bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Oligocene Calocedrus (Cupressaceae) from the Maoming Basin, South China, and its paleogeographic and paleoclimatic implications
Authors: Wu Yan , Jin Jian‐Hua , Li Nan , He Hui‐Min , Chen Ting , Liu Xiao‐Yan
Published: May 2018

The genus Calocedrus Kurz is characterized by flattened branches covered with decussate and dimorphic leaves. In this study, we describe fossil foliage of Calocedrus discovered in the Shangcun Formation (early Oligocene) of the Maoming Basin, South China. The fossils have wedge‐shaped branchlet segments and scale‐like strongly dimorphic leaves, similar to the fossil species Calocedrus lantenoisi (Laurent) Tao. There have been no detailed studies of the morphological features and cuticle structures of C. lantenoisi. Therefore, a newly emended diagnosis of the species C. lantenoisi is given based on a detailed study of leaf morphology and cuticular characters exhibited by the Maoming fossils. This is one of the earliest fossil records of Calocedrus in the world, providing additional evidence for the early biogeographic history of this genus and supporting the inference that eastern Asian Calocedrus is primitive among all the living species. The extant species of Calocedrus are mainly distributed in mountainous regions. On the basis of the “nearest living relative” analysis, we propose that the Maoming Basin was adjacent to a mountainous region during the early Oligocene.
Discovery of the genus Pseudoroegneria (Triticeae, Poaceae) in the Western Mediterranean on exploring the generic boundaries of Elymus
Authors: Lucía Víctor , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat , Rico Enrique , Anamthawat‐Jónsson Kesara
Published: May 2018

In this study, we review the classification of two species, Elymus hispanicus and E. marginatus, which are restricted to highly valuable and sensitive Mediterranean ecosystems. The genomic composition of the two species is analysed by in situ hybridization. In addition, lodicule morphology and foliar anatomy of both species are compared with those of E. caninus, E. repens, E. sibiricus (i.e., the type species of Elymus s.s.) and Pseudoroegneria strigosa (i.e., the type species of Pseudoroegneria). The genomic formula 2n = 8x = 56; HStStSt is proposed for E. hispanicus and 2n = 4x = 28; StSt for E. marginatus. In this latter species, the absence of the ribosomal genes in one of the two St genomes suggests that diploidization may have occurred during the evolution of the species. Regarding foliar anatomy, E. hispanicus, E. caninus, E. repens, and E. sibiricus shared several characteristics, but the leaf blades of E. marginatus proved anatomically more similar to those of Ps. strigosa. The data compiled support the contention that: (i) E. hispanicus belongs to Elymus s.s.; (ii) E. marginatus should be transferred to Pseudoroegneria; and (iii) the morphology of the lodicules should be carefully reconsidered for appropriately describing the boundaries between Elymus s.s. and Pseudoroegneria. The new combination Ps. marginata is proposed and a detailed iconography of the plant is provided.
Genome‐wide based model predicting recovery from portosystemic shunting after liver shunt attenuation in dogs
Authors: Van den Bossche Lindsay , van Steenbeek Frank G. , Weber Maarten F. , Spee Bart , Penning Louis C. , van Sluijs Freek J. , Zomerdijk Flin , Groot Koerkamp Marian J. A. , Rothuizen Jan , Burgener Iwan A. , Kummeling Anne
Published: May 2018

Background

In dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS), recovery after surgical CPSS attenuation is difficult to predict.

Objectives

Our aim was to build a model with plasma albumin concentration and mRNA expression levels of hepatic gene products as predictors of recovery from portosystemic shunting after surgery.

Animals

Seventy‐three client‐owned dogs referred for surgical attenuation of CPSS.

Methods

A prediction model was constructed using 2 case‐control studies of recovered and nonrecovered dogs after surgical CPSS attenuation. In the 1st study, a dog‐specific gene expression microarray analysis was used to compare mRNA expression in intraoperatively collected liver tissue between 23 recovered and 23 nonrecovered dogs. In the 2nd study, preoperative plasma albumin concentration and the expression of microarray‐selected genes were confirmed by RT‐qPCR in intraoperatively collected liver samples of 31 recovered and 31 nonrecovered dogs, including 35 dogs from the 1st study.

Results

In the 1st study, 43 genes were differently expressed in recovered and nonrecovered dogs. The mean preoperative plasma albumin concentration in recovered dogs was higher compared to nonrecovered dogs (23 and 19 g/L, respectively;P = .004). The best fitting prediction model in the 2nd study included preoperative plasma albumin concentration and intraoperativeDHDH,ERLEC1, andLYSMD2gene expression levels.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

A preclinical model was constructed using preoperative plasma albumin concentration and intraoperative hepatic mRNA expression of 3 genes that were unbiasedly selected from the genome to predict recovery from portosystemic shunting after shunt ligation. Further development is essential for clinical application.
Health literacy in pressure injury: Findings from a mixed‐methods study of community‐based patients and carers
Authors: Durrant Lisa A. , Taylor James , Thompson Helen , Usher Kim , Jackson Debra
Published: May 2018

The present study, drawn from a larger mixed‐methods case study, provides insights into the health literacy of community‐based patients with pressure injuries, and their carers, and critically analyzes the patient information resources available; crucial because health literacy is associated with patient care and outcomes for patients. Two datasets were used to better understand patient literacy in relation to pressure injury: (i) narratives from patients and carers; and (ii) analysis of patient education resources. Narratives were subject to content analysis and patient education resources available to the patients were analyzed drawing on the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook, the National Health Service Toolkit for Producing Patient Resources, and compared to an internationally‐advocated pressure injury leaflet. The study findings indicated that despite leaflets broadly meeting required production and content guidelines, patients appeared to poorly engage with these materials and demonstrated limited health literacy in relation to pressure injury. Although improvements in leaflet production and readability might be advantageous, emphasis should remain on quality patient–health‐care professional relationships to enable tailored patient education that can enhance awareness and engagement with treatment and prevention interventions.
Adverse events witnessed by nursing students during clinical learning experiences: Findings from a longitudinal study
Authors: Stevanin Simone , Causero Giulia , Zanini Antonietta , Bulfone Giampiera , Bressan Valentina , Palese Alvisa
Published: May 2018

No evidence from any longitudinal study design has been reported to date with regard to patient safety (PS) incidents witnessed by nursing students during their training. Therefore, with the aim of closing this gap in available knowledge, a longitudinal study was performed from 2012 to 2015 by involving all nursing students (n= 145) enrolled in two Italian nursing programs. At the end of each academic year, students were invited to report in writing all PS incidents witnessed during their clinical learning experience; the number of days each student spent in their clinical setting was also collected from administrative records. Ninety students were included and 94 incidents were reported: 17 (18.1%) by first year students, 27 (28.7%) by second year students, and 50 (53.2%) by third year students. One third of students did not report any PS incident at the end of each academic year, while only a few reported more than one. The incidence density was 3.8/1000 days of clinical training without statistical differences across academic years. Supporting nursing students by encouraging them to share, discuss, and reflect on their clinical learning experience might increase their confidence in reporting safety incidents.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity increases phosphorus uptake efficiency of European beech
Authors: Köhler Julia , Yang Nan , Pena Rodica , Raghavan Venket , Polle Andrea , Meier Ina C.
Published: May 2018

Increases in summer droughts and nitrogen (N) deposition have raised concerns of widespread biodiversity loss and nutrient imbalances, but our understanding of the ecological role of ectomycorrhizal fungal (ECMF) diversity in mediating root functions remains a major knowledge gap.

We used different global change scenarios to experimentally alter the composition of ECMF communities colonizing European beech saplings and examined the consequences for phosphorus (P) uptake (H333PO4 feeding experiment) and use efficiencies of trees. Specifically, we simulated increases in temperature and N deposition and decreases in soil moisture and P availability in a factorial experiment.

Here, we show that ECMF α diversity is a major factor contributing to root functioning under global change. P uptake efficiency of beech significantly increased with increasing ECMF species richness and diversity, as well as with decreasing P availability. As a consequence of decreases in ECMF diversity, P uptake efficiency decreased when soil moisture was limiting. By contrast, P use efficiencies were a direct (negative) function of P availability and not of ECMF diversity.

We conclude that increasing summer droughts may reduce ECMF diversity and the complementarity of P uptake by ECMF species, which will add to negative growth effects expected from nutrient imbalances under global change.
Resilience of socially valued properties of natural systems to repeated disturbance: A framework to support value‐laden management decisions
Authors: Zeeman Mary Lou , Meyer Katherine , Bussmann Erika , Hoyer‐Leitzel Alanna , Iams Sarah , Klasky Ian J. , Lee Victoria , Ligtenberg Stephen
Published: May 2018

As global change delivers new disturbance patterns to agricultural and ecological systems, there is profound concern that many of the natural systems on which humans rely are exhibiting gradual declines or sudden regime shifts. We describe a “flow‐kick” paradigm for modeling populations subject to regular patterns of discrete shocks, and use it to develop a framework that both identifies management strategies to achieve socially valued system properties and characterizes resilience of these properties to changing disturbance patterns. We apply the framework to four examples of logistically growing species where the socially valued properties are assumed to be (i) high abundance, (ii) low abundance, (iii) fishery yield, and (iv) fishery profit. In Example 3, we describe how the flow‐kick approach generalizes the classical maximum sustainable yield. In Example 4, the flow‐kick approach surprises us by identifying management strategies that yield higher profits than the maximum admitted by the corresponding Gordon–Schaeffer model.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Consider using flow‐kick modeling to:

explicitly represent the dynamics of a natural resource that is shaped by discrete, recurrent disturbances (e.g., harvests of a biological population).

quantify the resilience of a natural resource, and its socially valued properties, to discrete, recurrent disturbances.

quantify the resilience of a managed resource to additional disturbance or change in management strategy.

Instead of using management to optimize according to a single objective, consider what functional properties of a system create value for stakeholders, and identify disturbance patterns (management strategies) that achieve acceptable levels of stakeholder value.

When multiple stakeholders derive different values from a resource, search for mutually acceptable management strategies by first identifying acceptable value levels, and then identifying the disturbance patterns that achieve acceptable levels for each stakeholder. Do different stakeholders' sets of acceptable disturbance patterns overlap? If not, how close are they?
Dynamics of carbon dioxide gas (CO2): Effects of varying capability of plants to absorb CO2
Authors: Devi Sapna , Gupta Nivedita
Published: May 2018

To explore the effects of variation in the capability of plants to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed here. The model is developed under the presumption that capability of plants to inhale/store CO2varies plantwise. Primarily, whole plant population is divided into two categories for the analysis. Qualitative analysis for boundedness of solutions, existence, and stability of equilibrium points, along with permanence of the model system is carried out. The model analysis reveals that increasing the growth rate of plants, whose capability to absorb atmospheric CO2is more, depleted CO2more rapidly as compared to other ones, and if we increase harvesting rate coefficient, the concentration of CO2increases accordingly. Numerical simulations are performed to support and interpret the analytical results. Finally, the plant population is categorized inn‐parts and model is generalized to better understand the dynamics of the ecosystem.

Summary for Managers

Global warming is a very serious issue to be tackled in the present scenario. CO2has contributed more than any driver to global warming and if it accumulates unabated, then its irreversible influence will continue.

To reduce the increasing level of global warming, we have to mitigate atmospheric CO2. One important element that can help to solve this problem, is the plantation of new forests.

In plantation process, if we are planting only those plants which are the good sequesters of CO2, then it will not be preferable because every plant has its own importance in the ecosystem. So, for more precise results, managers should first categorize whole plant population and then do the analysis for the reduction of CO2without disturbing the balance of the ecosystem.

Managers should implement policies to extend the forestry area which consists those plants which are the good sequesters of CO2and prevent unnecessary harvesting.
Surgical Infection after Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Arthrodesis: CT Analysis of Spinal Fusion
Authors: Andrés‐Cano Pablo , Cerván Ana , Rodríguez‐Solera Miguel , Antonio Ortega Jose , Rebollo Natividad , Guerado Enrique
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the incidence of infection after instrumented lumbar spine surgery, the demographic and surgical variables associated with acute infection, and the influence of infection and debridement on the consolidation of spinal fusion.

Methods

After obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee, an observational study was made on a prospective cohort of consecutive patients surgically treated by posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis (n = 139, 2005–2011). In all cases, the minimum follow‐up period was 18 months. The following bivariate analysis was conducted of demographic and surgical variables: non‐infection group (n = 123); infection group (n = 16). Fusion rates were determined by multislice CT. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Incidence of deep infection requiring debridement: 11.51% (95% confidence interval, 5.85–17.18]). Bivariate analysis: differences were observed in hospital stay (7.0 days [range, 4–10] vs 14.50 days [range, 5.25–33.75]; P = 0.013), surgical time (3.15 h vs 4.09 h; P = 0.004), body mass index (25.11 kg/m2 [22.58–27.0] vs 26.02 kg/m2 [24.15 to 29.38]; P = 0.043), Charlson comorbidity index (median, 0 vs 1; P = 0.027), and rate of unsuccessful consolidation according to CT (18.4% vs 72.7%; P = 0.0001). In a model of multivariate logistic regression, taking as the dependent variable unsuccessful arthrodesis after 1 year, and adjusting for the other independent variables (infection, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and surgical time), the only variable that was significantly associated with an outcome of unsuccessful spinal fusion after 1 year was infection, with OR = 12.44 (95% confidence interval, 2.50–61.76).

Conclusion

Deep infection after instrumented lumbar spine arthrodesis is a common complication that compromises the radiographic outcome of surgery. Patients who develop a postoperative infection and require debridement surgery are 12 times less likely to achieve satisfactory radiological fusion.
Short‐term Follow‐up of Antibiotic‐loaded Articulating Cement Spacers in Two‐stage Revision of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Series
Authors: Tian Meng‐qiang , Yang Xian‐teng , Tian Xiao‐bin , Sun Yun‐bo , Duan Yuan‐hui , Sun Li
Published: May 2018

Objective

Infection of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare but devastating complication. Two‐stage revision is an effective treatment for late infected TKA. This study aimed to assess the short‐term results of two‐stage revision using articulating antibiotic‐loaded spacers.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients (10 men and 15 women) were diagnosed with late infections after TKA and treated with two‐stage revision from April 2006 to August 2010; 19 of these patients had TKA for osteoarthritis and 6 for rheumatoid arthritis. Median age was 64.9 (range, 56–83) years. In the first‐stage surgery, the prosthesis and all bone cement was removed. After thorough debridement, bone cement with vancomycin and tobramycin was put into a die cavity and made into temporary femoral and tibial spacers, respectively. In the cases of good knee range of motion, the temporary spacers were affixed to the bone surface using the same antibiotic bone cement. In the second surgery, gentamycin Refobacin Bone Cement with vancomycin was used to fix the prosthesis. After two‐stage revision, patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at 1, 3, and 6 months, and then annually. Knee Society Score (KSS), knee function score, knee pain score, and knee range of motion (ROM) were assessed.

Results

Among the group, all spacers were easily removed, and bone defect degree showed no obvious change compared with pre‐implant, 24 (96%) patients had been debrided once, and 1 patient had been debrided twice before reimplant prosthesis. Mean follow‐up was 64.2 (range, 52–89) months. There was no infection recurrence at final follow‐up. Compared with preoperative data, the KSS (66 [59, 71], 83 [80, 88] vs 46 [43, 57], P < 0.01), knee function score (43 [42, 49], 78 [73, 82] vs 32 [25, 37], P < 0.01), knee pain score (34 [33, 37], 42 [40, 45] vs 18 [16, 23], P < 0.01), and knee ROM (92° [86°, 96°], 94° [90°, 98°] vs 78° [67°, 86°], P < 0.01) were all improved during follow‐up and at final visit. Three patients experienced complications in the interval period: one case had knee dislocation, one had knee instability, and one had a chip in the femoral component of the spacer.

Conclusion

Using articulating antibiotic‐loaded spacers showed benefits for treating infected TKA in selected patients. No infection recurrence was observed during follow‐up.
Peter Winch on ‘Aristotelian’ and ‘Socratic’ Reasoning
Authors: Lagerspetz Olli
Published: May 2018

Peter Winch often returned to questions about the nature of logic. In the context of his work on Wittgenstein and political philosophy in the 1990s, Winch described a contrast between ‘Aristotelian’ and ‘Socratic’ reasoning. Aristotelian conceptions of reasoning, attributed to Frege and Russell, would see logic as a formal science and rationality as consistency with pre‐existent rules of inference. The Socratic conception, attributed to Wittgenstein, understands rational argument as a form of socially embedded dialogue that involves moral relationships and a dimension of depth. Rational persuasion may also involve use of persuasive images and examples.
Predicting Colorectal Cancer Mortality: Models to Facilitate Patient‐Physician Conversations and Inform Operational Decision Making
Authors: Bjarnadottir Margret , Anderson David , Zia Leila , Rhoads Kim
Published: May 2018

Having accurate, unbiased prognosis information can help patients and providers make better decisions about what course of treatment to take. Using a comprehensive dataset of all colorectal cancer patients in California, we generate predictive models that estimate short‐term and medium‐term survival probabilities for patients based on their clinical and demographic information. Our study addresses some of the contradictions in the literature about survival rates and significantly improves predictive power over the performance of any model in previously published studies.
A Three‐Part Bayesian Network for Modeling Dwelling Fires and Their Impact upon People and Property
Authors: Matellini D. B. , Wall A. D. , Jenkinson I. D. , Wang J. , Pritchard R.
Published: May 2018

In the United Kingdom, dwelling fires are responsible for the majority of all fire‐related fatalities. The development of these incidents involves the interaction of a multitude of variables that combine in many different ways. Consequently, assessment of dwelling fire risk can be complex, which often results in ambiguity during fire safety planning and decision making. In this article, a three‐part Bayesian network model is proposed to study dwelling fires from ignition through to extinguishment in order to improve confidence in dwelling fire safety assessment. The model incorporates both hard and soft data, delivering posterior probabilities for selected outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how the model functions and provide evidence of its use for planning and accident investigation.
GDP Per Capita Versus Median Household Income: What Gives Rise to the Divergence Over Time and how does this Vary Across OECD Countries?
Authors: Nolan Brian , Roser Max , Thewissen Stefan
Published: May 2018

Divergence between the evolution of GDP per capita and the income of a “typical” household as measured in household surveys is giving rise to a range of serious concerns, especially in the USA. This paper investigates the extent of that divergence and the factors that contribute to it across 27 OECD countries, using data from OECD National Accounts and the Luxembourg Income Study. While GDP per capita has risen faster than median household income in most of these countries over the period these data cover, the size of that divergence varied very substantially, with the USA a clear outlier. The paper distinguishes a number of factors contributing to such a divergence, and finds wide variation across countries in the impact of the various factors. Further, both the extent of that divergence and the role of the various contributory factors vary widely over time for most of the countries studied. These findings have serious implications for the monitoring and assessment of changes in household incomes and living standards over time.
The Albian to Turonian carbon isotope record from the Shilaif Basin (United Arab Emirates) and its regional and intercontinental correlation
Authors: Hennhoefer Dominik , Al Suwaidi Aisha , Bottini Cinzia , Helja Emina , Steuber Thomas
Published: May 2018

The sedimentary record of the Arabian Shelf offers a unique opportunity to study the Cretaceous (Albian–Turonian) greenhouse climate from a palaeoequatorial perspective. In particular, hemipelagic to pelagic carbonate successions from the extensive Shilaif intra‐shelf basin have the potential to produce an excellent record of carbon cycle perturbations during this interval. This study presents a 269 m thick chemostratigraphic (carbonate δ13C and δ18O) record from the Middle Albian to Early Turonian of central Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), representing over 14 Myr of uninterrupted carbonate sedimentation. The Mauddud to Shilaif formations represent outer ramp to basinal intra‐shelf carbonates with variations from laminated organic‐rich to clean bioturbated intervals. Isotopic evidence of the latest Albian Anoxic Event (Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d), Middle Cenomanian Event I and the Cenomanian–Turonian Anoxic Event (Oceanic Anoxic Event 2) are confirmed and biostratigraphically calibrated by means of calcareous nannofossils. The carbon isotope record allows correlation with other regional records and well‐calibrated records across the Tethyan Ocean and represents a significant improvement of the chronostratigraphic framework of the United Arab Emirates (Shilaif) and Oman (Natih) intra‐shelf basins. The study further confirms that low carbon isotope values corresponding to the two source rock intervals in the Shilaif Formation clearly precede the isotopic expressions of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d and Oceanic Anoxic Event 2.
Focusing on Focusing Events: Event Selection, Media Coverage, and the Dynamics of Contentious Meaning‐Making
Authors: Alimi Eitan Y. , Maney Gregory M.
Published: May 2018

Despite the prevalent assumption among scholars of social movements and contentious politics that transformative contentious events are also the focus of public attention and discussion, there has been little attempt to substantiate this. After making a case for why to focus on focusing events and suggesting that these events should be thought of as products of a dialogical contentious meaning‐making process, we develop a coverage attribute‐based method for identifying focusing events. For illustrative purposes, we apply our method to the coverage of contentious events during the “first” intifada by Israeli‐Jewish, Jewish settler, and Palestinian newspapers. Findings from analyses of 11,868 news items reveal that newspapers are likely to strategically quiet contentious events that are strategically amplified by newspapers affiliated with opposing or targeted parties, and vice versa, depending on their interpretation of these events as political opportunities or threats. Analyses of variations across and within contending parties reveal the role of structure and agency in the dialogical seesaw‐like dynamics of contentious meaning‐making.
Homeownership Among Latin American Immigrants in New Destinations
Authors: Sánchez Luis A.
Published: May 2018

One of the most profound demographic changes in the United States over the past several decades is the redistribution of immigrants from Latin America to new destinations. However, little attention has been paid to differences in homeownership by national origin and destination type among this population. This is surprising because homeownership is a most significant investment and component of wealth for most residents. Using the American Community Survey to examine the likelihood of owning a home among immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the main objective of this research was to investigate how homeownership among the three immigrant groups intersects with destination type. The results indicate that these immigrants have significantly lower rates of homeownership in new destinations than in established settlement areas after controlling for a host of individual and metropolitan‐level characteristics. At the same time, the role of destination is not the same for all groups. Guatemalans have the lowest levels of homeownership overall, but Mexican immigrants are the least likely to own a home in new destinations. These findings are further explored and discussed.
Context is Everything (in Emotion Research)
Authors: Greenaway Katharine H. , Kalokerinos Elise K. , Williams Lisa A.
Published: May 2018

As in many areas of psychological inquiry,contextmatters for how emotion is experienced, expressed, perceived, and regulated. While this may sound like a truism, emotion research does not always directly theorize, manipulate, or measure emotion with context in mind. To facilitate this process, we present a framework of contextual features that shape emotion‐related processes, and highlight several key factors that have been shown to matter in emotion research. We make four recommendations which we believe will help to better integrate context in emotion science. We argue that a deeper collective understanding, interrogation, and integration of context will propel the field forward theoretically and methodologically, and enhance researchers' ability to probe the mechanisms of human psychological experience. While our focus is on emotion research, we believe that the context framework and associated recommendations will also be useful to other fields of social psychological and personality science.
North African‐Mediterranean HLA genetic contribution in a population of the kidney transplant waiting list patients of Canary origin (Gran Canaria)
Authors: Martinez‐Laso J. , Ramirez‐Puga A. , Rivas‐García E. , Fernández‐Tagarro E. , Auyanet‐Saavedra I. , Guerra‐Rodríguez R. , Díaz‐Novo N. , García‐Cantón C.
Published: May 2018

The peopling of the Canary Islands has been widely debated. The mitochondrial DNA and Y‐chromosome data support the idea of a Berber genetic origin coming from the North of Africa (maternal) and a later contribution of the Spanish invaders (paternal). The frequencies of the HLA class II alleles from the Tenerife Island (another Canary Island) have previously been published, postulating a Berber and Atlantic/Iberian contributions to the current population. The HLA class I and class II allele frequencies, haplotype frequencies and phylogenetic comparisons were performed in 215 unrelated individuals from Gran Canaria Island (belonging to the kidney transplant waiting list), with at least three generations of ancestors from Canary Islands, in order to study the different ethnical HLA contributions to the genetic background of the Canary Islanders. Results showed the presence of a compound HLA haplotype of putative Phoenician‐Berber origin, A*33:01‐C*08:02‐B*14:02‐DRB1*03:01‐DQB1*02:01, likely coming from the combination of haplotypes A*30:02‐C*05:01‐B*18:01‐DRB1*03:01‐DQB1*02:01 and A*33:01‐C*08:02‐B*14:02‐DRB1*01:02‐DQB1*05:01 of North African (probably Berber) and West Asian Mediterranean (probably Phoenician) origins, respectively. The latter haplotypes and others from the same origin (Berber/Phoenician) are also present in the population studied. Besides, other contributions from the North of Europe, North England‐Iberian (Atlantic contribution), and Western Europe/Mediterraneans (Spanish colonization) are also discussed. These data conclude that the current genetic background of the Canary Islands inhabitants has been generated over the years by different ways with an original Phoenician‐Berber substrate and several genetic contributions generated in different invasions.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C allele, C*02:10:03, in a Venezuelan patient
Authors: Mazzocco M. , Castagnetta M. , Bottero F. , Garbarino L. , Sacchi N.
Published: May 2018

HLA‐C*02:10:03 identified in a Venezuelan patient and characterized using next generation sequencing.
Changing Words and Sounds: The Roles of Different Cognitive Units in Sound Change
Authors: Sóskuthy Márton , Foulkes Paul , Hughes Vincent , Haddican Bill
Published: May 2018

This study considers the role of different cognitive units in sound change: phonemes, contextual variants and words. We examine /u/‐fronting and /j/‐dropping in data from three generations of Derby English speakers. We analyze dynamic formant data and auditory judgments, using mixed effects regression methods, including generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs). /u/‐fronting is reaching its end‐point, showing complex conditioning by context and a frequency effect that weakens over time. /j/‐dropping is declining, with low‐frequency words showing more innovative variants with /j/ than high‐frequency words. The two processes interact: words with variable /j/‐dropping (new) exhibit more fronting than words that never have /j/ (noodle) even when the /j/ is deleted. These results support models of change that rely on phonetically detailed representations for both word‐ and sound‐level cognitive units.
Structural variation and rates of genome evolution in the grass family seen through comparison of sequences of genomes greatly differing in size
Authors: Dvorak Jan , Wang Le , Zhu Tingting , Jorgensen Chad M. , Deal Karin R. , Dai Xiongtao , Dawson Matthew W. , Müller Hans‐Georg , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Ramasamy Ramesh K. , Dehghani Hamid , Gu Yong Q. , Gill Bikram S. , Distelfeld Assaf , Devos Katrien M. , Qi Peng , You Frank M. , Gulick Patrick J. , McGuire Patrick E.
Published: May 2018

Homology was searched with genes annotated in theAegilops tauschiipseudomolecules against genes annotated in the pseudomolecules of tetraploid wild emmer wheat,Brachypodium distachyon, sorghum and rice. Similar searches were performed with genes annotated in the rice pseudomolecules. Matrices of collinear genes and rearrangements in their order were constructed. Optical BioNano genome maps were constructed and used to validate rearrangements unique to the wild emmer andAe. tauschiigenomes. Most common rearrangements were short paracentric inversions and short intrachromosomal translocations. Intrachromosomal translocations outnumbered segmental intrachromosomal duplications. The densities of paracentric inversion lengths were approximated by exponential distributions in all six genomes. Densities of collinear genes along theAe. tauschiichromosomes were highly correlated with meiotic recombination rates but those of rearrangements were not, suggesting different causes of the erosion of gene collinearity and evolution of major chromosome rearrangements. Frequent rearrangements sharing breakpoints suggested that chromosomes have been rearranged recurrently at some sites. The distal 4 Mb of the short arms of rice chromosomes Os11 and Os12 and corresponding regions in the sorghum,B. distachyonand Triticeae genomes contain clusters of interstitial translocations including from 1 to 7 collinear genes. The rates of acquisition of major rearrangements were greater in the large wild emmer wheat andAe. tauschiigenomes than in the lineage preceding their divergence or in theB. distachyon, rice and sorghum lineages. It is suggested that synergy between large quantities of dynamic transposable elements and annual growth habit have been the primary causes of the fast evolution of the Triticeae genomes.
Effectiveness of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in reducing clinical complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahn Hilalion , Tay Jason , Shea Beverley , Hutton Brian , Shorr Risa , Knoll Greg A. , Cameron Donald William , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic immunoglobulin has been used with varying efficacy to reduce complications in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials that assessed clinical outcomes (overall survival, transplant‐related mortality, graft‐versus‐host disease [GVHD], veno‐occlusive disease [VOD], interstitial pneumonitis, disease relapse, cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection and disease, non‐CMV infection) of immunoglobulin prophylaxis versus placebo in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 2017. Quality of included studies and outcomes were evaluated via Risk of Bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 899 citations screened, 27 studies (n = 3934) were included. Immunoglobulin prophylaxis had no impact on survival (risk ratio [RR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88‐1.01; 11 studies, n = 1962) but decreased risk of acute GVHD (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.94; eight studies, n = 1097) and CMV disease (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28‐0.97; two studies, n = 167). Meta‐analysis revealed increased risk of VOD (RR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.10‐8.41; three studies, n = 384) and disease relapse (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.49; seven studies, n = 1647). Other outcomes were small in sample size or nonsignificant. Results should be interpreted cautiously given the low quality of studies and evidence of outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Immunoglobulin prophylaxis did not have a significant effect on survival. Positive clinical effects were shown for acute GVHD and CMV disease and negative effects against VOD and disease relapse. No studies examined the effect of immunoglobulin treatment in hypogammaglobulinemic patients despite current guidelines, warranting further studies in this population.
Lattice structure of Weyl groups via representation theory of preprojective algebras
Authors: Iyama Osamu , Reading Nathan , Reiten Idun , Thomas Hugh
Published: May 2018

This paper studies the combinatorics of lattice congruences of the weak order on a finite Weyl group $W$, using representation theory of the corresponding preprojective algebra $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}$. Natural bijections are constructed between important objects including join-irreducible congruences, join-irreducible (respectively, meet-irreducible) elements of $W$, indecomposable $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}$-rigid (respectively, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}^{-}$-rigid) modules and layers of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}$. The lattice-theoretically natural labelling of the Hasse quiver by join-irreducible elements of $W$ is shown to coincide with the algebraically natural labelling by layers of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}$. We show that layers of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F1}$ are nothing but bricks (or equivalently stones, or 2-spherical modules). The forcing order on join-irreducible elements of $W$ (arising from the study of lattice congruences) is described algebraically in terms of the doubleton extension order. We give a combinatorial description of indecomposable $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}^{-}$-rigid modules for type $A$ and $D$.
Hybrid molecular-colloidal liquid crystals
Authors: Mundoor Haridas , Park Sungoh , Senyuk Bohdan , Wensink Henricus H. , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: May 2018

Finding order in twos

In nematic liquid crystals, the local orientation of the molecules hovers around an average direction. The orientational control bestows unusual optical properties. In theory, with the right sort of two-dimensional shape, it should be possible to create nematics with biaxial ordering, but this has proven elusive. Mundoor
et al.
dispersed colloidal rods into a nematic solvent (see the Perspective by Poulin). Within a range of temperature and concentration, the rods ordered orthogonally to the solvent molecules, thus giving the mixture the type of properties that one would expect from a biaxial liquid crystal.

Science
, this issue p.
768
; see also p.
712
Prospects for harnessing biocide resistance for bioremediation and detoxification
Authors: Atashgahi Siavash , Sánchez-Andrea Irene , Heipieper Hermann J. , van der Meer Jan R. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Smidt Hauke
Published: May 2018

Prokaryotes in natural environments respond rapidly to high concentrations of chemicals and physical stresses. Exposure to anthropogenic toxic substances—such as oil, chlorinated solvents, or antibiotics—favors the evolution of resistant phenotypes, some of which can use contaminants as an exclusive carbon source or as electron donors and acceptors. Microorganisms similarly adapt to extreme pH, metal, or osmotic stress. The metabolic plasticity of prokaryotes can thus be harnessed for bioremediation and can be exploited in a variety of ways, ranging from stimulated natural attenuation to bioaugmentation and from wastewater treatment to habitat restoration.
Wicked evolution: Can we address the sociobiological dilemma of pesticide resistance?
Authors: Gould Fred , Brown Zachary S. , Kuzma Jennifer
Published: May 2018

Resistance to insecticides and herbicides has cost billions of U.S. dollars in the agricultural sector and could result in millions of lives lost to insect-vectored diseases. We mostly continue to use pesticides as if resistance is a temporary issue that will be addressed by commercialization of new pesticides with novel modes of action. However, current evidence suggests that insect and weed evolution may outstrip our ability to replace outmoded chemicals and other control mechanisms. To avoid this outcome, we must address the mix of ecological, genetic, economic, and sociopolitical factors that prevent implementation of sustainable pest management practices. We offer an ambitious proposition.
CO
2
electroreduction to ethylene via hydroxide-mediated copper catalysis at an abrupt interface
Authors: Dinh Cao-Thang , Burdyny Thomas , Kibria Md Golam , Seifitokaldani Ali , Gabardo Christine M. , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Kiani Amirreza , Edwards Jonathan P. , De Luna Phil , Bushuyev Oleksandr S. , Zou Chengqin , Quintero-Bermudez Rafael , Pang Yuanjie , Sinton David , Sargent Edward H.
Published: May 2018

A very basic pathway from CO
2
to ethylene

Ethylene is an important commodity chemical for plastics. It is considered a tractable target for synthesizing renewably from carbon dioxide (CO
2
). The challenge is that the performance of the copper electrocatalysts used for this conversion under the required basic reaction conditions suffers from the competing reaction of CO
2
with the base to form bicarbonate. Dinh
et al.
designed an electrode that tolerates the base by optimizing CO
2
diffusion to the catalytic sites (see the Perspective by Ager and Lapkin). This catalyst design delivers 70% efficiency for 150 hours.

Science
, this issue p.
783
; see also p.
707
Little is lost
Authors: Eichler Alexander
Published: May 2018

Nanostrings can exploit strain engineering for unprecedented mechanical performance
Mapping kidney cellular complexity
Authors: Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: May 2018

Simplifying complexity identifies cellular drivers of kidney disease
How to achieve a successful biaxial marriage
Authors: Poulin Philippe
Published: May 2018

Coupling between organic and inorganic components results in a biaxial liquid crystal
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Activities of Contezolid (MRX-I) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Shoen Carolyn , DeStefano Michelle , Hafkin Barry , Cynamon Michael
Published: May 2018

The
in vitro
activity of contezolid (MRX-I) against clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
was evaluated using a microtiter broth dilution assay. MRX-I was as effective as linezolid (LZD)
in vitro
. MRX-I and LZD were subsequently studied in BALB/c mice infected intranasally with
M. tuberculosis
Erdman. MRX-I and LZD at 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the bacterial load in lungs compared to the untreated early and late controls.
Translation Elongation Factor 4 (LepA) Contributes to Tetracycline Susceptibility by Stalling Elongating Ribosomes
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Chunlai
Published: May 2018

Even though elongation factor 4 (EF4) is the third most conserved protein in bacteria, its physiological functions remain largely unknown and its proposed molecular mechanisms are conflicting among previous studies. In the present study, we show that the growth of an
Escherichia coli
strain is more susceptible to tetracycline than its EF4 knockout strain. Consistent with previous studies, our results suggested that EF4 affects ribosome biogenesis when tetracycline is present. Through ribosome profiling analysis, we discovered that EF4 causes 1-nucleotide shifting of ribosomal footprints on mRNA when cells have been exposed to tetracycline. In addition, when tetracycline is present, EF4 inhibits the elongation of protein synthesis, which leads to the accumulation of ribosomes in the early segment of mRNA. Altogether, when cells are exposed to tetracycline, EF4 alters both ribosome biogenesis and the elongation phase of protein synthesis.
Effector Gene
xopAE
of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria 85-10 Is Part of an Operon and Encodes an E3 Ubiquitin Ligase
Authors: Popov Georgy , Majhi Bharat Bhusan , Sessa Guido
Published: May 2018

Xanthomonas
bacteria utilize a type III secretion system to cause disease in many crops. This study provides insights into the evolution, translocation, and biochemical function of the XopAE type III secreted effector, contributing to the understanding of
Xanthomonas
-host interactions. We establish XopAE as a core effector of seven
Xanthomonas
species and elucidate the evolution of the
Xanthomonas euvesicatoria
xopAE
locus, which contains an operon encoding a truncated effector. Our findings indicate that this operon evolved from the split of a multidomain gene into two ORFs that conserved the original domain function. Analysis of

xopAE
85-10

translation provides the first evidence for translation initiation from an ATT codon in
Xanthomonas
. Our data demonstrate that XopAE
85-10
is an XL box E3 ubiquitin ligase and provide insights into the structure and function of this effector family.
Comparison of the Xpert Flu/RSV XC and Xpress Flu/RSV Assays
Authors: Popowitch Elena B. , Miller Melissa B.
Published: May 2018

Molecular diagnostics for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have become commonplace, and various tests and systems have been cleared by the FDA for use in the United States. We performed a retrospective study to compare the Cepheid Xpress Flu/RSV assay with the Xpert Flu/RSV XC assay, using laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as the reference method.
Discovery and Sequence Analysis of Four Deltacoronaviruses from Birds in the Middle East Reveal Interspecies Jumping with Recombination as a Potential Mechanism for Avian-to-Avian and Avian-to-Mammalian Transmission
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Wong Emily Y. M. , Tsang Chi-Ching , Ahmed Syed Shakeel , Au-Yeung Rex K. H. , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Wernery Ulrich , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: May 2018

During an attempt to explore the diversity of deltacoronaviruses among mammals and birds in Dubai, four novel deltacoronaviruses were detected in fecal samples from eight birds of four different species: FalCoV UAE-HKU27 from a falcon, HouCoV UAE-HKU28 from a houbara bustard, PiCoV UAE-HKU29 from a pigeon, and QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from five quails. Genome analysis revealed evidence of recent interspecies transmission between falcons and their prey, houbara bustards and pigeons, possibly along the food chain, as well as avian-to-swine transmission. Recombination, which is known to occur frequently in some coronaviruses, was also common among these deltacoronaviruses and occurred predominantly at the spike region. Such recombination, involving the receptor binding protein, may contribute to the emergence of new viruses capable of infecting new hosts. Birds in the Middle East are hosts for diverse deltacoronaviruses with potential for interspecies transmission.
Protein Phosphatase 1α Interacts with Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein and Regulates Viral Replication through Modulation of Capsid Phosphorylation
Authors: Carey Brian D. , Ammosova Tatiana , Pinkham Chelsea , Lin Xionghao , Zhou Weidong , Liotta Lance A. , Nekhai Sergei , Kehn-Hall Kylene
Published: May 2018

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) causes moderate flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe encephalitic disease and potentially death. There are currently no FDA-approved therapeutics or vaccines for human use, and understanding the molecular underpinning of host-virus interactions can aid in the rational design of intervention strategies. The significance of our research is in identifying the interaction between protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and the viral capsid protein. This interaction is important for viral replication, as inhibition of PP1 results in decrease viral replication. Inhibition of PP1 also inhibited multiple biomedically important alphaviruses, indicating that PP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for alphavirus-induced disease.