bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salinity drives meiofaunal community structure dynamics across the Baltic ecosystem
Authors: Broman Elias , Raymond Caroline , Sommer Christian , Gunnarsson Jonas S. , Creer Simon , Nascimento Francisco J. A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCoastal benthic biodiversity is under increased pressure from climate change, eutrophication, hypoxia, and changes in salinity due to increase in river runoff. The Baltic Sea is a large brackish system characterized by steep environmental gradients that experiences all of the mentioned stressors. As such it provides an ideal model system for studying the impact of on‐going and future climate change on biodiversity and function of benthic ecosystems. Meiofauna (animals < 1 mm) are abundant in sediment and are still largely unexplored even though they are known to regulate organic matter degradation and nutrient cycling. In this study, benthic meiofaunal community structure was analysed along a salinity gradient in the Baltic Sea proper using high‐throughput sequencing. Our results demonstrate that areas with higher salinity have a higher biodiversity, and salinity is probably the main driver influencing meiofauna diversity and community composition. Furthermore, in the more diverse and saline environments a larger amount of nematode genera classified as predators prevailed, and meiofauna‐macrofauna associations were more prominent. These findings show that in the Baltic Sea, a decrease in salinity resulting from accelerated climate change will probably lead to decreased benthic biodiversity, and cause profound changes in benthic communities, with potential consequences for ecosystem stability, functions and services.
Convergent vomeronasal system reduction in mammals coincides with convergent losses of calcium signalling and odorant‐degrading genes
Authors: Hecker Nikolai , Lächele Ulla , Stuckas Heiko , Giere Peter , Hiller Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe vomeronasal system (VNS) serves crucial functions for detecting olfactory clues often related to social and sexual behaviour. Intriguingly, two of the main components of the VNS, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the accessory olfactory bulb, are regressed in aquatic mammals, several bats and primates, likely due to adaptations to different ecological niches. To detect genomic changes that are associated with the convergent reduction of the VNS, we performed the first systematic screen for convergently inactivated protein‐coding genes associated with convergent VNS reduction, considering 106 mammalian genomes. Extending previous studies, our results support that Trpc2, a cation channel that is important for calcium signalling in the VNO, is a predictive molecular marker for the presence of a VNS. Our screen also detected the convergent inactivation of the calcium‐binding protein S100z, the aldehyde oxidase Aox2 that is involved in odorant degradation, and the uncharacterized Mslnl gene that is expressed in the VNO and olfactory epithelium. Furthermore, we found that Trpc2 and S100z or Aox2 are also inactivated in otters and Phocid seals for which no morphological data about the VNS are available yet. This predicts a VNS reduction in these semi‐aquatic mammals. By examining the genomes of 115 species in total, our study provides a detailed picture of how the convergent reduction of the VNS coincides with gene inactivation in placental mammals. These inactivated genes provide experimental targets for studying the evolution and biological significance of the olfactory system under different environmental conditions.
Identification of the lipopolysaccharide O‐antigen biosynthesis priming enzyme and the O‐antigen ligase in Myxococcus xanthus: critical role of LPS O‐antigen in motility and development
Authors: Pérez‐Burgos María , García‐Romero Inmaculada , Jung Jana , Valvano Miguel A. , Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte 
Published: July 2019

SummaryMyxococcus xanthus is a model bacterium to study social behavior. At the cellular level, the different social behaviors of M. xanthus involve extensive cell–cell contacts. Here, we used bioinformatics, genetics, heterologous expression and biochemical experiments to identify and characterize the key enzymes in M. xanthus implicated in O‐antigen and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and examined the role of LPS O‐antigen in M. xanthus social behaviors. We identified WbaPMx (MXAN_2922) as the polyisoprenyl‐phosphate hexose‐1‐phosphate transferase responsible for priming O‐antigen synthesis. In heterologous expression experiments, WbaPMx complemented a Salmonella enterica mutant lacking the endogenous WbaP that primes O‐antigen synthesis, indicating that WbaPMx transfers galactose‐1‐P to undecaprenyl‐phosphate. We also identified WaaLMx (MXAN_2919), as the O‐antigen ligase that joins O‐antigen to lipid A‐core. Our data also support the previous suggestion that WzmMx (MXAN_4622) and WztMx (MXAN_4623) form the Wzm/Wzt ABC transporter. We show that mutations that block different steps in LPS O‐antigen synthesis can cause pleiotropic phenotypes. Also, using a wbaPMx deletion mutant, we revisited the role of LPS O‐antigen and demonstrate that it is important for gliding motility, conditionally important for type IV pili‐dependent motility and required to complete the developmental program leading to the formation of spore‐filled fruiting bodies.
Reproductive transitions in plants and animals: selfing syndrome, sexual selection and speciation
Authors: Cutter Asher D. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe evolution of predominant self‐fertilisation frequently coincides with the evolution of a collection of phenotypes that comprise the ‘selfing syndrome’, in both plants and animals. Genomic features also display a selfing syndrome. Selfing syndrome traits often involve changes to male and female reproductive characters that were subject to sexual selection and sexual conflict in the obligatorily outcrossing ancestor, including the gametic phase for both plants and animals. Rapid evolution of reproductive traits, due to both relaxed selection and directional selection under the new status of predominant selfing, lays the genetic groundwork for reproductive isolation. Consequently, shifts in sexual selection pressures coupled to transitions to selfing provide a powerful paradigm for investigating the speciation process. Plant and animal studies, however, emphasise distinct selective forces influencing reproductive‐mode transitions: genetic transmission advantage to selfing or reproductive assurance outweighing the costs of inbreeding depression vs the costs of males and meiosis. Here, I synthesise links between sexual selection, evolution of selfing and speciation, with particular focus on identifying commonalities and differences between plant and animal systems and pointing to areas warranting further synergy.
Blood flow kinetics of a xenogeneic collagen matrix following a vestibuloplasty procedure in the human gingiva—An explorative study
Authors: Fazekas Réka , Molnár Bálint , Kőhidai László , Láng Orsolya , Molnár Eszter , Gánti Bernadett , Michailovits Georgina , Windisch Péter , Vág János 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate temporal and spatial blood flow patterns following vestibuloplasty procedures using a collagen matrix (CM) to get an insight into the timing and direction of neovascularization in the CM.MethodsFive patients were treated using a modified apically repositioned flap combined with a CM. Intraoral photographs and blood flow measurements by laser speckle contrast imaging were taken for 12 months. Thirty regions of interest in the graft and the surrounding mucosa were evaluated. The clinical parameters were assessed after 6 and 12 months. VEGF expression was analyzed in the wound fluid on days 2 and 4.ResultsAt 6 months, the mean width of keratinized gingiva increased, but the thickness was unchanged. Scar formation was observed in all cases. Perfusion in the graft began to increase at the lateral and coronal edges and then spread concentrically toward the center. The apical side showed a significant delay in perfusion, the highest VEGF expression, and wound fluid production as well as the most abundant scar formation.ConclusionsNeovascularization occurs mainly from the lateral and coronal edges, which may limit the extent of the surgical area. Abundant scar formation may be explained by increased VEGF expression induced by prolonged ischemia in this area.
Mythmakers of Maiden Castle: Breaking the Siege Mentality of an Iron Age Hillfort
Authors: Russell Miles 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe idea that an invading Roman army brought about the end of hillforts in south‐west Britain, using artillery fire to demoralize and defeat their enemy, is one of the most powerful narratives in British archaeology, being a constant element in both academic literature and public discourse. At the heart of the debate is the evidence recovered by Mortimer Wheeler during fieldwork conducted at Maiden Castle, in Dorset, between 1936–37. Wheeler interpreted a series of burials found in the east gate of the hillfort as a ‘war cemetery’, residue of an ultimately futile defence of the site, in the face of Roman aggression, by the local Durotriges tribe. A recent survey of hillforts in Dorset has, however, cast significant doubt on Wheeler’s hypothesis, suggesting that not only is the widely accepted battle‐theory unsupported by the archaeological evidence, but also that the Durotriges themselves were unconnected to any fortification or defence of Maiden Castle. This paper explores the conclusions of that survey, examining how the dramatic story of a siege first took shape in the late 1930s and why it became so immediately popular with the public. The problems of linking material remains to postulated historical events are outlined and the beginnings of a new model for Late Iron Age settlement at Maiden Castle are presented for the first time.
Methods of Palaeodemography: The Case of the Iberian Oppida and Roman Cities in North‐East Spain
Authors: Sinner Alejandro G. , Carreras Cesar 
Published: July 2019

SummaryAncient demography is a recurrent topic in archaeology, thanks to new methods and evidence from different surveys and excavations. However, different cultures or periods are studied on their own, without any comparison being made between them and of their population dynamics. The present paper seeks to advance the situation by defining methodologies to allow diachronic comparisons between two different periods and cultures. After setting out a methodological approach, the paper goes on to apply the same to a case study: namely the Roman conquest of north‐east Spain, comparing the demography of the ancient Iberian communities (fourth‐second centuries BCE) to the Roman colonization (first century BCE to first century CE). Roman urbanism is generally supposed to increase the population in a particular territory, but our present evidence refutes this point: a decrease in population is visible in urban or proto‐urban sites from the Iberian to Roman periods, though there is an increase in the rural densities.
QTL mapping and gene mining to identify genes on soybean (Glycine max) associated with NopB of Sinorhizobium fredii HH103
Authors: Wang Jieqi , Wang Jinhui , Tian Boyu , Li Qingying , Zhu Jingyi , Liu Xueying , Ma Chao , Li Changyu , Qi Zhaoming , Zhu Rongsheng , Shi Yan , Zou Jianan , Wen Yingnan , Sun Zhijun , Liu Hanxi , Jiang Hongwei , Yin Zhengong , Hu Zhenbang , Chen Qingshan , Xin Dawei , Liu Chunyan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSoybean is a special crop that can utilize N2 in the air via symbioses with Rhizobium spp. The formation of effective nodules is a complex process in which nodulation outer proteins (Nops) are determinants of establishment of a symbiotic relationship. We constructed a Sinorhizobium fredii HH103ΩnopB mutant. A nodulation test showed that the mutant had a negative effect on the Suinong14, ZYD00006, Dongnong594 and Charleston soybean lines. Recombinant inbred soybean lines were independently inoculated with the mutant and wild‐type strains, and five and four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified by analysing the nodule number (NN) and nodule dry weight (NDW), respectively. We chose one QTL that overlapped with other studies and a novel QTL identified in our study and selected six candidate genes for further analysis. The qRT‐PCR analysis showed that only changes in Glyma.17G166200 expression depended on NopB. Further analysis showed that Glyma.17G166200 encoded a protein with a D‐glucose‐binding domain and a serine‐threonine/tyrosine protein kinase catalytic domain that was involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway.
The infantile cutaneous microbiome: A review
Authors: Schoch Jennifer J. , Monir Reesa L. , Satcher Kerrie G. , Harris Jessica , Triplett Eric , Neu Josef 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecent focus on the neonatal intestinal microbiome has advanced our knowledge of the complex interplay between the intestinal barrier, the developing immune system, and commensal and pathogenic organisms. Despite the parallel role of the infant skin in serving as both a barrier and an interface for priming the immune system, large gaps exist in our understanding of the infantile cutaneous microbiome. The skin microbiome changes and matures throughout infancy, becoming more diverse and developing the site specificity known to exist in adults. Delivery method initially determines the composition of the cutaneous microbiome, though this impact appears transient. Cutaneous microbes play a critical role in immune system development, particularly during the neonatal period, and microbes and immune cells have closely intertwined, reciprocal effects. The unique structure of newborn skin influences cutaneous microbial colonization and the development of dermatologic pathology. The development of the infantile skin barrier and cutaneous microbiome contributes to future skin pathology. Atopic dermatitis flares and seborrheic dermatitis have been linked to dysbiosis, while erythema toxicum neonatorum is an immune response to the establishment of normal bacterial skin flora. Physicians who care for infants should be aware of the impact of the infantile skin microbiome and its role in the development of pathology. A better understanding of the origin and evolution of the skin microbiome will lead to more effective prevention and treatment of pediatric skin disease.
Maintenance of photosynthesis and the antioxidant defence systems have key roles for survival of Halopeplis perfoliata (Amaranthaceae) in a saline environment
Authors: Rasool S. G. , Gulzar S. , Hameed A. , Edwards G. E. , Khan M. A. , Gul B. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Coastal salt marsh plants employ various combinations of morphological and physiological adaptations to survive under saline conditions. Little information is available on salinity tolerance mechanisms of Halopeplis perfoliata, a C3 stem succulent halophyte.

We investigated the growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant defence mechanisms of H. perfoliata under saline conditions (0, 150, 300 and 600 mM NaCl) in an open greenhouse.

Optimal shoot succulence, projected shoot area and relative growth rate were obtained in the low (150 mm NaCl) salinity treatment, while growth was inhibited at the highest salinity (600 mm NaCl). The CO2 compensation point and carbon isotope composition of biomass confirmed C3 photosynthesis. Increases in salinity did not affect the photosynthetic pigment content or maximum quantum efficiency of PSII of H. perfoliata. Assimilation of CO2 (A) also remained unaffected by salinity. A modest effect on some gas exchange and photochemistry parameters was observed at 600 mm NaCl. With increasing salinity, there was a continual increase in respiration, suggesting utilisation of energy to cope with saline conditions. Under 300 and 600 mm NaCl, there was an increase in H2O2 and MDA with a concomitant rise in AsA, GR content and CAT activity.

Hence, H. perfoliata appears to be an obligate halophyte that can grow up to seawater salinities by modulating photosynthetic gas exchange, photochemistry and the antioxidant defence systems.
Publication Performance Through the Lens of the h‐index: How Can We Solve the Problem of the Ties?
Authors: Crespo Nuno , Simoes Nadia 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveThe h‐index is the most diffused bibliometric measure to evaluate publication performance at the author level. Despite its popularity, it is unable to provide a thorough ranking of the authors since it generates many ties. This problem is especially severe in the lower part of the distribution and is a serious shortcoming because the h‐index is used in a variety of decision‐making situations that have profound impacts at both the personal and institutional levels.MethodWe propose a method to differentiate authors with the same h‐index, thereby solving the problem of the ties.ResultsWe conduct an empirical analysis covering 472 economists from the departments of economics of the top 10 world universities. When the h‐index and the measure proposed in this study are considered together, the problem of the ties diminishes dramatically.ConclusionIn this study, we add to the available metrics aiming to increase fairness in ranking and selection processes.
Risk factors for Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection following solid organ transplantation in children
Authors: Ochfeld Elisa , Balmert Lauren C. , Patel Sameer J. , Muller William J. , Kociolek Larry K. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundClostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is a growing problem, though CDI risk factors in this population are poorly understood. Our objective was to characterize CDI risk factors in pediatric SOT recipients.MethodsThis retrospective case‐control study, performed at a single freestanding academic children's hospital, included all SOT recipients age 1‐22 years who were tested for C. difficile by toxin B gene PCR between August 2009 and August 2017. CDI risk factors were assessed by comparing PCR‐positive and PCR‐negative cases by generalized linear mixed models.ResultsBetween August 2009 and August 2017, 409 SOTs were performed of which 138 (33.7%), 134 (32.8%), 131 (32.0%), and 6 (1.5%) were kidney, liver, heart, and small intestine transplants, respectively. Of 205 SOT recipients were tested for CDI, with 723 C. difficile PCR tests performed among these patients. 68/205 (33%) patients developed CDI at least once during the study period. Median (interquartile range) time to diagnosis of first CDI following SOT was 8.9 (1.2, 19.6) months. CDI was independently associated with calcineurin inhibitor use at time of C. difficile testing (odds ratio [OR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08, 5.24, P = 0.03) and systemic antibiotic exposure within 30 days of C. difficile testing (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.08, 2.79, P = 0.02).ConclusionsCDI is a common, relatively late post‐transplant complication and independently associated with calcineurin inhibitor and systemic antibiotic exposure. The potential impact of specific immunosuppressive drug and antibiotic selection on CDI risk reduction requires further investigation.
Transfusion requirement and length of stay of anaemic surgical patients associated with a patient blood management service:a single‐Centre retrospective study
Authors: Faulds J. , Whately‐Smith C. , Clarke K. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo assess the value of patient blood management (PBM) in the detection and management of preoperative anaemia before elective surgery.BackgroundPBM is recognised as the standard of care, with diagnosis and management of preoperative anaemia being the key components of PBM. No formal assessment of the value of PBM anaemia screening and correction before scheduled surgery had been made at our hospital.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary‐care, academic hospital of consecutive records of elective surgery (n = 25 641). We excluded minor surgeries. We identified anaemic patients who had been assessed by PBM or not (non‐PBM). We calculated transfusion incidence and hospital length of stay (LOS) across all surgical specialities.ResultsDuring the 1‐year study period, 15 245 patients were eligible for inclusion; 311 patients (2·0%) were transfused, and 83·3% of transfusions were in anaemic patients. Transfusion incidence was 9·2% in anaemic PBM‐assessed patients and 17·4% in non‐PBM patients. For haemoglobin (Hb) <100 g L−1, the transfusion incidence was 22·1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 15·5–30·6%] in PBM and 40·0% (95% CI 35·1–45·0%) in non‐PBM patients, and for Hb 100–119 g L−1, it was 4·7% (95% CI 2·8–7·5%) and 7·9% (95% CI 6·3–9·8%), respectively. Overall mean LOS was 2·1 days [standard deviation (SD) 6·0]. Mean LOS with Hb <100 g L−1 was 6·7 days (SD 14·8) in PBM‐assessed patients and 12·4 days (SD 19·5) in non‐PBM patients and was 3·1 (SD 5·2) and 6·2 (SD 9·5) days, respectively, for Hb 100–119 g L−1.ConclusionAnaemic elective surgery patients assessed by patient blood management (PBM) had a markedly lower transfusion risk and shorter LOS than anaemic patients not assessed by PBM.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a Cross-Sectional Study of Isolates Recovered from Routine Urine Cultures in a High-Incidence Setting
Authors: Bailey Adam L. , Potter Robert F. , Wallace Meghan A. , Johnson Caitlin , Dantas Gautam , Burnham Carey-Ann D. 
Published: July 2019

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, which is most commonly diagnosed using a DNA-based detection method that does not require growth and isolation of
N. gonorrhoeae
in the laboratory. This is problematic because the rates of antibiotic resistance in
N. gonorrhoeae
are increasing, but without isolating the organism in the clinical laboratory, antibiotic susceptibility testing cannot be performed on strains recovered from clinical specimens. We observed an increase in the frequency of urine cultures growing
N. gonorrhoeae
after we implemented a total laboratory automation system for culture in our clinical laboratory. Here, we report on the rates of resistance to multiple historically used, first-line, and potential future-use antibiotics for 64
N. gonorrhoeae
isolates. We found that the rates of antibiotic resistance in our isolates were comparable to national rates. Additionally, resistance to specific antibiotics correlated closely with the presence of genetic resistance genes, suggesting that DNA-based tests could also be designed to guide antibiotic therapy for treating gonorrhea.