bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Optic Nerve Head Structure Impacted by a Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture in Humans?
Authors: Poli Muriel , Denis Philippe , Sellem Eric , Aho-Glélé Ludwig-Serge , Bron Alain M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to assess in vivo whether diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) is followed by optic nerve head (ONH) and parapapillary anatomic changes in normal human eyes.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective, single-center, observational case series. ONH structures (prelaminar tissue surface, anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa, central retinal vessels) and parapapillary structures (internal limiting membrane, posterior surfaces of retinal nerve fiber layer and Bruch membrane/retinal pigment epithelium complex, Bruch membrane opening, posterior surface of the choroid) were quantitatively evaluated by means of swept-source optical coherence tomography (Triton Ver.10.05, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) before and after LP (5, 60, and 360 min). Each of these structures was manually delineated for measurement before being superimposed to detect any displacement, using peripheral margins of parapapillary structures as a reference plane.

Results:

A total of 16 eyes of 8 nonglaucomatous patients were evaluated. The CSF volume was median (IQR), 1.65 mL (1.16 to 2.00) and none of the ONH structures showed any anatomic changes at any time point after LP.

Conclusions:

According to the design of this study, diagnostic LP is a safe procedure regarding deep ONH structures in nonglaucomatous subjects.
Risk Markers for Pertussis Among Infants <4 Months of Age
Authors: Winter Kathleen , Harriman Kathleen
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Hispanic infants are at greater risk of pertussis compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Studies have shown that the source of Bordetella pertussis infection for most infants is household members. Using a case-control study, we examined risk markers for pertussis among Hispanic and non-Hispanic infants and evaluated whether maternal parity, a proxy for household size, contributes to the ethnic disparity.

Methods:

We evaluated infants born in California during 2013–2014; cases were infants reported to California Department of Public Health with pertussis occurring before 4 months of age, and controls were infants who survived to at least 4 months of age without pertussis. Bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify risk markers for pertussis in Hispanic and non-Hispanic infants.

Results:

Increased maternal parity was associated with greater risk of pertussis, with a clear dose response observed with increasing risk for additional prior births. Teenage mothers were more likely to have infants with pertussis. These were both independent risk factors across all racial/ethnic groups, even when adjusting for important covariates. Preterm birth and Medicaid insurance were also identified as independent risk markers among Hispanic infants only.

Conclusions:

Infants of all races/ethnicities with older siblings or born to younger mothers are at increased risk of pertussis. Among Hispanic infants, prematurity and Medicaid insurance were independent risk markers for pertussis. These factors highlight the need to ensure prompt immunization of pregnant women with Tdap at the earliest opportunity starting at 27 weeks gestation.
Survey of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Members About Congenital Chagas Disease
Authors: Edwards Morven S. , Abanyie Francisca A. , Montgomery Susan P.
Published: August 2017

Participants in a survey about congenital Chagas disease, distributed electronically to Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society members, perceived having limited knowledge about congenital Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Most rarely or never consider the diagnosis in infants born to parents from Latin America. Improved awareness of congenital Chagas disease and assessment of at-risk infants is needed.
Bone Loss and Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Tennent David J. , Donohue Michael A. , Posner Matthew A.
Published: August 2017

Glenohumeral instability secondary to glenohumeral bone loss presents a complex problem to the treating surgeon because of the complex biomechanics of the glenohumeral joint and its reliance on numerous dynamic and static stabilizers. The role of glenoid bone loss, specifically inferior-anterior glenoid bone loss, has been well characterized in the setting of recurrent unidirectional instability with greatly improved clinical results when following an algorithmic reconstructive approach to the location and percentage of overall bone loss. Furthermore, as the role of bipolar bone loss in the setting of glenohumeral engagement becomes more apparent, surgeons can more effectively address those lesions contributing to the recurrent instability. As such, surgeons should carefully and critically asses patients with recurrent anterior instability to optimize patient clinical outcomes.
Patient-Reported Outcomes From the United States Clinical Trial for a Hybrid Cochlear Implant
Authors: Kelsall David C. , Arnold Renée J. G. , Lionnet Leonard
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals with significant residual low-frequency hearing and severe-to-profound high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who received the hybrid cochlear implant (CI).

Study Design:

Prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, single-arm repeated measures, single-subject design.

Setting:

Tertiary centers, ambulatory care.

Patients:

Fifty adults with severe-to-profound high-frequency SNHL and residual low-frequency hearing with aided word recognition scores between 10 and 60% in the ear to be implanted, and in the contralateral ear greater than or equal to implant ear less than or equal to 80%.

Intervention:

Therapeutic; hybrid CI.

Main Outcome Measures:

Speech, spatial and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ), device use questionnaire (DUQ), University of Washington Clinical Assessment of Music Perception (UW-CAMP) assessed preoperatively and after 6 and 12 (SSQ and DUQ only) months of hybrid CI use.

Results:

Significant improvements in mean SSQ ratings were demonstrated at 6 and 12 months postactivation overall and for domains related to speech hearing, spatial hearing, and sound quality. Significant improvement was also found for overall satisfaction on the DUQ and across a number of specific listening situations in addition to aspects related to social engagement. UW-CAMP pitch discrimination and melody and timbre recognition abilities were not compromised postoperatively, allowing hybrid subjects to maintain superior music perception abilities than typically observed with standard CIs.

Conclusions:

Patients who received the hybrid CI demonstrated significant PRO benefits on the SSQ and the DUQ after 6 and 12 months of CI use. In addition, given the opportunity to maintain useful low-frequency acoustic hearing, patients retained music listening abilities, as assessed by the UW-CAMP.
The Disputed Discovery of Facial and Trigeminal Nerve Function: Revisiting the Contributions of Herbert Mayo and Charles Bell
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Bradley James , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: August 2017

Background:

The first description of the voluntary motor function of the facial nerve and separate sensory-motor contributions of the trigeminal nerve is most commonly attributed to Charles Bell. However, a review of the original scientific accounts and subsequent historical publications question the validity of this credit. The objective of the present historical analysis is to clarify the contributions of Herbert Mayo toward discovering the functions of the fifth and seventh cranial nerves and to raise awareness of this historical controversy within the medical literature.

Methods:

Review of Charles Bell's and Herbert Mayo's original dissertations published between 1821 and 1823, and subsequent reports relevant to these primary works.

Results:

Bell's submissions to the Royal Society of London in 1821 and 1822 describe the seventh nerve as the “respiratory nerve of the face” responsible for involuntary coordination of facial movement with the organs of respiration. Separately, Bell states that the fifth nerve is responsible for sensibility and voluntary movement of the facial muscles. In these accounts, Bell only peripherally alludes to the motor function of the seventh nerve and often comments inaccurately on fifth and seventh cranial nerve innervation. In contrast, in 1822 and 1823, Herbert Mayo first accurately and unequivocally defined the voluntary motor function of the facial nerve and sensory-motor function of the trigeminal nerve on the basis of his detailed experiments. The ultimate transfer of acknowledgment to Bell was rooted in surreptitious reworking of Bell's original dissertations and personal attacks against Mayo rather than arguments of scientific merit.

Conclusion:

Several notable clinicians and anatomists have contributed to our current understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the facial and trigeminal nerves, including Charles Bell; however, Herbert Mayo should be remembered for first providing a more accurate and clear description of their separate functions.
Natural Compounds for Skin Tissue Engineering by Electrospinning of Nylon-Beta Vulgaris
Authors: Ranjbarvan Parviz , Mahmoudifard Matin , Kehtari Mousa , Babaie Ali , Hamedi Shokoh , Mirzaei Samaneh , Soleimani Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Simzar
Published: August 2017

Natural compounds containing polysaccharide ingredients have been employed as candidates for treatment of skin tissue. Herein, for the first time, electrospinning setup was proposed to fabricate an efficient composite nanofibrous structure of Beta vulgaris (obtained from Beet [Chenopodiaceae or Amaranthaceae]) belonged to polysaccharides and an elastic polymer named nylon 66 for skin tissue engineering. Both prepared scaffolds including noncomposite and composite types were studied by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical assay, and contact angle. Scanning electron microscope examinations have approved the uniform and homogeneous structure of composite nanofibers containing nylon polymer and B. vulgaris extract. FTIR spectroscopy was endorsed the presence of B. vulgaris extract within the interwoven mat of nanofibers. Also, measurement of mechanical property with cell-laden composite scaffolds approved the desirable similarity between corresponding scaffold and native skin tissue. To our surprise, it was found that compared with nylon nanofibrous scaffold, composite sample containing B. vulgaris extract has lower contact angle indicating a higher hydrophilic surface. After cell seeding process of keratinocyte cells on composite and noncomposite scaffolds, SEM and 3[4,5-dimethylthiazoyl-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays approved higher number of attached cells onto the corresponding composite electrospun membrane. Epidermal gene expression such as involucrin, cytokeratin 10, and cytokeratin 14 was observed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry results (cytokeratin 10 and loricrin) approved that the original property of keratinocytes was strongly preserved using composite scaffold. The corresponding study tries to introduce a new type of natural-based scaffolds for dermal tissue engineering that exhibits an elastic behavior similar to native skin tissue.
Provider Opinions and Experiences Regarding Development of a Social Support Assessment to Inform Hospital Discharge
Authors: Wallace Andrea , Papke Todd , Davisson Erica , Spooner Kara , Gassman Laura
Published: August 2017

Purpose of Study:

Despite over three decades of research linking social support and optimal health outcomes, social support is not systematically assessed or addressed during clinical care. This study sought input from health care providers to inform the design of an intervention intended to facilitate assessment of social support in a way that could aid in anticipatory planning during the process of hospital discharge.

Primary Practice Setting(s):

Using a purposive sampling strategy, data were collected from providers in two acute care settings serving rural patients, one academic and one community based. Opinions about what an assessment of social support would seek to accomplish, what is currently done and by whom, and the preferred format for delivery were elicited during a series of individual and group interviews. During phase two, feasibility was assessed with three inpatient nurses over 3 clinical days. Field notes were analyzed throughout the project using rapid data analysis techniques.

Results:

Health care providers endorsed the creation of an assessment and stated that target users would include all members of the discharge team (e.g., clinical nurses, case managers, discharge coordinators, hospitalists, and specialty care). They identified the need for a patient–family resource (vs. a traditional provider-facing assessment). Participants stated that, although both the information collected and the interview process would meet a need to increase patient engagement in inpatient settings, competing clinical demands would require a tool that was easily completed by patients and family and seen as directly informing clinical activities. To this end, although focusing on the eventual development of an electronic tool seemed valuable, a hard-copy resource was considered more feasible for patient use at the present time. The preliminary test of the resulting hard-copy “Going Home Toolkit” demonstrated potential feasibility and usefulness during clinical practice.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

There is need for not only assessing patients' supportive networks during discharge planning, but to do so in a way that would facilitate directed communication between, and engagement with, team members, patients, and families. Especially in light of new legislation focusing on involvement of caregivers, a tool such as the “Going Home Toolkit” may facilitate important conversations about, and planning around, patients' supportive resources at home.
A Diagnostic Pitfall: Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor Versus Dedifferentiated/Poorly Differentiated Chordoma: Analysis of a Mono-institutional Series
Authors: Buccoliero Anna Maria , Caporalini Chiara , Scagnet Mirko , Baroni Gianna , Moscardi Selene , Mussa Federico , Giordano Flavio , Sardi Iacopo , Genitori Lorenzo
Published: August 2017

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) and dedifferentiated/poorly differentiated chordoma are pediatric tumors with some overlapping morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. Both these tumors have alterations in the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1 resulting in loss of expression of the INI-1 protein. On the contrary, dedifferentiated/poorly differentiated chordoma expresses the transcription factor brachyury, whereas AT/RT does not. In this article we have reviewed the clinicopathologic features of a pediatric series of tumors (17 samples from 14 patients) located in the brain or within the axial spine and the base of the skull diagnosed as AT/RTs or as dedifferentiated/poorly differentiated chordomas. On the basis of the INI-1 and brachyury immunohistochemical results we reevaluated the initial diagnoses. Four misdiagnoses were revised. The differential diagnosis between AT/RT and dedifferentiated/poorly differentiated chordoma or on occasion medulloblastoma may be difficult. The use of 2 antibodies, INI-1, and brachyury, may be the key for the right diagnosis.
Cytologic-Histologic Discrepancies in Pathology of the Uterine Cervix: Analysis of the Clinical and Pathologic Factors
Authors: Abdul-Karim Fadi W. , Yang Bin
Published: August 2017

Cytologic-histologic correlation (CHC) represents a documented effort to obtain and compare, when available, gynecologic cytology reports with an interpretation of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, with the subsequent histopathology report, and to determine the possible cause of any discrepancy. The correlation is influenced by multiple closely interdependent clinical and pathologic factors. Many of these factors including the sensitivity and accuracy of colposcopy-directed biopsy, the diligence of the colposcopist, and the attributes of the cervical lesion represent “preanalytical” factors which can significantly affect the CHC outcome, but are often less emphasized during CHC process. The status of “gold standard” of cervical biopsy histology will be less “golden” if clinicians miss, during colposcopy, the lesion which had been flagged by cytology. CHC also serves as one of the important assurance tools to monitor and improve the pathology laboratory overall quality, and the ability of the pathologists to enhance their diagnostic interpretation. As pathologists, we should make every effort to improve on CHC, by applying systematic approaches, both in technical laboratory and interpretive diagnosis, which increase yield and reduce diagnostic discrepancies. The widespread use of Human Papilloma Virus testing and p16 immunohistochemistry have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy both in cytology and in histology. Herein, we review the intimate relationships and factors that may govern discrepancies between cytology, colposcopy-directed biopsies, and biopsies with subsequent Loop Electroexcision Procedure for cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions. Ultimately the projected risk for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cancer and the suggested management guidelines are directly tied in with effective CHC.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Acute Neonatal Ascites
Authors: Ramgopal Sriram , Scholz Stefan , Marin Jennifer R.
Published: August 2017

We present a 4-week-old neonate with acute onset of bloody stools and abdominal distention. Point-of-care ultrasound performed in the emergency department allowed for rapid diagnosis of a large amount of free intra-abdominal fluid, which together with the physical findings, prompted emergent operative exploration revealing chylous ascites. Although no areas of active volvulus were identified intraoperatively, findings in the case were suggestive of small bowel volvulus and deemed as the most likely etiology for this patient's presentation. In this report, we review the relevant aspects of ultrasonography for ascites and discuss the diagnosis of chylous ascites.
“I Did Not Want to Give Birth to a Child Who has HIV”: Experiences Using PrEP During Pregnancy Among HIV-Uninfected Kenyan Women in HIV-Serodiscordant Couples
Authors: Pintye Jillian , Beima-Sofie Kristin M. , Kimemia Grace , Ngure Kenneth , Trinidad Susan Brown , Heffron Renee A. , Baeten Jared M. , Odoyo Josephine , Mugo Nelly , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Kelley Maureen C. , John-Stewart Grace C.
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

The perceptions, motivations, and beliefs of HIV-uninfected women about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use during pregnancy can influence its uptake and adherence. This study elicited the views of HIV-uninfected women with personal experience taking PrEP during pregnancy.

Design:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with HIV-uninfected women who had personal experience taking PrEP while pregnant.

Methods:

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 HIV-uninfected Kenyan women in HIV-serodiscordant couples enrolled in an open-label PrEP demonstration project who became pregnant while using PrEP and continued PrEP through their pregnancy. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed into English. A qualitative descriptive analysis was performed, using a constant comparison approach to identify key themes related to PrEP use in pregnancy.

Results:

Desire to remain HIV uninfected and have an HIV-free infant were strong motivators influencing continued use of PrEP during pregnancy. Supporting HIV-infected partners and childbearing within an HIV-serodiscordant relationship were also motivators. Women had challenges distinguishing normal pregnancy symptoms from PrEP side effects and were concerned that observed side effects could be signs of danger for the infant related to PrEP exposure. Health care providers were important conduits of knowledge about PrEP, and continuity of PrEP providers throughout pregnancy facilitated adherence.

Conclusions:

HIV-uninfected women in HIV-serodiscordant couples were motivated to use PrEP during pregnancy to remain HIV uninfected and to have an HIV-free child but had concerns about side effects. Health care providers will be important for PrEP messaging and adherence support in this unique population.
Influenza immunization of pregnant women in resource-constrained countries: an update for funding and implementation decisions
Authors: Ortiz Justin R. , Neuzil Kathleen M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose of review

In 2018, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is expected to review the strategy of maternal influenza immunization for potential investment in low-income countries.

Recent findings

Clinical trial data confirm the efficacy of maternal influenza immunization to prevent influenza disease in both mothers and their infants during the first months of life. Trial and observational data indicate no significant adverse events in mothers or newborns. High-quality disease burden data, particularly for seasonal influenza in low-income and middle-income countries, are limited. Thus, the anticipated impact of maternal influenza immunization programs on severe illness is unclear. However, assessments of the public health value of investment in maternal influenza immunization should extend beyond calculations of disease prevention and include broader effects such as improving health systems for antenatal care delivery, preventing inappropriate antibacterial prescribing, building a platform for other vaccines to be used during pregnancy, and strengthening systems to regulate, procure, and distribute influenza vaccines in response to a future pandemic.

A global investment in a maternal influenza immunization strategy would prevent influenza disease in pregnant women and their infants. It would also provide additional public health value by strengthening antenatal care systems and improving country pandemic preparedness.
Relation of antifactor-Xa peak levels and venous thromboembolism after trauma
Authors: Karcutskie Charles A. , Dharmaraja Arjuna , Patel Jaimin , Eidelson Sarah A. , Martin Arch G. , Lineen Edward B. , Namias Nicholas , Schulman Carl I. , Proctor Kenneth G.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

No previous studies have established the optimal antifactor Xa (anti-Xa) level to guide thromboprophylaxis (TPX) dosing with enoxaparin in trauma patients. We hypothesize that achieving 0.2–0.4 IU/mL anti-Xa will decrease venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates after trauma.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 194 intensive care unit patients sustaining blunt or penetrating trauma from January 2015 to March 2017. All received initial enoxaparin (30 mg BID subcutaneous) and mechanical devices for TPX. Peak anti-Xa levels were drawn after each third dose. The enoxaparin dose was adjusted up to a maximum of 60 mg BID subcutaneous until a peak level of 0.2–0.4 IU/mL was achieved. Data are expressed as mean ± SD if parametric or median (IQR) if not.

RESULTS

The Greenfield Risk Assessment Profile score was 9 ± 4, Injury Severity Score 23 ± 14, and hospital length of stay 19 (11–38) days. The overall VTE rate was 7.2% (n = 14), with 10 deep venous thromboses (DVT) and 5 pulmonary emboli (PE). One patient had both a DVT and PE. The median time to VTE diagnosis was 14 (7–17) days. In those diagnosed with a VTE, 50.0% (n = 7) never reached 0.2–0.4 IU/mL anti-Xa and 42.8% (n = 6) were diagnosed with a VTE after achieving these levels. Prophylactic levels were achieved initially in 64 (33.0%) patients, and achieved later in 38 (19.6%) additional patients, giving an overall prophylactic rate of 52.6% (n = 102). There were no differences in VTE (6.9% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.841), DVT (3.9% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.413), or PE (3.9% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.213) rates between those who became prophylactic and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in VTE incidence between those achieving anti-Xa peak levels of 0.2–0.4 IU/mL and those who did not. Furthermore, these levels were never achieved in some trauma patients despite repeated dosing over a >10-day period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.
Building information modelling review with potential applications in tunnel engineering of China
Authors: Zhou Weihong , Qin Haiyang , Qiu Junling , Fan Haobo , Lai Jinxing , Wang Ke , Wang Lixin
Published: August 2017

Building information modelling (BIM) can be applied to tunnel engineering to address a number of problems, including complex structure, extensive design, long construction cycle and increased security risks. To promote the development of tunnel engineering in China, this paper combines actual cases, including the Xingu mountain tunnel and the Shigu Mountain tunnel, to systematically analyse BIM applications in tunnel engineering in China. The results indicate that BIM technology in tunnel engineering is currently mainly applied during the design stage rather than during construction and operation stages. The application of BIM technology in tunnel engineering covers many problems, such as a lack of standards, incompatibility of different software, disorganized management, complex combination with GIS (Geographic Information System), low utilization rate and poor awareness. In this study, through summary of related research results and engineering cases, suggestions are introduced and an outlook for the BIM application in tunnel engineering in China is presented, which provides guidance for design optimization, construction standards and later operation maintenance.
How effective is incidental learning of the shape of probability distributions?
Authors: Tran Randy , Vul Edward , Pashler Harold
Published: August 2017

The idea that people learn detailed probabilistic generative models of the environments they interact with is intuitively appealing, and has received support from recent studies of implicit knowledge acquired in daily life. The goal of this study was to see whether people efficiently induce a probability distribution based upon incidental exposure to an unknown generative process. Subjects played a ‘whack-a-mole’ game in which they attempted to click on objects appearing briefly, one at a time on the screen. Horizontal positions of the objects were generated from a bimodal distribution. After 180 plays of the game, subjects were unexpectedly asked to generate another 180 target positions of their own from the same distribution. Their responses did not even show a bimodal distribution, much less an accurate one (Experiment 1). The same was true for a pre-announced test (Experiment 2). On the other hand, a more extreme bimodality with zero density in a middle region did produce some distributional learning (Experiment 3), perhaps reflecting conscious hypothesis testing. We discuss the challenge this poses to the idea of efficient accurate distributional learning.
The origins of babytalk: smiling, teaching or social convergence?
Authors: Kalashnikova Marina , Carignan Christopher , Burnham Denis
Published: August 2017

When addressing their young infants, parents systematically modify their speech. Such infant-directed speech (IDS) contains exaggerated vowel formants, which have been proposed to foster language development via articulation of more distinct speech sounds. Here, this assumption is rigorously tested using both acousticand, for the first time, fine-grained articulatory measures. Mothers were recorded speaking to their infant and to another adult, and measures were taken of their acoustic vowel space, their tongue and lip movements and the length of their vocal tract. Results showed that infant- but not adult-directed speech contains acoustically exaggerated vowels, and these are not the product of adjustments to tongue or to lip movements. Rather, they are the product of a shortened vocal tract due to a raised larynx, which can be ascribed to speakers' unconscious effort to appear smaller and more non-threatening to the young infant. This adjustment in IDS may be a vestige of early mother–infant interactions, which had as its primary purpose the transmission of non-aggressiveness and/or a primitive manifestation of pre-linguistic vocal social convergence of the mother to her infant. With the advent of human language, this vestige then acquired a secondary purpose—facilitating language acquisition via the serendipitously exaggerated vowels.
Effects of the distant population density on spatial patterns of demographic dynamics
Authors: Tamura Kohei , Masuda Naoki
Published: August 2017

Spatio-temporal patterns of population changes within and across countries have various implications. Different geographical, demographic and econo-societal factors seem to contribute to migratory decisions made by individual inhabitants. Focusing on internal (i.e. domestic) migration, we ask whether individuals may take into account the information on the population density in distant locations to make migratory decisions. We analyse population census data in Japan recorded with a high spatial resolution (i.e. cells of size 500×500 
m
) for the entirety of the country, and simulate demographic dynamics induced by the gravity model and its variants. We show that, in the census data, the population growth rate in a cell is positively correlated with the population density in nearby cells up to a distance of 20 km as well as that of the focal cell. The ordinary gravity model does not capture this empirical observation. We then show that the empirical observation is better accounted for by extensions of the gravity model such that individuals are assumed to perceive the attractiveness, approximated by the population density, of the source or destination cell of migration as the spatial average over a circle of radius ≈1 km.
Bias associated with the detectability of the coral-eating pest crown-of-thorns seastar and implications for reef management
Authors: Kayal Mohsen , Bosserelle Pauline , Adjeroud Mehdi
Published: August 2017

Outbreaks of the predator crown-of-thorns seastar (COTS)
Acanthaster planci
cause widespread coral mortality across the Indo-Pacific. Like many marine invertebrates, COTS is a nocturnal species whose cryptic behaviour during the day can affect its detectability, particularly in structurally complex reef habitats that provide many refuges for benthic creatures. We performed extensive day and night surveys of COTS populations in coral reef habitats showing differing levels of structural complexity and COTS abundance. We tested whether estimations of COTS density varied between day and night observations, and if the differences were related to changes in COTS abundance, reef structural complexity and the spatial scale of observation. Estimations of COTS density were on average 27% higher at night than during the day. Differences in COTS detection varied with changing seastar abundance but not reef structural complexity or scale of observation. Underestimation of COTS abundance in daytime was significant for a broad seastar density range, thus potentially affecting most outbreak events. Our study suggests that portions of COTS populations can be undetected during conventional surveys and control campaigns, which are exclusively conducted by day, and significantly affect the trajectory of coral reefs. Accounting for bias in COTS detection can strengthen coral reef management broadly.
A framework for the identification of long-term social avoidance in longitudinal datasets
Authors: Strickland Kasha , Levengood Alexis , Foroughirad Vivienne , Mann Janet , Krzyszczyk Ewa , Frère Celine H.
Published: August 2017

Animal sociality is of significant interest to evolutionary and behavioural ecologists, with efforts focused on the patterns, causes and fitness outcomes of social preference. However, individual social patterns are the consequence of both attraction to (preference for) and avoidance of conspecifics. Despite this, social avoidance has received far less attention than social preference. Here, we detail the necessary steps to generate a spatially explicit, iterative null model which can be used to identify non-random social avoidance in longitudinal studies of social animals. We specifically identify and detail parameters which will influence the validity of the model. To test the usability of this model, we applied it to two longitudinal studies of social animals (Eastern water dragons (
Intellegama lesueurii
) and bottlenose dolphins (
Tursiops aduncus
)) to identify the presence of social avoidances. Using this model allowed us to identify the presence of social avoidances in both species. We hope that the framework presented here inspires interest in addressing this critical gap in our understanding of animal sociality, in turn allowing for a more holistic understanding of social interactions, relationships and structure.
The dual impact of ecology and management on social incentives in marine common-pool resource systems
Authors: Klein E. S. , Barbier M. R. , Watson J. R.
Published: August 2017

Understanding how and when cooperative human behaviour forms in common-pool resource systems is critical to illuminating social–ecological systems and designing governance institutions that promote sustainable resource use. Before assessing the full complexity of social dynamics, it is essential to understand, concretely and mechanistically, how resource dynamics and human actions interact to create incentives and pay-offs for social behaviours. Here, we investigated how such incentives for information sharing are affected by spatial dynamics and management in a common-pool resource system. Using interviews with fishermen to inform an agent-based model, we reveal generic mechanisms through which, for a given ecological setting characterized by the spatial dynamics of the resource, the two ‘human factors’ of information sharing and management may heterogeneously impact various members of a group for whom theory would otherwise predict the same strategy. When users can deplete the resource, these interactions are further affected by the management approach. Finally, we discuss the implications of alternative motivations, such as equity among fishermen and consistency of the fleet's output. Our results indicate that resource spatial dynamics, form of management and level of depletion can interact to alter the sociality of people in common-pool resource systems, providing necessary insight for future study of strategic decision processes.
Nonlinear electroelasticity: material properties, continuum theory and applications
Authors: Dorfmann Luis , Ogden Ray W.
Published: August 2017

In the last few years, it has been recognized that the large deformation capacity of elastomeric materials that are sensitive to electric fields can be harnessed for use in transducer devices such as actuators and sensors. This has led to the reassessment of the mathematical theory that is needed for the description of the electromechanical (in particular, electroelastic) interactions for purposes of material characterization and prediction. After a review of the key experiments concerned with determining the nature of the electromechanical interactions and a discussion of the range of applications to devices, we provide a short account of the history of developments in the nonlinear theory. This is followed by a succinct modern treatment of electroelastic theory, including the governing equations and constitutive laws needed for both material characterization and the analysis of general electroelastic coupling problems. For illustration, the theory is then applied to two simple representative boundary-value problems that are relevant to the geometries of activation devices; in particular, (a) a rectangular plate and (b) a circular cylindrical tube, in each case with compliant electrodes on the major surfaces and a potential difference between them. In (a), an electric field is generated normal to the major surfaces and in (b), a radial electric field is present. This is followed by a short section in which other problems addressed on the basis of the general theory are described briefly.
Climate change and body size shift in Mediterranean bivalve assemblages: unexpected role of biological invasions
Authors: Nawrot Rafał , Albano Paolo G. , Chattopadhyay Devapriya , Zuschin Martin
Published: August 2017

Body size is a synthetic functional trait determining many key ecosystem properties. Reduction in average body size has been suggested as one of the universal responses to global warming in aquatic ecosystems. Climate change, however, coincides with human-enhanced dispersal of alien species and can facilitate their establishment. We address effects of species introductions on the size structure of recipient communities using data on Red Sea bivalves entering the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. We show that the invasion leads to increase in median body size of the Mediterranean assemblage. Alien species are significantly larger than native Mediterranean bivalves, even though they represent a random subset of the Red Sea species with respect to body size. The observed patterns result primarily from the differences in the taxonomic composition and body-size distributions of the source and recipient species pools. In contrast to the expectations based on the general temperature–size relationships in marine ectotherms, continued warming of the Mediterranean Sea indirectly leads to an increase in the proportion of large-bodied species in bivalve assemblages by accelerating the entry and spread of tropical aliens. These results underscore complex interactions between changing climate and species invasions in driving functional shifts in marine ecosystems.
Oceanic protists with different forms of acquired phototrophy display contrasting biogeographies and abundance
Authors: Leles S. G. , Mitra A. , Flynn K. J. , Stoecker D. K. , Hansen P. J. , Calbet A. , McManus G. B. , Sanders R. W. , Caron D. A. , Not F. , Hallegraeff G. M. , Pitta P. , Raven J. A. , Johnson M. D. , Glibert P. M. , Våge S.
Published: August 2017

This first comprehensive analysis of the global biogeography of marine protistan plankton with acquired phototrophy shows these mixotrophic organisms to be ubiquitous and abundant; however, their biogeography differs markedly between different functional groups. These mixotrophs, lacking a constitutive capacity for photosynthesis (i.e. non-constitutive mixotrophs, NCMs), acquire their phototrophic potential through either integration of prey-plastids or through endosymbiotic associations with photosynthetic microbes. Analysis of field data reveals that 40–60% of plankton traditionally labelled as (non-phototrophic) microzooplankton are actually NCMs, employing acquired phototrophy in addition to phagotrophy. Specialist NCMs acquire chloroplasts or endosymbionts from specific prey, while generalist NCMs obtain chloroplasts from a variety of prey. These contrasting functional types of NCMs exhibit distinct seasonal and spatial global distribution patterns. Mixotrophs reliant on ‘stolen’ chloroplasts, controlled by prey diversity and abundance, dominate in high-biomass areas. Mixotrophs harbouring intact symbionts are present in all waters and dominate particularly in oligotrophic open ocean systems. The contrasting temporal and spatial patterns of distribution of different mixotroph functional types across the oceanic provinces, as revealed in this study, challenges traditional interpretations of marine food web structures. Mixotrophs with acquired phototrophy (NCMs) warrant greater recognition in marine research.
Decoupled diversification dynamics of feeding morphology following a major functional innovation in marine butterflyfishes
Authors: Konow Nicolai , Price Samantha , Abom Richard , Bellwood David , Wainwright Peter
Published: August 2017

The diversity of fishes on coral reefs is influenced by the evolution of feeding innovations. For instance, the evolution of an intramandibular jaw joint has aided shifts to corallivory in
Chaetodon
butterflyfishes following their Miocene colonization of coral reefs. Today, over half of all
Chaetodon
species consume coral, easily the largest concentration of corallivores in any reef fish family. In contrast with
Chaetodon
, other chaetodontids, including the long-jawed bannerfishes, remain less intimately associated with coral and mainly consume other invertebrate prey. Here, we test (i) if intramandibular joint (IMJ) evolution in
Chaetodon
has accelerated feeding morphological diversification, and (ii) if cranial and post-cranial traits were affected similarly. We measured 19 cranial functional morphological traits, gut length and body elongation for 33 Indo-Pacific species. Comparisons of Brownian motion rate parameters revealed that cranial diversification was about four times slower in
Chaetodon
butterflyfishes with the IMJ than in other chaetodontids. However, the rate of gut length evolution was significantly faster in
Chaetodon
, with no group-differences for body elongation. The contrasting patterns of cranial and post-cranial morphological evolution stress the importance of comprehensive datasets in ecomorphology. The IMJ appears to enhance coral feeding ability in
Chaetodon
and represents a design breakthrough that facilitates this trophic strategy. Meanwhile, variation in gut anatomy probably reflects diversity in how coral tissues are procured and assimilated. Bannerfishes, by contrast, retain a relatively unspecialized gut for processing invertebrate prey, but have evolved some of the most extreme cranial mechanical innovations among bony fishes for procuring elusive prey.
Rapid changes in Atlantic grey seal milk from birth to desertion
Authors: Lowe Amanda D. , Bawazeer Sami , Watson David G. , McGill Suzanne , Burchmore Richard J.S. , Pomeroy P.P (Paddy) , Kennedy Malcolm W.
Published: August 2017

True seals have the shortest lactation periods of any group of placental mammal. Most are capital breeders that undergo short, intense lactations, during which they fast while transferring substantial proportions of their body reserves to their pups, which they then abruptly desert. Milk was collected from Atlantic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) periodically from birth until near desertion. Milk protein profiles matured within 24 hours or less, indicating the most rapid transition from colostrum to mature phase lactation yet observed. There was an unexpected persistence of immunoglobulin G almost until weaning, potentially indicating prolonged trans-intestinal transfer of IgG. Among components of innate immune protection were found fucosyllactose and siallylactose that are thought to impede colonisation by pathogens and encourage an appropriate gut microbiome. These oligosaccharides decreased from early lactation to almost undetectable levels by weaning. Taurine levels were initially high, then fell, possibly indicative of taurine dependency in seals, and progressive depletion of maternal reserves. Metabolites that could signal changes in the mother’s metabolism of fats, such as nicotinamide and derivatives, rose from virtual absence, and acetylcarnitines fell. It is therefore possible that indicators of maternal metabolic strain exist that signal the imminence of desertion.
Inhibition of NHEJ repair by type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors: Bernheim Aude , Villamanan Alicia Calvo , Basier Clovis , Rocha Eduardo PC , Touchon Marie , Bikard David
Published: August 2017

CRISPR-Cas systems introduce double strand breaks into DNA of invading genetic material and use DNA fragments to acquire novel spacers during adaptation. Double strand breaks are the substrate of several bacterial DNA repair pathways, paving the way for interactions between them and CRISPR-Cas systems. Here, we hypothesized that non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) interferes with type II CRISPR-Cas systems. We tested this idea by studying the patterns of co-occurrence of the two systems in bacterial genomes. We found that NHEJ and type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems only co-occur once among 5563 fully sequenced prokaryotic genomes. We investigated experimentally the possible molecular interactions causing this negative association using the NHEJ pathway fromBacillus subtilisand the type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems fromStreptococcus thermophilusandStreptococcus pyogenes. Our results suggest that the NHEJ system has no effect on type II-A CRISPR-Cas interference and adaptation. On the other hand, we provide evidence for the inhibition of NHEJ repair by the Csn2 protein from type II-A CRISPR-Cas system. Our findings give insights on the complex interactions between CRISPR- Cas systems and repair mechanisms in bacteria and contribute to explain the scattered distribution of CRISPR-Cas systems in bacterial genomes.
Oasis2.0: improved online analysis of small RNA-seq data
Authors: Rahman Raza-Ur , Gautam Abhivyakti , Bethune Jörn , Sattar Abdul , Fiosins Maksims , Magruder Daniel Sumner , Capece Vincenzo , Shomroni Orr , Bonn Stefan
Published: August 2017

Oasis 2 is a new main release of the Oasis web application for the detection, differential expression, and classification of small RNAs in deep sequencing data. Compared to its predecessor Oasis, Oasis 2 features a novel and speed-optimized sRNA detection module that supports the identification of small RNAs in any organism with higher accuracy. Next to the improved detection of small RNAs in a target organism, the software now also recognizes potential cross-species miRNAs and viral and bacterial sRNAs in infected samples. In addition, novel miRNAs can now be queried and visualized interactively, providing essential information for over 700 high-quality miRNA predictions across 14 organisms. Robust biomarker signatures can now be obtained using the novel enhanced classification module. Oasis 2 enables biologists and medical researchers to rapidly analyze and query small RNA deep sequencing data with improved precision, recall, and speed, in an interactive and user-friendly environment.

Availability and Implementation:Oasis 2 is implemented in Java, J2EE, mysql, Python, R, PHP and JavaScript. It is freely available athttp://oasis.dzne.de
The intrinsically disordered C-terminal linker of FtsZ regulates protofilament dynamics and superstructurein vitro
Authors: Sundararajan Kousik , Goley Erin D.
Published: August 2017

The bacterial tubulin FtsZ2polymerizes to form a discontinuous cytokinetic ring that drives bacterial cell division by directing local cell wall synthesis. FtsZ comprises a polymerizing GTPase domain, an intrinsically disordered C-terminal linker (CTL) and a C-terminal conserved α-helix (CTC). FtsZ protofilaments align circumferentially in the cell, with the CTC mediating attachment to membrane-associated division proteins. The dynamic turnover and treadmilling of clusters of FtsZ protofilaments guides cell wall synthesis and constriction. The nature and regulation of the interactions that result in the assembly of protofilaments into dynamic clusters is unknown. Here, we describe a role for the CTL ofCaulobacter crescentusFtsZ as an intrinsic regulator of lateral interactions between protofilamentsin vitro. FtsZ lacking its CTL (ΔCTL) shows dramatically increased propensity to form long multifilament bundles compared to wildtype (WT). ΔCTL has reduced GTP hydrolysis rate compared to WT. However, reducing protofilament turnover in WT is not sufficient to induce bundling. Surprisingly, binding of the membrane-anchoring protein FzlC disrupts ΔCTL bundling in a CTC-dependent manner. Moreover, the CTL affects the ability of FtsZ curving protein FzlA to promote formation of helical bundles. We conclude that the CTL of FtsZ influences polymer structure and dynamics both through intrinsic effects on lateral interactions and turnover and by influencing extrinsic regulation of FtsZ by binding partners. Our characterization of CTL function provides a biochemical handle for understanding the relationship between Z-ring structure and function in bacterial cytokinesis.