bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The crystal structure of the ligand‐binding region of serine‐glutamate repeat containing protein A (SgrA) of Enterococcus faecium reveals a new protein fold: functional characterization and insights into its adhesion function
Authors: Nagarajan Revathi , Hendrickx Antoni P. A. , Ponnuraj Karthe
Published: June 2016

Antimicrobial‐resistant and hospital‐adapted Enterococcus faecium represents a clinical problem in immunocompromised patients in hospitals worldwide. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of E. faecium infections may provide novel therapies to treat or prevent infections. A potential target for novel treatment therapies is the serine‐glutamate repeat containing protein A (SgrA), which is a cell wall‐anchored LPxTG surface protein implicated in binding to fibrinogen and nidogen. Here, we report the X‐ray crystal structure of the N‐terminal ligand‐binding domain of SgrA (rSgrA28–153) to a resolution of 1.79 Å. The structure revealed a new protein fold with significant differences from previously characterized DEv‐IgG‐ and inv‐IgG‐like folds of adhesive proteins known as microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules. The structure contains a Lys–Asn–Glu triad with the potential to form a Lys–Asn isopeptide bond. However, even in the absence of a stabilizing intramolecular isopeptide bond, rSgrA28–153 exhibits remarkable properties like resistance to proteases and high thermal stability. The interaction of rSgrA28–153 with fibrinogen, nidogen, laminin, and abiotic surfaces has been characterized and rSgrA28–153 binds to these molecules with high affinity. rSgrA28–153 also binds to the beta chain of fibrinogen and with high affinity and specificity. Strikingly, the presence of 29 surface‐exposed hydrophobic amino acid residues likely play an important role in the selectivity of rSgrA28–153 to bind to different abiotic surfaces. The results obtained from this study have opened new avenues to explore and understand the role of this unique surface adhesin in the pathogenesis of catheter‐related infections.

PDB accession code

The coordinates and structure factors for rSgrA28–153 have been deposited with the accession code 5FCE.
Global variations in ecosystem‐scale isohydricity
Authors: Konings Alexandra G. , Gentine Pierre
Published: June 2016

Droughts are expected to become more frequent and more intense under climate change. Plant mortality rates and biomass declines in response to drought depend on stomatal and xylem flow regulation. Plants operate on a continuum of xylem and stomatal regulation strategies from very isohydric (strict regulation) to very anisohydric. Coexisting species may display a variety of isohydricity behaviors. As such, it can be difficult to predict how to model the degree of isohydricity at the ecosystem scale by aggregating studies of individual species. This is nonetheless essential for accurate prediction of ecosystem drought resilience. In this study, we define a metric for the degree of isohydricity at the ecosystem scale in analogy with a recent metric introduced at the species level. Using data from the AMSR‐E satellite, this metric is evaluated globally based on diurnal variations in microwave vegetation optical depth (VOD), which is directly related to leaf water potential. Areas with low annual mean radiation are found to be more anisohydric. Except for evergreen broadleaf forests in the tropics, which are very isohydric, and croplands, which are very anisohydric, land cover type is a poor predictor of ecosystem isohydricity, in accordance with previous species‐scale observations. It is therefore also a poor basis for parameterizing water stress response in land‐surface models. For taller ecosystems, canopy height is correlated with higher isohydricity (so that rainforests are mostly isohydric). Highly anisohydric areas show either high or low underlying water use efficiency. In seasonally dry locations, most ecosystems display a more isohydric response (increased stomatal regulation) during the dry season. In several seasonally dry tropical forests, this trend is reversed, as dry‐season leaf‐out appears to coincide with a shift toward more anisohydric strategies. The metric developed in this study allows for detailed investigations of spatial and temporal variations in plant water behavior.
Small Area Population Estimation: Estimating Population Size at Ward Level 2014 in South Africa
Authors: Udjo Eric O.
Published: June 2016

The census is the traditional source of population figures at various levels. Census figures however are technically outdated immediately they are released because planners require figures for the present and possibly for future dates. In an attempt to meet this demand different organisations and researchers produce population estimates and projections. These estimates however are usually at higher geographical levels and often do not meet the planning needs of administrators at lower geographical levels. This study extends a top‐down estimation method to an African country by estimating the mid‐2014 population at ward level in South Africa.

The study used the 2011 South Africa Census to estimate current levels of fertility, mortality as well as current trends in net migration at a higher geographical level. Historical trends in fertility and mortality were based on the 1996 Census, 1997 and 1998 October Household Surveys as well as the 2007 Community Survey data. The results indicate that that 20 of the largest wards as at mid‐2014 were located in South Africa's metropolitan areas. Nineteen of the 20 largest wards are currently growing at a rate of over 4% per annum and if this trend continues, eighteen of these wards will double their current population size in less than 15 years.
Catheter replacement structure in home medical care settings and regional characteristics in Tokyo and three adjoining prefectures
Authors: Kimura Takuma , Yoshie Satoru , Tsuchiya Rumiko , Kawagoe Shohei , Hirahara Satoshi , Iijima Katsuya , Akahoshi Toru , Tsuji Tetsuo
Published: June 2016

Aim

The present study investigated the association between the structure of catheter replacement services in home medical care settings and regional characteristics.

Methods

An anonymous self‐administered questionnaire was carried out from August to September 2013. Participants were physicians from 5338 clinics that provided medical care services at home, and nurses from 1619 home‐visit nursing stations in Tokyo and three adjoining prefectures. The questionnaire covered catheter replacement (gastrostomy tubes, nasogastric tubes, tracheal cannulas) during home medical care, and the professions of those who replaced urethral catheters for male and female patients. Regions were divided into two groups (higher‐ and lower‐density regions) based on the number of clinics, number of home‐visit nursing stations and the ratio of the population aged ≥65 years. The rates of respondents that reported catheter replacement was usually executed, and those who reported catheters were replaced by “physicians in principle” were compared between the groups.

Results

Responses were received from 842 clinics (16.3%) and 499 home‐visit nursing stations (31.4%). In the higher‐density regions, the rate of physicians who reported urethral catheters for male patients were replaced by “physicians in principle” was significantly higher than in the lower‐density regions (P < 0.001). In the lower‐density regions, the rate of nurses who reported urethral catheters for male patients were replaced by “nurses in principle” was significantly higher compared with the higher‐density regions (P < 0.016).

Conclusions

In home medical care settings, urethral catheters for male patients are replaced by nurses in regions where physician resources are limited. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 628–636.
Long‐term outcome of haemophilia A patients after successful immune tolerance induction therapy using a single plasma‐derived FVIII/VWF product: the long‐term ITI study
Authors: Jiménez‐Yuste V. , Oldenburg J. , Rangarajan S. , Peiró‐Jordán R. , Santagostino E.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Immune tolerance induction (ITI) is a standard intervention to eradicate inhibitors in haemophilic patients. However, information on the long‐term condition of patients who eradicated the inhibitor totally or partially after ITI is scarce.

Aim

To perform a long‐term follow‐up to describe the status of patients reported as ITI success in the G‐ITI study.

Methods

This was an international, multicentre, observational, retrospective study of the 57 haemophilic patients who were reported as ITI success in the G‐ITI study. Demographics and post‐ITI clinical data recorded until January 2015 were extracted from the medical records. A descriptive analysis was undertaken.

Results

Forty‐four patients were evaluable. Post‐ITI follow‐up was 9.1 years in average. Thirty‐seven target joints were affected in 21 patients; 38 patients presented bleeding with a mean of 1.0 ± 1.2 episodes year−1, most of them (271/330) treated with Fanhdi® (Grifols). Around half of the patients underwent at least one surgical procedure. Most venous access complications were of expected nature, requiring hospital stay in practically all cases. Fanhdi was used in 42 patients as the regular haemophilia treatment after ITI, mainly prophylactically. Three patients (6.8%) who were being treated with Fanhdi (prophylaxis), Kogenate (prophylaxis) and Emoclot (on demand), respectively, showed inhibitor relapse (at 29, 53 and 13 months after ITI, with 0.9, 3.65 and 12.5 BU respectively). All of them were successfully tolerized after rescue ITI.

Conclusion

After ITI success, all patients continued with regular successful FVIII treatment for haemophilia for more than 9 years. The few inhibitor relapses were successfully overcome after rescue ITI.
Hypomagnesemia as a predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients and the role of proton pump inhibitors: A cross‐sectional, 1‐year, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ago Rika , Shindo Toshihiro , Banshodani Masataka , Shintaku Sadanori , Moriishi Misaki , Masaki Takao , Kawanishi Hideki
Published: June 2016

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and serum magnesium levels, and the role of hypomagnesemia and PPI use as a risk factor for mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods An observational study, including a cross‐sectional and 1‐year retrospective cohort study. The study comprised 399 hemodialysis patients at a single center, and was conducted from January to September 2014. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the independent relationship between serum magnesium levels and baseline demographic and clinical variables, including PPI and histamine‐2 receptor antagonist use. Cox regression model was used to identify lower serum magnesium level and PPI as a predictor of 1‐year mortality.

Findings Serum magnesium levels were lower with PPI use than non‐PPI use (2.39 ± 0.36 vs. 2.56 ± 0.39 mg/dL, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PPI use, low serum albumin levels, and low serum potassium and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels were significantly associated with low serum magnesium levels. A total of 29 deaths occurred during the follow‐up period. According to Cox regression analysis stratified by hs‐CRP, only high serum hs‐CRP levels (>4.04 mg/L) in association with low serum magnesium levels was an independent risk factor for 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.53–6.40, P < 0.001).

Discussion Serum magnesium levels are lower in PPI use. In the inflammatory state, a low serum magnesium level is a significant predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients.
Influence of religiosity and spiritual coping on health‐related quality of life in Saudi haemodialysis patients
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi , Colet Paolo C. , Alquwez Nahed , Inocian Ergie P. , Al‐Otaibi Raid Salman , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: June 2016

Introduction:Patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are frequently troubled by psychiatric disorders and coping problems, which can pose a serious threat to their physical and mental well‐being. Using religious and spiritual interventions as a means of coping with physical and mental challenges is widely recognized. Although this topic has been well studied, in the Middle East regions, where Islam is the dominant religion, studies are limited. Thus, this study was performed to explore the influence of religiosity and spiritual coping (SC) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of Saudi patients receiving HD.Methods:A total of 168 HD patients from three hospitals in Saudi Arabia formed a convenient sample for this descriptive, cross‐sectional hospital‐based study. Data collection was done via questionnaire‐guided interviews using the Muslim Religious Index as well as the Arabic Versions of the Spiritual Coping Strategies scale and Quality of Life Index Dialysis. Regression analysis enabled identification of the factors influencing HRQoL.Findings:Older patients were found to reveal higher levels of religiosity, whereas the younger ones expressed a lesser degree of religious and nonreligious coping. Unemployed patients reported greater involvement in religious practices (RP) and more frequently used religious coping than those employed. The latter showed lower intrinsic religiosity and nonreligious coping usage than the unemployed. The respondents reported the greatest satisfaction scores on their psychological/spiritual dimension and the least scores on the social and economic dimension. Therefore, the factors that could influence the HRQoL of the respondents were identified as involvement in RP, intrinsic religious beliefs, religious coping usage and age.Discussion:This study revealed significant findings regarding the importance of religiosity and SC on the HRQoL of the Saudi HD patients. Therefore, it has been highly recommended to integrate religiosity into the health‐care process for such patients to facilitate the achievement of overall optimum health levels.
Expression of KLF5 in odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp cells during in vitro odontoblastic induction and in vivo dental repair
Authors: Han N. , Chen Z. , Zhang Q.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To identify whether Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) was involved in odontoblastic differentiation during reparative dentine formation.

Methodology

Human Dental pulp cells (DPCs) were isolated from healthy human dental pulp tissue and induced for odontoblastic differentiation. Alizarin Red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, quantitative real‐time PCR and Western Blot were performed to evaluate in vitro odontoblastic differentiation. The expression profile of KLF5 during the in vitro odontoblastic differentiation was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western Blot. Knock‐down of KLF5 by lentivirus‐mediated shRNA was performed to determine the function of KLF5 in odontoblastic differentiation. After direct pulp capping with MTA, the maxillary first molar segments dissected from male Wistar rats were prepared for histology analysis and immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

Odontoblastic differentiation was confirmed by significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP; P = 0.004) activity and upregulated odontoblastic differentiation‐related genes including dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP; P = 0.004) and dentine matrix protein‐1 (DMP‐1; P = <0.001). The expression of KLF5 was significantly upregulated during odontoblastic differentiation of in vitro cultured DPCs (P = 0.0002). KLF5 knock‐down impaired odontoblastic differentiation. After direct pulp capping, dentine bridge‐like calcified tissues were formed under the perforation sites. KLF5 was expressed in odontoblast‐like cells and DPCs beneath the perforation sites during reparative dentine formation.

Conclusions

KLF5 might be involved in the process of odontoblastic differentiation during reparative dentine formation.
C‐punch excision: a novel technique
Authors: AlGhamdi Khalid M.
Published: June 2016

A conventional skin punch biopsy instrument has a circular hollow blade, which can be used to make a full circular incision to evacuate subcutaneous abnormalities such as lipomas. Here, we present a modified punch instrument, in which the cutting element has a C‐shape to form a pivotal skin fragment (miniflap) to access subcutaneous tissues. The “C” part comprises almost half of a circle. The C‐punch incision gives access to subcutaneous abnormalities, while keeping a connecting neck to the surrounding skin, which allows for efficient resealing of the skin surface. Therefore, there is less potential for subsequent scarring.
Applicability of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in rapid identification of some Candida and dermatophyte species infections in humans
Authors: Mohammed Yaser F. , Salem Elsayed Z. , Shahin Ibrahim M. I. , Abdo Hamed M. , Emam Hanaa E. , Fawzy Mahmoud , Abdel Salam Mohamed F.
Published: June 2016

Traditional systems of identifying yeasts and dermatophytes have many disadvantages. Preliminary data on a radically different approach based on optical spectroscopic techniques suggest that these techniques may offer some advantages. We conducted a trial to verify the practical applicability of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the identification of some yeast and dermatophyte species, in which samples from 50 patients with superficial fungal infections were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide (actidione) and studied using FTIR microspectroscopy. Spectra of the same species were identical, whereas spectra of different species did not show similarity. This study showed that FTIR microspectroscopy is promising and can be used to obtain, with a single measurement, a “molecular fingerprint” of Candida and dermatophyte species. It can be improved further in terms of reliability.
Assessment of the ability of five culture media for the detection of Escherichia coli O157
Authors: Gutierrez Myriam E. , Janes Marlene E. , Torrico Damir D. , Carabante Kennet M. , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: June 2016

Cattle are a common reservoir for Escherichia coli O157:H7. Prior to confirming its presence in a sample, proper isolation of E. coli O157 is necessary. Consequently, this study evaluated the ability of five commercial plating media to isolate E. coli O157 from 138 samples of fresh cattle faeces, water from water trough and pond, and surfaces of water trough and hay bunk. For the isolation of E. coli O157, samples were enriched in tryptic soya broth, followed by immunoseparation and then plating on SMAC, CT‐SMAC, CHROMagar™ O157, Tellurite CHROMagar™ O157 and Vancomycin Cefixime Cefsoludin CHROMagar™ O157. Real‐time PCR targeting genes stx1, stx2 and wzyO157 was used to confirm selected isolates. When analysed together, CT‐SMAC and CHROMagar™ O157 were the best combination for isolating E. coli O157, giving 79% true‐positive results and only 0.05% false‐negative results.
A Conversation with Roger Koenker
Authors: He Xuming
Published: June 2016

Roger William Koenker was born February 21, 1947. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1969 and obtained his PhD in Economics from University of Michigan in 1974 under the direction of Saul Hymans. He was Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC) from 1974 to 1976, and a member of Technical Staff at Bell Telephone Laboratories from 1976 to 1983 and returned to UIUC as Professor in 1983. He is currently a William B. McKinley Professor of Economics and Professor of Statistics at UIUC. He is best known for his seminal work on quantile regression, which has emerged as a powerful regression analysis tool across many disciplines. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, Fellow of Econometric Society, and recipient of the 2010 Emanuel and Carol Parzen Prize for Statistical Innovation. The conversation covers part of Roger Koenker's career as an econometrician and statistician, starting from his college years.
Impacts of information reliability in a supply chain with market disruption risks
Authors: Wang Jian‐Cai , Wang Zhaohua , Wang Yao‐Yu , Lai Fujun
Published: June 2016

In this study, we develop a supply chain model with one manufacturer and one retailer, where the market demand might be subject to disruption and neither the manufacturer nor the retailer can perfectly predict whether this market disruption will occur ex ante. However, the retailer can resort to his information system to acquire more accurate disruption information than the manufacturer, and this disruption forecast information is the retailer's private information. Under this framework, we first derive the optimal outcomes of two representative categories of contract formats (i.e., the simplest but most widely used wholesale price contract, and the most sophisticated but rarely implemented menu of contracts), and then examine the impacts of the reliability of the retailer's private information about the market state (regular or disruption) on the supply chain performance. Our results demonstrate that the manufacturer's expected profit is quasi‐convex in the reliability (i.e., U‐shaped), and the retailer's expected profit is a piecewise (weakly) increasing function of the reliability. Specifically, there exists a threshold for the retailer's information reliability. Above the threshold, both manufacturer and retailer benefit from the improvement in the information reliability. This means that the manufacturer actually can profit from the exaggerated level of information asymmetry. Below the threshold, the improvement is still favorable to the retailer, but detrimental to the manufacturer due to increased information rents, and thus the manufacturer has no incentive to help the retailer to improve his forecast capability. At the threshold, the retailer's profit experiences a cliff‐like drop, while the manufacturer's profit achieves its minimum value. The result is applicable to both wholesale price contract and menu of contracts.
Insight into the Growth Reaction Mechanism of Ceramic Co3TeO6: Synchrotron Structural and Thermal Analysis
Authors: Singh Harishchandra , Sinha Anil K. , Gupta Surya M. , Singh Manvendra N. , Ghosh Haranath
Published: June 2016

A two‐step solid‐state reaction is proposed to synthesize monophasic cobalt tellurate Co3TeO6 (CTO), a type II multiferroic, using Co3O4 and TeO2 as the starting reagents. First step of the reaction results in the secondary monoclinic (P21/c) CoTeO4 compound, which on further calcination (second step) leads to the primary monoclinic (C2/c) Co3TeO6 phase. High‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and the subsequent Rietveld analysis are used to probe different phases present in the synthesized CTO and to achieve its single phase. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure studies at Co K and Te L edges reveal mixed oxidation states (Co2+/3+) of Co and hexavalent Te, respectively. Charge imbalance due to mixed valence Co ions has been attributed to cations vacancies. Enhanced multiferroic properties, such as effective magnetic moment, spin phonon coupling, etc., have been attributed to the aforementioned observations in grown ceramic CTO via proposed synthesis route.
Learning to Be: The Modelling of Art and Design Practice in University Art and Design Teaching
Authors: Budge Kylie
Published: June 2016

Learning to be an artist or designer is a complex process of becoming. Much of the early phase of ‘learning to be’ occurs during the time emerging artists and designers are students in university art/design programmes, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Recent research reveals that a critical role in assisting students in their maturing identities as artists and designers is played by artist/designer‐academics teaching in university art and design programmes. By maintaining active art/design practices and drawing from these in their teaching, artist/designer‐academics model professional practice to students. Witnessing and interacting with such modelling is part of the process of students learning the shared discourses, views and practices of the art or design worlds to which they aspire to belong. The modelling of professional practice is critical to an artist or designer's ‘learning to be’ experience because it enables students to access the tacit and nuanced behaviours, languages and cultures that constitute contemporary art or design practice.

This article outlines findings from a recent Australian study revealing the role of professional practice modelling in university art/design teaching. It highlights the centrality of professional practice modelling to artist/designer‐academics in their beliefs and approaches to teaching their academic disciplines. In critically exploring the research data and findings this article describes the role that modelling of practice plays and how it comprises a core part of the value that artist/designer‐academic participants contribute to the teaching of art/design education.
Community change and species richness reductions in rapidly advancing tree lines
Authors: Greenwood Sarah , Chen Jan‐Chang , Chen Chaur‐Tzuhn , Jump Alistair S.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Climate change is causing shifts in the range of species worldwide. In high‐altitude areas forests are often observed to be shifting their upper limits to higher altitudes in response to warming temperatures. Although this phenomenon is well described, the possible consequences of this for the wider forest community have not been fully considered. In this study, we used epiphytic macro‐lichens to investigate the impacts of tree line advance on associated organisms. We hypothesized that the rate of forest advance should influence the species richness and composition of associated communities.

Location

The Hehuanshan area, Central Mountain Range, Taiwan (24°08–09′ N, 121°15 – 16′ E).

Methods

Lichen communities were sampled on trees occurring at 33 tree line sites displaying varying degrees of advance. Habitat variables were recorded.ANOVA,GLMM, nestedness analysis and indicator species analysis were used to investigate patterns of species richness and community composition and their association with tree line advance and habitat variables.

Results

Species richness was lower in tree lines exhibiting rapid advance; reductions were related to tree size (considered here as a proxy for age) and the distance over which advance had occurred. Community composition varied with tree line form and forest position. Only a subset of species found in slowly advancing or stable forest edges occurred in rapidly advancing tree lines.

Main conclusions

Differential migration rates between co‐occurring species and differences in habitat structure associated with tree line advance can result in community change, but this depends, amongst other factors, on the speed of tree line advance. The importance of advance rate in determining the response suggests that reductions in species richness at tree line could be transitory. However, this will depend on whether advance continues, and on the changes in habitat associated with advance. Given the complexity of tree line behaviour, the findings that we report represent an essential step in understanding community responses to climate change. This understanding is of importance for biodiversity and conservation, especially given the high rate of endemism reported for this and other alpine regions.
The enigmatic pattern of long‐distance dispersal of minute freshwater gastropods (Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea, Tateidae) across the South Pacific
Authors: Zielske Susan , Ponder Winston F. , Haase Martin
Published: June 2016

Aim

Tateid freshwater gastropods have an enigmatic distribution in the South Pacific (SP) region. We reconstructed their diversification and dispersal pathways and estimated a timeframe for their radiations.

Location

New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Austral Islands, further species from Sulawesi, Australia, New Zealand and Lord Howe Island.

Methods

Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods were used to calculate dated phylogenies based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments, test hypotheses and perform ancestral range reconstructions. We compared two calibration strategies based on theCOIsubstitution rate and two sets of island ages selected (1) independent of the ancestral range reconstruction and (2) using information from the latter.

Results

The common ancestor of theSPTateidae occurred in Australia. Its descendents colonized Sulawesi and Lord Howe Island and gave rise to the radiations on New Caledonia and New Zealand. The more remote archipelagos harbouring the genusFluviopupaPilsbry, 1911 were colonized out of New Zealand.Fluviopupaevolved on the Austral Islands and colonized the archipelago against the progression rule from east to west. Vanuatu was colonized twice independently from the Austral Islands and served as hub for dispersal events to Fiji and Lord Howe Island. The second strategy for calibrating the time trees resulted in considerable younger colonization estimates, was generally well in accordance with the geological record and required fewerad hochypotheses to explain the diversification and dispersal pattern.

Main conclusions

Our analyses of the evolutionary history of Tateidae across theSPrevealed several enigmatic aspects not in accordance with the dominant pattern published for other taxa. In particular, the complex westward dispersal pathways ofFluviopupa, which originated on the Austral Islands but had an ancestor in New Zealand, are unique. Geographical distance was not an appropriate predictor of relationships.
Contrasting genetic effects of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) range expansion along West and East Florida
Authors: Kennedy John Paul , Garavelli Lysel , Truelove Nathan K. , Devlin Donna J. , Box Stephen J. , Chérubin Laurent M. , Feller Ilka C.
Published: June 2016

Aim

We evaluated underlying mechanisms and genetic effects of climate‐driven range expansion of Rhizophora mangle L., a coastal foundation species, along both West (WFL) and East (EFL) Florida, USA.

Location

Eight sites encompassing the entire Florida R. mangle range at a regional scale.

Methods

We characterized R. mangle population genetic structure with a combination of genetic analyses using seven microsatellite loci and model‐based propagule transport. We tested hypotheses on the genetic effects of range expansion along both WFL and EFL. Finally, we compared WFL and EFL range edges and assessed potential factors shaping observed differences.

Results

Regional‐scale Florida R. mangle genetic structure is shaped in part by the non‐independent effects of geographical distance and ocean currents that drive asymmetric propagule transport from WFL to EFL. WFL conformed to theoretical expectations of range expansion, with pronounced divergence at the range edge, whereas EFL deviated from expectations. Significant differences in diversity and differentiation at the WFL and EFL range edges were attributed to differences in migration rates, population size and founder effects.

Main conclusions

Contrasting genetic landscapes at the WFL and EFL range edges are in part the product of variation in ocean circulation and demographic history. These underlying mechanisms may have potential ecological and evolutionary consequences that need to be addressed with further empirical research.
Do different degrees of human activity affect the diet of Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis?
Authors: Alves V. E. N. , Patrício J. , Dolbeth M. , Pessanha A. , Palma A. R. T. , Dantas E. W. , Vendel A. L.
Published: June 2016

The aim of the present study was to test whether different degrees of human activity affect the diet of the Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis in two tropical estuaries. Fish were collected along the salinity gradient of two Brazilian estuaries, the heavily impacted Paraiba Estuary and the less impacted Mamanguape Estuary, in the dry and wet seasons. The findings confirm that A. brasiliensis has generalist feeding habits and is able to change its diet under different environmental conditions. The results indicate clear spatial (i.e. along the estuarine gradient) changes in diet composition in both estuaries, but diet was also influenced by the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. During the wet season in the nutrient enriched Paraiba Estuary, when human activity was higher, the diet of A. brasiliensis was poorer and dominated by few dietary items, reflecting the potential impoverishment of prey items in this heavily disturbed system. The specimens collected in the most affected estuary also had a greater frequency of micro‐plastics and parasites in their stomachs, reflecting the greater degree of human disturbance in the estuary. The present findings suggest that the diet of A. brasiliensis could be a useful indicator of changes in the ecological quality of these and other tropical estuaries of the western Atlantic Ocean.
Hypoxia tolerance decreases with body size in red drum Sciaenops ocellatus
Authors: Pan Y. K. , Ern R. , Esbaugh A. J.
Published: June 2016

Mass‐specific oxygen consumption rate, i.e. standard metabolic rate (Rs) and critical oxygen tension (Pcrit) of red drum Sciaenops ocellatus were measured and scaled over a 2500‐fold range in mass (MF; 0·26–686 g). Rs conformed to well established models (Rs = 3·73·91 MF−0·21; r2 = 0·86) while Pcrit increased over the size range (Pcrit = 3·15 log10MF + 16·19; r2 = 0·44). This relationship may be ecologically advantageous as it would allow smaller S. ocellatus to better utilize hypoxic zones as habitat and refuge from predators.
Effects of Varying Nixtamalization Conditions on the Calcium Absorption and Pasting Properties of Dent and Flint Corn Flours
Authors: Argun Mustafa Şamıl , Doğan İSmaıl Saıt
Published: June 2016

In the present study it was examined how different nixtamalization conditions applied on dent and flint corn varieties affect the calcium absorption and pasting properties of corn flours. Results showed that with the increase of the Ca(OH)2 amount used in nixtamalization process to 1.2%, while ash content, peak, setback and final viscosity values increased, gelatinization temperatures decreased in all corn varieties (P < 0.01). Results also showed that the peak, setback and final viscosity values of dent corn varieties were higher than those of flint corns. However, the increase in the setback and final viscosity values of flint corns were higher than the increase observed in dent corns with the increase of the Ca(OH)2 amount, indicating that flint corns are subjected to more retrogradation than dent corn in consequence of nixtamalization. The ash content of the all samples reached the maximum value at the end of a steeping time of 6 h. The increase in cooking time had a negative effect on peak, setback and final viscosity values and a positive effect on gelatinization temperatures of both types of corn varieties (P < 0.01).

Practical Applications

Nixtamalization process causes some physical and chemical changes in flour attributes. The improvement in corn flour after nixtamalization needs to be investigated. The study showed that pasting properties and calcium content have been changed in nixtamalized corn flour (nixtamal) at varying rates depending on the type of corn varieties. Free niacin content of corn flour has increased and phytic acid content has reduced after nixtamalization process. Corn flour is included in many gluten‐free formulations with some deficiency. Nixtamal has expected a potential use to improve the textural, sensorial and nutritional values of gluten‐free applications.
Patterns of postnatal ontogeny of the skull and lower jaw of snakes as revealed by micro‐CT scan data and three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Lee Michael S. Y. , Hutchinson Mark N.
Published: June 2016

We compared the head skeleton (skull and lower jaw) of juvenile and adult specimens of five snake species [Anilios (=Ramphotyphlops) bicolor, Cylindrophis ruffus, Aspidites melanocephalus, Acrochordus arafurae, and Notechis scutatus] and two lizard outgroups (Ctenophorus decresii, Varanus gilleni). All major ontogenetic changes observed were documented both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative comparisons were based on high‐resolution micro‐CT scanning of the specimens, and detailed quantitative analyses were performed using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics. Two sets of landmarks were used, one for accurate representation of the intraspecific transformations of each skull and jaw configuration, and the other for comparison between taxa. Our results document the ontogenetic elaboration of crests and processes for muscle attachment (especially for cervical and adductor muscles); negative allometry in the braincase of all taxa; approximately isometric growth of the snout of all taxa except Varanus and Anilios (positively allometric); and positive allometry in the quadrates of the macrostomatan snakes Aspidites, Acrochordus and Notechis, but also, surprisingly, in the iguanian lizard Ctenophorus. Ontogenetic trajectories from principal component analysis provide evidence for paedomorphosis in Anilios and peramorphosis in Acrochordus. Some primitive (lizard‐like) features are described for the first time in the juvenile Cylindrophis. Two distinct developmental trajectories for the achievement of the macrostomatan (large‐gaped) condition in adult snakes are documented, driven either by positive allometry of supratemporal and quadrate (in pythons), or of quadrate alone (in sampled caenophidians); this is consistent with hypothesised homoplasy in this adaptive complex. Certain traits (e.g. shape of coronoid process, marginal tooth counts) are more stable throughout postnatal ontogeny than others (e.g. basisphenoid keel), with implications for their reliability as phylogenetic characters.
Skull osteology of the Eocene amphisbaenian Spathorhynchus fossorium (Reptilia, Squamata) suggests convergent evolution and reversals of fossorial adaptations in worm lizards
Authors: Müller Johannes , Hipsley Christy A. , Maisano Jessica A.
Published: June 2016

The fossorial amphisbaenians, or worm lizards, are characterized by a suite of specialized characters in the skull and postcranium, however fossil evidence suggests that at least some of these shared derived traits evolved convergently. Unfortunately the lack of detailed knowledge of many fossil taxa has rendered a more precise interpretation difficult. Here we describe the cranial anatomy of the oldest‐known well‐preserved amphisbaenian, Spathorhynchus fossorium, from the Eocene Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA, using high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (HRXCT). This taxon possesses one of the most strongly reinforced crania known among amphisbaenians, with many dermal bones overlapping each other internally. In contrast to modern taxa, S. fossorium has a paired orbitosphenoid, lacks a true compound bone in the mandible, and possesses a fully enclosed orbital rim. The last feature represents a highly derived structure in that the jugal establishes contact with the frontal internally, reinforcing the posterior orbital margin. S. fossorium also possesses a strongly modified Vidian canal with a previously unknown connection to the ventral surface of the parabasisphenoid. Comparison with the closely related fossil taxon Dyticonastis rensbergeri reveals that these derived traits are also shared by the latter species and potentially represent synapopmorphies of an extinct Paleogene clade of amphisbaenians. The presence of a reinforced orbital rim suggests selection against the loss of a functional eye and indicates an ecology potentially different from modern taxa. Given the currently accepted phylogenetic position of Spathorhynchus and Dyticonastis, we predict that supposedly ‘unique’ cranial traits traditionally linked to fossoriality such as a fused orbitosphenoid and the reduction of the eye show a more complex character history than previously assumed, including both parallel evolution and reversals to superficially primitive conditions.
Structure of the Achilles tendon at the insertion on the calcaneal tuberosity
Authors: Edama Mutsuaki , Kubo Masayoshi , Onishi Hideaki , Takabayashi Tomoya , Yokoyama Erika , Inai Takuma , Watanabe Hiroshi , Nashimoto Satoshi , Kageyama Ikuo
Published: June 2016

Findings on the twisting structure and insertional location of the AT on the calcaneal tuberosity are inconsistent. Therefore, to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying insertional Achilles tendinopathy, clarification of the anatomy of the twisting structure and location of the AT insertion onto the calcaneal tuberosity is important. The purpose of this study was to reveal the twisted structure of the AT and the location of its insertion onto the calcaneal tuberosity using Japanese cadavers. The study was conducted using 132 legs from 74 cadavers (mean age at death, 78.3 ± 11.1 years; 87 sides from men, 45 from women). Only soleus (Sol) attached to the deep layer of the calcaneal tuberosity was classified as least twist (Type I), both the lateral head of the gastrocnemius (LG) and Sol attached to the deep layer of the calcaneal tuberosity were classified as moderate twist (Type II), and only LG attached to the deep layer of the calcaneal tuberosity was classified as extreme twist (Type III). The Achilles tendon insertion onto the calcaneal tuberosity was classified as a superior, middle or inferior facet. Twist structure was Type I (least) in 31 legs (24%), Type II (moderate) in 87 legs (67%), and Type III (extreme) in 12 legs (9%). A comparison between males and females revealed that among men, 20 legs (24%) were Type I, 57 legs (67%) Type II, and eight legs (9%) Type III. Among women, 11 legs (24%) were Type I, 30 legs (67%) Type II, and four legs (9%) Type III. No significant differences were apparent between sexes. The fascicles of the Achilles tendon attach mainly in the middle facet. Anterior fibers of the Achilles tendon, where insertional Achilles tendinopathy is most likely, are Sol in Type I, LG and Sol in Type II, and LG only in Type III. This suggests the possibility that a different strain is produced in the anterior fibers of the Achilles tendon (calcaneal side) where insertional Achilles tendinopathy is most likely to occur in each type. We look forward to elucidating the mechanisms generating insertional Achilles tendinopathy in future biomedical studies based on the present results.
Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds in a Real‐World Patient Population‐Results From a Mid‐Term Angiographic Follow‐Up
Authors: Saad Mohammed , Abdin Amr , Thiele Holger , Desch Steffen , Ibrahimi Pranvera , Wikstroem Gerhard , Hoeher Martin , Henein Michael
Published: June 2016

Aim

We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in daily use in a real‐world patient population.

Methods and Results

Between March 2013 and September 2014, 224 patients (233 lesions) were treated with BVS at a tertiary care center. Patients underwent follow‐up coronary angiography 3–6 months after implantation. Clinical presentations were stable angina in 101 patients (45.1%), unstable angina in 47 (21.0%), NSTEMI in 38 (17.0%), and STEMI in 38 (17.0%) patients. Twenty‐two patients (27 lesions) had chronic total occlusion (CTO). Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Two patients died in the follow‐up period due to BVS thrombosis (0.9%). In‐hospital death occurred in further 3 patients (1.3%) due to other causes not related to the BVS implantation. Total BVS thrombosis was 3.1% (7 patients) and there was only 1 case of relevant restenosis on angiographic follow‐up. The overall incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 11 (4.9%).

Conclusions

Mid‐term follow‐up after implantation of BVS suggests a satisfactory safety profile and low restenosis rate in routine daily practice involving a large range of complex lesions.
The Utility of Preemptive Distal Perfusion Cannulation During Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Yeo Hye Ju , Yoon Seong Hoon , Jeon Doosoo , Kim Yun Seong , Cho Woo Hyun , Kim Dohyung , Lee Seung Eun
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We compared the ischemia and rescue rates according to the strategy of distal cannulation.

Background

Limb ischemia developing during percutaneous venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potentially severe complication. Although appropriate use of a distal perfusion cannula can avoid ischemia, evidences about distal cannulation is still lacking.

Methods

Patients who underwent peripheral VA ECMO between January 2010 and August 2015 were reviewed. We classified patients into 2 groups in terms of insertion timing with respect to the onset of ischemia. The preemptive strategy group underwent early insertion of a distal perfusion cannula at commencement of ECMO support. The rescue strategy group underwent delayed cannula insertion after onset of limb ischemia.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Forty‐four patients formed the preemptive strategy group and 107 patients formed the rescue strategy group. In total, 10 of 151 (6.7%) patients developed significant limb ischemia, they all were the rescue strategy group (10/107, 9.3%). Of the 10 patients, 2 patients were rescued from limb ischemia after distal cannulation. Otherwise, ischemia was not rescued in the remaining eight patients. Of the latter 8, 3 patient required surgical interventions (2 fasciotomy and 1 below‐the‐knee amputation) and the other five died from disease aggravation prior to surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Preemptive distal perfusion cannulation is safe and effective when used to prevent lower limb ischemia in patients undergoing femoral cannulation to treat ECMO. However, delayed distal cannulation increases the extent of cannulation site bleeding, without improving the ischemia.
SKILLS, THE GENDER WAGE GAP, AND CITIES
Authors: Bacolod Marigee
Published: June 2016

This paper links gender wage gaps with the urban wage premium. First, the study documents gender wage gaps are narrower in larger U.S. metropolitan areas in 2000 and 2010. Skill agglomerations are then considered to explain this. Specifically, if men and women employ heterogeneous skills, and these skills have differential productivities across city sizes, agglomerative forces may differentially reward men and women. Occupational data show that women are concentrated in jobs relatively more intensive in interactive and cognitive skills, while men are comparatively in physical skill‐intensive jobs. Decomposing the gender wage gap shows that explanatory factors (education, skills, and location) predict women would outearn men. Instead, agglomerative skill returns account for majority of the gap. These estimates suggest that even as women employ skills rewarded in agglomeration economies, they benefit less from agglomerations than men, resulting in the observed gap.