bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalist social bees maximize diversity intake in plant species‐rich and resource‐abundant environments
Authors: Kaluza Benjamin F. , Wallace Helen , Keller Alexander , Heard Tim A. , Jeffers Bradley , Drescher Nora , Blüthgen Nico , Leonhardt Sara D.
Published: March 2017

Numerous studies revealed a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, suggesting that biodiverse environments may not only enhance ecosystem processes, but also benefit individual ecosystem members by, for example, providing a higher diversity of resources. Whether and how the number of available resources affects resource collection and subsequently consumers (e.g., through impacting functions associated with resources) have, however, been little investigated, although a better understanding of this relationship may help explain why the abundance and richness of many animal species typically decline with decreasing plant (resource) diversity. Using a social bee species as model (Tetragonula carbonaria), we investigated how plant species richness—recorded for study sites located in different habitats—and associated resource abundance affected the diversity and functionality (here defined as nutritional content and antimicrobial activity) of resources (i.e., pollen, nectar, and resin) collected by a generalist herbivorous consumer. The diversity of both pollen and resin collected strongly increased with increasing plant/tree species richness, while resource abundance was only positively correlated with resin diversity. These findings suggest that bees maximize resource diversity intake in (resource) diverse habitats. Collecting more diverse resources did, however, not increase their functionality, which appeared to be primarily driven by the surrounding (plant) source community in our study. In generalist herbivores, maximizing resource diversity intake may therefore primarily secure collection of sufficient amounts of resources across the entire foraging season, but it also ensures that the allocated resources meet all functional needs. Decreasing available resource diversity may thus impact consumers primarily by reduced resource abundance, but also by reduced resource functionality, particularly when resources of high functionality (e.g., from specific plant species) become scarce.
Circular RNAs in heart failure
Authors: Devaux Yvan , Creemers Esther E. , Boon Reinier A. , Werfel Stanislas , Thum Thomas , Engelhardt Stefan , Dimmeler Stefanie , Squire Iain ,   on behalf of the Cardiolinc network
Published: March 2017

Cardiovascular disease, and particularly heart failure, is still a serious health care issue for which novel treatments and biomarkers are needed. The RNA family comprises different subgroups, among which the small‐sized microRNAs and the larger long non‐coding RNAs have shown some potential to aid in moving personalized health care of heart failure patients a step forward. Here, members of the Cardiolinc network review the recent findings suggesting that the less well‐known circular RNAs may constitute a novel reservoir of therapeutic targets and biomarkers of heart failure. The knowledge of the mode of biogenesis of circular RNAs will first be reported, followed by a description of different features that make these RNA molecules of interest for the heart failure community. The functions of circular RNAs in the heart will be described, with some emphasis given to their regulation in the failing heart. Circulating in the bloodstream, circular RNAs have appeared as potential biomarkers and recent findings associated with the use of circular RNAs as heart failure biomarkers will be discussed. Finally, some directions for future research will be provided.
The medial temporal memory system in Down syndrome: Translating animal models of hippocampal compromise
Authors: Clark Caron A.C. , Fernandez Fabian , Sakhon Stella , Spanò Goffredina , Edgin Jamie O.
Published: March 2017

Recent studies have highlighted the dentate gyrus as a region of increased vulnerability in mouse models of Down syndrome (DS). It is unclear to what extent these findings are reflected in the memory profile of people with the condition. We developed a series of novel tasks to probe distinct medial temporal functions in children and young adults with DS, including object, spatial, and temporal order memory. Relative to mental age‐matched controls (n = 45), individuals with DS (n = 28) were unimpaired on subtests involving short‐term object or configural recall that was divorced from spatial or temporal contexts. By contrast, the DS group had difficulty recalling spatial locations when contextual information was salient and recalling the order in which objects were serially presented. Results are consistent with dysfunction of spatial and temporal contextual pattern separation abilities in individuals with DS, mediated by the hippocampus, including the dentate gyrus. Amidst increasing calls to bridge human and animal work, the memory profile demonstrated here in humans with DS is strikingly similar to that of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. The study highlights the trisynaptic circuit as a potentially fruitful intervention target to mitigate cognitive impairments associated with DS.
Obstructive sleep apnea and postoperative complications among patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery
Authors: Bamgbade Olumuyiwa A. , Khaw Rong R. , Sawati Raisah S. , Holland Cathrine M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), physiological or risk factors associated with OSA, and OSA‐associated postoperative complications among patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery.

Methods

A prospective observational study enrolled gynecologic oncology patients undergoing abdominal surgery at a center in the UK between August 2009 and January 2013. All patients underwent perioperative sleep oximetry for the diagnosis of OSA. Data assessed included the body mass index, the STOP‐Bang score, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, the apnea–hypopnea index, and postoperative complications. Associations were determined between preoperative OSA and postoperative OSA, postoperative complications, and risk factors such as body mass index, age, STOP‐Bang score, and Epworth score.

Results

Among 160 participants, 72 (45.0%) were obese and 80 (50.0%) had OSA. Obesity, older age (more than 65 years), and a neck circumference of 40 cm or more were significantly associated with OSA. Overall, 58 (36.3%) patients had postoperative complications; 21 (13.1%) had surgical complications and 37 (23.1%) had medical complications. Complications were not associated with OSA (P=0.612). Four (2.5%) patients died; mortality was not associated with OSA (P=0.810).

Conclusion

OSA is common among gynecologic oncology patients. Portable sleep oximetry identifies gynecology patients who have OSA or require postoperative critical care. Obesity is associated with OSA, but OSA is not associated with postoperative complications in gynecologic oncology patients.
A cross‐sectional comparison of three guidelines for intrapartum cardiotocography
Authors: Bhatia Meena , Mahtani Kamal R. , Nunan David , Reddy Aparna
Published: March 2017

Objective

To compare the cardiotocography classification systems outlined by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in 2015 and the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2007 and 2014.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study of cardiotocography practices at a UK hospital was conducted among labor ward staff (n=21) from November 1 to November 31, 2015. All observers classified ten cardiotocography traces according to the three guidelines using a bespoke form. Outcome measures included interobserver agreement (κ values), percentage agreement, intervention rate, and perceived ease of use.

Results

The κ values were 0.38 (FIGO 2015), 0.37 (NICE 2007), and 0.34 (NICE 2014). The percentage agreement was identical across the three systems for both normal cardiotocography results (100.0%) and for intermediate or suspicious results (80.9%). By contrast, the percentage agreement for abnormal or pathological findings was 47.6% for NICE 2014, 76.2% for FIGO 2015, and 91.0% for NICE 2007 guidelines. Among 210 observations, intervention was deemed necessary for 48 (22.9%) for FIGO 2015, 29 (13.8%) for NICE 2014, and 56 (26.7%) for NICE 2007 guidelines. The FIGO 2015 system was considered the easiest to use by 13 (61.9%) observers.

Conclusion

Interobserver agreement of cardiotocography classification is suboptimal. The FIGO 2015 system offered favorable agreement scores, perceived ease of use, and a moderate intervention rate.
Mycophenolate Mofetil and Rapamycin Induce Apoptosis in the Human Monocytic U937 Cell Line Through Two Different Pathways
Authors: Nowak Maxime , Tardivel Sylviane , Nguyen‐Khoa Thao , Abreu Sonia , Allaoui Fatima , Fournier Natalie , Chaminade Pierre , Paul Jean‐Louis , Lacour Bernard
Published: March 2017

Transplant vasculopathy may be considered as an accelerated form of atherosclerosis resulting in chronic rejection of vascularized allografts. After organ transplantation, a diffuse intimal thickening is observed, leading to the development of an atherosclerosis plaque due to a significant monocyte infiltration. This results from a chronic inflammatory process induced by the immune response. In this study, we investigated the impact of two immunosuppressive drugs used in therapy initiated after organ transplantation, mycophenolate mofetil, and rapamycin, on the apoptotic response of monocytes induced or not by oxidized LDL. Here we show the pro‐apoptotic effect of these two drugs through two distinct signaling pathways and we highlight a synergistic effect of rapamycin on apoptosis induced by oxidized LDL. In conclusion, since immunosuppressive therapy using mycophenolate mofetil or rapamycin can increase the cell death in a monocyte cell line, this treatment could exert similar effects on human monocytes in transplant patients, and thus, prevent transplant vasculopathy, atherosclerosis development, and chronic allograft rejection. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3480–3487, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autochthonous and allochthonous contributions of organic carbon to microbial food webs in Svalbard fjords
Authors: Holding Johnna M. , Duarte Carlos M. , Delgado‐Huertas Antonio , Soetaert Karline , Vonk Jorien E. , Agustí Susana , Wassmann Paul , Middelburg Jack J.
Published: March 2017

Rising temperatures in the Arctic Ocean are causing sea ice and glaciers to melt at record breaking rates, which has consequences for carbon cycling in the Arctic Ocean that are yet to be fully understood. Microbial carbon cycling is driven by internal processing of in situ produced organic carbon (OC), however recent research suggests that melt water from sea ice and glaciers could introduce an allochthonous source of OC to the microbial food web with ramifications for the metabolic balance of plankton communities. In this study, we characterized autochthonous and allochthonous sources of OC to the Western Svalbard fjord system using stable isotopes of carbon. We quantified δ13C of eukaryotic and prokaryotic planktonic groups using polar lipid‐derived fatty acids as biomarkers in addition to measuring δ13C of marine particulate OC and dissolved OC from glacial runoff. δ13C of bacteria (−22.5‰) was higher than that of glacial runoff OC (−28.5‰) and other phytoplankton groups (−24.7 to −29.1‰), which suggests that marine bacteria preferentially use a third source of OC. We present a Bayesian three‐source δ13C mixing model whereby ∼ 60% of bacteria carbon is derived from OC in sea ice, and the remaining carbon is derived from autochthonous production and glacial‐derived OC. These results suggest that subsidies of OC from melting glaciers will not likely influence microbial carbon cycling in Svalbard fjords in the future and that further research is needed to determine the effects of melting sea ice on microbial carbon cycling in fjord systems and elsewhere in the Arctic Ocean.
Tribological properties of 2 novel Mo/B–based lubricant additives in polyalphaolefin
Authors: Huang Jiang‐Min , Qi He‐Dong , Gao Rui‐Bao , Zhang Guan‐Jun , Zhang Chen‐Xi , Yi Shou‐Zhi
Published: March 2017

Two kinds of Mo/B oleic diethanolamide derivatives (coded as YXM and YXB) were synthesised, and their tribological properties were evaluated using a 4‐ball machine. Results indicate that the 2 novel additives show excellent antiwear and extreme pressure properties. When 2.5 wt% YXM was added into the base oil, the wear scar diameter was reduced by 42.2%, and the PB value was increased by 170.4%; when 2.5 wt% YXB was added into the base oil, the wear scar diameter was reduced by 23.1%, and the PB value was increased by 167.1%. The worn surfaces of the lubricated GCr15 steel were analysed by using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is indicated that the variation of tribofilm species produced by a chemical reaction between the additives and the steel surface plays an important role in inhibiting wear and friction. A model was used to analyse the action mechanism. According to the analysis, the tribofilm is composed of an adsorption layer and a reaction layer, and it could effectively protect the steel surfaces from direct contact.
Involvement of oxidative stress in protocatechuic acid‐mediated bacterial lethality
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek O. , Habibu Ramat S. , Saidu Kabiru , Haliru Fatimah Z. , Ajiboye Hikmat O. , Aliyu Najeeb O. , Ibitoye Oluwayemisi B. , Uwazie Judith N. , Muritala Hamdalat F. , Bello Sharafa A. , Yusuf Idris I. , Mohammed Aisha O.
Published: March 2017

The involvement of oxidative stress in protocatechuic acid‐mediated bacterial lethality was investigated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of protocatechuic acid against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus are 600 and 700 μg/ml, 600 and 800 μg/ml, and 600 and 800 μg/ml, respectively. The optical densities and colony‐forming units of protocatechuic acid‐treated bacteria decreased in time‐dependent manner. Protocatechuic acid (4× MIC) significantly increased the superoxide anion content of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus compared to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and NAD+/NADH in protocatechuic acid‐treated E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus increased significantly when compared to DMSO. Conversely, level of reduced glutathione decreased in protocatechuic acid‐treated E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, while glutathione disulfide increased when compared to DMSO. Furthermore, malondialdehyde and fragmented DNA increased significantly following exposure to protocatechuic acid. Protocatechuic acid inhibited the activity of complexes I and II. From the above findings, protocatechuic acid enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical) in E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, possibly by autoxidation, fenton chemistry, and inhibiting electron transport chain resulting in lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation and consequentially bacterial cell death.
Metabolic engineering to expand the substrate spectrum of Pseudomonas putida toward sucrose
Authors: Löwe Hannes , Schmauder Lukas , Hobmeier Karina , Kremling Andreas , Pflüger‐Grau Katharina
Published: March 2017

Sucrose is an important disaccharide used as a substrate in many industrial applications. It is a major component of molasses, a cheap by‐product of the sugar industry. Unfortunately, not all industrially relevant organisms, among them Pseudomonas putida, are capable of metabolizing sucrose. We chose a metabolic engineering approach to circumvent this blockage and equip P. putida with the activities necessary to consume sucrose. Therefore, we constructed a pair of broad‐host range mini‐transposons (pSST – sucrose splitting transposon), carrying either cscA, encoding an invertase able to split sucrose into glucose and fructose, or additionally cscB, encoding a sucrose permease. Introduction of cscA was sufficient to convey sucrose consumption and the additional presence of cscB had no further effect, though the sucrose permease was built and localized to the membrane. Sucrose was split extracellularly by the activity of the invertase CscA leaking out of the cell. The transposons were also used to confer sucrose consumption to Cupriavidus necator. Interestingly, in this strain, CscB acted as a glucose transporter, such that C. necator also gained the ability to grow on glucose. Thus, the pSST transposons are functional tools to extend the substrate spectrum of Gram‐negative bacterial strains toward sucrose.
Tunable inductors using vanadium dioxide as the control material
Authors: Wang Shu , Wang Weisong , Shin Eunsung , Quach Tony , Subramanyam Guru
Published: March 2017

This article experimentally studies the application of vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film for tunable inductor design. VO2's temperature‐dependent conductivity is used for implementing a tunable inductor using VO2 as the control material. Two different configurations of inductors are designed. One design uses a short VO2 bar as a circuit switch and the other uses VO2 to replace the full spiral coil inductor. The frequency range in the experiments is 0.3–2 GHz. Experimental results show a 32% tuning range (1–0.68 nH) through applied temperature variation (25–100°C) in the devices. These results are matched by a working circuit π model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1057–1061, 2017
A dual‐wideband dual‐polarized directional magneto‐electric dipole antenna
Authors: Yang Lei , Weng Zibin , Zhang Chi , Du Ruonan
Published: March 2017

A broadband dual‐band dual‐polarized directional magneto‐electric (ME) dipole antenna is presented in this letter. The antenna is composed of a square reflector, four side walls, a metallic loop, and two crossed ME dipoles fed by two orthogonal Γ‐shaped feed strips. Both simulated and measured results show that the antenna can obtain two wide impedance bandwidths of 18% (800–960 MHz) in lower frequency band and 45% (1700–2700 MHz) in higher frequency band with the reflection coefficients lower than −10 dB for both input ports. Meanwhile, about 25 dB isolation and 8 dBi gain are realized through the whole bands. The proposed antenna also demonstrates good directional radiation and cross‐polarization characteristics. Generally, the antenna can be widely used for 2G, 3G, LTE, and WLAN .etc communication systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1128–1133, 2017
Nerve conduction velocity and cross‐sectional area in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Podnar Simon , Omejec Gregor , Bodor Marko
Published: March 2017

Introduction

In the precise localization of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) we have noted discrepancies between electrodiagnostic (EDx) and ultrasonographic (US) findings. We aimed to explore the relationship between the 2 techniques.

Methods

Four study‐blind examiners took a history and performed neurologic, EDx, and US examinations of a group of prospectively recruited patients with UNE. They assessed the relationship between ulnar nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV).

Results

In 106 patients with UNE at the retrocondylar (RTC) groove, the highest CSA and lowest MNCV were noted in the same short segment. In 54 patients with UNE at the humeroulnar aponeurosis (HUA), the highest CSA and lowest MNCV were noted proximal to the HUA.

Discussion

MNCV and CSA were highly correlated in UNE. Ulnar nerve slowing proximal to the entrapment at the HUA was surprising, but consistent with previous studies done on carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle Nerve 56: E65–E72, 2017
Effect of lorcaserin on glycemic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Magkos Faidon , Nikonova Elena , Fain Randi , Zhou Sharon , Ma Tony , Shanahan William
Published: March 2017

Objective

Lorcaserin, a 5‐HT2C receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management, is also associated with improvements in glycemic parameters in patients with/without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the extent to which these effects are mediated by weight loss is unknown. This post hoc analysis further examines glycemic data from the Phase III BLOOM‐DM study stratified by weight changes.

Methods

Patients with T2DM were randomized to lorcaserin 10 mg twice daily or placebo. Glycemic parameters were reported by Week (W) 12 weight loss status ≥5% (Group ≥5%) or <5% (Group <5%). Glycemic parameter changes were analyzed using ANCOVA; the relationship between glycemic parameter changes and percent weight loss was assessed by simple regression modeling.

Results

Group ≥5% receiving lorcaserin had greater improvements in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at W2 (prior to significant weight loss) and greater improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at W12 versus placebo. These improvements were maintained through W52 (FPG, −29.3 mg/dL vs. −24.2 mg/dL; HbA1c, −1.2% vs. −1.1%). Group <5% treated with lorcaserin also had larger decreases in FPG (−28.3 mg/dL vs. −10.0 mg/dL) and HbA1c (−0.8% vs. −0.4%) at W52 versus placebo despite limited weight loss.

Conclusions

Lorcaserin may have beneficial effects on glycemic control with or without weight loss.
Legal implications of deprescribing: a case scenario
Authors: Barnett Nina , Kelly Órla
Published: March 2017

Prescribers are increasingly being encouraged to deprescribe unnecessary medication, but a potential barrier is the worry of litigation. This article presents an illustrative case scenario that examines the legal implications of deprescribing.
Future energy and electric power systems and smart technologies
Authors: Izui Yoshio , Koyama Michihisa
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we describe, first, the present status and the tasks toward the future of energy systems in Japan from the viewpoint of 3E+S. 3E+S means energy security, environmental conservation, economic efficiency, and safety. Second, we describe the future energy society in 2030 and 2050, respectively. We introduce a large picture of the total energy system considering the energy resources, conversion, transportation, storage, consumption, control, and system architecture. For the image of 2030, the Japanese government has already announced the middle‐term (2030) energy demand and supply on July 16, 2015. For 2050, we assume three cases regarding the renewable energy installations: the status quo of 2030 covering 22–24% of the total consumption, and 50 and 100% of the total consumption. In the last section, we describe smart technologies to support the envisioned society in 2030 and 2050. We also introduce the reference architecture model. To achieve 80% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in 2050, the innovations at the consumer side, such as the large‐scale renewable energy resources and storage installations, utilization of electrified vehicles, distributed energy management systems including virtual power plants, and system integration, will become very important in addition to innovations at the supply side. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Genomic Counseling for Patients Receiving Personalized and Actionable Complex Disease Reports
Authors: Sweet Kevin , Sturm Amy C. , Schmidlen Tara , McElroy Joseph , Scheinfeldt Laura , Manickam Kandamurugu , Gordon Erynn S. , Hovick Shelly , Scott Roberts J. , Toland Amanda Ewart , Christman Michael
Published: March 2017

There has been very limited study of patients with chronic disease receiving potentially actionable genomic based results or the utilization of genetic counselors in the online result delivery process. We conducted a randomized controlled trial on 199 patients with chronic disease each receiving eight personalized and actionable complex disease reports online. Primary study aims were to assess the impact of in‐person genomic counseling on 1) causal attribution of disease risk, 2) personal awareness of disease risk, and 3) perceived risk of developing a particular disease. Of 98 intervention arm participants (mean age = 57.8; 39% female) randomized for in‐person genomic counseling, 76 (78%) were seen. In contrast, control arm participants (n= 101; mean age = 58.5; 54% female) were initially not offered genomic counseling as part of the study protocol but were able to access in‐person genomic counseling, if they requested it, 3‐months post viewing of at least one test report and post‐completion of the study‐specific follow‐up survey. A total of 64 intervention arm and 59 control arm participants completed follow‐up survey measures. We found that participants receiving in‐person genomic counseling had enhanced objective understanding of the genetic variant risk contribution for multiple complex diseases. Genomic counseling was associated with lowered participant causal beliefs in genetic influence across all eight diseases, compared to control participants. Our findings also illustrate that for the majority of diseases under study, intervention arm participants believed they knew their genetic risk status better than control arm subjects. Disease risk was modified for the majority during genomic counseling, due to the assessment of more comprehensive family history. In conclusion, for patients receiving personalized and actionable genomic results through a web portal, genomic counseling enhanced their objective understanding of the genetic variant risk contribution to multiple common diseases. These results support the development of additional genomic counseling interventions to ensure a high level of patient comprehension and improve patient‐centered health outcomes.
Effect of Weld Schedule on the Residual Stress Distribution of Boron Steel Spot Welds
Authors: Raath N. D. , Norman D. , McGregor I. , Dashwood R. , Hughes D. J.
Published: March 2017

Press-hardened boron steel has been utilized in anti-intrusion systems in automobiles, providing high strength and weight-saving potential through gage reduction. Boron steel spot welds exhibit a soft heat-affected zone which is surrounded by a hard nugget and outlying base material. This soft zone reduces the strength of the weld and makes it susceptible to failure. Additionally, different welding regimes lead to significantly different hardness distributions, making failure prediction difficult. Boron steel sheets, welded with fixed and adaptive schedules, were characterized. These are the first experimentally determined residual stress distributions for boron steel resistance spot welds which have been reported. Residual strains were measured using neutron diffraction, and the hardness distributions were measured on the same welds. Additionally, similar measurements were performed on spot welded DP600 steel as a reference material. A correspondence between residual stress and hardness profiles was observed for all welds. A significant difference in material properties was observed between the fixed schedule and adaptively welded boron steel samples, which could potentially lead to a difference in failure loads between the two boron steel welds.
Overview on the Middle to Upper Jurassic Sedimentary Succession of Gangta Bet in the Kachchh Basin, Western India, with Special Emphasis on its Lithostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy, and Palaeoenvironment
Authors: Alberti Matthias , Fürsich Franz T. , Pandey Dhirendra K. , Mukherjee Debahuti
Published: March 2017

The Jurassic succession of Gangta Bet in the Kachchh basin of western India comprises around 130 m of mostly siliciclastic rocks. The strata belong to the Gangta Member of the Gadhada Formation and are herein sub-divided into four units: the Gangta sandstone beds, the lower silty sandstone beds, the upper silty sandstone beds, and the Gangta ammonite beds. These units can be separated by three marker horizons: the Brachiopod bed, the Gangta Conglomerate Bed, and the Gervillella Bed. Ammonites indicate an Oxfordian age for the upper half of the succession, but the scarcity of identifiable fossils in its basal part so far prevented precise biostratigraphic assignments. The shallow-water sediments can be interpreted as parasequences as a result of minor sea-level changes. Deposition took place close to the palaeo-coastline at water depths around the fair-weather wave-base.
Corbulid (Bivalvia) species from the Palaeogene Mangrol Lignite Mine of Surat, Gujarat
Authors: Roy Pinaki , Mukherjee Pratik
Published: March 2017

Two corbulid species Caestocorbula gujaratensis var. mangroli and Caestocorbula gigantica are described here from the Mangrol Lignite Mine of Gujarat. Caestocorbula gigantica is the largest species within the corbulid clade. Detailed systematic description of the two species is the main stay of present endeavour. Since the two species have different overlapping morphologies, multivariate data analysis incorporating principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) have been applied in the present study. Application of PCA to test the variance among the morpho-metric data of the two species has been performed and the application of DA clearly separate the two species in spite of existence of correlation among the variables of two species.
Listening as a path to psychological discovery: an introduction to the Listening Guide
Authors: Gilligan Carol , Eddy Jessica
Published: March 2017

None
Assessment of therapeutic effect of human choriogonadotropin in a chemical cystitis model
Authors: Tanik Serhat , Zengin Kürsad , Albayrak Sebahattin , Gurel Abdullah , Atar Muhittin , Sahin Sevinc , Tuzcu Nevin , Tuzcu Mehmet , Imamoglu Muhammet Abdurrahim , Gurdal Mesut
Published: March 2017

In this study, female rats induced with chemical cystitis were administered the hormone human choriogonadotropin (HCG), and it was aimed to reveal the usefulness of HCG in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. The materials for this study were 32 Wistar albino female rats. The study groups were formed as follows: the cystitis group (Group 1), the cystitis + HCG protection group (Group 2), the cystitis + HCG treatment group (Group 3), and the control group (Group 4), with eight rats in each group. In this study, blood and urine samples were taken from the rats, they were euthanized, and their bladders were removed for glutathione, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma measurements. It was observed that tissue damage in Group 2 was lower than that in the other two groups. Glutathione levels in Groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than in Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.01). Malondialdehyde levels of Groups 2 and 4 were significantly lower than the values in Groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.001). When the cystitis groups were compared in terms of their interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, the lowest interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were detected in Group 3. It was found that HCG has positive effects on experimental cystitis in rats. This study revealed that HCG should be researched as a therapeutic agent and formed a step for studies to be carried out on this subject.
EFFECTS OF CUTTING LENGTH AND BUD REMOVAL ON ROOT YIELD AND STARCH CONTENT OF CASSAVA UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS
Authors: PRASITSARN MAPITA , POLTHANEE ANAN , TRELO-GES VIDHAYA , SIMMONS ROBERT W.
Published: March 2017

Bud removal of the cuttings at underground level has been claimed by cassava growers in Thailand as a method to increase cassava yield. This practise should be tested experimentally to explain the reason for yield increase. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bud removal and cutting length on storage root yield and starch content of three cassava varieties. Field experiment was conducted in a split–split plot design with four replications in 2010 and 2011, under rainfed conditions. Three cassava varieties (KU50, RY9 and HB60) were assigned as main plot. Two cutting lengths (15 cm and 30 cm) were assigned as sub plots, and two treatments of buds (buds cut and not cut) were assigned as sub–sub plots. The buds on the cuttings that were inserted into the soil were removed. In 2010, the plants from 15-cm long cuttings subjected to bud removal had higher fresh storage root yield (88.4 Mg ha−1) than did plants from 30-cm long cuttings subjected to bud removal (75.8 Mg ha−1). Cutting of buds also had higher fresh storage root yield (89.1 Mg ha−1) than did non bud-cutting (75.0 Mg ha−1). KU50 had the highest fresh storage root yield (91.4 Mg ha−1), dry root yield (48.4 Mg ha−1) and starch yield (20.1 Mg ha−1). Cutting length of 15 cm had higher starch concentration in storage roots (25.6%) than did cutting length of 30 cm (24.2%). HB60 had the highest starch concentration (27.0%) among cassava varieties tested. The data in 2011 were similar to the data in 2010. The responses of varieties to bud removal and cutting length are discussed.
Impact of the degree of urbanization on composition and structure of helminth communities in the Mongolian racerunner (Eremias argus) Peters, 1869
Authors: Dugarov Z.N. , Baldanova D.R. , Khamnueva T.R.
Published: March 2017

The effects of the degree of urbanization on the composition and mean abundance of helminth species and the structure of helminth communities in the Mongolian racerunner were investigated along a rural–urban gradient in the region of Ulan-Ude city (the Republic of Buryatia, Russia) and neighbouring rural districts. Racerunners were obtained from key areas and categorized into three grades based on the degree of urbanization. In this study, a total of 208 lizards were examined. The helminth communities in the Mongolian racerunner were studied at the infracommunity and component community levels. The nematode Spauligodon pseudoeremiasi was a sensitive bioindicator of the degree of urbanization in our study. All parameters of helminth infracommunities in the Mongolian racerunner were significantly reduced with increasing degree of urbanization of the key areas. Two parameters of helminth component communities (the proportion of hosts infected with parasites and the Shannon index) were significantly reduced with increasing degree of urbanization. The decline recorded in parameters of helminth infracommunities and component communities in the Mongolian racerunner were probably connected with the attenuation of the relationships between helminths, having a complex life cycle with intermediate hosts along the rural–urban gradient.
Understanding and forecasting dispersal of non-indigenous marine decapods (Crustacea: Decapoda) in East European and North Asian waters
Authors: Spiridonov Vassily A. , Zalota Anna K.
Published: March 2017

A survey of publications and collections databases reveals a pattern of non-indigenous decapods distribution in the 13 seas around Russia and adjacent countries. No alien species were reported from Russian territorial waters and exclusive economic zone in the Japan, Okhotsk, west Bering and most of the Siberian shelf Seas. From the seas and their basins in East Europe, 13 alien species have been recorded, with seven of these yet to become established. Established or commonly occurring species can be categorized as: ‘global invaders’ (Chinese mitten crab,Eriocheir sinensisin the White, Baltic, Black, Azov and Caspian Seas; and Harris mud crab,Rhithropanopeus harrisiiin all mentioned seas, except the White Sea); ‘regional aliens’ (Palaemon adspersusandP. elegansin the Caspian Sea and the latter species in the Baltic); and ‘Arctic invaders’ (Kamchatka king crabParalithodes camtschaticusand snow crabChionoecetes opilio).Eriocheir sinensisis the most widely occurring alien decapod species, but there are no indications of an established population in East Europe. For this and other mentioned crab species, invasion history, distribution and important biological data are reviewed. In the seas where few or no native crab species have been present, Harris mud crab (in the Azov and Caspian Seas), Kamchatka crab (in the Barents Sea) and snow crab (in the Barents and Kara Seas) have shown rapid establishment (within two decades) of an invasive population throughout an entire basis or its significant part.
Plasmodium knowlesi invasion following spread by infected mosquitoes, macaques and humans
Authors: YAKOB LAITH , LLOYD ALUN L. , KAO ROWLAND R. , FERGUSON HEATHER M. , BROCK PATRICK M. , DRAKELEY CHRIS , BONSALL MICHAEL B.
Published: March 2017

Plasmodium knowlesi is increasingly recognized as a major cause of malaria in Southeast Asia. Anopheles leucosphyrous group mosquitoes transmit the parasite and natural hosts include long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques. Despite early laboratory experiments demonstrating successful passage of infection between humans, the true role that humans play in P. knowlesi epidemiology remains unclear. The threat posed by its introduction into immunologically naïve populations is unknown despite being a public health priority for this region. A two-host species mathematical model was constructed to analyse this threat. Global sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo methods highlighted the biological processes of greatest influence to transmission. These included parameters known to be influential in classic mosquito-borne disease models (e.g. vector longevity); however, interesting ecological components that are specific to this system were also highlighted: while local vectors likely have intrinsic preferences for certain host species, how plastic these preferences are, and how this is shaped by local conditions, are key determinants of parasite transmission potential. Invasion analysis demonstrates that this behavioural plasticity can qualitatively impact the probability of an epidemic sparked by imported infection. Identifying key vector sub/species and studying their biting behaviours constitute important next steps before models can better assist in strategizing disease control.
Informal music making in studio music instruction: A Canadian case study
Authors: Brook Julia , Upitis Rena , Varela Wynnpaul
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of how one classically trained musician adapted his pedagogical practices to accommodate the needs and interests of his students. A case-study methodology was employed to explore the perceptions and practices of this teacher, and data were collected over a two-year period through interviews and observations. Findings indicated that students were engaged in music-making throughout the lesson, and that many of the lesson characteristics aligned with Lucy Green's (2002, 2008) descriptions of an informal pedagogical orientation. The overarching aim of the teacher's instruction was to support students’ development of musical knowledge and skills that would enhance their learning, and to expand their understanding of musical genres and performance practices.
Scoping the role and education needs of practice nurses in London
Authors: Procter Susan , Griffiths Lauren , Fanning Agnes , Wallman Lizzie , Loveday Heather P.
Published: March 2017

Aims

To identify education priorities for practice nursing across eight London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs); to identify the education, training, development and support needs of practice nurses in undertaking current and future roles.

Background

The education needs of practice nurses have long been recognised but their employment status means that accessing education requires the support of their GP employer. This study scopes the educational requirements of the practice nurse workforce and working with educational providers and commissioners describes a coherent educational pathway for practice nurses.

Method

A survey of practice nurses to scope their educational attainment needs was undertaken. Focus groups were carried out which identified the education, training, development and support needs of practice nurses to fulfil current and future roles.

Findings

A total of 272 respondents completed the survey. Practice nurses took part in three focus groups (n=34) and one workshop (n=39). Findings from this research indicate a practice nurse workforce which lacked career progression, role autonomy or a coherent educational framework. Practice nurses recognised the strength of their role in building relationship-centred care with patients over an extended period of time. They valued this aspect of their role and would welcome opportunities to develop this to benefit patients.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates an appetite for more advanced education among practice nurses, a leadership role by the CCGs in working across the whole system to address the education needs of practice nurses, and a willingness on the part of National Health Service education commissioners to commission education which meets the education needs of the practice nurse workforce. Evidence is still required, however, to inform the scope of the practice nurse role within an integrated system of care and to identify the impact of practice nursing on improving health outcomes and care of local populations.
Structure and function of the Zika virus full-length NS5 protein
Authors: Zhao Baoyu , Yi Guanghui , Du Fenglei , Chuang Yin-Chih , Vaughan Robert C. , Sankaran Banumathi , Kao C. Cheng , Li Pingwei
Published: March 2017

The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) has infected over 1 million people in over 30 countries. ZIKV replicates its RNA genome using virally encoded replication proteins. Nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) contains a methyltransferase for RNA capping and a polymerase for viral RNA synthesis. Here we report the crystal structures of full-length NS5 and its polymerase domain at 3.0 Å resolution. The NS5 structure has striking similarities to the NS5 protein of the related Japanese encephalitis virus. The methyltransferase contains in-line pockets for substrate binding and the active site. Key residues in the polymerase are located in similar positions to those of the initiation complex for the hepatitis C virus polymerase. The polymerase conformation is affected by the methyltransferase, which enables a more efficiently elongation of RNA synthesis in vitro. Overall, our results will contribute to future studies on ZIKV infection and the development of inhibitors of ZIKV replication.
The Case of the Disappearing (and Re-Appearing) Particle
Authors: Aharonov Yakir , Cohen Eliahu , Landau Ariel , Elitzur Avshalom C.
Published: March 2017

A novel prediction is derived by the Two-State-Vector-Formalism (TSVF) for a particle superposed over three boxes. Under appropriate pre- and post-selections, and with tunneling enabled between two of the boxes, it is possible to derive not only one, but three predictions for three different times within the intermediate interval. These predictions are moreover contradictory. The particle (when looked for using a projective measurement) seems to disappear from the first box where it would have been previously found with certainty, appearing instead within the third box, to which no tunneling is possible, and later re-appearing within the second. It turns out that local measurement (i.e. opening one of the boxes) fails to indicate the particle’s presence, but subtler measurements performed on the two boxes together reveal the particle’s nonlocal modular momentum spatially separated from its mass. Another advance of this setting is that, unlike other predictions of the TSVF that rely on weak and/or counterfactual measurements, the present one uses actual projective measurements. This outcome is then corroborated by adding weak measurements and the Aharonov-Bohm effect. The results strengthen the recently suggested time-symmetric Heisenberg ontology based on nonlocal deterministic operators. They can be also tested using the newly developed quantum router.
Fatigue modulates dopamine availability and promotes flexible choice reversals during decision making
Authors: Iodice Pierpaolo , Ferrante Claudio , Brunetti Luigi , Cabib Simona , Protasi Feliciano , Walton Mark E. , Pezzulo Giovanni
Published: March 2017

During decisions, animals balance goal achievement and effort management. Despite physical exercise and fatigue significantly affecting the levels of effort that an animal exerts to obtain a reward, their role in effort-based choice and the underlying neurochemistry are incompletely known. In particular, it is unclear whether fatigue influences decision (cost-benefit) strategies flexibly or only post-decision action execution and learning. To answer this question, we trained mice on a T-maze task in which they chose between a high-cost, high-reward arm (HR), which included a barrier, and a low-cost, low-reward arm (LR), with no barrier. The animals were parametrically fatigued immediately before the behavioural tasks by running on a treadmill. We report a sharp choice reversal, from the HR to LR arm, at 80% of their peak workload (PW), which was temporary and specific, as the mice returned to choose the HC when the animals were successively tested at 60% PW or in a two-barrier task. These rapid reversals are signatures of flexible choice. We also observed increased subcortical dopamine levels in fatigued mice: a marker of individual bias to use model-based control in humans. Our results indicate that fatigue levels can be incorporated in flexible cost-benefits computations that improve foraging efficiency.
Lateral Antimicrobial Resistance Genetic Transfer is active in the open environment
Authors: Chamosa Luciana S. , Álvarez Verónica E. , Nardelli Maximiliano , Quiroga María Paula , Cassini Marcelo H. , Centrón Daniela
Published: March 2017

Historically, the environment has been viewed as a passive deposit of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, where bacteria show biological cost for maintenance of these genes. Thus, in the absence of antimicrobial pressure, it is expected that they disappear from environmental bacterial communities. To test this scenario, we studied native IntI1 functionality of 11 class 1 integron-positive environmental strains of distant genera collected in cold and subtropical forests of Argentina. We found natural competence and successful site-specific insertion with no significant fitness cost of both aadB and blaVIM-2 antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes, in a model system without antibiotic pressure. A bidirectional flow of antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes between natural and nosocomial habitats is proposed, which implies an active role of the open environment as a reservoir, recipient and source of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, outlining an environmental threat where novel concepts of rational use of antibiotics are extremely urgent and mandatory.
Transition from Anomalous Hall Effect to Topological Hall Effect in Hexagonal Non-Collinear Magnet Mn3Ga
Authors: Liu Z. H. , Zhang Y. J. , Liu G. D. , Ding B. , Liu E. K. , Jafri Hasnain Mehdi , Hou Z. P. , Wang W. H. , Ma X. Q. , Wu G. H.
Published: March 2017

We report experimental observation of large anomalous Hall effect exhibited in non-collinear triangular antiferromagnet D019-type Mn3Ga with coplanar spin structure at temperatures higher than 100 K. The value of anomalous Hall resistivity increases with increasing temperature, which reaches 1.25 μΩ · cm at a low field of ~300 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding room-temperature anomalous Hall conductivity is about 17 (Ω · cm)−1. Most interestingly, as temperature falls below 100 K, a temperature-independent topological-like Hall effect was observed. The maximum peak value of topological Hall resistivity is about 0.255 μΩ · cm. The appearance of the topological Hall effect is attributed to the change of spin texture as a result of weak structural distortion from hexagonal to orthorhombic symmetry in Mn3Ga. Present study suggests that Mn3Ga shows promising possibility to be antiferromagnetic spintronics or topological Hall effect-based data storage devices.