bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional convergence and phylogenetic divergence during secondary succession of subtropical wet forests in Puerto Rico
Authors: Muscarella Robert , Uriarte María , Aide T. Mitchell , Erickson David L. , Forero‐Montaña Jimena , Kress W. John , Swenson Nathan G. , Zimmerman Jess K. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding how the relative importance of different community assembly processes changes during secondary succession of diverse systems remains elusive. Functional and phylogenetic approaches that place species along continuous axes of niche differentiation and evolutionary relatedness, however, are deepening our understanding of the mechanisms that drive successional dynamics. We ask whether successional shifts in the functional and phylogenetic composition of post‐agricultural tropical forests provide evidence for niche partitioning or competitive dominance hierarchies as drivers of successional change.LocationSubtropical wet forests, Puerto Rico.MethodsWe combined data on four functional traits [leaf dry mass per area (LMA), wood density (WD), maximum height (Hmax), seed dry mass] and a well‐resolved molecular phylogeny to characterize taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic composition of sapling and adult tree communities along a regionally replicated chronosequence. We used a null model approach to assess how functional and phylogenetic diversity change with forest age.ResultsCorresponding increases of community‐weighted mean LMA, Hmax and seed mass with forest age reflected a shift in dominance of species with acquisitive resource‐use strategies and small seeds towards species with more conservative resource use and larger seeds. A negative relationship between forest age and local diversity of Hmax and seed mass suggested increased importance of competitive hierarchies for light capture and shade‐tolerant regeneration in older forests. In contrast, the colonization of palms in older forest plots led to a positive relationship between forest age and local phylogenetic diversity, suggesting functional convergence of distantly related lineages on traits that confer competitive dominance under low resource conditions.ConclusionsWe linked both functional and phylogenetic dimensions of community diversity with successional trajectories of post‐agricultural tropical forests. Contrasting patterns of these dimensions of diversity shed light on the underlying community assembly processes. We argue that integrating traits and phylogeny with specific hypotheses about physiological and historical mechanisms is essential for advancing our understanding of the drivers of community change during succession.
The heterocyst differentiation transcriptional regulator HetR of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena forms tetramers and can be regulated by phosphorylation
Authors: Valladares Ana , Flores Enrique , Herrero Antonia 
Published: November 2015

SummaryMany filamentous cyanobacteria respond to the external cue of nitrogen scarcity by the differentiation of heterocysts, cells specialized in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in oxic environments. Heterocysts follow a spatial pattern along the filament of two heterocysts separated by ca. 10–15 vegetative cells performing oxygenic photosynthesis. HetR is a transcriptional regulator that directs heterocyst differentiation. In the model strain Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, the HetR protein was observed in various oligomeric forms in vivo, including a tetramer that peaked with maximal hetR expression during differentiation. Tetramers were not detected in a hetR point mutant incapable of differentiation, but were conspicuous in an over‐differentiating strain lacking the PatS inhibitor. In differentiated filaments the HetR tetramer was restricted to heterocysts, being undetectable in vegetative cells. HetR co‐purified with RNA polymerase from Anabaena mainly as a tetramer. In vitro, purified recombinant HetR was distributed between monomers, dimers, trimers and tetramers, and it was phosphorylated when incubated with (γ‐32P)ATP. Phosphorylation and PatS hampered the accumulation of HetR tetramers and impaired HetR binding to DNA. In summary, tetrameric HetR appears to represent a functionally relevant form of HetR, whose abundance in the Anabaena filament could be negatively regulated by phosphorylation and by PatS.
Representation of illness in Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy Portuguese Association newspaper: A documental study
Authors: Novais Sónia Alexandra de Lemos , Mendes Felismina Rosa Parreira 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study explores illness representations within Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy Portuguese Association newspaper . A content analysis was performed of the issue data using provisional coding related to the conceptual framework of the study. All dimensions of illness representation in Leventhal's Common Sense Model of illness cognitions and behaviors are present in the data and reflect the experience of living with this disease. Understanding how a person living with an hereditary, rare, neurodegenerative illness is important for developing community nursing interventions. In conclusion, we suggest an integration of common sense knowledge with other approaches for designing an intervention program centered on people living with an hereditary neurodegenerative illness, such as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.
Healthcare professionals’ views on the mutual consistency of the Finnish Classification of Nursing Interventions and the Oulu Patient Classification
Authors: Liljamo Pia , Kinnunen Ulla‐Mari , Saranto Kaija 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundVarious classification schemes have been used for clinical and administrative purposes, but their concepts have seldom been cross‐mapped. Cross‐mapping is a formal method that can be used for examining existing classifications’ validity.AimThe aim was to cross‐map two nursing classifications – the Finnish Classification of Nursing Interventions (FiCNI, version 3.0), developed for structured nursing documentation, and the Oulu Patient Classification (OPCq), created for daily assessment of nursing intensity – and evaluate their mutual consistency. The objective was to obtain information on the content equivalence of the two classifications and the consistency of the concepts used, to inform further development of both.MethodsThe Delphi method was utilised, with a panel of experts that included terminology developers, researchers, teachers and nurses (n = 16). Four Delphi rounds were required. In these, panellists selected the most relevant content from the OPCq subareas (n = 6) for each FiCNI main category and subcategory (n = 307). In cases of doubt, respondents were asked to justify their choices.ResultsResponse rates ranged from 68.8 to 93.8% in the Delphi rounds. After three rounds, 81.4% of the FiCNI categories were cross‐mapped with sufficient consensus. A fourth round was needed for 57 FiCNI categories (18.6%). Most FiCNI categories (29.3%) were cross‐mapped to the OPCq's subarea 2. Deficiencies in the concepts’ clarity and in the OPCq's content areas complicated the cross‐mapping. The most unambiguous categories of the FiCNI were found in the respiratory, cardiac and activity components. The components showing greatest ambiguity were skin integrity, mental balance and safety.ConclusionThe content and concepts used in both classifications need further development. The cross‐mapping results can be utilised for developing reuse of structured nursing data in assessment of nursing intensity and in decision‐making in human‐resources planning.
School Choice and the Branding of Milwaukee Private Schools*
Authors: Cheng Albert , Trivitt Julie R. , Wolf Patrick J. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveBrands communicate information to consumers about a good or service. As school‐choice policies become more widespread and more parents are faced with the task of choosing a school for their child, schools may be branding themselves to differentiate themselves from other schools. This article seeks to determine whether schools possess name brands that influence the choices of parents.MethodsWe use multinomial logit to model the relationship between the educational preferences and the selection of schools for 2,600 parents participating in a large, urban private school voucher program.ResultsWe find that parental choices are systematic. Parents who value particular school characteristics tend to choose schools with brands that espouse those characteristics.ConclusionThese findings are consistent with the hypothesis that schools carry brands that communicate information to parents who then use the brands to help them select schools for their children.
Bundling Public and Charitable Supports to Cope with the Effects of the Great Recession*
Authors: Allard Scott W. , Wathen Maria V. , Danziger Sandra K. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveWe examine how low‐income households have drawn upon public and charitable nonprofit sources of social assistance during and after the Great Recession.MethodsUsing panel survey data collected in the Detroit Metropolitan Area in 2008 and 2010, we explore the relationships between household characteristics, program use, and bundling of assistance.ResultsRoughly two‐thirds of Detroit households within 300 percent of poverty received a public safety net benefit in the previous year; about 40 percent received assistance from more than one public program. More than one in six households received help from a nonprofit charity. Low educational attainment, unemployment, and health limitations are positively related to receipt of multiple public assistance programs.ConclusionsOur findings point to persistent needs among poor and near‐poor households after the Great Recession, as well as to the reality that many low‐income households draw upon multiple sources of public assistance even when working. Many low‐income households remain detached from public and charitable sources of support even as the safety net has expanded in response to the downturn.
High Prevalence of Biocide Resistance Determinants in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Three African Countries
Authors: Conceição Teresa , Coelho Céline , de Lencastre Hermínia , Aires-de-Sousa Marta 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

We assessed the prevalence of six biocide resistance genes among 82 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and 219 methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) isolates from three African countries; the prevalence was very high for
sepA
(95.3%),
mepA
(89.4%), and
norA
(86.4%), intermediate for
lmrS
(60.8%) and
qacAB
(40.5%), and low for
smr
(3.7%). A significant association between biocide resistance genes and antibiotic resistance was observed, and a new cutoff MIC of ≥1 mg/liter for chlorhexidine nonsusceptibility was defined.
Escherichia coli Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Is an Important Component of CXCL10-Mediated Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Schutte Kirsten M. , Fisher Debra J. , Burdick Marie D. , Mehrad Borna , Mathers Amy J. , Mann Barbara J. , Nakamoto Robert K. , Hughes Molly A. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Chemokines are best recognized for their role within the innate immune system as chemotactic cytokines, signaling and recruiting host immune cells to sites of infection. Certain chemokines, such as CXCL10, have been found to play an additional role in innate immunity, mediating CXCR3-independent killing of a diverse array of pathogenic microorganisms. While this is still not clearly understood, elucidating the mechanisms underlying chemokine-mediated antimicrobial activity may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies effective against antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Here, we show that CXCL10 exerts antibacterial effects on clinical and laboratory strains of
Escherichia coli
and report that disruption of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc), which converts pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A, enables
E. coli
to resist these antimicrobial effects. Through generation and screening of a transposon mutant library, we identified two mutants with increased resistance to CXCL10, both with unique disruptions of the gene encoding the E1 subunit of PDHc,
aceE
. Resistance to CXCL10 also occurred following deletion of either
aceF
or
lpdA
, genes that encode the remaining two subunits of PDHc. Although PDHc resides within the bacterial cytosol, electron microscopy revealed localization of immunogold-labeled CXCL10 to the bacterial cell surface in both the
E. coli
parent and
aceE
deletion mutant strains. Taken together, our findings suggest that while CXCL10 interacts with an as-yet-unidentified component on the cell surface, PDHc is an important mediator of killing by CXCL10. To our knowledge, this is the first description of PDHc as a key bacterial component involved in the antibacterial effect of a chemokine.
Toxoplasma gondii GRA7-Induced TRAF6 Activation Contributes to Host Protective Immunity
Authors: Yang Chul-Su , Yuk Jae-Min , Lee Young-Ha , Jo Eun-Kyeong 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

The intracellular parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
has unique dense granule antigens (GRAs) that are crucial for host infection. Emerging evidence suggests that GRA7 of
T. gondii
is a promising serodiagnostic marker and an effective toxoplasmosis vaccine candidate; however, little is known about the intracellular regulatory mechanisms involved in the GRA7-induced host responses. Here we show that GRA7-induced MyD88 signaling through the activation of TRAF6 and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required for the induction of NF-κB-mediated proinflammatory responses by macrophages. GRA7 stimulation resulted in the rapid activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and an early burst of ROS in macrophages in a MyD88-dependent manner. GRA7 induced a physical association between GRA7 and TRAF6 via MyD88. Remarkably, the C terminus of GRA7 (GRA7-V) was sufficient for interaction with and ubiquitination of the RING domain of TRAF6, which is capable of inflammatory cytokine production. Interestingly, the generation of ROS and TRAF6 activation are mutually dependent on GRA7/MyD88-mediated signaling in macrophages. Furthermore, mice immunized with GRA7-V showed markedly increased Th1 immune responses and protective efficacy against
T. gondii
infection. Collectively, these results provide novel insight into the crucial role of GRA7-TRAF6 signaling in innate immune responses.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of Hfq-Associated RNAs in Brucella suis by Deep Sequencing
Authors: Saadeh Bashir , Caswell Clayton C. , Chao Yanjie , Berta Philippe , Wattam Alice Rebecca , Roop R. Martin , O'Callaghan David 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Recent breakthroughs in next-generation sequencing technologies have led to the identification of small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) as a new important class of regulatory molecules. In prokaryotes, sRNAs are often bound to the chaperone protein Hfq, which allows them to interact with their partner mRNA(s). We screened the genome of the zoonotic and human pathogen
Brucella suis
1330 for the presence of this class of RNAs. We designed a coimmunoprecipitation strategy that relies on the use of Hfq as a bait to enrich the sample with sRNAs and eventually their target mRNAs. By deep sequencing analysis of the Hfq-bound transcripts, we identified a number of mRNAs and 33 sRNA candidates associated with Hfq. The expression of 10 sRNAs in the early stationary growth phase was experimentally confirmed by Northern blotting and/or reverse transcriptase PCR.

IMPORTANCE
Brucella
organisms are facultative intracellular pathogens that use stealth strategies to avoid host defenses. Adaptation to the host environment requires tight control of gene expression. Recently, small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) and the sRNA chaperone Hfq have been shown to play a role in the fine-tuning of gene expression. Here we have used RNA sequencing to identify RNAs associated with the
B. suis
Hfq protein. We have identified a novel list of 33 sRNAs and 62 Hfq-associated mRNAs for future studies aiming to understand the intracellular lifestyle of this pathogen.
Conflict in a paediatric hospital: a prospective mixed-method study
Authors: Forbat Liz , Sayer Charlotte , McNamee Phillip , Menson Esse , Barclay Sarah 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundConflict in healthcare is a well-recognised but under-examined phenomenon. Little is known about the prevalence and causes of conflict across paediatric specialties.ObjectiveTo report the frequency and characteristics of conflict in a paediatric hospital.Design and settingAn explanatory sequential mixed-method approach was adopted. A bespoke questionnaire recorded frequency, severity, cause and staff involved in conflict prospectively. Data were recorded for the same two 12-week periods in 2013 and 2014, in one UK children's teaching hospital. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation, the findings of which informed the construction of a semistructured interview schedule. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six key informant healthcare professionals to aid data interpretation; interviews were analysed thematically.Results136 individual episodes of conflict were reported. The three most common causes were ‘communication breakdown’, ‘disagreements about treatment’ and ‘unrealistic expectations’. Over 448 h of healthcare professional time was taken up by these conflicts; most often staff nurses, consultants, doctors in training and matrons. The mean severity rating was 4.9 out of 10. Qualitative interviews revealed consensus regarding whether conflicts were ranked as low, medium or high severity, and explanations regarding why neurology recorded the highest number of conflicts in the observed period.ConclusionsConflict is prevalent across paediatric specialties, and particularly in neurology, general paediatrics and neonatology. Considerable staff time is taken in managing conflict, indicating a need to focus resources on supporting staff to resolve conflict, notably managing communication breakdown.
Service use in children aged 6–8 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Efron Daryl , Moisuc Olga , McKenzie Vicki , Sciberras Emma 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveThis study investigated prevalence, types and predictors of professional service use in families of children identified with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the community.DesignSetting: children with ADHD were identified through 43 schools using parent and teacher screening questionnaires (Conners 3 ADHD Index) followed by case confirmation using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV. Parents completed a survey about professional service use in the last 12 months. Main outcome measures: data on variables potentially associated with service use were collected from parents (interview and questionnaires), teachers (questionnaires) and children (direct assessment). Logistic regression was used to examine predictors of service use in univariate and multivariable analyses.ResultsThe sample comprised 179 children aged 6–8 years with ADHD. Over one-third (37%) had not received professional services in the last 12 months. The strongest predictors of service use were older child age (adjusted OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 8.9, p=0.05), and the degree to which the child's behaviour impacted on the family (adjusted OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.3, p=0.007), after controlling for ADHD subtype and severity, externalising comorbidities, academic achievement and parent-reported impairment.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of children with ADHD are not accessing professional services. Our findings suggest that the child's age and the impact of the child's behaviour on the family are the strongest predictors of service use. Given the demonstrated benefits from various interventions in ADHD, there is a need to improve case identification and referral for services.
Time loss injuries compromise team success in Elite Rugby Union: a 7-year prospective study
Authors: Williams Sean , Trewartha Grant , Kemp Simon P T , Brooks John H M , Fuller Colin W , Taylor Aileen E , Cross Matthew J , Stokes Keith A 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundA negative association between injuries and team success has been demonstrated in professional football, but the nature of this association in elite Rugby Union teams is currently unclear.AimTo assess the association between injury burden measures and team success outcomes within professional Rugby Union teams.MethodsA seven-season prospective cohort design was used to record all time-loss injuries incurred by English Premiership players. Associations between team success measures (league points tally and Eurorugby Club Ranking (ECR)) and injury measures (injury burden and injury days per team-match) were modelled, both within (changes from season to season) and between (differences averaged over all seasons) teams. Thresholds for the smallest worthwhile change in league points tally and ECR were 3 points and 2.6%, respectively.ResultsData from a total of 1462 players within 15 Premiership teams were included in the analysis. We found clear negative associations between injury measures and team success (70-100% likelihood), with the exception of between-team differences for injury days per team-match and ECR, which was unclear. A reduction in injury burden of 42 days (90% CI 30 to 70) per 1000 player hours (22% of mean injury burden) was associated with the smallest worthwhile change in league points tally.ConclusionsClear negative associations were found between injury measures and team success, and moderate reductions in injury burden may have worthwhile effects on competition outcomes for professional Rugby Union teams. These findings may be useful when communicating the value of injury prevention initiatives within this elite sport setting.
How socioeconomic inequalities impact pathways of care for coronary artery disease among elderly patients: study protocol for a qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: Schröder Sara L , Fink Astrid , Schumann Nadine , Moor Irene , Plehn Alexander , Richter Matthias 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionSeveral studies have identified that socioeconomic inequalities in coronary artery disease (CAD) morbidity and mortality lead to a disadvantage in patients with low socioeconomic status (SES). International studies have shown that socioeconomic inequalities also exist in terms of access, utilisation and quality of cardiac care. The aim of this qualitative study is to provide information on the impact of socioeconomic inequalities on the pathway of care for CAD, and to establish which factors lead to socioeconomic inequality of care to form and expand existing scientific theories.Methods and analysisA longitudinal qualitative study with 48 patients with CAD, aged 60–80 years, is being conducted. Patients have been recruited consecutively at the University Hospital in Halle/Saale, Germany, and will be followed for a period of 6 months. Patients are interviewed two times face-to-face using semistructured interviews. Data are transcribed and analysed based on grounded theory.Ethics and disseminationOnly participants who have been informed and who have signed a declaration of consent have been included in the study. The study complies rigorously with data protection legislation. Approval of the Ethical Review Committee at the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany was obtained. The results of the study will be presented at several congresses, and will be published in high-quality peer-reviewed international journals.Trial registration numberThis study has been registered with the German Clinical Trials Register and assigned DRKS00007839.