bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and drivers of zoogeographical regions of terrestrial vertebrates in China
Authors: He Jiekun , Kreft Holger , Gao Erhu , Wang Zhichen , Jiang Haisheng
Published: October 2016

Aim

Zoogeographical regionalizations have recently seen a revived interest, which has provided new insights into biogeographical patterns. However, few quantitative studies have focused on zoogeographical regions of China. Here, we analyse zoogeographical regions for terrestrial vertebrates in China and how these regions relate to environmental and geological drivers and evaluate levels of cross‐taxon congruence.

Location

China.

Methods

We applied hierarchical clustering and non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination to βsim dissimilarity matrices to delineate zoogeographical regions of China, based on the species distribution of 2102 terrestrial vertebrates in 50 × 50 km grid cells. We used generalized linear models and deviance partitioning to investigate the roles of current climate, past climate change, vegetation and geological processes in shaping the zoogeographical regions. Finally, we used Mantel and Kruskal–Wallis tests to evaluate the levels of cross‐taxon congruence.

Results

Cluster analyses revealed 10 major zoogeographical regions: South China, the Yungui Plateau, Taiwan, North China, Northeast China, the Inner Mongolia Plateau, Northwest China, the Longzhong Plateau, the Tibetan Plateau and East Himalaya. In contrast to previous regionalizations, a major split was identified by clustering grid cell assemblages and dividing the eastern and western parts of China, followed by the northern part of China. Deviance partitioning showed that current climate and geological processes explained most of the deviance both jointly and independently. Congruence in species composition of endotherms and ectotherms was surprisingly low.

Main conclusions

We propose new zoogeographical regions for China based on our quantitative methods. In contrast to previous regionalizations, we consider Central China as a part of South China and identify the Longzhong Plateau and Taiwan as independent regions. While our results strongly support the notion of a broad biogeographical transition zone in East Asia, they also suggest a major south–north‐oriented Palaearctic‐Oriental boundary in China.
Developmental effects of visual environment on species‐assortative mating preferences in Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: Wright D. S. , Demandt N. , Alkema J. T. , Seehausen O. , Groothuis T. G. G. , Maan M. E.
Published: October 2016

Local adaptation can be a potent force in speciation, with environmental heterogeneity leading to niche specialization and population divergence. However, local adaption often requires nonrandom mating to generate reproductive isolation. Population divergence in sensory properties can be particularly consequential in speciation, affecting both ecological adaptation and sexual communication.Pundamilia pundamilaandPundamilia nyerereiare two closely related African cichlid species that differ in male coloration, blue vs. red. They co‐occur at rocky islands in southern Lake Victoria, but inhabit different depth ranges with different light environments. The species differ in colour vision properties, and females exert species‐specific preferences for blue vs. red males. Here, we investigated the mechanistic link between colour vision and preference, which could provide a rapid route to reproductive isolation. We tested the behavioural components of this link by experimentally manipulating colour perception – we raised both species and their hybrids under light conditions mimicking shallow and deep habitats – and tested female preference for blue and red males under both conditions. We found that rearing light significantly affected female preference: shallow‐reared females responded more strongly toP. pundamiliamales and deep‐reared females favouredP. nyerereimales – implying that visual development causally affects mate choice. These results are consistent with sensory drive predictions, suggesting that the visual environment is key to behavioural isolation of these species. However, the observed plasticity could also make the species barrier vulnerable to environmental change: species‐assortative preferences were weaker in females that were reared in the other species’ light condition.
Artificial diet sandwich reveals subsocial behaviour in the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Vega F. E. , Simpkins A. , Rodríguez‐Soto M. M. , Infante F. , Biedermann P. H. W.
Published: October 2016

An artificial diet sandwich, consisting of coffee berry borer artificial diet within two glass plates, has been developed to elucidate the behaviour of the coffee berry borer, an insect that in nature spends most of its life cycle inside the coffee berry. Various types of behaviour have been observed for the first time, including gallery construction, oviposition, gallery blocking, mating and most remarkably, subsocial tasks such as maternal sanitation and tending of eggs and larvae. This observational technique is a breakthrough for studies and manipulations of the coffee berry borer's social behaviour and could be applicable to other bark beetles, consequently yielding important insights into the origin of parental care in scolytine beetles.
T‐Cell Phenotypes Predictive of Frailty and Mortality in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Johnstone Jennie , Parsons Robin , Botelho Fernando , Millar Jamie , McNeil Shelly , Fulop Tamas , McElhaney Janet E. , Andrew Melissa K. , Walter Stephen D. , Devereaux P.J. , Malek Mehrnoush , Brinkman Ryan R. , Bramson Jonathan , Loeb Mark
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To determine whether immune phenotypes associated with immunosenescence are predictive of frailty and mortality within 1‐year in elderly nursing home residents.

Design

Cross sectional study of frailty; prospective cohort study of mortality.

Setting

Thirty‐two nursing homes in four Canadian cities between September 2009 and October 2011.

Participants

Nursing home residents aged 65 and older (N = 1,072, median age 86, 72% female).

Measurements

After enrollment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained and analyzed using flow cytometry for CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell subsets (naïve, memory (central, effector, terminally differentiated, senescent), and regulatory T‐cells) and cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells. Multilevel linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between immune phenotypes and frailty; frailty was measured at the time of enrollment using the Frailty Index. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the relationship between immune phenotypes and time to death (within 1 year).

Results

Mean Frailty Index was 0.44 ± 0.13. Multilevel regression analysis showed that higher percentages of naïve CD4+ T‐cells (P = .001) and effector memory CD8+ T‐cells (P = .02) were associated with a lower mean Frailty Index, whereas a higher percentage of CD8+ central memory T‐cells was associated with a higher mean Frailty Index score (P = .02). One hundred fifty one (14%) members of the cohort died within 1 year. Multivariable analysis showed a significant negative multiplicative interaction between age and percentage of CMV‐reactive CD4+ T‐cells (hazard ratio = 0.87, 95% confidence interval = 0.79–0.96). No other significant factors were identified.

Conclusion

Immune phenotypes found to be predictive of frailty and mortality in this study can help further understanding of immunosenescence and may provide a rationale for future intervention studies designed to modulate immunity.
Development and utilization of a new chemically‐induced soybean library with a high mutation density
Authors: Li Zhongfeng , Jiang Lingxue , Ma Yansong , Wei Zhongyan , Hong Huilong , Liu Zhangxiong , Lei Jinhui , Liu Ying , Guan Rongxia , Guo Yong , Jin Longguo , Zhang Lijuan , Li Yinghui , Ren Yulong , He Wei , Liu Ming , Htwe Nang Myint Phyu Sin , Liu Lin , Guo Bingfu , Song Jian , Tan Bing , Liu Guifeng , Li Maiquan , Zhang Xianli , Liu Bo , Shi Xuehui , Han Sining , Hua Sunan , Zhou Fulai , Yu Lili , Li Yanfei , Wang Shuang , Wang Jun , Chang Ruzhen , Qiu Lijuan
Published: October 2016

Mutagenized populations have provided important materials for introducing variation and identifying gene function in plants. In this study, an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced soybean (Glycine max) population, consisting of 21,600 independent M2 lines, was developed. Over 1,000 M4 (5) families, with diverse abnormal phenotypes for seed composition, seed shape, plant morphology and maturity that are stably expressed across different environments and generations were identified. Phenotypic analysis of the population led to the identification of a yellow pigmentation mutant, gyl, that displayed significantly decreased chlorophyll (Chl) content and abnormal chloroplast development. Sequence analysis showed that gyl is allelic to MinnGold, where a different single nucleotide polymorphism variation in the Mg‐chelatase subunit gene (ChlI1a) results in golden yellow leaves. A cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker was developed and may be applied to marker‐assisted selection for the golden yellow phenotype in soybean breeding. We show that the newly developed soybean EMS mutant population has potential for functional genomics research and genetic improvement in soybean.
Interleukin‐6‐mediated signaling in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells
Authors: Jenkins Danielle E. , Sreenivasan Dharshini , Carman Fiona , Samal Babru , Eiden Lee E. , Bunn Stephen J.
Published: October 2016

The pro‐inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β/α modulate catecholamine secretion, and long‐term gene regulation, in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Since interleukin‐6 (IL6) also plays a key integrative role during inflammation, we have examined its ability to affect both tyrosine hydroxylase activity and adrenomedullary gene transcription in cultured bovine chromaffin cells. IL6 caused acute tyrosine/threonine phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and serine/tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Consistent with ERK1/2 activation, IL6 rapidly increased tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation (serine‐31) and activity, as well as up‐regulated genes, encoding secreted proteins including galanin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin‐releasing peptide, and parathyroid hormone‐like hormone. The effects of IL6 on the entire bovine chromaffin cell transcriptome were compared to those generated by G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists (histamine and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide) and the cytokine receptor agonists (interferon‐α and tumor necrosis factor‐α). Of 90 genes up‐regulated by IL6, only 16 are known targets of IL6 in the immune system. Those remaining likely represent a combination of novel IL6/STAT3 targets, ERK1/2 targets and, potentially, IL6‐dependent genes activated by IL6‐induced transcription factors, such as hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α. Notably, genes induced by IL6 include both neuroendocrine‐specific genes activated by GPCR agonists, and transcripts also activated by the cytokines. These results suggest an integrative role for IL6 in the fine‐tuning of the chromaffin cell response to a wide range of physiological and paraphysiological stressors, particularly when immune and endocrine stimuli converge.

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17‐alpha‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate versus vaginal progesterone suppository for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographically short cervix: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pirjani Reihaneh , Heidari Reza , Rahimi‐Foroushani Abbas , Bayesh Seyedehsara , Esmailzadeh Arezoo
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare 17‐alpha‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP‐C) with vaginal progesterone suppository for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographically short cervix and to evaluate the changes of the cervical length (CL) over time.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, eligible patients were asymptomatic pregnant women with a sonographically short cervix. The participants in group 1 (n = 147) received vaginal progesterone suppositories at a dose of 400 mg daily and the women in group 2 (n = 150) received an i.m. dose of 250 mg 17OHP‐C once a week. Transvaginal sonography was repeated every 3 weeks until 36 gestational weeks or the occurrence of preterm labor.

Results

A total of 304 singleton pregnant women between 16 and 24 gestational weeks with CL < 25 mm were enrolled in our study. The rates of preterm birth were 10.4% in the progesterone group and 14% in the 17OHP‐C group: a difference that was not statistically significant (P = 0.416). Moreover, 264 participants underwent ultrasound examination five times and CL changes were studied for 15 weeks. The results showed that the CL changes over 15 weeks were statistically significant (P < 0.001), but the method of intervention (progesterone/17OHP‐C) had no significant effect on CL change (P = 0.64).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that vaginal progesterone and 17OHP‐C had the same effect on the risk of preterm labor in asymptomatic women with a sonographically short cervix. We detected no significant difference between the effect of 17OHP‐C and vaginal progesterone on CL changes over time.
Utility of Computed Tomography versus Abdominal Ultrasound Examination to Identify Iliosacral Lymphadenomegaly in Dogs with Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Sac
Authors: Palladino S. , Keyerleber M.A. , King R.G. , Burgess K.E.
Published: October 2016

Background

Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma of the anal sac (AGAAS) is associated with high rates of iliosacral lymph node metastasis, which may influence treatment and prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recently has been shown to be more sensitive than abdominal ultrasound examination (AUS) in affected patients.

Objective

To compare the rate of detection of iliosacral lymphadenomegaly between AUS and computed tomography (CT) in dogs with AGAAS.

Animals

Cohort A: A total of 30 presumed normal dogs. Cohort B: A total of 20 dogs with AGAAS that underwent AUS and CT.

Methods

Using cohort A, mean normalized lymph node : aorta (LN : AO) ratios were established for medial iliac, internal iliac, and sacral lymph nodes. The CT images in cohort B then were reviewed retrospectively and considered enlarged if their LN : AO ratio measured 2 standard deviations above the mean normalized ratio for that particular node in cohort A. Classification and visibility of lymph nodes identified on AUS were compared to corresponding measurements obtained on CT.

Results

Computed tomography identified lymphadenomegaly in 13 of 20 AGAAS dogs. Of these 13 dogs, AUS correctly identified and detected all enlarged nodes in only 30.8%, and either misidentified or failed to detect additional enlarged nodes in the remaining dogs. Despite limitations in identifying enlargement in all affected lymph nodes, AUS identified at least 1 enlarged node in 100% of affected dogs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Abdominal ultrasound examination is an effective screening test for lymphadenomegaly in dogs with AGAAS, but CT should be considered in any patient in which an additional metastatic site would impact therapeutic planning.
Environmental factors–ecological species group relationships in the Surash lowland‐mountain forests in northern Iran
Authors: Vahdati Fatemeh Bazdid , Mehrvarz Shahryar Saeidi , Dey Daniel C. , Naqinezhad Alireza
Published: October 2016

Identification of the primary factors that influence the ecological distribution of species groups is important to managers of lowland‐mountain forests in northern Iran. The aim of this study was to identify main ecological species groups, describe the site conditions associated with these species groups and the relationships between environmental factors and the distribution of ecological species groups using multi‐variate analysis (Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA)). For this purpose, 50 relevés (400 m2 each) were sampled using the Braun‐Blanquet method. Vegetation was classified into three ecological species groups using a modified two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN). In each relevé, environmental factors (topographic and soil variables) were measured and analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Pearson r statistics. Further, species diversity indices were determined for the identified ecological species groups. Our results show that the environmental factors, e.g. elevation, slope, slope aspect, soil texture, pH and organic matter, were the most important factors explaining the distribution of the three ecological species groups in the study area. The diversity of the ecological species groups decreased with elevation. The results provide an ecological basis for forest management and for developing strategies for forest conservation in the study area.
A phosphate starvation‐driven bidirectional promoter as a potential tool for crop improvement and in vitro plant biotechnology
Authors: Araceli Oropeza‐Aburto , Alfredo Cruz‐Ramírez , Javier Mora‐Macías , Luis Herrera‐Estrella
Published: October 2016

Phosphate (Pi)‐deficient soils are a major limitant factor for crop production in many regions of the world. Despite that plants have innovated several developmental and biochemical strategies to deal with this stress, there are still massive extensions of land which combine several abiotic stresses, including phosphate starvation, that limit their use for plant growth and food production. In several plant species, a genetic programme underlies the biochemical and developmental responses of the organism to cope with low phosphate (Pi) availability. Both protein‐ and miRNA‐coding genes involved in the adaptative response are transcriptionally activated upon Pi starvation. Several of the responsive genes have been identified as transcriptional targets of PHR1, a transcription factor that binds a conserved cis‐element called PHR1‐binding site (P1BS). Our group has previously described and characterized a minimal genetic arrangement that includes two P1BS elements, as a phosphate‐responsive enhancer (EZ2). Here, we report the engineering and successful use of a phosphate‐dependent bidirectional promoter, which has been designed and constructed based on the palindromic sequences of the two P1BS elements present in EZ2. This bidirectional promoter has a potential use in both plant in vitro approaches and in the generation of improved crops adapted to Pi starvation and other abiotic stresses.
Nutritional status and weakness following pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Bouma Sandra , Peterson Mark , Gatza Erin , Choi Sung Won
Published: October 2016

Survivorship after pediatric HCT has increased over the past decade. Focus on long‐term care and well‐being remains critical due to risk of poor dietary habits and exaggerated sedentary behavior, which can lead to muscle weakness, increased risk for obesity, and cardiometabolic disorders. Nutrition and physical activity are key factors in survivorship; however, data are limited. Comprehensive nutritional assessments, including nutrition‐focused physical examination, grip strength, and food/activity surveys, were completed in 36 pediatric HCT survivors (aged 2‐25 years). Patients were divided into undernutrition, normal‐nutrition, and overnutrition categories. Fifty percent of participants were classified as normal nutrition, 22% undernutrition, and 28% overnutrition. Few patients met the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended intake for vegetables, fiber, saturated fat, and So FAS. Patients in the undernutrition group demonstrated significantly lower grip strength than those in the normal‐ and overnutrition groups. When grip strength was normalized to body mass, patients in the overnutrition group had the highest prevalence of weakness. Using NHANES reference data, maximum grip strength and NGS cutoffs were identified that could significantly distinguish the nutrition groups. Comprehensive nutritional assessments and grip strength measurements are feasible, non‐invasive, easy to perform, and inform both under‐ and overnutrition in pediatric HCT survivors.
Is There a Problem With Cognitive Outsourcing?
Authors: Ahlstrom‐Vij Kristoffer
Published: October 2016

To what extent can we rely on others for information without such reliance becoming epistemically problematic? In this paper, this question is addressed in terms of a specific form of reliance: cognitive outsourcing. Cognitive outsourcing involves handing over (outsourcing) one's information collection and processing (the cognitive) to others. The specific question that will be asked about such outsourcing is if there is an epistemic problem about cognitive outsourcing as such. To ask if there is an epistemic problem with x for S is to ask if x is a problem for S’s ability to acquire true belief and avoid false belief. To ask if there is a problem for S with x as such is to ask if it is impossible to solve the problem for S while leaving x as is. I argue that, if we consider the five most plausible candidate epistemic problems raised by cognitive outsourcing—i.e., unreliability, gullibility, irrationality, dependency, and lack of epistemic autonomy—we see for each candidate that it is either not an epistemic problem, or not a problem about cognitive outsourcing as such.
Pollination of Campomanesia phaea (Myrtaceae) by night‐active bees: a new nocturnal pollination system mediated by floral scent
Authors: Cordeiro G. D. , Pinheiro M. , Dötterl S. , Alves‐dos‐Santos I.
Published: October 2016

Bees are the most important diurnal pollinators of angiosperms. In several groups of bees a nocturnal/crepuscular habit developed, yet little is known about their role in pollination and whether some plants are adapted specifically to these bees. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the reproductive biology and to understand the role of nocturnal/crepuscular bees in pollination of Campomanesia phaea (Myrtaceae), popularly named cambuci.

We studied the floral biology and breeding system of C. phaea. We collected the floral visitors and tested the pollinators' effectiveness. We also determined the floral scents released at night and during daytime, and studied behavioural responses of crepuscular/nocturnal bees towards these scents.

The flowers of cambuci were self‐incompatible and had pollen as the only resource for flower visitors. Anthesis lasted around 14 h, beginning at 04:30 h at night. The flowers released 14 volatile compounds, mainly aliphatic and aromatic compounds. We collected 52 species of floral visitors, mainly bees. Nocturnal and crepuscular bees (four species) were among the most frequent species and the only effective pollinators. In field bioassays performed at night, nocturnal/crepuscular bees were attracted by a synthetic scent blend consisting of the six most abundant compounds.

This study describes the first scent‐mediated pollination system between a plant and its nocturnal bee pollinators. Further, C. phaea has several floral traits that do not allow classification into other nocturnal pollination syndromes (e.g. pollinator attraction already before sunrise, with pollen as the only reward), instead it is a plant specifically adapted to nocturnal bees.
The novel elicitor COS‐OGA enhances potato resistance to late blight
Authors: Clinckemaillie A. , Decroës A. , van Aubel G. , Carrola dos Santos S. , Renard M. E. , Van Cutsem P. , Legrève A.
Published: October 2016

Phytophthora infestans is the causal agent of potato late blight. This pathogen is usually controlled by fungicides, but new European regulations have imposed changes in crop protection management that have led to a search for alternative control measures. The induction of plant defence responses by elicitors is a promising new strategy compatible with sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the effect of eliciting a defence response in potato against P. infestans using a formulation of the COS‐OGA elicitor that combines cationic chitosan oligomers (COS) and anionic pectin oligomers (OGA). Trials were conducted under greenhouse conditions to assess the ability of COS‐OGA to control P. infestans. The results showed that three foliar applications with this elicitor significantly increased potato protection against late blight in controlled conditions. The activation of potato defence genes was also evaluated by RT‐qPCR during these trials. Two pathogenesis‐related proteins, basic PR‐1 and acidic PR‐2, were rapidly and significantly up‐regulated by the elicitor treatment. Therefore, these results suggest that the COS‐OGA elicitor increases the protection of potato against P. infestans and that this protection could be explained by an increase in the expression of potato defence genes rather than by biocide activity.
Why Intentions?
Authors: Mulder Jesse M.
Published: October 2016

There is an influential conception of intentional agency in terms of just beliefs and desires. And there is an equally influential conception that adds intentions as separate ingredients. It remains disputed whether (1) adding intentions is really necessary, and (2) what difference that addition exactly makes. I argue that (1) adding intentions is required, but only because and insofar as (2) it makes room for a distinctively practical kind of reasoning. I critically consider Bratman's main considerations in support of adding intentions, viz., conduct‐control, inertia, and input for practical reasoning, and argue that a desire‐belief theorist can easily accommodate those. I then reconsider all three Bratmanian considerations in order to establish a more fundamental difference in terms of a robust notion of practical reasoning. Such a difference can be found if we place Bratman's considerations in the light of Sebastian Rödl's idea of a measure or order of practical reasoning.
The influence of benign prostatic hyperplasia on sperm morphological features and sperm DNA integrity in dogs
Authors: Flores RB , Angrimani DSR , Rui BR , Brito MM , Abreu RA , Vannucchi CI
Published: October 2016

Contents

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a high incidence in older intact dogs. Due to the increased prostatic oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance of BPH, sperm damage can arise, such as sperm morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation. This study aimed to compare the reproductive potential of healthy dogs and those affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Ten dogs were assigned to two experimental groups: dogs without BPH (control; n = 5) and dogs diagnosed with BPH (n = 5), based on clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings. Three semen collections were performed from each dog within one month and analysed using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and functional tests. Control group showed higher percentage of sperm DNA integrity (95 ± 1.8%) compared to the BPH group (79.2 ± 6.4%). On the other hand, the percentage of minor sperm defects, amplitude of lateral sperm head displacement of the spermatozoa and medium sperm mitochondrial activity were higher in the BPH group. In conclusion, BPH decreases sperm DNA integrity, increases mitochondrial activity, as well as modifies sperm movement pattern. Therefore, a careful sperm analysis of aged dogs with BPH is required before a reproductive programme can be established for such patients.
Transplantation of amniotic membrane‐derived multipotent cells ameliorates and delays the progression of chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Vidane AS , Pinheiro AO , Casals JB , Passarelli D , Hage MCFNS , Bueno RS , Martins DS , Ambrósio CE
Published: October 2016

Contents

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical condition in domestic cats, characterized by tubulointerstitial, vascular and glomerular inflammation and severe fibrosis. Studies in rodent model of induced CKD have shown a decrease and stabilization of the clinical condition. In this study was evaluated the safety and effect of intrarenal and intravenous infusion of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) derived from feline amniotic membrane in cats with naturally occurring CKD. Cat AMSCs were harvested after mechanical and enzymatic digestion of amnion. A healthy cat received intrarenal injection of AMSCs guided by ultrasound in both kidneys (5 × 105 cells/kidney). Nine cats with CDK received repeated intravenous infusions of AMSCs (2 × 106 cells × 2 treatments). The clinical parameters of healthy cat did not change, but sedation and general anaesthesia was required. The number of interventions stressed the animal, and he developed transient haematuria after AMSC injection. Cats with CDK registered a significant improvement of renal function (decrease in serum creatinine and urine protein concentrations and increase in urine specific gravity). The kidney architecture and morphology did not change following the treatment. The feline AMSCs have a renoprotective effect and improve renal function in cats with naturally occurring CKD, stabilizing the clinical condition and disease progression. Thus, intravenous injection of AMSCs may be an important tool to provide welfare in cats with chronic kidney disease.
Weakly Nonlinear Waves in Nonideal Fluids
Authors: Shukla Triveni P. , Sharma V. D.
Published: October 2016

We study the propagation of weakly nonlinear waves in nonideal fluids, which exhibit mixed nonlinearity. A method of multiple scales is used to obtain a transport equation from the Navier–Stokes equations, supplemented by the equation of state for a van der Waals fluid. Effects of van der Waals parameters on the wave evolution, governed by the transport equation, are investigated.
Rapid diagnostic test for G6PD deficiency in Plasmodium vivax‐infected men: a budget impact analysis based in Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Peixoto Henry Maia , Brito Marcelo Augusto Mota , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , de Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , de Oliveira Maria Regina Fernandes
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the incremental budget impact (IBI) of a rapid diagnostic test to detect G6PDd in male patients infected with Plasmodium vivax in the Brazilian Amazon, as compared with the routine protocol recommended in Brazil which does not include G6PDd testing.

Methods

The budget impact analysis was performed from the perspective of the Brazilian health system, in the Brazilian Amazon for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. The analysis used a decision model to compare two scenarios: the first consisting of the routine recommended in Brazil which does not include prior diagnosis of dG6PD, and the second based on the use of RDT CareStart™ G6PD (CS‐G6PD) in all male subjects diagnosed with vivax malaria. The expected implementation of the diagnostic test was 30% in the first year, 70% the second year and 100% in the third year.

Results

The analysis identified negative IBIs which were progressively smaller in the 3 years evaluated. The sensitivity analysis showed that the uncertainties associated with the analytical model did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusion

A strategy based on the use of CS‐G6PD would result in better use of public resources in the Brazilian Amazon.
KymoAnalyzer: a software tool for the quantitative analysis of intracellular transport in neurons
Authors: Neumann Sylvia , Chassefeyre Romain , Campbell George E. , Encalada Sandra E.
Published: October 2016

In axons, proper localization of proteins, vesicles, organelles, and other cargoes is accomplished by the highly regulated coordination of kinesins and dyneins, molecular motors that bind to cargoes and translocate them along microtubule (MT) tracks. Impairment of axonal transport is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. To understand how MT‐based cargo motility is regulated and to delineate its role in neurodegeneration, it is critical to analyze the detailed dynamics of moving cargoes inside axons. Here, we present KymoAnalyzer, a software tool that facilitates the robust analysis of axonal transport from time‐lapse live‐imaging sequences. KymoAnalyzer is an open‐source software that automatically classifies particle trajectories and systematically calculates velocities, run lengths, pauses, and a wealth of other parameters that are characteristic of motor‐based transport. We anticipate that laboratories will easily use this package to unveil previously uncovered intracellular transport details of individually‐moving cargoes inside neurons.
Effects of Neighborhood’s Built Environment on Physical Activities in Gated Communities: A Review
Authors: Gul Yasmeen , Sultan Zahid , Johar Foziah
Published: October 2016

The emergence of gated communities throughout the world has generated significant academic interest. Several studies have been carried out that can be found in the body of literature, which have attempted to investigate the various aspects of life within the gated communities. The range of subjects studied within this context includes the types of gated communities, the associated social and governance issues, the travel patterns, and the daily physical activities. The focus of most of these studies, however, has been on the social and governance issues while a little research on the mobility pattern (i.e. walking, cycling and public transport) and physical activities in gated communities has been reported, the available literature suffers from major shortcomings such as identification of suitable indicators to investigate whether these communities have same effects on mobility patterns and physical activities as non-gated communities. The present paper, therefore, attempts to identify the methods for objective as well as subjective study of the mobility patterns and neighborhoods design which affect the physical activities through a systematic review of available literature. The paper identifies suitable indicators to investigate the rate of physical activity in gated communities. Attempt will be made to clearly chart the differences as well as similarities between the issues concerned with physical activity in gated communities and non-gated communities and attempts to introduce new objectives for future studies. The findings of this study are expected to help design an investigation into the merits or otherwise of the active living neighborhoods.
Architectural Style of Da’wah Mosque in Malaysia: from Vernacular to Modern Structures
Authors: Baharudin Nurul Athiqah , Ismail Alice Sabrina
Published: October 2016

The main purpose of this paper is to document the development phases of da’wah mosque architectural style in Malaysia from pre to post-independence era. Throughout Islamic history in many Muslim and non-Muslim countries, mosque not only function as a place to perform prayers but also serves as multifunctional space to conduct various activities involving individual and communal needs like da’wah. Similar scenario also occurs in the context of Malaysia’s mosque development in which the mosque act as a sign to convey message of Islam and as symbol of da’wah. These da’wah mosque architectural style however undergo various changes due to many influencing factors like the role of mosque patron, continuous transformation of designer tastes as well as social, economic and political influence. Nonetheless, the most empowering influence is from the role of patron or client whom has the major tendency to shape the da’wah mosque based on their individual ideology that they hold onto. To analyze the mosque design and its evolution in Malaysia, interpretivism as research paradigm will be adopted. This is vital to establish set of practices in order to sort out the role and function of da’wah mosque throughout the Malaysian history. Hermeneutic on the other hand will be used as methodological approach to extract the meaning of the da’wah mosque as a ‘sign’ as well as to understand the documentation relating to the da’wah mosque as subject of research. The findings then will be analyzed using coding method. This paper, therefore, offers clear knowledge on the da’wah mosque study by widening and strengthening the understanding of Islamic architecture in Malaysia.
Spatial Pattern, Transportation and Air Quality Nexus: The Case of Iskandar Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Yusop Azalia , Permana Ariva Sugandi
Published: October 2016

Spatial pattern, transportation, and air quality are three development entities which significantly affecting one another. This nexus exhibits the urbanization imprint accouter transportation generating air pollution as a reflection of spatial distribution. The integration among them is a vital part of development as it affects the societal living environment. It provides unfavorable air quality and directly cause health problems. The developing region of Iskandar Malaysia exhibits huge spatial distribution transformation accompanied by large percentage of urbanization rate, but seems less integration of land use and transportation planning which causes the exaggeration of air pollution. We carry out the research on the nexus of spatial distribution, transportation and air quality in Iskandar Malaysia by analyzing and evaluating the interconnectivity of these three entities. The spatial analysis and evaluation on the land use development pattern and spatial policy shows that the Iskandar development region are growing in the polycentric manners, where the spatial development policy drives the distributional growth of new sub-centers. We undertook a household-based travel survey that reveals the poly-centricity reflected by the de-concentration of workplaces which shifted from the single point towards multiple centers. On the other hand, this phenomenon has created a distributional traffic pattern amid the high dependency on the private vehicles of the citizens in Iskandar Malaysia. With a predominantly fossil fuel consuming vehicles, this has generated air pollution. Based on the traffic survey and the dependency of the citizens on private cars for their daily mobility, the concentration of air pollution is seemingly at risk. This research reflects that Iskandar Malaysia development region currently undergoes towards polycentric development with some new urban centers. We found that land use and transportation planning policies require serious attention as the current trend of spatial pattern development tends to reinforce high dependency on the motorized travel.
The Battle of Manzikert in 1071 A.D and Its Consequences to the Byzantine Empire
Authors: Ebrahimi Mansoureh , Yusoff Kamaruzaman , L-A Mohammed Salah , Mat Enh Azlizan
Published: October 2016

This study aims to analyze the battle of Manzikert in 1071 A.D, and to examine its consequences on the Byzantine Empire. The methodology used in this article are primary sources namely manuscripts, historical records as well as secondary sources. The impact of Manzikert battle which occurred between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk State in 1071 A.D. indicates the powers and forces of the Byzantine Empire were destroyed economically and militarily. Actually, it is a turning point in the history of Christian-Muslim conflict. The Byzantine Empire started to set its eyes on the Catholic West to save it from dangers of the Islamic State and heathenish dangers represented by Pechenegs and Turkmen. However, it was not able anymore to defend itself after this battle. Hence, Manzikert battle increased Byzantine internal confusion and helped the Seljuk to interfere onto the Empire affairs. Finally, this study reveals that the Byzantine Empire was beginning to end from 1071 to 1204 A.D.
FORENSIK BIOLOGI DALAM PENJAGAAN NASAB (HIFZ AL-NASAB / NASL)
Authors: Baharuddin Ahmad Syukran , Wan Harun Mohd Amir , Ruskam Aminuddin , Yacob Abdul Rahim
Published: October 2016

Maqasid al-Shari'ah focusses on each of the elements in al-Daruriyyāt, followed by al-Hajiyyat and al-Tahsiniyyāt. Among the main topics in the discussion of al-Daruriyyāt is Hifz al-Nasl/ Nasb which is the preservation of ancestry. It is admitted that forensic science provides a consistent role in human life. However, only few know the success of forensic science in solving great significance cases in determining the lineage that led to one of the key elements of al-Daruriyyāt in Maqasid al-Shari'ah. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the role of forensic science in determining the heredity. This study has the objective to analyze the classic texts which contain elements of forensic science that led to the determination of lineage, to review the appropriate techniques in determining heredity and analyse relevant cases in determination of heredity proven by forensic science. Method used is this study were historical, inductive and deductive. Scope of the study were the determination of heredity through physical trait analysis and serology (blood) in cases which are not related to Islamic criminal jurisprudence. This study concluded that the forensic biology is an accurate method in preserving heredity and it is in line with the Islamic legal maxims.
Effect of Graphite Content on the Tribological Performance of Copper-Matrix Composites Under Different Friction Speeds
Authors: Xiao-Ming Han , Fei Gao , Lin-Lin Su , Rong Fu , En Zhang
Published: October 2016

The effect of graphite (Gr) content on tribological performance of copper-matrix composites against H13 steel was investigated using a pin-on-disk test in the range of 3.14–47.1 m/s. The composites with different weight fractions of Gr (up to 18%) were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique. The results showed that the friction coefficient and wear rate generally decreased with the increase in Gr content. However, the friction coefficient and wear rate differ at various speeds. At 200 and 500 r/min, the friction coefficient and wear rate kept lower with the increase in Gr content, because the third body of Cu–Al–3%Gr specimen had strong fluidity and plasticity. By contrast, the particle third body of Cu–Al–12%Gr specimen, which contained higher content of Gr, could roll easily. Increased Gr feeding to the third body was reasonable for the decreasing of friction coefficient and wear with the increasing of the amount of Gr content at the speed in the range of 1000–2000 r/min. Under the high-speed, the friction coefficient showed slight change because the friction temperature induced all the third bodies to extend and flow effortlessly without componential influence. However, wear decreased significantly because the third body possessed more metal, which favored attachment to the counter disk.
Thermal Rectification of Silicene Nanosheets With Triangular Cavities by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Feng Yuan , Liang Xingang
Published: October 2016

Silicene, the silicon-based two-dimensional structure with honeycomb lattice, has been discovered and expected to have tremendous application potential in fundamental industries. However, its thermal transport mechanism and thermal properties of silicene have not been fully explained. We report a possible way to control the thermal transport and thermal rectification in silicene nanosheets by distributing triangular cavities, which are arranged in a staggered way. The nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation method is used. The influences of the size, number, and distribution of cavities are investigated. The simulation results show that reflections of phonon at the vertex and the base of the triangular cavities are quite different. The heat flux is higher when heat flow is from the vertex to the base of cavities, resulting in thermal rectification effect. The thermal rectification effect is strengthened with increasing cavity size and number. A maximum of thermal rectification with varying distance between columns of cavities is observed.
Local Thermal Nonequilibrium During Melting of a Paraffin Filled in an Open-Cell Copper Foam: A Visualized Study at the Pore-Scale
Authors: Fan Li-Wu , Jin Hong-Qing
Published: October 2016

In this technical brief, the application of infrared thermal imaging to investigate melting of a phase-change material (PCM) filled in an open-cell metal foam was proposed. Melting experiments in a rectangular cell were performed with paraffin/copper foam composite samples having a single pore size of 15 ppi. The visualized study at the pore-scale was enabled using an infrared video camera equipped with a macrolens, offering a resolution of 50 μm. The transient thermal imaging results were first validated against the temperature readings by a pre-installed thermocouple. A relative deviation below 4% was observed between the two methods over the entire course of melting. The local thermal nonequilibrium between a copper ligament and its surrounding paraffin was found to become more pronounced as melting proceeds, which could reach up to the order of 10 °C during the late stage of melting. The quantitative observation of the local thermal nonequilibrium effect may facilitate improvement of the existing two-temperature models for numerical simulations on melting of PCM enhanced by embedding metal foams.
Efficient Identification of Naval High-Speed Craft Shock Mitigation Seat Modal Parameters From Drop-Test Data
Authors: Alam Zuneid , Afagh Fred , Langlois Robert
Published: October 2016

Naval high-speed craft (HSC) operating in moderate to high seas experiences high-g and repeated shock loading at the seat–deck interface. These conditions are known to pose a serious potential for injury to the occupants. While various shock-mitigating seats are commercially available; their designs are in many cases quite different, and quantifying their shock attenuation characteristics can be challenging. The need for a standard test platform and experimental analysis methodology to investigate HSC seat effectiveness is a major objective of research being conducted by Carleton University's Applied Dynamics Laboratory (ADL) in partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada-Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic). A drop tower was designed and manufactured for testing HSC seats in order to characterize their shock-mitigating effectiveness by simulating the severe conditions of a slam impact at sea. Further, in order to identify seat dynamic parameters from drop-test data, the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA), a modal-analysis-based system identification method, was applied to efficiently extract the modal parameters. The technique was shown to successfully extract the damping ratio as well as the damped and undamped natural frequencies of the seats from impact test data. The evaluated dynamic properties of the seats can subsequently inform decisions related to the design and/or procurement of commercially available seats.