bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg shape mimicry in parasitic cuckoos
Authors: Attard M. R. G. , Medina I. , Langmore N. E. , Sherratt E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractParasitic cuckoos lay their eggs in nests of host species. Rejection of cuckoo eggs by hosts has led to the evolution of egg mimicry by cuckoos, whereby their eggs mimic the colour and pattern of their host eggs to avoid egg recognition and rejection. There is also evidence of mimicry in egg size in some cuckoo–host systems, but currently it is unknown whether cuckoos can also mimic the egg shape of their hosts. In this study, we test whether there is evidence of mimicry in egg form (shape and size) in three species of Australian cuckoos: the fan‐tailed cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis, which exploits dome nesting hosts, the brush cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus, which exploits both dome and cup nesting hosts, and the pallid cuckoo Cuculus pallidus, which exploits cup nesting hosts. We found evidence of size mimicry and, for the first time, evidence of egg shape mimicry in two Australian cuckoo species (pallid cuckoo and brush cuckoo). Moreover, cuckoo–host egg similarity was higher for hosts with open nests than for hosts with closed nests. This finding fits well with theory, as it has been suggested that hosts with closed nests have more difficulty recognizing parasitic eggs than open nests, have lower rejection rates and thus exert lower selection for mimicry in cuckoos. This is the first evidence of mimicry in egg shape in a cuckoo–host system, suggesting that mimicry at different levels (size, shape, colour pattern) is evolving in concert. We also confirm the existence of egg size mimicry in cuckoo–host systems.
Osteoporotic fractures may impair life as much as the complications of diabetes
Authors: Vokó Zoltán , Gáspár Katalin , Inotai András , Horváth Csaba , Bors Katalin , Speer Gábor , Kaló Zoltán 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesTo compare the effect of osteoporotic fractures and complications of diabetes mellitus on quality of life (QoL).MethodA cross‐sectional study was performed in 840 patients with osteoporosis and in 943 patients with diabetes in Hungary to estimate the effect of osteoporotic fractures and microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes on QoL using the EQ‐5D questionnaire. Ordinary least‐squares regression was performed for the analysis to control for age and gender.ResultsThe effects of certain of osteoporotic fractures and diabetes complications were similar in size measured by the EQ‐5D. Patients with hip fractures and compressions of the vertebrae suffered more than 0.2 drop in their QoL, which is comparable in size to the most severe complications of diabetes, such as vision loss and amputations.ConclusionsThe use of mortality and premature mortality as the traditional measures of disease burden in public health policy making means that diseases which strongly affect QoL but less survival might not get the necessary priority. This is especially the case in low‐income and middle‐income countries where studies on QoL are scarce. Our comparative analysis, which showed that osteoporotic fractures reduce QoL as much as major complications of diabetes, highlights the need for comprehensive disease burden assessment, including losses in functionality and QoL, to support decision making.
Distressing Symptoms, Disability, and Hospice Services at the End of Life: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Han Ling , Leo‐Summers Linda , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Allore Heather G. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between the presence and number of restricting symptoms and number of disabilities and subsequent admission to hospice at the end of life.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingGreater New Haven, Connecticut, from March 1998 to December 2014.ParticipantsDecedents from a cohort of 754 persons aged 70 and older (N = 562).MeasurementsHospice admissions were identified primarily from Medicare claims, and 15 restricting symptoms and disability in 13 activities were assessed during monthly interviews.ResultsDuring their last year of life, 244 (43.4%) participants were admitted to hospice. The median duration of hospice was 12.5 days (interquartile range 4–43 days). Although the largest increases were observed in the last 2 months of life, the prevalence of restricting symptoms and mean number of restricting symptoms and disabilities in the preceding months were high and trending upward. During a specific month, the likelihood of hospice admission increased by 66% (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30–2.12) in the setting of any restricting symptoms, by 9% (aHR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05–1.12) for each additional restricting symptom, and by 10% (aHR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05–1.14) for each additional disability. Each additional month with any restricting symptoms increased the likelihood of hospice admission by 7% (aHR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.13).ConclusionHospice services appear to be suitably targeted to older persons with the greatest needs at the end of life, although the short duration of hospice suggests that additional strategies are needed to better address the high burden of distressing symptoms and disability at the end of life.
Racial Differences in the Association Between Apolipoprotein E Risk Alleles and Overall and Total Cardiovascular Mortality Over 18 Years
Authors: Rajan Kumar B. , Barnes Lisa L. , Wilson Robert S. , McAninch Elizabeth A. , Weuve Jennifer , Sighoko Dominique , Evans Denis A. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo examine the difference in the association between apolipoprotein (APO)E allele and overall and cardiovascular mortality between African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs).DesignLongitudinal, cohort study of 18 years.SettingBiracial urban US population sample.Participants4,917, 68% AA and 32% EA.MeasurementsAPOE genotype and mortality based on National Death Index.ResultsA higher proportion of AAs than of EAs had an APOE ε2 allele (ε2ε2/ε2ε3/ε2ε4; 22% vs 13%) and an APOE ε4 allele (ε3ε4/ε4ε4; 33% vs 24%). After adjusting for known risk factors, the risk of mortality was 19% less with the APOE ε2 allele (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.76–0.87), and the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 35% less (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.58–0.76) than with the ε3ε3 allele. The risk of mortality was 10% greater with the APOE ε4 allele (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04–1.16), and the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 20% greater (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07–1.29) than with the ε3ε3 allele. No difference in the association between APOE allele and mortality was observed between AAs and EAs.ConclusionThe APOE ε4 allele increased the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, whereas the APOE ε2 allele decreased the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality. There was no racial difference in the association between these alleles and mortality.
The effects of optimism, religion, and hope on mood and anxiety disorders in women with the FMR1 premutation
Authors: Lowell E. P. , Tonnsen B. L. , Bailey D. B. , Roberts J. E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe FMR1 premutation, caused by a CGG trinucleotide repeat expansion on the FMR1 gene, has been identified as a genetic risk factor for mood and anxiety disorders. Building on recent studies identifying increased risk for mood and affective disorders in this population, we examined effects of potential protective factors (optimism, religion, hope) on depression and anxiety diagnoses in a prospective, longitudinal cohort.MethodsEighty‐three women with the FMR1 premutation participated in the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV‐TR Disorders at two‐time points, 3 years apart. Participants also completed measures of optimism, religion, personal faith, hope, and child and family characteristics. We used logistic regression to examine correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders at the initial assessment, as well as predictors of the diagnostic course over time.ResultsLower optimism and higher religious participation relevant to fragile X syndrome at the initial assessment were associated with a lifetime history of MDD. Lower optimism also predicted the occurrence and reoccurrence of an anxiety disorder 3 years later.ConclusionsIn women with the FMR1 premutation, elevated optimism may reduce the occurrence or severity of MDD and anxiety disorders. These findings underscore the importance of supporting mental health across the FMR1 spectrum of involvement.
Physical and mental health of young people with and without intellectual disabilities: cross‐sectional analysis of a whole country population
Authors: Young‐Southward G. , Rydzewska E. , Philo C. , Cooper S.‐A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundTransition to adulthood may be a period of vulnerability for health for individuals with intellectual disabilities. No large‐scale studies have compared the health of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities undergoing transition. The aims of this study were (1) to compare health during transition for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities across a whole country population and (2) to establish whether transition is associated with health in the population with intellectual disabilities.MethodsData were drawn from Scotland's Census, 2011. Frequency data were calculated for young people with and without intellectual disabilities. Logistic regressions were used to determine the extent to which intellectual disabilities account for seven health outcomes (general health, mental health, physical disabilities, hearing impairment, visual impairment, long‐term illness and day‐to‐day activity limitations), adjusted for age and gender. Within the intellectual disabilities population, logistic regressions were then used to determine whether age group (13–18 or 19–24 years) is associated with the seven health outcomes, adjusted by gender.ResultsA total of 5556/815 889 young people aged 13–24 years had intellectual disabilities. Those with intellectual disabilities were 9.6–125.0 times more likely to have poor health on the seven outcomes. Within the population with intellectual disabilities, the 19‐ to 24‐year‐olds with intellectual disabilities were more likely to have mental health problems than the 13‐ to 18‐year‐olds, but did not have poorer health on the other outcomes. The difference between age groups for mental health problems was greater for young people who did not have intellectual disabilities, but their overall level of mental health problems was substantially lower than for the young people with intellectual disabilities.ConclusionsThis largest‐to‐date study quantifies the extent of the substantial health disparities experienced by young people with intellectual disabilities compared with people without intellectual disabilities. The young population with intellectual disabilities have substantial health problems; therefore, transition between child and adult services must be carefully planned in order to ensure that existing health conditions are managed and emerging problems minimised.
Growth ofPseudomonas aeruginosain zinc poor environments is promoted by a nicotianamine‐related metallophore
Authors: Mastropasqua Maria Chiara , D'Orazio Melania , Cerasi Mauro , Pacello Francesca , Gismondi Angelo , Canini Antonella , Canuti Lorena , Consalvo Ada , Ciavardelli Domenico , Chirullo Barbara , Pasquali Paolo , Battistoni Andrea 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPrevious studies have suggested thatP.aeruginosapossesses redundant zinc uptake systems. To identify uncharacterized zinc transporters, we analyzed the genome‐wide transcriptional responses ofP.aeruginosaPA14 to zinc restriction. This approach led to the identification of an operon (zrmABCD) regulated by the zinc uptake regulator Zur, that encodes for a metallophore‐mediated zinc import system. This operon includes the genes for an uncharacterized TonB‐dependent Outer Membrane Protein (ZrmA) and for a putative nicotianamine synthase (ZrmB). The simultaneous inactivation of the ZnuABC transporter and of one of these two genes markedly decreases the ability ofP.aeruginosato grow in zinc‐poor media and compromises intracellular zinc accumulation. Our data demonstrate that ZrmB is involved in the synthesis of a metallophore which is released outside the cell and mediates zinc uptake through the ZrmA receptor. We also show that alterations in zinc homeostasis severely affect the ability ofP.aeruginosato cause acute lung and systemic infections in C57BL/6 mice, likely due to the involvement of zinc in the expression of several virulence traits. These findings disclose a hitherto unappreciated role of zinc inP.aeruginosapathogenicity and reveal that this microorganism can obtain zinc through a strategy resembling siderophore‐mediated iron uptake.
Structural and thermodynamic characterization of metal binding in Vps29 from Entamoeba histolytica: implication in retromer function
Authors: Srivastava Vijay Kumar , Yadav Rupali , Watanabe Natsuki , Tomar Priya , Mukherjee Madhumita , Gourinath Samudrala , Nakada‐Tsukui Kumiko , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Datta Sunando 
Published: September 2017

SummaryVps29 is the smallest subunit of retromer complex with metallo‐phosphatase fold. Although the role of metal in Vps29 is in quest, its metal binding mutants has been reported to affect the localization of the retromer complex in human cells. In this study, we report the structural and thermodynamic consequences of these mutations in Vps29 from the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica (EhVps29). EhVps29 is a zinc binding protein as revealed by X‐ray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry. The metal binding pocket of EhVps29 exhibits marked differences in its 3‐dimensional architecture and metal coordination in comparison to its human homologs and other metallo‐phosphatases. Alanine substitutions of the metal‐coordinating residues showed significant alteration in the binding affinity of EhVps29 for zinc. We also determined the crystal structures of metal binding defective mutants (D62A and D62A/H86A) of EhVps29. Based on our results, we propose that the metal atoms or the bound water molecules in the metal binding site are important for maintaining the structural integrity of the protein. Further cellular studies in the amoebic trophozoites showed that the overexpression of wild type EhVps29 leads to reduction in intracellular cysteine protease activity suggesting its crucial role in secretion of the proteases.
The genetics of drought tolerance in conifers
Authors: Moran Emily , Lauder Jeffrey , Musser Cameron , Stathos Angela , Shu Mengjun 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAs temperatures warm and precipitation patterns shift as a result of climate change, interest in the identification of tree genotypes that will thrive under more arid conditions has grown. In this review, we discuss the multiple definitions of ‘drought tolerance’ and the biological processes involved in drought responses. We describe the three major approaches taken in the study of genetic variation in drought responses, the advantages and shortcomings of each, and what each of these approaches has revealed about the genetic basis of adaptation to drought in conifers. Finally, we discuss how a greater knowledge of the genetics of drought tolerance may aid forest management, and provide recommendations for how future studies may overcome the limitations of past approaches. In particular, we urge a more direct focus on survival, growth and the traits that directly predict them (rather than on proxies, such as water use efficiency), combining research approaches with complementary strengths and weaknesses, and the inclusion of a wider range of taxa and life stages.

Contents

Summary
1034

I.
Introduction
1034

II.
Drought tolerance
1035

III.
Investigation of the genetic basis of drought tolerance: three main approaches
1037

IV.
Conifer drought tolerance genetics: what we know
1038

V.
Implications for the management of forests in a changing world
1042

VI.
Future directions
1043

VII.
Conclusion
1045

References
1045
TGACG‐BINDING FACTOR 1 (TGA1) and TGA4 regulate salicylic acid and pipecolic acid biosynthesis by modulating the expression of SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT 1 (SARD1) and CALMODULIN‐BINDING PROTEIN 60g (CBP60g)
Authors: Sun Tongjun , Busta Lucas , Zhang Qian , Ding Pingtao , Jetter Reinhard , Zhang Yuelin 
Published: September 2017

Summary

Salicylic acid (SA) and pipecolic acid (Pip) play important roles in plant immunity. Here we analyzed the roles of transcription factors TGACG‐BINDING FACTOR 1 (TGA1) and TGA4 in regulating SA and Pip biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We quantified the expression levels of SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT 1 (SARD1) and CALMODULIN‐BINDING PROTEIN 60g (CBP60g), which encode two master transcription factors of plant immunity, and the accumulation of SA and Pip in tga1‐1 tga4‐1 mutant plants. We tested whether SARD1 and CBP60g are direct targets of TGA1 by chromatin immunoprecipitation−polymerase chain reaction (ChIP‐PCR).

In addition to promoting pathogen‐induced SA biosynthesis, we found that SARD1 and CBP60g also positively regulated Pip biosynthesis by targeting genes encoding key biosynthesis enzymes of Pip. TGA1/TGA4 were required for full induction of SARD1 and CBP60g in plant defense. ChIP‐PCR analysis showed that SARD1 was a direct target of TGA1. In tga1‐1 tga4‐1 mutant plants, the expression levels of SARD1 and CBP60g along with SA and Pip accumulation following pathogen infection were dramatically reduced compared with those in wild‐type plants. Consistent with reduced expression of SARD1 and CBP60g, pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐induced pathogen resistance and systemic acquired resistance were compromised in tga1‐1 tga4‐1.

Our study showed that TGA1 and TGA4 regulate Pip and SA biosynthesis by modulating the expression of SARD1 and CBP60g.
Off the pedal: Fluoroless transseptal puncture in pediatric supraventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Clark Bradley C. , Sumihara Kohei , Berul Charles I. , Moak Jeffrey P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundFluoroless transseptal (TS) puncture may represent the final step toward elimination of fluoroscopy in pediatric supraventricular tachycardia ablation in normal hearts. We aimed to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of fluoroless TS puncture in pediatric patients and compare procedural timing with the fluoroscopic approach.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all TS procedures performed without fluoroscopy at our institution; fluoroless TS procedures were performed under intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance after the creation of a 3D electroanatomic map and identification of fossa ovalis (FO) on 3D map. TS procedure times reported are the time from sheath insertion (8.5F short sheath for ICE catheter and SL‐1 for TS needle) to the time of confirmed left atrial access. Prior TS procedures performed by the same operator utilizing a combination of ICE and fluoroscopy and by a second operator utilizing fluoroscopic guidance alone were used for comparison.ResultsFluoroless TS puncture was performed in nine patients (mean age 13.8 years); the site of TS puncture was within 2 mm of the FO identified on the EA map. The mean TS procedure time was 22.2 minutes (range 10–45). There was no significant difference in TS procedure times between the three groups. There were no complications related to any TS procedure.ConclusionFluoroless TS procedures utilizing ICE can safely be performed in pediatric patients without adding substantial procedural times compared with those utilizing fluoroscopic guidance.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders with and without Intellectual Disability by Gestational Age at Birth in the Stockholm Youth Cohort: a Register Linkage Study
Authors: Xie Sherlly , Heuvelman Hein , Magnusson Cecilia , Rai Dheeraj , Lyall Kristen , Newschaffer Craig J. , Dalman Christina , Lee Brian K. , Abel Kathryn 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundPreterm birth has been linked to increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but how this risk changes with gestational age at birth has not been well characterised, especially with regard to co‐occurring intellectual disability (ID).MethodsRegister‐based cohort study of singleton births in 1984–2007 in Stockholm County, Sweden (N total: 480 728; n ASD: 10 025). We assessed overall and sex‐specific, gestational week‐specific prevalence estimates and risk ratios of ASD with and without ID.ResultsPreterm and postterm births were associated with elevated risk of ASD, and the relationship between gestational age at birth and ASD with and without ID differed in males and females. Risk of ASD without ID was higher in preterm births among both sexes and decreased continuously with increasing length of gestation. Risk of ASD with ID was higher in both preterm and postterm births among both sexes, with postterm birth in females being more highly associated with ASD with ID than that in males.ConclusionsThe relationship between gestational age at birth and ASD differs by the presence/absence of co‐occurring ID and fetal sex. Both preterm and postterm birth are associated with increased risk of ASD. Risk of ASD is not constant within conventionally defined gestational age at birth periods. Further research on mechanism underlying these associations is needed.
Political reservation for women and delivery of public works program
Authors: Bose Nayana , Das Shreyasee 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe examine the impact of political reservations for women to analyze the effectiveness of female leaders in executing public works under NREGA, India's largest public works program. The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution mandated that one third of Panchayat seats be randomly assigned to women. Using detailed data on Panchayat elections, employment, and public works expenditure for nine districts in Uttar Pradesh, we find female Panchayat leaders significantly increase the demand for work under NREGA. We also find that women leaders take up projects that directly benefit women, such as water control and harvesting. Finally, we find no difference between male and female leaders in generating employment or efficiently implementing public works under NREGA.
Depoliticisation in Livestock Farming Governance: Turning Citizen Concerns into Consumer Responsibilities
Authors: van Wessel Margit 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Dutch livestock farming sector faces complex challenges concerning its sustainability and social license to operate. Engaging with what is widely understood as a legitimacy crisis, the Dutch government organised a two‐day multi‐stakeholder meetings to explore future directions. Participants engaged with the public as a key but absent stakeholder, in ways that contributed to the outcome of the meetings in important ways. The paper charts and analyses how and with what consequences this happened. Findings are that participants discursively constructed citizens in terms of consumer roles, with deliberations turning citizen concerns about livestock farming into questions of consumer responsibility, side‐lining citizens’ political voices and discursively displacing the possibility of politics around livestock farming. This instance of network governance presents a case of depoliticisation of an issue of concern to citizens, closely related to market players being put in the driver's seat of change, with the government in a supporting role. The article argues that this raises significant questions on the nature and role of construction of publics in network governance.