bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pulmonary Vein Anatomy and Pulmonary Vein Diameters on Outcome of Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: GÜLER EKREM , GÜLER GAMZE BABUR , DEMIR GÜLTEKIN GÜNHAN , KIZILIRMAK FILIZ , GÜNEŞ HACI MURAT , BARUTÇU İRFAN , KILIÇASLAN FETHİ
Published: May 2015

Background

In this study, we aimed to determine pulmonary vein (PV) variation patterns in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and their impacts on procedural success and recurrence and also to identify predictors for recurrence.

Methods

We enrolled 54 patients with AF and having symptoms despite medical therapy. Prior to the procedure, PV variation and left atrium (LA) size were evaluated in all patients by computed tomography scan. Ablation procedure was performed with single balloon and predictors for AF recurrence were determined.

Results

The study population consisted of 54 patients (male: 50 [27%], mean age: 53 ± 12) with AF. Paroxysmal AF and persistent AF were detected in 55.6% (30) and 44.4% (24) of the patients, respectively. Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 73 ± 19 minutes and 16 ± 4 minutes, respectively. The number of the patients with PV variation of right pulmonary vein (RPV) with >2 ostia and accessory PV was 27.8% (15) and 18.5% (10). During the follow‐up, 20.4% (11) of patients had AF recurrence. Patients with recurrence had greater transverse LA size (62 ± 6 mm vs 57 ± 5 mm, P: 0014), longitudinal LA size (65 ± 5 mm vs 61 ± 6 mm, P: 0025), LA volume (78 ± 17 mL vs 65 ± 14 mL, P: 0011), fluoroscopy time (20.4 ± 4.6 minutes vs 15.7 ± 3.5 minutes, P: 0001), RPV with >2 ostia (72.7% vs 27.3%, P: 0001), right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) diameter (21.6 ± 2.8 cm vs 15.8 ± 2.1 cm; P < 0001), and persistent AF (33.3% vs 66.7%, P: 0046). In multivariate analysis, RUPV diameter (β: 1006; P: 0010; odds ratio [OR]: 2736; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1267–5906]) and fluoroscopy time (β: 0327; P: 0050; OR: 1386; 95% CI: [1000–1921]) were determined as independent predictors for AF recurrence.

Conclusions

Transverse and longitudinal LA size, LA volume, fluoroscopy time, presence of persistent AF, RUPV size, and the number of RPV ostia are associated with AF recurrence following cryoballoon‐based ablation. RUPV size and fluoroscopy time are predictors for recurrence.
Perioperative management of 19 infants undergoing glossopexy (tongue‐lip adhesion) procedure: a retrospective study
Authors: Fujii Masashi , Tachibana Kazuya , Takeuchi Muneyuki , Nishio Juntaro , Kinouchi Keiko
Published: May 2015

Background

Glossopexy (tongue‐lip adhesion) is a procedure in which the tongue is anchored to the lower lip and mandible to relieve the upper airway obstruction mainly in infants with Pierre Robin sequence. Infants suffering from severe upper airway obstruction and feeding difficulties due to glossoptosis are the candidates for this procedure and are predicted to demonstrate difficult airway and difficult intubation.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the perioperative management of 19 infants undergoing glossopexy procedure at our institution from 1992 to 2010.

Results

Out of 19 patients, Pierre Robin sequence was diagnosed in 17, Treacher Collins syndrome in 1, and Stickler syndrome in 1. In all of them, inhalation anesthesia was induced with a nasopharyngeal tube in place. Nine patients underwent fiberoptic intubation. After surgery, 12 patients were extubated in the operating room and 11 of them required a nasopharyngeal tube to keep the airway open. Seven patients left the operating room with the trachea intubated. Two patients received tracheostomy at the age of 2 months. Seventeen patients underwent release of tongue‐lip adhesion coincidentally with the palate repair at 7–14 months of age. For this surgery, no one required fiberoptic intubation.

Conclusions

The airway of these patients should be managed carefully not only before but also after the operation. A nasopharyngeal tube was effective in maintaining the upper airway patency during anesthesia induction and before and after operation.
Identification and functional characterization of soybean root hair microRNAs expressed in response to Bradyrhizobium japonicum infection
Authors: Yan Zhe , Hossain Md Shakhawat , Valdés‐López Oswaldo , Hoang Nhung T. , Zhai Jixian , Wang Jun , Libault Marc , Brechenmacher Laurent , Findley Seth , Joshi Trupti , Qiu Lijuan , Sherrier D. Janine , Ji Tieming , Meyers Blake C. , Xu Dong , Stacey Gary
Published: May 2015

Three soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] small RNA libraries were generated and sequenced using the Illumina platform to examine the role of miRNAs during soybean nodulation. The small RNA libraries were derived from root hairs inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum (In_RH) or mock‐inoculated with water (Un_RH), as well as from the comparable inoculated stripped root samples (i.e. inoculated roots with the root hairs removed). Sequencing of these libraries identified a total of 114 miRNAs, including 22 novel miRNAs. A comparison of miRNA abundance among the 114 miRNAs identified 66 miRNAs that were differentially expressed between root hairs and stripped roots, and 48 miRNAs that were differentially regulated in infected root hairs in response to B. japonicum when compared to uninfected root hairs (P ≤ 0.05). A parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE) library was constructed and sequenced to reveal a total of 405 soybean miRNA targets, with most predicted to encode transcription factors or proteins involved in protein modification, protein degradation and hormone pathways. The roles of gma‐miR4416 and gma‐miR2606b during nodulation were further analysed. Ectopic expression of these two miRNAs in soybean roots resulted in significant changes in nodule numbers. miRNA target information suggested that gma‐miR2606b regulates a Mannosyl‐oligosaccharide 1, 2‐alpha‐mannosidase gene, while gma‐miR4416 regulates the expression of a rhizobium‐induced peroxidase 1 (RIP1)‐like peroxidase gene, GmRIP1, during nodulation.
Application of archival aerial photogrammetry to quantify climate forcing of alpine landscapes
Authors: Micheletti Natan , Lane Stuart N. , Chandler Jim H.
Published: May 2015

Recent and future climate change may lead to landscape changes in geomorphic processes and process rates. Such modifications are likely to be widely distributed, making their direct measurement difficult and there are almost no such measurements at decadal intervals. Aerial imagery has been acquired by many national agencies since the 1950s and significant archives remain. Unlocking the information from these data sources is important because their timescale may inform significant unresolved hypotheses regarding the impact of rapid climate change on Alpine environments. However, such photogrammetric applications are challenging because of topographic complexity (including occlusions and large elevation ranges) and variations in image texture. A complete workflow is described from raw data to the treatment and interpretation of results. This is applied to imagery of Val d'Héréns, Switzerland, a landscape containing an assemblage of glacial, periglacial, hillslope and fluvial landforms across a height range of 1800 to 3600 m from the 1960s to the present. These changes reveal important characteristics of landscape scale erosion and deposition at the decadal scale.
Periconceptional Multivitamin Supplementation Containing Folic Acid and Sex Ratio at Birth in a Chinese Population: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Xiaoying , Pei Lijun , Chen Gong , Song Xinming , Wu Jilei , Ji Ying
Published: May 2015

Background

To determine whether periconceptional use of multivitamin supplements containing folic acid increases the occurrence of male births in a Chinese population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out in 18 counties in four provinces of China. Participants were naturally and voluntarily divided into an intervention group (who took a multivitamin pill containing folic acid, n = 25 418) and a control group (who did not take any multivitamin, n = 26 580). Multivitamin supplements containing folic acid was ascertained before pregnancy. Pregnant women were followed through the first trimester of pregnancy and the outcome of pregnancy (i.e. livebirth, stillbirth, or fetal death; sex at birth) was recorded.

Results

A total of 52 043 pregnancies and 51 998 births were recorded between September 2000 and August 2002. The proportion of males born to women who did and did not take the multivitamin were 54.8% (n = 13 935) and 54.0% (n = 11 483), respectively. The male to female sex ratios at birth among women who did and did not take the multivitamin were 117:100 and 121:100, respectively. The risk ratio was 1.03 [95% confidence interval 0.99, 1.06] after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid is not associated with an increased likelihood of male births in a Chinese population. However, these results may have been affected by induced abortion or selective termination of pregnancy, and the findings must therefore be cautiously interpreted.
Management Strategies Aiming to Improve Horse Welfare Reduce Embryonic Death Rates in Mares
Authors: Malschitzky E , Pimentel AM , Garbade P , Jobim MIM , Gregory RM , Mattos RC
Published: May 2015

Contents

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of management strategies aiming to improve animal well‐being on pregnancy and embryonic death (ED) rates. Breeding records of a cohort of 1206 Thoroughbred mares brought to a stallion station facility, to be bred with the stallions housed there, were evaluated during ten breeding seasons. Mares were blocked according to management strategies in two groups: Stress and Relax. Strategies used to improve animal well‐being (Relax group) were as follows: stopping the teasing routine, reducing or eliminating stall confinement, reducing the number of mares per group and maintaining herd stability during the breeding season. In barren mares, the pregnancy rate was higher in the Relax group (91.8%) when compared to the observed in Stress group (84.7%). However, no difference in pregnancy rates were observed (Stress = 85.2% vs. Relax = 86.2) in foaling mares. ED rate was higher in barren and foaling mares of the Stress group mares (25.5% and 26.8%, respectively) compared with the Relax group (16.1% and 14.7%, respectively). No significant differences were observed on foal heat pregnancy rate between groups; yet, the embryo loss on foal heat was significant reduced in Relax mares (Relax = 8.7% vs Stress = 24.5%). In conclusion, management strategies aimed to reduce social stress can reduce early pregnancy losses and the average cycles per pregnancy, improving reproductive performance in mares.
Model‐Averaged Confidence Intervals
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Welsh A. H. , Abeysekera Waruni
Published: May 2015

We develop an approach to evaluating frequentist model averaging procedures by considering them in a simple situation in which there are two‐nested linear regression models over which we average. We introduce a general class of model averaged confidence intervals, obtain exact expressions for the coverage and the scaled expected length of the intervals, and use these to compute these quantities for the model averaged profile likelihood (MPI) and model‐averaged tail area confidence intervals proposed by D. Fletcher and D. Turek. We show that the MPI confidence intervals can perform more poorly than the standard confidence interval used after model selection but ignoring the model selection process. The model‐averaged tail area confidence intervals perform better than the MPI and postmodel‐selection confidence intervals but, for the examples that we consider, offer little over simply using the standard confidence interval for θ under the full model, with the same nominal coverage.
Plasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide concentration in healthy retired racing Greyhounds
Authors: Couto Kristen M. , Iazbik M. Cristina , Marín Liliana M. , Zaldivar‐López Sara , Beal Melissa J. , Gómez Ochoa P. , Couto C. Guillermo
Published: May 2015

Background

N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is a cardiac biomarker whose plasma concentration is high in some dogs with cardiopulmonary disease. NT‐proBNP is a diagnostic tool that can be used to help determine if a patient has congestive heart failure. Greyhounds have functional heart murmurs, relative cardiomegaly, and high serum cTnI concentration.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of NT‐proBNP in healthy Greyhounds and compare it to non‐Greyhound dogs.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated healthy client‐owned dogs including retired racing Greyhounds and non‐Greyhounds. Plasma was obtained and transferred into tubes containing a protease inhibitor and submitted for a specific NT‐proBNP ELISA assay.

Results

The plasma NT‐proBNP concentration in Greyhounds was significantly higher than in non‐Greyhound control dogs (946 vs 632 pmol/L; P < .005); 46% of Greyhounds had NT‐proBNP > 1000 pmol/L.

Conclusions

Plasma NT‐proBNP concentration in Greyhounds is high and should be interpreted with caution.
Donor attention to reading materials
Authors: O'Brien S. F. , Osmond L. , Choquet K. , Yi Q.‐L. , Goldman M.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

Mandatory predonation reading materials inform donors about risk factors for transmissible disease, possible complications of donation and changes to the donation process. We aimed to assess the attention to predonation reading materials and factors which may affect attention.

Materials and Methods

A national survey in 2008 of 18 108 blood donors asked about self‐assessed attention to reading the materials. In face‐to‐face interviews, 441 donors completed additional questions about reading the materials and a literacy test. Qualitative interviews of 27 donors assessed their approach to reading.

Results

In the national survey, most of the first‐time donors said they read all or most of the materials (90·9% first‐time vs. 57·6% repeat donors, P < 0·001) and 66% vs. 23·1% reported reading them carefully (P < 0·001). In face‐to‐face interviews comparing those who read materials carefully, skimmed or did not read, most knew that donors are informed of positive transmissible disease test results (97·1%, 95·5, 98·0 P > 0·05), but fewer recalled seeing the definition of sex (77·2%, 56·9, 24·2 P < 0·001). Literacy was poor (30·5% frustration level, 60·3% instructional, 9·2% independent) but similar when those who read materials carefully, skimmed or did not read were compared (P > 0·05). Qualitative interviews showed that donors are reluctant to read any more than necessary and decide based on perceived importance or relevance.

Conclusion

Attention to predonation reading materials tends to be better among first‐time donors. The effectiveness is limited by low motivation to read, especially for repeat donors, as well as poor literacy.
Researching English in contemporary China
Authors: BOLTON KINGSLEY , BOTHA WERNER
Published: May 2015

This article provides an introduction to the range of research covered by the contributions to this special issue on English in contemporary China. The role of English in Chinese society today cannot be considered in isolation from the sociolinguistic background, as well as the social and political context of contemporary Chinese society. With reference to the present‐day sociolinguistic dynamics of China, one important issue is the current spread of Putonghua as the national language across the nation, a process linked to the demands and exigencies of the state education system. With reference to the spread of English, a key issue is the relationship between the learning of English and the actual use of the language. In this context, it is relevant to consider that, in recent decades, official policies to the language have drawn their motivation from both economic and political considerations, where various ideologies have also played an important role.
Surveying the English language across China
Authors: WEI RINING , SU JINZHI
Published: May 2015

Although the Survey of Language Situation in China (中国语言文字使用情况调查, Zhongguo yuyan wenzi shiyong qingkuang diaocha), involving 475,000 respondents was conducted over a decade ago, it can still provide insights into the sociolinguistic situation of English in the world's most populous country. The present paper analyses data from this survey concerning respondents’ (1) use of English, (2) English reading proficiency, (3) English spoken proficiency, and (4) attitudes towards foreign language‐medium instruction at primary and secondary schools, with special reference to seven major cities; Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Dalian. Future research directions include collecting more comprehensive data concerning English and/or through approaches more objective than self‐reporting. One policy implication is that government departments might consider formulating a more coherent language policy for English‐medium instruction at pre‐tertiary level.
English in China's universities: Past and present
Authors: BOLTON KINGSLEY , BOTHA WERNER
Published: May 2015

By many, the recent popularity of English in Chinese education, at all levels of learning, has been seen as a very modern phenomenon, which followed the opening of China in the late 1970s. In fact, the learning of English in China has a long and partly forgotten history, not least at the level of higher education. From an historical perspective, it is salutary to remember that English medium universities and colleges were first established in China in the late 19th and early 20th century. Today, all the state‐run key universities in China are officially Putonghua‐medium, but despite that, English has an increasing presence in university education, both in the classroom and in the personal lives of Chinese university students.
Multilingual creativity on China's Internet
Authors: ZHANG WEI
Published: May 2015

Previous research in China has shown that Chinese‐English code‐mixing is gaining popularity on China's online social network sites. This study investigates the practice of multilingual language play onShanghai Release, an official microblog account set up by the municipal government of Shanghai. Based on the observation of the day‐to‐day weather messages onShanghai Release, as well as the comments posted by the participating netizens over a period of two years, the study reports on a range of strategies employed in the practice of multilingual language play, that involves bending, breaking, and blending the conventional ‘rules’ of Putonghua, English, and Shanghai dialect usage. The findings suggest that through such practices the municipal government web microbloggers posting onShanghai Releasehave constructed a distinct new professional identity, which aims to establish rapport with its audience, through the ludic construction of mixed‐code messages to its Internet public.
Writing in English in China: An autobiographical essay
Authors: ZHANG LIJIA
Published: May 2015

As one of the few Chinese writers in mainland China writing prose in English, Lijia Zhang presents an autobiographical account of her decision to write and publish in the English language. This paper describes how Lijia Zhang first taught herself English, as she perceived the language as offering her an ‘escape’ from working as a factory worker in Nanjing to how she finally established herself as a published author writing in the English language. This paper also presents Lijia Zhang's personal reflections on the reasons why she writes in English, and also how she ‘weaves’ Chinese expressions and concepts in her use of the English language in her writing. Lijia Zhang's much‐acclaimed memoir on coming of age in China, Socialism is great: A worker's memoir of the new China, was published in 2008, and has been translated into Dutch, Italian, French and Portuguese. The memoir has been also been translated into Korean and her first novel Lotus is to be published by Henry Holt in February 2017.
English in China: A contemporary bibliography
Authors: BOLTON KINGSLEY , BOTHA WERNER , ZHANG WEI
Published: May 2015

The list of research publications presented here is a contemporary bibliography, providing details of research articles, books, and other research outputs that were published between 2003 and 2015. The main focus of this bibliography is major works published internationally as well as in core journals from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Despite the problems concerning the representativeness of this current bibliography, the authors hope that the following list of references will usefully complement the research articles in this special issue on ‘English in contemporary China’. It is intended that the present bibliography will complement the earlier bibliographical article by Adamson et al. (), and serve as a guide for current and future research in this field.
Prediction of healing progress of pressure ulcers by distribution analysis of protein markers on necrotic tissue: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kitamura Aya , Yoshida Mikako , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Iizaka Shinji , Fujita Hideki , Naito Ayumi , Takahashi Kazuo , Mori Taketoshi , Sanada Hiromi
Published: May 2015

Predicting the short‐term healing progress of pressure ulcers is important for providing timely and appropriate intervention. Although there are some prediction methods available, these are unsuitable for ulcers with abundant necrotic tissue. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between necrotic tissue alteration and protein distributions on ulcers to establish a new prediction method. Thirty‐eight pressure ulcers were retrospectively analyzed. Protein distributions on necrotic tissue were evaluated by the wound blotting at three levels: marker protein positivity, signal patterns (speckled, heterogeneous, or homogeneous), and the occupation of heterogeneous pattern. Peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, tumor necrosis factor α, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 were used as marker proteins. One‐week necrotic tissue alteration was classified as liquefaction or nonliquefaction, and associations with protein distributions were analyzed. The peroxidase positivity was significantly higher in the liquefaction than in the nonliquefaction (p = 0.031). In peroxidase‐positive samples, the proportion of nonliquefaction samples was significantly higher in the heterogeneous pattern (p = 0.029). In the heterogeneous‐patterned samples, the proportion of samples with an occupation values greater than the median value tended to be higher in the nonliquefaction (p = 0.087). There was no significant relationship between liquefaction and other markers. Peroxidase positivity predicts 1‐week liquefaction of necrotic tissue, while a heterogeneous pattern indicates nonliquefaction.
An Examination of University Supervision in a Physical Education Teacher Education Program
Authors: Wright Steven , Grenier Michelle , Channell Kathy
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this descriptive study was to analyze university supervision from the perspective of student teachers (STs), and to examine postlesson conference discourse between STs and university supervisors (USs) to determine if STs perspectives on supervisory models aligned with what actually occurred. Determining STs expectations and desires regarding supervisory model preferences and then providing a forum for STs to comment on the actual university supervision that they experienced fills a void in the literature, as student voice pertaining to this area of university supervision is missing. Data were collected via ST opportunities to answer written questions before and after their capstone experience. A total of 80 postobservation conferences were audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively analyzed to determine conference discourse. Results determined that the 28 STs overwhelmingly (96%) expressed a preference for a collaborative supervision approach, which ultimately they declared they experienced. Word counts revealed that for all postobservation conferences, STs (58%) spoke more often than USs (42%), which suggests that a collaborative model of supervision did actually occur. Analysis of idea units demonstrated that USs asked a lot of questions (31% of all their idea units) and a majority of them (73%) were categorized as higher order—such as reflective or evaluative questions versus lower order questions such as informational questions. This led to a great deal of ST reflection on their lessons during the postobservation conferences.
Predicting Satisfaction in Physical Education From Motivational Climate and Self-determined Motivation
Authors: Baena-Extremera Antonio , Gómez-López Manuel , Granero-Gallegos Antonio , Ortiz-Camacho Maria del Mar
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this research study was to determine to what extent the motivational climate perceived by students in Physical Education (PE) classes predicts self-determined motivation, and satisfaction with physical education classes. Questionnaires were administered to 758 high school students aged 13-18 years. We used the Spanish versions of the PE adaptations of instruments: Sport Satisfaction Instrument, Sport Motivation Scale and Learning and Performance Orientations in PE Classes Questionnaire. We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis and correlations with structural equation modeling. The results showed the highest mean values in satisfaction/fun, intrinsic motivation and motivational task-oriented climate. By using a structural equation model, we found a positive association between a task-oriented climate and students’ intrinsic motivation (γ=.69) and their satisfaction in PE classes (β=.56).
On being the right (cell) size
Authors: Ginzberg Miriam B. , Kafri Ran , Kirschner Marc
Published: May 2015

How cells know when they are the right size

Biologists have long recognized that cells exist in a large range of sizes. Cell size is also flexible: Cells can differentiate into another cell type with a very different size. External factors can also influence cell size, but the consistent size of a given cell type shows that cells have mechanisms to measure their own size and adjust their growth rate or rate of cell division to maintain uniformity. Ginzberg
et al.
review recent advances in understanding how cells know when they are at the right size.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1245075
Enigmatic bird flu strain races across the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: May 2015

Virologists baffled by the potent strain's continued spread as more than 30 million poultry hit.
Ebola survivors fight back in plasma studies
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: May 2015

Trials hope to show whether antibodies from recovered patients can save lives.
How birds got their beaks
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Combining fossils and lab studies, researchers home in on genes that transformed a snout into a bill.
Fidel Castro's first-born son foments a nanotech revolution
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: May 2015

In a Q&A, Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart reveals the truth behind his nom de guerre in Russia and his efforts to launch a nanotechnology R&D center in Havana.
piRNA-guided slicing specifies transcripts for Zucchini-dependent, phased piRNA biogenesis
Authors: Mohn Fabio , Handler Dominik , Brennecke Julius
Published: May 2015

Spreading small RNAs to protect the genome

In animals, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that protect our germ lines from the ravages of transposons. To do this, piRNAs target and cleave transposon RNAs. Synthesis of piRNA is initiated by a cut made in a long, single-stranded precursor RNA. The piRNAs can also undergo a self-perpetuating amplification cycle (see the Perspective by Siomi and Siomi). Han
et al.
and Mohn
et al.
now reveal that piRNA biogenesis can also spread in a strictly phased manner from the site of initial piRNA formation. Spreading piRNA synthesis greatly increases their sequence diversity, potentially helping them to target endogenous and novel transposons more effectively.

Science
, this issue p.
817
, p.
812
; see also p.
756
piRNA-guided transposon cleavage initiates Zucchini-dependent, phased piRNA production
Authors: Han Bo W. , Wang Wei , Li Chengjian , Weng Zhiping , Zamore Phillip D.
Published: May 2015

Spreading small RNAs to protect the genome

In animals, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that protect our germ lines from the ravages of transposons. To do this, piRNAs target and cleave transposon RNAs. Synthesis of piRNA is initiated by a cut made in a long, single-stranded precursor RNA. The piRNAs can also undergo a self-perpetuating amplification cycle (see the Perspective by Siomi and Siomi). Han
et al.
and Mohn
et al.
now reveal that piRNA biogenesis can also spread in a strictly phased manner from the site of initial piRNA formation. Spreading piRNA synthesis greatly increases their sequence diversity, potentially helping them to target endogenous and novel transposons more effectively.

Science
, this issue p.
817
, p.
812
; see also p.
756
Live imaging of adult neural stem cell behavior in the intact and injured zebrafish brain
Authors: Barbosa Joana S. , Sanchez-Gonzalez Rosario , Di Giaimo Rossella , Baumgart Emily Violette , Theis Fabian J. , Götz Magdalena , Ninkovic Jovica
Published: May 2015

How to maintain a zebrafish brain

Even in the zebrafish brain, which seems better able than the human brain to generate new neurons, regenerative capacity may not be unlimited. Barbosa
et al.
mapped the fates of individual neuronal cells in live zebrafish over time. Seen as glowing dots, neural stem cells sustain the population of neurons, although not quite at full replacement rates. After injury to the brain, more of the stem cells were pulled into neuronal pathways, with fewer remaining to feed future replacement.

Science
, this issue p.
789
Sex equality can explain the unique social structure of hunter-gatherer bands
Authors: Dyble M. , Salali G. D. , Chaudhary N. , Page A. , Smith D. , Thompson J. , Vinicius L. , Mace R. , Migliano A. B.
Published: May 2015

Friends and family?

Evolutionary theory stresses the importance of living with kin, not least because they share some of our genes. Nevertheless, a large-scale assessment of contemporary hunter-gatherer societies has established a consistent pattern of unrelated individuals living together. Dyble
et al.
used a modeling approach to suggest that a possible answer to this conundrum is that cohabitation choices are being governed equally by men and women.

Science
, this issue p.
796
Linking funds to actions for global health emergencies
Authors: Standley C. J. , Sorrell E. M. , Kornblet S. , Vaught A. , Fischer J. E. , Katz R.
Published: May 2015

The International Health Regulations could help align and trigger World Bank and World Health Organization efforts
Major role of planktonic phosphate reduction in the marine phosphorus redox cycle
Authors: Van Mooy B. A. S. , Krupke A. , Dyhrman S. T. , Fredricks H. F. , Frischkorn K. R. , Ossolinski J. E. , Repeta D. J. , Rouco M. , Seewald J. D. , Sylva S. P.
Published: May 2015

The phosphorus redox cycle

Phosphorus in the oceans cycles between +5 and +3 oxidation states. Most of the oceans' phosphorus is present as oxidized bioavailable phosphate (+5) compounds. Reduced organophosphorus compounds are also present but at much lower concentrations. Through field measurements in the western tropical North Atlantic Ocean and a series of laboratory incubations, Van Mooy
et al.
measured fast reduction rates of a small but appreciable amount of phosphates by plankton communities, forming phosphites and phosphonates (see the Perspective by Benitez-Nelson). On a global scale, this phosphorus redox cycle adds as much reduced phosphorus to the oceans as all pre-anthropogenic land runoff.

Science
, this issue p.
783
; see also p.
759
The missing link in oceanic phosphorus cycling?
Authors: Benitez-Nelson Claudia
Published: May 2015

Rapidly recycled reduced phosphorus compounds play a key role in phosphorus biogeochemistry

[Also see Report by

Van Mooy
et al.

]
Phased piRNAs tackle transposons
Authors: Siomi Haruhiko , Siomi Mikiko C.
Published: May 2015

Tertiary piRNAs help silence dangerous DNA elements

[Also see Reports by

Mohn
et al.

and

Han
et al.

]
Comparative Efficacy of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Inactivated Whole-Virus Vaccine and Canarypox Virus-Vectored Vaccine during Virulent FeLV Challenge and Immunosuppression
Authors: Patel M. , Carritt K. , Lane J. , Jayappa H. , Stahl M. , Bourgeois M.
Published: May 2015

Four vaccines for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are available in the United States. This study's purpose was to compare the efficacy of Nobivac feline 2-FeLV (an inactivated, adjuvanted whole-virus vaccine) and PureVax recombinant FeLV (a live, canarypox virus-vectored vaccine) following FeLV challenge. Cats were vaccinated at 9 and 12 weeks with Nobivac feline 2-FeLV (group A,n= 11) or PureVax recombinant FeLV (group B,n= 10). Group C (n= 11) comprised unvaccinated controls. At 3 months postvaccination, cats were immunosuppressed and challenged with FeLV-A/61E. The outcomes measured were persistent antigenemia at 12 weeks postchallenge (PC) and proviral DNA and viral RNA at 3 to 9 weeks PC. Persistent antigenemia was observed in 0 of 11 cats in group A, 5 of 10 cats in group B, and 10 of 11 cats in group C. Group A was significantly protected compared to those in groups B (P< 0.013) and C (P< 0.0001). No difference was found between groups B and C (P> 0.063). The preventable fraction was 100% for group A and 45% for group B. At 9 weeks PC, proviral DNA and viral RNA were detected 1 of 11 cats in group A, 6 of 10 cats in group B, and 9 of 11 cats in group C. Nucleic acid loads were significantly lower in group A than in group C (P< 0.01). Group A had significantly lower proviral DNA loads than group B at weeks 6 to 9 (P< 0.02). The viral RNA loads were significantly lower in group A than in group B at weeks 7 to 9 (P< 0.01). The results demonstrate that Nobivac feline 2-FeLV-vaccinated cats were fully protected against persistent antigenemia and had significantly smaller amounts of proviral DNA and plasma viral RNA loads than PureVax recombinant FeLV-vaccinated cats and unvaccinated controls.
Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates Directly from Clinical Samples
Authors: Brown Amanda C. , Bryant Josephine M. , Einer-Jensen Katja , Holdstock Jolyon , Houniet Darren T. , Chan Jacqueline Z. M. , Depledge Daniel P. , Nikolayevskyy Vladyslav , Broda Agnieszka , Stone Madeline J. , Christiansen Mette T. , Williams Rachel , McAndrew Michael B. , Tutill Helena , Brown Julianne , Melzer Mark , Rosmarin Caryn , McHugh Timothy D. , Shorten Robert J. , Drobniewski Francis , Speight Graham , Breuer Judith
Published: May 2015

The rapid identification of antimicrobial resistance is essential for effective treatment of highly resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Whole-genome sequencing provides comprehensive data on resistance mutations and strain typing for monitoring transmission, but unlike for conventional molecular tests, this has previously been achievable only from cultures of
M. tuberculosis
. Here we describe a method utilizing biotinylated RNA baits designed specifically for
M. tuberculosis
DNA to capture full
M. tuberculosis
genomes directly from infected sputum samples, allowing whole-genome sequencing without the requirement of culture. This was carried out on 24 smear-positive sputum samples, collected from the United Kingdom and Lithuania where a matched culture sample was available, and 2 samples that had failed to grow in culture.
M. tuberculosis
sequencing data were obtained directly from all 24 smear-positive culture-positive sputa, of which 20 were of high quality (>20× depth and >90% of the genome covered). Results were compared with those of conventional molecular and culture-based methods, and high levels of concordance between phenotypical resistance and predicted resistance based on genotype were observed. High-quality sequence data were obtained from one smear-positive culture-negative case. This study demonstrated for the first time the successful and accurate sequencing of
M. tuberculosis
genomes directly from uncultured sputa. Identification of known resistance mutations within a week of sample receipt offers the prospect for personalized rather than empirical treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis, including the use of antimicrobial-sparing regimens, leading to improved outcomes.
Competitive Homogeneous Immunoassay for Rapid Serodiagnosis of Hantavirus Disease
Authors: Hepojoki Satu , Rusanen Juuso , Hepojoki Jussi , Nurmi Visa , Vaheri Antti , Lundkvist Åke , Hedman Klaus , Vapalahti Olli
Published: May 2015

In this study, we describe a competitive homogeneous immunoassay that makes use of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in rapid detection of pathogen-specific antibodies. The assay principle is based on competition between a monoclonal antibody (MAb) and serum antibodies to a given antigen. In the assay, named competitive FRET immunoassay (CFRET-IA), the FRET signal is induced if MAb carrying a donor label binds to an acceptor-labeled antigen. Specific antibodies in serum compete for antigen binding, resulting in reduced FRET signal. The proof-of-principle for the assay was obtained using donor-labeled Puumala virus nucleocapsid protein (PUUV-N) and acceptor-labeled anti-PUUV-N MAb. The assay was evaluated by analyzing 329 clinical samples comprising 101 from individuals with acute PUUV infection, 42 from individuals with past infection, and 186 from individuals with PUUV-seronegative sera, and the results were compared to those of reference tests. The rapid serodiagnostic test we introduced herein performed with 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity for diagnosing acute hantavirus disease.
Genomics Reveals the Worldwide Distribution of Multidrug-Resistant Serotype 6E Pneumococci
Authors: van Tonder Andries J. , Bray James E. , Roalfe Lucy , White Rebecca , Zancolli Marta , Quirk Sigríður J. , Haraldsson Gunnsteinn , Jolley Keith A. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Bentley Stephen D. , Haraldsson Ásgeir , Erlendsdóttir Helga , Kristinsson Karl G. , Goldblatt David , Brueggemann Angela B.
Published: May 2015

The pneumococcus is a leading pathogen infecting children and adults. Safe, effective vaccines exist, and they work by inducing antibodies to the polysaccharide capsule (unique for each serotype) that surrounds the cell; however, current vaccines are limited by the fact that only a few of the nearly 100 antigenically distinct serotypes are included in the formulations. Within the serotypes, serogroup 6 pneumococci are a frequent cause of serious disease and common colonizers of the nasopharynx in children. Serotype 6E was first reported in 2004 but was thought to be rare; however, we and others have detected serotype 6E among recent pneumococcal collections. Therefore, we analyzed a diverse data set of ∼1,000 serogroup 6 genomes, assessed the prevalence and distribution of serotype 6E, analyzed the genetic diversity among serogroup 6 pneumococci, and investigated whether pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-induced serotype 6A and 6B antibodies mediate the killing of serotype 6E pneumococci. We found that 43% of all genomes were of serotype 6E, and they were recovered worldwide from healthy children and patients of all ages with pneumococcal disease. Four genetic lineages, three of which were multidrug resistant, described ∼90% of the serotype 6E pneumococci. Serological assays demonstrated that vaccine-induced serotype 6B antibodies were able to elicit killing of serotype 6E pneumococci. We also revealed three major genetic clusters of serotype 6A capsular sequences, discovered a new hybrid 6C/6E serotype, and identified 44 examples of serotype switching. Therefore, while vaccines appear to offer protection against serotype 6E, genetic variants may reduce vaccine efficacy in the longer term because of the emergence of serotypes that can evade vaccine-induced immunity.
Detection of Group A Streptococcus in Pharyngeal Swab Specimens by Use of the AmpliVue GAS Isothermal Helicase-Dependent Amplification Assay
Authors: Faron Matthew L. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Granato Paul , Daly Judy A. , Pierce Kristina , Pancholi Preeti , Uphoff Timothy S. , Buchan Blake W.
Published: May 2015

We evaluated the clinical performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the AmpliVue group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) isothermal helicase-dependent amplification assay using 1,192 pharyngeal swab specimens. AmpliVue GAS assay results were compared to the results of routine throat cultures on selective streptococcal blood agar plates. The sensitivity and specificity of the AmpliVue GAS assay were 98.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95 to 100%) and 93.2% (95% CI, 91 to 95%), respectively.
Commentary: Assessing Airway Microbiota in Cystic Fibrosis: What More Should Be Done?
Authors: LiPuma John J.
Published: May 2015

The use of culture-independent methods has deepened our appreciation of the complexity of the bacterial communities that typically reside in the airways of persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). New insights into how changes in the structure of these communities relate to lung disease progression will likely raise expectations for more in-depth microbiologic analysis of CF respiratory specimens. An article in this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
(W. G. Flight, A. Smith, C. Paisey, J. R. Marchesi, M. J. Bull, P. J. Norville, K. J. Mutton, A. K. Webb, R. J. Bright-Thomas, A. M. Jones, and E. Mahenthiralingam, J Clin Microbiol 53:2022–2029, 2015,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00432-15
) describes the application of a culture-independent approach to the assessment of CF airway microbiota.
The Nuclear DNA Sensor IFI16 Acts as a Restriction Factor for Human Papillomavirus Replication through Epigenetic Modifications of the Viral Promoters
Authors: Lo Cigno Irene , De Andrea Marco , Borgogna Cinzia , Albertini Silvia , Landini Manuela M. , Peretti Alberto , Johnson Karen E. , Chandran Bala , Landolfo Santo , Gariglio Marisa
Published: May 2015

The human interferon-inducible IFI16 protein, an innate immune sensor of intracellular DNA, was recently demonstrated to act as a restriction factor for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection by inhibiting both viral-DNA replication and transcription. Through the use of two distinct cellular models, this study provides strong evidence in support of the notion that IFI16 can also restrict human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) replication. In the first model, an immortalized keratinocyte cell line (NIKS) was used, in which the IFI16 protein was knocked down through the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology and overexpressed following transduction with the adenovirus IFI16 (AdVIFI16) vector. The second model consisted of U2OS cells transfected by electroporation with HPV18 minicircles. In differentiated IFI16-silenced NIKS-HPV18 cells, viral-load values were significantly increased compared with differentiated control cells. Consistent with this, IFI16 overexpression severely impaired HPV18 replication in both NIKS and U2OS cells, thus confirming its antiviral restriction activity. In addition to the inhibition of viral replication, IFI16 was also able to reduce viral transcription, as demonstrated by viral-gene expression analysis in U2OS cells carrying episomal HPV18 minicircles and HeLa cells. We also provide evidence that IFI16 promotes the addition of heterochromatin marks and the reduction of euchromatin marks on viral chromatin at both early and late promoters, thus reducing both viral replication and transcription. Altogether, these results argue that IFI16 restricts chromatinized HPV DNA through epigenetic modifications and plays a broad surveillance role against viral DNA in the nucleus that is not restricted to herpesviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Intrinsic immunity is mediated by cellular restriction factors that are constitutively expressed and active even before a pathogen enters the cell. The host nuclear factor IFI16 acts as a sensor of foreign DNA and an antiviral restriction factor, as recently demonstrated by our group for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Here, we provide the first evidence that IFI16 inhibits HPV18 replication by repressing viral-gene expression and replication. This antiviral restriction activity was observed in immortalized keratinocytes transfected with the religated genomes and in U2OS cells transfected with HPV18 minicircles, suggesting that it is not cell type specific. We also show that IFI16 promotes the assembly of heterochromatin on HPV DNA. These changes in viral chromatin structure lead to the generation of a repressive state at both early and late HPV18 promoters, thus implicating the protein in the epigenetic regulation of HPV gene expression and replication.
The Minor Capsid Protein VP11 of Thermophilic Bacteriophage P23-77 Facilitates Virus Assembly by Using Lipid-Protein Interactions
Authors: Pawlowski Alice , Moilanen Anni M. , Rissanen Ilona A. , Määttä Juha A. E. , Hytönen Vesa P. , Ihalainen Janne A. , Bamford Jaana K. H.
Published: May 2015

Thermus thermophilus
bacteriophage P23-77 is the type member of a new virus family of icosahedral, tailless, inner-membrane-containing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses infecting thermophilic bacteria and halophilic archaea. The viruses have a unique capsid architecture consisting of two major capsid proteins assembled in various building blocks. We analyzed the function of the minor capsid protein VP11, which is the third known capsid component in bacteriophage P23-77. Our findings show that VP11 is a dynamically elongated dimer with a predominantly α-helical secondary structure and high thermal stability. The high proportion of basic amino acids in the protein enables electrostatic interaction with negatively charged molecules, including nucleic acid and large unilamellar lipid vesicles (LUVs). The plausible biological function of VP11 is elucidated by demonstrating the interactions of VP11 with
Thermus
-derived LUVs and with the major capsid proteins by means of the dynamic-light-scattering technique. In particular, the major capsid protein VP17 was able to link VP11-complexed LUVs into larger particles, whereas the other P23-77 major capsid protein, VP16, was unable to link VP11-comlexed LUVs. Our results rule out a previously suggested penton function for VP11. Instead, the electrostatic membrane association of VP11 triggers the binding of the major capsid protein VP17, thus facilitating a controlled incorporation of the two different major protein species into the assembling capsid.

IMPORTANCE
The study of thermophilic viruses with inner membranes provides valuable insights into the mechanisms used for stabilization and assembly of protein-lipid systems at high temperatures. Our results reveal a novel way by which an internal membrane and outer capsid shell are linked in a virus that uses two different major protein species for capsid assembly. We show that a positive protein charge is important in order to form electrostatic interactions with the lipid surface, thereby facilitating the incorporation of other capsid proteins on the membrane surface. This implies an alternative function for basic proteins present in the virions of other lipid-containing thermophilic viruses, whose proposed role in genome packaging is based on their capability to bind DNA. The unique minor capsid protein of bacteriophage P23-77 resembles in its characteristics the scaffolding proteins of tailed phages, though it constitutes a substantial part of the mature virion.