMHD1 antagonism must be a factor contributing to the ability of lentiviruses to adapt to their primate hosts.
Biased migration of confined neutrophil-like cells in asymmetric hydraulic environments
Authors: Prentice-Mott Harrison V. , Chang Chi-Han , Mahadevan L. , Mitchison Timothy J. , Irimia Daniel , Shah Jagesh V.
Published: December 2013

Significance

Chemotactic cells integrate physical and chemical environmental inputs to determine a direction of migration. Here we report a physical input, the influence of hydraulic pressure, on cell migration. By using bifurcated microfluidic channels with different path lengths to the outlet, we show that confined cells are able to identify the shorter path in the absence of any chemical cues. This decision is made via the hydraulic resistance of the channel. The distinct channel resistances generate a physical asymmetry that determines the directional choice. Remarkably, this physical input can override a locally generated chemotactic signal. Our results define a physical input into cellular directional choice that may be important in navigating interstitial tissues in vivo.
The adjuvant MF59 induces ATP release from muscle that potentiates response to vaccination
Authors: Vono Maria , Taccone Marianna , Caccin Paola , Gallotta Marilena , Donvito Giovanna , Falzoni Simonetta , Palmieri Emiliano , Pallaoro Michele , Rappuoli Rino , Di Virgilio Francesco , De Gregorio Ennio , Montecucco Cesare , Seubert Anja
Published: December 2013

Significance

Release of endogenous danger signals has been found to be a key mechanism of many conventional, broadly used adjuvants. Yet extracellular ATP has so far not been linked to vaccination success. Here we show that ATP release from muscle is crucial for the mechanism of action of the vaccine adjuvant MF59, leading to efficient CD4 T-cell priming and high antibody titers.
A theory for how sensorimotor skills are learned and retained in noisy and nonstationary neural circuits
Authors: Ajemian Robert , D’Ausilio Alessandro , Moorman Helene , Bizzi Emilio
Published: December 2013

Significance

The synaptic trace theory of memory posits that the brain retains information through learning-induced changes in synaptic connections. Once consolidated, a memory is embodied through its fixed trace. For the case of motor memories, e.g., learning how to ride a bicycle, we propose a slight variation on this theme. Because there are so many different ways for the motor system to accomplish the same task goal, motor memories are defined not by fixed patterns of synaptic connections, but rather by nonstationary patterns that fluctuate coherently while still generating the same fixed input–output mapping. This mechanism provides a noisy sensorimotor system with enough flexibility so that motor learning can occur rapidly with respect to new memories without overwriting older memories.
Competing dopamine neurons drive oviposition choice for ethanol in
Drosophila
Authors: Azanchi Reza , Kaun Karla R. , Heberlein Ulrike
Published: December 2013

Significance

Flies use fermenting fruit as a food source and a site for oviposition. One of the main metabolites of fermentation is ethanol. When provided with different choices in the laboratory, female flies prefer to lay their eggs on food supplemented with ecologically relevant concentrations of ethanol. We show that different subsets of dopaminergic neurons have opposing effects on oviposition preference. We propose that in the wild, this may be a mechanism by which flies choose oviposition sites that are optimal for offspring fitness and survival and that this choice is highly dependent on context.
RETRACTED: Hypoxia-inducible factors mediate coordinated RhoA-ROCK1 expression and signaling in breast cancer cells
Authors: Gilkes Daniele M. , Xiang Lisha , Lee Sun Joo , Chaturvedi Pallavi , Hubbi Maimon E. , Wirtz Denis , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: December 2013

Overexpression of Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) and the G protein RhoA is implicated in breast cancer progression, but oncogenic mutations are rare, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie increased ROCK1 and RhoA expression have not been determined. RhoA-bound ROCK1 phosphorylates myosin light chain (MLC), which is required for actin-myosin contractility. RhoA also activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Together, these pathways are critical determinants of the motile and invasive phenotype of cancer cells. We report that hypoxia-inducible factors coordinately activate RhoA and ROCK1 expression and signaling in breast cancer cells, leading to cell and matrix contraction, focal adhesion formation, and motility through phosphorylation of MLC and FAK. Thus, intratumoral hypoxia acts as an oncogenic stimulus by triggering hypoxia-inducible factor → RhoA → ROCK1 → MLC → FAK signaling in breast cancer cells.
Shiʻi Piety and Dynastic Legitimacy: Mashhad under the Early Safavid Shahs
Authors: Farhat May
Published: December 2013

Mashhad, the site in northeastern Iran of the shrine of the eighth Shiʻi imam, is arguably one of the largest and wealthiest sacred shrines in the world. The gilded dome over the imam's mausoleum stands amidst an expansive complex of courts, monumental gateways, libraries, museums, guesthouses, and administrative offices that cater to thousands of pilgrims each year. This paper examines the period, under the aegis of the early Safavid shahs, when Mashhad was established as the preeminent Shiʻi pilgrimage center in Iran. Appropriating the Timurid ecumenical vision for the shrine, the Safavid shahs refashioned the holy city into a site that celebrated the triumph of Twelver Shiʻism in the Safavid realm and reinforced Safavid claims of legitimacy. While highlighting Shah Tahmasb's personal devotion to Mashhad, and his privileging of the shrine within Safavid sacred topography, the paper focuses on Shah ʻAbbas's urban reshaping of Mashhad and the architectural and institutional expansion of the shrine during his reign, thereby enhancing its status as the leading spiritual center in the Safavid empire.
A Practical Comparison of Viability Models Used for Management of Endangered and Threatened Anadromous Pacific Salmonids
Authors: Busch D. Shallin , Boughton David A. , Cooney Thomas , Lawson Peter , Lindley Steven T. , McClure Michelle , Ruckelshaus Mary H. , Sands Norma Jean , Spence Brian C. , Wainwright Thomas C. , Williams Thomas H. , McElhany Paul
Published: December 2013

This study considered whether different population viability analyses give similar estimates of extinction risk across management contexts. We compared the performance of population viability analyses developed by numerous scientific teams to estimate extinction risk of anadromous Pacific salmonids listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and challenged each analysis with data from 34 populations. We found variation in estimated extinction risk among analytical techniques, which was driven by varying model assumptions and the inherent uncertainty of risk forecasts. This result indicates that the scientific teams developed techniques that perform differently. We recommend that managers minimize uncertainty in risk estimates by using multiple models tailored to the local ecology. Assessment of relative extinction risk was less sensitive to model assumptions than was assessment of absolute extinction risk. Thus, the former method is better for comparing population status and raises caution about conclusions regarding absolute extinction risk.

Received October 18, 2012; accepted July 3, 2013
Effects of Fixed and Fluctuating Temperature on Hatch of Round Whitefish and Lake Whitefish Eggs
Authors: Patrick Paul H. , Chen Elaine , Parks Jason , Powell Jennifer , Poulton J. S. , Fietsch Cherie-Lee
Published: December 2013

Temperature-response information for use in evaluating thermal discharges is often over 30 years old and in the nonpeer-reviewed literature, especially for Round Whitefish Prosopium cylindraceum and Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis exposed to nonlethal, elevated, and variable temperatures. Egg incubation experiments on Round Whitefish collected in Lake Ontario and Lake Whitefish collected in Lake Huron were carried out from December 13, 2011, to April 7, 2012. Experimental treatments included ambient baseline control conditions as well as fixed and fluctuating (variable) temperature increases of 1, 2, 3, and 5°C above ambient baseline conditions. For both species, the window for hatching for all experimental temperature treatments was variable (range, 10–38 d for Round Whitefish and 11–44 d for Lake Whitefish), and the hatching windows tended to be greater as temperatures increased. Our results indicated that both fixed and variable incremental increases in temperature above ambient baseline conditions have a statistically significant effect on 50% hatch, and hatch occurs earlier with higher incremental temperature increases. The ecological significance of advanced hatch, such as indirect mortality and food source availability, was evaluated.

Received February 19, 2013; accepted July 8, 2013
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Efficiency of the Moore Egg Collector
Authors: Worthington Thomas A. , Brewer Shannon K. , Farless Nicole
Published: December 2013

The Moore egg collector (MEC) was developed for quantitative and nondestructive capture of semibuoyant fish eggs. Previous studies have indicated that capture efficiency of the MEC was low and the use of one device did not adequately represent the spatial distribution within the water column of egg surrogates (gellan beads) of pelagic broadcast-spawning cyprinids. The objective of this study was to assess whether use of multiple MECs showed differences in spatial and temporal distribution of bead catches. Capture efficiency of three MECs was tested at four 500-m sites on the South Canadian River, a Great Plains river in Oklahoma. For each trial, approximately 100,000 beads were released and mean capture efficiency was 0.47–2.16%. Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests indicated the spatial distributions of bead catches were different among multiple MECs at three of four sites. Temporal variability in timing of peak catches of gellan beads was also evident between MECs. We concluded that the use of multiple MECs is necessary to properly sample eggs of pelagic broadcast-spawning cyprinids.

Received May 2, 2013; accepted July 4, 2013
Angler Compliance with Lake Trout Length Limit Regulations in Great Lakes Waters
Authors: Caroffino David C.
Published: December 2013

Recreational fishing regulations restrict harvest to protect fish, change size structure, equitably spread the take of public resources, or to meet harvest quotas. Both minimum size limits and slot limits have been used to keep yield below yearly management unit-specific harvest quotas for Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush in Michigan waters of lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan. To determine the rates at which anglers complied with these length limits, I examined the biological data collected by Michigan Department of Natural Resources creel clerks in nine management units from 2001 to 2012. Across all lakes, the rate of noncompliance was significantly lower under minimum size limits (4.8%) than it was under slot limits (17.6%). Compliance did not improve with the length of time a regulation was in effect. Of the various size regulations in place, those that required more Lake Trout to be released were more likely to be violated, whether they were implemented as minimum size limits or slot limits. Understanding these patterns of noncompliance will help managers both identify areas for improved angler education and more accurately project fishery yield when considering various regulation scenarios.

Received February 8, 2013; accepted July 15, 2013
Evaluation of Transmitter Application Techniques for Use in Research of Adult Eulachon
Authors: Hanson Kyle C. , Ostrand Kenneth G.
Published: December 2013

The Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus is a small anadromous fish whose annual spawning runs historically totaled millions of fish returning to the Columbia River in the Northwest United States. Recent population declines of returning adult Eulachon have been attributed to many factors, leading to the Eulachon being listed as threatened on the U.S. Federal Endangered Species List. However, basic life history information of the Eulachon in freshwater remains unknown, hampering efforts to manage the species. In the current study, we tested common transmitter application techniques (internal implantation versus external attachment) for use on adult Eulachon captured as they approached terminal spawning areas and measured both lethal and sublethal effects of each procedure. Time to mortality, overall mortality, and the proportion of fish that showed external signs of disease did not differ between techniques. Fish from the external attachment group had the lowest concentrations of the plasma ions Na+ and Cl−, potentially indicating increased chronic stress associated with this procedure. Internal implantation of transmitters did not induce increased mortality or sublethal stress, though female fish experienced some egg loss through the incision site. The ultimate effects of transmitter implantation into the egg mass are unknown. Our results suggest that both internal implantation and external attachment of transmitters are viable biotelemetric techniques for use on migrating Eulachon at terminal spawning areas, though various sublethal effects unique to each procedure need to be carefully evaluated by prospective researchers.

Received April 5, 2013; accepted July 11, 2013
Broad-Scale Patterns of Brook Trout Responses to Introduced Brown Trout in New York
Authors: McKenna James E. , Slattery Michael T. , Clifford Kean M.
Published: December 2013

Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and Brown Trout Salmo trutta are valuable sport fish that coexist in many parts of the world due to stocking introductions. Causes for the decline of Brook Trout within their native range are not clear but include competition with Brown Trout, habitat alteration, and repetitive stocking practices. New York State contains a large portion of the Brook Trout's native range, where both species are maintained by stocking and other management actions. We used artificial neural network models, regression, principal components analysis, and simulation to evaluate the effects of Brown Trout, environmental conditions, and stocking on the distribution of Brook Trout in the center of their native range. We found evidence for the decline of Brook Trout in the presence of Brown Trout across many watersheds; 22% of sampled reaches where both species were expected to occur contained only Brown Trout. However, a model of the direct relationship between Brook Trout and Brown Trout abundance explained less than 1% of data variation. Ordination showed extensive overlap of Brook Trout and Brown Trout habitat conditions, with only small components of the hypervolume (multidimensional space) being distinctive. Subsequent analysis indicated higher abundances of Brook Trout in highly forested areas, while Brown Trout were more abundant in areas with relatively high proportions of agriculture. Simulation results indicated that direct interactions and habitat conditions were relatively minor factors compared with the effects of repeated stocking of Brown Trout into Brook Trout habitat. Intensive annual stocking of Brown Trout could eliminate resident Brook Trout in less than a decade. Ecological differences, harvest behavior, and other habitat changes can exacerbate Brook Trout losses. Custom stocking scenarios with Brown Trout introductions at relatively low proportions of resident Brook Trout populations may be able to sustain healthy populations of both species within their present range.

Received December 5, 2012; accepted July 24, 2013
Efficacy of AQUI-S 20E as a Sedative for Handling and Cortisol Suppression in Pallid Sturgeon
Authors: Fenn Carlin M. , Glover David C. , Small Brian C.
Published: December 2013

Challenges and regulations associated with handling fish during fisheries management activities have increased efforts to achieve U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for an immediate-release sedative for fish. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the target concentration of AQUI-S 20E for sedation of Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus to a handleable state followed by rapid recovery, and (2) to compare sedation and recovery times and cortisol stress response in sturgeon treated with the identified target concentration to those treated with MS-222. Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon from two size-classes were exposed to five concentrations of AQUI-S 20E: 70, 153, 364, 598, and 779 mg/L of water. The target concentrations of AQUI-S 20E for optimal sedation (<3 min) and recovery times (<5 min) identified for Pallid Sturgeon were 476 mg/L for small and 537 mg/L for large size-classes. Cortisol secretion in relation to presedation plasma cortisol levels was suppressed at the AQUI-S 20E target concentration of 500 mg/L but was not for MS-222. These data suggest an AQUI-S 20E concentration of 500 mg/L is efficacious while blocking the cortisol stress response for sedation to a handleable state in Pallid Sturgeon.

Received February 6, 2013; accepted July 24, 2013
Physiological Responses of Adult Rainbow Trout Experimentally Released through a Unique Fish Conveyance Device
Authors: Mesa Matthew G. , Gee Lisa P. , Weiland Lisa K. , Christiansen Helena E.
Published: December 2013

We assessed the physiological stress responses (i.e., plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and lactate) of adult Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss at selected time intervals after they had passed a distance of 15 m through a unique fish conveyance device (treatment fish) or not (controls). This device differs from traditional fish pumps in two important ways: (1) it transports objects in air, rather than pumping them from and with water; and (2) it uses a unique tube for transport that has a series of soft, deformable baffles spaced evenly apart and situated perpendicular within a rigid, but flexible outer shell. Mean concentrations of the plasma constituents never differed (P > 0.05) between control and treatment fish at 0, 1, 4, 8, or 24 h after passage, and only minor differences were apparent between the different time intervals within a group. We observed no obvious injuries on any of our fish. Our results indicate that passage through this device did not severely stress or injure fish and it may allow for the rapid and safe movement of fish at hatcheries, sorting or handling facilities, or passage obstacles.

Received March 5, 2013; accepted August 5, 2013
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Influencing Cisco Recruitment Dynamics in Lake Superior during 1978–2007
Authors: Rook Benjamin J. , Hansen Michael J. , Gorman Owen T.
Published: December 2013

Historically, the Cisco Coregonus artedi was abundant throughout the Great Lakes basin, but anthropogenic influences caused the collapse of stocks during the mid-1900s, and fishery managers are currently exploring options for restoration. To increase understanding of biotic and abiotic factors influencing Cisco recruitment dynamics throughout the Great Lakes, we used Ricker stock–recruitment models with rearing-habitat-weighted indices of recruitment and adult spawning stock size in Lake Superior to identify and quantify (1) the appropriate spatial scale for modeling age-1 recruitment dynamics and (2) the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on age-1 recruitment dynamics within the regions identified for modeling. Cisco recruitment variation in Lake Superior was best described by a regional model with separate stock–recruitment relationships for western, southern, eastern, and northern regions. The spatial scale for modeling was approximately 260 km. Age-1 recruitment was negatively correlated with adult spawning stock size in all four regions. Multifactor models suggested (1) a positive correlation between age-1 recruitment and the interaction between wind speed and air temperature on a lakewide scale and (2) a negative correlation between age-1 recruitment and the biomass of Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax on a regional scale. Large-scale abiotic factors are beyond the control of fishery managers, so harvest of adult Ciscoes and potential predators and competitors should be carefully managed to achieve desired goals in Lake Superior. Although our study was limited to Cisco stocks in Lake Superior, we believe that our general findings can be more broadly applied (albeit with caution) to the restoration and management of remnant stocks throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Received June 4, 2013; accepted August 16, 2013