bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary patterns of adaptive acrobatics and physical performance predict expression profiles of androgen receptor – but not oestrogen receptor – in the forelimb musculature
Authors: Fuxjager Matthew J. , Eaton Joy , Lindsay Willow R. , Salwiczek Lucie H. , Rensel Michelle A. , Barske Julia , Sorenson Laurie , Day Lainy B. , Schlinger Barney A. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Superior physical competence is vital to the adaptive behavioural routines of many animals, particularly those that engage in elaborate sociosexual displays. How such traits evolve across species remains unclear.

Recent work suggests that activation of sex steroid receptors in neuromuscular systems is necessary for the fine motor skills needed to execute physically elaborate displays. Thus, using passerine birds as models, we test whether interspecific variation in display complexity predicts species differences in the abundance of androgen and oestrogen receptors (AR and ER‐α) expressed in the forelimb musculature and spinal cord.

We find that small‐scale evolutionary patterns in physical display complexity positively predict expression of AR in the main muscles that lift and retract the wings. No such relationship is detected in the spinal cord, and we do not find a correlation between display behaviour and neuromuscular expression of ER‐α. Also, we find that AR expression levels in different androgen targets throughout the body – namely the wing muscles, spinal cord and testes – are not necessarily correlated, providing evidence that evolutionary forces drive AR expression in a tissue‐specific manner.

These results suggest co‐evolution between the physical prowess necessary for display performance and levels of AR expression in avian forelimb muscles. Moreover, this relationship appears to be both specific to muscle and AR‐mediated signalling.

Given that prior work suggests that activation of muscular AR is a necessary component of physical display performance, our current data support the hypothesis that sexual selection shapes levels of AR expressed in the forelimb skeletal muscles to help drive the evolution of adaptive motor abilities.
Formerly eclamptic women have lower nonpregnant blood pressure compared with formerly pre‐eclamptic women: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schreurs MP , Cipolla MJ , Al‐Nasiry S , Peeters LLH , Spaanderman MEA 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo compare nonpregnant blood pressure and circulating metabolic factors between formerly pre‐eclamptic women who did and did not deteriorate to eclampsia.DesignRetrospective observational cohort study.SettingTertiary referral centre.PopulationFormerly pre‐eclamptic women with (n = 88) and without (n = 698) superimposed eclampsia.MethodsWomen who experienced pre‐eclampsia with or without superimposed eclampsia during their pregnancy or puerperium were tested for possible underlying cardiovascular risk factors at least 6 months postpartum. We measured blood pressure and determined cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers in a fasting blood sample. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's Rho test or Fisher's Exact test (odds ratios).Main outcome measuresDifferences in postpartum blood pressures and features of the metabolic syndrome between formerly pre‐eclamptic and formerly eclamptic women.ResultsFormerly pre‐eclamptic women who developed eclampsia differed from their counterparts without eclampsia by a lower blood pressure (P < 0.01) with blood pressure correlating inversely with the likelihood of having experienced eclampsia (P < 0.001). In addition, formerly eclamptic women had higher circulating C‐reactive protein levels than formerly pre‐eclamptic women (P < 0.05). All other circulating metabolic factors were comparable. Finally, 40% of all eclamptic cases occurred in the puerperium.ConclusionsFormerly pre‐eclamptic women with superimposed eclampsia have lower nonpregnant blood pressure compared with their counterparts without neurological sequelae with blood pressure negatively correlated to the occurrence of eclampsia. As about 40% of all eclamptic cases occur postpartum, routine blood pressure monitoring postpartum should be intensified.Tweetable abstractNonpregnant blood pressure of formerly pre‐eclamptic women is negatively correlated to the occurrence of eclampsia.
Revisiting the Impact of Order Effects on Sensitivity to Scope: A Contingent Valuation of a Common‐Pool Resource
Authors: Martin‐Ortega Julia , Azahara Mesa‐Jurado M. , Berbel Julio 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWhile many studies have employed stated preferences methods to estimate the value of non‐market ecosystem goods and services, contingent valuation (CV) still generates a significant amount of criticism. Besides ethical concerns, two of the key criticisms relate to insensitivity to scope and order effects. We examine the expectation that the presence of order effects in stepwise disclosure procedures affects the degree of scope sensitivity. We use data from a CV exercise asking farmers in Southern Spain to value two different levels of guarantee of water supply for irrigation in a context of water scarcity. We find that despite order effects being present, they do not affect the existence or the degree of sensitivity to scope. We conclude that, in the light of the mixed evidence found in the literature and the results of our study, it does not seem justified to ascribe order effects and their connection with sensitivity to scope to study design alone (e.g. step‐wise versus advanced disclosure, top‐down versus bottom‐up). The nature of the environmental good under valuation also matters. Our study of irrigation water as a common‐pool resource suggests that, when clear private benefits also exist, these appear to override any ‘good cause dumping effect’ that might arise from the public good component.
The role of political uncertainty in Australian financial markets
Authors: Smales Lee A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWithin the developed world, recent Australian political history is uniquely turbulent. This situation invokes indecision regarding investment decisions in both the real economy and the financial markets. This paper explores the relationship between uncertainty in Australian federal election polling and resulting financial market uncertainty. Empirical evidence suggests that increasing (decreasing) levels of uncertainty around the election result induce higher (lower) levels of uncertainty in financial markets. The effect is more pronounced as polling day approaches. Industry‐level analysis suggests that the base materials sector is most significantly affected by election uncertainty in Australia.
A research analytics framework‐supported recommendation approach for supervisor selection
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Ma Jian , Liu Zhiying , Sun Jianshan , Silva Thushari 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIdentifying a suitable supervisor for a new research student is vitally important for his or her academic career. Current information overload and information disorientation have posed significant challenges for new students. Existing research for supervisor identification focuses on quality assessment of candidates, but ignores indirect relevance with candidate supervisors' previous students, social network connections and their thinking styles. This paper presents a comprehensive student‐centric approach based on research analytics framework for finding and recommending supervisors for new students. In particular, it integrates multiple measurements from three dimensions, ie, relevance, connectivity and quality. A prototype system was developed to support student–supervisor recommendations on a research social network platform (ie, www.ScholarMate.com). The results of user‐based evaluations demonstrate that our proposed approach generates more satisfactory recommendations as compared with that of all baseline methods.
Stratigraphic modelling of platform architecture and carbonate production: a Messinian case study (Sorbas Basin, SE Spain)
Authors: Kolodka Christophe , Vennin Emmanuelle , Bourillot Raphael , Granjeon Didier , Desaubliaux Guy 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe late Messinian mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic platforms of the Sorbas Basin, known as the Terminal Carbonate Complex, record significant changes in carbonate production and geometry. Their facies and stratigraphic architecture result from complex interactions between base‐level fluctuations, evaporite deformation/dissolution and detrital inputs. A 3D quantitative approach (with DIONISOS software) is used to explore the basin‐scale platform architecture and to quantify the carbonate production of the Terminal Carbonate Complex. The modelling strategy consists in integrating detailed 2D field‐based transects and modern carbonate system parameters (e.g. carbonate production rates, bathymetric and hydrodynamic ranges of production). This approach limits user impact and so provides more objective output results. Tests are carried out on carbonate production rates, subsidence and evaporite deformation/dissolution. Numerical modelling provides accurate predictions of geometries, facies distributions and depositional sequence thicknesses, validated by field data. Comparative statistical testing of the field transects and of the various model outputs are used to discern the relative contribution of the parameters tested to the evolution of basin filling. The 3D visualization and quantification of the main carbonate producers (ooids and microbialites) are discussed in terms of changes in base‐level and detrital supply. This study demonstrates that base‐level fluctuations have the greatest impact on the carbonate budget. Evaporite deformation/dissolution affects the type and amount of carbonate production, inducing a transition from an ooid‐ to microbialite‐dominated system and also has a major effect on stratigraphic architecture by inducing the migration of depocentres. The numerical modelling results obtained using modern carbonate system parameters could also be applied to subsurface ooid‐microbialite reservoirs, and the Terminal Carbonate Complex is a good analogue for such systems.
The siRNA cocktail targeting interleukin 10 receptor and transforming growth factor-β receptor on dendritic cells potentiates tumour antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity
Authors: Ahn Y-H , Hong S-O , Kim J H , Noh K H , Song K-H , Lee Y-H , Jeon J-H , Kim D-W , Seo J H , Kim T W 
Published: March 2015

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are promising therapeutic agents in the field of cancer immunotherapy due to their intrinsic immune-priming capacity. The potency of DCs, however, is readily attenuated immediately after their administration in patients as tumours and various immune cells, including DCs, produce various immunosuppressive factors such as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β that hamper the function of DCs. In this study, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence the expression of endogenous molecules in DCs, which can sense immunosuppressive factors. Among the siRNAs targeting various immunosuppressive molecules, we observed that DCs transfected with siRNA targeting IL-10 receptor alpha (siIL-10RA) initiated the strongest antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immune responses. The potency of siIL-10RA was enhanced further by combining it with siRNA targeting TGF-β receptor (siTGF-βR), which was the next best option during the screening of this study, or the previously selected immunoadjuvant siRNA targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) or Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM). In the midst of sorting out the siRNA cocktails, the cocktail of siIL-10RA and siTGF-βR generated the strongest antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity. Concordantly, the knock-down of both IL-10RA and TGF-βR in DCs induced the strongest anti-tumour effects in the TC-1 P0 tumour model, a cervical cancer model expressing the human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 E7 antigen, and even in the immune-resistant TC-1 (P3) tumour model that secretes more IL-10 and TGF-β than the parental tumour cells (TC-1 P0). These results provide the groundwork for future clinical development of the siRNA cocktail-mediated strategy by co-targeting immunosuppressive molecules to enhance the potency of DC-based vaccines.
The T cell antigen receptor: the Swiss army knife of the immune system
Authors: Attaf M , Legut M , Cole D K , Sewell A K 
Published: March 2015

Summary
The mammalian T cell receptor (TCR) orchestrates immunity by responding to many billions of different ligands that it has never encountered before and cannot adapt to at the protein sequence level. This remarkable receptor exists in two main heterodimeric isoforms: αβ TCR and γδ TCR. The αβ TCR is expressed on the majority of peripheral T cells. Most αβ T cells recognize peptides, derived from degraded proteins, presented at the cell surface in molecular cradles called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Recent reports have described other αβ T cell subsets. These ‘unconventional’ T cells bear TCRs that are capable of recognizing lipid ligands presented in the context of the MHC-like CD1 protein family or bacterial metabolites bound to the MHC-related protein 1 (MR1). γδ T cells constitute a minority of the T cell pool in human blood, but can represent up to half of total T cells in tissues such as the gut and skin. The identity of the preferred ligands for γδ T cells remains obscure, but it is now known that this receptor can also functionally engage CD1-lipid, or immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily proteins called butyrophilins in the presence of pyrophosphate intermediates of bacterial lipid biosynthesis. Interactions between TCRs and these ligands allow the host to discriminate between self and non-self and co-ordinate an attack on the latter. Here, we describe how cells of the T lymphocyte lineage and their antigen receptors are generated and discuss the various modes of antigen recognition by these extraordinarily versatile receptors.
Glial Pathology in Bipolar Disorder: Potential Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Hua , Zhen Xue‐Chu 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and severe mental disorder with recurrent episodes of mania and depression. In addition to neuronal alterations, accumulating evidences have revealed the importance of glial system in pathophysiology and phenotype of the illness. Postmortem studies have repeatedly demonstrated the alterations in glial cells and its functions in patients with BD. The activated microglia and inflammatory cytokines are proposed to be the potential biomarkers that may help to predict disease exacerbation in BD. On the other hand, anti‐BD drugs have been shown to produce profound effects on glial activity, which not only contributes to the therapeutic efficacy, but may also provide a potential target for the drug development of BD. We will focus on the recent development of glial abnormalities and potential therapeutic benefits targeted to glial modulation in BD.
Genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach indicates geographic distance as the main factor affecting genetic structure and gene flow in Brazilian populations of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
Authors: Silva‐Brandão Karina Lucas , Silva Oscar Arnaldo Batista Neto e , Brandão Marcelo Mendes , Omoto Celso , Sperling Felix A. H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is one of the major pests of stone and pome fruit species in Brazil. Here, we applied 1226 SNPs obtained by genotyping‐by‐sequencing to test whether host species associations or other factors such as geographic distance structured populations of this pest. Populations from the main areas of occurrence of G. molesta were sampled principally from peach and apple orchards. Three main clusters were recovered by neighbor‐joining analysis, all defined by geographic proximity between sampling localities. Overall genetic structure inferred by a nonhierarchical amova resulted in a significant ΦST value = 0.19109. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that SNPs gathered by genotyping‐by‐sequencing can be used to infer genetic structure of a pest insect in Brazil; moreover, our results indicate that those markers are very informative even over a restricted geographic scale. We also demonstrate that host plant association has little effect on genetic structure among Brazilian populations of G. molesta; on the other hand, reduced gene flow promoted by geographic isolation has a stronger impact on population differentiation.
Oceanography and life history predict contrasting genetic population structure in two Antarctic fish species
Authors: Young Emma F. , Belchier Mark , Hauser Lorenz , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Meredith Michael P. , Murphy Eugene J. , Pascoal Sonia , Rock Jennifer , Tysklind Niklas , Carvalho Gary R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the key drivers of population connectivity in the marine environment is essential for the effective management of natural resources. Although several different approaches to evaluating connectivity have been used, they are rarely integrated quantitatively. Here, we use a ‘seascape genetics’ approach, by combining oceanographic modelling and microsatellite analyses, to understand the dominant influences on the population genetic structure of two Antarctic fishes with contrasting life histories, Champsocephalus gunnari and Notothenia rossii. The close accord between the model projections and empirical genetic structure demonstrated that passive dispersal during the planktonic early life stages is the dominant influence on patterns and extent of genetic structuring in both species. The shorter planktonic phase of C. gunnari restricts direct transport of larvae between distant populations, leading to stronger regional differentiation. By contrast, geographic distance did not affect differentiation in N. rossii, whose longer larval period promotes long‐distance dispersal. Interannual variability in oceanographic flows strongly influenced the projected genetic structure, suggesting that shifts in circulation patterns due to climate change are likely to impact future genetic connectivity and opportunities for local adaptation, resilience and recovery from perturbations. Further development of realistic climate models is required to fully assess such potential impacts.
Inventory of the GH70 enzymes encoded by Leuconostoc citreum NRRL B‐1299 – identification of three novel α‐transglucosylases
Authors: Passerini Delphine , Vuillemin Marlène , Ufarté Lisa , Morel Sandrine , Loux Valentin , Fontagné‐Faucher Catherine , Monsan Pierre , Remaud‐Siméon Magali , Moulis Claire 
Published: March 2015

Leuconostoc citreum NRRL B‐1299 has long been known to produce α‐glucans containing both α‐(1→6) and α‐(1→2) linkages, which are synthesized by α‐transglucosylases of the GH70 family. We sequenced the genome of Leuconostoc citreum NRRL B‐1299 to identify the full inventory of GH70 enzymes in this strain. Three new genes (brsA, dsrM and dsrDP) putatively encoding GH70 enzymes were identified. The corresponding recombinant enzymes were characterized. Branching sucrase A (BRS‐A) grafts linear α‐(1→6) dextran with α‐(1→2)‐linked glucosyl units, and is probably involved in the α‐(1→2) branching of L. citreum NRRL B‐1299 dextran. This is the first report of a naturally occurring α‐(1→2) branching sucrase. DSR‐M and DSR‐DP are dextransucrases that are specific for α‐(1→6) linkage synthesis and mainly produce oligomers or short dextrans with molar masses between 580 and 27 000 g·mol−1. In addition, DSR‐DP contains sequences that diverge from the consensus sequences that are typically present in enzymes that synthesize linear dextran. Comparison of the genome with five other L. citreum genomes further revealed that dsrDP is unique to L. citreum NRRL B‐1299. The presence of this gene in a prophage represents the first evidence of phage‐mediated horizontal transfer of genes encoding such enzymes in lactic acid bacteria. Finally, brsA and dsrM are located in a chromosomal region in which genes encoding strain‐specific GH70 enzymes are consistently located. This region may be a good target on which to focus in order to rapidly evaluate the diversity of GH70 enzymes in L. citreum strains.
Students With Learning Disabilities in the Foreign Language Learning Environment and the Practice of Exemption
Authors: Wight Mary Caitlin S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis examination of the literature on foreign, or second, language learning by native English–speaking students with disabilities addresses the benefits of language learning, the practices and policies of language exemption, the perceptions of students and educators regarding those practices, and available resources for supporting students with special needs. It aims to question the policy of granting foreign language exemptions while additionally providing insights for educators into the development of inclusive foreign language learning environments.
Evaluation of morphological traits, winter survival and biomass potential in wild Japanese Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. populations in northern Japan
Authors: Anzoua Kossonou G. , Suzuki Kenji , Fujita Shinichi , Toma Yo , Yamada Toshihiko 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMiscanthus ×giganteus has potential as a biomass feedstock for bioenergy production in cold environments. However, its sterility, high cost propagation and relative lack of cold tolerance constrain its cultivation especially during its first winter. Diploid Miscanthus sinensis is a closely related species with substantial genetic diversity, amenable to seed propagation and broadly distributed across a range of environments in eastern Asia including Japan. Forty‐three wild Japanese M. sinensis populations collected across a range of latitudes (from N31°30′ in southern to N44°30′ northern Japan) and altitudes (0–1375 m) were evaluated in Sapporo (N43°; 56 m), Japan to assess morphological traits, winter survival and biomass productivity (BP). Seventy percent of M. sinensis from Hokkaido Island and 67% from other areas of Japan survived over three winter seasons in Sapporo. M. sinensis populations from cooler climates and higher elevations in other areas of Japan showed greater number of tillers, plant height and leaf length whose characteristics were associated with high BP. BP varied among accessions with higher potential productivity in plants from other areas of Japan than from Hokkaido, but annual biomass yield increase is less in the other Japan group. The present study concludes that wild M. sinensis populations from other areas of Japan could be used for domestication as an energy crop in cold environment areas such as Hokkaido. With the observed variability that exists among wild populations, further genetic improvement of M. sinensis for high yield and stability in BP is feasible.