bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catheter Ablation of Arrhythmia During Pregnancy
Authors: DRIVER KEVIN , CHISHOLM CHRISTIAN A. , DARBY ANDREW E. , MALHOTRA ROHIT , DIMARCO JOHN P. , FERGUSON JOHN D. 
Published: April 2015

Catheter Ablation of Arrhythmia During PregnancyCardiac arrhythmia as a complication of pregnancy can be problematic to maternal health and fetal life and development. Catheter ablation of tachyarrhythmias during pregnancy has been successfully performed in selected patients with limited experience. Techniques to limit maternal and fetal radiation exposure, including intracardiac echo and electroanatomic mapping systems, are particularly important in this setting. Specific accommodations are necessary in the care of the gravid patient during catheter ablation.
Evolutionary stasis despite selection on a heritable trait in an invasive zooplankton
Authors: Miehls A. L. J. , Peacor S. D. , Valliant L. , McAdam A. G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractInvasive species are one of the greatest threats to ecosystems, and there is evidence that evolution plays an important role in the success or failure of invasions. Yet, few studies have measured natural selection and evolutionary responses to selection in invasive species, particularly invasive animals. We quantified the strength of natural selection on the defensive morphology (distal spine) of an invasive zooplankton,Bythotrephes longimanus, in Lake Michigan across multiple months during three growing seasons. We used multiple lines of evidence, including historic and contemporary wild‐captured individuals and palaeoecology of retrieved spines, to assess phenotypic change in distal spine length since invasion. We found evidence of temporally variable selection, with selection for decreased distal spine length early in the growing season and selection for increased distal spine length later in the season. This trend in natural selection is consistent with seasonal changes in the relative strength of non‐gape‐limited and gape‐limited fish predation. Yet, despite net selection for increased distal spine length and a known genetic basis for distal spine length, we observed little evidence of an evolutionary response to selection. Multiple factors likely limit an evolutionary response to selection, including genetic correlations, trade‐offs between components of fitness, and phenotypic plasticity.
Routine outcome monitoring and process quality in mental health care: a descriptive study in daily practice
Authors: Siebum Wim , Pijl Ysbrand J. , de Wolf G. Sander 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesRoutine outcome monitoring (ROM) is used to improve quality of health care by improving the process of care. ROM was introduced nationwide in mental health care in the Netherlands with the primary goal of enhancing the quality of treatment. This study aims to establish the impact of ROM on the process quality of treatment in the daily practice of secondary mental health care in the Netherlands.MethodsTwo cohorts from the same treatment programme were identified, before and after implementation of ROM. Data on patient characteristics, presence of baseline ROM measurement and indicators of the quality of the treatment process were retrieved from the electronic health care information system. Patient data were collected until 6 months after enrolment in the treatment programme. The magnitude of the effect of ROM on the quality of the treatment process was established.ResultsThe pre‐ROM cohort comprised 271 patients and 231 patients constituted the post‐ROM cohort. In the ROM cohort, both indicators for process quality ‘presence of treatment plan’ and ‘presence of cancellations’ were significantly higher; the odd ratios were 3,37 [confidence interval (CI) 2.32–4.89] and 1,63 (CI 1.14–2.33), respectively.ConclusionsIndicators on process quality are important for understanding and establishing the impact of ROM in daily practice of secondary mental health care. Implementing ROM moderately increased the presence of a treatment plan. While this suggests improved treatment agreement, it did not result in better compliance of patients with individual treatment activities, as presence of cancellations was significantly higher after introduction of ROM.
Transcriptome shock in an interspecific F1 triploid hybrid of Oryza revealed by RNA sequencing
Authors: Wu Ying , Sun Yue , Wang Xutong , Lin Xiuyun , Sun Shuai , Shen Kun , Wang Jie , Jiang Tingting , Zhong Silin , Xu Chunming , Liu Bao 
Published: April 2015

AbstractInterspecific hybridization is a driving force in evolution and speciation of higher plants. Interspecific hybridization often induces immediate and saltational changes in gene expression, a phenomenon collectively termed “transcriptome shock”. Although transcriptome shock has been reported in various plant and animal taxa, the extent and pattern of shock‐induced expression changes are often highly idiosyncratic, and hence entails additional investigations. Here, we produced a set of interspecific F1 triploid hybrid plants between Oryza sativa, ssp. japonica (2n = 2x = 24, genome AA) and the tetraploid form of O. punctata (2n = 4x = 48, genome, BBCC), and conducted RNA‐seq transcriptome profiling of the hybrids and their exact parental plants. We analyzed both homeolog expression bias and overall gene expression level difference in the hybrids relative to the in silico “hybrids” (parental mixtures). We found that approximately 16% (2,541) of the 16,112 expressed genes in leaf tissue of the F1 hybrids showed nonadditive expression, which were specifically enriched in photosynthesis‐related pathways. Interestingly, changes in the maternal homeolog expression, including non‐stochastic silencing, were the major causes for altered homeolog expression partitioning in the F1 hybrids. Our findings have provided further insights into the transcriptome response to interspecific hybridization and heterosis.
Investigating the widely held belief that men and women with learning disabilities receive poor quality healthcare when admitted to hospital: a single‐site study of 30‐day readmission rates
Authors: Kelly C. L. , Thomson K. , Wagner A. P. , Waters J. P. , Thompson A. , Jones S. , Holland A. J. , Redley M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to use 30‐day readmission rates to investigate the presumption that men and women with learning disabilities (LDs, known internationally as intellectual disabilities) receive poorer quality hospital care than their non‐disabled peers.MethodA 12‐month retrospective audit was conducted using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) at a single acute hospital in the East of England. This identified all in‐patient admissions; admissions where the person concerned was recognised as having a LD; and all emergency readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Additionally, the healthcare records of all patients identified as having a LD and readmitted within 30 days as a medical emergency were examined in order to determine whether or not these readmissions were potentially preventable.ResultsOver the study period, a total of 66 870 adults were admitted as in‐patients, among whom 7408 were readmitted as medical emergencies within 30 days of discharge: a readmission rate of 11%. Of these 66 870 patients, 256 were identified as having a LD, with 32 of them experiencing at least one emergency readmission within 30 days: a readmission rate of 13%. When examined, the healthcare records pertaining to these 32 patients who had a total of 39 unique 30‐day readmissions revealed that 69% (n = 26) of these readmissions were potentially preventable.ConclusionAlthough overall readmission rates were similar for patients with LDs and those from the general population, patients with LDs had a much higher rate of potentially preventable readmissions when compared to a general population estimate from van Walraven et al. This suggests that there is still work to be done to ensure that this patient population receives hospital care that is both safe and of high quality.
Genetic consequences of population expansions and contractions in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) since the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Stoffel Céline , Dufresnes Christophe , Okello John B. A. , Noirard Christian , Joly Pierre , Nyakaana Silvester , Muwanika Vincent B. , Alcala Nicolas , Vuilleumier Séverine , Siegismund Hans R. , Fumagalli Luca 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOver the past two decades, an increasing amount of phylogeographic work has substantially improved our understanding of African biogeography, in particular the role played by Pleistocene pluvial–drought cycles on terrestrial vertebrates. However, still little is known on the evolutionary history of semi‐aquatic animals, which faced tremendous challenges imposed by unpredictable availability of water resources. In this study, we investigate the Late Pleistocene history of the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence variation and range‐wide sampling. We documented a global demographic and spatial expansion approximately 0.1–0.3 Myr ago, most likely associated with an episode of massive drainage overflow. These events presumably enabled a historical continent‐wide gene flow among hippopotamus populations, and hence, no clear continental‐scale genetic structuring remains. Nevertheless, present‐day hippopotamus populations are genetically disconnected, probably as a result of the mid‐Holocene aridification and contemporary anthropogenic pressures. This unique pattern contrasts with the biogeographic paradigms established for savannah‐adapted ungulate mammals and should be further investigated in other water‐associated taxa. Our study has important consequences for the conservation of the hippo, an emblematic but threatened species that requires specific protection to curtail its long‐term decline.
Evolutionary dynamics of Rh2 opsins in birds demonstrate an episode of accelerated evolution in the New World warblers (Setophaga)
Authors: Bloch Natasha I. , Price Trevor D. , Chang Belinda S. W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLow rates of sequence evolution associated with purifying selection can be interrupted by episodic changes in selective regimes. Visual pigments are a unique system in which we can investigate the functional consequences of genetic changes, therefore connecting genotype to phenotype in the context of natural and sexual selection pressures. We study the RH2 and RH1 visual pigments (opsins) across 22 bird species belonging to two ecologically convergent clades, the New World warblers (Parulidae) and Old World warblers (Phylloscopidae) and evaluate rates of evolution in these clades along with data from 21 additional species. We demonstrate generally slow evolution of these opsins: both Rh1 and Rh2 are highly conserved across Old World and New World warblers. However, Rh2 underwent a burst of evolution within the New World genus Setophaga, where it accumulated substitutions at 6 amino acid sites across the species we studied. Evolutionary analyses revealed a significant increase in dN/dS in Setophaga, implying relatively strong selective pressures to overcome long‐standing purifying selection. We studied the effects of each substitution on spectral tuning and found they do not cause large spectral shifts. Thus, substitutions may reflect other aspects of opsin function, such as those affecting photosensitivity and/or dark–light adaptation. Although it is unclear what these alterations mean for colour perception, we suggest that rapid evolution is linked to sexual selection, given the exceptional plumage colour diversification in Setophaga.
The branched CcsA/CckA‐ChpT‐CtrA phosphorelay of Sphingomonas melonis controls motility and biofilm formation
Authors: Francez‐Charlot Anne , Kaczmarczyk Andreas , Vorholt Julia A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe CckA‐ChpT‐CtrA phosphorelay is central to the regulation of the cell cycle in Caulobacter crescentus. The three proteins are conserved in Alphaproteobacteria, but little is known about their roles in most members of this class. Here, we characterized the system in Sphingomonas melonis. We found that the transcription factor CtrA is the master regulator of flagella synthesis genes, the hierarchical transcriptional organization of which is herein described. CtrA also regulates genes involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis and cyclic‐di‐GMP signaling, and is important for biofilm formation. In addition, the ctrA mutant exhibits an aberrant morphology, suggesting a role for CtrA in cell division. An analysis of the regulation of CtrA indicates that the phosphorelay composed of CckA and ChpT is conserved and that the absence of the bifunctional kinase/phosphatase CckA apparently results in overactivation of CtrA through ChpT. Suppressors of this phenotype identified the hybrid histidine kinase CcsA. Phosphorelays initiated by CckA or CcsA were reconstituted in vitro, suggesting that in S. melonis, CtrA phosphorylation is controlled by a branched pathway upstream of ChpT. This study thus suggests that signals can directly converge at the level of ChpT phosphorylation through multiple hybrid kinases to coordinate a number of important physiological processes.
Protein costs do not explain evolution of metabolic strategies and regulation of ribosomal content: does protein investment explain an anaerobic bacterial Crabtree effect?
Authors: Goel Anisha , Eckhardt Thomas H. , Puri Pranav , de Jong Anne , Branco dos Santos Filipe , Giera Martin , Fusetti Fabrizia , de Vos Willem M. , Kok Jan , Poolman Bert , Molenaar Douwe , Kuipers Oscar P. , Teusink Bas 
Published: April 2015

SummaryProtein investment costs are considered a major driver for the choice of alternative metabolic strategies. We tested this premise in Lactococcus lactis, a bacterium that exhibits a distinct, anaerobic version of the bacterial Crabtree/Warburg effect; with increasing growth rates it shifts from a high yield metabolic mode [mixed‐acid fermentation; 3 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) per glucose] to a low yield metabolic mode (homolactic fermentation; 2 ATP per glucose). We studied growth rate‐dependent relative transcription and protein ratios, enzyme activities, and fluxes of L. lactis in glucose‐limited chemostats, providing a high‐quality and comprehensive data set. A three‐ to fourfold higher growth rate rerouted metabolism from acetate to lactate as the main fermentation product. However, we observed hardly any changes in transcription, protein levels and enzyme activities. Even levels of ribosomal proteins, constituting a major investment in cellular machinery, changed only slightly. Thus, contrary to the original hypothesis, central metabolism in this organism appears to be hardly regulated at the level of gene expression, but rather at the metabolic level. We conclude that L. lactis is either poorly adapted to growth at low and constant glucose concentrations, or that protein costs play a less important role in fitness than hitherto assumed.
A Posteriori Physicalism and Introspection
Authors: Elpidorou Andreas 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntrospection presents our phenomenal states in a manner otherwise than physical. This observation is often thought to amount to an argument against physicalism: if introspection presents phenomenal states as they essentially are, then phenomenal states cannot be physical states, for we are not introspectively aware of phenomenal states as physical states. In this article, I examine whether this argument threatens a posteriori physicalism. I argue that as along as proponents of a posteriori physicalism maintain that phenomenal concepts present the nature of their referents in a partial and incomplete manner, a posteriori physicalism is safe.
The impact of secondary pests on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops
Authors: Catarino Rui , Ceddia Graziano , Areal Francisco J. , Park Julian 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe intensification of agriculture and the development of synthetic insecticides enabled worldwide grain production to more than double in the last third of the 20th century. However, the heavy dependence and, in some cases, overuse of insecticides has been responsible for negative environmental and ecological impacts across the globe, such as a reduction in biodiversity, insect resistance to insecticides, negative effects on nontarget species (e.g. natural enemies) and the development of secondary pests. The use of recombinant DNA technology to develop genetically engineered insect‐resistant crops could mitigate many of the negative side effects of insecticides. One such genetic alteration enables crops to express toxic crystalline (Cry) proteins from the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Despite the widespread adoption of Bt crops, there are still a range of unanswered questions concerning longer term agro‐ecosystem interactions. For instance, insect species that are not susceptible to the expressed toxin can develop into secondary pests and cause significant damage to the crop. Here, we review the main causes surrounding secondary pest dynamics in Bt crops and the impact of such outbreaks. Regardless of the causes, if nonsusceptible secondary pest populations exceed economic thresholds, insecticide spraying could become the immediate solution at farmers’ disposal, and the sustainable use of this genetic modification technology may be in jeopardy. Based on the literature, recommendations for future research are outlined that will help to improve the knowledge of the possible long‐term ecological trophic interactions of employing this technology.
Environmental Microbes and Uveitis: Is Microbial Exposure Always Bad?
Authors: Massilamany C. , Gangaplara A. , Reddy J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe eye generally is considered to be an immune‐privileged organ, but this notion is being increasingly challenged as ocular antigens can be expressed in the generative lymphoid organs, resulting in attainment of self‐tolerance. What triggers a break in this tolerant state is a fundamental question in autoimmunity research. The general belief is that exposure to environmental microbes can break self‐tolerance in genetically susceptible individuals, leading to the induction of autoimmune responses. The molecular mimicry hypothesis has been proposed as one major mechanistic, pathway through which microbes, by generating cross‐reactive immune responses, can induce ocular damage of the kind that might occur in uveitis. However, our recent data suggest that exposure to microbial products containing mimicry epitopes for retinal antigens can potentially be beneficial to the host. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms with particular reference to the molecular mimicry hypothesis as it relates to immune‐mediated uveitis.
Invasive Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a liver transplant patient: case report and review of infection in transplant recipients
Authors: Popiel K.Y. , Wong P. , Lee M.J. , Langelier M. , Sheppard D.C. , Vinh D.C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSaccharomyces cerevisiae, an ascosporogenous yeast commonly used in the production of food, is an emerging infection in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a 60‐year‐old man whose orthotopic liver transplant was complicated by S. cerevisiae fungemia and peritoneal abscess, successfully treated with caspofungin and drainage. We also review the literature of invasive saccharomycoses in recipients of hematologic and solid organ transplants.
Gas Turbine Intake Filter Systems Related to Offshore Platform Installations
Authors: Kimm M. H. P. , Langlands D. 
Published: April 2015

This Paper covers various aspects with respect to the selection and operation of air filtration associated to offshore gas turbine installations. As the Offshore North Sea industry moves into its second decade, Operators are still trying to improve machine availability and reduce maintenance costs. One of the main contributing factors in their failure to achieve the ideal condition has been poor inlet air filtration caused by bad design and incorrect filter selection.
The majority of offshore installations are equipped with filter systems which were originally designed for use on ocean-going vessels. The performance of what has become known as the “High Velocity Salt Eliminator System” has, in most cases, been unsatisfactory, thereby creating a necessity for a continuing search into alternative filter systems.
The experiences of most Operators in the North Sea have been very similar, and examination of the platform environment explains why this should be the case.
To emphasize the affects of poor air filtration and the savings that can be achieved by the Operator in recognising and correcting the problems, specific reference is made to the experience of Mobil North Sea with the Beryl Alpha Production Platform.
Heat Transfer Measurements With Film Cooling on a Turbine Blade Profile in Cascade
Authors: Horton F. G. , Schultz D. L. , Forest A. E. 
Published: April 2015

Heat transfer measurements with film cooling have been made on a gas turbine rotor profile in a cascade at engine representative operating conditions. The blade temperature was varied independently to investigate the scaling of heat transfer coefficient, and a superposition model was found to correlate the data.
Contrasting results are presented for films on the two surfaces, along with predictions from a 2–D boundary layer method.
Review of Factory Aerodynamic Tests for Verification of Centrifugal Gas Compressor Field Performance Prediction
Authors: Sapiro Leon 
Published: April 2015

Centrifugal gas compressors are generally tested in the manufacturing facility, before delivery, to determine the accuracy of the aerodynamic performance prediction made for the field operation. One type of test, which some manufacturers apply to every unit, is conducted in an open loop, with ambient air. The other more elaborate type, which is the result of mutual agreement between manufacturer and user, is conducted in a closed loop in accordance with the ASME Power Test Code No. 10, Class II or III, using inert gases at conditions similar to the ones expected in the field.
This paper discusses the justification and the different approach of each type of test to prove performance prediction, and the limitations which they encounter in practice. Topics include testing procedures used for simulating the field conditions on low- and high-molecular weight hydrocarbon applications, limitations due to the selected inert gas and to the maximum admissible values of rotational speed and temperature, the effect of different stage matching at other-than-field gas, and the approach to redefine the surge point position on test to account for the different compressor sensitivity to piping-induced surge when operating in the field.