bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic signatures of experimental adaptive radiation in Drosophila
Authors: Michalak Pawel , Kang Lin , Schou Mads F. , Garner Harold R. , Loeschcke Volker 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAbiotic environmental factors play a fundamental role in determining the distribution, abundance and adaptive diversification of species. Empowered by new technologies enabling rapid and increasingly accurate examination of genomic variation in populations, researchers may gain new insights into the genomic background of adaptive radiation and stress resistance. We investigated genomic variation across generations of large‐scale experimental selection regimes originating from a single founder population of Drosophila melanogaster, diverging in response to ecologically relevant environmental stressors: heat shock, heat knock down, cold shock, desiccation and starvation. When compared to the founder population, and to parallel unselected controls, there were more than 100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) displaying consistent allelic changes in response to selective pressures across generations. These SNPs were found in both coding and noncoding sequences, with the highest density in promoter regions, and involved a broad range of functionalities, including molecular chaperoning by heat‐shock proteins. The SNP patterns were highly stressor‐specific despite considerable variation among line replicates within each selection regime, as reflected by a principal component analysis, and co‐occurred with selective sweep regions. Only ~15% of SNPs with putatively adaptive changes were shared by at least two selective regimes, while less than 1% of SNPs diverged in opposite directions. Divergent stressors driving evolution in the experimental system of adaptive radiation left distinct genomic signatures, most pronounced in starvation and heat‐shock selection regimes.
Virus–virus interactions and host ecology are associated with RNA virome structure in wild birds
Authors: Wille Michelle , Eden John‐Sebastian , Shi Mang , Klaassen Marcel , Hurt Aeron C. , Holmes Edward C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLittle is known about the factors that shape the ecology of RNA viruses in nature. Wild birds are an important case in point, as other than influenza A virus, avian samples are rarely tested for viruses, especially in the absence of overt disease. Using bulk RNA‐sequencing (“meta‐transcriptomics”), we revealed the viral diversity present in Australian wild birds through the lens of the ecological factors that may determine virome structure and abundance. A meta‐transcriptomic analysis of four Anseriformes (waterfowl) and Charadriiformes (shorebird) species sampled in temperate and arid Australia revealed the presence of 27 RNA virus genomes, 18 of which represent newly described species. The viruses identified included a previously described gammacoronavirus and influenza A viruses. Additionally, we identified novel virus species from the families Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Picobirnaviridae and Picornaviridae. We noted differences in virome structure that reflected underlying differences in location and influenza A infection status. Red‐necked Avocets (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) from Australia's arid interior possessed the greatest viral diversity and abundance, markedly higher than individuals sampled in temperate Australia. In Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and dabbling ducks (Anas spp.), viral abundance and diversity were higher and more similar in hosts that were positive for influenza A infection compared to those that were negative for this virus, despite samples being collected on the same day and from the same location. This study highlights the extent and diversity of RNA viruses in wild birds and lays the foundation for understanding the factors that determine virome structure in wild populations.
BIG regulates stomatal immunity and jasmonate production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Ruo‐Xi , Ge Shengchao , He Jingjing , Li Shuangchen , Hao Yanhong , Du Hao , Liu Zhongming , Cheng Rui , Feng Yu‐Qi , Xiong Lizhong , Li Chuanyou , Hetherington Alistair M. , Liang Yun‐Kuan 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Plants have evolved an array of responses that provide them with protection from attack by microorganisms and other predators. Many of these mechanisms depend upon interactions between the plant hormones jasmonate (JA) and ethylene (ET). However, the molecular basis of these interactions is insufficiently understood.

Gene expression and physiological assays with mutants were performed to investigate the role of Arabidopsis BIG gene in stress responses.

BIG transcription is downregulated by methyl JA (MeJA), necrotrophic infection or mechanical injury. BIG deficiency promotes JA‐dependent gene induction, increases JA production but restricts the accumulation of both ET and salicylic acid. JA‐induced anthocyanin accumulation and chlorophyll degradation are enhanced and stomatal immunity is impaired by BIG disruption. Bacteria‐ and lipopolysaccaride (LPS)‐induced stomatal closure is reduced in BIG gene mutants, which are hyper‐susceptible to microbial pathogens with different lifestyles, but these mutants are less attractive to phytophagous insects.

Our results indicate that BIG negatively and positively regulate the MYC2 and ERF1 arms of the JA signalling pathway. BIG warrants recognition as a new and distinct regulator that regulates JA responses, the synergistic interactions of JA and ET, and other hormonal interactions that reconcile the growth and defense dilemma in Arabidopsis.
Cooperative hunting in a predator–prey system with Allee effects in the prey
Authors: Jang Sophia R.‐J. , Zhang Wenjing , Larriva Victoria 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe propose a continuous‐time predator–prey model with Allee effects in the prey and cooperative hunting in predators to explore their effects on population interactions. If the predator’s reproductive number exceeds one when prey is at its Allee threshold, then although both populations eventually go extinct, the time that it takes to become extinct may be different between cooperation and no cooperation. If the predator’s maximum reproductive number is larger than one, then coexistence occurs for the model of no Allee effect, whereas dynamics of the other model also depend on Allee threshold. There always exists a region of initial population distributions, for which both populations become extinct. When the predator’s maximum reproductive number is smaller than one, then predators go extinct if predators do not engage in cooperative hunting or if the degree of cooperation is small. With intense cooperation, predators may persist. However, the region of initial populations for coexistence is smaller for the model with Allee effects than the model of no Allee effects.Recommendations for Resource Managers

If predators are specialists and engage in cooperative hunting on a prey population that is subject to Allee effects, then estimate the degree of predator cooperation along with the predator’s reproductive numbers when the prey is at its carrying capacity (termed the predator’s maximum reproductive number) and at Allee threshold.
If both reproductive numbers are larger than one or if the predator’s maximum reproductive number is larger than one, while the other reproductive number is smaller than one, then one should cull predators to avoid prey extinction. The number of predators to be removed will depend on the sizes of the two populations.
If the maximum reproductive number of predators is smaller than one, then the recommended management plan will depend on the degree of hunting cooperation. If the degree is small, then culling predators can avoid prey extinction. If cooperation is intense, then culling a large number of predators will likely cause predator extinction while removing a small number of predators will yield coexistence.
Evaluating impacts of fish stock enhancement and biodiversity conservation actions on the livelihoods of small‐scale fishers on the Beijiang River, China
Authors: Liu Yiming , Bunting Stuart W. , Luo Shiming , Cai Kunzheng , Yang Qiangqiang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInappropriate development and overexploitation have seriously degraded aquatic resources in China. Stakeholders identified three fish stock enhancement and biodiversity conservation scenarios for the Beijiang River: S1, increased fish restocking; S2, no fishing season and habitat conservation; and S3, strict pollution control. Potential impacts of these actions on the livelihoods of fishers were evaluated using applied economic modeling. Baseline costs and benefits came from logbooks from 30 fishers and a survey of 90 households in three villages. The financial net benefit for a household was US$1583 (￥11,160) annually, representing a 142% and 387% return on capital and operating costs, respectively. Larger catches associated with S1 and S2 generated a net benefit of US$1651 and US$1822, respectively. Strict pollution control resulting in higher catches (+20%) and lower operating costs (−20%) would increase the net benefit by 15.9% to US$1835 annually. Pollution control would benefit other resource users and is a prerequisite for ecological restoration.Recommendations for Resource Managers

Stringent pollution control measures are essential to conserve aquatic biodiversity and enhance the livelihoods of fishers but will require considerable public and private sector investment.
Enhanced fish stocks in the Beijiang River could benefit poor livelihoods but may not be sufficient to lift households out of poverty, aged fishers require government assistance to diversify their livelihoods, access alternative urban employment, and survive with dignity.
Adopting the economic modeling approach presented here could enable responsible authorities to simultaneously evaluate fish stock enhancement and biodiversity conservation options.
Broader application of the approach presented here could help ensure small‐scale inland fisheries are managed sustainably and aquatic ecosystems are restored and protected by 2020, in line with Target 6 of the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.
The impact of oil price and revenue variations on economic growth in Nigeria
Authors: Omitogun Olawunmi , Longe Adedayo Emmanuel , Muhammad Shehu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe study investigates the relationship between oil price, revenue variation and economic growth in Nigeria. The study makes use of a secondary data spanning 1981 and 2016. The Auto‐regressive Distributed Lag was used to analyse the long‐run and short‐run relationship among the variables. The short‐run result shows that oil price and oil revenue positively significantly relates with economic growth, while consumer price index and exchange rate negatively relates with economic growth. In the long‐run, oil price, consumer price index and exchange rate positively relates with economic growth, while oil revenue negatively relates with economic growth. This implies that oil revenue has not been channelled in the direction of enhancing growth in Nigeria, while oil price has been in favour reason been that it determines a larger percentage of the country's revenue. From the findings, the study concludes that variations in oil price and oil revenue are strong determinant factors of economic growth in Nigeria. A major recommendation is that, oil revenue should be restructured towards the strategic sectors of the economy to aid the growth in Nigeria.
Plasma levels of IL‐1Ra are associated with schizophrenia
Authors: Zhou Yi , Peng Wu , Wang Jun , Zhou WenJing , Zhou YanHong , Ying BinWu 
Published: October 2018

AimAlthough peripheral low‐grade inflammation and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ), the interactions between them remain to be fully revealed. We aimed to compare BDNF and cytokines in patients with SCZ and healthy controls (HC). Additionally, we aimed to investigate the association between peripheral levels of cytokines and BDNF in patients with SCZ.MethodsPlasma levels of BDNF, interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐12, IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), and CD40 Ligand were compared in 45 SCZ patients and 38 HC using Luminex technology.ResultsCompared to HC, patients had significantly higher IL‐1Ra levels (P = 0.031). We found a strong positive association between BDNF and CD40 Ligand in the patient group (rho = 0.858, P < 0.001) as well as in the HC group (rho = 0.822, P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, there was a negative association between BDNF and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients (rho = −0.429, P = 0.030) as well as in HC (rho = −0.649, P < 0.001).ConclusionThese results suggest that the cytokine IL‐1Ra may play a role in SCZ pathophysiology. Additionally, the interaction between cytokines and BDNF levels further indicated the diverse actions of these cytokines.
Using Facebook to communicate mammography messages to rural audiences
Authors: Klippert Heidi , Schaper Ana 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this scholarly project was to answer the following question: What is the highest level of engagement achieved with a mammography campaign on Facebook?Design and SampleAn Idaho public health department implemented a tailored message mammography campaign on Facebook during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Target sample for the Facebook campaign were women and men over the age of 40 in rural Idaho.MeasuresData collected from Facebook were used to measure and stratify engagement into a hierarchy of six levels, with intent to get a mammogram representing the highest level of engagement. A survey measuring women's intent to a get a mammogram was distributed via an online link.ResultsThe posts reached 48,503 Facebook users—11,147 of the total reach were unique users. Intent to get a mammogram, the highest level of engagement, was stated both in Facebook comments and on the online survey. Forty‐nine women completed the survey, and 82% of women expressed intent to get a mammogram in the next year.ConclusionThis project conducted as a program evaluation demonstrates how public health nurses can develop, implement, and evaluate Facebook mammography campaigns in the future.
Disease cycle of Austropuccinia psidii on Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus obliqua leaves of different rust response phenotypes
Authors: Yong W. T. L. , Ades P. K. , Tibbits J. F. G. , Bossinger G. , Runa F. A. , Sandhu K. S. , Taylor P. W. J. 
Published: October 2018

Myrtle rust poses a significant biosecurity threat to Australia with potential for long‐term damaging impacts on native flora and plant industries. This study describes the disease cycle of Austropuccinia psidii, the myrtle rust pathogen, in Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus obliqua, two commercially and ecologically important species from different subgenera of Eucalyptus. Ontogeny and morphology of infection structures of A. psidii on plants of both Eucalyptus species with different rust response phenotypes, i.e. completely resistant, hypersensitive and highly susceptible, were investigated. Plants were inoculated with single‐uredinium‐derived urediniospores and examined by scanning electron microscopy. No differences between rust response phenotypes were observed in germination of urediniospores, formation of appressoria or length of germ tubes. The growth of germ tubes had no affinity towards stomata of either species. Histological observations indicated direct penetration by infection pegs through the leaf cuticle and no penetration beyond the epidermis on rust‐resistant E. obliqua. Eucalyptus obliqua plants that were identified as susceptible to A. psidii at 3‐ and 6‐months‐old showed no disease when reinoculated with A. psidii at 12‐months‐old; this indicated possible early acquisition of adult plant resistance to A. psidii in this species. In the susceptible phenotype of E. globulus rust inoculation led to rapid colonization of leaf parenchyma cells with the disease cycle completed within 10 days. These findings provide valuable insights into host–pathogen interactions in the Eucalyptus–A. psidii pathosystem, which might be useful for the development of effective rust control strategies across Eucalyptus subgenera.
Algorithms for computing cubatures based on moment theory
Authors: Collowald Mathieu , Hubert Evelyne 
Published: October 2018

AbstractQuadrature is an approximation of the definite integral of a function by a weighted sum of function values at specified points, or nodes, within the domain of integration. Gaussian quadratures are constructed to yield exact results for any polynomials of degree or less by a suitable choice of r nodes and weights. Cubature is a generalization of quadrature in higher dimension. In this article, we elaborate algorithms to compute all minimal cubatures for a given domain and a given degree. We propose first algorithm in symbolic computation to characterize all cubatures of a given degree with a fixed number of nodes. The determination of the nodes and weights is then left to the computation of the eigenvectors of the matrix identified at the characterization stage and can be performed numerically. The characterization of cubatures on which our algorithms are based stems from moment theory. We formulate the results there in a basis‐independent way: Rather than considering the moment matrix, the central object in moment problems, we introduce the underlying linear map from the polynomial ring to its dual, the Hankel operator. This makes natural the use of bases of polynomials other than the monomial basis, and proves to be computationally relevant, either for numerical properties or to exploit symmetry.
Routes to parenthood for women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Mascarenhas Mariano , Oliver James , Bhandari Harish M 
Published: October 2018

Key content

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common form of sex chromosome aneuploidy in women.

Most women with TS have primary amenorrhoea, although some women with mosaic TS may have spontaneous menarche but have a significantly reduced ovarian reserve.

Women with TS face higher obstetric and neonatal risks in pregnancy, and pregnancy may be contraindicated for some.

Natural conception can occur in up to 8% of women with TS. For those with TS, assisted reproductive techniques using the woman's own eggs is possible for those with ovarian activity. For women with premature ovarian insufficiency, the use of donor gametes/embryos is possible, or surrogacy is an option for those with an underdeveloped uterus.

Fertility preservation is possible for affected women with good ovarian reserve and offers an opportunity to achieve pregnancy when they are physically and psychologically ready.

Learning objectives

To understand the underlying pathophysiology of the impact of TS on reproductive life.

To be aware of the specific risks women with TS face during pregnancy.

To be able to counsel women with TS regarding their available options for parenthood.

Ethical issues

Does refusing fertility treatment to women with TS who have contraindications to pregnancy violate patient autonomy, or is it unethical to proceed with fertility treatment because it risks maternal death?

Can girls with TS who have not yet reached the legal age of consent undergo oocyte freezing (if post‐pubertal) or ovarian tissue freezing (if pre‐pubertal)?
Contribution of rat embryonic stem cells to xenogeneic chimeras in blastocyst or 8‐cell embryo injection and aggregation
Authors: Okumura Hiroki , Nakanishi Anna , Toyama Satoshi , Yamanoue Mai , Yamada Kana , Ukai Akane , Hashita Tadahiro , Iwao Takahiro , Miyamoto Tomomi , Tagawa Yoh‐ichi , Hirabayashi Masumi , Miyoshi Ichiro , Matsunaga Tamihide 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe ultimate goal of regenerative medicine is the transplantation of a target organ generated by the patient's own cells. Recently, a method of organ generation using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and blastocyst complementation was reported. This approach is based on chimeric animal generation using an early embryo and PSCs, and the contribution of PSCs to the target organ is key to the method's success. However, the contribution rate of PSCs in target organs generated by different chimeric animal generation methods remains unknown. In this study, we used 8‐cell embryo aggregation, 8‐cell embryo injection, and blastocyst injection to generate interspecies chimeric mice using rat embryonic stem (ES) cells and then investigated the differences in the contribution rate of the rat ES cells. The rate of chimeric mouse generation was the highest using blastocyst injection, followed in order by 8‐cell embryo injection and 8‐cell embryo aggregation. However, the contribution rate of rat ES cells was the highest in chimeric neonates generated by 8‐cell embryo injection, and the difference was statistically significant in the liver. Live functionality was confirmed by analyzing the expression of rat hepatocyte‐derived drug‐metabolizing enzyme. Collectively, these findings indicate that the 8‐cell embryo injection method is the most suitable for generation of PSC‐derived organs via chimeric animal generation, particularly for the liver.
Use of an electronic patient-reported outcome measure in the management of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: the RePROM pilot trial protocol
Authors: Kyte Derek , Bishop Jon , Brettell Elizabeth , Calvert Melanie , Cockwell Paul , Dutton Mary , Eddington Helen , Hadley Gabby , Ives Natalie J , Jackson Louise J , Stringer Stephanie , Valente Marie 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 16% of adults in the UK. Patient quality of life is particularly reduced in end-stage renal disease and is strongly associated with increased hospitalisation and mortality. Thus, accurate and responsive healthcare is a key priority. Electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) are online questionnaires which ask patients to self-rate their health status. Evidence in oncology suggests that the use of ePROM data within routine care, alongside clinical information, may enhance symptom management and improve patient outcomes. However, National Health Service (NHS)-based ePROM research in CKD is lacking. This pilot trial will assess the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) in patients with CKD within the NHS.Methods and analysisThe renal ePROM pilot trial is an investigator-led single-centre, open-label, two-arm randomised controlled pilot trial of 66 participants ≥18 years with advanced CKD. Participants will be randomised to receive either usual care or usual care supplemented with an ePROM intervention. Participants within the intervention arm will be asked to submit monthly self-reports of their health status using the ePROM system. The system will provide tailored information to patients in response to each report and notify the clinical team of patient deterioration. The renal clinical team will monitor for ePROM notifications and will respond with appropriate action, in line with standard clinical practice. Measures of study feasibility, participant quality of life and CKD severity will be completed at 3 monthly intervals. Health economic outcomes will be assessed. Clinicians will record treatment decision-making. Acceptability and feasibility of the protocol will be assessed alongside outcome measure and intervention compliance rates. Qualitative process evaluation will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationThe findings will inform the design of a full-scale RCT and the results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The study has ethical approval.Trial registration numbersISRCTN12669006; Pre-results.