bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TECTONOSTRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE UPPER CAMBRIAN – DEVONIAN SEDIMENTARY SUCCESSION IN THE CENTRAL DARLING BASIN, SE AUSTRALIA: AN INTEGRATED INTERPRETATION OF SEISMIC, GRAVITY AND WELL DATA
Authors: Khalifa M. Kh. , Mills K J. , Al‐Kahtany Kh. M. 
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a tectonostratigraphic interpretation based on seismic, gravity and well data of the Upper Cambrian through Devonian sedimentary succession in the central part of the Darling Basin, New South Wales (SE Australia). A composite roughly north‐south trending 2D seismic section through this area, tied to two exploration wells, defines four unconformity‐bound second‐order seismic megasequences. The megasequences are: A, Upper Cambrian – Middle Ordovician (Llanvirnian?); B, uppermost Silurian – Lower Devonian (Emsian); C, upper Lower Devonian – lower Middle Devonian (Givetian); and D, upper Middle Devonian – Upper Devonian (Famennian). The megasequences are bounded by prominent seismic marker horizons which represent phases of regional‐scale orogenic activity.The composite 2D section studied is about 150 km long and traverses from north to south the Pondie Range sub‐basin, the inverted Wilcannia High and the Blantyre sub‐basin. Along the section, the Upper Cambrian to Devonian succession is deformed into a series of large‐scale, fault‐associated anticlines and synclines including the Avon High, an asymmetric anticlinal fold associated with several high‐angle reverse faults. Major faults extend into, and flatten within, the basement. The top‐basement surface is characterized by broad highs and lows which are represented on a gravity map of the study area. The map shows that the Wilcannia High defines the northern margin of the Blantyre sub‐basin and the southern margin of the Pondie Range sub‐basin. These sub‐basins are in general defined by gravity lows.The development of the Blantyre and Pondie Range sub‐basins can be divided into five tectonostratigraphic phases during which there were distinct patterns of fault activity and regional subsidence. These phases are investigated using a restoration model which involves the successive removal of each seismic megasequence in turn, assuming simple vertical shear. The model provides new constraints on the distribution of structural and stratigraphic features which are relevant for future hydrocarbon exploration.
Bumpy Rides: School‐to‐work Transitions in South Africa
Authors: Pugatch Todd 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRe‐enrollment in school following a period of dropout is a common feature of school‐to‐work transitions, but has been largely ignored in the literature on sequential schooling choice. I quantify the importance of the option to re‐enroll in school‐to‐work transitions in South Africa. I estimate a model of sequential schooling choice using a panel that contains the entire schooling and labor market histories of sampled youth. The model incorporates Bayesian learning about academic ability and the probability of employment in response to outcomes from past choices, with updated beliefs influencing the expected returns to human capital investment and labor market participation. I conduct a policy simulation under which re‐enrollment prior to high school completion is completely restricted, raising the opportunity cost of dropout. The resulting fall in dropout increases school attainment, raising the proportion of students completing at least 12 years of schooling by 5 percentage points. The corresponding income gains fail to compensate for the welfare loss incurred from removing the option to re‐enroll, however. The results suggest that the option to re‐enroll is an important component of the incentives South African youth face when making schooling decisions.
Using formative research to promote antenatal care attendance and iron folic acid supplementation in Zinder, Niger
Authors: Hess Sonja Y. , Ouédraogo Césaire T. , Bamba Ibrahim F. , Wessells K. Ryan , Keith Nancy , Faye Thierno , Ndiaye Banda , Doudou Maimouna , Nielsen Jennifer 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn Niger, use of antenatal care (ANC) and iron folic acid (IFA) supplements is suboptimal. The objectives of this paper are as follows: (a) to conduct formative research to understand barriers and beliefs among pregnant women related to ANC, IFA supplementation, and pregnancy outcomes; (b) assess the quality of currently provided ANC services; (c) use the findings to guide the development of programmatic interventions to improve coverage of ANC services and IFA supplementation of pregnant women. Structured in‐home interviews (n = 72) and focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with pregnant women in 4 randomly selected villages in rural Zinder. ANC consultations (n = 33) were observed in 5 randomly selected health centres, and exit interviews were conducted with all pregnant women and seven health agents following these observations. During workshops with stakeholders, results of the formative research were interpreted, and programmatic interventions were developed. In home interviews, 72% of women reported having attended at least one ANC visit. They also reported husbands (71%), mothers (40%), and friends (33%) supporting ANC attendance. Among those having attended ANC, only 65% reported taking IFA the day prior to the interview. Three of five health centres visited had IFA in stock. Health staff did not provide IFA supplements during 18 of 33 observed ANC consultations of which only 7 cases could be explained by the lack of IFA supplements in stock. Findings were used to design a 3‐pronged intervention: (a) behaviour change communication activities in communities; (b) quality improvement activities in health centres to strengthen ANC; and (c) provision of key supplies required for ANC.
Selection on a behaviour‐related gene during the first stages of the biological invasion pathway
Authors: Mueller Jakob C. , Edelaar Pim , Baños‐Villalba Adrián , Carrete Martina , Potti Jaime , Blas Julio , Tella Jose Luis , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHuman‐induced biological invasions are common worldwide and often have negative impacts on wildlife and human societies. Several studies have shown evidence for selection on invaders after introduction to the new range. However, selective processes already acting prior to introduction have been largely neglected. Here, we tested whether such early selection acts on known behaviour‐related gene variants in the yellow‐crowned bishop (Euplectes afer), a pet‐traded African songbird. We tested for nonrandom allele frequency changes after trapping, acclimation and survival in captivity. We also compared the native source population with two independent invasive populations. Allele frequencies of two SNPs in the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene—known to be linked to behavioural activity in response to novelty in this species—significantly changed over all early invasion stages. They also differed between the African native population and the two invading European populations. The two‐locus genotype associated with reduced activity declined consistently, but strongest at the trapping stage. Overall genetic diversity did not substantially decrease, and there is little evidence for new alleles in the introduced populations, indicating that selection at the DRD4 gene predominantly worked on the standing genetic variation already present in the native population. Our study demonstrates selection on a behaviour‐related gene during the first stages of a biological invasion. Thus, pre‐establishment stages of a biological invasion do not only determine the number of propagules that are introduced (their quantity), but also their phenotypic and genetic characteristics (their quality).
One gene, two proteins: coordinated production of a copper chaperone by differential transcript formation and translational frameshifting in Escherichia coli
Authors: Drees Steffen L. , Klinkert Birgit , Helling Stefan , Beyer Dominik F. , Marcus Katrin , Narberhaus Franz , Lübben Mathias 
Published: September 2017

SummaryProgrammed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) is a translational anomaly causing the ribosome to shift into an alternative reading frame. PRFs are common in viral genomes, using a single nucleotide sequence to code for two proteins in overlapping frames. In bacteria and eukaryota, PRFs are less frequent. We report on a PRF in the copper detoxification system of Escherichia coli where a metallochaperone is generated out of the first 69 amino acids and a C‐terminal out‐of‐frame glycine of the gene copA. copA besides codes for the P1B‐ATPase CopA, a membrane‐integral protein and principal interaction target of the chaperone. To enhance the production of the frameshift‐generated cytosolic copper binding protein a truncated transcript is produced from the monocistronic copA gene. This shorter transcript is essential for producing sufficient amounts of the chaperone to support the membrane pump. The findings close the gap in our understanding of the molecular physiology of cytoplasmic copper transport in E. coli, revealing that a chaperone‐like entity is required for full functionality of the P1B‐ATPase copper pump. We, moreover, demonstrate that the primary transcriptional response to copper results in formation of the small transcript and concurrently, the metallochaperone plays a key role in resistance against copper shock.
The role of a cytoplasmic loop of MotA in load‐dependent assembly and disassembly dynamics of the MotA/B stator complex in the bacterial flagellar motor
Authors: Pourjaberi Seyedeh Noorolhoda Shajari , Terahara Naoya , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe proton‐driven flagellar motor of Salmonella enterica can accommodate a dozen MotA/B stators in a load‐dependent manner. The C‐terminal periplasmic domain of MotB acts as a structural switch to regulate the number of active stators in the motor in response to load change. The cytoplasmic loop termed MotAC is responsible for the interaction with a rotor protein, FliG. Here, to test if MotAC is responsible for stator assembly around the rotor in a load‐dependent manner, we analyzed the effect of MotAC mutations, M76V, L78W, Y83C, Y83H, I126F, R131L, A145E and E155K, on motor performance over a wide range of external load. All these MotAC mutations reduced the maximum speed of the motor near zero load, suggesting that they reduce the rate of conformational dynamics of MotAC coupled with proton translocation through the MotA/B proton channel. Dissociation of the stators from the rotor by decrease in the load was facilitated by the M76V, Y83H and A145E mutations compared to the wild‐type motor. The E155K mutation reduced the number of active stators in the motor from 10 to 6 under extremely high load. We propose that MotAC is responsible for load‐dependent assembly and disassembly dynamics of the MotA/B stator units.
Diabetes‐mediated myelopoiesis and the relationship to cardiovascular risk
Authors: Barrett Tessa J. , Murphy Andrew J. , Goldberg Ira J. , Fisher Edward A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDiabetes is the greatest risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, is the most prevalent cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetics. These patients have elevations in inflammatory monocytes, a factor consistently reported to drive the development of atherosclerosis. In preclinical models of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, studies have demonstrated that the increased production and activation of monocytes is driven by enhanced myelopoiesis, promoted by factors, including hyperglycemia, impaired cholesterol efflux, and inflammasome activation, that affect the proliferation of bone marrow precursor cells. This suggests that continued mechanistic investigations of the enhanced myelopoiesis and the generation of inflammatory monocytes are timely, from the dual perspectives of understanding more deeply the underlying bases of diabetes pathophysiology and identifying therapeutic targets to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients.
The fructan syndrome: Evolutionary aspects and common themes among plants and microbes
Authors: Versluys Maxime , Kirtel Onur , Toksoy Öner Ebru , Van den Ende Wim 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFructans are multifunctional fructose‐based water soluble carbohydrates found in all biological kingdoms but not in animals. Most research has focused on plant and microbial fructans and has received a growing interest because of their practical applications. Nevertheless, the origin of fructan production, the so‐called “fructan syndrome,” is still unknown. Why fructans only occur in a limited number of plant and microbial species remains unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of plant and microbial fructan research with a focus on fructans as an adaptation to the environment and their role in (a)biotic stress tolerance. The taxonomical and biogeographical distribution of fructans in both kingdoms is discussed and linked (where possible) to environmental factors. Overall, the fructan syndrome may be related to water scarcity and differences in physicochemical properties, for instance, water retaining characteristics, at least partially explain why different fructan types with different branching levels are found in different species. Although a close correlation between environmental stresses and fructan production is quite clear in plants, this link seems to be missing in microbes. We hypothesize that this can be at least partially explained by differential evolutionary timeframes for plants and microbes, combined with potential redundancy effects.
Who cares about demands–abilities fit? Moderating effects of goal orientation on recruitment and organizational entry outcomes
Authors: Dineen Brian R. , Vandewalle Don , Noe Raymond A. , Wu Lusi , Lockhart Daniel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe authors conduct three studies to systematically examine how avoiding and learning goal orientation (AGO and LGO) influence relationships between perceived demands‐abilities (DA) fit and critical outcomes during three organizational entry stages. Study 1, a multilevel study using a series of mock job advertisements, shows that participant likelihood of applying for jobs for which they perceive higher DA fit increases when AGO is stronger. Study 2 finds a stronger positive relationship between perceived DA fit and internship satisfaction among interns with a stronger AGO. Study 3 finds a stronger positive relationship between perceived DA fit and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among new organizational entrants with a stronger AGO. Implications and future research directions regarding the importance of goal orientation during job search and organizational entry are discussed.
The Asymmetry of Causality: A Realist Solution
Authors: McBreen Bernard 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHow do we distinguish between cause and effect? The main argument of this paper is that if a realist account of the meaning of causal statements is adopted, then two clear distinctions between cause and effect emerge. By realist account is meant conceiving a cause as something with a power to act. Since a realist approach to causality is not widely accepted among philosophers, two arguments against a realist approach to causality are countered. The asymmetry of causality is defended against the claim that physics, in the main, describes a symmetrical universe.
Five‐State Study of ACA Marketplace Competition: A Summary Report
Authors: Morrisey Michael A. , Rivlin Alice M. , Nathan Richard P. , Hall Mark A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis field study sought to better understand the evolution of health insurance competition in the health insurance exchange marketplaces in five states: California, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. This summary highlights key findings from each of the states and offers a series of testable hypotheses about the evolution of these markets. Four broad themes emerged from the analysis. First, health insurance markets are local, largely due to the necessity to establish local networks of health care providers. Second, higher than expected claims costs were the source of much of the turmoil in the marketplaces over the initial 4 years. Third, there has been a substantial shift toward narrower networks of providers, largely achieved by eliminating preferred provider plan options. Fourth, hospital and physician competition is essential for a robust and competitive insurer market.
Synergistic Effects of Tacrolimus and Azoles against Exophiala dermatitidis
Authors: Gao Lujuan , Sun Yi , He Chengyan , Zeng Tongxiang , Li Ming 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

In vitro
interactions of tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, and azoles, including itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, against planktonic cells and biofilms of
Exophiala dermatitidis
were assessed via a broth microdilution checkerboard technique. A total of 16 clinical isolates were studied. The results revealed favorable synergistic inhibitory activity between tacrolimus and itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole against 68.8%, 87.5%, and 100% of tested strains of planktonic
E. dermatitidis
, respectively.However, limited synergism was observed against biofilms of
E. dermatitidis
. No antagonism was observed in all combinations.
Gelofusine Ameliorates Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Sivanesan Sivashangarie S. , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Schneider Elena K. , Ahmed Maizbha U. , Huang Jiayuan , Wang Jiping , Li Jian , Nation Roger L. , Velkov Tony 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Colistin therapy is used as the last line of defense against life-threatening Gram-negative infections. Nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting side effect that impedes optimal dosing of patients. This study aims to examine the nephroprotective effect of the plasma volume expander gelofusine against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Renal protection was assessed in mice that were subcutaneously injected with colistin sulfate (14 mg/kg of body weight × 6 doses every 2 h; accumulated dose, 84 mg/kg) and simultaneously injected in the intraperitoneal region with gelofusine (75, 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg × 6). At 2 and 20 h after the last colistin dose, mice were euthanized, and the severity of renal alteration was examined histologically. Histological findings in mice revealed that colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was ameliorated by gelofusine in a dose-dependent manner, whereas significant histological abnormalities were detected in the kidneys of mice in the colistin-only group. The impact of coadministered gelofusine on colistin pharmacokinetics was investigated in rats. Rats were administered a single intravenous dose of gelofusine at 400 mg/kg 15 min prior to the intravenous administration of colistin (1 mg/kg). Gelofusine codosing did not alter the pharmacokinetics of colistin in rats; however, gelofusine did significantly lower the accumulation of colistin in the kidney tissue of mice. This is the first study demonstrating the protective effect of gelofusine against colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. These findings highlight the clinical potential of gelofusine as a safe adjunct for ameliorating the nephrotoxicity and increasing the therapeutic index of polymyxins.
An Antipersister Strategy for Treatment of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
Authors: Koeva Martina , Gutu Alina D. , Hebert Wesley , Wager Jeffrey D. , Yonker Lael M. , O'Toole George A. , Ausubel Frederick M. , Moskowitz Samuel M. , Joseph-McCarthy Diane 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Bacterial persisters are a quasidormant subpopulation of cells that are tolerant to antibiotic treatment. The combination of the aminoglycoside tobramycin with fumarate as an antibacterial potentiator utilizes an antipersister strategy that is aimed at reducing recurrent
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections by enhancing the killing of
P. aeruginosa
persisters. Stationary-phase cultures of
P. aeruginosa
were used to generate persister cells. A range of tobramycin concentrations was tested with a range of metabolite concentrations to determine the potentiation effect of the metabolite under a variety of conditions, including a range of pH values and in the presence of azithromycin or cystic fibrosis (CF) patient sputum. In addition, 96-well dish biofilm and colony biofilm assays were performed, and the cytotoxicity of the tobramycin-fumarate combination was determined utilizing a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Enhanced killing of up to 6 orders of magnitude of
P. aeruginosa
persisters over a range of CF isolates, including mucoid and nonmucoid strains, was observed for the tobramycin-fumarate combination compared to killing with tobramycin alone. Furthermore, significant fumarate-mediated potentiation was seen in the presence of azithromycin or CF patient sputum. Fumarate also reduced the cytotoxicity of tobramycin-treated
P. aeruginosa
to human epithelial airway cells. Finally, in mucoid and nonmucoid CF isolates, complete eradication of
P. aeruginosa
biofilm was observed in the colony biofilm assay due to fumarate potentiation. These data suggest that a combination of tobramycin with fumarate as an antibacterial potentiator may be an attractive therapeutic for eliminating recurrent
P. aeruginosa
infections in CF patients through the eradication of bacterial persisters.
Vancomycin and Clarithromycin Show Synergy against
Mycobacterium abscessus In Vitro
Authors: Mukherjee Devika , Wu Mu-Lu , Teo Jeanette W. P. , Dick Thomas 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Lung disease caused by
Mycobacterium abscessus
is increasing, and current clarithromycin-based treatment regimens are only moderately effective. Here, we determined the effect of clarithromycin-vancomycin combination against
M. abscessus
complex isolates
in vitro
. Synergy was found with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) score of ≤0.5 and a 4- to 10-fold decrease in MIC.
Colocation of the Multiresistance Gene
cfr
and the Fosfomycin Resistance Gene
fosD
on a Novel Plasmid in Staphylococcus arlettae from a Chicken Farm
Authors: Liu Bi-Hui , Lei Chang-Wei , Zhang An-Yun , Pan Yun , Kong Ling-Han , Xiang Rong , Wang Yong-Xiang , Yang Yan-Xian , Wang Hong-Ning 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The novel 63,558-bp plasmid pSA-01, which harbors nine antibiotic resistance genes, including
cfr
,
erm
(C),
tet
(L),
erm
(T),
aadD
,
fosD
,
fexB
,
aacA-aphD
, and
erm
(B), was characterized in
Staphylococcus arlettae
strain SA-01, isolated from a chicken farm in China. The colocation of
cfr
and
fosD
genes was detected for the first time in an
S. arlettae
plasmid. The detection of two IS
431
-mediated circular forms containing resistance genes in SA-01 suggested that IS
431
may facilitate dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.