bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Urban Greenery: The Case of Stockholm's National City Park
Authors: Uggla Yiva
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes two phases of the history of the National City Park in Stockholm: the process preceding formal park establishment and the ongoing place construction following park establishment. With thematic narrative analysis, I show that constructing the National City Park as a “place” relied on considerable abstraction. Similarly, the construction of the park's uniformity relied on an organizing principle that eliminated many entities and activities from the narrative of the place. This case study also demonstrates that “nature” might need allies in the endeavor to protect urban greenery. The framing of the narrative in historical and cultural heritage terms was a key factor in the effort to protect the National City Park from urban development.
Omnivorous Gentrification: Restaurant Reviews and Neighborhood Change in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver
Authors: Hyde Zachary
Published: December 2014

Through an analysis of restaurant reviews, this paper examines the production and consumption of food, as well as ideas and symbols about food, within a gentrifying neighborhood, the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. In particular, it analyzes how reviewers frame culinary “authenticity” and attach symbolic value to a low–income area of the city, while often acknowledging an emerging civil discourse that sees gentrification as a problem. I explain the tensions and contradictions in the orientations of newcomer restaurateurs and the food writers who report on their activities with a concept drawn from the sociology of culture, omnivorousness. It refers to a broad shift in the consumption patterns of high–status groups in Western society from highbrow snobbery, to an eclecticism of tastes drawing from all levels of the cultural hierarchy. The analysis shows how the populist impulses of “foodie” discourse and “social preservationism” come into conflict with the drive to achieve status and distinction through omnivorous consumption practices. Gentrifiers try to resolve this tension through “ethical entrepreneurialism” which fails to address ongoing structural inequality in the neighborhood.
COMPRES: a prospective postmarketing evaluation of the compression anastomosis ring CAR 27™/ColonRing™
Authors: D'Hoore A. , Albert M. R. , Cohen S. M. , Herbst F. , Matter I. , Van Der Speeten K. , Dominguez J. , Rutten H. , Muldoon J. P. , Bardakcioglu O. , Senagore A. J. , Ruppert R. , Mills S. , Stamos M. J. , Påhlman L. , Choman E. , Wexner S. D. ,   the COMPRES collaborative study group
Published: December 2014

Aim

Preclinical studies have suggested that nitinol‐based compression anastomosis might be a viable solution to anastomotic leak following low anterior resection. A prospective multicentre open label study was therefore designed to evaluate the performance of the ColonRing™ in (low) colorectal anastomosis.

Method

The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leakage. Patients were recruited at 13 different colorectal surgical units in Europe, the United States and Israel. Institutional review board approval was obtained.

Results

Between 21 March 2010 and 3 August 2011, 266 patients completed the study protocol. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.3% for all anastomoses, including a rate of 3.1% for low anastomoses. Septic anastomotic complications occurred in 8.3% of all anastomoses and 8.2% of low anastomoses.

Conclusion

Nitinol compression anastomosis is safe, effective and easy to use and may offer an advantage for low colorectal anastomosis. A prospective randomized trial comparing ColonRing™ with conventional stapling is needed.
Endoscopic treatment of pediatric post‐transplant biliary complications is safe and effective
Authors: Dechêne Alexander , Kodde Cathrin , Kathemann Simone , Treckmann Jürgen , Lainka Elke , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Feldstein Ariel E. , Hoyer Peter F. , Canbay Ali
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim

Biliary complications (BC) after liver transplantation (LT) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Incidence of BC after pediatric LT is more than 10%. In adults, treatment by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is successful. As data in pediatric patients are limited, endoscopic treatment of BC in a pediatric cohort in a German transplant center was analyzed.

Methods

LT recipients <18 years of age who were endoscopically treated for BC at University Hospital Essen were retrospectively analyzed. Characteristics of LT, endoscopic treatment measures, clinical and endoscopic presentation of BC, and outcomes after endoscopic treatment were evaluated.

Results

Seventeen patients (median age 12 years) with clinical signs of BC were treated endoscopically using ERCP. Eleven patients had received a full‐size liver, and six a left‐sided living‐donor transplant graft. In 12 patients, the bile ducts were accessible via Vater's papilla and five patients had a bilioenteric anastomosis. Biliary sphincterotomy was done in 13 patients. Eleven patients presented with stricture of the biliary anastomosis (AST), either isolated (nine) or in combination with biliary cast syndrome (BCS) or biliary leakage (one patient each). Ischemia‐type biliary lesions (ITBL) were found in two patients. Five patients suffered from BCS, either as isolated pathology (two) or in combination with AST, bile leak or ITBL. In one patient, biliary access via the major papilla was not obtainable.

Conclusions

BC in pediatric LT were treated safely and successfully in pediatric patients when the biliary tract was accessible. The most common complications were AST, BCS and ITBL.
Current status of endoscopic ultrasound for the upper gastrointestinal tract in Asia
Authors: Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Hilmi Ida Normiha , Kwek Boon Eu Andrew , Hara Kazuo , Goda Kenichi
Published: December 2014

We summarize the current status of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract solely in Asia, focusing on the staging of superficial cancers and the diagnosis of submucosal tumors (SMT), by analysis of questionnaire responses and a literature review. EUS for assessing the depth of superficial cancers of the upper GI tract is useful; however, evidence is lacking to support that EUS is superior to other modalities. The current status of EUS varies across different Asian countries, and standardization of the methods used both during the procedure and for depth subclassification is necessary to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. Although EUS alone is limited in the diagnosis of SMT, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration is an effective and safe diagnostic tool. Although there is a role for EUS, there are still many limitations both technically and in terms of accessibility.
Host–plant quality alters herbivore responses to temperature: a case study using the generalist Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Jang Taehwan , Rho Myung Suk , Koh Sang‐Hyun , Lee Kwang Pum
Published: December 2014

The nutritional quality of host plants is an important determinant of fitness in insect herbivores. However, it remains an open question whether the ingestion of a particular plant will have the same effects on an herbivore under differing thermal conditions. We measured the performance of the generalist‐feeding caterpillars of Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) raised on one of five natural host plants to determine their nutritional quality: Platanus occidentalis L. (Platanaceae), Sophora japonica (L.) Schott (Fabaceae), Prunus × yedoensis Matsum. (Rosaceae), Cornus kousa Hance (Cornaceae), or Betula platyphylla Sukaczev (Betulaceae). Caterpillars performed well on P. occidentalis, S. japonica, and P. × yedoensis, but poorly on C. kousa and B. platyphylla. The nutritional phenotype of caterpillars varied among host–plant groups, with the proportion of lipid‐free body mass to lipid content being higher for caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis and S. japonica (3.8–4.2:1) than for caterpillars raised on P. × yedoensis (1.6–2.1:1). A multi‐factorial experimental design was employed to investigate the interactive effects of host–plant quality and temperature on the performance of H. cunea caterpillars raised on either P. occidentalis or P. × yedoensis at three rearing temperatures (20, 25, or 30 °C). Caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis displayed a monotonic decrease in development time with increasing temperature, but the development time of those on P. × yedoensis decreased rapidly as temperature rose from 20 to 25 °C and then stayed unchanged despite further increase in temperature. The rate at which body size increased with decreasing temperature was much steeper for caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis than for those on P. × yedoensis. Collectively, these results indicate that host plant can alter the thermal reaction norms for the key life‐history traits of herbivores. This study has implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on herbivore–plant interactions.
Diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in recently untreated lymphoma: incidence and relevance
Authors: Adams Hugo J.A. , Kwee Thomas C. , Fijnheer Rob , Dubois Stefan V. , Nievelstein Rutger A.J. , de Klerk John M.H.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To determine the incidence of diffusely increased bone marrow 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) uptake at positron emission tomography (PET) in recently untreated lymphoma and to assess the frequency of lymphoma‐positive bone marrow biopsies (BMBs) in these patients.

Methods

FDG‐PET scans of all patients presenting with newly diagnosed or relapsed lymphoma were reviewed. Patients with non‐focal diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake, who had not received therapy within 3 months, were identified. The incidences of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake and the frequencies of positive posterior iliac crest BMBs among those cases were calculated.

Results

The incidences of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in all lymphomas, and in Hodgkin lymphoma, aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), indolent NHL, and mantle cell NHL separately, were 4.2% (23/542), 9.3% (7/75), 3.4% (8/239), 3.3% (7/214), and 7.1% (1/14), respectively, and frequencies of positive BMBs among these subgroups were 55.0% (11/20), 0.0% (0/7), 83.3% (5/6), 83.3% (5/6), and 100% (1/1), respectively.

Conclusion

The incidence of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in recently untreated lymphoma is low, albeit higher in Hodgkin lymphoma than in NHL. BMB in such patients is likely to be negative in Hodgkin lymphoma, but positive in the majority of NHL cases.
Bank Foreign Affiliate Performance in the Face of Pervasive and Arbitrary Corruption
Authors: Petrou Andreas P.
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the financial performance of foreign bank affiliates in light of their experience with pervasive and arbitrary corruption. To achieve this, we draw on the resource dependence theory and the institutional theory to explain how pervasiveness and arbitrariness affect financial performance through operating costs, risks of defaults and business growth. Using data on 122 foreign bank affiliates in 37 countries, we find that pervasiveness has a negative influence on the affiliate's performance, and, the joint interaction of pervasiveness and arbitrariness strengthens this relationship. The latter is significant for affiliates operating in developing countries, which may indicate that arbitrariness is damaging when corruption is pervasive. This study advances the literature on corruption at firm‐level, and the literature on bank internationalization. Moreover, findings have implications for managers, who need to recognize how the interaction of these two dimensions of corruption compromise their foreign operations.
A Dynamic Simulation Approach to Frame Drivers and Implications of Corruption Practices on Firm Performance
Authors: Cosenz Federico , Noto Guido
Published: December 2014

Corruption is a multifaceted socio‐economic phenomenon widely spread – although with different intensity – all around the world. Many studies on corruption have been conducted at a country‐level, but relatively little effort has been placed in evaluating its implications, in terms of both financial and competitive performance, at a firm‐level. Therefore, this paper aims at exploring the causal relationships underlying the effect of corruption on firm performance in order to show the different scenarios that may emerge from the combination between external (i.e., contextual conditions) and internal (i.e., organizational characteristics) forces that drive corruption. To this end, we adopt a Dynamic Performance Management approach, that is, a combination between traditional Performance Management schemes and System Dynamics methodology, which allows analysts to frame complex physical and social systems by identifying and modelling those variables and related cause‐and‐effect relationships that mainly affect firm performance. As a result, the emerging quantitative model identifies different scenarios that highlight how a firm may react – in terms of performance simulation – to corruption practices.
Habitat segregation and ecological character displacement in cryptic African malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Tene Fossog Billy , Ayala Diego , Acevedo Pelayo , Kengne Pierre , Ngomo Abeso Mebuy Ignacio , Makanga Boris , Magnus Julie , Awono‐Ambene Parfait , Njiokou Flobert , Pombi Marco , Antonio‐Nkondjio Christophe , Paupy Christophe , Besansky Nora J. , Costantini Carlo
Published: December 2014

Understanding how divergent selection generates adaptive phenotypic and population diversification provides a mechanistic explanation of speciation in recently separated species pairs. Towards this goal, we sought ecological gradients of divergence between the cryptic malaria vectorsAnopheles coluzziiandAn. gambiaeand then looked for a physiological trait that may underlie such divergence. Using a large set of occurrence records and eco‐geographic information, we built a distribution model to predict the predominance of the two species across their range of sympatry. Our model predicts two novel gradients along which the species segregate: distance from the coastline and altitude.Anopheles coluzziishowed a ‘bimodal’ distribution, predominating in xeric West African savannas and along the western coastal fringe of Africa. To test whether differences in salinity tolerance underlie this habitat segregation, we assessed the acute dose–mortality response to salinity of thirty‐two larval populations from Central Africa. In agreement with its coastal predominance,Anopheles coluzziiwas overall more tolerant thanAn. gambiae. Salinity tolerance of both species, however, converged in urban localities, presumably reflecting an adaptive response to osmotic stress from anthropogenic pollutants. When comparing degree of tolerance in conjunction with levels of syntopy, we found evidence of character displacement in this trait.
Inflammatory mechanisms of endometritis
Authors: Woodward E. M. , Troedsson M. H. T.
Published: December 2014

Transient post breeding endometritis is a normal physiological reaction in the mare, as it is believed that an inflammatory response is necessary for the effective removal of contaminating bacteria and excess spermatozoa introduced into the uterus. While most mares can clear endometritis within a reasonable amount of time, persistent endometritis caused by either bacteria or spermatozoa can threaten the success of a pregnancy. A subpopulation of mares is susceptible to persistent endometritis, and these mares are a concern in equine reproductive medicine. Research has identified several factors that contribute to susceptibility; however, the exact mechanisms of the progression of the disease are still being elucidated. Current research focuses on endometrial gene expression during endometritis in an attempt to understand the timing of specific inflammatory processes involved with the development of susceptibility to persistent endometritis. With an increased understanding of the mechanisms involved with the disease, current treatments can be improved upon, and new treatments can be developed to target affected pathways.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
High genetic diversity of equine infectious anaemia virus strains from Slovenia revealed upon phylogenetic analysis of the p15 gag gene region
Authors: Kuhar U. , Malovrh T.
Published: December 2014

Reasons for performing study

The equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV), which belongs to the Retroviridae family, infects equids almost worldwide. Every year, sporadic EIAV cases are detected in Slovenia.

Objectives

To characterise the Slovenian EIAV strains in the p15 gag gene region phylogenetically in order to compare the Slovenian EIAV strains with EIAV strains from abroad, especially with the recently published European strains.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study using material derived from post mortem examination.

Methods

In total, 29 EIAV serologically positive horses from 18 different farms were examined in this study. Primers were designed to amplify the p15 gag gene region. Amplicons of 28 PCRs were subjected to direct DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Altogether, 28 EIAV sequences were obtained from 17 different farms and were distributed between 4 separate monophyletic groups and 9 branches upon phylogenetic analysis. Among EIAV strains from abroad, the closest relatives to Slovenian EIAV strains were European EIAV strains from Italy. Phylogenetic analysis also showed that some animals from distantly located farms were most probably infected with the same EIAV strains, as well as animals from the same farm and animals from farms located in the same geographical region.

Conclusions

This is the first report of such high genetic diversity of EIAV strains from one country. This led to speculation that there is a potential virus reservoir among the populations of riding horses, horses kept for pleasure and horses for meat production, with some farmers or horse‐owners not following legislation, thus enabling the spread of infection with EIAV. The low sensitivity of the agar gel immunodiffusion test may also contribute to the spread of infection with EIAV, because some infected horses might have escaped detection. The results of the phylogenetic analysis also provide additional knowledge about the highly heterogeneous nature of the EIAV genome.
Dominant negative inhibition data should be analyzed using mathematical modeling – re‐interpreting data from insulin signaling
Authors: Jullesson David , Johansson Rikard , Rajan Meenu R. , Strålfors Peter , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: December 2014

As our ability to measure the complexity of intracellular networks has evolved, it has become increasingly clear that we need new methods for data analysis: methods involving mathematical modeling. Nevertheless, it is still uncontroversial to publish and interpret experimental results without a model‐based proof that the reasoning is correct. In the present study, we argue that this attitude probably needs to change in the future. We illustrate this need for modeling by considering the common experimental technique of using dominant‐negative constructs. More specifically, we consider published time‐series and dose‐response data which previously have been used to argue that the protein S6 kinase does not phosphorylate insulin receptor substrate‐1 at a specific serine residue. Using a presented general approach to interpret such data, we now demonstrate that the given dominant‐negative data are not conclusive (i.e. that in the absence of other proofs, S6 kinase still may be the kinase). Using simulations with uncertainty analysis and analytical solutions, we show that an alternative explanation is centered around depletion of substrate, which can be tested experimentally. This analysis thus illustrates both the necessity and the benefits of using mathematical modeling to fully understand the implications of biological data, even for a small system and relatively simple data.
Resilience and tipping points of an exploited fish population over six decades
Authors: Vasilakopoulos Paraskevas , Marshall C. Tara
Published: December 2014

Complex natural systems with eroded resilience, such as populations, ecosystems and socio‐ecological systems, respond to small perturbations with abrupt, discontinuous state shifts, or critical transitions. Theory of critical transitions suggests that such systems exhibit fold bifurcations featuring folded response curves, tipping points and alternate attractors. However, there is little empirical evidence of fold bifurcations occurring in actual complex natural systems impacted by multiple stressors. Moreover, resilience of complex systems to change currently lacks clear operational measures with generic application. Here, we provide empirical evidence for the occurrence of a fold bifurcation in an exploited fish population and introduce a generic measure of ecological resilience based on the observed fold bifurcation attributes. We analyse the multivariate development of Barents Sea cod (Gadus morhua), which is currently the world's largest cod stock, over six decades (1949–2009), and identify a population state shift in 1981. By plotting a multivariate population index against a multivariate stressor index, the shift mechanism was revealed suggesting that the observed population shift was a nonlinear response to the combined effects of overfishing and climate change. Annual resilience values were estimated based on the position of each year in relation to the fitted attractors and assumed tipping points of the fold bifurcation. By interpolating the annual resilience values, a folded stability landscape was fit, which was shaped as predicted by theory. The resilience assessment suggested that the population may be close to another tipping point. This study illustrates how a multivariate analysis, supported by theory of critical transitions and accompanied by a quantitative resilience assessment, can clarify shift mechanisms in data‐rich complex natural systems.
Net climate impacts of forest biomass production and utilization in managed boreal forests
Authors: Kilpeläinen Antti , Torssonen Piritta , Strandman Harri , Kellomäki Seppo , Asikainen Antti , Peltola Heli
Published: December 2014

In this work, we studied the potentials offered by managed boreal forests and forestry to mitigate the climate change using forest‐based materials and energy in substituting fossil‐based materials (concrete and plastic) and energy (coal and oil). For this purpose, we calculated the net climate impacts (radiative forcing) of forest biomass production and utilization in the managed Finnish boreal forests (60°–70°N) over a 90‐year period based on integrated use forest ecosystem model simulations (on carbon sequestration and biomass production of forests) and life‐cycle assessment (LCA) tool. When studying the effects of management on the radiative forcing in a system integrating the carbon sink/sources dynamics in both biosystem and technosystem, the current forest management (baseline management) was used a reference management. Our results showed that the use of forest‐based materials and energy in substituting fossil‐based materials and energy would provide an effective option for mitigating climate change. The negative climate impacts could be further decreased by maintaining forest stocking higher over the rotation compared to the baseline management and by harvesting stumps and coarse roots in addition to logging residues in the final felling. However, the climate impacts varied substantially over time depending on the prevailing forest structure and biomass assortment (timber, energy biomass) used in substitution.
Modelling of the phase relations in high‐pressure and ultrahigh‐pressure eclogites
Authors: Wei Chunjing , Tian Zuolin
Published: December 2014

Phase relations of basic rocks under high pressure (HP) and ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions are modelled on the basis of a MORB composition. The calculated pseudosections predict that basic rocks will contain glaucophane, garnet, omphacite, lawsonite, phengite, quartz with or without talc under HP‐lawsonite eclogite subfacies conditions (1.8–2.8 GPa, 500–600°C). In these assemblages, the pyrope content (Xpy) in garnet mainly increases with temperature rising, the grossular content (Xgr) chiefly decreases with pressure rising, and the silica content (Si‐) in phengite increases linearly with increasing pressure; their contents are subtly affected by variations in bulk‐rock composition. Thus, the isopleths of garnet and phengite compositions in P–T pseudosections potentially present a robust geothermobarometric method for natural glaucophane‐bearing HP eclogites. Under low‐T UHP conditions (>2.8 GPa, 550–650°C), a common assemblage for basic rocks is predicted to be garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + phengite + talc + coesite + phengite. In this assemblage, the Xpy steadily increases as temperature rises and the Si‐phengite increases with pressure rising, whereas the Xgr is very sensitive as pressure changes. The peak P–T conditions for low‐T UHP eclogites can be determined using the isopleths of maximum Xpy and Si‐phengite in P–T pseudosections. Under medium‐T UHP conditions (>2.8 GPa and >650°C), basic rocks are predicted commonly to contain garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + phengite + coesite. In this assemblage, the Xpy mostly depends on bulk‐rock compositions, whereas the Xgr and Si‐phengite regularly increase, respectively, as temperature and as pressure rises, and thus, can provide good thermobarometric constraints for medium‐T UHP eclogites. The decompression of these HP and UHP assemblages are modelled to be dominated by lawsonite dehydration reactions, which will result in disappearance of lawsonite and formation of glaucophane, epidote and/or kyanite with releasing a large amount of bound fluid.
Basaltic volcaniclastics from the Challenger Deep forearc segment, Mariana convergent margin: Implications for tectonics and magmatism of the southernmost Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc
Authors: Stern Robert J. , Ren Minghua , Kelley Katherine A. , Ohara Yasuhiko , Martinez Fernando , Bloomer Sherman H.
Published: December 2014

Convergent margin igneous activity is generally limited to 100–200 km from the trench except where spreading ridges are subducted or in association with Subduction‐Transform Edge Propagators (STEP faults). The southernmost Mariana forearc, facing the Challenger Deep, subducts Mesozoic seafloor and is not in a STEP fault setting but includes at least one site where tholeiitic basalts recently erupted close to the trench, the SE Mariana Forearc Rift (SEMFR). We present evidence of young basaltic volcanism from ca. 100 km west of SEMFR. Shinkai 6500 diving during YK13‐08 (Dive 1363) recovered volcaniclastics from 5.5 to 6 km deep in the inner wall of the Mariana Trench, 50 km NE of the Challenger Deep. Glassy fragments are tholeiitic basalts similar to MORB except for much higher contents of magmatic water (approx. 2% H2O vs. <0.2% H2O in MORB) and enrichments in trace elements Rb‐Cs‐Ba, K, Pb, and Sr. Dive 1363 glasses are similar to basalts from SEMFR erupted near the trench and to Mariana Trough backarc basin basalts. Basalt fragments and palagonitized matrix dominate the studied samples, but small xenocrysts and xenoliths derived from mantle peridotite and Neogene volcanics are also present, probably torn from the vent walls. Dive 1363 hyaloclastites erupted at 3–6 km water depth accompanied by vigorous degassing of volatiles, most likely CO2. These results provide further evidence that the forearc adjacent to the Challenger Deep has been invaded by asthenospheric mantle and derivative hydrous melts. Extension, hydration, and melt invasion combine to further weaken Challenger Deep forearc lithosphere. Combined effects of: (i) absence of strong, cold lithosphere of the overriding plate; (ii) rapid rollback of a narrow, short subducted slab; and (iii) weak coupling between the subducting Pacific plate and the overriding Mariana plate may be responsible for the great depth of the Challenger Deep.
Petrofabrics of olivine in a rift axis and rift shoulder and their implications for seismic anisotropy beneath the Rio Grande rift
Authors: Park Munjae , Jung Haemyeong , Kil Youngwoo
Published: December 2014

Mantle‐derived xenoliths associated with continental rifting can provide important information about the mantle structure and the physicochemical properties of deformation processes in the upper mantle. Metasomatized spinel peridotites from Adam's Diggings (AD) at a rift shoulder and Elephant Butte (EB) at the rift axis in the Rio Grande rift (RGR) were investigated to understand the deformation processes and seismic anisotropy occurring in the upper mantle. As determined through analysis of the lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of olivine by using a scanning electron microscope equipped with electron backscatter diffraction (SEM/EBSD), AD peridotites exhibited C‐type LPO of olivine indicating a dominant slip system of (100)[001] at the rift shoulder, whereas EB peridotites exhibited A‐type LPO indicating a dominant slip system of (010)[100] at the rift axis. Both geochemical data and microstructural observations indicate that the localized mantle enrichment processes, including melts with hydrous fluids, controlled multiple mantle metasomatisms and deformation of rocks under wet conditions (with olivine C‐type LPO) at the rift shoulder (AD), whereas mantle depletion by decompression partial melting caused deformation of rocks under dry conditions (with olivine A‐type LPO) at the rift axis (EB). These observations provide evidence for localized hydration and physicochemical heterogeneity of the upper mantle in the RGR zone. Seismic anisotropy observed beneath this zone can be attributed to the transtensional rupture, such as inhomogeneous stretching, and the petrofabrics of olivine beneath the study area.
Pillow lava and spasmodic submarine fire fountaining in the middle Miocene marginal basin, Sado Island, Japan
Authors: Fujibayashi Norie , Asakura Kensuke , Hattori Takeshi , Allen Sharon
Published: December 2014

The Sawasaki basalt unit of the Ogi Basalt Member is a middle Miocene submarine volcano formed in a marginal basin, cropping out on the coast of the Ogi Peninsula, Sado Island, Japan. It is approx. 100 m thick, more than 4 km wide, and is composed of pillow lavas (Sawasaki pillow lava) and overlying fire fountain deposits (Sawasaki pyroclastic rocks). The Sawasaki pillow lava is a pile of nearly‐horizontal lava flows. Massive sheet lavas and lava pods grade into pillow lavas. The flat surfaces of the sheet lavas suggest that they spread over a summit plain. The margin of the Sawasaki pillow lava is dominated by thin elongated pillow lobes (20–30 cm across) dipping at 45–60°, contrast with the large pillows (40–100 cm across) in the core. The proximal lithofacies of the Sawasaki pyroclastic rocks is scoria agglomerate which is composed of tens of stratified beds. Individual beds have a range of clast sizes and abundance of subaqueous bombs (sometimes up to >70%), which suggests that they were formed by submarine spasmodic fire fountain eruptions. Progressive aggradation from a turbulent flow allowed settling of well‐preserved fluidal‐shaped subaqueous bombs in a fines‐depleted matrix. The basal layer shows lamina, scour and imbrication of scoria clasts. The thick scoria agglomerate beds with large subaqueous bombs, derived from energetic fire fountains, were emplaced during transition to higher degrees of hydrovolcanic fragmentation. Alternating scoria lapilli tuff and tuff beds in the distal area may represent the coupled topset and foreset beds formed by deposition from dilute, turbulent flows, and cascading of volcanic debris from the crest of the volcanic hill.
Increased expression of human leucocyte antigen class I free heavy chains on monocytes of patients with spondyloarthritis and cells transfected with HLA‐B27
Authors: Ding Jin , Feng Yuan , Zheng Zhao Hui , Li Xue Yi , Wu Zhen Biao , Zhu Ping
Published: December 2014

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 expression is correlated with spondyloarthritis (SpA), but its role in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine whether HLA‐B27 free heavy chain (FHC) contributes to SpA pathogenesis. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the FHC expression on CD3+ and CD14+ cells in the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) from SpA patients, healthy controls, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Human monocytic U937 cell lines stably expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP)/HLA‐B27, EGFP/HLA‐A2 or EGFP alone were created to further investigate the relation between HLA‐B27 and FHC expression. The relative FHC level on CD14+ PB cells was significantly higher in SpA patients than in controls, but lower than on the SF cells of SpA patients. No significant correlation was found for relative FHC expression with HLA‐B27 or β2‐microglobulin expression. HLA‐B27‐transfected U937 cells expressed higher FHC levels than either EGFP/HLA‐A2‐ or EGFP‐transfected cells. HLA class I FHC expression was significantly increased on monocytes of SpA patients and HLA‐B27‐transfected cells, implying that FHC, perhaps mostly derived from HLA‐B27, plays an important role in SpA pathogenesis.
A group‐specific sequence‐based typing approach for HLA‐DQA1
Authors: Lemin A. J. , Johnson J. , Darke C.
Published: December 2014

An HLA‐DQA1 sequence‐based typing method reliant upon group‐specific amplification to achieve an unambiguous second‐field DQA1 typing assignment is presented. Method validation, using 51 reference DNA samples covering 21 different DQA1 alleles, showed 100% concordance with the reference types. This typing strategy has several important uses including identifying DQA1 mismatches in kidney donor/recipient pairs to inform patient DQ antibody assignments.
Diagnosis of Glanzmann thrombasthenia by whole blood impedance analyzer (MEA) vs. light transmission aggregometry
Authors: Albanyan A. , Al‐Musa A. , AlNounou R. , Al Zahrani H. , Nasr R. , AlJefri A. , Saleh M. , Malik A. , Masmali H. , Owaidah T.
Published: December 2014

Background

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare inherited platelet disorder that is characterized by spontaneous or postprocedural bleeding. The diagnosis of GT depends on identifying the dysfunction of the platelets.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare a whole blood impedance Multiplate analyzer (MEA) with the standard method, light transmission aggregometry (LTA) in diagnosis of GT.

Methods

Fifteen patients with GT were assessed on MEA and LTA using arachidonic acid (ASPI: 15 mm), (TRAP: 1 mm), collagen (100 μg/mL), ADP (0.2 mm), and ristocetin (Risto: 10 mg/mL). Whole blood samples were collected in sodium citrate and hirudin vacuum, blood collection tubes and tested within 4 h. Platelet‐rich plasma was used for LTA using platelet agonists (ristocetin 1.5 mg/mL) (arachidonic acid 0.5 mg/mL) (ADP 2.5 mg/mL) and (collagen 1 mg/mL).

Results

The platelet count and PFA‐100 results were (average and SD) 319 ± 93 × 109 L and 252 ± 34 s, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that all samples are positive for CD42a and CD42b, whereas 9/15 samples were negative for CD61 and CD41. The other six patients had either partial or full expression of CD61/CD41. Aggregation analysis using both methods showed that all samples had no aggregation response to any of the agonists used apart from six samples which, using only the MEA, showed minimal aggregation in response to collagen (average = 14.3 ± 7 μg, which may suggest ability to detect qualitative abnormality of GPIIb/IIIa).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the MEA is sensitive for the detection of Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Furthermore, MEA may also be able to differentiate between the subtypes of Glanzmann thrombasthenia.
Adipokinetic hormone signalling system in the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Zandawala M. , Hamoudi Z. , Lange A. B. , Orchard I.
Published: December 2014

Neuropeptides and their G protein‐coupled receptors are widespread throughout Metazoa and in several cases, clear orthologues can be identified in both protostomes and deuterostomes. One such neuropeptide is the insect adipokinetic hormone (AKH), which is related to the mammalian gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. AKH has been studied extensively and is known to mobilize lipid, carbohydrates and proline for energy‐consuming activities such as flight. In order to determine the possible roles for this signalling system in Rhodnius prolixus, we isolated the cDNA sequences encoding R. prolixus AKH (Rhopr‐AKH) and its receptor (Rhopr‐AKHR). We also examined their spatial expression pattern using quantitative PCR. Our expression analysis indicates that Rhopr‐AKH is only expressed in the corpus cardiacum of fifth‐instars and adults. Rhopr‐AKHR, by contrast, is expressed in several peripheral tissues including the fat body. The expression of the receptor in the fat body suggests that AKH is involved in lipid mobilization, which was confirmed by knockdown of Rhopr‐AKHR via RNA interference. Adult males that had been injected with double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) for Rhopr‐AKHR exhibited increased lipid content in the fat body and decreased lipid levels in the haemolymph. Moreover, injection of Rhopr‐AKH in Rhopr‐AKHR dsRNA‐treated males failed to elevate haemolymph lipid levels, confirming that this is indeed the receptor for Rhopr‐AKH.
Pathways into Irregular Status among Senegalese Migrants in Europe
Authors: Vickstrom Erik
Published: December 2014

This study examines how immigration policies construct pathways into irregular legal statuses and models three pathways: no-visa entry, overstaying, and befallen irregularity. Drawing on literature on the sociolegal production of migrant irregularity, this study hypothesizes that variation in contexts of reception and migrants’ access to forms of capital and institutional connections will produce different pathways. Retrospective MAFE-Senegal data provide legal status histories. Results show pathways that occur early in a migrant's trip-no-visa entry and overstaying-are more sensitive to both contextual variables and access to forms of capital. In contrast, befallen irregularity is less related to contextual variation.
Hiring subsidies for people with a disability: Evidence from a small‐scale social field experiment
Authors: DEUCHERT Eva , KAUER Lukas
Published: December 2014

The effectiveness of hiring subsidies for people with disabilities remains unclear due to potential free‐rider, substitution and signalling effects. The authors propose a novel evaluation approach wherein it is randomly decided whether or not job applications disclose the subsidy to potential employers. Based on call‐back rates for interviews, the subsidy is found to be ineffective or even counterproductive in a group of adolescents having completed their vocational training programme. However, the negative signalling effect seems to be much weaker in a group of clients of job‐coaching services who acquired their disability during their working life.
Low Loss Magneto‐Dielectric Composite Ceramics Ba3Co2Fe24O41/SrTiO3 for High‐Frequency Applications
Authors: Chang Panpan , He Li , Wang Hong
Published: December 2014

Magneto‐dielectric composite ceramics Ba3Co2Fe24O41/SrTiO3 (Co2Z/STO) loading with high volume fraction of hexaferrite Co2Z ( = 60%–95%) are successfully prepared by a hybrid process. The microstructures with homogeneously dispersed constituent grains are observed in these composites. The composites loading with 60%–80% hexaferrite possess stable magneto‐dielectric properties in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 1 GHz with both low dielectric loss and magnetic loss. For the composite loading with 60% Co2Z, the relative permittivity is 28.08 and permeability is 4.46 (at 10 MHz), the dielectric loss tangent keeps below 0.009 within the frequency range from 10 MHz to 1 GHz. Also, it possesses a magnetic loss tangent of 0.006 and 0.144 at 50 MHz and 1 GHz, respectively, which are much lower than 0.056 and 1.242 of the single Co2Z phase at the same frequency. These excellent properties indicate that the low‐loss Co2Z/STO composite ceramic is a new kind of multifunctional magneto‐dielectric material with potential for high‐frequency electromagnetic device applications.
Biogeography of the Andean metaltail hummingbirds: contrasting evolutionary histories of tree line and habitat‐generalist clades
Authors: Benham Phred M. , Cuervo Andrés M. , McGuire Jimmy A. , Witt Christopher C.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To assess geographical and temporal patterns of diversification in Metallura hummingbirds, particularly with respect to topographical barriers and climatic variation between different populations.

Location

Tropical Andes.

Methods

We estimated a multilocus phylogeny for all nine species of Metallura and evaluated phylogeographical patterns within Metallura tyrianthina using mitochondrial DNA sequences from across its range (n = 192). We tested mechanisms of diversification using climatic classification of sampling sites, coalescent‐based dating, lineages‐through‐time plots and dispersal–vicariance analysis.

Results

Metallura consists of two main clades: (1) the tree line specialists in the M. aeneocauda superspecies; and (2) a habitat‐generalist clade that includes M. tyrianthina and M. iracunda. Metallura phoebe was recovered as sister to the tree line clade in some analyses. In both clades, there was marked genetic structure across topographical barriers and almost no structure between climatically distinct regions in the absence of barriers. The tree line clade exhibited deeper divergences in the Central Andes than elsewhere, and a south‐to‐north history of diversification, whereas the habitat‐generalist clade showed deeper divergences in the Northern Andes and a history of southward expansion. A pure‐birth model explained the steady net rate of diversification of Metallura hummingbirds through the Pliocene and the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

Isolation across topographical barriers best explained the genetic structure in M. tyrianthina. The two Metallura clades expanded from opposite ends of the Andes, leading to asynchronous divergence across common topographical barriers. Cycles of expansion followed by isolation may explain the preponderance of idiosyncratic area relationships that are typical of Andean clades. Geoclimatic dynamism during the Pleistocene caused Metallura and other Andean bird clades to undergo radical range shifts, including dispersal across topographical barriers, that became key to their diversification.
Decoupled post‐glacial history in mutualistic plant–insect interactions: insights from the yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) and its associated oil‐collecting bees (Macropis europaea and M. fulvipes)
Authors: Triponez Yann , Arrigo Nils , Espíndola Anahí , Alvarez Nadir
Published: December 2014

Aim

We take a comparative phylogeographical approach to assess whether three species involved in a specialized oil‐rewarding pollination system (i.e. Lysimachia vulgaris and two oil‐collecting bees within the genus Macropis) show congruent phylogeographical trajectories during post‐glacial colonization processes. Our working hypothesis is that within specialized mutualistic interactions, where each species relies on the co‐occurrence of the other for survival and/or reproduction, partners are expected to show congruent evolutionary trajectories, because they are likely to have followed parallel migration routes and to have shared glacial refugia.

Location

Western Palaearctic.

Methods

Our analysis relies on the extensive sampling of 104 Western Palaearctic populations (totalling 434, 159 and 74 specimens of Lysimachia vulgaris, Macropis europaea and Macropis fulvipes, respectively), genotyped with amplified fragment length polymorphism. Based on this, we evaluated the regional genetic diversity (Shannon diversity and allele rarity index) and genetic structure (assessed using structure, population networks, isolation‐by‐distance and spatial autocorrelation metrics) of each species. Finally, we compared the general phylogeographical patterns obtained.

Results

Contrary to our expectations, the analyses revealed phylogeographical signals suggesting that the investigated organisms demonstrate independent post‐glacial trajectories as well as distinct contemporaneous demographic parameters, despite their mutualistic interaction.

Main conclusions

The mutualistic partners investigated here are likely to be experiencing distinct and independent evolutionary dynamics because of their contrasting life‐history traits (e.g. dispersal abilities), as well as distinct hubs and migration routes. Such conditions would prevent and/or erase any signature of co‐structuring of lineages in space and time. As a result, the lack of phylogeographical congruence driven by differences in life‐history traits might have arisen irrespective of the three species having shared similar Pleistocene glacial refugia.
Statin Use and Decline in Gait Speed in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lo‐Ciganic Wei‐Hsuan , Perera Subashan , Gray Shelly L. , Boudreau Robert M. , Zgibor Janice C. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Donohue Julie M. , Bunker Clareann H. , Newman Anne B. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Bauer Douglas C. , Satterfield Suzanne , Caserotti Paolo , Harris Tamara , Shorr Ronald I. , Hanlon Joseph T. ,   the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To examine the association between statin use and objectively assessed decline in gait speed in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Health, Aging and Body Composition (HealthABC) Study.

Participants

Two thousand five participants aged 70–79 at baseline with medication and gait speed data at 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2001–02, and 2002–03.

Measurements

The independent variables were any statin use and their standardized daily doses (low, moderate, high) and lipophilicity. The primary outcome measure was decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more in the following year of statin use. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used, adjusting for demographic characteristics, health‐related behaviors, health status, and access to health care.

Results

Statin use increased from 16.2% in 1998–99 to 25.6% in 2002–03. The overall proportions of those with decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more increased from 22.2% in 1998 to 23.9% in 2003. Statin use was not associated with decline in gait speed of 0.1 m/s or more (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77–1.06). Similar nonsignificant trends were also seen with the use of hydrophilic or lipophilic statins. Users of low‐dose statins were found to have a 22% lower risk of decline in gait speed than nonusers (AOR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.61–0.99), which was mainly driven by the results from 1999–2000 follow‐up.

Conclusion

These results suggest that statin use did not increase decline in gait speed in community‐dwelling older adults.