bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assigning alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci
Authors: Huang Kang , Zhang Pei , Dunn Derek W. , Wang Tongcheng , Mi Rui , Li Baoguo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDuplicated loci, for example those associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, often have similar DNA sequences that can be coamplified with a pair of primers. This results in genotyping difficulties and inaccurate analyses. Here, we present a method to assign alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci. This method simultaneously considers several factors that may each affect correct allele assignment. These are the sharing of identical alleles among loci, null alleles, copy number variation, negative amplification, heterozygote excess or heterozygote deficiency, and linkage disequilibrium. The possible multilocus genotypes are extracted from the alleles for each individual and weighted to estimate the allele frequencies. The likelihood of an allele configuration is calculated and is optimized with a heuristic algorithm. Monte‐Carlo simulations and three empirical MHC data sets are used as examples to evaluate the efficacy of our method under different conditions. Our new software, mhc‐typer V1.1, is freely available at https://github.com/huangkang1987/mhc-typer.
Intrinsic predictors of prolonged length of stay in a colorectal enhanced recovery pathway: a prospective cohort study and multivariate analysis
Authors: van Dellen J. , Carapeti E.A. , Darakhshan A.A. , Datta V. , George M.L. , McCorkell S. , Williams A.B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThis was a prospective cohort study to determine the intrinsic non‐modifiable factors influencing length of stay (LOS) in unselected consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery pathway.MethodsThis study interrogated a prospective database of consecutive elective procedures from October 2006 to April 2011 at a tertiary referral academic hospital in the UK to identify independent predictors of prolonged length of stay (pLOS). pLOS was defined as longer than median length of stay (mLOS). Differences in determinants were identified in three groups of increasing operative complexity.ResultsIn all, 872 procedures were identified and ranged from a simple ileostomy reversal to complex total pelvic exenteration. Preoperative anaemia and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade III+ predicted pLOS in stoma reversal surgery patients (n = 191, mLOS 4 days). In colonic and small bowel surgery (n = 444, mLOS 8 days), an open procedure, new stoma formation, planned critical care admission and ASA III+ predicted pLOS. New stoma formation and planned critical care admission predicted pLOS in patients undergoing pelvic rectal surgery (n = 237, mLOS 11 days). pLOS was associated with significantly higher morbidity across Dindo–Clavien grades and a longer time to postoperative functional recovery and discharge.ConclusionsOperative complexity is associated with longer LOS even with an established enhanced recovery pathway in place. Intrinsic non‐modifiable predictors of pLOS differ with operative complexity, and this should be taken into account when planning benchmarking and research across units.
Ginsenoside Rb3 provides protective effects against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity via regulation of AMPK‐/mTOR‐mediated autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xing Jing‐jing , Hou Jin‐gang , Ma Zhi‐na , Wang Zi , Ren Shen , Wang Ying‐ping , Liu Wen‐cong , Chen Chen , Li Wei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesBased on previous reports that ginsenosides have been shown to exert better preventive effects on cisplatin‐induced kidney injury, the present work aims to evaluate the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb3 (G‐Rb3) on cisplatin‐induced renal damage and underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.Materials and methodsThe protective effect of G‐Rb3 on cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in ICR mouse model and HEK293 cell model was investigated, and the underlying possible mechanisms were also explored. For animal experiment, renal function, kidney histology, inflammation, oxidative stress, relative protein molecules involved in apoptosis and autophagy signalling pathways were assessed. In addition, rapamycin (a specific inhibitor of mTOR), compound C (a specific inhibitor of AMPK) and acetylcysteine (NAC, a specific ROS scavenger) were employed to testify the effects of AMPK/mTOR signal pathway on the protective effects of G‐Rb3 in HEK293 cells.ResultsPre‐treatment with G‐Rb3 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for ten days significantly reversed the increases in serum creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decrease in glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Histopathological examination further revealed that G‐Rb3 inhibited cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity. G‐Rb3 diminished cisplatin‐induced increase in protein expression levels of p62, Atg3, Atg5 and Atg7, and decrease in protein expression level of p‐mTOR and the ratio of LC3‐I/LC3‐II, indicating that G‐Rb3 suppressed cisplatin‐induced activation of autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy induced inactivation of apoptosis, which suggested that autophagy played an adverse effect on cisplatin‐evoked renal damage. Further, we found that G‐Rb3 might potentially modulate the expressions of AMPK‐related signal pathways.ConclusionsThese findings clearly suggested that G‐Rb3‐mediated alleviation of cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity was in part due to regulation of AMPK‐/mTOR‐mediated autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
A case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites as initial symptom
Authors: Jiang Si , Manandhar Upasana , Zheng Kai P. , Liu Qin , Liang Pin , Song Ji Q. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) refers to skin reactions such as bullae and necrosis, which occurs after being bitten by mosquitoes and can present with multiple systemic reactions such as fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly simultaneously or subsequently. A 48‐year‐old male patient presented with recurrent erythema, nodules, papules, vesicles and bullae over upper body and bilateral limbs with itching over the sites of mosquito bite for more than 1 year with low‐grade fever and superficial lymph nodes enlargement. The patient's symptoms failed to improve from conventional anti allergic treatment although skin biopsy showed changes of HMB reaction. Subsequently, the lymph node was biopsied and was reported to be nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL), and then the patient was eventually diagnosed with nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB. To date only one case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB has been reported from Korea, and this is the first case to be reported in China.
Horizontal and vertical diversity jointly shape food web stability against small and large perturbations
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Van den Brink Paul J. , Carpentier Camille , Wang Yingying X. G. , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Pablo , Xu Chi , Vollbrecht Silke , Gillissen Frits , Vollebregt Marlies , Wang Shaopeng , De Laender Frederik 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe biodiversity of food webs is composed of horizontal (i.e. within trophic levels) and vertical diversity (i.e. the number of trophic levels). Understanding their joint effect on stability is a key challenge. Theory mostly considers their individual effects and focuses on small perturbations near equilibrium in hypothetical food webs. Here, we study the joint effects of horizontal and vertical diversity on the stability of hypothetical (modelled) and empirical food webs. In modelled food webs, horizontal and vertical diversity increased and decreased stability, respectively, with a stronger positive effect of producer diversity on stability at higher consumer diversity. Experiments with an empirical plankton food web, where we manipulated horizontal and vertical diversity and measured stability from species interactions and from resilience against large perturbations, confirmed these predictions. Taken together, our findings highlight the need to conserve horizontal biodiversity at different trophic levels to ensure stability.
Accumulation of soil carbon under elevated CO2 unaffected by warming and drought
Authors: Dietzen Christiana A. , Larsen Klaus Steenberg , Ambus Per L. , Michelsen Anders , Arndal Marie Frost , Beier Claus , Reinsch Sabine , Schmidt Inger Kappel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate change may substantially alter soil carbon (C) dynamics, which in turn may impact future climate through feedback cycles. However, only very few field experiments worldwide have combined elevated CO2 (eCO2) with both warming and changes in precipitation in order to study the potential combined effects of changes in these fundamental drivers of C cycling in ecosystems. We exposed a temperate heath/grassland to eCO2, warming, and drought, in all combinations for 8 years. At the end of the study, soil C stocks were on average 0.927 kg C/m2 higher across all treatment combinations with eCO2 compared to ambient CO2 treatments (equal to an increase of 0.120 ± 0.043 kg C m−2 year−1), and showed no sign of slowed accumulation over time. However, if observed pretreatment differences in soil C are taken into account, the annual rate of increase caused by eCO2 may be as high as 0.177 ± 0.070 kg C m−2 year−1. Furthermore, the response to eCO2 was not affected by simultaneous exposure to warming and drought. The robust increase in soil C under eCO2 observed here, even when combined with other climate change factors, suggests that there is continued and strong potential for enhanced soil carbon sequestration in some ecosystems to mitigate increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations under future climate conditions. The feedback between land C and climate remains one of the largest sources of uncertainty in future climate projections, yet experimental data under simulated future climate, and especially including combined changes, are still scarce. Globally coordinated and distributed experiments with long‐term measurements of changes in soil C in response to the three major climate change‐related global changes, eCO2, warming, and changes in precipitation patterns, are, therefore, urgently needed.
PRICE, PRODUCT QUALITY, AND EXPORTER DYNAMICS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: Rodrigue Joel , Tan Yong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article develops a model of heterogeneous firms that endogenously choose prices and product quality to build demand in export markets. New exporters optimally charge relatively low prices and produce low‐quality goods upon entry. Product quality, prices, and sales increase as demand grows. We structurally estimate model parameters using Chinese customs data. The estimated incentive to build future demand reduces average export prices by 0.7% and increases export sales by 4% upon entry. Endogenous demand accumulation causes estimated export prices, product quality, and sales to grow by 2.2%, 12%, and 79%, respectively, over the following five years.
Protection from injury of organs adjacent to a renal tumor during percutaneous cryoablation
Authors: Yamagami Takuji , Yoshimatsu Rika , Kajiwara Kenji , Yamanishi Tomoaki , Minamiguchi Hiroki , Karashima Takashi , Inoue Keiji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRenal cryoablation has become accepted as treatment for small renal tumors as an alternative to surgery. However, parallel with the increase in the use of this therapy, there also has been increases in the number of reports of complications related to renal cryoablation. One potential complication is injury to important non‐renal structures adjacent to the ablated renal tumor, such as the colon, duodenum, ureter, psoas muscle and so on. To prevent injury of adjacent organs, separating organs from the tumor is desirable. Over the past 15 years, several techniques have been developed to protect against injury of organs adjacent to renal tumors that are targets of cryoablation. The most commonly used technique for this purpose has been hydrodissection. Others include dissection with gas, balloon dissection and probe traction. To avoid injury of a ureter running near the renal tumor, pyeloperfusion is known to be useful. The rate of cases necessitating avoidance of organ injury by using these techniques is relatively high. In some cases, more than two techniques are combined. In the present review, we provided an overview of techniques currently available to protect against organ injuries, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
CEO investment of deferred compensation plans and firm performance
Authors: Cambrea Domenico Rocco , Colonnello Stefano , Curatola Giuliano , Fantini Giulia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe study how US chief executive officers (CEOs) invest their deferred compensation plans depending on the firm's profitability. By looking at the correlation between the CEO's return on these plans and the firm's stock return, we show that deferred compensation is to a large extent invested in the company equity in good times and divested from it in bad times. The divestment from company equity in bad times arguably reflects CEOs' incentive to abandon the firm and to invest in alternative instruments to preserve the value of their deferred compensation plans. This result suggests that the incentive alignment effects of deferred compensation crucially depend on the firm's health status.
Predicting the impacts of climate change on Papio baboon biogeography: Are widespread, generalist primates ‘safe’?
Authors: Hill Sarah E. , Winder Isabelle C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsTo explore whether wide‐ranging, generalist primates like baboons can be presumed ‘resilient’ in the face of climate change. We identify environmental variables influencing baboons’ current distributions and predict their future potential distributions under different climate change scenarios.LocationAfrica and Arabia.TaxonBaboons, Papio spp.MethodsWe used localities for olive, yellow, Guinea, hamadryas, chacma and Kinda baboons together with high‐resolution data on bioclimatic variables, altitude and vegetation to construct species distribution models (SDMs). These SDMs were run under current and future conditions, with future models based on three General Circulation Models (MIROC‐ESM, CCSM4 and HadGEM2‐ES) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP6.0) for 2050 and 2070 to explore a range of different possible futures.ResultsAll SDMs produced AUC values >0.916 suggesting excellent overall performance. Altitude was the most important variable influencing Guinea baboon distributions (contributing 41.6%), temperature seasonality for olive and yellow baboons (47.5% and 35.4% respectively), precipitation of the driest month for hamadryas baboons (24.4%), annual mean precipitation for the Kinda baboon (45.1%) and mean temperature of the driest quarter for chacma baboons (41.4%). Chacma and Kinda baboons are predicted to suffer substantial habitat loss, and Guinea baboons may do the same if conditions aridify as climates warm. In contrast, all models for the olive and hamadryas baboons predicted an increase in suitable habitat and only smaller changes were predicted for the yellow baboon.Main ConclusionsTwo or three of six baboon taxa are at risk of significant habitat loss as climates warm despite their apparent ecological flexibility. The chacma and Kinda baboons (both IUCN listed as Least Concern) will be worst affected, followed by the Guinea baboon (Near Threatened) if warming brings aridification. We recommend more focus on biogeographical tools as a means of exploring vulnerabilities in seemingly resilient species.
Disentangling factors limiting diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), spatio‐temporal population abundance: A tool for pest forecasting
Authors: Machekano Honest , Mutamiswa Reyard , Mvumi Brighton M. , Nyabako Tinashe , Shaw Sachin , Nyamukondiwa Casper 
Published: May 2019

AbstractData‐mining techniques play an important role in hyperparameter optimization of heterogeneous environmental factors and their relative contribution as determinants of incidences in insect pest ecological studies. A multidimensional field‐based surveillance was conducted in two seasons (24 months), July–June of each season (2015/2016 ‐ season 1 and 2016/2017 ‐ season 2) using sex‐pheromone‐baited traps and Thermocron i‐Buttons to identify key determinants of population abundance of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., across spatial horticultural hotspots of Botswana. The moth is a notorious global brassica pest. Pearson's product moment correlation matrix showed month of the year (M), mean temperature (Tmean) and maximum temperature (Tmax) as positively correlated (p < 0.001) to number of moths (N), while minimum temperature (Tmin), minimum relative humidity (RHmin), mean relative humidity (RHmean), maximum relative humidity (RHmax) and host plant (h) were negatively correlated (p < 0.001) to N. Using Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) data‐mining techniques, two models were developed: (a) M5P decision‐tree algorithm associated with nine linear models (LMs) and (b) principal component analysis (PCA) based on four principal components. Both approaches identified M as the major predictor of moth abundance, followed by h and farming region (R). However, R was a function of Tmax (positive auto‐correlation) and RHmax (negative auto‐correlation). These results provide simplified relative contribution of heterogeneous factors in influencing P. xylostella spatio‐temporal abundance, essential for early warning systems in pest management. This is an important component of sustainable pest management aimed at managing insect pests and minimizing pesticides abuse in brassica production systems.
Exploring levels of egg parasitism and variation in egg cuticular chemistry in different Clavigralla spp.
Authors: Kpongbe Hilaire , Van den Berg Johnnie , Khamis Fathiya , Tamò Manuele , Talamas Elijah Jacob , Torto Baldwyn 
Published: May 2019

AbstractClavigralla spp. (Hemiptera: Coreidae) are major pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Fabacae), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabacae) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L., Fabacae) in Africa. Clavigralla spp. egg parasitoids, Gryon spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), have previously been reported as potential biological control candidates. Little is known about the parasitism levels and their potential relationship with cuticular chemistry of Clavigralla spp. The aims of this study were to determine parasitism levels of Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and C. elongata Signoret (Hemiptera: Coreidae) eggs, and to explore the relationship between egg parasitism and egg cuticular chemistry. High parasitism levels were determined for C. tomentosicollis by collecting eggs from plants in mono‐cropping and multi‐cropping systems in farmers’ fields in Bénin and Kenya between April and June 2016. Three species of Clavigralla were recorded: C. tomentosicollis, C. shadabi and C. elongata. Clavigralla tomentosicollis was the most common in both countries, while C. shadabi and C. elongata were only collected in Bénin and Kenya, respectively. An egg parasitoid (Gryon sp.) was recovered from egg batches collected from both countries. In parasitism assays using Gryon sp., the incidence of parasitism was higher in C. tomentosicollis eggs than that of C. elongata. Chemical analysis by coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of cuticular extracts obtained from C. tomentosicollis and C. elongata eggs identified fifteen compounds including ten alkanes of which the amounts varied between the two species. We speculate that Clavigralla spp. cuticular chemistry may serve as potential host location cues for Gryon sp.
Why Immigrants’ Multiple Identities Matter: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice
Authors: Wiley Shaun , Fleischmann Fenella , Deaux Kay , Verkuyten Maykel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractImmigrants and their descendants typically identify with ethnic, national, religious, and/or regional groups, in various combinations and with varying degrees of compatibility or conflict. Research and theorizing on these patterns of identification, as represented in this issue, suggest guideposts for future research and domains for policy development. Here, we identify some of the issues that warrant additional research and we consider implications of existing research on dual (or multiple) identification for the development and implementation of policies related to immigrants. Examples of the former include the need for careful specification of concepts, the consideration of multiple dimensions of identity, deeper examination of identity meanings, methodological extensions in time and space, and greater theoretical integration. Policy development will require greater attention to various identity combinations, advocacy for national inclusivity, the promotion of sites for positive intergroup contact, and maximizing the potential for immigrants with multiple identities to help bridge intergroup gaps.
Newly qualified nurses' perceptions of working at mental health facilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Mabala Jaftaline , van der Wath Annatjie , Moagi Miriam 
Published: May 2019

Accessible summaryWhat is already known about the topic?

Newly qualified nurses often feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the work environment and struggle to transition into healthcare work environments.

Nurses require opportunities during the transition period to develop both competence and confidence in their ability to practise independently.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Newly qualified mental health nurses experience fear during their adaptation period, especially when they perceive mental healthcare users as dangerous and the working environment as risky, with little concern for their safety.

Nurses new to the mental health environment learn from accepting responsibility, taking on challenges and making adjustments, in order to develop confidence as mental healthcare professionals.

What are the implications for practice?

Nursing management should ensure a safe and supportive mental healthcare environment. The potential for and consequences of negative stereotyping of patients among mental health nurses should be acknowledged and addressed as it may hinder the smooth adaptation of newly qualified nurses.

Although stressful experiences can help mental health nurses to develop confidence and skills to manage future demanding situations, newly qualified nurses need to be given appropriate support and debriefing to ensure challenging situations do not “go the wrong way” and decrease confidence levels.

AbstractIntroductionMuch has been written about the experiences of newly qualified nurses in their first year of employment, yet not much has been heard from the perspectives of newly qualified nurses working in mental health facilities.AimTo explore and describe the adaptation process of newly qualified nurses working in public mental health facilities in South Africa.MethodFollowing a qualitative descriptive design, 11 newly qualified nurses in their first 6–18 months of employment were purposively selected from three public mental health facilities in South Africa. Data collected through unstructured individual interviews were thematically analysed.ResultsFour themes emerged from the analysis: fear related to the mental healthcare environment; self‐doubt upon meeting the expectations of the inter‐professional team; ways to adjust to the challenges; and confidence as mental healthcare professionals.DiscussionDuring the adaptation process newly qualified nurses working in mental health facilities need support to overcome their initial fears and develop self‐confidence in both managerial and therapeutic realms.Implications for practiceManagement of mental healthcare facilities needs to be cognisant of the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment that discourages negative stereotyping of patients and fosters newly qualified nurses' adaptation.