bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic patterns of ant–fungus associations indicate that farming strategies, not only a superior fungal cultivar, explain the ecological success of leafcutter ants
Authors: Mueller Ulrich G. , Kardish Melissa R. , Ishak Heather D. , Wright April M. , Solomon Scott E. , Bruschi Sofia M. , Carlson Alexis L. , Bacci Maurício 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo elucidate fungicultural specializations contributing to ecological dominance of leafcutter ants, we estimate the phylogeny of fungi cultivated by fungus‐growing (attine) ants, including fungal cultivars from (i) the entire leafcutter range from southern South America to southern North America, (ii) all higher‐attine ant lineages (leafcutting generaAtta,Acromyrmex; nonleafcutting generaTrachymyrmex,Sericomyrmex) and (iii) all lower‐attine lineages. Higher‐attine fungi form two clades, Clade‐A fungi (Leucocoprinus gongylophorus, formerlyAttamyces) previously thought to be cultivated only by leafcutter ants, and a sister clade, Clade‐B fungi, previously thought to be cultivated only byTrachymyrmexandSericomyrmexants. Contradicting this traditional view, we find that (i) leafcutter ants are not specialized to cultivate only Clade‐A fungi because some leafcutter species ranging across South America cultivate Clade‐B fungi; (ii)Trachymyrmexants are not specialized to cultivate only Clade‐B fungi because someTrachymyrmexspecies cultivate Clade‐A fungi and otherTrachymyrmexspecies cultivate fungi known so far only from lower‐attine ants; (iii) in some locations, single higher‐attine ant species or closely related cryptic species cultivate both Clade‐A and Clade‐B fungi; and (iv) ant–fungus co‐evolution among higher‐attine mutualisms is therefore less specialized than previously thought. Sympatric leafcutter ants can be ecologically dominant when cultivating either Clade‐A or Clade‐B fungi, sustaining with either cultivar‐type huge nests that command large foraging territories; conversely, sympatricTrachymyrmexants cultivating either Clade‐A or Clade‐B fungi can be locally abundant without achieving the ecological dominance of leafcutter ants. Ecological dominance of leafcutter ants therefore does not depend primarily on specialized fungiculture ofL. gongylophorus(Clade‐A), but must derive from ant–fungus synergisms and unique ant adaptations.
Plasticity and evolutionary divergence in gene expression associated with alternative habitat use in larvae of the European Fire Salamander
Authors: Czypionka Till , Goedbloed Daniel J. , Steinfartz Sebastian , Nolte Arne W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTranscriptomes of organisms reveal differentiation associated with the use of different habitats. However, this leaves open how much of the observed differentiation can be attributed to genetic differences or to transcriptional plasticity. In this study, we disentangle causes of differential gene expression in larvae of the European fire salamander from the Kottenforst forest in Germany. Larvae inhabit permanent streams and ephemeral ponds and represent an example of a young evolutionary split associated with contrasting ecological conditions. We hypothesized that adaptation towards differences in water temperature plays a role because the thermal regime between stream and pond habitats differs notably. Tissue samples from tail fins of larvae were collected to study gene expression using microarrays. We found ample evidence for differentiation among larvae occupying different habitats in nature with 2,800 of 11,797 genes being differentially expressed. We then quantified transcriptional plasticity towards temperature and genetic differentiation based on controlled temperature laboratory experiments. Gene‐by‐environment interactions modelling revealed that 28% of the gene expression divergence observed among samples in nature could be attributed to plasticity related to water temperature. Expression patterns of only a small number of 101 genes were affected by the genotype. Our analysis demonstrates that effects of environmental factors must be taken into account to explain variation of gene expression in salamanders in nature. Notwithstanding, it provides first evidence that genetic factors determined gene expression divergence between pond and stream ecotypes and could be involved in adaptive evolution.
Persistent effects of obesity: a neuroplasticity hypothesis
Authors: Matikainen‐Ankney Bridget A. , Kravitz Alexxai V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe obesity epidemic is a leading cause of health problems in the United States, increasing the risk of cardiovascular, endocrine, and psychiatric diseases. Although many people lose weight through changes in diet and lifestyle, keeping the weight off remains a challenge. Here, we discuss a hypothesis that seeks to explain why obesity is so persistent. There is a great degree of overlap in the circuits implicated in substance use disorder and obesity, and neural plasticity of these circuits in response to drugs of abuse is well documented. We hypothesize that obesity is also associated with neural plasticity in these circuits, and this may underlie persistent changes in behavior, energy balance, and body weight. Here, we discuss how obesity‐associated reductions in motivation and physical activity may be rooted in neurophysiological alterations in these circuits. Such plasticity may alter how humans and animals use, expend, and store energy, even after weight loss.
Mesenchymal cell differentiation and diseases: involvement of translin/TRAX complexes and associated proteins
Authors: Kasai Masataka , Ishida Reiko , Nakahara Kazuhiko , Okumura Ko , Aoki Katsunori 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTranslin and translin‐associated factor X (translin/TRAX) proteins have been implicated in a variety of cellular activities central to nucleic acid metabolism. Accumulating evidence indicates that translin/TRAX complexes participate in processes ensuring the replication of DNA, as well as cell division. Significant progress has been made in understanding the roles of translin/TRAX complexes in RNA metabolism, such as through RNA‐induced silencing complex activation or the microRNA depletion that occurs in Dicer deficiency. At the cellular level, translin‐deficient (Tsn–/–) mice display delayed endochondral ossification or progressive bone marrow failure with ectopic osteogenesis and adipogenesis, suggesting involvement in mesenchymal cell differentiation. In this review, we summarize the molecular and cellular functions of translin homo‐octamer and translin/TRAX hetero‐octamer. Finally, we discuss the multifaceted roles of translin, TRAX, and associated proteins in the healthy and disease states.
Is auditory perceptual timing a core deficit of developmental coordination disorder?
Authors: Trainor Laurel J. , Chang Andrew , Cairney John , Li Yao‐Chuen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTime is an essential dimension for perceiving and processing auditory events, and for planning and producing motor behaviors. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 5–6% of children that is characterized by deficits in motor skills. Studies show that children with DCD have motor timing and sensorimotor timing deficits. We suggest that auditory perceptual timing deficits may also be core characteristics of DCD. This idea is consistent with evidence from several domains, (1) motor‐related brain regions are often involved in auditory timing process; (2) DCD has high comorbidity with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity, which are known to be associated with auditory timing deficits; (3) a few studies report deficits in auditory–motor timing among children with DCD; and (4) our preliminary behavioral and neuroimaging results show that children with DCD at age 6 and 7 have deficits in auditory time discrimination compared to typically developing children. We propose directions for investigating auditory perceptual timing processing in DCD that use various behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. From a clinical perspective, research findings can potentially benefit our understanding of the etiology of DCD, identify early biomarkers of DCD, and can be used to develop evidence‐based interventions for DCD involving auditory–motor training.
Drosophila melanogaster has the enzymatic machinery to make the melanic component of neuromelanin
Authors: Barek Hanine , Veraksa Alexey , Sugumaran Manickam 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn Drosophila, the same set of genes that are used for cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization are present in the nervous system and are responsible for neurotransmitter recycling. In this study, we carried out biochemical analysis to determine whether insects have the enzymatic machinery to make melanic component of neuromelanin. We focused our attention on two key enzymes of melanogenesis, namely phenoloxidase and dopachrome decarboxylase/tautomerase. Activity staining of the proteins isolated from the Drosophila larval brain tissue, separated by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicated the presence of these two enzymes. Mass spectral sequence analysis of the band also supported this finding. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of the enzymatic machinery to make melanin part of neuromelanin in any insect brain.
Zone of Acceptance under Performance Measurement: Does Performance Information Affect Employee Acceptance of Management Authority?
Authors: Nielsen Poul Aaes , Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPublic sector employees have traditionally enjoyed substantial influence and bargaining power in organizational decision making, but few studies have investigated the formation of employee acceptance of management authority. Drawing on the “romance of leadership” perspective, the authors argue that performance information shapes employee attributions of leader quality and perceptions of a need for change in ways that affect their acceptance of management authority, conceptualized using Simon's notion of a “zone of acceptance.” A survey experiment was conducted among 1,740 teachers, randomly assigning true performance information about each respondent's own school. When employees were exposed to signals showing low or high performance, their acceptance of management authority increased, whereas average performance signals reduced employee acceptance of management authority. The findings suggest that performance measurement can alter public sector authority relations and have implications regarding how public managers can use performance information strategically to gain acceptance of management authority and organizational change.
Multi‐scale analysis of a migrating submarine channel system in a tectonically‐confined basin: The Miocene Gorgoglione Flysch Formation, southern Italy
Authors: Casciano Claudio I. , Patacci Marco , Longhitano Sergio G. , Tropeano Marcello , McCaffrey William D. , Di Celma Claudio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Miocene Gorgoglione Flysch Formation records the stratigraphic product of protracted sediment transfer and deposition through a long‐lived submarine channel system developed in a narrow and elongate thrust‐top basin of the Southern Apennines (Italy). Channel‐fill deposits are exposed in an outcrop belt approximately 500 m thick and 15 km long, oriented oblique to the palaeoflow, which was roughly south‐eastward. These exceptional exposures of channel‐fill strata allow the stacking architectures and the evolution of the channel system to be analyzed at multiple scales, enabling the effects of syn‐sedimentary thrust tectonics and basin confinement on the depositional system development to be deciphered. Two end‐member types of elementary channel architecture have been identified: high‐aspect‐ratio, weakly‐confined channels, and low‐aspect‐ratio, incisional channels. Their systematic stacking results in a complex pattern of seismic‐scale depositional architectures that determines the stratigraphic framework of the deep‐water system. From the base of the succession, two prominent channel complex sets have been recognized, namely CS1 and CS2, consisting of amalgamated incisional channel elements and weakly‐confined channel elements. These channelized units are overlain by isolated incisional channels, erosional into mud‐prone slope deposits. The juxtaposition of different channel architectures is interpreted to have been governed by regional thrust‐tectonics, in combination with a high subsidence rate that promoted significant aggradation. In this scenario, the alternating ‘in sequence’ and ‘out of sequence’ tectonic pulses of the basin‐bounding thrusts controlled the activation of coarse‐clastic inputs in the basin and the resulting stacking architectures of channelized units. The tectonically‐driven confinement of the depositional system limited the lateral offset in channel stacking, preventing large‐scale avulsions. This study represents an excellent opportunity to analyze the stratigraphic evolution of a submarine channel system in tectonically‐active settings from an outcrop perspective. It should find wide applicability in analogous depositional systems, whose stratigraphic architecture has been influenced by tectonically‐controlled lateral confinement and associated lateral tilting.
Cover Image, Volume 16, Issue 2
Authors: Dressel S. , Gosselin M.‐C. , Capstick M. H. , Carrasco E. , Weyland M. S. , Scheidegger S. , Neufeld E. , Kuster N. , Bodis S. , Rohrer Bley C. 
Published: May 2018

The cover image, by S. Dressel et al., is based on the Original Article Novel hyperthermia applicator system allows adaptive treatment planning: Preliminary clinical results in tumour‐bearing animals, DOI: 10.1111/vco.12340
image
Evidence of synergy with ‘stacked’ intrarow cultivation tools
Authors: Brown B , Gallandt E R 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIntrarow cultivation efficacy is often low and highly variable. As the mechanisms affecting weed mortality likely vary by tool, several companies have developed cultivators with the ability to use several different intrarow tools at once. We evaluated the potential for such ‘stacking’ of cultivation tools to increase efficacy. We used different sequences of torsion weeders, finger weeders and row harrows in a test crop of maize with surrogate weeds, Sinapis alba and Panicum miliaceum. Most tool combinations resulted in an additive increase in efficacy compared with the individual tools, but the combination of torsion–finger–row harrow demonstrated a synergistic increase in efficacy. In separate experiments, forward speed, soil moisture and weed size were negatively correlated with efficacy, but the torsion–finger–row harrow combination continued to demonstrate a synergistic increase in efficacy compared with the individual tools in 7 of 11 cases. The drawback was high crop mortality (16.0 ± 1.16%); further mechanistic research is needed to reduce crop mortality while maintaining high mean efficacy, through tool design, adjustment and cultural factors.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Collected in Asia-Pacific Countries: Results from the INFORM Global Surveillance Program, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , Stone Gregory G. , Sahm Daniel F. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activities of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators against 9,149 isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
and 2,038 isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
collected by 42 medical centers in nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region from 2012 to 2015 were determined as part of the International Network for Optimal Resistance Monitoring (INFORM) global surveillance program. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution, and isolate subset analysis was performed on the basis of the resistant phenotypes and β-lactamase content. Ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated potent
in vitro
activity (MIC, ≤8 μg/ml) against all
Enterobacteriaceae
tested (99.0% susceptible) and was the most active against isolates that were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) negative (99.8% susceptible). Against
P. aeruginosa
, 92.6% of all isolates and 96.1% of MBL-negative isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam (MIC, ≤8 μg/ml). The rates of susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam ranged from 97.0% (Philippines) to 100% (Hong Kong, South Korea) for
Enterobacteriaceae
and from 83.1% (Thailand) to 100% (Hong Kong) among
P. aeruginosa
isolates, with lower susceptibilities being observed in countries where MBLs were more frequently encountered (Philippines, Thailand). Ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 97.2 to 100% of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates, per country, that carried serine β-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases, AmpC cephalosporinases, and carbapenemases (KPC, GES, OXA-48-like). It also inhibited 91.3% of
P. aeruginosa
isolates that were carbapenem nonsusceptible in which no acquired β-lactamase was detected. Among MBL-negative
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates that were ceftazidime nonsusceptible, meropenem nonsusceptible, colistin resistant, and multidrug resistant, ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 96.1, 87.7, 100, and 98.8% of isolates, respectively, and among MBL-negative
P. aeruginosa
isolates that were ceftazidime nonsusceptible, meropenem nonsusceptible, colistin resistant, and multidrug resistant, ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 79.6, 83.6, 83.3, and 68.2% of isolates, respectively. Overall, clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
and
P. aeruginosa
collected in nine Asia-Pacific countries from 2012 to 2015 were highly susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.
Complete and Annotated Genome Sequence of the Sourdough Lactic Acid Bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum IMDO 130101
Authors: Verce Marko , De Vuyst Luc , Weckx Stefan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus fermentum
is a species of lactic acid bacteria that is frequently found in sourdough, a fermented flour-water mixture used in the production of bread and other baked goods. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
L. fermentum
IMDO 130101, a candidate sourdough starter culture strain isolated from a backslopped rye sourdough.
Iron deficiency, its epidemiological features and feeding practices among infants aged 12 months in Qatar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zainel Abdul Jaleel A Latif , Osman Sherif R Omar , Al-Kohji Sadriya Mohammed S , Selim Nagah A 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo estimate the magnitude of anaemia, iron deficiency (ID), iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and to explore epidemiological features of ID and feeding practices among infants aged 12 months in Qatar.SettingWell baby clinics in 14 randomly selected primary healthcare centres covering all geographical areas on the national level.ParticipantsThree hundred and six (163 male and 143 female) infants of all nationalities were enrolled. Mothers were asked to complete a predesigned interview questionnaire and infants were blood tested for anaemia, ID and IDA.Outcome measuresCut-off point used to diagnose anaemia was haemoglobin <11.1 g/dL, and to diagnose ID, serum ferritin <6 ug/L with normal C reactive protein.ResultsPrevalence of anaemia was 23.5%, ID was 9.2% and IDA was 7.8%. ID was more prevalent among non-Qatari infants compared with Qatari (10.9% vs1.7%, p=0.029), more prevalent among infants born to housewives and to families of low income (p≤0.05). With regard to feeding practice, ID was higher in infants who continued breastfeeding until the age of 1 year and among those who never took infant formula milk (p≤0.05). Mothers who received infant feeding counselling had less ID occurrence among their infants compared with their counterparts who did not receive such counselling (4.2%vs13.4%, p=0.005).ConclusionAlthough ID and IDA among infants in Qatar are less prevalent compared with many developing countries, still further efforts are needed for improvement towards more developed countries. Efforts should be contextualised and should target the key epidemiological features with special emphasis on infant feeding and infant feeding counselling to mothers.
Trajectories of disposable income among people of working ages diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Sweden 7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis with a population-based reference group
Authors: Murley Chantelle , Mogard Olof , Wiberg Michael , Alexanderson Kristina , Karampampa Korinna , Friberg Emilie , Tinghög Petter 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo describe how disposable income (DI) and three main components changed, and analyse whether DI development differed from working-aged people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to a reference group from 7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis in Sweden.DesignPopulation-based cohort study, 12-year follow-up (7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis).SettingSwedish working-age population with microdata linked from two nationwide registers.ParticipantsResidents diagnosed with MS in 2009 aged 25–59 years (n=785), and references without MS (n=7847) randomly selected with stratified matching (sex, age, education and country of birth).Primary and secondary outcome measuresDI was defined as the annual after tax sum of incomes (earnings and benefits) to measure individual economic welfare. Three main components of DI were analysed as annual sums: earnings, sickness absence benefits and disability pension benefits.ResultsWe found no differences in mean annual DI between people with and without MS by independent t-tests (p values between 0.15 and 0.96). Differences were found for all studied components of DI from diagnosis year by independent t-tests, for example, in the final study year (2013): earnings (−64 867 Swedish Krona (SEK); 95% CI−79 203 to −50 528); sickness absence benefits (13 330 SEK; 95% CI 10 042 to 16 500); and disability pension benefits (21 360 SEK; 95% CI 17 380 to 25 350). A generalised estimating equation evaluated DI trajectory development between people with and without MS to find both trajectories developed in parallel, both before (−4039 SEK; 95% CI −10 536 to 2458) and after (−781 SEK; 95% CI −6988 to 5360) diagnosis.ConclusionsThe key finding of parallel DI trajectory development between working-aged MS and references suggests minimal economic impact within the first 4 years of diagnosis. The Swedish welfare system was responsive to the observed reductions in earnings around MS diagnosis through balancing DI with morbidity-related benefits. Future decreases in economic welfare may be experienced as the disease progresses, although thorough investigation with future studies of modern cohorts are required.