bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of incidental and non-incidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Elliott M S , Gao K , Gupta R , Chua E L , Gargya A , Clark J
Published: April 2013

Background:

The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer is rising, with an increase in the number of microcarcinomas being discovered. There is controversy in the literature regarding the optimal management of these tumours. This study aimed to review our institution's experience with the presentation and management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, from 1987 to 2009.

Results:

A total of 228 patients were analysed. Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were discovered incidentally in 116 (50.9 per cent) patients and non-incidentally in the remaining 112 (49.1 per cent) patients. Amongst the non-incidental group, 11.6 per cent of patients presented with lateral cervical lymph node involvement. Non-incidental microcarcinomas were significantly associated with younger age (<45 years) (p = 0.007) and larger tumours (5–10 mm) (p < 0.001). Only four patients in the incidental group suffered recurrent disease (locoregional). No patient developed distant metastatic disease or died during follow up.

Conclusion:

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas present both incidentally and non-incidentally, with equal prevalence. Non-incidental tumours not infrequently present with cervical lymph node disease. The patient outcome is generally excellent.
Treatment algorithm for oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in epistaxis patients
Authors: Biggs T C , Baruah P , Mainwaring J , Harries P G , Salib R J
Published: April 2013

Background and objectives:

There is currently little published guidance on the management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication in patients admitted with epistaxis. The routine practice of withholding such medication in an attempt to control the epistaxis is common in the UK. However, this practice is not evidence-based, is often unnecessary, and can be associated with significant morbidity. This study introduces a treatment algorithm for oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in epistaxis patients, validated through a completed audit cycle.

Methods:

One hundred patients admitted with epistaxis to the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust were studied via a two-audit cycle covering the implementation of a new treatment algorithm formulated jointly by the otolaryngology and haematology departments.

Results:

On admission, 58 per cent of patients were taking some form of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. The number of patients having such medication withheld decreased significantly between the two audits, for all drugs studied (i.e. aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin). There was no significant increase in re-bleeding or re-admission rates between the audits.

Conclusion:

Implementation of this treatment algorithm would help standardise management for epistaxis patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, and should reduce morbidity associated with unnecessary routine discontinuation of such medication.
Luxembourgish
Authors: Gilles Peter , Trouvain Jürgen
Published: April 2013

Luxembourgish (local language name: Lëtzebuergesch [ˈlətsəbuəjəʃ], French name: Luxembourgeois, German name: Luxemburgisch) is a small West-Germanic language mainly spoken in the multilingual speech community of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where it is one of the three official languages alongside German and French. Being the first language of most Luxembourgers it also has the status of the national language (since 1984). Although in its origin Luxembourgish has to be considered as a Central Franconian dialect, it is nowadays regarded by the speech community as a language of its own. As a consequence, German is considered a different language. An official orthographical system has been devised. Luxembourgish is used very frequently in day-to-day oral communication at all social levels; it is very common on local radio and television; it is the only language spoken in parliament sessions and it is also very often used at the workplace. Although the vocabulary of Luxembourgish has a substantial number of loan words from French and German, the morpho-syntax follows Germanic patterns. Luxembourgish today has approximately 400,000 speakers, including many L2 speakers (around 43% of the population does not have the Luxembourgish nationality).
An acoustic study of the RP English LOT and THOUGHT vowels
Authors: Wikström Jussi
Published: April 2013

While there is variation among existing impressionistic accounts where the description of the RP English LOT and THOUGHT vowels is concerned (compare Wells 1982 (vol. I), Collins & Mees 2003, Roach 2004, Cruttenden 2008), not much attention has been paid to this issue in acoustic studies of RP (e.g. Wells 1962, Deterding 1990, Hawkins & Midgley 2005). In the present study, seven female native speakers of RP or near-RP born between 1985 and 1993 (i.e. speakers aged between 18 and 25 years at the time of the study) were recorded saying English words containing monophthongal vowels. In addition, data consisting of read speech from 18 male native speakers of RP or near-RP born between 1983 and 1991 (i.e. speakers aged between 18 and 25 years at the time they were recorded) contained in the DyViS database (Nolan et al. 2009) were analysed. The data were analysed acoustically by measuring F1 and F2 and normalising the measurements according to Lobanov's (1971) formula along with the mean F1 and F2 frequencies reported in Wells (1962), Deterding (1990) and Hawkins & Midgley (2005). Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the F1 formant measurements of the seven female speakers and the 18 male speakers versus Hawkins & Midgley's speakers born between 1946 and 1951; mean F1 was higher for the speakers born between 1946 and 1951. As for the THOUGHT vowel, the F1 measurements overlapped with the means relating to all different age groups in Hawkins & Midgley's (2005) data. It is suggested that RP LOT is undergoing raising whereas there is no strong evidence of any shift of the THOUGHT vowel.
IPA Life Membership
Authors: Keating Patricia A.
Published: April 2013

The International Phonetic Association's by-laws recognize as Life Members those members who have paid membership dues for 30 years. The awarding of Life Membership is intended to honour the impressive records of service of long-time IPA members, and to acknowledge their contribution in a symbolic and in a practical way.
In Memoriam: Jimmy G. Harris (1930–2012)
Authors: Esling John H.
Published: April 2013

Jimmy Gene Harris died in Seattle on 30 September 2012, at the age of 82. He led a remarkable life. He was a soldier of fortune, a champion for human rights, an exacting phonetic fieldworker, an observer of human nature, a teller of stories, a teacher and a mentor. Raised in the Arkansas Ozarks, he began his international adventures as a US Marine Corps sergeant in the Korean War. He pursued his linguistic education in Mexico City and at the University of Washington, with an MA in 1966 specializing in Japanese and Asian Studies, while also carrying out fundamental language revitalization fieldwork with the Stó:lō Nation (Salish) in the Fraser River Valley of BC. In 1973, he obtained an MEd from the University of Southern California. On leave from his duties in the field from 1976 to 1978, he spent time refining his phonetic knowledge with David Abercrombie in Edinburgh and with Eugénie Henderson in London.
Coral reef fish association and behaviour on the fire coralMilleporaspp. in north-east Brazil
Authors: Leal Isabela Carolina Silva , Pereira Pedro Henrique Cipresso , Araújo Maria Elisabeth de
Published: April 2013

The branching structure of the coral colonies from the genusMilleporaprovides substrate, shelter, and food resources for several reef organisms, such as fish and invertebrates. The present work analysed the association and behaviour of reef fish on the fire coralMillepora alcicornisandM. brasiliensisfrom September 2010 to February 2011, on the coastal reefs of Tamandaré, north-east Brazil. A total of 473 reef fish individuals of 27 species were sighted associated with the coral colonies, mainly composed of juveniles (65%). The most frequently observed behaviours were sheltered/stationary and swimming close to the coral; however, individuals were also observed foraging and breeding amongMilleporaspp. branching colonies. The agonistic behaviour performed byStegastes fuscusindividuals was highlighted in the present study, especially againstChaetodon striatus, Diodon holacanthusandOphioblennius trinitatisindividuals.Milleporaspp. hydrocorals are ecologically important for juvenile and adult reef fish belonging to several trophic guilds. The complex structure of the coral colonies provides a wide variety of ecological functions on coral reefs (e.g. shelter, reproduction area, food and even territory). Nevertheless, the abundance of branching fire coral in Brazilian reefs have been declining over the past years; therefore, efforts must be made to protect this key habitat.
On coercion, love, and horrors
Authors: CRISP THOMAS M.
Published: April 2013

In this article, I explain and critique J. L. Schellenberg's atheological argument from horrors. I raise an epistemic objection, arguing that no one could be justified in believing its conclusion on the basis of its premises. Then I adumbrate a notion of the divine which is different in various ways from the God of classical theism and argue that Schellenberg's argument makes no trouble for belief in the existence of God so construed.
Is faith in the Ultimate rationally required? Taking issue with some arguments in The Will to Imagine
Authors: MORRISTON WES
Published: April 2013

According to J. L. Schellenberg, sceptical faith in the Ultimate is not merely permitted, but is rationally required. It is, all things considered, the response that we should make. In this article, I assess just three of Schellenberg's arguments for this bold conclusion. I explain why I find each of them unpersuasive.
Unemployment and Income Protection: How do Better-Earning Households Expect to Manage Financially?
Authors: CLASEN JOCHEN , KOSLOWSKI ALISON
Published: April 2013

Apart from health care and education, it could be argued that working-age households with above-average income in the UK have never relied as much on the welfare state as their counterparts in many other European countries. How then do better-earning households expect to cope financially with the risk of unemployment, and to what extent do they plan ahead for a possible loss of earnings? Based on sixty-one interviews with couples, the article discusses various sources of income protection that these households envisage drawing upon in the event of unemployment. State benefits figure only marginally, private insurances to a limited extent and savings slightly more. However, there is little evidence of strategic planning. By contrast, many perceive their current job and personal employability as providing some security and regard the prospect of occupational redundancy pay as a major source of income protection. This finding contrasts sharply with a paucity of systematic information about the actual scope, quality and development of employer-based income security.
Effects of plasma and ultrashort laser pulse on residual electron energy in optical-field-ionized oxygen plasma
Authors: Eslami Esmaeil , Basereh Keyvan
Published: April 2013

In this paper the classical theory of Above Threshold Ionization (ATI) in the oxygen plasma was used to show how the residual electron energy depends on the laser parameters such as pulse length, wavelength and peak intensity. The value of ATI energy is found to increase with laser wavelength and its intensity. Our study conducted for three cases of τ > 2π/νp, τ = 2π/ωp, and τ < 2π/ωp, where ωp is the plasma frequency, reveals that the ATI energy is decreased for the pulse duration τ ≠ 2π/ωp. Also it is showed how the space charge effect can reduce the residual electron energy to a minimum value, in a suitable condition. By optimizing various parameters, we can generate the cold electrons suitable for the recombination x-ray laser.
Spatial and temporal variation in community composition of herbivorous insects on Neoboutonia macrocalyx in a primary tropical rain forest
Authors: Heimonen Kaisa , Lwanga Jeremiah S. , Mutanen Marko , Nyman Tommi , Roininen Heikki
Published: April 2013

Spatial and temporal variation of tropical insect communities has rarely been studied, although such variation influences estimates of global species richness. Therefore, we compared spatial and temporal variation of herbivorous insect communities on Neoboutonia macrocalyx trees among seven sites over 1 y in a primary tropical rain forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The distance between the study sites varied from 4.8 to 31.2 km and altitudinal differences ranged from 20 to 242 m. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant spatial changes in community composition of the herbivorous insects and study sites differed also in insect abundance (6.9–26.2 individuals m−2 of leaf area). This is likely to be caused by differences in vegetation, altitude and microclimate among the study sites. The similarity of insect species composition was negatively correlated with geographic and altitudinal distances among sites and positively correlated with the similarity of tree community composition. Species richness varied significantly between sampling dates, ranging from 33 to 41 species. Also community compositions changed between sampling dates, which likely follows from marked seasonal changes in climate and the phenology of other host plants used by the generalist insect species also living on Neoboutonia macrocalyx. In general our study supports the idea of high variability of herbivorous insect communities in primary rain forests even at a small spatial scale. This should be considered when estimations of insect biodiversity are made.
The Politics of Party Renewal: The “Service Party” and the Origins of the Post-Goldwater Republican Right
Authors: Conley Brian M.
Published: April 2013

The rise of the Republican Right in the 1960s reshaped not only the politics of the Republican Party, but ultimately that of the country as well. What had started as an improbable movement to draft Goldwater for president in 1964 emerged, amid the political and social turmoil of the decade, as the dominant force within the Republican Party. But what has not received as much attention is the significant role that the national Republican Party leadership and the emphasis it placed on party renewal, rather than reform, played in the Right's rapid post-Goldwater ascent. This article examines how the process of party renewal, specifically the emergence of a national “service party” structure, helped not only to unify the GOP after the 1964 Goldwater loss, but also led to the development of a more conservative Republican Party during the second half of the 1960s.
Trypanosoma cruzi genotyping supports a common source of infection in a school-related oral outbreak of acute Chagas disease in Venezuela
Authors: DÍAZ-BELLO Z. , THOMAS M. C. , LÓPEZ M. C. , ZAVALA-JASPE R. , NOYA O. , DE NOYA B. ALARCÓN , ABATE T.
Published: April 2013

Trypanosoma cruzi I, a discrete typing unit (DTU) found in human infections in Venezuela and other countries of the northern region of South America and in Central America, has been recently classified into five intra-DTU genotypes (Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, Ie) based on sequence polymorphisms found in the spliced leader intergenic region. In this paper we report the genotype identification of T. cruzi human isolates from one outbreak of acute orally acquired Chagas disease that occurred in a non-endemic region of Venezuela and from T. cruzi triatomine and rat isolates captured at a guava juice preparation site which was identified as the presumptive source of infection. The genotyping of all these isolates as TcId supports the view of a common source of infection in this oral Chagas disease outbreak through the ingestion of guava juice. Implications for clinical manifestations and dynamics of transmission cycles are discussed.
Mixed-integer nonlinear optimization
Authors: Belotti Pietro , Kirches Christian , Leyffer Sven , Linderoth Jeff , Luedtke James , Mahajan Ashutosh
Published: April 2013

Many optimal decision problems in scientific, engineering, and public sector applications involve both discrete decisions and nonlinear system dynamics that affect the quality of the final design or plan. These decision problems lead to mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems that combine the combinatorial difficulty of optimizing over discrete variable sets with the challenges of handling nonlinear functions. We review models and applications of MINLP, and survey the state of the art in methods for solving this challenging class of problems.

Most solution methods for MINLP apply some form of tree search. We distinguish two broad classes of methods: single-tree and multitree methods. We discuss these two classes of methods first in the case where the underlying problem functions are convex. Classical single-tree methods include nonlinear branch-and-bound and branch-and-cut methods, while classical multitree methods include outer approximation and Benders decomposition. The most efficient class of methods for convex MINLP are hybrid methods that combine the strengths of both classes of classical techniques.

Non-convex MINLPs pose additional challenges, because they contain non-convex functions in the objective function or the constraints; hence even when the integer variables are relaxed to be continuous, the feasible region is generally non-convex, resulting in many local minima. We discuss a range of approaches for tackling this challenging class of problems, including piecewise linear approximations, generic strategies for obtaining convex relaxations for non-convex functions, spatial branch-and-bound methods, and a small sample of techniques that exploit particular types of non-convex structures to obtain improved convex relaxations.

We finish our survey with a brief discussion of three important aspects of MINLP. First, we review heuristic techniques that can obtain good feasible solution in situations where the search-tree has grown too large or we require real-time solutions. Second, we describe an emerging area of mixed-integer optimal control that adds systems of ordinary differential equations to MINLP. Third, we survey the state of the art in software for MINLP.
Finite element methods for surface PDEs
Authors: Dziuk Gerhard , Elliott Charles M.
Published: April 2013

In this article we consider finite element methods for approximating the solution of partial differential equations on surfaces. We focus on surface finite elements on triangulated surfaces, implicit surface methods using level set descriptions of the surface, unfitted finite element methods and diffuse interface methods. In order to formulate the methods we present the necessary geometric analysis and, in the context of evolving surfaces, the necessary transport formulae. A wide variety of equations and applications are covered. Some ideas of the numerical analysis are presented along with illustrative numerical examples.
A Pilot Web Based Positive Parenting Intervention to Help Bipolar Parents to Improve Perceived Parenting Skills and Child Outcomes
Authors: Jones Steven , Calam Rachel , Sanders Matthew , Diggle Peter J. , Dempsey Robert , Sadhnani Vaneeta
Published: April 2013

Background: Children of bipolar parents are at elevated risk for psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder. Helping bipolar parents to optimize parenting skills may improve their children's mental health outcomes. Clear evidence exists for benefits of behavioural parenting programmes, including those for depressed mothers. However, no studies have explored web-based self-directed parenting interventions for bipolar parents. Aims: The aim of this research was to conduct a pilot study of a web-based parenting intervention based on the Triple P-Positive Parenting Programme. Method: Thirty-nine self-diagnosed bipolar parents were randomly allocated to the web-based intervention or a waiting list control condition. Parents reported on their index child (entry criterion age 4–10 years old). Perceived parenting behaviour and child behaviour problems (internalizing and externalizing) were assessed at inception and 10 weeks later (at course completion). Fifteen participants (4 control group and 11 intervention group) did not provide follow-up data. Results: Levels of child behaviour problems (parent rated; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) were above clinical thresholds at baseline, and problematic perceived parenting (self-rated; Parenting Scale) was at similar levels to those in previous studies of children with clinically significant emotional and behavioural problems. Parents in the intervention group reported improvements in child behaviour problems and problematic perceived parenting compared to controls. Conclusions: A web-based positive parenting intervention may have benefits for bipolar parents and their children. Initial results support improvement in child behaviour and perceived parenting. A more definitive study addressing the limitations of the current work is now called for.
Evaluating the initial impact of the revised Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages on dietary intake and home food availability in African-American and Hispanic families
Authors: Odoms-Young Angela M , Kong Angela , Schiffer Linda A , Porter Summer J , Blumstein Lara , Bess Stephanie , Berbaum Michael L , Fitzgibbon Marian L
Published: April 2013

Objective

The present study assessed the impact of the 2009 food packages mandated by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on dietary intake and home food availability in low-income African-American and Hispanic parent/child dyads.

Design

A natural experiment was conducted to assess if the revised WIC food package altered dietary intake, home food availability, weight and various lifestyle measures immediately (6 months) following policy implementation.

Setting

Twelve WIC clinics in Chicago, IL, USA.

Subjects

Two hundred and seventy-three Hispanic and African-American children aged 2–3 years, enrolled in WIC, and their mothers.

Results

Six months after the WIC food package revisions were implemented, we observed modest changes in dietary intake. Fruit consumption increased among Hispanic mothers (mean = 0·33 servings/d, P = 0·04) and low-fat dairy intake increased among Hispanic mothers (0·21 servings/d, P = 0·02), Hispanic children (0·34 servings/d, P < 0·001) and African-American children (0·24 servings/d, P = 0·02). Home food availability of low-fat dairy and whole grains also increased. Dietary changes, however, varied by racial/ethnic group. Changes in home food availability were not significantly correlated with changes in diet.

Conclusions

The WIC food package revisions are one of the first efforts to modify the nutrition guidelines that govern foods provided in a federal food and nutrition assistance programme. It will be important to examine the longer-term impact of these changes on dietary intake and weight status.
Analysis of Influence of Voltage on Potential Barrier on BiCuVOX and BiTiVOX Ceramics
Authors: Gheno S.M. , Pimentel V.L. , Morelli M.R. , Filho P.I. Paulin
Published: April 2013

The BiMeVOx family of compounds appears to be more attractive for applications at low temperatures when ionic conductivity is the determining parameter. The objective of this study was to analysis the influence of voltage of the behavior of the Schottky barrier in both BiCuVOX and BiTiVOX. The samples were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and electric force microscopy (EFM). EFM experiments were conducted to map the electric field distribution on the surface. The formation of Schottky barriers was observed, and their height and width measured. BiCuVOX samples show a barrier width of 140 nm, and BiTiVOX shows a barrier width of 350 nm. The applied voltage has no effect on the barrier width but increases the peak height as observed in the cantilever frequency as measured with the EFM technique.
Executive functioning and psychopathological profile in relatives of individuals with deficitv.non-deficit schizophrenia: a pilot study
Authors: Scala S. , Lasalvia A. , Seidman L. J. , Cristofalo D. , Bonetto C. , Ruggeri M.
Published: April 2013

Aims.

Heterogeneity of schizophrenia is known to be reflected in neuropsychological functioning of patients, but its expression in relatives is understudied. This study aims at exploring relationship between executive functioning and clinical profiles of first-degree relatives of patients who are classified as having or not having the deficit subtype of schizophrenia (DSRELsv.non-DSRELs), with the prediction of greater executive impairment in DSRELs.

Methods.

DSRELs (n = 15) and non-DSRELs (n = 40) were compared with community controls (CCs,n = 55) on executive functioning measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the phonemic verbal fluency (PVF), and clinical measures. Effects of psychopathology and intelligence quotient (IQ) measures were investigated to determine their association with executive performance.

Results.

DSRELs showed more executive dysfunction on WCST and poorer social functioning than CCs and more severe negative symptoms than non-DSRELs. Differences on WCST-categories achieved (WCST-CA) remained significant after adjustment for clinical confounders and IQ. WCST-CA was associated with apathy and paranoid ideation only within the DSREL subgroup.

Conclusions.

Executive functioning and negative symptoms are severely impaired in first-degree relatives of deficit syndrome patients, thus suggesting that some neurocognitive deficits in patients may be transmitted within families according to the pathophysiology of the probands.
Construction of human activity‐based phosphorylation networks
Authors: Newman Robert H , Hu Jianfei , Rho Hee‐Sool , Xie Zhi , Woodard Crystal , Neiswinger John , Cooper Christopher , Shirley Matthew , Clark Hillary M , Hu Shaohui , Hwang Woochang , Seop Jeong Jun , Wu George , Lin Jimmy , Gao Xinxin , Ni Qiang , Goel Renu , Xia Shuli , Ji Hongkai , Dalby Kevin N , Birnbaum Morris J , Cole Philip A , Knapp Stefan , Ryazanov Alexey G , Zack Donald J , Blackshaw Seth , Pawson Tony , Gingras Anne‐Claude , Desiderio Stephen , Pandey Akhilesh , Turk Benjamin E , Zhang Jin , Zhu Heng , Qian Jiang
Published: April 2013

The landscape of human phosphorylation networks has not been systematically explored, representing vast, unchartered territories within cellular signaling networks. Although a large number of in vivo phosphorylated residues have been identified by mass spectrometry (MS)‐based approaches, assigning the upstream kinases to these residues requires biochemical analysis of kinase‐substrate relationships (KSRs). Here, we developed a new strategy, called CEASAR, based on functional protein microarrays and bioinformatics to experimentally identify substrates for 289 unique kinases, resulting in 3656 high‐quality KSRs. We then generated consensus phosphorylation motifs for each of the kinases and integrated this information, along with information about in vivo phosphorylation sites determined by MS, to construct a high‐resolution map of phosphorylation networks that connects 230 kinases to 2591 in vivo phosphorylation sites in 652 substrates. The value of this data set is demonstrated through the discovery of a new role for PKA downstream of Btk (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) during B‐cell receptor signaling. Overall, these studies provide global insights into kinase‐mediated signaling pathways and promise to advance our understanding of cellular signaling processes in humans.
Plant stem cell maintenance involves direct transcriptional repression of differentiation program
Authors: Yadav Ram Kishor , Perales Mariano , Gruel Jérémy , Ohno Carolyn , Heisler Marcus , Girke Thomas , Jönsson Henrik , Reddy G Venugopala
Published: April 2013

In animal systems, master regulatory transcription factors (TFs) mediate stem cell maintenance through a direct transcriptional repression of differentiation promoting TFs. Whether similar mechanisms operate in plants is not known. In plants, shoot apical meristems serve as reservoirs of stem cells that provide cells for all above ground organs. WUSCHEL, a homeodomain TF produced in cells of the niche, migrates into adjacent cells where it specifies stem cells. Through high‐resolution genomic analysis, we show that WUSCHEL represses a large number of genes that are expressed in differentiating cells including a group of differentiation promoting TFs involved in leaf development. We show that WUS directly binds to the regulatory regions of differentiation promoting TFs; KANADI1, KANADI2, ASYMMETRICLEAVES2 and YABBY3 to repress their expression. Predictions from a computational model, supported by live imaging, reveal that WUS‐mediated repression prevents premature differentiation of stem cell progenitors, being part of a minimal regulatory network for meristem maintenance. Our work shows that direct transcriptional repression of differentiation promoting TFs is an evolutionarily conserved logic for stem cell regulation.
SH3 interactome conserves general function over specific form
Authors: Xin Xiaofeng , Gfeller David , Cheng Jackie , Tonikian Raffi , Sun Lin , Guo Ailan , Lopez Lianet , Pavlenco Alevtina , Akintobi Adenrele , Zhang Yingnan , Rual Jean‐François , Currell Bridget , Seshagiri Somasekar , Hao Tong , Yang Xinping , Shen Yun A , Salehi‐Ashtiani Kourosh , Li Jingjing , Cheng Aaron T , Bouamalay Dryden , Lugari Adrien , Hill David E , Grimes Mark L , Drubin David G , Grant Barth D , Vidal Marc , Boone Charles , Sidhu Sachdev S , Bader Gary D
Published: April 2013

Src homology 3 (SH3) domains bind peptides to mediate protein–protein interactions that assemble and regulate dynamic biological processes. We surveyed the repertoire of SH3 binding specificity using peptide phage display in a metazoan, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, and discovered that it structurally mirrors that of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We then mapped the worm SH3 interactome using stringent yeast two‐hybrid and compared it with the equivalent map for yeast. We found that the worm SH3 interactome resembles the analogous yeast network because it is significantly enriched for proteins with roles in endocytosis. Nevertheless, orthologous SH3 domain‐mediated interactions are highly rewired. Our results suggest a model of network evolution where general function of the SH3 domain network is conserved over its specific form.
Enzyme-Based Listericidal Nanocomposites
Authors: Solanki Kusum , Grover Navdeep , Downs Patrick , Paskaleva Elena E. , Mehta Krunal K. , Lee Lillian , Schadler Linda S. , Kane Ravi S. , Dordick Jonathan S.
Published: April 2013

Cell lytic enzymes represent an alternative to chemical decontamination or use of antibiotics to kill pathogenic bacteria, such as listeria. A number of phage cell lytic enzymes against listeria have been isolated and possess listericidal activity; however, there has been no attempt to incorporate these enzymes onto surfaces. We report three facile routes for the surface incorporation of the listeria bacteriophage endolysin Ply500: covalent attachment onto FDA approved silica nanoparticles (SNPs), incorporation of SNP-Ply500 conjugates into a thin poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) film; and affinity binding to edible crosslinked starch nanoparticles via construction of a maltose binding protein fusion. These Ply500 formulations were effective in killing L. innocua (a reduced pathogenic surrogate) at challenges up to 105 CFU/ml both in non-growth sustaining PBS as well as under growth conditions on lettuce. This strategy represents a new route toward achieving highly selective and efficient pathogen decontamination and prevention in public infrastructure.
Effect of feed processing and enzyme supplementation on diet digestibility and performance of male weaner pigs fed wheat-based diets in dry or liquid form
Authors: l'Anson Katie A. , Choct Mingan , Brooks Peter H.
Published: April 2013

One hundred and forty-four individually housed, entire male (Large White × Landrace) weaner pigs (28 days; 7.3 s.d. 0.1 kg) were individually housed and allocated to a 26-day feeding trial of 2 by 2 by 3 factorial design. The factors were (1) feed processing method (meal or steam pelleted), (2) feed form (dry or liquid), and (3) enzyme addition (basal diet, or basal diet plus 300 ppm xylanase or 100 ppm phytase). Five days post weaning, two pigs were removed from each treatment. The basal diet was formulated to be marginally adequate for pigs of this age, providing 13.8 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg DM and 0.79 g available lysine/MJ DE. The diet contained 0.81% Ca, 0.44% non-phytate-P and 0.31% phytate-P. Compared with pigs fed dry diets, pigs fed liquid diets consumed less feed (70 ± 14.2 g/day; P < 0.05) had a lower daily gain (49 ± 12.5 g/day; P < 0.05) and as a consequence had a lower 26-day weight (1.1 ± 0.4 kg; P < 0.05). However, pigs fed liquid diets had a better feed conversion efficiency (adjusted to the same DM content as dry feed) than pigs on dry diets (1.16 versus 1.20 ± 0.02; P < 0.05). Steam pelleting the diets had no effect on feed intake or daily gain, but did improve feed conversion ratio (1.14 versus 1.22 ± 0.02; P < 0.05). The poorer growth on liquid feeds appeared to result from the feeding method imposing a degree of restriction on feed intake. Xylanase or phytase supplementation did not significantly affect non-starch polysaccharide levels in the diets or growth performance. Phytase supplementation increased (P < 0.05) daily intake, daily gain and 26-day weight, of pigs fed dry diets, but not those fed liquid diets. The results indicated that when diets were fed in liquid form, prior steam pelleting of the diets and enzyme supplementation did not provide additional benefit.
Complementary forages – integration at a whole-farm level
Authors: Rawnsley R. P. , Chapman D. F. , Jacobs J. L. , Garcia S. C. , Callow M. N. , Edwards G. R. , Pembleton K. P.
Published: April 2013

A high proportion of the Australian and New Zealand dairy industry is based on a relatively simple, low input and low cost pasture feedbase. These factors enable this type of production system to remain internationally competitive. However, a key limitation of pasture-based dairy systems is periodic imbalances between herd intake requirements and pasture DM production, caused by strong seasonality and high inter-annual variation in feed supply. This disparity can be moderated to a certain degree through the strategic management of the herd through altering calving dates and stocking rates, and the feedbase by conserving excess forage and irrigating to flatten seasonal forage availability. Australasian dairy systems are experiencing emerging market and environmental challenges, which includes increased competition for land and water resources, decreasing terms of trade, a changing and variable climate, an increasing environmental focus that requires improved nutrient and water-use efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of complementary forages has long been viewed as a means to manipulate the home-grown feed supply, to improve the nutritive value and DM intake of the diet, and to increase the efficiency of inputs utilised. Only recently has integrating complementary forages at the whole-farm system level received the significant attention and investment required to examine their potential benefit. Recent whole-of-farm research undertaken in both Australia and New Zealand has highlighted the importance of understanding the challenges of the current feedbase and the level of complementarity between forage types required to improve profit, manage risk and/or alleviate/mitigate against adverse outcomes. This paper reviews the most recent systems-level research into complementary forages, discusses approaches to modelling their integration at the whole-farm level and highlights the potential of complementary forages to address the major challenges currently facing pasture-based dairy systems.
Effect of xylanase supplementation of wheat-based liquid diets, for weaner pigs, steeped for 1 or 24 h before feeding
Authors: l'Anson Katie A. , Choct Mingan , Brooks Peter H.
Published: April 2013

Seventy-two individually housed, entire male (Large White × Landrace) weaner pigs (28 days; 7.4 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 26-day feeding trial. The pigs were allocated to one of six treatments in a 3 by 2 factorial design. The factors were (1) steeping duration of liquid feed [0 (dry control diet), 1 or 24 h], and (2) enzyme supplementation (0 or 300 ppm xylanase). The basal diet was wheat-based (65%) and was formulated to be marginally adequate for pigs of this age, containing 14.5 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg and 0.85 g available lysine/MJ DE. Feeding pigs liquid diets steeped for 1 h increased feed intake (61 g/day; s.e.d. 17; P < 0.05) and daily gain (70 g/day; s.e.d. 17; P < 0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (1.16 versus 1.22; s.e.d. 0.03; P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed dry diets. Performance was not further improved by steeping for 24 h. The addition of xylanase to the diets had no positive effect on any of the performance measures and was associated with a significant (40 g/day; s.e.d. 14; P < 0.05) reduction in feed intake. These results provide no support for supplementing liquid diets for weaner pig diets with xylanase.
Germanium as a tool to dissect boron toxicity effects in barley and wheat
Authors: Hayes Julie E. , Pallotta Margaret , Baumann Ute , Berger Bettina , Langridge Peter , Sutton Tim
Published: April 2013

Tolerance to boron (B) toxicity in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is partially attributable to HvNIP2;1, an aquaporin with permeability to B, as well as to silicon, arsenic and germanium (Ge). In this study, we mapped leaf symptoms of Ge toxicity in a doubled-haploid barley population (Clipper × Sahara 3771). Two quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Ge toxicity symptoms were identified, located on Chromosomes 6H and 2H. These QTL co-located with two of four B toxicity tolerance loci previously mapped in the same population. The B toxicity tolerance gene underlying the 6H locus encodes HvNIP2;1, whereas the gene(s) and mechanisms underlying the 2H locus are as yet unknown. We provide examples of the application of Ge in studying specific aspects of B toxicity tolerance in plants, including screening of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley populations for altered function of HvNIP2;1 and related proteins. In particular, Ge may facilitate elucidation of the mechanism and gene(s) underlying the barley Chromosome 2H B tolerance locus.
Production of viable cloned miniature pigs by aggregation of handmade cloned embryos at the 4-cell stage
Authors: Siriboon Chawalit , Tu Ching-Fu , Kere Michel , Liu Ming-Sing , Chang Hui-Jung , Ho Lin-Lin , Tai Miao-En , Fang Wen-Der , Lo Neng-Wen , Tseng Jung-Kai , Ju Jyh-Cherng
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present study was to improve the quality of handmade cloned porcine embryos by multiple embryo aggregations. Embryos derived from aggregation of three cloned embryos (3×) had a better blastocyst rate than cloned control (1×) embryos (73.6% vs 35.1%, respectively; P < 0.05), but did not differ from those produced by aggregation of two cloned embryos (2×; 63.0%). Total cell numbers differed among treatments (P < 0.05), with the greatest cell numbers (126) in the 3× group and the lowest (55) in the control group. The ratio of inner cell mass : total cell number was comparable in the 2× and 3× groups (25.1% vs 26.1%, respectively) and was significantly better than that in the control group (15.3%). The proportion of apoptotic cells in 2× and 3× groups was lower than that in the control group (2.7% and 2.2% vs 4.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). Expression of Oct4 and Cdx2 was higher, whereas that of Bax was lower (P < 0.05), in the 3× compared with non-aggregate group. Seven piglets were born to two surrogate mothers after embryo transfer of 3× aggregated blastocysts. In conclusion, aggregated embryos had greater total cell numbers and better pluripotency gene expression, with reduced expression of the pro-apoptosis gene Bax. Collectively, these improvement may be associated with the development of cloned embryos to term.
Cystic ovaries in intermittently-suckled sows: follicle growth and endocrine profiles
Authors: Gerritsen R. , Laurenssen B. F. A. , Hazeleger W. , Langendijk P. , Kemp B. , Soede N. M.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents follicle development and hormone profiles for sows with normal ovulation or cystic follicles during an intermittent-suckling (IS) regime that started at Day 14 of lactation. Sows were subjected to separation from their piglets during blocks of 6 h or 12 h. In total, 8 out of 52 sows developed cystic follicles; either full cystic ovaries (n = 6) or partial ovulation (n = 2). Increase in follicle size of these sows was similar to that of normal ovulating sows until pre-ovulatory size at Day 5 after the start of separation, but from then on became larger (P < 0.05). LH surge was smaller or absent in sows that developed (partially) cystic ovaries (0.4 ± 0.1 vs 3.6 ± 0.3 ng mL–1; P < 0.01). Peak levels of oestradiol (E2) were similar but high E2 levels persisted in sows that developed (partly) cystic ovaries and duration of oestrus tended to be longer. The risk of developing (partly) cystic ovaries was higher when IS occurred in blocks of 6 h versus 12 h (33 vs 10%). In conclusion, the appearance of cystic ovaries at approximately Day 20 of ongoing lactation was related to an insufficient LH surge, as is also the case in non-lactating sows.
Composting and vermicomposting of cattle manure and green wastes under tropical conditions: carbon and nutrient balances and end-product quality
Authors: Sierra J. , Desfontaines L. , Faverial J. , Loranger-Merciris G. , Boval M.
Published: April 2013

Composting and vermicomposting are interesting options for utilisation in restoration and improvement of weathered and infertile tropical soils. The aim of this study was to assess quality of composts and vermicomposts produced from cattle manure (CM) and green wastes (GW) blended at different ratios under tropical conditions. Chemical, biochemical, and biological indicators were used to identify the role of earthworms and the factors affecting organic matter (OM) stability and nutrient balance in the thermophilic (days 0–65) and stabilisation (days 66–183) phases. Total carbon (C) losses averaged 55% and were greater during vermicomposting and for products with a high GW content. One-third of C losses occurred during the stabilisation phase. This phase presented a high level of C mineralisation, which would be linked to high ambient temperatures (~30°C). Although OM content was similar for all of the final products, respiration measurements indicated that OM stability was greater for vermicomposts. These results indicated that humification and OM decomposition occurred simultaneously during vermicomposting. The material source ratio did not affect the OM biodegradability of the final products. No losses were observed for phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). However, high potassium (K) (45%) and nitrogen (25%) losses were detected and were higher during vermicomposting and for the products with a high GW content. Final vermicomposts were enriched in P, Ca, and Mg, and slightly depleted in K compared with normal composts. Nitrogen content was similar for both composting methods. Plant response to amendment addition was higher for intermediate rates of GW and CM (e.g. 40–60% for CM), with no differences between composts and vermicomposts. The results of this study indicated that vermicomposting was a process that favoured OM stabilisation, which is a key factor for the adoption of this practice in the tropics.
Isolation and characterisation of eighteen microsatellite markers from the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (Echinodermata : Holothuriidae)
Authors: Fitch Alison J. , Leeworthy Grant , Li Xiaoxu , Bowman Will , Turner Luke , Gardner Michael G.
Published: April 2013

We isolated 18 new, polymorphic, microsatellite markers from Holothuria scabra, a commercially important species of sea cucumber found throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify 206 unique loci for which primers were designed. Of these unique loci, we trialled 65 primer pairs in the target species, and 48 (74%) amplified a product of the expected size. Eighteen loci were found to be polymorphic and reliable, and were screened for variation in 50 individuals, from a single population from Croker Island, Northern Territory, Australia. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.96 (mean = 0.46) and the number of alleles per locus from 2 to 28 (mean = 9.61). These loci will be useful for the investigation of population structure and mating systems in H. scabra and may also be of use in other holothurian species.
Movements and cumulative range size of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) inferred from mark–recapture studies
Authors: Serena M. , Williams G. A.
Published: April 2013

The extent of mammalian movements often varies with size, sex and/or reproductive status. Fyke nets were set along streams and rivers near Melbourne (southern Victoria) from the mid-1990s to 2007, and in the Wimmera River catchment (western Victoria) from 1997 to 2005, to assess how far platypus of different age and sex classes travelled between captures and over longer periods. The mean distance between consecutive captures of adults did not vary significantly as intervals increased from 1–3 months to >3 years, suggesting that most individuals occupied stable ranges. However, adult females travelled, on average, only 35% as far between captures as males in southern Victoria, and 29% as far in the Wimmera. Up to half of this difference may be explained by variation in size-related metabolic requirements. Immature males and females respectively moved 61% and 53% as far, on average, as their adult equivalents, although two young males dispersed >40 km. Adults incrementally occupied up to 13.9 km of channel in the case of a male (based on six captures over 67 months) and 4.4 km of channel in the case of a female (based on five captures over 127 months).
Record-setting algal bloom in Lake Erie caused by agricultural and meteorological trends consistent with expected future conditions
Authors: Michalak Anna M. , Anderson Eric J. , Beletsky Dmitry , Boland Steven , Bosch Nathan S. , Bridgeman Thomas B. , Chaffin Justin D. , Cho Kyunghwa , Confesor Rem , Daloğlu Irem , DePinto Joseph V. , Evans Mary Anne , Fahnenstiel Gary L. , He Lingli , Ho Jeff C. , Jenkins Liza , Johengen Thomas H. , Kuo Kevin C. , LaPorte Elizabeth , Liu Xiaojian , McWilliams Michael R. , Moore Michael R. , Posselt Derek J. , Richards R. Peter , Scavia Donald , Steiner Allison L. , Verhamme Ed , Wright David M. , Zagorski Melissa A.
Published: April 2013

In 2011, Lake Erie experienced the largest harmful algal bloom in its recorded history, with a peak intensity over three times greater than any previously observed bloom. Here we show that long-term trends in agricultural practices are consistent with increasing phosphorus loading to the western basin of the lake, and that these trends, coupled with meteorological conditions in spring 2011, produced record-breaking nutrient loads. An extended period of weak lake circulation then led to abnormally long residence times that incubated the bloom, and warm and quiescent conditions after bloom onset allowed algae to remain near the top of the water column and prevented flushing of nutrients from the system. We further find that all of these factors are consistent with expected future conditions. If a scientifically guided management plan to mitigate these impacts is not implemented, we can therefore expect this bloom to be a harbinger of future blooms in Lake Erie.