bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of qualitative and quantitative variation of aristolochic acids on preference and performance of a generalist herbivore
Authors: Jeude Samantha E. , Fordyce James A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNearly all plants possess chemicals that are inferred to play a role in anti‐herbivore defense or resistance. The effects of various chemical defenses can vary among herbivores. Often, plant defensive compounds are examined in broad, inclusive categories, with an emphasis on total quantity, which might ignore qualitative variation in activity. Aristolochic acids are alkaloids characteristic of plants of the genus Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae). Although aristolochic acids have been documented as effective herbivore deterrents, it remains unknown whether different kinds of aristolochic acid vary in their efficacy as defense against herbivores. We manipulated the aristolochic acid content of artificial diet to examine the effects of four aristolochic acids on larval preference and performance of the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using choice tests, we observed that the four aristolochic acids tested varied in their deterrent effectiveness, with AA‐I having the strongest effect and AA‐II having the weakest effect. No‐choice tests were used to examine larval performance. The effect on performance varied among the aristolochic acids tested. Higher concentrations of aristolochic acid were generally associated with reduced larval developmental rate and larger size at pupation. These results indicate that various forms of aristolochic acid can vary in their effect on herbivores and that simple aggregate measures of total concentration might not reflect the chemical defensive phenotype of the plant.
Blended learning in situated contexts: 3‐year evaluation of an online peer review project
Authors: Bridges S. , Chang J. W. W. , Chu C. H. , Gardner K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundSituated and sociocultural perspectives on learning indicate that the design of complex tasks supported by educational technologies holds potential for dental education in moving novices towards closer approximation of the clinical outcomes of their expert mentors. A cross‐faculty‐, student‐centred, web‐based project in operative dentistry was established within the Universitas 21 (U21) network of higher education institutions to support university goals for internationalisation in clinical learning by enabling distributed interactions across sites and institutions. This paper aims to present evaluation of one dental faculty's project experience of curriculum redesign for deeper student learning.MethodsA mixed‐method case study approach was utilised. Three cohorts of second‐year students from a 5‐year bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) programme were invited to participate in annual surveys and focus group interviews on project completion. Survey data were analysed for differences between years using multivariate logistical regression analysis. Thematic analysis of questionnaire open responses and interview transcripts was conducted.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis noted significant differences across items over time indicating learning improvements, attainment of university aims and the positive influence of redesign. Students perceived the enquiry‐based project as stimulating and motivating, and building confidence in operative techniques. Institutional goals for greater understanding of others and lifelong learning showed improvement over time. Despite positive scores, students indicated global citizenship and intercultural understanding were conceptually challenging.ConclusionsEstablishment of online student learning communities through a blended approach to learning stimulated motivation and intellectual engagement, thereby supporting a situated approach to cognition. Sociocultural perspectives indicate that novice–expert interactions supported student development of professional identities.
SSTY proteins co‐localize with the post‐meiotic sex chromatin and interact with regulators of its expression
Authors: Comptour Aurélie , Moretti Charlotte , Serrentino Maria‐Elisabetta , Auer Jana , Ialy‐Radio Côme , Ward Monika A. , Touré Aminata , Vaiman Daniel , Cocquet Julie 
Published: January 2014

In mammals, X‐ and Y‐encoded genes are transcriptionally shut down during male meiosis, but expression of many of them is (re)activated in spermatids after meiosis. Post‐meiotic XY gene expression is regulated by active epigenetic marks, which are de novo incorporated in the sex chromatin of spermatids, and by repressive epigenetic marks inherited during meiosis; alterations in this process lead to male infertility. In the mouse, post‐meiotic XY gene expression is known to depend on genetic information carried by the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome long arm (MSYq). The MSYq gene Sly has been shown to be a key regulator of post‐meiotic sex chromosome gene expression and is necessary for the maintenance/recruitment of repressive epigenetic marks on the sex chromatin, but studies suggest that another MSYq gene may also be required. The best candidate to date is Ssty, an MSYq multi‐copy gene of unknown function. Here, we show that SSTY proteins are specifically expressed in round and elongating spermatids, and co‐localize with post‐meiotic sex chromatin. Moreover, SSTY proteins interact with SLY protein and its X–linked homolog SLX/SLXL1, and may be required for localization of SLX/SLY proteins in the spermatid nucleus and sex chromatin. Our data suggest that SSTY is a second MSYq factor involved in the control of XY gene expression during sperm differentiation. As Slx/Slxl1 and Sly genes have been shown to be involved in the XY intra‐genomic conflict, which affects the offspring sex ratio, Ssty may constitute another player in this conflict.
Allosteric regulation and substrate activation in cytosolic nucleotidase II from Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Srinivasan Bharath , Forouhar Farhad , Shukla Arpit , Sampangi Chethana , Kulkarni Sonia , Abashidze Mariam , Seetharaman Jayaraman , Lew Scott , Mao Lei , Acton Thomas B. , Xiao Rong , Everett John K. , Montelione Gaetano T. , Tong Liang , Balaram Hemalatha 
Published: January 2014

Cytosolic nucleotidase II (cN‐II) from Legionella pneumophila (Lp) catalyzes the hydrolysis of GMP and dGMP displaying sigmoidal curves, whereas catalysis of IMP hydrolysis displayed a biphasic curve in the initial rate versus substrate concentration plots. Allosteric modulators of mammalian cN‐II did not activate LpcN‐II although GTP, GDP and the substrate GMP were specific activators. Crystal structures of the tetrameric LpcN‐II revealed an activator‐binding site at the dimer interface. A double mutation in this allosteric‐binding site abolished activation, confirming the structural observations. The substrate GMP acting as an activator, partitioning between the allosteric and active site, is the basis for the sigmoidicity of the initial velocity versus GMP concentration plot. The LpcN‐II tetramer showed differences in subunit organization upon activator binding that are absent in the activator‐bound human cN‐II structure. This is the first observation of a structural change induced by activator binding in cN‐II that may be the molecular mechanism for enzyme activation.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors reported in this paper have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 2BDE and 4G63. The accession number of GMP complexed LpcN‐II is 4OHF.Structured digital abstract

LpcN-II and LpcN-II bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
LpcN-II and LpcN-II bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)[Structured digital abstract was added on 5 March 2014 after original online publication]
Is the island rule general? Turtles disagree
Authors: Itescu Yuval , Karraker Nancy E. , Raia Pasquale , Pritchard Peter C. H. , Meiri Shai 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThe island rule describes a trend toward dwarfism of large animals and gigantism of small animals on islands. Studies of vertebrates, including reptiles, report conflicting results regarding the generality of this evolutionary pattern. We studied the size evolution of insular turtles at the intra‐ and interspecific levels, as well as the clade level. We examined the evolutionary patterns, the relationship of habitat preferences and insular turtle size and whether the island rule extends to turtles.LocationIslands world‐wide and adjacent continents.MethodsWe collected data from the literature and expanded our database by measuring turtle specimens in museum collections. We used reduced major axis regression to test the island rule at the inter‐ and intraspecific levels, after accounting for phylogenetic effects. In addition, we compared body size frequency distributions of insular versus mainland turtles at the clade level.ResultsOur analyses revealed no support for the island rule in turtles. Intraspecifically, we found no systematic pattern of body size evolution. Interspecifically, large turtle species tend to become larger on islands, in contrast to the island rule predictions. Islands generally harbour larger turtles than mainland regions. This pattern is especially apparent when recently extinct species are considered. We found no impact of habitat preferences on the evolution of body size on islands.Main conclusionsTurtles on islands do not follow the island rule. We suggest that both physiological and ecological factors drive turtle body size evolution on islands, and their tendency for insular gigantism. Large turtles can survive longer periods of water or food shortage on small oceanic islands. Increased intraspecific competition and reduced interspecific competition and predation on islands may favour large body size. A non‐mutually exclusive explanation is that the presence of giant tortoises on islands may reflect founder effects rather than evolution – large turtles are better island colonizers.
Validity of the Cantonese Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Southern Chinese
Authors: Chu Leung‐Wing , Ng Kathy HY , Law Andrew CK , Lee Antoinette M , Kwan Fiona 
Published: January 2014

AimThe objective of the present study was to investigate the reliability and the validity of the Cantonese Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a brief screening tool of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Southern Chinese older adults.MethodsCognitively normal, aMCI and AD Cantonese‐speaking Chinese older adults were recruited from a memory clinic and the community. The English MoCA was translated into Cantonese Chinese and then back‐translated. We then evaluated the content validity, reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the Chinese Cantonese MoCA.ResultsWe recruited 115 cognitively normal controls, 87 aMCI and 64 AD patients. Only education was positively correlated with the Cantonese MoCA score (r = 0.46, P < 0.001). The Chinese Cantonese MoCA had a high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. In the test–retest reliability assessment, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.95 (P < 0.001). The ICC for the interrater reliability was 0.96 (P < 0.001). Receiving operating characteristic curve analyses showed an area under the curve of 0.85 and 0.99 for aMCI and AD, respectively (both P < 0.001). The optimal cut‐off score for detection of aMCI was 22/23, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 73%, respectively. The optimal cut‐off score for detection of AD was 19/20, which gave sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 92%, respectively.ConclusionThe Cantonese Chinese MoCA is a consistent and reliable instrument. In terms of its validity, the MoCA is better in the detection of AD than aMCI in Cantonese‐speaking Chinese persons. It is only fair for the screening of aMCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 96–103.
Macro‐moth families differ in their attraction to light: implications for light‐trap monitoring programmes
Authors: Merckx Thomas , Slade Eleanor M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Light traps are used to make inferences about local macro‐moth communities, but very little is known about the efficiency with which they attract moths from varying distances, and how this may differ among families.

We released 731 marked individuals, from three of the most common and species‐rich macro‐moth families, at several distances from low‐wattage actinic light traps in open and woodland habitat.

Logistic regression showed family‐specific sampling areas: erebids were attracted from up to 27 m, geometrids from up to 23 m, and noctuids from up to 10 m from the light source, with these distances corresponding to a 5% recapture rate. Sampling size was also family‐specific: a maximum of 55% of erebids, 15% of geometrids, and 10% of noctuids were predicted to be trapped when flying near (0–1 m) light traps.

Our study demonstrates that weak light traps: (i) have remarkably local sampling ranges, resulting in samples that are highly representative of the local habitat, and (ii) attract small, and family‐specific proportions of individuals within these ranges.

We suggest that the local sampling ranges of weak light traps make them excellent tools to monitor nocturnal macro‐moth communities. As trap efficiency differs among macro‐moth families, care must be taken in relating the abundance of the sample to absolute local abundance. Frequent sampling can provide adequate data on relative temporal change in the local macro‐moth fauna, however.
DNA content analysis of colorectal cancer defines a distinct ‘microsatellite and chromosome stable’ group but does not predict response to radiotherapy
Authors: Fadhil Wakkas , Kindle Karin , Jackson Darryl , Zaitoun Abed , Lane Nina , Robins Adrian , Ilyas Mohammad 
Published: January 2014

SummaryColorectal cancers (CRC) are thought to have genetic instability in the form of either microsatellite instability (MSI) or chromosomal instability (CIN). Recently, tumours have been described without either MSI or CIN, that is, microsatellite and chromosome stable (MACS) CRCs. We investigated the (i) frequency of the MACS‐CRCs and (ii) whether this genotype predicted responsiveness to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. To examine the frequency of MACS‐CRCs, DNA content (ploidy) was examined in 89 sporadic microsatellite‐stable CRCs using flow cytometry. The tumours were also screened for mutations in KRAS/BRAF/TP53/PIK3CA by QMC‐PCR. To examine the value of tumour ploidy in predicting response to chemoradiotherapy, DNA content was tested in a separate group of 62 rectal cancers treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Fifty‐one of 89 CRCs (57%) were aneuploid and 38 (43%) were diploid. There was no significant association between mutations in TP53/KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA and ploidy. Testing of association between mutations revealed only mutual exclusivity of KRAS/BRAF mutation (P < 0.001). Of the 62 rectal cancers treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 22 had responded (Mandard tumour regression grade 1/2) and 40 failed to respond (Grade 3–5). Twenty‐five of 62 (40%) tumours were diploid, but there was no association between ploidy and response to therapy. We conclude that MACS‐CRCs form a significant proportion of microsatellite‐stable CRCs with a mutation profile overlapping that of CRCs with CIN. A diploid genotype does not, however, predict the responsiveness to radiotherapy.
Socio‐demographical antecedents of responsible consumerism propensity
Authors: Pedrini Matteo , Ferri Laura Maria 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe paper analyses consumers’ propensity for socially and environmentally friendly products through socio‐demographic indicators. Although the topic has been object of a wide literature, most of the previous studies suffered from methodological or sampling limitations. Hence, the present work addresses such limitations and proposes a study based on a wide heterogeneous sample of 5098 consumers, observed in their real settings. Results show the most responsible consumers are older, well‐educated and wealthy, while gender is not a significant antecedent. The in‐depth analysis of findings thus confirms the usefulness of socio‐demographic variables to understand and determine the profile of responsible consumers. However, the study denies that the propensity to buy responsible products relates to the different sensitiveness of men and women, whereas it underlines that age, education and wealth have a positive relationship. Moreover, the analysis identifies four different profiles of consumer based on the different levels of propensity towards responsible products, which confirms the influence of the socio‐demographic variables. This also allows identifying relevant indications on consumers’ decision making, useful to draw indications on possible effective marketing strategies for responsible products.
Studying the organization of genes encoding plant cell wall degrading enzymes inChrysomela tremulaprovides insights into a leaf beetle genome
Authors: Pauchet Y. , Saski C. A. , Feltus F. A. , Luyten I. , Quesneville H. , Heckel D. G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe ability of herbivorous beetles from the superfamiliesChrysomeloidea andCurculionoidea to degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides has only recently begun to be appreciated. The presence of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) in the beetle's digestive tract makes this degradation possible. Sequences encoding these beetle‐derivedPCWDEswere originally identified from transcriptomes and strikingly resemble those of saprophytic and phytopathogenic microorganisms, raising questions about their origin; e.g. are they insect‐ or microorganism‐derived? To demonstrate unambiguously that the genes encodingPCWDEsfound in beetle transcriptomes are indeed of insect origin, we generated a bacterial artificial chromosome library from the genome of the leaf beetleChrysomela tremula, containing 18 432 clones with an average size of 143 kb. After hybridizing this library with probes derived from 12C. tremula PCWDE‐encoding genes and sequencing the positive clones, we demonstrated that the latter genes are encoded by the insect's genome and are surrounded by genes possessing orthologues in the genome ofTribolium castaneumas well as in three other beetle genomes. Our analyses showed that although the level of overall synteny betweenC. tremulaandT. castaneumseems high, the degree of microsynteny between both species is relatively low, in contrast to the more closely relatedColorado potato beetle.
Patients' experiences in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their experiences of breath holding techniques
Authors: Funk Eva , Thunberg Per , Anderzen‐Carlsson Agneta 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimsTo describe patients' experiences of magnetic resonance examination of the liver and their experiences of two breath‐hold techniques.BackgroundTraditionally, patients are instructed by the radiographer to hold their breath during the examination. Alternatively, the patient can initiate the breath hold and start the image acquisition. Studies have revealed that magnetic resonance examinations can be experienced as challenging.DesignDescriptive qualitative.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 patients and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The data collection was carried out from autumn 2010 to spring 2011.ResultsThe patients' main experience was that they felt loss of control. This was described in terms of feeling trapped, being lost in time and lost as a result of uncertainty. They had many questions in their mind that they did not ask. Although their statements often revealed no clear preference regarding the techniques, almost half of the patients seemed to prefer self‐initiated breath hold, as it was easier and less stressful. Those who preferred the radiographer‐directed technique felt more confident leaving the responsibility to the radiographer. In general, the patients understood the importance of achieving the best quality images possible.ConclusionMagnetic resonance examination can be experienced as being in loss of control. Nevertheless, not all patients wished to actively participate in magnetic resonance examination. Some preferred to hand over the responsibility to the radiographer. These results can form a base for radiographers' reflections of how to individualize and optimize the nursing care of patients undergoing magnetic resonance examinations.
Multiple speciation across the Andes and throughout Amazonia: the case of the spot‐backed antbird species complex (Hylophylax naevius/Hylophylax naevioides)
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre M. , Wink Michael , Sardelli Carla H. , Aleixo Alexandre 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of historical processes in the evolution of the spot‐backed antbird species complex Hylophylax naevius/Hylophylax naevioides (Aves, Thamnophilidae).LocationThroughout the Amazon Basin and across the Andes in Central and northern South America.MethodsWe investigated the evolutionary history of the H. naevius/H. naevioides complex based on a total of 100 individuals from opposite banks of the major Amazonian rivers and both sides of the Andes. Nucleotide sequences from two mitochondrial DNA genes [1015 bp of cytochrome b (cyt b) and 1023 bp of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2)] and one nuclear marker [539 bp of intron 5 of the β‐fibrinogen (BF5)] were obtained. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. We used Bayesian coalescent‐based approaches to evaluate demographic changes through time, and to estimate the timing of the diversification events.ResultsWell‐supported allopatric and parapatric lineages were recovered within the H. naevius/H. naevioides complex, with high levels of genetic differentiation, both on opposite sides of rivers (0.6–7.1%) and across the Andes (6.9%). Molecular dating and population demography suggest cladogenesis in various periods, associated with distinct vicariance and dispersal events.Main conclusionsOur data support the hypothesis that the uplift of the northern Andes and the consolidation of the modern Amazon drainage system were key to promoting the diversification of forest‐dwelling bird lineages in the northern Neotropics.
Neuropsychological functioning in childhood‐onset psychosis and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Brodsky Kimberly , Willcutt Erik G. , Davalos Deana B. , Ross Randal G. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and childhood‐onset psychosis (COP) are chronic, heterogeneous disorders with symptoms that frequently co‐occur, but the etiology of their comorbidity is unknown. Studies of each disorder indicate that both ADHD and COP are associated with a range of neuropsychological weaknesses, but few neuropsychological studies have directly compared groups with ADHD and COP.MethodsGroups with ADHD only (32 F, 48 M), COP only (5 F, 5 M), ADHD + COP (9 F, 21 M), and a control group with neither disorder (25 F, 44 M) completed a neuropsychological battery that included measures of verbal working memory, response inhibition, response speed and variability, and selective attention.ResultsAll three clinical groups exhibited significantly lower performance versus the control group on all neuropsychological measures, whereas the only significant difference between the clinical groups was a significantly larger weakness in verbal working memory in the groups with COP.ConclusionsThe frequent co‐occurrence between COP and ADHD may reflect shared neuropsychological weaknesses that are most pronounced on measures of working memory and response variability.