bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource stability and geographic isolation are associated with genome divergence in western Palearctic crossbills
Authors: Parchman Thomas L. , Edelaar Pim , Uckele Kathryn , Mezquida Eduardo T. , Alonso Daniel , Jahner Joshua P. , Summers Ron W. , Benkman Craig W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile many conifers produce annually variable seed crops, serotinous species (which hold seeds in cones for multiple years) represent unusually stable food resources for seed predators. Such stability is conducive to residency and potentially population divergence of consumers as exemplified by the Cassia crossbill (Loxia sinesciuris) in North America. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to test whether three Mediterranean subspecies of common crossbills (L. curvirostra) associated with the serotinous Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) were more genetically distinct than European crossbills associated with nonserotinous conifers. We assembled a Cassia crossbill draft genome as a reference for mapping GBS reads and as a first step towards a more contiguous genome assembly. We found clear patterns of genetic divergence for each of the P. halepensis‐associated subspecies. Geographic isolation, as promoted by resource stability and residency, is associated with genetic divergence of two of these subspecies. However, geographic isolation cannot account for divergence of L. c. hispana. Instead, resource stability likely contributed to divergence by reducing dispersal and increasing resource competition that may limit breeding by immigrants. In contrast, we found no differentiation among common crossbills associated with less stable resources, and only slight differentiation between common crossbills and parrot crossbills (L. pytyopsittacus). The substantial morphological divergence between common and parrot crossbills has likely originated or been maintained by selection despite gene flow generated by spatiotemporal resource fluctuation. Our results indicate that phenological as well as morphological characteristics of conifers have influenced crossbill diversification, and suggest a possible link between resource stability and population divergence.
The immune system as a sensorial system that can modulate brain functions and reset homeostasis
Authors: Besedovsky Hugo O. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEvidence indicates that activated immune cells release products, typically cytokines, that can convey information to the brain about the type of ongoing peripheral immune responses. This evidence led colleagues and me to categorize the immune system as another sensorial system that, upon receiving this information, can emit neuroendocrine signals with immunoregulatory functions that can also reset homeostatic mechanisms. Here, I discuss evidence and clues indicating (1) possible mechanisms by which cytokines, such as those of the interleukin 1 (IL‐1) family, can reset energy homeostasis to balance the high fuel requirement of the immune system and the brain; and (2) the possibility that the tripartite synapse, which includes astrocytes as a third component, processes and integrates immune signals at brain levels with other sensorial signals that the central nervous system permanently receives.
Method‐Specific Attributes that Influence Choice of Future Contraception Among Married Women in Nairobi's Informal Settlements
Authors: Mumah Joyce N. , Casterline John B. , Machiyama Kazuyo , Wamukoya Marylene , Kabiru Caroline W. , Cleland John 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDespite an extensive evidence base on contraceptive method choice, it remains uncertain which factors are most influential in predisposing women toward certain methods and against others. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge by making use of rarely‐measured perceptions about specific methods, perceived social network experience of methods, and women's own past experiences using specific methods. We draw on baseline data from the project, “Improving Measurement of Unintended Pregnancy and Unmet Need for Family Planning.”Using conditional logit analysis, we ascertain which perceived method‐specific attributes, including past experience of methods by women themselves and by their friends, predict preferred future contraceptive method among 317 women living in Nairobi slums who are using no method but intend to start in the next 12 months. Results show that satisfaction with past use, positive experience of use by a woman's social network, husband/partner's approval, lack of interference with menses, and perception of safety for long term use were all associated with choice of a future method.
A Protocol for Identifying and Sampling From Proxy Populations
Authors: Lu Tao , Franklin Aimee L. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesIncreasingly it is more and more difficult for researchers to garner a robust response rate from their target population. In response, they often turn to more accessible proxy populations. However, guidance on how to identify and select a proxy population that reasonably mimics the target population is neither expansive nor systematic. Our objective is to fill this gap by offering a standardized protocol for selecting appropriate population. We introduce a proxy selection protocol that combines convenience with purposive nonprobability sampling.MethodsThe protocol introduces a method following a step‐by‐step process to evaluate the suitability of a different potential proxy populations as a reasonable representation of the target population.Results and ConclusionWe come to an conclusion that this proxy selection protocol can overcome low response rates and avoid contamination of a limited target population when conducting exploratory or early‐stage explanatory research of potential causal relationships.
Assessment and recency drive skill acquisition
Authors: Garner Sue , van Dreven Amber , MacDermott Sean , Yates Mark 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe assessment of medical students’ clinical skill acquisition is variable and is driven by differences in curricula and health services requirements. This project aimed to ascertain whether different assessment models impact on students’ performance of as intravenous (i.v.) cannulation. Recency of practice was also explored as a factor influencing performance.MethodsA total of 137 students in the first clinical year (years 2 or 3 of a 4‐year course) of their medical degree, from four regional clinical schools, participated in a multiple‐station mock objective structured clinical examination (MOSCE). Intravenous cannulation was one of the stations examined. Fifty‐nine students came from a model that required the assessment of i.v. proficiency during their clinical year (model 1). Seventy‐eight students came from a model that required no assessment of i.v. proficiency (model 2). Students reported their most recent clinical i.v. cannulation experience relative to the MOSCE.ResultsThe MOSCE pass rate of 73% for students in model 1 was significantly higher than the corresponding MOSCE pass rate of 45% for students in model 2. There was a highly significant association between assessment model and MOSCE pass/fail rate. The assessment model was also highly associated with recency of practice.The assessment of medical students’ clinical skill acquisition is variableConclusionsThe results support an assessment model that promotes the continuing clinical practice of i.v. cannulation. Integration of this model will require innovative approaches by staff and collaboration with affiliated organisations.
Decreased Virulence of Ross River Virus Harboring a Mutation in the First Cleavage Site of Nonstructural Polyprotein Is Caused by a Novel Mechanism Leading to Increased Production of Interferon-Inducing RNAs
Authors: Liu Xiang , Mutso Margit , Utt Age , Lepland Anni , Herrero Lara J. , Taylor Adam , Bettadapura Jayaram , Rudd Penny A. , Merits Andres , Mahalingam Suresh 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

Infection with Ross River virus (RRV) causes debilitating polyarthritis and arthralgia in individuals. Alphaviruses are highly sensitive to type I interferon (IFN). Mutations at the conserved P3 position of the cleavage site between nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) and nsP2 (1/2 site) modulate type I IFN induction for both RRV and Sindbis virus (SINV). We constructed and characterized RRV-T48
A534V
, a mutant harboring an A534V substitution in the P1 position of the 1/2 site, and compared it to parental RRV-T48 and to RRV-T48
A532V
, SINV
I538
and SINV
T538
harboring different substitutions in the same region. A534V substitution resulted in impaired processing of RRV nonstructural polyprotein and in elevated production of replicase-generated pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) RNAs that induce expression of type I IFN. Both A532V and A534V substitutions affected synthesis of viral RNAs, though the effects of these closely located mutations were drastically different affecting mostly either the viral negative-strand RNA or genomic and subgenomic RNA levels, respectively. Synthesis of PAMP RNAs was also observed for SINV replicase, and it was increased by I538T substitution. In comparison to RRV-T48, RRV-T48
A534V
was attenuated
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Interestingly, when type I IFN-deficient cells and type I IFN receptor-deficient mice were infected with RRV-T48 or RRV-T48
A534V
, differences between these viruses were no longer apparent. Compared to RRV-T48, RRV-T48
A534V
infection was associated with increased upregulation of type I IFN signaling proteins. We demonstrate novel mechanisms by which the A534V mutation affect viral nonstructural polyprotein processing that can impact PAMP RNA production, type I IFN induction/sensitivity, and disease.

IMPORTANCE
This study gives further insight into mechanisms of type I IFN modulation by the medically important alphaviruses Ross River virus (RRV) and Sindbis virus (SINV). By characterizing attenuated RRV mutants, the crucial role of amino acid residues in P1 and P3 positions (the first and third amino acid residues preceding the scissile bond) of the cleavage site between nsP1 and nsP2 regions was highlighted. The study uncovers a unique relationship between alphavirus nonstructural polyprotein processing, RNA replication, production of different types of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) RNAs, type I IFN induction, and disease pathogenesis. This study also highlights the importance of the host innate immune response in RRV infections. The viral determinants of type I IFN modulation provide potential drug targets for clinical treatment of alphaviral disease and offer new approaches for rational attenuation of alphaviruses for construction of vaccine candidates.
Candida albicans
Dispersed Cells Are Developmentally Distinct from Biofilm and Planktonic Cells
Authors: Uppuluri Priya , Acosta Zaldívar Maikel , Anderson Matthew Z. , Dunn Matthew J. , Berman Judith , Lopez Ribot Jose Luis , Köhler Julia R. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
surface-attached biofilms such as those formed on intravenous catheters with direct access to the bloodstream often serve as a nidus for continuous release of cells capable of initiating new infectious foci. We previously reported that cells dispersed from a biofilm are yeast cells that originate from the top-most hyphal layers of the biofilm. Compared to their planktonic counterparts, these biofilm dispersal yeast cells displayed enhanced virulence-associated characteristics and drug resistance. However, little is known about their molecular properties. To address that issue, in this study we aimed to define the molecular characteristics of these biofilm dispersal cells. We found that the inducer of dispersal,
PES1
, genetically interacts with the repressor of filamentation,
NRG1
, in a manner consistent with the definition of dispersed cells as yeast cells. Further, using a flow biofilm model, we performed comprehensive comparative RNA sequencing on freshly dispersed cells in order to identify unique transcriptomic characteristics. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that dispersed cells largely inherit a biofilm-like mRNA profile. Strikingly, however, dispersed cells seemed transcriptionally reprogrammed to acquire nutrients such as zinc and amino acids and to metabolize alternative carbon sources, while their biofilm-associated parent cells did not induce the same high-affinity transporters or express gluconeogenetic genes, despite exposure to the same nutritional signals. Collectively, the findings from this study characterize cell dispersal as an intrinsic step of biofilm development which generates propagules more adept at colonizing distant host sites. This developmental step anticipates the need for virulence-associated gene expression before the cells experience the associated external signals.

IMPORTANCE
Candida albicans
surface-attached biofilms serve as a reservoir of cells to perpetuate and expand an infection; cells released from biofilms on catheters have direct access to the bloodstream. Biofilm dispersal yeast cells exhibit enhanced adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation compared to their planktonic counterparts. Here, we show using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) that dispersed yeast cells are developmentally distinct from the cells in their parent biofilms as well as from planktonic yeast cells. Dispersal cells possess an anticipatory expression pattern that primes them to infect new sites in the host, to survive in nutrient-starved niches, and to invade new sites. These studies identified dispersal cells as a unique proliferative cell type of the biofilm and showed that they could serve as targets for antibiofilm drug development in the future.
Early retinal and choroidal OCT and OCT angiography signs of inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Leonardi Francesca , Stefanon Giuseppe , Longhin Evelyn , Torresin Tommaso , Deganello Davide , Cavarzeran Fabiano , Miglionico Giacomo , Parrozzani Raffaele , Midena Edoardo 
Published: August 2018

PurposeTo evaluate, by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), early retinal, choroidal and macular perfusion changes induced by a local inflammatory reaction secondary to uncomplicated cataract surgery.MethodsSelected eyes undergoing cataract surgery were enrolled in a prospective study. OCT and OCTA were performed before cataract surgery (T0) and at day: 1 (T1), 7 (T7), 30 (T30) and 90 (T90). Inner (IR) and outer retinal (OR) volumes, choroidal volume, hyper-reflective retinal spots (HRS) in IR and OR changes were measured at OCT. Macular perfusion was analysed in superficial (SCP), intermediate (ICP) and deep retinal capillary plexuses (DCP).ResultsNine eyes of nine selected patients were consecutively enrolled. Mean IR volume changed after surgery (p=0.0001), increasing progressively from 4.391±0.231 mm³ at T0 to 4.573±0.241 mm³ at T30, p=0.0002. Both mean OR and choroidal volume increased, mainly at T30, but not significantly (p=0.4360 and p=0.2300, respectively). Mean HRS changed during follow-up, increasing at first in IR and later in OR (at T1 and T7, respectively, both p<0.0001). Macular ICP and DCP perfusion increased at T1, whereas macular SCP perfusion did not change. At T90, all OCT and OCTA parameters had almost reached baseline levels.ConclusionsThe increase of HRS at first in IR and later in OR seems to confirm their inflammatory nature. Early OCTA changes (underline) underscore a selective susceptibility of DCP and ICP to a localised inflammatory reaction induced by cataract surgery.
Localisation of the cricothyroid membrane by digital palpation in the emergency department
Authors: Alshareef Hiba , Al Saawi Abdulaziz , Almazroua Faisal , Alyami Hadi , Reilly Gerard O’ , Mitra Biswadev 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionA surgical approach to airway management may be essential in situations of difficult or failed airway, where immediate airway access is needed to provide oxygenation. However, the procedure is uncommonly performed and expertise among emergency clinicians may be limited.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of cricothyroid membrane (CTM) identification by junior and senior emergency trainees by identification of surface anatomy landmarks. A secondary aim was to determine patient variables associated with accurate identification of CTM.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary emergency department in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Emergency Medicine board trainees participated in the study. Data were also obtained on gender and body habitus of patients. Junior trainees attempted to locate the membrane by palpation and marked it with an ultraviolet mark (blinded) pen followed by senior trainees. A certified ultrasound physician, also blinded to the trainee attempts, marked the membrane within a 5 mm circumference using a different coloured ultraviolet pen and was used as the reference gold standard.ResultsThere were 80 patients enrolled with junior and senior doctors assessing location for emergency cricothyrotomy. Proportion of correct localisation was 30% (95% CI 20% to 41%) among junior trainees and 33% (95% CI 22% to 44%) among seniors (P=0.73). Level of training, sex, height and weight of patients were not associated with success.ConclusionsClinical localisation of CTM by emergency medicine trainees was poor even in non-stressful settings, and warrants further dedicated education and/or use of adjunct techniques.
The Emergence of Hyper-Consumerism in UAE Society: A Socio-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Kazim Aqil 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This study examines how consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are actively employing consumer goods and services to express and forge their own unique socio-cultural identities. It seeks to address such significant issues by exploring the ways through which diverse consumers construct and present their socio-economic status. The study demonstrates how consumer practices, especially those related to luxurious commodities and affluence, function as producers of socio-cultural discourses. Methodologically, this study relies on fieldwork research that was conducted by the researcher over a period of several years (2011-2018) in the different emirates of the UAE. Qualitative methods were employed in particular. Different consumption sites—mainly mega shopping malls—were visited regularly, and various consumers belonging to different socio-economic segments of the society were interviewed. Both structured and unstructured types of interviews were conducted to collect ethnographic data. The study results show the transformation of UAE society consumption patterns from traditional consumption to hyper-consumption. During the 1960s, the UAE shifted overall into a consumer society. In fact, the results show the expansion both of the hyper-consumer, mega malls, the traditional souqs, and online internet shopping within this new hyper-consumer culture. The study also shows how the lifestyle in UAE has changed in the last few decades, as people’s shopping behaviors have shifted from the traditional marketplace to include the newer mega shopping malls and brand stores. In addition, the study shows how consumers construct and present their socio-economic status according to their class, gender, and ethnicity through their own shopping experiences.
Escalonius, a new subgenus of Calochromus Guérin-Méneville, 1833 identified by the molecular phylogeny of Calochromini (Coleoptera: Lycidae)
Authors: MOTYKA MICHAL , BOCAK LADISLAV 
Published: August 2018

Calochromini is a net-winged beetle lineage with seven genera and world-wide distribution. The recently collected morphologically divergent Calochromus amabilis Lea, 1899 was sequenced to recover its relationships and a three-marker DNA dataset was assembled from 27 Calochromini from GenBank and new data for C. amabilis. The phylogenetic analysis recovered C. amabilis nested deep within Calochromus s. l. in a sister-position to Calochromus s. str. C. amabilis represents an early diversified and morphologically distinct species, for which the subgenus Escalonius subgen. nov. is erected. In contrast with its phylogenetic relationships, Escalonius subgen. nov. differs from other morphologically uniform Calochromus subgenera. Calochromus (Escalonius) amabilis has a small body, serrate antennae, the pronotum with concave lateral margins, and the long phallus surpassing the apices of parameres. The results demonstrate the unlinked morphological and molecular evolution of Calochromini. The key to world genera and subgenera is presented and all diagnostic characters are illustrated.
lidar observations of atmospheric motion in forest valleys1
Authors: Collis Ronald T. H. 
Published: August 2018

In connection with studies of aerial insecticide spraying techniques being carried out by the U. S. Forest Service, Stanford Research Institute personnel have been making lidar observations of smoke and spray material discharged by aircraft flying over forest terrain. The motion of the smoke and suspended spray droplet clouds can be tracked by lidar even when they are not visible to the eye. This makes it possible to study the motion and diffusion of parcels of air caused by micrometeorological factors, such as the insolation of valley slopes. While of primary interest in connection with aerial spraying operations, this research provides new quantitative information regarding atmospheric motion in forest valleys.
The ruby and neodymium lidar instrumentation used is described and the methods of observation explained. Representative results are presented and discussed.
lidar for routine meteorological observations
Authors: Collis R. T. H. 
Published: August 2018

Lidar, using pulsed lasers as energy sources, applies the radar principle at wavelengths in and near the visual spectrum to probe the atmosphere. It can detect particulate matter of much smaller dimensions and sparser concentration than is possible with meteorological radar. Lidar may be used to measure cloud base heights although difficulties arise with diffuse clouds, especially in foggy conditions. Inhomogeneities in turbidity that occur at the heights of temperature inversions in the relatively clear atmosphere are also revealed by lidar. Examples of work in progress that show promise of providing a measurement of visibility are presented.
It is concluded that lidar can already contribute usefully in routine meteorological service, but that its full potential in ceilometry and visibility measurement awaits further developments. For routine unattended use, high pulse-rate low peak-power lidars are advocated on grounds of safety.