bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying variation in killer whale (Orcinus orca) morphology using elliptical Fourier analysis
Authors: Emmons Candice K. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Dahlheim Marilyn E. , Waite Janice M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn the northeastern Pacific Ocean, there are three “ecotypes” of killer whales that differ in diet, ecology, behavior, acoustics, genetics, and morphology. Previous attempts to describe the morphological differences among populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been limited to descriptive accounts or categorical studies. We used elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA) to quantify shape differences of dorsal fins and pigmentation patterns among the ecotypes from photo‐identification data of more than 500 individuals. Variation in shapes of the dorsal fin, saddle patch, and eye patch were successfully quantified using EFA, and there were highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among the ecotypes in all three morphological traits. The ability of EFA to discriminate ecotypes based on dorsal fin and eye patch shapes was substantial, while it did not perform as well for saddle patches. Visualization of the shape variation along principal component axes mirrored previous descriptions of the differences among ecotypes. Although the degree of inheritance of morphology in killer whales has not been determined, these results are consistent with previous inference of reduced gene flow between the ecotypes, and introduces elliptical Fourier analysis to the study of cetacean morphometrics.
The pepper Bs4C proteins are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and confer disease resistance to bacterial blight in transgenic rice
Authors: Wang Jun , Zeng Xuan , Tian Dongsheng , Yang Xiaobei , Wang Lanlan , Yin Zhongchao 
Published: March 2018

SummaryTranscription activator‐like effector (TALE)‐dependent dominant disease resistance (R) genes in plants, also referred to as executor R genes, are induced on infection by phytopathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas harbouring the corresponding TALE genes. Unlike the traditional R proteins, the executor R proteins do not determine the resistance specificity and may function broadly in different plant species. The executor R gene Bs4C‐R in the resistant genotype PI 235047 of the pepper species Capsicum pubescens (CpBs4C‐R) confers disease resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) harbouring the TALE genes avrBsP/avrBs4. In this study, the synthetic genes of CpBs4C‐R and two other Bs4C‐like genes, the susceptible allele in the genotype PI585270 of C. pubescens (CpBs4C‐S) and the CaBs4C‐R homologue gene in the cultivar ‘CM334’ of Capsicum annum (CaBs4C), were characterized in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and rice (Oryza sativa). The Bs4C genes induced cell death in N. benthamiana. The functional Bs4C‐eCFP fusion proteins were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane in the leaf epidermal cells of N. benthamiana. The Xa10 promoter‐Bs4C fusion genes in transgenic rice conferred strain‐specific disease resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of bacterial blight in rice, and were specifically induced by the Xa10‐incompatible Xoo strain PXO99A(pHM1avrXa10). The results indicate that the Bs4C proteins from pepper species function broadly in rice and the Bs4C protein‐mediated cell death from the ER is conserved between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants, which can be utilized to engineer novel and enhanced disease resistance in heterologous plants.
Land‐centred nationalism and the state: a re‐evaluation of Jewish national revival
Authors: Chowers Eyal 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the concept of ‘land‐centred’ nationalism and suggests that it is important for distinguishing among different types of nationalism and for better understanding the role of land and place in this ideology. In order to demonstrate what land‐centred nationalism actually means, the article examines Zionism as a case study, arguing that some of the leading, early intellectual schools of this national movement (cultural, socialist, and religious Zionism) tended to underscore the role of the Land of Israel in collective identity rather than the role of the political community. Despite many differences in their general outlook, these schools all celebrated the land's spiritual role while neglecting or even opposing the idea of a Jewish state. This devaluation of the bond among citizens in favour of the bond of a people with their ancient land contributed to Zionism's contemporary difficulties and manifests the dangers of land‐centred nationalism more generally.
RNA‐based analyses reveal fungal communities structured by a senescence gradient in the moss Dicranum scoparium and the presence of putative multi‐trophic fungi
Authors: Chen Ko‐Hsuan , Liao Hui‐Ling , Arnold A. Elizabeth , Bonito Gregory , Lutzoni François 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Diverse plant‐associated fungi are thought to have symbiotrophic and saprotrophic states because they can be isolated from both dead and living plant tissues. However, such tissues often are separated in time and space, and fungal activity at various stages of plant senescence is rarely assessed directly in fungal community studies.

We used fungal ribosomal RNA metatranscriptomics to detect active fungal communities across a natural senescence gradient within wild‐collected gametophytes of Dicranum scoparium (Bryophyta) to understand the distribution of active fungal communities in adjacent living, senescing and dead tissues.

Ascomycota were active in all tissues across the senescence gradient. By contrast, Basidiomycota were prevalent and active in senescing and dead tissues. Several fungi were detected as active in living and dead tissues, suggesting their capacity for multi‐trophy. Differences in community assembly detected by metatranscriptomics were echoed by amplicon sequencing of cDNA and compared to culture‐based inferences and observation of fungal fruit bodies in the field.

The combination of amplicon sequencing of cDNA and metatranscriptomics is promising for studying symbiotic systems with complex microbial diversity, allowing for the simultaneous detection of their presence and activity.
The gymnosperm ortholog of the angiosperm central cell‐specification gene CKI1 provides an essential clue to endosperm origin
Authors: Yuan Li , Liu Zhenning , Song Xiaoya , Jernstedt Judy , Sundaresan Venkatesan 
Published: March 2018

Summary

A defining feature of angiosperms is double fertilization involving the female gametophyte central cell and formation of a nutrient‐storing tissue called endosperm. The route for the evolutionary origin of endosperm from a gymnosperm ancestor, particularly the molecular steps involved, has remained elusive.

Recently, the histidine kinase gene Cytokinin‐Independent 1 (CKI1), an activator of cytokinin signaling, was described as a key to specification of the endosperm precursor central cell in Arabidopsis. Here, we have investigated the function and expression of a putative ortholog of CKI1 in the gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba.

We demonstrate that Ginkgo CKI1 can partially rescue an Arabidopsis cki1 mutant and promote weak activation of the cytokinin signaling pathway in the Arabidopsis embryo sac, but does not confer central cell specification. Ginkgo CKI1 is expressed in both male and female gametophytes of Ginkgo. In the latter, it is expressed in the ventral canal cell, which is sister to the egg cell in the archegonium. As in Arabidopsis, Ginkgo CKI1 is not expressed in the egg cell.

The similarities in expression patterns of CKI1 in Ginkgo and Arabidopsis female gametophytes suggest that extant gymnosperms possess an essential component of the molecular machinery required for angiosperm endosperm development, and provide new insights into endosperm origin from a gymnospermous ancestor.
Genomic epidemiology of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative organisms
Authors: Hawken Shawn E. , Snitkin Evan S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe emergence and spread of antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (rGNB) across global healthcare networks presents a significant threat to public health. As the number of effective antibiotics available to treat these resistant organisms dwindles, it is essential that we devise more effective strategies for controlling their proliferation. Recently, whole‐genome sequencing has emerged as a disruptive technology that has transformed our understanding of the evolution and epidemiology of diverse rGNB species, and it has the potential to guide strategies for controlling the evolution and spread of resistance. Here, we review specific areas in which genomics has already made a significant impact, including outbreak investigations, regional epidemiology, clinical diagnostics, resistance evolution, and the study of epidemic lineages. While highlighting early successes, we also point to the next steps needed to translate this technology into strategies to improve public health and clinical medicine.
Becoming a guest in your own home: Home care in Sweden from the perspective of older people with multimorbidities
Authors: Jarling Aleksandra , Rydström Ingela , Ernsth‐Bravell Marie , Nyström Maria , Dalheim‐Englund Ann‐Charlotte 
Published: March 2018

Aim and objectiveTo describe the meaning of the phenomenon home care from the perspective of older persons who live alone with multimorbidity.BackgroundIn line with worldwide changing demographics, conditions for older people in need of home care are changing. In Sweden there is a stay‐in‐place policy and older people are expected to live and be cared for in their own home as long as possible. Home care, instituted by different laws, is a challenge affecting the older person when the private home becomes a workplace.DesignThis study uses a qualitative design with a lifeworld approach.MethodsThe study having been conducted in Sweden in 2016, the researchers interviewed 12 older persons that live alone and receive home care. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe findings illustrate four sub‐themes: adapting to a caring culture, feeling exposed, unable to influence care and forced relations. The overall theme reveals that older people experience a life‐changing situation when receiving home care and they become a guest in their own home.ConclusionsBecoming older with increased needs means to disrupt one's life when one's private home becomes a public arena. The gap between an older person's rights by law and the older person's experiences of receiving home care needs to be highlighted to meet the oncoming challenges in providing a home care that includes participation of the older themselves. Only then can care be offered that enables older people to have a sense of control and experience their home as their own.Implications for practiceThe findings emphasise the need to view older people as being self‐determinant and independent. Older people receiving home care need to be seen as individuals, and their entire life situation should be considered by also acknowledging the important role played by relatives and caregivers.
Evaluating glaucomatous abnormality in peripapillary optical coherence tomography enface visualisation of the retinal nerve fibre layer reflectance
Authors: Ashimatey Bright S. , King Brett J. , Burns Stephen A. , Swanson William H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeOptical coherence tomography (OCT) enface visualisation of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) reflectance has been found to have some advantages over retinal thickness measures. However, it is not yet clear how abnormalities on enface images relate to findings of abnormalities from other clinical measures such as the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (cRNFLT). We developed a technique to analyse the RNFL reflectance on the OCT enface images, and to investigate its relation with the cRNFLT.MethodsSpectralis (www.heidelbergengineering.com) OCT scans of the central retinal ±24° were analysed in the study eye of 31 controls and 33 patients, ages 61 (±9) and 69 (±8) years respectively. Enface slab‐images were extracted at 16–24, 24–36, and 24–52 μm from the inner limiting membrane in the temporal raphe, perifoveal and disc regions respectively. Reflectance probability maps were generated for the patients based on the control data. Glaucomatous abnormality was defined on the slab‐images when the slab‐area with reflectance abnormality was greater than the 95th percentile, and on the cRNFLT when the thickness measure was less than the fifth percentile, of that found in controls. The fraction of slab‐image showing reflectance abnormality was compared to cRNFLT in the patient group, using Spearman's rho. Agreement between the findings of abnormality based on cRNFLT and slab‐image reflectance was assessed using Cohen's kappa.ResultsSlab‐image and cRNFLT findings were in agreement for 26/33 eyes; four subjects showed cRNFLT abnormality but not slab‐image abnormality, and three subjects showed slab‐image abnormality but not cRNFLT abnormality. Spearman's rho found rs(31) = −0.82. The reflectance findings and cRNFLT findings were consistent in 27/33 for both the superior temporal (ST) and inferior temporal (IT) sectors, and Cohen's kappa found 0.53 and 0.61 respectively.ConclusionThe surface area of enface slab‐images showing RNFL reflectance were strongly related to the cRNFLT measures, and the classification of a subject with glaucoma based on enface reflectance findings and cRNFLT findings had a generally good agreement. The larger retinal area assessed by the enface method preserves the spatial location of the RNFL abnormalities, and makes the technique a useful approach for identifying regions of potential RNFL abnormality for targeted perimetry.
Surgical therapy for peri‐implantitis management: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Kadhim K.A.H. , Pritchard M.F. , Farnell D.J.J. , Thomas D.W. , Adams R. , Claydon N. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimPeri‐implantitis is a common cause of late implant failure. Studies have investigated different treatment strategies. The effectiveness of these modalities, however, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the success of surgical peri‐implantitis treatment using clinical and radiographic parameters.Material and methodsA systematic review of published literature was employed. Key words were selected to conduct an electronic search using four databases for literature on human clinical studies. Meta‐analyses were carried out for clinical probing, pocket depth and radiographic bone level.ResultsA total of 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. Four treatment modalities to supplement mechanical debridement were identified: (i) apically repositioned flap, (ii) chemical surface decontamination, (iii) implantoplasty, and (iv) bone augmentation. Inconsistent results were evident which were dependent on several treatment‐independent factors. No clinical benefits were identified for the additional use of surface decontamination, while limited evidence demonstrated improvement of clinical and radiographic outcomes after implantoplasty. The effect of bone augmentation appeared limited to ‘filling’ radiographic defects.ConclusionsThe outcomes of the currently available surgical interventions for peri‐implantitis remain unpredictable. There is no reliable evidence to suggest which methods are the most effective. Further randomised‐controlled studies are needed to identify the best treatment methods.
“Crosstalk” technique: A comparison between two generations of cryoballoon catheter
Authors: Yang Jian‐du , Sun Qi , Guo Xiao‐gang , Zhou Gong‐bu , Liu Xu , Luo Bin , Wei Hui‐qiang , Liang Jackson J. , Ma Jian 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe “Crosstalk” technique: if pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of the superior one is not achieved due to a gap in the inferior part, it could be done during inferior vein cryoablation. This maneuver minimizes the total energy delivery time and number of lesions. We aimed to correlate the likelihood of crosstalk phenomenon with certain anatomic characteristics.MethodsA total of 676 patients undergoing a first ablation procedure for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (470 first‐generation cryoballoon [CB] and 206 second‐generation CB) between June 2014 and December 2016 were included.Results“Crosstalk” phenomenon occurred in 32 patients (18 first‐generation CB, 14 second‐generation CB). Compared to 54 control patients without crosstalk, the angle between left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) and left atrial (LA) roof‐plane, left pulmonary common ostia were significant parameters associated with crosstalk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, ±95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.31, P < 0.001; OR = 5.67, ±95% CI: 1.08–28.69, P = 0.04). As for angle between LSPV and LA roof‐plane, the cut‐off value was 28.68° with a sensitivity of 72.22%, a specificity of 81.25%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 to predict the possibility of crosstalk technique application to get isolated in LSPV. Among the crosstalk group, there was no statistical difference between first‐generation CB and second‐generation CB in pulmonary anatomic characteristics.ConclusionCrosstalk technique can be effective in patients with AF undergoing CB ablation using with both first and second‐generation CBs. Anatomic characteristics predictive of crosstalk include a left common ostia and smaller angle between the LSPV and LA roof‐plane.
What does lung function tell us about respiratory multimorbidity in childhood and early adulthood? Results from the MAS birth cohort study
Authors: Schramm Dirk , Reuter Marvin , Grabenhenrich Linus B. , Schuster Antje , Lex Christiane , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Hoffmann Ute , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Bergmann Renate L. , Bergmann Karl E. , Wahn Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundInteraction between respiratory multimorbidity and lung function has not been examined in longitudinal population studies. We aimed to assess the association of multimorbidity of asthma and rhinitis with lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in comparison with single and no allergies from early school age to young adulthood.MethodsIn 1990, the Multicenter Allergy Study birth cohort recruited 1314 newborns from 5 German cities. At 7, 13, and 20 years, we performed lung function and bronchial challenge tests. We assessed symptoms, medications, and doctor's diagnoses for asthma and rhinitis for 3 outcomes: current multimorbidity (both coexisting), asthma only, and rhinitis only.ResultsFrom 7 to 20 years, multimorbidity prevalence more than doubled from 3.5% to 7.7%, current asthma only (without rhinitis co‐occurring) decreased by half from 2.8% to 1.3%, and current rhinitis only (without asthma co‐occurring) increased from 14.3% to 41.6%. Resting lung function parameters differed between allergic and asymptomatic participants but showed no considerable differences between the allergic phenotypes. Frequency and severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness were particularly associated with multimorbidity. At the age of 20 years, participants with multimorbidity showed a clearly higher severity in hyperresponsiveness compared to participants who suffered only asthma (P = .049) or rhinitis (P = .008) or were asymptomatic (P < .001).ConclusionSingle lung function measurements from childhood ongoing do not seem to discriminate between subjects with multimorbidity, single allergies, and no allergy. Our results show that multimorbidity is associated with more severe symptoms compared to those suffering only a single allergic disease.
Evolutionary changes in pubic orientation in dinosaurs are more strongly correlated with the ventilation system than with herbivory
Authors: Macaluso Loredana , Tschopp Emanuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAmong dinosaurs, the pubis has convergently retroverted four times in Maniraptora (Theropoda) and once in Ornithischia. Although a clear correlation has not been demonstrated, it has been previously proposed that two traits were related to pubic retroversion: the reduced importance of cuirassal ventilation, and a herbivorous diet. Here, we analyse the possible influence of these traits on pubis orientation. Cuirassal ventilation was plesiomorphically present as an accessory ventilation mechanism in Dinosauria and was powered by the M. ischiotruncus, which was probably connected to a propubic pelvis. Cuirassal ventilation was reduced in both Ornithischia and Maniraptora, some of which also evolved herbivory. According to our results, cuirassal ventilation is more strongly correlated with pubic orientation than herbivory. The retroversion of the pubis during the evolution of birds resulted in major changes in the musculature of the tail. These changes increased the efficiency of the pubocaudalis muscles, which enhanced the birds’ capability for take‐off from the ground. The release of the evolutionary constraint on pubic orientation through changes in the ventilatory system can therefore be considered to be an important step in bird evolution.
Inclusion of non‐English‐speaking patients in research: A single institution experience
Authors: Bernier Rachel , Halpin Erin , Staffa Steven J. , Benson Lindsey , DiNardo James A. , Nasr Viviane G. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundConsidering the recent increase in medical care provided to patients from foreign countries and the diversity of languages spoken by families living within the United States, it is important to determine whether non‐English‐speaking patients have access to participate in clinical research from which they may benefit.AimsWe aimed to determine the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital for medical care between 2011 and 2016, the number of clinical research protocols active within the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine approved to enroll non‐English‐speaking patients, as well as the number of both non‐English‐ and English‐speaking patients approached and enrolled in these studies. Furthermore, we attempted to determine barriers that may have prevented non‐English‐speaking patients from inclusion in clinical research.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of various data sources during a 5‐year period. Data included the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital for care as well as the number of English‐ and non‐English‐speaking patients approached for studies at the Department of Anesthesiology each year. Additionally, we reviewed data from the IRB which included the justification that research teams provided when opting to exclude non‐English‐speaking participants. In addition, we attempted to determine the barriers that may have prevented these patients from inclusion in research protocols.ResultsWe found that the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital increased over time. However, the number of studies approved to enroll non‐English‐speaking patients within the Department of Anesthesiology and the rate of enrollment of these patients did not increase at the same rate.ConclusionIn order to increase the number of non‐English‐speaking patients approached to participate in research, we must improve cultural awareness and provide investigators with resources for interpreter and translation services.