bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stay-green traits of hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.) below and above ear during grain filling, and their association with grain yields in winter in subtropical foot plain of Nepalese Himalaya
Authors: Adhikari Nav Raj , Ghimire Surya Kant , Sah Shrawan Kumar , Koirala Keshab Babu
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Plant breeders are in search of traits for high grain yielding hybrids (GYHs), genotypes or populations in several crop species including maize. So, the research has been designed to examine a variety of SG traits during entire grain filling (GF) and their association to grain yields (GYs) among the fifteen newly bred single cross maize hybrids. Materials and methods: An RCBD trial of three replications was conducted planting seeds of the hybrids on October 3, 2012 at Rampur, Chitwan in the subtropical foot plain of Nepalese Himalaya. The sowing date of the trial was arranged to expose flowering and grain filling to natural winter and to represent the commercial hybrid maize production season in granary belt. Results and discussion: Although previous studies reported that leaves that stay green long have been found positively grain yield attributing; this study have depicted either long, or short stay-green (SG) are high grain yielding. Polynomial regression equations (PREs) obtained between GYs and numbers of green leaves below ear (BtmGrn) on 110, 125 and 140th day during GF of the FHs (fifteen hybrids) had coefficient of determination (r2) less than 18%. Although it is so, there is still two diagnostic association curves for high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 13, 5, 6 and 7 and medium to low GYHs 10, 1, 14, 2, 9, 15, 4 and 3 separately. After the date, high GYHs still displayed association curve between GYs and BtmGrn. In addition; PREs obtained between GYs and numbers of green leaves above ear (TopE0Grn) during entire GF of the FHs had r2 19 to 53%. Although it is so, there is still separate diagnostic association curve for high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 13, 5, 6 and 7; and medium to low GYHs 10, 1, 14, 2, 9, 15, 4 and 3. High GYHs and medium to low GYHs similarly displayed different association curve between GYs and numbers of total green leaves (GrnLves) on 110 to 155th day during entire GF and that had r2 equal to 21 to 53%. Although r2 of the PRE formed between GYs and days for net ear senescence duration (ErSenDur) has been found higher than PREs formed for days for ear senescence completion (ErSenCmp) and net ear senescence duration (ErSenDur); two meaningful separate quadratic curves can form between ErSenIni and GYs of high GYHs and medium to low GYHs. Curve formed between GYs and days for 0% green PP (plant population) (days for 100% PP senescence) of the FHs reflect strong positive correlation and almost straight line regression among fourteen hybrids except the highest GYH 8. Although the hybrid 8 lost SG almost earliest; but, its GY has been found highest. It means that the hybrid had highly photosynthetic leaves to contribute to high GY. But; fourteen high to low GYHs are inside the strong positive correlation pattern except GYH 8. So, number of days required by hybrids for 0% SG PP can be positive marker for selection of high GYHs.
Conducting perception research over the Internet: a tutorial review
Authors: Woods Andy T , Velasco Carlos , Levitan Carmel A. , Wan Xiaong , Spence Charles
Published: January 2018

This article provides an overview of the literature on the use of internet-based testing to address questions in perception research. Internet-based testing has several advantages over in-lab research, including the ability to reach a relatively broad set of participants and to quickly and inexpensively collect large amounts of empirical data. In many cases, the quality of online data appears to match that collected in laboratory research. Generally speaking, online participants tend to be more representative of the population at large than laboratory based participants. There are, though, some important caveats, when it comes to collecting data online. It is obviously much more difficult to control the exact parameters of stimulus presentation (such as display characteristics) in online research. There are also some thorny ethical considerations that need to be considered by experimenters. Strengths and weaknesses of the online approach, relative to others, are highlighted, and recommendations made for those researchers who might be thinking about conducting their own studies using this increasingly-popular approach to research in the psychological sciences.
Employment status and sick-leave following obesity surgery: a five-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Andersen John Roger , Hernæs Ulrikke J.V. , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Våge Villy
Published: January 2018

Background. Severe obesity is a risk factor for lower participation in paid work, but whether employment increases and sick leave decreases after obesity surgery is not well documented. Methods. We assessed 224 Norwegian patients with severe obesity (mean age: 40; mean BMI: 49; 61% female) regarding employment status (working versus not working) and the number of days of sick leave during the preceding 12 months, before and five years after obesity surgery (75% follow-up rate). Logistic regression analysis was used to study preoperative predictors of employment status after surgery. Results. There were no change in the employment rate over time (54% versus 58%), but the number of days of sick leave per year was significantly reduced, from a mean of 63 to a mean of 26, and from a median of 36 to a median of 4. Most of this change was attributable to patients with zero days of sick leave, which increased from 25% to 41%. Being female, older, having low education level, receiving disability pension and not being employed before obesity surgery were important risk factors for not being employed after obesity surgery. The type of obesity surgery, BMI and marital status were not useful predictors. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that that undergoing obesity surgery is not associated with a higher rate of employment, although it may reduce the number of days of sick leave. Additional interventions are likely needed to influence the employment status of these patients. The significant preoperative predictors of not being employed in this study provide suggestions for further research .
Trans-species polymorphism at antimicrobial innate immunity cathelicidin genes of Atlantic cod and related species
Authors: Halldórsdóttir Katrín , Árnason Einar
Published: January 2018

Natural selection, the most important force in evolution, comes in three forms. Negative purifying selection removes deleterious variation and maintains adaptations. Positive directional selection fixes beneficial variants, producing new adaptations. Balancing selection maintains variation in a population. Important mechanisms of balancing selection include heterozygote advantage, frequency-dependent advantage of rarity, and local and fluctuating episodic selection. A rare pathogen gains an advantage because host defenses are predominantly effective against prevalent types. Similarly, a rare immune variant gives its host an advantage because the prevalent pathogens cannot escape the host's apostatic defense. Due to the stochastic nature of evolution, neutral variation may accumulate on genealogical branches, but trans-species polymorphisms are rare under neutrality and are strong evidence for balancing selection. Balanced polymorphism maintains diversity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vertebrates. The Atlantic cod is missing genes for both MHC-II and CD4, vital parts of the adaptive immune system. Nevertheless, cod are healthy in their ecological niche, maintaining large populations that support major commercial fisheries. Innate immunity is of interest from an evolutionary perspective, particularly in taxa lacking adaptive immunity. Here, we analyze extensive amino acid and nucleotide polymorphisms of the cathelicidin gene family in Atlantic cod and closely related taxa. There are three major clusters, Cath1, Cath2, and Cath3, that we consider to be paralogous genes. There is extensive nucleotide and amino acid allelic variation between and within clusters. The major feature of the results is that the variation clusters by alleles and not by species in phylogenetic trees and discriminant analysis of principal components. The three groups show trans-species polymorphism that is older than speciation and that is evidence for balancing selection maintaining the variation. Using Bayesian and likelihood methods positive and negative selection is evident at sites in the conserved part of the genes and, to a larger extent, in the active part which also shows episodic diversifying selection, further strengthening the argument for balancing selection.
A new large scale global morphological phylogeny of turtles
Authors: Rabi Márton , Sterli Juliana , Joyce Walter G
Published: January 2018

We developed a new global turtle matrix using morphological characters to test the age of the turtle crown and to assess the origin and phylogeny of various controversial clades along the turtle stem and within Pan-Cryptodira.

We significantly increased both character and taxon sampling relative to earlier global matrices with special emphasis on Jurassic and Cretaceous stem-cryptodires. Further improvements included the complete, observation-based re-scoring of all previously sampled taxa and the reduction of subjective character assignments with the help of consensusbuilding between the members of our working group for each scoring.

We confirm the previous conclusion that the turtle crown has an extensive phylogenetic stem and that the age of the crown is approximately Middle Jurassic in age. The addition of new fossils allows reinterpreting purported Laurasian meiolaniforms as part of a paraphyletic grade of Mesozoic Laurasian basal turtles, including Solemydidae, Sichuanchelyidae, and Kallokibotion bajazidi. A paraphyletic Cryptodira with a deeply nested Pleurodira (as signaled by some recent morphological and molecular analyses) is not recovered when only stem-pleurodires are included in the analysis. This demonstrates conclusively that the false signal is caused by marked morphological convergences between crown cryptodires and pleurodires. We find little or no support for the chelydrid affinities of Platysternon megacephalum which had previously been inferred by morphological analyses, in conspicuous contrast with molecular results. Similarly, little support remains for a Trionychia-Kinosternoidea clade, which had been consistently recovered in earlier morphological studies, again in contrast with molecular phylogenies. Contrary to previous hypotheses, our analysis advocates sea turtle monophyly and argue for a diverse Cretaceous stem, including bizarre, giant forms belonging to the extinct clade Protostegidae. Derived members of Protostegidae nevertheless show remarkable similarities with dermochelyids as a result of parallel evolution.

Despite increased taxon and character sampling, we are still unable to fully replicate the molecular phylogeny of turtles. This is frustrating because the stratigraphic distribution of fossil turtles is more consistent with molecular results. The likely reason for this disparity comes from the high degree of homoplasy in turtles, notable gaps in the fossil record, and the rapid and early diversification of extant turtle lineages soon after the appearance of the turtle crown. The latter is also suggested by the overall good support at the end of the branches and low resolution at the nodes connecting their stem. Future fossil discoveries, particularly from the Jurassic of Gondwana and Southeast Asia, will likely help resolve these issues. In the meantime, we support employing the consensual molecular scaffold for global morphological analyses of turtles.
A unified platform for outcome measures and exergames with 3D accelerometry
Authors: Nuritdinow Timur , Lederer Christian , Daumer Martin
Published: January 2018

Mobile accelerometry is more and more being used in clinical trials as a tool to measure outcomes related to physical activity. However, it is still difficult to integrate exercise therapy in controlled clinical trials. We want to explore the option to use a unified platform to both measure outcome and prescribe and monitor exercise therapy using the actibelt technology platform. We present a prototype based on the actibelt platform that allows to use the wearable device as a mouse controller for a large set of potentially interesting games. Playing an exergame a person is encouraged to increase its level of daily motion while engaging in an activity that is perceived as interesting and fun, thus, providing an intrinsic motivation. Studies suggest that exergaming can be compared to light or moderate physical activity considering the heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure.
Common mistakes in data presentation and statistical analysis: how can the BioStat Decision Tool help?
Authors: Wiles Siouxsie , Bishop Anne L
Published: January 2018

As medical and molecular microbiologists who regularly read the scientific literature, it is our impression that many published papers contain data that is inappropriately presented and/or analysed. This is borne out by a number of studies which indicate that typically at least half of published scientific articles that use statistical methods contain statistical errors. While there are an abundance of resources dedicated to explaining statistics to biologists, the evidence would suggest that they are largely ineffective. These resources tend to focus on how particular statistical tests work, with reams of complicated-looking mathematical formulae. In addition, many statisticians are unfamiliar with the application of statistical techniques to molecular microbiology, instead telling us we need more samples, which can be difficult both ethically and practically in fields that include animal work and painstaking sample collection. In an age where performing a statistical test merely requires clicking a button in a computer programme, it could be argued that what the vast majority of biologists need is not mathematical formulae but simple guidance on which buttons to click. We have developed an easy to follow decision chart that guides biologists through the statistical maze. Our practical and user friendly chart should prove useful not only to active researchers, but also to journal editors and reviewers to rapidly determine if data presented in a submitted manuscript has been correctly analysed.
High statistical noise limits conclusiveness of ranking results as a benchmarking tool for university management
Authors: Sorz Johannes , Fieder Martin , Wallner Bernard , Seidler Horst
Published: January 2018

Regression analyses of results from the Times Higher Education (THES)-Ranking and Shanghai University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)-Ranking from 2010-2014 show fluctuations in the rank and score for lower scoring universities (below position 50) which lead to inconsistent “up and downs” in the total results, especially in the THES-Rankings. Furthermore year-to-year results do not correspond in THES- and ARWU-Rankings for universities below rank 50. We conclude that the observed fluctuations in the THES do not correspond to actual university performance and ranking results are thus of limited conclusiveness for the university management of lower scoring universities. We suggest that THE and ARWU alter their ranking procedure insofar as universities below position 50 should be ranked summarized only in groups of 25 or 50. The year to year changes in the ARWU scores are very small, so essential changes from year to year could not be expected, so therefore we argue to publish the ranking less frequently. Additionally, we argue for introducing a standardization process for ranking data in both rankings by using common suitable reference data to create calibration curves represented by non-linearity or linearity.
Diabetes mellitus type 2 in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mekov Evgeni , Slavova Yanina , Genova Marianka , Tsakova Adelina , Kostadinov Dimitar , Minchev Delcho , Marinova Dora
Published: January 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects 2-37% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with results being highly variable between studies. DM may also correlate with disease characteristics.The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of DM and its correlation with comorbidities and COPD characteristics in patients with COPD admitted for exacerbation. 152 patients were studied for presence of DM. All of them were also assessed for vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome (MS). Data were gathered for smoking status and exacerbations during the last year. All patients completed CAT (COPD assessment test) and mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale) questionnaires and underwent spirometry. Duration of current hospital stay was recorded. 13.2% (20/152) of patients are taking medications for DM. Additional 21.7% (33/152) have newly discovered DM and 30.9% (47/152) have prediabetes. Only 34.2% of the studied patients do not have DM or prediabetes. 37% (40/108) of males have DM vs. 29,5% (13/44) of females (p=0.379). The prevalence of DM in this study is significantly higher when compared to an unselected Bulgarian population (12,8% in subjects over 45 years). 91% of patients with newly discovered diabetes had glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)≥6,5% suggesting prolonged hyperglycemia. There is a correlation between the presence of DM and MS (p=0.008). The presence of DM is associated with more severe exacerbations (hospitalizations) during the previous year (p=0.003) and a longer hospital stay (p=0.006). DM is not associated with reduced quality of life and worse pulmonary function. The patients with COPD admitted for exacerbation are at great risk for impaired glucose metabolism which is associated with worse COPD characteristics. The majority of the patients in this study are unaware of having DM.
Seasonal habitat use of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico, USA 2003 - 2013
Authors: McKinney Jennifer A , Hoffmayer Eric R , Franks Jim S , Hendon Jill M , Driggers William B
Published: January 2018

Background: Reports of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) date back to the 1930s. In 2003, the Northern Gulf of Mexico Whale Shark Research Program was established and began making directed efforts to document the regional occurrence, seasonal distribution and habitat preferences of whale sharks. Methods: Whale shark sightings data (WSS: 1989 – present; n=644) and tagging geoposition data (TD: 2009-2012; n=450) were used in seasonal kernel density (KD) analyses to delineate home range (95%) and core habitat (50%) use areas in the northern GOM. Kernel density estimation of distribution is a statistically robust manner of handling data sources with differing sampling designs (anecdotal vs. directed). Habitat use patterns from the two datasets were used to identify critical use areas. Results: In the study area, whale shark home range was 276,000 km2 (WSS) to 369,000 km2 (TD) in size, with 52,000 km2 (WSS) to 62,000 km2 (TD) being core habitat. Whale shark habitat use varied seasonally, with the largest home range occurring during summer (WSS: 213,000 km2) and fall (TD: 221,000 km2). Tag data revealed more winter habitat (75,000 km2) than the sightings dataset (41,000 km2), which was shifted further offshore to slope waters. Significant use patterns occurred along the continental shelf-edge, encompassing shelf-edge banks south of Louisiana, and near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Conclusions: The combination of sightings data and satellite tagging data represents an effective methodology for assessing seasonality of occurrence, distribution, and habitat use of whale sharks. Shelf-edge bank habitats were most commonly used by whale sharks in the region. Satellite tagging data provided additional evidence of connectivity between multiple jurisdictions, which lends support for international management of the species.
A survey of Chinese Interpreting Studies: Who influences who … and why?
Authors: Xu Ziyun , Pekelis Leonid B
Published: January 2018

This paper describes how scholars in Chinese Interpreting Studies (CIS) interact with each other and form discrete circles of influence. It also discusses what it means to be an influential scholar in the community and the relationship between an author’s choice of research topic and his academic influence. The study examines an all-but-exhaustive collection of 59,303 citations from 1,289 MA theses, 32 doctoral dissertations and 2,909 research papers, combining traditional citation analysis with the newer Social Network Analysis to paint a panorama of CIS. It concludes that the community cannot be broadly divided into Liberal Arts and Empirical Science camps; rather, it comprises several distinct communities with various defining features. The analysis also reveals that the top Western influencers have an array of academic backgrounds and research interests across many different disciplines, whereas their Chinese counterparts are predominantly focused on Interpreting Studies. Last but not least, there is found to be a positive correlation between choosing non-mainstream research topics and having a high level of academic influence in the community.
Suffering and mental health among older people living in nursing homes - a mixed-methods study
Authors: Drageset Jorunn , Dysvik Elin , Espehaug Birgitte , Natvig Gerd Karin , Furnes Bodil
Published: January 2018

Background. Knowledge about mixed-methods perspectives that examine anxiety, depression, social support, mental health and the phenomenon of suffering among cognitively intact NH residents is scarce. We aimed to explore suffering and mental health among cognitively intact NH residents. Methods. This study used a mixed-methods design to explore different aspects of the same phenomena of interest to gain a more comprehensive understanding. The qualitative core component comprised a qualitative interview from 18 nursing home residents (≥65 years) about experiences related to pain, grief and loss. The supplementary component comprised interview from the same respondents using the SF-36 Health Survey subscales , the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Social Provisions Scale. Results. The individual descriptions reveal suffering caused by painful experiences during life. The quantitative results indicated that symptoms of anxiety and depression were related to mental health and symptoms of anxiety were related to bodily pain and emotional role limitations. Attachment and social integration were associated with vitality and social functioning. Discussion. To improve the situation, more attention should be paid to the residents’ suffering related to anxiety, depression and psychosocial relations.
On the interpretation of results returned by branch-site models
Authors: Guindon Stephane
Published: January 2018

In a recent study, Murrell et al. (2015) compared the performance of several branch-site models of codon evolution. Their interpretation of results published by Lu & Guindon (2014) suggests that the stochastic branch-site model implemented in the software fitmodel is anti-conservative altogether, i.e., positive selection is detected more often than expected when analyzing sequences evolving under a mixture of neutrality and negative selection. I argue here that this presentation of the performance of fitmodel is misleading and should not deter evolutionary biologists from using this approach in exploratory analyses of selection patterns at the molecular level.
The ever-changing face of Chinese Interpreting Studies: a social network analysis
Authors: Xu Ziyun
Published: January 2018

As the discipline of Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS) has continued to expand rapidly over the past twenty years, scientometric research has been increasingly applied to analyze its trends and patterns. Drawing inspiration from Social Network Analysis, this study aims to quantify academic research impact and identify patterns of influence at an institutional and regional level in Chinese Interpreting Studies (CIS), by seeking answers to the following questions: Which are the most influential publications? Which institutions and regions carry the most weight? How have their respective levels of influence evolved over time? By analyzing a near-exhaustive corpus of 59,303 citations from CIS literature, the study reveals that most of the influential publications are monographs and theoretical in nature, though many Chinese textbooks on interpreting are also highly influential. It also finds that an institution’s ranking in research productivity does not necessarily translate into high academic influence, and geographical proximity does not determine whether neighboring regions belong to the same research community.
Four key areas for training the next-generation of global change researchers
Authors: Goswami Santonu , Xu Xiaofeng , Hayes Daniel
Published: January 2018

Human activities are changing the global environment in numerous ways, including increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, alteration of biogeochemical cycles and changing land cover types. These changes are increasing stresses on ecosystem goods and services, driving climate change and thus creating a few grand challenges for sustainability of the human society. Improving our understanding of these profound changes and grand challenges will help us in developing better predictive capabilities for the future. As these changes are expected to be long-lasting and we still do not have a complete understanding of their causes and consequences, the next generation of scientists needs to be properly trained in knowledge, methods and techniques in order to meet the research needs to tackle future challenges in global change ecology research. Here we discuss the challenges and opportunities in preparing the next-generation global change researchers according to four key aspects of training.
Preliminary checklist of phytopathogenic fungi in Sikkim, India
Authors: Pradhan Prakash
Published: January 2018

Sikkim is an Indian state with unique cultural and natural landscape. Being rich in bioresources, earlier biodiversity explorations have led to enumeration of varied flora and fauna. However, fungi being an important biodiversity component, and especially, the fungal phytopathogens having potential of impacting human economy and food security, present understanding is needed to make vision for the future. In this regard, past works (1877-2011) on phytopathogenic fungi reported from Sikkim were surveyed. In this manuscript, 98 species of plant pathogenic fungi (including anamorphs) under 76 genera are enlisted. The alphabetical checklist of the species is provided herewith. Further updates will be added in the subsequent versions of the publication.
Ship noise in an urban estuary extends to frequencies used for echolocation by endangered killer whales
Authors: Veirs Scott , Veirs Val , Wood Jason D
Published: January 2018

Combining calibrated hydrophone measurements with vessel location data from the Automatic Identification System, we estimate underwater sound pressure levels for 1,582 unique ships that transited the core critical habitat of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales during 28 months between March, 2011, and October, 2013. Median received spectrum levels of noise from 2,812 isolated transits are elevated relative to median background levels not only at low frequencies (20-30 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz from 100-1000 Hz), but also at high frequencies (5-13 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz from 10,000-96,000 Hz). Thus, noise received from ships at ranges less than 3 km extends to frequencies used by odontocetes like the southern resident killer whales for communication and echolocation. Broadband received levels (11.5-40,000 Hz) near the shoreline in Haro Strait (WA, USA) for the entire ship population were 111 ± 6 dB re 1 μPa on average. Mean ship speed was 14.4 ± 4.1 knots. Most ship classes show a linear relationship between received level and speed with a slope near +1 dB/knot. Assuming near-spherical spreading based on a transmission loss experiment we compute mean broadband source levels for the ship population of 173 ± 7 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m without accounting for frequency-dependent absorption. Spectrum, 1/12- octave, and 1/3-octave source levels for the whole population have median values that are comparable to previous measurements and models at most frequencies, but for select studies may be relatively low below 200 Hz and high above 20,000 Hz. Median source spectrum levels peak near 50 Hz for all 12 ship classes, have a maximum of 159 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz @ 1 m for container ships, and vary between classes by about 25 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz @ 1 m at low frequencies (50 Hz), 13 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz @ 1 m at mid-frequencies (1,000 Hz), and 5 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz @ 1 m at high frequencies (10,000 Hz). Below 200 Hz, the class-specific median spectrum levels bifurcate with large commercial ships grouping as higher power noise sources. Within all ship classes spectrum levels vary more at low frequencies than at high frequencies, and the degree of variability is almost halved for classes that have smaller speed standard deviations.
New species of the side necked turtle Bothremys (Pleurodira: Podocnemidoidea: Bothremydidae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Morocco
Authors: Yoshida Masataka , Hirayama Ren
Published: January 2018

Background. Moroccan phosphates bed includes fossils of Sauropterygia, Testudines and mosasaurs from the latest Cretaceous (Maastrichitian) to Eocene. Family Bothremydidae (Podocnemidoidea), an extinct side-necked turtle group, has broad diversity in cranial morphology as shown by the genus Bothremys (Bothremydini). This genus is known from the Cretaceous and Paleogene of North America, Europe, Africa and middle east Asia, uniquely characterized by a pair of pits on the triturating surface of upper and lower jaws. Hitherto, four species have been recognized in Bothremys; B. cooki, B. kellyi, B. maghrebiana, and B. arabicus. Compared to the diversity of cranial morphology, little difference is known in the shell morphology in bothremydids. Also little is known about the limb morphology of bothremydini turtles, because of poor association of skull and postcranial skeleton. A new excellently preserved specimen of Bothremys is reported from the Upper Cretaceous of Morocco.

Methods. The WSILS-RHg519 specimen stored in Waseda University is a large bothremydid skull associated with lower jaw and several postcranial elements including left humerus and peripherals.

Results. The pair of pits on the triturating surfaces of upper and lower jaws in WSILSRHg519 specimen is a distinct autoapomorphic characters of the genus Bothremys. With the skull width 171mm, B. arabicus from the Santonian age of Jordan had been the largest species of genus Bothremys. The WSILS-RHg519 reaches the skull width 220mm and would be the largest member of Bothremys. Also, comparing the bone composition of the ventral surface of skull of the WSILS-RHg519 specimen to all other known Bothremys, the palatine-pterygoid contacts and pterygoid-pterygoid contact are quite unique. The left humerus is associated with the skull, partly damaged. The distal end of humerus is wide and the shaft is nearly straight, showing the first morphological evidence of aquatic/marine adaptation different from that of Chedighaii, the sister taxon of Bothremys.

Discussion. The marine habitat of bothremydid turtles had been roughly discussed on the basis of the association of shallow marine animals such as shark teeth. Morphological evidence has not suggested yet partly because of the difficulty of bothremydid taxonomy which is just based on the cranial morphology. The WSILS-RHg519 specimen will hopefully shed light on the mysterious habitats of bothremydid turtles.
Non-lethal approach identifies variability of δ15N values in the fin rays of Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara
Authors: Tzadik Orian , Goddard Ethan , Hollander David J , Koenig Christopher , Stallings Christopher D.
Published: January 2018

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, is critically-endangered throughout its range but has begun to show initial signs of recovery in Florida state waters. As the population continues to rebound, researchers face a pressing need to fill the knowledge gaps about this iconic species. Here, we examined the δ15N isotopic records in fin rays collected from Atlantic Goliath Grouper, and related changes of isotopic ratios over time to life history characteristics. Fin-ray analysis was used as a non-lethal technique to sample individuals from two locations at similar latitudes from the west and east coasts of Florida, U.S.A. δ15N data were acquired by mechanically separating the annuli of each fin ray and then analyzing the material in an Irradiance Elemental Analyzer Mass Spectrometer. The δ15N values were consistent among individuals within populations from each coast of Florida, and mirrored the expected changes over the lives of the fish. Overall, differences were found between δ15N values at juvenile life history phases versus adult phases, but the patterns associated with these differences were unique to each coastal group. We demonstrated, for the first time, that δ15N values from fin rays can be used to assess the life histories of Atlantic Goliath Grouper. The non-lethal strategies outlined here can be used to acquire information essential to the management of species of concern, such as those that are threatened or endangered.
A linear sigmoid colon passage method by left twisting
Authors: Awazu Satoshi , Araki Risa , Awazu Toshihiko
Published: January 2018

We previously reported that the sigmoid-descending colon junction becomes linear and the colonoscope can be readily inserted into the descending colon in the left semiprone position. In addition, we encountered a situation whereby the sigmoid colon becomes more linear and the colonoscope can be more straightly inserted in the sigmoid colon when the colonoscope is inserted with twisting to the left in the left semiprone position. Therefore, our new insertion method was devised so that the colonoscope neutral position was rotated 45 degrees to the left compared to our conventional insertion method, and this method was performed to determine whether the colonoscope looping rate in the sigmoid colon can be reduced. The colonoscope looping rate in the sigmoid colon could be reduced by using our new insertion method. These results suggest that safer colonoscope insertion is possible by using our new insertion method compared with our conventional insertion method.
Correlation between types of diabetic retinopathy and its psychosocial impact
Authors: Jani Chinmay T , Desai Tejas , Parikh Sonal , Shah Aashka A , Katara Sonali
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic retinopathy affects majority (70% to 90%) of diabetic patients, causes visual impairment which leads to severe psycho-social disruption in life. Our objective was to study the patients of diabetic retinopathy, co-relate between the types of diabetic retinopathy and the extent of psychosocial impairment in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of the diabetic patients attending the Retina Clinic of C.H. Nagri Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad was collected using a pretested questionnaire. It included ocular history, history related to diabetes, data of ocular examination and type of retinopathy (if present). For psycho-social assessment, the patients were made to fill the validated Gujarati language version of “General Health Questionnaire -28 (GHQ 28).” Self-scoring was done ranging from 0-1-2-3 (lower to higher disability respectively). Analysis of significance was carried out by Mann-Whitney Test using statistical software. RESULTS: Total 308 patients were studied. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: (A) Diabetes Mellitus Type-2 (DM-2) patients without retinopathy. (B) DM-2 patients having Non-Proliferative Retinopathy (C) DM-2 patients having Proliferative Retinopathy. According to the accepted scoring pattern of GHQ-28 (cut of point 25), it was observed that 80.26% of patients having non proliferative retinopathy in both eyes and 93.75% patients having proliferative retinopathy in both eyes were psychosocially impaired. The impairment was found to be more severe in proliferative retinopathy patients as compared to non-proliferative retinopathy patients. (p value <0.005) (Mean GHQ score in PDR=41.88 > NPDR = 35.74). It was also found that in DM-2 patients without retinopathy the average mean score was 25.22 which showed less impairment (p value <0.005). Detailed analysis showed that there was more impairment in the field of social dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Patients of Diabetic Retinopathy had more psychosocial impairment which shows its significant impact on quality of life and overall health. Psychiatric counselling must be given to the impaired patients to decrease the impact of the disease on the psychosocial aspect of health. It is necessary to decrease the psychosocial suffering along with the control of disease.
Landscape configuration of seagrass meadows regulates sea urchins predation in a Marine Protected Area: what is the role of bottom predators?
Authors: Farina Simone , Oliva Silvia , Guala Ivan , Silva Rodrigo , Piazzi Luigi , Spanu Matteo , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: January 2018

In Mediterranean benthic ecosystems of shallow water local-scale predation maintains a main control on both sea urchin population and the ecological structure of macrophyte community. The use of the habitat by local predator guild in dependence on the regional context shapes prey distributions across the environment. On rocky habitat, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is widely known as prey of apex fish predators that indirectly shape the structure of benthic assemblages whereas, in structured Posidonia oceanica, P. lividus can find shelter from predators. In this study, we assessed survival rates of P. lividus in a Marine Protected Area (Sardinia) at the aim to evaluate the role of composition and configuration of landscape on its predation risk. Sites of different landscapes were selected in function of their heterogeneity estimated according to the different proportions and spatial interspersion of four classes of habitats defined on the basis of P. oceanica meadows arrangement: (1) continuous, (2) fragmented and (3) patchy meadows and (4) absence of seagrass (i.e. rocky bottom with macroalgae communities). In order to capture the domain of the ecological process a sampling grain 5x5 meters was used as minimal spatial resolution at which information is assessed. Specifically continuous sampling units in a grid of 7x7 cells yield landscape quadrats of 35 × 35 m and allowed a finer description of the spatial pattern. For each cell we also estimated structural variables of seagrass habitats such as unburied mat, shoot density, canopy height, cover percent, roughness and the natural abundances of prey and predators. After placing the tagged sea urchins, we daily observed the survival rates for twenty days. Predation risk was significantly higher in continuous and fragmented seagrass habitats and predator marks were typically produced by gastropod’s attacks. Landscape indices are used to correlate the amount of available habitat for gastropods movements with sea urchin’s predation risk. Interestingly, estimated predation rate also was negatively correlated with natural sea urchins density across grid cells. Results suggest that, although fishes are considered among the most important pressures on sea urchin population, especially in effective MPAs, bottom predators’ control can be relevant in structurally complex environment such as seagrasses.
Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Telašćica Nature Park (Croatia)
Authors: Jakl Zrinka , Šijan Milena , Prvan Mosor , Sertic Maya , Čavrak Vanja , Derezanin Lorena , Boi Stefano , Guala Ivan
Published: January 2018

Monitoring of marine priority habitats has been recently undertaken in the Telašćica Nature Park (Croatia) in compliance with the management plan developed within the MedPAN South project. Assessment of the state of Posidonia oceanica meadows was made in 2011, 2012 and 2014, in five locations subjected to different anthropogenic pressure. The monitoring was mainly aimed to establish the presence of disturbance in locations that are highly frequented by recreational boaters. Using an empirical assessment of frequent boat use, meadows were defined as “anchoring” (four locations - Čuška Dumboka, Kobiljak, Lučica, Sestrica – that are potentially subjected to high pressure from boating activities) or “no-anchoring” (one location - Garmenjak - where boating activites are considered negligible since the area is not a preferred destination for boater). Structural descriptors of the meadows (i.e shoot density and the Conservation Index) were assessed at different sites at each location, by means of direct surveys in SCUBA diving. Results indicate clear signs of deterioration at the locations that are subjected to high pressure of anchoring. Overall, shoot density at the "no-anchoring" sites had significant higher values than the "anchoring" sites, by around 31% to 45% higher, over the three years of investigations. Changes in values of the Conservation Index were smaller; 10% to 15% higher in “no-anchoring” than "anchoring" sites. Among the “anchoring” locations, Čuška Dumboka and Kobiljak showed the lowest values of shoot density and Conservation Index (as a consequence of the highest cover of dead matte), over the three years of monitoring. The combined use of the two descriptors seems to be effective in obtaining information on the condition of the seagrass meadows and strengthens the a priori assumption that mechanical disturbance of anchors affects P. oceanica adversely by enhancing regression of the meadows. The management authority is now implementing a series of actions to reduce human pressures and promote a more sustainable approach to nautical tourism. Monitoring of boating frequency and activities (number and size of boats, anchor type), is recommended to assess the effective pressure of anchoring and understand whether the different conditions of meadows under pressure correspond to the different levels of disturbance or if other factors along with anchoring are influencing the seagrass beds.
A new species of Phrynops from Southern Brazil (Testudines, Chelidae), with comments on the phylogeny of the genus
Authors: Rizzo Friol Natália , de Barros Molina Flávio , El Dine Zaher Hussam
Published: January 2018

Background. Phrynops present four valid species, including P. geoffroanus that might represents a complex of cryptic species. Here, we provide a preliminary analysis of the taxonomy and phylogenetic affinities within Phrynops, with special reference to the taxonomic status of populations of P. geoffroanus and P. tuberosus, and the recognition of a new species from Southern Brazil. Methods. We studied populations from ten Brazilian river basins. A linear morphometric analysis was performed in order to define taxonomically distinct populations. Also, a phylogenetic analysis using morphology and molecular data (sequenced for the genes R35, RAG2, c-mos, cytb, ND4, and 12S) were carried out. Three distinct sets of phylogenetic analyses were performed: parsimony to morphological and combined data, and maximum likelihood to molecular data. Results. The combined analysis shows that Phrynops represents a well supported clade. The set of skeletal data supports Mesoclemmys as the sister group of Phrynops, whereas the molecular and combined data sets show Phrynops as the sister group of a clade composed by all the remaining genera of Chelidae, except Hydromedusa. Our morphological analyses suggest that P. hilarii is the sister group of P. geoffroanus, but in both molecular and combined analyses, P. hilarii appears nested within the clade formed by the populations of P. geoffroanus. Futhermore, P. tuberosus and P. geoffroanus are not distinguishable by the set of osteological and morphometric data. On the other hand, both morphometric and osteological data show that the population of P. geoffroanus from the Paraná river basin is a distinct species. Discussion. The sister group relationships of Phrynops could not be clearly defined due to the different topologies achieved. Phrynops hilarii is included within of P. geoffroanus in both molecular and combined data, but this position has little statistical support and therefore does not express a clear position of P. hilarii within the genus Phrynops. Besides, we were not able to distinguish P. geoffroanus and P. tuberosus. However, a sampling of specific locations are still needed to objectively define the taxonomic status of P. tuberosus. Finally, the population of P. geoffroanus from the Paraná basin is clearly distinct from the remaining populations of this species. Qualitative osteological characters and morphometric results seem to demonstrate that this population is a new species of Phrynops.
Novel epitopes identified from efflux pumps of Mycobacterium tuberculosis could induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte response
Authors: Zhai Mingxia , Chen Fei , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wu Yahong , Li Guodong , Gao Yanfeng , Qi Yuanming
Published: January 2018

Overcoming drug-resistance is one of the major challenges to control tuberculosis (TB). The up-regulation of efflux pumps is one common mechanism that leads to drug-resistance. Therefore, immunotherapy targeting these efflux pump antigens could be promising strategy to be combined with current chemotherapy. Considering that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induced by antigenic peptides (epitopes) could elicit HLA-restricted anti-TB immune response, efflux pumps from classical ABC family (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mtb) were chosen as target antigens to identify CTL epitopes. HLA-A2 restricted candidate peptides from Rv2937, Rv2686c and Rv2687c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were predicted, synthesized and tested. Five peptides could induce IFN-γ release and cytotoxic activity in PBMCs from HLA-A2+ PPD+ donors. Results from HLA-A2/Kb transgenic mice immunization assay suggested that four peptides Rv2937-p168, Rv2937-p266, Rv2686c-p151, and Rv2686c-p181 could induce significant CTL response in vivo. These results suggested that these novel epitopes could be used as immunotherapy candidates to TB drug-resistance.
Patient understanding of radiation risk from medical computed tomography - A comparison of Hispanic vs. Non-Hispanic Emergency Department populations
Authors: McNierney-Moore Afton , Smith Cynthia , Guardiola Jose H. , Xu K Tom , Richman Peter
Published: January 2018

Background: Cultural differences and language barriers may adversely impact patients with respect to understanding the risks/benefits of medical testing. Objective: We hypothesized that there would be no difference in Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic patients’ knowledge of radiation risk that results from CT of the abdomen/pelvis (CTAP). Methods: We enrolled a convenience sample of adults at an inner-city ED. Patients provided written answers to rate agreement on a 10-point scale for two correct statements comparing radiation exposure equality between: CTAP and 5 years of background radiation (question 1); CTAP and 200 chest x-rays (question 3). Patients also rated their agreement that multiple CT scans increase the lifetime cancer risk (question 2). Scores of > 8 were considered good knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the independent effect of the Hispanic variable. Results: 600 patients in the study group; 63% Hispanic, mean age 39.2 +/- 13.9 years. Hispanics and non-Hispanics whites were similar with respect to good knowledge-level answers to question 1 (17.3 vs 15.1%; OR=1.2; 95 % CI=0.74- 2.0), question 2 (31.2 vs. 39.3%; OR=0.76; 95% CI=0.54 - 1.1), and question 3 (15.2 vs. 16.5%; OR =1.1; 95% CI= 0.66 - 1.8). Compared to patients who earned < $20,000, patients with income > $40,000 were more likely to answer question 2 with good knowledge (OR =1.96; 95% CI=1.2 – 3.1). Conclusion: The study group’s overall knowledge of radiation risk was poor, but we did not find significant differences between Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic patients.