Tool for genomic selection and breeding to evolutionary adaptation: Development of a 100K single nucleotide polymorphism array for the honey bee.

High-throughput high-density genotyping arrays continue to be a fast, accurate, and cost-effective method for genotyping thousands of polymorphisms in high numbers of individuals. Here, we have developed a new high-density SNP genotyping array (103,270 SNPs) for honey bees, one of the most ecologically and economically important pollinators worldwide. SNPs were detected by conducting whole-genome resequencing of 61 honey bee drones (haploid males) from throughout Europe. Selection of SNPs for the chip was done in multiple steps using several criteria. The majority of SNPs were selected based on their location within known candidate regions or genes underlying a range of honey bee traits, including hygienic behavior against pathogens, foraging, and subspecies. Additionally, markers from a GWAS of hygienic behavior against the major honey bee parasite Varroa destructor were brought over. The chip also includes SNPs associated with each of three major breeding objectives-honey yield, gentleness, and Varroa resistance. We validated the chip and make recommendations for its use by determining error rates in repeat genotypings, examining the genotyping performance of different tissues, and by testing how well different sample types represent the queen's genotype. The latter is a key test because it is highly beneficial to be able to determine the queen's genotype by nonlethal means. The array is now publicly available and we suggest it will be a useful tool in genomic selection and honey bee breeding, as well as for GWAS of different traits, and for population genomic, adaptation, and conservation questions.

Small liver nodule detection with a high-frequency transducer in patients with chronic liver disease: report of 3 cases.

We report 3 cases in which small liver lesions were revealed on sonography with the supplemental use of a high-frequency transducer. In all 3 cases, the patients had cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. The lesions were not seen on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Sonography plays a pivotal role in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma and, with modern transducer technology, may be the first imaging modality to show an early small tumor. A more thorough search for focal liver lesions with adjunctive use of high-frequency transducers may prolong the examination time but can improve surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Direct reporting of results to patients: the future of radiology?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Radiologists have traditionally left relaying exam results to patients in the hands of clinicians. Recent editorials have reexamined radiologists' traditional position and questioned whether radiologists should continue to remain within the confines of the reading room or increase their contact with patients. The present study addressed this issue by surveying patients directly regarding their preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was given to all patients aged ≥ 21 years undergoing outpatient magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic examinations at an academic medical center and at an associated outpatient center. Responses were anonymous. Surveys were provided over a 4-week period in February and March 2011; 237 were returned. RESULTS: The majority of patients (73%-77%) continue to prefer the practice model already established, regardless of whether the results are normal or abnormal. However, the same percentage of patients preferred to hear the results of their exams from the experts interpreting the exams. The discrepancy in these results is likely reflected in the fact that there is persistent confusion as to the role of radiologists. Although most patients correctly defined a radiologist as a physician, 40% believed that a radiologist is a technician or a nurse. A large percentage of patients (64%) responded positively to wanting to meet the radiologists interpreting their exams. CONCLUSIONS: As radiologists, we need to reevaluate the established model of communication for reporting radiology results and consider the positive impact on patient care, and on the vitality of the radiology profession, of directly communicating with patients.

Endobronchial granular cell tumor: a case report.

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are benign neoplasms that are most commonly found in the head and neck region. We present a case of endobronchial granular cell tumor presenting as hemoptysis in a 22-year-old African American female. Patient subsequently underwent a right upper and middle lobectomy, and upon histologic analysis was found to have GCT with borders impinging upon cartilage and adjacent peribronchial lymph nodes.

Does alpha-fluorination affect the structural trans-influence and kinetic trans-effect of an alkyl ligand? Molecular structures of Pd(TMEDA)(CH(3))(R(F)) and a kinetic study of the trans to cis isomerization of Pt(TMEDA)(CH(3))(2)I(R(F)) [R(F) = CF(2)CF(3), CFHCF(3), CH(2)CF(3)].

Reaction of Pd(TMEDA)(CH(3))(2) [TMEDA = tetramethylethylenediamine] with fluoroalkyl iodides R(F)I affords a series of square planar Pd(II) complexes Pd(TMEDA)(CH(3))(R(F)) [R(F) = CF(2)CF(3) (9), CFHCF(3) (10), CH(2)CF(3) (11)], presumably by oxidative addition followed by reductive elimination of CH(3)I. The solid-state structures of each compound have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, allowing the effect of increasing alpha-fluorination on the structural trans-influence of alkyl ligands to be examined. In these compounds there is no significant difference observed in the trans-influence of the three fluorinated alkyl ligands toward the trans-N atom, although a significant cis-influence on the neighboring methyl ligand is apparent. Oxidative addition of the same series of fluoroalkyl ligands to the corresponding Pt(TMEDA)(CH(3))(2) affords octahedral Pt(IV) complexes trans-Pt(TMEDA)(CH(3))(2)(R(F))I [R(F) = CF(2)CF(3) (12), CFHCF(3) (13), CH(2)CF(3) (14)] as the kinetic products. In each case, subsequent isomerization to the corresponding all cis-isomers is observed; in the case of 13, the stereocenter at the alpha-carbon results in two diastereomeric cis-isomers, which are formed at different rates. The molecular structures of 13 and its more stable all cis-isomer 16b have been crystallographically determined. Kinetic studies of the trans-cis isomerization reactions show the mechanism to involve a polar transition state, presumably involving iodide dissociation, followed by rearrangement of the cation, and iodide recombination. High dielectric solvents increase the rate, but solvent coordinating ability has no effect. Dissolved salts (LiI, LiOTf) show normal accelerative salt effects, with no inhibition in the case of added iodide, consistent with the formation of an intimate ion pair intermediate. The kinetic parameters show that the trans-effects of fluoroalkyl ligands in these compounds follow the order expected from the relative sigma-donor properties of the ligands, with CF(2)CF(3) < CFHCF(3) < CH(2)CF(3).