bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RepB proteins of the multipartite Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii genome discriminate between centromere‐like parS sequences for plasmid segregational stability
Authors: Koper Piotr , Żebracki Kamil , Marczak Małgorzata , Skorupska Anna , Mazur Andrzej 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe plasmids of the Rhizobiaceae family members and other Alphaproteobacteria are usually large, low copy‐number and contain all elements necessary for active segregation and replication located in one operon comprising repABC genes. The genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA1 (RtTA1) consists of a chromosome and four plasmids (pRleTA1a‐d) with repABC operons. In this work, centromere‐binding RepB proteins of four RtTA1 plasmids were studied. Stability assays of the truncated derivatives of repABC cassettes demonstrated that RepA, RepB proteins and parS‐like elements constituted plasmid partitioning systems, while RepC were sufficient for their replication. Individual RepB proteins bound specifically to centromere‐like parS elements of the parental plasmids, which was crucial step toward the proper segregation of plasmids into daughter cells. RtTA1 RepB proteins formed dimers and oligomers in the solution. The C‐terminal part of RepB was responsible for dimerization, while the domain engaged in parS binding was located in the middle of the protein. It was concluded that the specific interaction between individual RepB proteins and their target sequences together with the substantial diversity of the Rep proteins and parS originating from different plasmids strongly contributed to the coexistence of several plasmids equipped with similar repABC cassettes in the multipartite bacterial genome.
Resident and family member perceptions of cultural diversity in aged care homes
Authors: Xiao Lily Dongxia , Willis Eileen , Harrington Ann , Gillham David , De Bellis Anita , Morey Wendy , Jeffers Lesley 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSimilar to many developed nations, older people living in residential aged care homes in Australia and the staff who care for them have become increasingly multicultural. This cultural diversity adds challenges for residents in adapting to the care home. This study explores: (i) residents' and family members' perceptions about staff and cultural diversity, and (ii) culturally and linguistically diverse residents' and family members' experiences. An interpretive study design employing a thematic analysis was applied. Twenty‐three residents and seven family members participated in interviews. Four themes were identified from interpreting residents and family members' perceptions of the impact of cultural diversity on their adaptation to aged care homes: (i) perceiving diversity as an attraction; (ii) adapting to cross‐cultural communication; (iii) adjusting to diet in the residential care home; and (iv) anticipating individualized psychosocial interactions. The findings have implications for identifying strategies to support staff from all cultural backgrounds in order to create a caring environment that facilitates positive relationships with residents and supports residents to adjust to the care home.
RISKS, RESILIENCE, AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: LESSONS FROM SELECTED FINDINGS†
Authors: GRAFTON R. QUENTIN , LITTLE L. RICHARD 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe propose ways that resource managers can respond to risk and promote resilience. Based on a selected review of key findings in the literature, we provide three complementary contributions: (i) a justification for an alternative to the consequences by likelihood approach to risk analysis; (ii) an explanation about how to quantitatively use derivatives to mitigate risk in natural resource management; and (iii) approaches to promote resilience in fisheries management, groundwater extraction, and in the use of environmental offsets. Conclusions are offered about how the highlighted research findings could be used by resource managers to generate conservation benefits.
Laserballoon and Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Persistent and Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: STÖCKIGT FLORIAN , KOHLMANN ANNIKA T. , LINHART MARKUS , NICKENIG GEORG , ANDRIÉ RENÉ P. , BEIERT THOMAS , SCHRICKEL JAN W. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundVisually guided laserballoon (LB) ablation has recently been introduced for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI). We analyzed efficacy and safety results of the newly introduced LB ablation technique in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), and compared this with an established standard method using the cryoballoon (CB).MethodsA total of 35 patients with symptomatic persistent AF underwent LB ablation and were followed‐up for 1 year. Results were compared to 35 patients who underwent CB ablation at the same institution and case matched for age, sex, CHA2DS2‐VASc score, and left atrial volume.ResultsComplete isolation of all PVs was achieved in 68.6% in the LB and 97.1% in the CB group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found for AF‐free survival after 12 months in the complete cohort of all patients (LB: 53.3% vs CB: 70.4%; P = n.s.) and after excluding patients without complete PVI (LB: 57.8% vs CB: 72.5%; P = n.s.). LB ablation resulted in longer procedure (158.5 ± 37.9 minutes vs 110.9 ± 26.5 minutes; P < 0.01) and fluoroscopy durations (28.4 ± 11.1 minutes vs 23.5 ± 9.4 minutes; P = 0.04.), and a trend toward more major complications (14.3% vs 2.9%; P = n.s.). Procedure durations and complications declined over time and were level with CB‐treated patients when reaching the last quartile of the LB patients.ConclusionPVI in patients with persistent AF using the LB or the CB resulted in comparable success rates. Initial prolongations in procedure and safety parameters as a result of a learning curve effect for the LB have to be considered before starting to use this technique.
Bidirectional cross talk between patient‐derived melanoma and cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes invasion and proliferation
Authors: Izar Benjamin , Joyce Cailin E. , Goff Stephanie , Cho Nancy L. , Shah Parin M. , Sharma Gaurav , Li Jingjing , Ibrahim Nageatte , Gold Jason , Hodi F. Stephen , Garraway Levi A. , Novina Carl D. , Bertagnolli Monica M. , Yoon Charles H. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryTumor–stroma interactions are critical for epithelial‐derived tumors, and among the stromal cell types, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit multiple functions that fuel growth, dissemination, and drug resistance. However, these interactions remain insufficiently characterized in non‐epithelial tumors such as malignant melanoma. We generated monocultures of melanoma cells and matching CAFs from patients’ metastatic lesions, distinguished by oncogenic drivers and immunoblotting of characteristic markers. RNA sequencing of CAFs revealed a homogenous epigenetic program that strongly resembled the signatures from epithelial cancers, including enrichment for an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Melanoma CAFs in monoculture displayed robust invasive behavior while patient‐derived melanoma monocultures showed very little invasiveness. Instead, melanoma cells showed increased invasion when co‐cultured with CAFs. In turn, CAFs showed increased proliferation when exposed to melanoma conditioned media (CM), mediated in part by melanoma‐secreted transforming growth factor‐alpha that acted on CAFs via the epidermal growth factor receptor. This study provides evidence that bidirectional interactions between melanoma and CAFs regulate progression of metastatic melanoma.
Beyond Weber: Conceptualizing an alternative ideal type of bureaucracy in developing contexts
Authors: Ang Yuen Yuen 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe study of public administration in developing countries requires that we look beyond the Weberian model as the only ideal type of bureaucracy. When we assume that there exists only one gold standard of public administration, all other organizational forms that do not conform to the Weberian ideal are dismissed as corrupt or failed. Drawing on neo‐institutional economics, I introduce an alternative ideal type of bureaucracy found in contemporary China. This model, which I call bureau‐franchising, combines the hierarchical structure of bureaucracy with the high‐powered incentives of franchising. In this system, public agencies can rightfully claim a share of income earned to finance and reward themselves, like entrepreneurial franchisees. Yet distinct from lawless corruption, this self‐financing (or prebendal) behavior is sanctioned and even deliberately incentivized by state rules. Although such a model violates several Weberian tenets of “good” bureaucracy, it harnesses and regulates the high‐powered incentives of prebendalism to ameliorate budgetary and capacity constraints that are common in developing countries like China.
Statistical Analysis Of Mixture Vector Autoregressive Models
Authors: Cavicchioli Maddalena 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we reconsider the mixture vector autoregressive model, which was proposed in the literature for modelling non‐linear time series. We complete and extend the stationarity conditions, derive a matrix formula in closed form for the autocovariance function of the process and prove a result on stable vector autoregressive moving‐average representations of mixture vector autoregressive models. For these results, we apply techniques related to a Markovian representation of vector autoregressive moving‐average processes. Furthermore, we analyse maximum likelihood estimation of model parameters by using the expectation–maximization algorithm and propose a new iterative algorithm for getting the maximum likelihood estimates. Finally, we study the model selection problem and testing procedures. Several examples, simulation experiments and an empirical application based on monthly financial returns illustrate the proposed procedures.
Regional three‐dimensional deformation of human Achilles tendon during conditioning
Authors: Nuri L. , Obst S. J. , Newsham‐West R. , Barrett R. S. 
Published: August 2016

Our understanding of in vivo Achilles tendon (AT) conditioning is limited to two‐dimensional ultrasound measures of longitudinal deformation of the whole tendon. This study investigated the regional three‐dimensional (3D) deformation of the AT during conditioning. Eighteen ATs were scanned using 3D freehand ultrasound during 10 successive 25 s submaximal (50%) voluntary isometric plantarflexion contractions. Longitudinal strain was assessed for the whole AT, aponeurosis, and free AT and transverse strain was assessed for the proximal‐, mid‐, and distal‐portions of the free AT. Longitudinal conditioning of the whole AT was primarily driven by creep response of the free AT and transverse conditioning was greatest for the mid‐portion of the free AT. Whole and free AT longitudinal strain increased up to the third contraction and were accompanied by a corresponding reduction in free AT cross‐sectional area (CSA) strain in proximal‐, mid‐, and distal‐portions. No significant changes in aponeurosis strain or tendon volume were detected between contractions. These findings suggest that conditioning alters free AT shape, with increased tendon length attained at the expense of reduction in free AT CSA. Although AT experiences different amounts of strain in different regions, the number of contractions required to reach steady‐state strain during conditioning is uniform throughout the tendon.
Masculinities Through a Cross‐Disciplinary Lens: Lessons from Sociology and Psychology
Authors: Pfeffer Carla A. , Rogalin Christabel L. , Gee Cari A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThere are considerable (and growing) bodies of literature within sociology and psychology addressing the various ways in which masculinities are socially constructed and interactional, yet rarely are the two disciplines presented together. In this paper, we provide a selective integrated review of the literatures within psychology and sociology focusing on the social construction of masculinities. Rather than providing an exhaustive overview, this review places selected key sociological and psychological frameworks and empirical findings on masculinities in dialogue, providing insight into areas where scholars of masculinities may benefit from considering cross‐disciplinary incorporation of key findings within their scholarship.
Masculinity and Sexual Violence: Assessing the State of the Field
Authors: Fahlberg Anjuli , Pepper Mollie 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDespite strong evidence that men perpetrate most acts of sexual violence, little is known about the factors that lead some men to commit such harmful acts. A growing body of feminist scholarship has begun to explore this question, although the disciplinary and geographic breadth of these studies has prevented the development of a cohesive research agenda. This literature review contributes to this task by reviewing the major theoretical contributions to the study of masculinity and sexual violence, detailing some of the ways in which sexual violence aids in the production of masculine individuals, groups, and states. Taken as a whole, we argue that this body of scholarship views sexual violence as a mechanism through which social constructions of masculinity are produced and reproduced, although the forms that this violence takes vary by context. We conclude with a discussion of some of the theoretical and empirical limitations of this research and consider the implications of these findings for public policy.
The Emerging (Social) Neuroscience of SES
Authors: Varnum Michael E. W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSocial scientists have long been interested in understanding how socioeconomic status (SES) affects the way people think, feel, and behave. Neuroscience has provided new tools (fMRI, EEG, and ERP) to allow us to answer these questions, demonstrating, for example, that lower SES is linked to stronger mirror neural responses, greater mentalizing, enhanced vigilance to threat, and lesser likelihood to spontaneously infer traits based on limited information. The present paper (i) reviews evidence that SES affects neural responses involved in a wide range of psychological processes, (ii) highlights the value of neural methods in investigations of SES, (iii) discusses cultural neuroscience as a potential framework to understand why SES has the effects it does on the brain, (iv) considers previous developmental neuroscience findings regarding SES and attention in light of cultural neuroscience, and (v) discusses future challenges, opportunities, and questions for this emerging field.
Applying Theories of Communal Motivation to Sexuality
Authors: Muise Amy , Impett Emily A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOne important but challenging aspect of maintaining a satisfying romantic relationship is keeping the sexual spark alive. Research suggests the importance of a couple's sexual connection in the maintenance of their relationship, but sustaining high levels of desire for a partner over the course of time can be difficult. In the current review, we argue that one novel approach to understanding how couples might maintain desire and satisfaction over the course of time in their relationships is applying theories of communal motivation to the domain of sexuality. In this line of research, we have demonstrated that people high in sexual communal strength – those who are motivated to be non‐contingently responsive to their partners' sexual needs – are able to sustain higher sexual desire over the course of time and navigate sexual disagreements in a way that maintains both partners' relationship quality. Future research directions include broadening the view of sexual needs to include the need to decline or reject a partner's sexual advances and investigating how partners manage unmet sexual needs.
The skin microbiome in allergen‐induced canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Pierezan Felipe , Olivry Thierry , Paps Judith S. , Lawhon Sara D. , Wu Jing , Steiner Jörg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundStudies focusing on next‐generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene have allowed detailed surveys of skin bacterial populations (microbiota) of the skin.Hypothesis/objectivesThis study evaluated temporal changes in the skin microbiota in a canine model of atopic dermatitis.AnimalsEight atopic dogs previously sensitized with house dust mites (HDM).MethodsThe dogs were topically challenged on the right groin with HDM allergens. Swabs were collected from the challenged and the contralateral nonchallenged sites prior to provocation (pre‐challenge; baseline sample) and on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after allergen challenge. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified, sequenced and analysed. Staphylococcus spp. and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius were quantified with quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR).ResultsSkin lesions developed in all dogs on the challenged sites. Differences in bacterial groups were observed on the challenged site over time. Relatively lower abundances of Fusobacteriaceae on Day 7, and, based on LEfSe, increased abundances of Corynebacteriaceae on Day 1, and Staphylococcaceae on days 7, 14 and 21, were observed on the challenged site, compared to the contralateral site. Results of RT‐qPCR correlated with those of next‐generation sequencing, with significantly increased numbers of Staphylococcus spp. and S. pseudintermedius on Day 21, and days 7 and 21 on the challenged site compared to the contralateral site, respectively.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis study demonstrates that an allergen challenge in sensitized dogs leads to bacterial dysbiosis with increased abundance of S. pseudintermedius at the site of lesion induction.
Postoperative Complications and Short‐Term Outcome Following Single‐Session Bilateral Corrective Surgery for Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs Weighing <15 kg: 50 Cases (2009–2014)
Authors: Gallegos Javier , Unis Marcos , Roush James K. , Agulian Lori 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo assess complication rates and short‐term outcome in small dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation (MPL) undergoing single‐session bilateral corrective surgery.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs weighing <15 kg with congenital bilateral MPL that underwent single‐session bilateral corrective surgery (n = 50).MethodsSurgical procedures for MPL correction included trochlear wedge recession (TWR), crest transposition, lateral imbrication, and medial fascial release. Complication rates were correlated with number of surgical procedures, weight, whether or not a bandage was applied postoperatively, and surgeon experience (ACVS Diplomate vs resident). Results were compared with the most recent study evaluating single‐session bilateral corrective surgery for MPL.ResultsOverall complication rate was 22% (11 of 50 dogs). Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs (3 stifles) requiring revision. Grade 1 patella reluxation was the most common minor complication at 10% (5/50). Overall complication and reluxation rates were similar to previous studies. There were no intraoperative complications after performing TWR in small dogs.ConclusionSingle‐session bilateral corrective surgery for MPL is well tolerated in small dogs with complication rates historically similar to dogs undergoing unilateral or staged bilateral surgery. With individual case assessment, single‐session surgery could be offered to owners, allowing one anesthetic episode and potentially lowering the chance for morbidity. Further studies, ideally prospective studies, are needed to assess long‐term outcome following single‐session bilateral corrective surgery for MPL.
Lcp1 Is a Phosphotransferase Responsible for Ligating Arabinogalactan to Peptidoglycan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Harrison James , Lloyd Georgina , Joe Maju , Lowary Todd L. , Reynolds Edward , Walters-Morgan Hannah , Bhatt Apoorva , Lovering Andrew , Besra Gurdyal S. , Alderwick Luke J. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), has a unique cell envelope which accounts for its unusual low permeability and contributes to resistance against common antibiotics. The main structural elements of the cell wall consist of a cross-linked network of peptidoglycan (PG) in which some of the muramic acid residues are covalently attached to a complex polysaccharide, arabinogalactan (AG), via a unique α-
l
-rhamnopyranose–(1→3)-α-
d
-GlcNAc-(1→P) linker unit. While the molecular genetics associated with PG and AG biosynthetic pathways have been largely delineated, the mechanism by which these two major pathways converge has remained elusive. In Gram-positive organisms, the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) family of proteins are responsible for ligating cell wall teichoic acids to peptidoglycan, through a linker unit that bears a striking resemblance to that found in mycobacterial arabinogalactan. In this study, we have identified
Rv3267
as a mycobacterial LCP homolog gene that encodes a phosphotransferase which we have named Lcp1. We demonstrate that
lcp1
is an essential gene required for cell viability and show that recombinant Lcp1 is capable of ligating AG to PG in a cell-free radiolabeling assay.

IMPORTANCE
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterial organism
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Survival of
M. tuberculosis
rests critically on the integrity of its unique cell wall; therefore, a better understanding of how the genes and enzymes involved in cell wall assembly work is fundamental for us to develop new drugs to treat this disease. In this study, we have identified Lcp1 as an essential phosphotransferase that ligates together arabinogalactan and peptidoglycan, two crucial cell wall macromolecules found within the mycobacterial cell wall. The discovery of Lcp1 sheds new light on the final stages of mycobacterial cell wall assembly and represents a key biosynthetic step that could be exploited for new anti-TB drug discovery.
The Medina Embolic Device: early clinical experience from a single center
Authors: Aguilar Perez Marta , Bhogal Pervinder , Martinez Moreno Rosa , Bäzner Hansjörg , Ganslandt Oliver , Henkes Hans 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo report our initial experience with the Medina Embolic Device (MED) in unruptured intracranial aneurysms either as sole treatment or in conjunction with additional devices.Methods15 consecutive patients (6 women, 9 men) with unruptured aneurysms were treated between September 2015 and April 2016. The aneurysm fundus measured at least 5 mm. We evaluated the angiographic appearances of treated aneurysms at the end of the procedure and at follow-up, the clinical status, complications, and requirement for adjunctive devices.ResultsThe MED was successfully deployed in all but one case and adjunctive devices were required in 10 cases. Aneurysm locations were middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n=3), internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation (n=1), supraclinoid ICA (n=5), posterior communicating artery (n=1), anterior communicating artery (n=2), cavernous ICA (n=2), distal basilar sidewall (n=1), basilar tip (n=1). Three patients had complications although none could be attributed to the MED. Immediate angiographic results were modified Raymond-Roy classification (mRRC) I=1, mRRC II=5, mRRC IIIa=3, mRRC IIIb=5, and one patient showed contrast stasis within the fundus of the aneurysm. Follow-up angiography was available in 11 patients, with four showing complete aneurysm exclusion, six with stable remnants and one patient with an enlarging neck remnant.ConclusionsThe MED represents a major step forward in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. It can result in rapid exclusion of an aneurysm from the circulation and has a good safety profile. We believe that the true value of the MED will be in combining its use with adjunctive devices such as endoluminal flow diverters that will result in rapid aneurysmal exclusion.