bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationship and variation of alarm call traits of populations of red‐cheeked ground squirrels (Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato) suggest taxonomic delineation
Authors: MATROSOVA Vera A. , IVANOVA Anastasia D. , VOLODINA Elena V. , VOLODIN Ilya A. , ALEXANDROV Dmitry Yu. , SIBIRYAKOVA Olga V. , ERMAKOV Oleg A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDistribution area and taxonomic borders within the species complex Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato remain questionable. Early evidence suggests that red‐cheeked ground squirrels of Southeast Kazakhstan are remarkably different in terms of the acoustic structure of their alarm calls from the red‐cheeked ground squirrels of the Kurgan region in Russia. In this study, we analyzed the differences in the acoustic structure of the alarm call and mitochondrial DNA (complete control region, 1005–1006 bp and complete cytochrome b gene, 1140 bp) in 3 populations of red‐cheeked ground squirrels (Tara, Altyn‐Emel and Balkhash), all located within areas isolated by geographical barriers in Southeast Kazakhstan. We found that the alarm call variables were similar between the 3 study populations and differed by the maximum fundamental frequency (8.46 ± 0.75 kHz) from the values (5.62 ± 0.06 kHz) reported for the red‐cheeked ground squirrels from the Kurgan region of Russia. Variation in mtDNA control region was only 3% and variation in cytochrome b gene was only 2.5%. Phylogenetic trees based on cytochrome b gene polymorphism of 44 individuals from the study area and adjacent territories indicated 3 clades with high (98–100%) bootstrap support: “intermedius,” “brevicauda” and “iliensis”). We conclude that the 3 study populations in Southeast Kazakhstan belong to the clade intermedius and suggest a taxonomical revision of the species complex Spermophilus erythrogenys sensu lato, including analyses of nuclear DNA and alarm calls for populations of the brevicauda and iliensis clades.
Product and Microbial Population Kinetics During Balsamic‐Styled Vinegar Production
Authors: Hutchinson U.F. , Ntwampe S.K.O. , Ngongang M. Mewa , Chidi B.S. , Hoff J.W. , Jolly N.P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBalsamic‐styled vinegar is a nutraceutical product obtained from a two‐stage fermentation process of grape must. However, little is known about how fermentation conditions affect growth kinetics, bio‐product development, population dynamics and the final product quality. As a result, the current study investigated the effect of fermentation temperature and inoculation strategy on the fermentation dynamics of Balsamic‐styled vinegar production. A microbial consortium of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts (n = 13) and acetic acid bacteria (n = 5) was tested at various fermentation temperatures (22 °C, 28 °C and a fluctuating temperature regimen). Different inoculation strategies (co‐inoculation and sequential inoculation) were investigated, and population dynamics of the product selected due to a rapid fermentation period were confirmed using a 16S and 18S gene sequencing. A higher fermentation temperature (28 °C) and co‐inoculation strategy resulted in a shorter fermentation cycle, whilst the desired acetic acid concentration of 60 g/L was achieved within 38 days. 16S and 18S gene sequencing showed that 50.84% of Acetobacter species were abundant at the end of the fermentation cycle, while 40.18% bacteria were unculturable. The study provides a better understanding of how fermentation temperature and inoculation strategy affect the fermentation period, population dynamics and the growth kinetics of the microbial consortium during the production of Balsamic‐styled vinegar.Practical ApplicationLower quality South African wine grapes could be channelled to an alternative high‐priced product (Balsamic‐styled vinegar), with low technological input requirements. Thus, making it easier to incorporate a low capital start‐up business while empowering small business entrepreneurs and boosting the economy.
The Big (data) Bang: Opportunities and Challenges for Compiling SDG Indicators
Authors: MacFeely Steve 
Published: January 2019

AbstractOfficial statisticians around the world are faced with the herculean task of populating the Sustainable Development Goals global indicator framework. As traditional data sources appear to be insufficient, statisticians are naturally considering whether big data can contribute anything useful. While the statistical possibilities appear to be theoretically endless, in practice big data also present some enormous challenges and potential pitfalls: legal; ethical; technical; and reputational. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges presented by big data for compiling indicators to support Agenda 2030.
Can SDG 16 Data Drive National Accountability? A Cautiously Optimistic View
Authors: Laberge Marie , Touihri Nadia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTarget 16.3 appears to provide a good example of ‘slippage in the level of ambition’ in moving from visionary goals to watered‐down targets and indicators, due to the influence of powerful interests – in this case the UNODC. However, the SDG Agenda offers an important corrective measure, by encouraging Member States to ‘domesticate’ individual goals and targets – adapting them to local circumstances. Tunisia provides a vivid illustration of how a national SDG16 monitoring system can drive national accountability and contribute to positive change on the ground – provided indicators have broad‐based buy‐in and resonate with local grievances and priorities. First, the conceptual scope of the Tunisian Governance Goal was greatly expanded to include a strong focus on participation and human rights. Second the Tunisian SDG16 indicator set is dominated by survey‐based indicators thus placing people's voice at the centre of the monitoring system. Third, the regular publication of national SDG16 data in Tunisia has incentivized tangible responses from public officials. Several more examples of national SDG16 consultative processes currently unfolding around the world are similarly showing that even while the politics of data may be undemocratic at global level, they can be increasingly democratic at country level.
The SDGs Indicators: A Challenging Task for the International Statistical Community
Authors: Ordaz Enrique 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe papers in this Special Issue raise a number of relevant and important questions, of which three particularly deserve comment. Are indicators reductionist? They might be indeed, both regarding the process of defining them and in their use, which is why it is essential that each be based on a deep and sufficient knowledge of the phenomenon concerned. The human development index illustrates both the pitfalls and potential of global indicators. Are there dark forces behind the selection of indicators? The agreement of the 2030 Agenda was the outcome of a political process that led to a negotiated consensus accomplished by the Open Working Group. In determining the indicators, the Inter‐Agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goal Indicators (IAEG SDG) was asked for a simple and robust framework which would not affect the political equilibrium reached in the Open Working Group (OWG); no easy task. Is the IAEG SDG an arcane bureaucratic entity? In the face of this immensely challenging task, it has sought a balance between what is feasible in the short term and what is required in the long term. The IAEG SDG has become a space for open and constructive dialog between national statistical offices and international agencies.
Indicators as Substitute for Policy Contestation and Accountability? Some Reflections on the 2030 Agenda from the Perspective of Gender Equality and Women's Rights
Authors: Razavi Shahra 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThanks to successful strategizing by women's rights organizations, attention to gender equality and women's rights is remarkably wide‐ranging in the 2030 Agenda. But the ambition to have gender equality as a crosscutting issue tends to evaporate at the level of targets and indicators. This speaks to the difficulties of using quantitative indicators to capture the largely context‐specific and qualitative dimensions of gender equality. Ultimately, some of the concerns about the huge significance attached to the measurement imperative stems from the inordinate weight that the global indicators framework is carrying, effectively substituting for substantive contestation on key policy issues and meaningful accountability mechanisms.
Commentary on Special Issue: Knowledge and Politics in Setting and Measuring SDGs Numbers and Norms
Authors: Adams Barbara 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis Special Issue usefully analyses the links between statistics, knowledge, policy making and politics, and uncovers intended and unintended consequences of using indicators to frame policy. Many civil society organizations (CSOs) were actively involved in the Open Working Group, and some have continued their advocacy into the ongoing process of developing the SDG indicator framework. Some indicators are being reconsidered; but despite repeated efforts there is still no indicator to measure inequality between countries. There is a recognized need for innovative ways to supplement already existing data. The use of proxy measurements is already underway, and initiatives such as a collaboration between some UN agencies and Gallup. The active public engagement in the process that determined the SDGs may help to resist the reductionism often evident in translating from the goals to the targets to the indicators. The 2019 meeting of the High‐Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be an essential occasion to address some of these issues and to chart a correction course.
Which actigraphic variables optimally characterize the sleep‐wake cycle of individuals with bipolar disorders?
Authors: Krane‐Gartiser K. , Scott J. , Nevoret C. , Benard V. , Benizri C. , Brochard H. , Geoffroy P. A. , Katsahian S. , Maruani J. , Yeim S. , Leboyer M. , Bellivier F. , Etain B. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo examine which combination of objectively measured actigraphy parameters best characterizes the sleep‐wake cycle of euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) compared with healthy controls (HC).MethodsSixty‐one BD cases and 61 matched HC undertook 21 consecutive days of actigraphy. Groups were compared using discriminant function analyses (DFA) that explored dimensions derived from mean values of sleep parameters (Model 1); variability of sleep parameters (2); daytime activity (3); and combined sleep and activity parameters (4). Exploratory within‐group analyses examined characteristics associated with misclassification.ResultsAfter controlling for depressive symptoms, the combined model (4) correctly classified 75% cases, while the sleep models (1 and 2) correctly classified 87% controls. The area under the curve favored the combined model (0.86). Age was significantly associated with misclassification among HC, while a diagnosis of BD‐II was associated with an increased risk of misclassifications of cases.ConclusionIncluding sleep variability and activity parameters alongside measures of sleep quantity improves the characterization of cases of euthymic BD and helps distinguish them from HC. If replicated, the findings indicate that traditional approaches to actigraphy (examining mean values for the standard set of sleep parameters) may represent a suboptimal approach to understanding sleep‐wake cycles in BD.
Combined cellular and soluble mediator analysis for improved diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: de Hoog Joeri , Dik Willem A. , Lu Lucy , Heezen Kim C. , ten Berge Josianne C. , Swagemakers Sigrid M. A. , van der Spek Peter J. , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Rothova Aniki , Langerak Anton W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposePrimary vitreoretinal lymphoma [(P)VRL]) is a rare malignancy of the eye localized in the retina, vitreous or choroid. Here, we aim to determine the value of the combination of innovative diagnostic methods for accurate differentiation between (P)VRL and non‐(P)VRL in patients with suspect uveitis or vitritis.MethodsMulticolour flow cytometric immunophenotyping of cells in the vitreous samples was performed using the EuroFlow small sample tube. Additionally, cytokines/chemokines and growth factors were measured in the vitreous specimens using a multiplex immunoassay. Data were evaluated in predefined clinical subgroups using omniviz unsupervised Pearson's correlation visualization and unsupervised heatmap analysis.ResultsA total of 53 patients were prospectively included in the period 2012–2015. In the (P)VRL subgroup (n = 10), nine cases showed aberrant surface membrane immunoglobulin (SmIg) light chain expression. In the non‐(P)VRL group (n = 43) clearly skewed SmIg light chain expression was observed in two multiple sclerosis‐related uveitis cases, but not in other uveitis types. Soluble mediator measurement revealed high interleukin (IL)‐10/IL‐6 ratios, and high IL‐1RA levels in 9/10 (P)VRL cases, but not in any non‐(P)VRL case. Further correlation and heatmap analysis revealed a minimal signature of cellular parameters (CD19+ B cells, aberrant SmIg light chain expression) and cytokine parameters (IL‐10/IL‐6 ratio >1, high IL‐10, high IL‐1 RA, high monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, high macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β) to reliably distinguish (P)VRL from non‐(P)VRL.ConclusionHere, we show the power of a combined cellular and proteomics strategy for detecting (P)VRL in vitreous specimens, especially in cases with minor cellular (P)VRL infiltrates.
Amino acid substitution mutations and mRNA expression levels of the pbp5 gene in clinical Enterococcus faecium isolates conferring high level ampicillin resistance
Authors: Darehkordi Hosein , Saffari Fereshteh , Mollaei Hamid Reza , Ahmadrajabi Roya 
Published: January 2019

In this study, clinical ampicillin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ampicillin in the ranges from 128 to ˃512 μg/mL (n = 17) and two ampicillin‐susceptible isolates (MIC 1 μg/mL) were investigated. No β‐lactamase production was detected in these isolates. Alterations in the C‐terminal part of pbp5 and levels of pbp5 mRNA expression were investigated by sequencing and quantitative real‐time qRT‐PCR, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed five different pbp5 alleles (A to E) having differences in 18 amino acid positions spanning from residue 426 to 642. Allele A (V‐462 → A, H‐470 → Q, M‐485 → A, N‐496 → K, A‐499 → T, E‐525 → D, N‐546 → T, A‐558 → T, G‐582 → S, E‐629 → V, K‐632 → Q, and P‐642 → L) was the most frequent allele. The presence of just two susceptible isolates in allele E suggests a possible correlation between amino acid patterns and MIC, even if there is no discernible correlation with specific single amino acid differences. Also, these were the only isolates that showed much lower expression of class B penicillin‐binding protein 5 (PBP5) compared to isolates with MIC of 128 or greater. Thus, ampicillin MICs were correlated with PBP5 expression.
Editorial: liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis–the need for timely and more effective treatments
Authors: Gerussi Alessio , Carbone Marco , Invernizzi Pietro 
Published: January 2019

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Harms et al and Harms et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15060 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15118.
Population based study: atopy and autoimmune diseases are associated with functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, independent of psychological distress
Authors: Koloski Natasha , Jones Michael , Walker Marjorie M. , Veysey Martin , Zala Alkesh , Keely Simon , Holtmann Gerald , Talley Nicholas J. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundThe pathogenesis of functional GI disorders (FGIDs) is uncertain. However, underlying immune activation and psychological distress has been documented in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Epidemiological data from the UK suggest that FGIDs are linked to atopy and certain autoimmune diseases but this has not been confirmed.AimTo test if allergic or autoimmune diseases are independently associated with FGIDs, irrespective of psychological distress in a large population based study.MethodsA total of 3542 people (mean age 57.9 years and 52.7% females) randomly selected from the Australian population, returned a mail survey (response rate = 43%). The survey asked about a physician diagnosis of autoimmune disease (scleroderma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus) or allergic conditions (asthma, food, pollen and/or animal allergy). The questionnaire assessed psychological distress and Rome III criteria for FD and IBS.ResultsAsthma, food, pollen and animal allergies, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis were univariately significantly associated with IBS and FD. Food allergy (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.15‐2.40, P = 0.007), psoriasis (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.19‐2.74, P = 0.006) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.15‐2.4, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for IBS, controlling for age, gender and psychological distress. In FD, asthma (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.68, P = 0.025) and food allergy (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.28‐2.49, P = 0.001) were independent predictors, controlling for age, sex and psychological distress.ConclusionsThere is evidence that both atopic and autoimmune diseases are risk factors for FGIDs, independent of psychological distress, differing in IBS and FD. This provides evidence that different peripheral pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of certain FGIDs.
Trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease among Jewish Israeli adolescents: a population‐based study
Authors: Ghersin Itai , Khteeb Neron , Katz Lior H. , Daher Saleh , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence and prevalence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary between developed and developing countries.AimTo investigate the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of IBD in Israeli Jewish adolescentsMethodsThe files of the army medical corps were reviewed for adolescents recruited in 2002‐2016 with confirmed IBD. Covariate data included birth date, patient and parental country of birth, number of children in the household, age at diagnosis, and socioeconomic status. Findings were compared with the remaining recruits without IBD.ResultsOf the 1,144,213 adolescents recruited, 2372 (0.2%) had IBD (Crohn's disease, 68%). Median age of the cohort was 17.1 years (interquartile range, 16.9‐17.3). Over the study period, the annual point prevalence per 100,000 examinees significantly increased: total IBD, 58 to 373; Crohn's disease, 42 to 425; ulcerative colitis, 16 to 128. Mean age at IBD diagnosis decreased from 15.0 ± 2.8 years in 2002‐2008 to 14.3 ± 3.1 years in 2009‐2016 (P < 0.0001). Significance was maintained on separate analyses of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases were significantly less prevalent in subjects from families with at least one parent born in a developing country and ≥3 children. There was a significant association of lower socioeconomic status with lower prevalence of Crohn's disease (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval, 0.31‐0.54) and ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval, 0.15‐0.42).ConclusionsThe point prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Israeli Jewish adolescents increased six‐fold and eight‐fold, respectively, over 15 years along with a decrease in age at diagnosis.
Initial learning curve for robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy performed by a single experienced robotic surgeon
Authors: Motoyama Daisuke , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Suzuki Takahisa , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate the initial learning curve for robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California).MethodsThis study included the initial 65 consecutive patients with small renal tumors who had undergone RAPN at our institution. A single trained surgeon with extensive experience in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, but not in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, performed RAPN for all patients using the da Vinci Xi. The learning curve was analyzed by examining the perioperative outcomes among five groups each consisting of 13 consecutive patients.ResultsIn this series, the median tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were 23 mm and 7, respectively, and the median console time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were 116 and 15 minutes, respectively. Fifty‐eight patients (89.2%) achieved trifecta outcomes, meaning that the ischemic time was ≤25 minutes, there was a negative surgical margin, and no major postoperative complications occurred. Although there were no significant changes in R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores over time, increased surgeon experience was significantly associated with a shorter console time and WIT. Drawing logarithmic approximation curves enabled the achievement of a console time ≤150 minutes and WIT ≤20 minutes at the sixth and fourth procedures, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified an independent correlation between surgeon experience with WIT, but not with console time.ConclusionThese findings suggest that regardless of a surgeon's prior experience in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, an experienced robotic surgeon can perform RAPN using the da Vinci Xi with acceptable perioperative outcomes after a small number of procedures.
Vegetation and climate changes in northwestern Russia during the Lateglacial and Holocene inferred from the Lake Ladoga pollen record
Authors: Savelieva Larisa A. , Andreev Andrei A. , Gromig Raphael , Subetto Dmitry A. , Fedorov Grigory B. , Wennrich Volker , Wagner Bernd , Melles Martin 
Published: January 2019

The new pollen record from the upper 12.75 m of a sediment core obtained in Lake Ladoga documents regional vegetation and climate changes in northwestern Russia over the last 13.9 cal. ka. The Lateglacial chronostratigraphy is based on varve chronology, while the Holocene stratigraphy is based on AMS 14C and OSL dates, supported by comparison with regional pollen records. During the Lateglacial (c. 13.9–11.2 cal. ka BP), the Lake Ladoga region experienced several climatic fluctuations as reflected in vegetation changes. Shrub and grass communities dominated between c. 13.9 and 13.2 cal. ka BP. The increase in Picea pollen at c. 13.2 cal. ka BP probably reflects the appearance of spruce in the southern Ladoga region at the beginning of the Allerød interstadial. After c. 12.6 cal. ka BP, the Younger Dryas cooling caused a significant decrease in spruce and increase in Artemisia with other herbs, indicative of tundra‐ and steppe‐like vegetation. A sharp transition from tundra‐steppe habitats to sparse birch forests characterizes the onset of Holocene warming c. 11.2 cal. ka BP. Pine forests dominated in the region from c. 9.0 to 8.1 cal. ka BP. The most favourable climatic conditions for deciduous broad‐leaved taxa existed between c. 8.1 and 5.5 cal. ka BP. Alder experiences an abrupt increase in the local vegetation c. 7.8 cal. ka BP. The decrease in tree pollen taxa (especially Picea) and the increase in herbs (mainly Poaceae) probably reflect human activity during the last 2.2 cal. ka. Pine forests have dominated the region since that time. Secale and other Cerealia pollen as well as ruderal herbs are permanently recorded since c. 0.8 cal. ka BP.