bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐evolutionary dynamics between public good producers and cheats in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kümmerli R. , Santorelli L. A. , Granato E. T. , Dumas Z. , Dobay A. , Griffin A. S. , West S. A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe production of beneficial public goods is common in the microbial world, and so is cheating – the exploitation of public goods by nonproducing mutants. Here, we examine co‐evolutionary dynamics between cooperators and cheats and ask whether cooperators can evolve strategies to reduce the burden of exploitation, and whether cheats in turn can improve their exploitation abilities. We evolved cooperators of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, producing the shareable iron‐scavenging siderophore pyoverdine, together with cheats, defective in pyoverdine production but proficient in uptake. We found that cooperators managed to co‐exist with cheats in 56% of all replicates over approximately 150 generations of experimental evolution. Growth and competition assays revealed that co‐existence was fostered by a combination of general adaptions to the media and specific adaptions to the co‐evolving opponent. Phenotypic screening and whole‐genome resequencing of evolved clones confirmed this pattern, and suggest that cooperators became less exploitable by cheats because they significantly reduced their pyoverdine investment. Cheats, meanwhile, improved exploitation efficiency through mutations blocking the costly pyoverdine‐signalling pathway. Moreover, cooperators and cheats evolved reduced motility, a pattern that likely represents adaptation to laboratory conditions, but at the same time also affects social interactions by reducing strain mixing and pyoverdine sharing. Overall, we observed parallel evolution, where co‐existence of cooperators and cheats was enabled by a combination of adaptations to the abiotic and social environment and their interactions.
Impact of automated dispensing cabinets on medication selection and preparation error rates in an emergency department: a prospective and direct observational before‐and‐after study
Authors: Fanning Laura , Jones Nick , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe implementation of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) in healthcare facilities appears to be increasing, in particular within Australian hospital emergency departments (EDs). While the investment in ADCs is on the increase, no studies have specifically investigated the impacts of ADCs on medication selection and preparation error rates in EDs. Our aim was to assess the impact of ADCs on medication selection and preparation error rates in an ED of a tertiary teaching hospital.MethodsPre intervention and post intervention study involving direct observations of nurses completing medication selection and preparation activities before and after the implementation of ADCs in the original and new emergency departments within a 377‐bed tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. Medication selection and preparation error rates were calculated and compared between these two periods. Secondary end points included the impact on medication error type and severity.ResultsA total of 2087 medication selection and preparations were observed among 808 patients pre and post intervention. Implementation of ADCs in the new ED resulted in a 64.7% (1.96% versus 0.69%, respectively, P = 0.017) reduction in medication selection and preparation errors. All medication error types were reduced in the post intervention study period. There was an insignificant impact on medication error severity as all errors detected were categorised as minor.ConclusionThe implementation of ADCs could reduce medication selection and preparation errors and improve medication safety in an ED setting.
A Novel‐Modified Provisional Bifurcation Stenting Technique: Jailed Semi‐Inflated Balloon Technique
Authors: Çaylı Murat , Şeker Taner , Gür Mustafa , Elbasan Zafer , Şahin Durmus Yildiray , Elbey Mehmet Ali , Çil Habib 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveWe proposed a new technique for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions, called jailed semi‐inflated balloon technique (JSBT).BackgroundCurrently, provisional approach is recommended to treat most of coronary bifurcation lesions. However, it is associated with the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting due to plaque or carina shift into the SB. The SB occlusion may cause peri‐procedural myonecrosis or hemodynamic compromise. Therefore, strategies are needed to reduce the SB occlusion during provisional approach.MethodsBetween September 2014 and April 2015, we selected 137 patients (104 male, 33 female; mean age 63.6 ± 11.7 years) with 148 distinct coronary bifurcation lesions underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using JSBT. All patients were followed with hospital visits or telephone contact up to 1 month.ResultsThe majority of the patients had acute coronary syndrome (64.2%) and Medina 1.1.1. bifurcation lesions (62.8%). The lesion localization was distal left main (LM) coronary artery in 28 patients. After the MV stenting, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow was established in 100% of both MV and SB. There was no SB occlusion in any patient. There was no major adverse cardiac event during in‐hospital stay and 1 month follow‐up.ConclusionsThe JSBT technique can be successfully performed in both LM and non‐LM bifurcation lesion. This technique provides high rate of procedural success, excellent SB protection during MV stenting and excellent immediate clinical outcome. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:420–429)
Analysis of the Association between Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val158Met and Male Sexual Orientation
Authors: Yu Wei , Tu Dan , Hong Fuchang , Wang Jing , Liu Xiaoli , Cai Yumao , Xu Ruiwei , Zhao Guanglu , Wang Feng , Pan Hong , Wu Shinan , Feng Tiejian , Wang Binbin 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Male sexual orientation is thought to have a genetic component. However, previous studies have failed to generate positive results from among candidate genes. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), located on chromosome 22, has six exons, spans 27 kb, and encodes a protein of 271 amino acids. COMT has an important role in regulating the embryonic levels of catecholamine neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) and estrogens. COMT is also thought to be related to sexual orientation.

Aims
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the COMT Val158Met variant and male sexual orientation. We performed association analysis of the COMT gene single nucleotide polymorphism, Val158Met, in 409 homosexual cases and 387 heterosexual control Chinese men. COMT polymorphism status was determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based assay.

Methods
Polymerase chain reaction was performed to genotype the COMT Val158Met polymorphism.

Main Outcome Measures
The frequency differences of the genotype and alleles distribution between the male homosexual and control groups.

Results
Significant differences, both in genotype and alleles, between male homosexual individuals and controls indicated a genetic component related to male homosexuality. The Val allele recessive model could be an interrelated genetic model of the cause of male homosexuality.

Conclusion
The COMT Val158Met variant might be associated with male sexual orientation and a recessive model was suggested.
Effects of fine‐scale surface heterogeneity on rock outcrop plant community structure
Authors: do Carmo Flávio Fonseca , de Campos Iara Christina , Jacobi Claudia Maria 
Published: September 2015

AbstractQuestionsTo what extent do fine‐scale substrate variations affect the structure and diversity of rock outcrop vascular plant communities? How can we define the appropriate scale to measure fine‐scale substrate heterogeneity in rocky systems?LocationNine rock outcrops in the Iron Quadrangle, a priority area for biodiversity conservation in southeast Brazil.MethodsGeomorphology and rock mechanics methods were adapted to determine the appropriate scale to measure rock surface heterogeneity on granitoid, quartzitic and ironstone (canga) outcrops. Then, a roughness index was calculated from 60 microtopographic profiles in each lithotype to investigate the response of the plant community to this scale. The relation between surface heterogeneity and plant community richness, abundance, total plant cover and dominant species cover was quantified through linear regressions. A cluster analysis compared the percentage cover of functional groups in each outcrop, and diversity profiles were built based on Rényi's alpha. PERMANOVA was used to test for significant difference in the relative cover among the functional groups.ResultsThe roughness index, scaled at 1 cm, had the best power to diagnose the presence of vascular plants. High surface heterogeneity was caused by high frequency of fissures, cracks and rock fragments. Linear regression models indicated that the community parameters are strongly related to variations in surface roughness. The community patterns revealed by the cluster analysis and the diversity profiles matched those of the roughness analysis. Dominant functional groups differed strongly between ‘smooth’ and ‘coarse’ microtopography. Desiccation‐tolerant species prevailed in smooth outcrops, while sclerophytes and graminoids were better represented in coarse outcrops.ConclusionsThe composition of plant functional groups was affected by rock microrelief, and roughness was a significant predictor of plant community parameters. Functional group proportions reflected different adaptive plant strategies to two main stressful bedrock features: water shortage and mechanical resistance to root growth.
Fatty liver disease and lifestyle in youngsters: diet, food intake frequency, exercise, sleep shortage and fashion
Authors: Trovato Francesca M. , Martines Giuseppe Fabio , Brischetto Daniela , Catalano Daniela , Musumeci Giuseppe , Trovato Guglielmo M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsFatty liver is associated with alcohol habits and/or overweight/obesity. We challenged several lifestyle features associated with fatty liver and, particularly, with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Among them, sleep shortage as a result of nightlife habits and a preference for plus‐size fashion were assessed. The latter consists of fashionable plus‐sized clothing for actual individuals' size and reflects a frequent attitude of some social or age groups, conceivably indicating more global and widespread trend and behaviour.MethodsWe studied a group of 708 non‐diabetic youngsters, 458 women and 250 men, 21.72 ± 3.71 years old (range 15–35 years), referred for minor digestive ailments for clinical assessment, ultrasound detection of fatty liver and nutritional counselling. Details of personal history regarding lifestyle, food intake frequency and alcohol intake, dietary and physical exercise profile, sleep duration and clothing preferences were recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of NAFLD in this cohort of youngsters is 67/708 (9.4%). Even if it is quantitatively very low in both groups, the average alcohol intake, always below 20 g/day, is greater in NAFLD subjects (5.83 ± 4.32 g) vs. subjects with normal liver (2.02 ± 3.20 g). The number of meals/day and adherence to a Mediterranean diet profile are smaller in NAFLD subjects. By multiple regression, BMI, sedentary life, plus‐sized clothing for their actual size, sleep shortage and lower frequency of daily food intake are associated with the presence of NAFLD.ConclusionsOnset and continuation of fatty liver disease, beyond food and exercise quantity and quality, with their effects on obesity, may also be associated with other aspects of lifestyle.
Statistical Regularization for Identification of Structural Parameters and External Loadings Using State Space Models
Authors: Sun Hao , Feng Dongming , Liu Yang , Feng Maria Q. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA novel numerical approach is presented, in the time domain, to simultaneously identify structural parameters and unmeasured input loadings using incomplete output measurement only. The identification problem is formulated as an optimization process, wherein the objective function is defined as the discrepancy between the measured and the predicted data, and is solved by a damped Gauss‐Newton method. Because the proposed algorithm is a time domain technique, forward analyses are required to obtain predicted system responses so as to compute the discrepancy. Therefore, we propose an input force estimation scheme in the identification process to complete the task of input‐output forward analyses, for the case of output‐only measurement. The relationship between the unknown input loadings and the output measurement is established through a state space model, which basically formulates an ill‐posed least squares problem. A statistical Bayesian inference‐based regularization technique is presented to solve such a least squares problem. Finally, the proposed approach is illustrated by both numerical and experimental examples using output‐only measurements of either acceleration or strain time histories. The results clearly show the robustness and the applicability of the proposed algorithm to simultaneously identify structural parameters and unmeasured input loadings with a high accuracy.
Analysis of ectoparasites (chigger mites, gamasid mites, fleas and sucking lice) of the Yunnan red‐backed vole (Eothenomys miletus) sampled throughout its range in southwest China
Authors: PENG P.‐Y. , GUO X.‐G. , SONG W.‐Y. , HOU P. , ZOU Y.‐J. , FAN R. , HE X.‐S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Yunnan red‐backed voleEothenomys miletus(Rodentia: Cricetidae) is an endemic rodent species and reservoir host of zoonoses in southwest China. Based on a large host sample (2463 voles collected from 39 localities between 2001 and 2013), a general analysis of four categories of ectoparasite (fleas, sucking lice, chigger mites and gamasid mites) onE. miletusacross its entire range of distribution was made. This analysis identified a total of 71 895 ectoparasites belonging to 320 species (30 species of flea, 9 of sucking louse, 106 of gamasid mite and 175 of chigger mite) with a high prevalence (87%), mean abundance (29.19) and mean intensity (33.69). Of the 18 vector species of zoonoses found onE. miletus, the fleaCtenophthalmus quadratus(Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) and chigger miteLeptotrombidium scutellare(Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) were the dominant species; these are the main vectors of zoonoses in China. All of the dominant parasite species showed an aggregated distribution pattern. Male voles harboured more species of parasite than females. Chigger mites represented the most abundant species group on voles and their prevalence was positively correlated with mean abundance (r= 0.73;P< 0.05). As a single rodent species,E. miletushas a high potential to harbour abundant ectoparasites with high species diversity and high rates of infestation. The sex of the vole affects ectoparasite infestation.
The effects of camicinal, a novel motilin agonist, on gastro‐esophageal function in healthy humans—a randomized placebo controlled trial
Authors: Hobson R. , Farmer A. D. , Dewit O. E. , O'Donnell M. , Hacquoil K. , Robertson D. , Barton M. E. , Dukes G. E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundA proportion of patients with foregut dysmotility fail to respond to standard interventions. Motilin agonists may be beneficial in this group. We aimed to determine the effect of camicinal, a novel motilin agonist, on gastrointestinal physiology in healthy volunteers.MethodsHealthy male subjects were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 125 mg camicinal or placebo in a double‐blind cross‐over design. Esophageal function and reflux indices were assessed using high‐resolution manometry (pre and 1.5‐h post dose) and 24‐h ambulatory multichannel intraluminal impedance/pH. After a standardized meal, subjects ingested a wireless motility capsule from which compartmental transit times and motility indices were derived. Subjects were restudied with the alternate intervention after 7 days.Key ResultsThe study subjects (12 male, mean age 47.4 years, range 22–55) tolerated the drug well, except one who exhibited mild abdominal pain on both placebo and camicinal. In comparison to placebo, gastric emptying time (GET) was accelerated following camicinal (−115.4 min, 95% confidence interval −194.4, −36.4, p = 0.009). No effect was demonstrable on esophageal function, small bowel, colonic, or whole bowel transit times and motility indices. With camicinal, as part of a post hoc analysis, there was a trend association between the percentage reduction in GET and total number of acidic reflux events (r = 0.56, p = 0.09).Conclusions & InferencesCamicinal decreases GET and was generally well‐tolerated. In health, the direct effects of camicinal are on accelerating GET with a potential secondary benefit of reducing reflux events, which warrant further exploration in patient cohorts.
Plant–herbivore interactions in a trispecific hybrid swarm ofPopulus: assessing support for hypotheses of hybrid bridges, evolutionary novelty and genetic similarity
Authors: Floate Kevin D. , Godbout Julie , Lau Matthew K. , Isabel Nathalie , Whitham Thomas G. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryNatural systems of hybridizing plants are powerful tools with which to assess evolutionary processes between parental species and their associated arthropods. Here we report on these processes in a trispecific hybrid swarm ofPopulustrees.Using field observations, common garden experiments and genetic markers, we tested the hypothesis that genetic similarities among hosts underlie the distributions of 10 species of gall‐forming arthropods and their ability to adapt to new host genotypes.Key findings: the degree of genetic relatedness among parental species determines whether hybridization is primarily bidirectional or unidirectional; host genotype and genetic similarity strongly affect the distributions of gall‐forming species, individually and as a community. These effects were detected observationally in the wild and experimentally in common gardens; correlations between the diversity of host genotypes and their associated arthropods identify hybrid zones as centres of biodiversity and potential species interactions with important ecological and evolutionary consequences.These findings support both hybrid bridge and evolutionary novelty hypotheses. However, the lack of parallel genetic studies on gall‐forming arthropods limits our ability to define the host of origin with their subsequent shift to other host species or their evolution on hybrids as their final destination.
Confidence Bands for Impulse Responses: Bonferroni vs. Wald
Authors: Lütkepohl Helmut , Staszewska‐Bystrova Anna , Winker Peter 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn impulse response analysis estimation uncertainty is typically displayed by constructing bands around estimated impulse response functions. If they are based on the joint asymptotic distribution possibly constructed with bootstrap methods in a frequentist framework, often individual confidence intervals are simply connected to obtain the bands. Such bands are known to be too narrow and have a joint coverage probability lower than the desired one. If instead the Wald statistic is used and the joint bootstrap distribution of the impulse response coefficient estimators is taken into account and mapped into the band, it is shown that such a band is typically rather conservative. It is argued that, by using the Bonferroni method, a band can often be obtained which is smaller than the Wald band.
Changes of epidural blood flow after epidural administration of epinephrine in young rats
Authors: Abukawa Yukako , Kakibana Manabu , Hiroki Koichi , Sugawara Kazuhiro , Ozaki Makoto 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeFor caudal epidural analgesia, the needle is inserted at a site where vessels are abundant. To avoid complications related to intravascular administration of the local anesthetic, epinephrine is usually added, but there is no evidence about the safety of epidural administration of epinephrine in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to assess the changes in epidural blood flow after epidural injection of epinephrine in young rats.MethodsWith approval of the local ethics committee, four young Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 110–120 g were investigated. The rats were anesthetized with isoflurane via a mask. After there was no escape reaction to pain, an arterial catheter, epidural blood flow monitor (Laser Doppler blood flow ALF 21; ADVANCE Corp.), and caudal epidural catheter were inserted while the rats remained under general anesthesia. Exactly, 10 μl of 1 : 1000 epinephrine was then infused, followed by measurement of the blood pressure and epidural blood flow. After the recovery of the blood pressure and epidural blood flow to baseline, 10 μl of saline was infused through the epidural catheter. The blood pressure and epidural blood flow were then measured again.ResultsOne rat was excluded because epinephrine was inadvertently injected into the epidural vessels. Therefore, three rats were investigated in this experiment. Blood flow in the epidural space showed no change after the injection of saline. When epinephrine was administered into the epidural space, epidural blood flow decreased immediately and low flow persisted for 6–15 min. The reduction of blood flow was not very great, being only 8–14%, so there was no risk of spinal ischemia which would require 60–80% reduction.ConclusionAdministration of epinephrine into the epidural space was safe in young rats. While reduction of epidural blood flow was observed, there was no spinal ischemia.
Using pediatric liver grafts (≤6 yr) for adult recipients: A considerable option?
Authors: Schukfeh Nagoud , Paul Andreas , Gallinat Anja , Hoyer Dieter P. , Treckmann Jürgen W. , Minor Thomas , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Metzelder Martin L. , Schulze Maren 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn LT, the common policy is to allocate pediatric liver grafts to pediatric recipients. Pediatric organs are also offered to adults if there is no pediatric recipient. However, they are rarely accepted for adult recipients. So far, there is no information available reporting outcome of LT in adult recipients using pediatric livers from donors ≤6 yr. In this study, we included nine adult recipients (seven females and two males) who received grafts from children ≤6 yr from January 2008 to December 2013. We evaluated the graft quality, the GBWR and analyzed the recipients’ perioperative course. Laboratory samples and graft perfusion were analyzed. Nine adults with a median age of 49 yr (range: 25–65) and a median weight of 60 kg (range: 48–64) underwent LT with a pediatric donor graft. Median donor age was five yr (range: 3–6). Median GBWR was 1.02 (range: 0.86–1.45). After a median follow‐up of 3.9 yr (range: 11 months–6.6 yr), patient survival was 100%; graft survival was 89%. One patient needed re‐transplantation on the second postoperative day due to PNF. Eight recipients were discharged from the ICU after 2–9 days with a regular graft function. Doppler scans revealed regular flow patterns at any time. Only if denied for pediatric recipients, the use of pediatric livers from donors ≤6 yr for adult recipients is a considerable option.