bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple transoceanic dispersals and geographical structure in the pantropical leafy liverwort Ceratolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Porellales)
Authors: Scheben Armin , Bechteler Julia , Lee Gaik Ee , Pócs Tamás , Schäfer‐Verwimp Alfons , Heinrichs Jochen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimHow disjunct distributions arise and why organisms differ in diversification patterns remain some of the most compelling fundamental questions in biogeography. We carry out phylogeographical analyses of the pantropical liverwort genus Ceratolejeunea to identify its geographical origin and the dispersal routes by which it gained its Neotropical‐African disjunction. Furthermore, we investigate whether there is geographical structure in Ceratolejeunea on islands and whether island diversity is a result of radiations or recurrent migration.LocationAmerica, Africa and Australasia.MethodsSequences of two chloroplast regions (trnL–F, rbcL) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region were obtained for 55 accessions of 20 species to explore the phylogeny, divergence times and ancestral areas of Ceratolejeunea. The phylogeny was reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, and divergence times were estimated with a Bayesian relaxed clock method and fossil and secondary calibrations. Ancestral areas were estimated using BioGeoBEARS.ResultsCeratolejeunea likely originated in the Neotropics during the Palaeogene (42.2 Ma, 95% HPD: 22.2–64.8) and the initial diversification of its crown group took place between the Eocene and Miocene (25.5 Ma, 95% HPD: 16.6–35.8). Although boreotropical migration and subsequent extinction in northern regions cannot be rejected, the observed disjunctions are best explained by four transoceanic dispersal events from the Neotropics to Africa during the late Oligocene to Pleistocene. Geographical structure is prevalent on islands, particularly in the C. cornuta complex. Three species and the subgenus Ceratolejeunea are recovered as paraphyletic.Main conclusionsWidespread paraphyly and sister group relationships between disjunct taxa indicate an important role of cryptic speciation and transoceanic dispersal with subsequent genetic differentiation in the evolution of Ceratolejeunea. On islands, recurrent migration, rather than radiation, has shaped bryophyte diversity.
A PROGRESS REPORT ON MARXIAN ECONOMIC THEORY: ON THE CONTROVERSIES IN EXPLOITATION THEORY SINCE OKISHIO ()
Authors: Yoshihara Naoki 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis report explores the development of exploitation theory in mathematical Marxian economics by reviewing the main controversies surrounding the proper definition of exploitation since the contribution of Okishio. The report first examines the debates on the Fundamental Marxian Theorem and Class‐Exploitation Correspondence Principle, developed mainly in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by the property relation theory of exploitation by Roemer. Then, the more recent exploitation theory proposed by Vrousalis and Wright is introduced. Finally, the report introduces and comments on recent axiomatic studies of exploitation by focusing on the work of Veneziani and Yoshihara.
Why Invest in Emerging Markets? The Role of Conditional Return Asymmetry
Authors: GHYSELS ERIC , PLAZZI ALBERTO , VALKANOV ROSSEN 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTWe propose a quantile‐based measure of conditional skewness, particularly suitable for handling recalcitrant emerging market (EM) returns. The skewness of international stock market returns varies significantly across countries over time, and persists at long horizons. In EMs, skewness is mostly positive and idiosyncratic, and significantly relates to a country's financial and trade openness and balance of payments. In an international portfolio setting, return asymmetry leads to sizeable certainty‐equivalent gains and increases the weight on emerging countries to about 30%. Investing in EMs seems to be about expectations of a higher upside than downside, consistent with recent theories.
Evidence of Phytoalexins in Rhizome of Atractylodis Maceocephalae Koidz Infected with Sclerotium rolfsii sacc Following Treatment with the Polysaccharides of Chrysanthemum indicum
Authors: Zhou Yinfeng , Du Ningning , Jiang Peng , Tian Wei , Zheng Dongfang , Zhang Xinyi , Qin Pinyan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAtractylenolides compounds (atractylenolide‐I, atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III) extracted from Atractylenolides macrocephala were analysed for their differential presence in the rhizome of both the infected and healthy plants and its fungitoxicity on prophylactic treatment with polysaccharides of Chrysanthemum indicum against Sclerotium rolfsii. It was evident that the plant under stress by pathogen has instigated the significant synthesis and accumulation of atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III in the rhizome of plants as a result of elicitation with polysaccharides of C. indicum. Our results also showed that the absence of atractylenolide‐II in the rhizome made the plant susceptible to S. rolfsii. Furthermore, on in vitro antifungal studies, exogenous application of atractylenolide‐II with the concentration of 200 μg/ml showed a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth by achieving a 77.23% antifungal activity rate, and a minimal inhibitory effect at a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml with atractylenolide‐II. To our knowledge, this novel study on phytoalexins in A. macrocephala suggested that A. macrocephala plants produce elevated levels of atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III in a pattern typical of phytoalexins, in response to an eliciting treatment after infection.
Complications of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Dogs and Cats Receiving Corticosteroid Treatment
Authors: Aguiar J. , Chang Y.M. , Garden O.A. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundCorticosteroid treatment is commonly required in veterinary patients for treatment of inflammatory, immune‐mediated, neurologic, and neoplastic diseases, which also may require assisted enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).ObjectiveTo evaluate complications associated with PEG use in dogs and cats receiving corticosteroid treatment.AnimalsForty‐two animals were included in the study: 12 dogs and 2 cats in the steroid group and 26 dogs and 2 cats in the control group.MethodsMedical records, between January 2006 and March 2015, were reviewed. Patients were included if the PEG tube was in use for at least 24 hours and if complete medical records were available. Patients were assigned to the control group if they were not treated with corticosteroids during PEG use or to the steroid group if they had received corticosteroids during PEG tube use. Complications were classified as minor, moderate, and major in severity. Maximum severity complication rate was compared between groups.ResultsThe general prevalence of complications was found to be similar between groups (P = .306), but in the steroid group, 43% of the cases developed a major severity complication compared with 18% of the control group (P = .054).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceOwners of dogs and cats receiving corticosteroids, in which PEG is planned, should be counseled about possible complications beyond those associated with PEG tube usage alone.
Pharmacokinetic indices for cefovecin after single‐dose administration to adult sea otters (Enhydra lutris)
Authors: Lee E. A. , Byrne B. A. , Young M. A. , Murray M. , Miller M. A. , Tell L. A. 
Published: May 2016

Seven sea otters received a single subcutaneous dose of cefovecin at 8 mg/kg body weight. Plasma samples were collected at predetermined time points and assayed for total cefovecin concentrations using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The mean (±SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic indices were as follows: CMax (obs) 70.6 ± 14.6 μg/mL, TMax (obs) 2.9 ± 1.5 h, elimination rate constant (kel) 0.017 ± 0.002/h, elimination half‐life (t1/2kel) 41.6 ± 4.7 h, area under the plasma concentration‐vs.‐time curve to last sample (AUClast) 3438.7 ± 437.7 h·μg/mL and AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUC0→∞) 3447.8 ± 439.0 h·μg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for select isolates were determined and used to suggest possible dosing intervals of 10 days, 5 days, and 2.5 days for gram‐positive, gram‐negative, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacterial species, respectively. This study found a single subcutaneous dose of cefovecin sodium in sea otters to be clinically safe and a viable option for long‐acting antimicrobial therapy.
Small, rare and trendy: traits and biogeography of lizards described in the 21st century
Authors: Meiri S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe pace of new reptile species descriptions, especially of new lizard descriptions, is rapidly increasing. The number of recognized lizard species has increased by more than 30% since the turn of the century. I examined the traits of newly described lizard taxa, and compared them to those of species described earlier, to predict where new species will be found, what traits they have, and whether they are likely to be more extinction‐prone than well‐known species. I compiled data on the biogeography and ecology of newly described forms and examined the relationship between these traits and the date of description. As expected, new descriptions are generally of small species, predominantly with small geographic ranges. Most species have been described from the Oriental Realm, whereas few new species were described from Africa. New descriptions are disproportionally biased in favor of geckos and of nocturnal species – and, surprisingly, contain few subterranean forms. Newly described lizard species are more likely to be threatened with extinction and may be more susceptible to population decline. Although the rate of new lizard descriptions is still accelerating, this work contributes to predicting what types of species are likely to be found in the future – and where. The small ranges of such species, in regions suffering from severe habitat degradation, suggests that strong mitigation measures are needed to ensure that many of these species will not be lost shortly after being described.
Assessing nursing quality in paediatric intensive care units: a cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Liu Linxia , Hu Jing , Zhang Yanhong , Lu Guoping , Li Guangyu , Zuo Zelan , Lu Hua , Zou Huan , Wang Zaihua , Huang Quelan 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundNursing‐sensitive indicators are considered effective tools for improving the quality of care in hospitals. However, these have not been used in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in China.AimTo develop nursing‐sensitive indicators for PICUs and to assess the quality of nursing in PICUs in China based on the nursing‐sensitive indicators.DesignMulti‐centre, cross‐sectional study.MethodsStructure, process and outcome indicators were developed and measured from 1 January to 31 March 2014 in seven PICUs in China.ResultsThe structure indicators showed that one nurse cared for an average of 2·8 patients in a PICU, and 44% of nurses had a bachelor's degree. The process indicators revealed that hand‐washing compliance varied across PICUs, whereas pain management and physical restraint have not been adequately addressed in China. The outcome indicators revealed that the incidence rates of ventilator‐associated pneumonia and central‐line‐associated blood stream infections were 2·96 and 0·7, respectively, per 1000 device days. Patients were intubated for a total of 4392 mechanical ventilator days, and 32 patients (7·29‰) had an unplanned extubation. Nurses were moderately satisfied in their jobs (3·1 ± 0·3), and parents reported that nurses provide high quality of care.ConclusionsThis study developed and used nursing‐sensitive indicators to assess the quality of nursing in PICUs in China, which provided a reference for national and international comparisons of nursing quality in PICUs. Nursing staffing levels and education should be improved. Pain management and physical restraints should be regulated in China's PICUs. Nurse managers need to explore staff attitudes towards implementation of family‐centred care. The development of a national database of nursing quality indicators can contribute to quality and safety improvement.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study developed a set of nursing‐sensitive indicators, and these indicators were used to assess and improve the quality of nursing in PICUs.
Multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclases and cytochrome P450 involved in the biosynthesis of apple fruit triterpenic acids
Authors: Andre Christelle M. , Legay Sylvain , Deleruelle Amélie , Nieuwenhuizen Niels , Punter Matthew , Brendolise Cyril , Cooney Janine M. , Lateur Marc , Hausman Jean‐François , Larondelle Yvan , Laing William A. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Apple (Malus × domestica) accumulates bioactive ursane‐, oleanane‐, and lupane‐type triterpenes in its fruit cuticle, but their biosynthetic pathway is still poorly understood.

We used a homology‐based approach to identify and functionally characterize two new oxidosqualene cyclases (MdOSC4 and MdOSC5) and one cytochrome P450 (CYP716A175). The gene expression patterns of these enzymes and of previously described oxidosqualene cyclases were further studied in 20 apple cultivars with contrasting triterpene profiles.

MdOSC4 encodes a multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclase producing an oleanane‐type triterpene, putatively identified as germanicol, as well as β‐amyrin and lupeol, in the proportion 82 : 14 : 4. MdOSC5 cyclizes 2,3‐oxidosqualene into lupeol and β‐amyrin at a ratio of 95 : 5. CYP716A175 catalyses the C‐28 oxidation of α‐amyrin, β‐amyrin, lupeol and germanicol, producing ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, and putatively morolic acid. The gene expression of MdOSC1 was linked to the concentrations of ursolic and oleanolic acid, whereas the expression of MdOSC5 was correlated with the concentrations of betulinic acid and its caffeate derivatives.

Two new multifuntional triterpene synthases as well as a multifunctional triterpene C‐28 oxidase were identified in Malus × domestica. This study also suggests that MdOSC1 and MdOSC5 are key genes in apple fruit triterpene biosynthesis.
Enhanced paromomycin efficacy by solid lipid nanoparticle formulation against Leishmania in mice model
Authors: Heidari‐Kharaji M. , Taheri T. , Doroud D. , Habibzadeh S. , Badirzadeh A. , Rafati S. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryLeishmaniasis caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Intracellular infections treatment such as leishmaniasis is frequently hampered by limited access of drugs to infected cells. Moreover, most of the current drugs are confined to some toxic compounds, and there are increasing incidences of development of drug resistance. Hence, production of a new antileishmanial compound is crucial. Paromomycin sulphate (PM) is a promising antileishmanial drug. One strategy to improve drug effectiveness is to use appropriate delivery systems. Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) is as an excellent substitute delivery system to other colloidal carrier. In the present study, PM was loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles (PM‐SLN) and the in vivo efficacy was studied against Leishmania (L.) major‐infected BALB/c mice. For this reason, the footpad swelling was measured and real‐time PCR was performed to quantify the parasite load after infectious challenge. The level of cytokines including interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) and nitric oxide was evaluated. Altogether, this study showed that the PM‐SLN formulation is a safe compound and SLN in PM‐SLN compound is effective for treatment of leishmaniasis by improving the effectiveness of PM in killing the parasite and switching towards Th1 response.
Control Functionals for Monte Carlo Integration
Authors: Oates Chris J. , Girolami Mark , Chopin Nicolas 
Published: May 2016

SummaryA non-parametric extension of control variates is presented. These leverage gradient information on the sampling density to achieve substantial variance reduction. It is not required that the sampling density be normalized. The novel contribution of this work is based on two important insights: a trade-off between random sampling and deterministic approximation and a new gradient-based function space derived from Stein's identity. Unlike classical control variates, our estimators improve rates of convergence, often requiring orders of magnitude fewer simulations to achieve a fixed level of precision. Theoretical and empirical results are presented, the latter focusing on integration problems arising in hierarchical models and models based on non-linear ordinary differential equations.
Apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of grass–clover leys and of farmyard manure in an arable rotation. Part I: grass–clover leys
Authors: ten Berge H. F. M. , Pikula D. , Goedhart P. W. , Schröder J. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractApparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement values of grass–clover leys (NFRVGCL) and farmyard manure (NFRVFYM) were studied in a long‐term (24 years) experiment. This paper reports the results for grass–clover leys (GCL). Five rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and four rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) were applied to two arable rotations (RotA – arable+silage maize; RotB – arable+GCL). Polynomial response surfaces fitted to dry matter (DM) yield and N offtake in the three arable crops were used to assess NFRVGCL by interpolation, at high (Method H) and low (Method L) N fertilizer rates, always comparing RotA and RotB at equal FYM rates. In Expt1 (started in 1980), arable crops in RotB required 188, 246, 270, 295 and 312 kg N/ha less fertilizer per cycle than in RotA, to match the DM yields found at highest fertilizer rate in RotA (Method H). These values refer to FYM rates of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 t/ha per cycle, respectively. Corresponding fertilizer savings in Expt2 (started in 1981) were 287, 323, 341, 346 and 337 kg N/ha per cycle. These NFRVGCL values represent savings of 50–83% (Expt1) or 77–92% (Expt2) in N fertilizer applied to the arable phase. Slightly lower NFRVGCL was found by Method L. Extra N offtake in RotB over RotA was a poor estimator of NFRVGCL, showing much lower values and different responses to FYM and fertilizer than NFRVGCL. Mixed leys enable large fertilizer savings in arable rotations.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Webb B.J. , Brunner A. , Ford C.D. , Gazdik M.A. , Petersen F.B. , Hoda D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a consequence of intestinal dysbiosis and is particularly common following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective method of treating CDI by correcting intestinal dysbiosis by passive transfer of healthy donor microflora. FMT has not been widely used in immunocompromised patients, including HSCT recipients, owing to concern for donor‐derived infection. Here, we describe initial results of an FMT program for CDI at a US HSCT center. Seven HSCT recipients underwent FMT between February 2015 and February 2016. Mean time post HSCT was 635 days (25–75 interquartile range [IQR] 38–791). Five of the patients (71.4%) were on immunosuppressive therapy at FMT; 4 had required long‐term suppressive oral vancomycin therapy because of immediate recurrence after antibiotic cessation. Stool donors underwent comprehensive health and behavioral screening and laboratory testing of serum and stool for 32 potential pathogens. FMT was administered via the naso‐jejunal route in 6 of the 7 patients. Mean follow‐up was 265 days (IQR 51–288). Minor post‐FMT adverse effects included self‐limited bloating and urgency. One patient was suspected of having post‐FMT small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. No serious adverse events were noted and all‐cause mortality was 0%. Six of 7 (85.7%) patients had no recurrence; 1 patient recurred at day 156 post FMT after taking an oral antibiotic and required repeat FMT, after which no recurrence has occurred. Diarrhea was improved in all patients and 1 patient with gastrointestinal graft‐versus‐host disease was able to taper off systemic immunosuppression after FMT. With careful donor selection and laboratory screening, FMT appears to be a safe and effective therapy for CDI in HSCT patients and may confer additional benefits. Larger studies are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy and explore other possible effects.
Contribution of peripheral and central chemoreceptors to sympatho‐excitation in heart failure
Authors: Toledo Camilo , Andrade David C. , Lucero Claudia , Schultz Harold D. , Marcus Noah , Retamal Mauricio , Madrid Carlos , Del Rio Rodrigo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractChronic heart failure (CHF) is a major public health problem. Tonic hyper‐activation of sympathetic neural outflow is commonly observed in patients with CHF. Importantly, sympatho‐excitation in CHF exacerbates its progression and is strongly related to poor prognosis and high mortality risk. Increases in both peripheral and central chemoreflex drive are considered markers of the severity of CHF. The principal peripheral chemoreceptors are the carotid bodies (CBs) and alteration in their function has been described in CHF. Mainly, during CHF the CB chemosensitivity is enhanced leading to increases in ventilation and sympathetic outflow. In addition to peripheral control of breathing, central chemoreceptors (CCs) are considered a dominant mechanism in ventilatory regulation. Potentiation of the ventilatory and sympathetic drive in response to CC activation has been shown in patients with CHF as well as in animal models. Therefore, improving understanding of the contribution of the peripheral and central chemoreflexes to augmented sympathetic discharge in CHF could help in developing new therapeutic approaches intended to attenuate the progression of CHF. Accordingly, the main focus of this review is to discuss recent evidence that peripheral and central chemoreflex function are altered in CHF and that they contribute to autonomic imbalance and progression of CHF.
image
Lymphatic pumping: mechanics, mechanisms and malfunction
Authors: Scallan Joshua P. , Zawieja Scott D. , Castorena‐Gonzalez Jorge A. , Davis Michael J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA combination of extrinsic (passive) and intrinsic (active) forces move lymph against a hydrostatic pressure gradient in most regions of the body. The effectiveness of the lymph pump system impacts not only interstitial fluid balance but other aspects of overall homeostasis. This review focuses on the mechanisms that regulate the intrinsic, active contractions of collecting lymphatic vessels in relation to their ability to actively transport lymph. Lymph propulsion requires not only robust contractions of lymphatic muscle cells, but contraction waves that are synchronized over the length of a lymphangion as well as properly functioning intraluminal valves. Normal lymphatic pump function is determined by the intrinsic properties of lymphatic muscle and the regulation of pumping by lymphatic preload, afterload, spontaneous contraction rate, contractility and neural influences. Lymphatic contractile dysfunction, barrier dysfunction and valve defects are common themes among pathologies that directly involve the lymphatic system, such as inherited and acquired forms of lymphoedema, and pathologies that indirectly involve the lymphatic system, such as inflammation, obesity and metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
image