bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution shifts of marine taxa in the Pacific Arctic under contemporary climate changes
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , García Molinos Jorge , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Hirawake Toru , Hirata Takafumi , Mueter Franz J.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To investigate the species‐specific exposure and distributional responses of marine fish and invertebrate taxa to rapidly shifting climate in the Pacific Arctic, characterized by warming and cooling episodes, over the last 24 years.

Location

Pacific Arctic region, eastern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea.

Methods

We examined the variations in the summer (June–July) habitat patterns of 21 marine fish and invertebrate taxa in the eastern Bering Sea using multimodel ensemble predictions of species distribution between 1993 and 2016. Using ensemble model outputs, we examined the rates of predicted (biotic velocities) and expected (bioclimatic velocities) distribution shifts across taxa under four consecutive time periods of distinct climatic regimes. We then compared these species‐specific velocity metrics to the rates of local climatic shifts (climatic velocities) and quantified the potential lags in distributional responses relative to changes in climate across taxa and transitions.

Results

Our analyses showed that individual taxa responded to climatic fluctuations at different paces and generally exhibited lags in their predicted distributional responses. Subarctic species revealed higher habitat sensitivity and exposure to climatic changes than Arctic taxa, as they expand their habitat ranges into suitable regions emerging in the north under warmer conditions. Importantly, the actual rates of climate shifts (climatic velocities) were poorly correlated with both the expected and observed shifts in species distributions across taxa.

Main conclusions

Our findings underpin the importance of incorporating species‐specific climatic sensitivity and exposure to changes in climatic conditions when predicting range shift responses and evaluating species vulnerability. These insights are critical for conservation and management of fisheries resources in the region.
Role of MEKK1 in the anterior‐posterior patterning during planarian regeneration
Authors: Hosoda Kazutaka , Motoishi Minako , Kunimoto Takuya , Nishimura Osamu , Hwang Byulnim , Kobayashi Sumire , Yazawa Shigenobu , Mochii Makoto , Agata Kiyokazu , Umesono Yoshihiko
Published: June 2018

Planarians have established a unique body pattern along the anterior‐posterior (AP) axis, which consists of at least four distinct body regions arranged in an anterior to posterior sequence: head, prepharyngeal, pharyngeal (containing a pharynx), and tail regions, and possess high regenerative ability. How they reconstruct the regional continuity in a head‐to‐tail sequence after amputation still remains unknown. We use as a model planarian Dugesia japonica head regeneration from tail fragments, which involves dynamic rearrangement of the body regionality of preexisting tail tissues along the AP axis, and show here that RNA interference of the gene D. japonica mek kinase 1 (Djmekk1) caused a significant anterior shift in the position of pharynx regeneration at the expense of the prepharyngeal region, while keeping the head region relatively constant in size, and accordingly led to development of a relatively longer tail region. Our data suggest that DjMEKK1 regulates anterior extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and posterior β‐catenin signaling pathways in a positive and negative manner, respectively, to establish a proper balance resulting in the regeneration of planarian's scale‐invariant trunk‐to‐tail patterns across individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DjMEKK1 negatively modulates planarian β‐catenin activity via its serine/threonine kinase domain, but not its PHD/RING finger domain, by testing secondary axis formation in Xenopus embryos. The data suggest that Djmekk1 plays an instructive role in the coordination between the establishment of the prepharyngeal region and posteriorizing of pharynx formation by balancing the two opposing morphogenetic signals along the AP axis during planarian regeneration.
Special Economic Zones and WTO Compliance: Evidence from the Dominican Republic
Authors: Defever Fabrice , Reyes José‐Daniel , Riaño Alejandro , Sánchez‐Martín Miguel Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Special economic zones (SEZ), one of the most important instruments of industrial policy used in developing countries, often impose export share requirements (ESR). That is, firms located in SEZ are required to export more than a certain share of their output to enjoy a wide array of incentives—a practice prohibited by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. In this paper we exploit the staggered removal of ESR across products and over time in the SEZ of the Dominican Republic—a reform driven by external commitments to comply with WTO disciplines on subsidies—to evaluate how ESR affect export performance at the product and firm levels. Using customs data on international trade transactions from the period 2006 to 2014, we find that making the Dominican SEZ regime WTO‐compliant made SEZ more attractive locations for exporters to be based in. The reform, however, did not have a significant effect on the country's exports or on the share of export value originating from SEZ.
Ascending aorta in tetralogy of Fallot: Beyond echocardiographic dimensions
Authors: Cruz Cristina , Pinho Teresa , Sousa Carla , Dias Cláudia Camila , Silva Cardoso José , Maciel Maria Júlia
Published: June 2018

Background

Late after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair some patients exhibit aortic dilatation and stiffness. Noninvasive assessment of aortic stiffness could contribute to understand this aortopathy and may be important in risk stratification for major aortic event.

Methods

We included prospectively 82 adults after TOF repair and 41 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls. Aortic diameters were measured by two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and the aortic z‐score was estimated. Aortic deformation was assessed by M‐mode strain and global peak circumferential ascending aortic strain (CAAS), derived from two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE). Corrected CAAS was calculated as CAAS/pulse pressure. Ascending aorta (AAo) distensibility and stiffness index were calculated.

Results

TOF patients (age 29.7 ± 8.4 years; follow‐up since TOF repair 23.0 ± 6.8 years) had smaller body surface area but a larger aorta compared to controls. TOF patients had lower AAo distensibility (2.2 [0.0–21.0] vs 5.6 [0.0–12.5] cm2dyne−110−6, P < .01), higher aortic stiffness index (9.5 [2.7–98.4] vs 7.1 [2.3–20.4], P = .02) and lower CAAS (6.0 ± 3.9 vs 8.1 ± 4.4%, P = .01) compared to controls. CAAS showed a better correlation with AAo z‐score (r = −.25, P = .03) compared to M‐mode strain. Systemic arterial compliance, arterial stiffness and corrected CAAS (β = −0.23, P = .02) were independently associated with AAo diameter.

Conclusions

TOF patients have a larger and stiffer AAo compared to controls. CAAS derived from 2D‐STE allows a routine noninvasive method for assessing AAo stiffness, with advantages over M‐mode strain, and may be used as predictor of major aortic or cardiovascular events.
Come to the dark side: habitat selection of larval odonates depends on background visual patterns
Authors: Tavares Rafael I. S. , Pestana Gabrielle C. , Rocha Alana D. , Schiavone Daniele C. , Guillermo‐Ferreira Rhainer
Published: June 2018

1. Determining which environmental traits enable animals to inhabit and choose preferred habitats is key to understanding ecological processes. Habitat complexity and background colour patterns can act as selective pressures on animal behaviour, and ultimately affect habitat choice.

2. To investigate the role of environmental features on habitat selection, this study looked at whether dragonfly and damselfly larvae show a preference between dark/light or complex environments. Last‐instar larvae of Micrathyria didyma (Odonata: Libellulidae) and Acanthagrion lancea (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) were collected in the Neotropical savanna, and five experiments in laboratory conditions were subsequently carried out. The first experiment tested the preference of larvae for leaves in contrast to a white background. The second experiment compared a preference for white and black backgrounds. As both experiments showed a significant preference for darker backgrounds, a predator was included in the black background in the third experiment, and a macrophyte was included in the white background in the fourth experiment. In this way, favourable and unfavourable conditions were included in the habitat of choice. The fifth experiment tested the influence of environmental complexity on habitat choice.

3. The results of these experiments showed that larvae choose darker backgrounds independently of predation risk, and that macrophytes are as attractive as a dark background. They also suggest that the coenagrionid, but not the libellulid, prefer more complex environments.

4. Overall, these findings suggest that larvae exhibit behavioural preferences for background colour and complexity, which may ultimately drive habitat occupation.
Clinical and genetic features of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA)
Authors: Moreno‐Carralero María‐Isabel , Horta‐Herrera Saul , Morado‐Arias Marta , Ricard‐Andrés María‐Pilar , Lemes‐Castellano Angelina , Abio‐Calvete Mariola , Cedena‐Romero María‐Teresa , González‐Fernández Fernando‐Ataulfo , Llorente‐González Laura , Periago‐Peralta Adela‐María , de‐la‐Iglesia‐Íñigo Silvia , Méndez Manuel , Morán‐Jiménez María‐José
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDA) are characterized by hyporegenerative anemia with inadequate reticulocyte values, ineffective erythropoiesis, and hemolysis. Distinctive morphology of bone marrow erythroblasts and identification of causative genes allow classification into 4 types caused by variants in CDAN1, c15orf41, SEC23B, KIF23, and KLF1 genes.

Objective

Identify pathogenic variants in CDA patients.

Methods

Massive parallel sequencing with a targeted gene panel, Sanger sequencing, Comparative Genome Hybridization (CGH), and in silico predictive analysis of pathogenicity.

Results

Pathogenic variants were found in 21 of 53 patients studied from 44 unrelated families. Six variants were found in CDAN1: two reported, p.Arg714Trp and p.Arg725Trp and, four novel, p.Arg623Trp, p.Arg946Trp, p.Phe1125Ser and p.Ser1227Gly. Twelve variants were found in SEC23B: seven reported, p.Arg14Trp, p.Glu109Lys, p.Arg217Ter, c.835‐2A>G, p.Arg535Ter, p.Arg550Ter and p.Arg718Ter and, five novel, p.Val164Leu, p.Arg190Gln, p.Gln521Ter, p.Arg546Trp, and p.Arg611Gln. The variant p.Glu325Lys in KLF1 was found in one patient and p.Tyr365Cys in ALAS2 in an other. Moreover, we identified genomic rearrangements by CGH in some SEC23B‐monoallelic patients.

Conclusions

New technologies for genetic studies will help to find variants in other genes, in addition to those known, that contribute to or modulate the CDA phenotype or support the correct diagnosis.
Effect of modified Atkins diet in adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kverneland Magnhild , Molteberg Ellen , Iversen Per O. , Veierød Marit B. , Taubøll Erik , Selmer Kaja K. , Nakken Karl O.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Ketogenic diets reduce seizures in children with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Whether adults benefit from similar treatment has not been clarified. We therefore examined the efficacy of the modified Atkins diet in adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.

Methods

We performed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with patients >16 years who had at least 3 seizures per month despite having tried at least 3 antiepileptic drugs. They were randomized to either 12 weeks on the modified Atkins diet (diet group) or habitual diet (control group). Primary endpoint was a change in seizure frequency from baseline to the intervention period, comparing those on diet with controls.

Results

We assigned 37 patients to the diet group and 38 to the control group. Nine of the patients in the diet group and 4 controls were excluded. Of those who completed the dietary intervention (n = 24), median seizure change was −1.0 (interquartile range [IQR] −13.7‐8.8), while in the control group (n = 32) the median change was 4.5 (IQR −4.8‐33.5). The median difference between the groups was −7.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] −37.0‐3.0; P = .21). In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, the relative risk (RR) for achieving >50% seizure reduction was 1.8 (95% CI 0.3‐10.2; P = .65), while for achieving >25% seizure reduction RR was 2.43 (95% CI 0.94‐6.28; P = .06). We observed no serious adverse events.

Significance

In this RCT investigating the effect of an adjunctive modified Atkins diet on seizure frequency in adults with difficult‐to‐treat focal epilepsy, we found a significant reduction in seizure frequency in the diet group compared to the controls, but only for moderate benefit (>25% seizure reduction) among those who completed the intervention. However, seizure response varied considerably between individuals, perhaps negatively influenced by a drop in serum concentrations of antiepileptic drugs.
Invasive alien plants along roadsides in Europe
Authors: Follak S. , Eberius M. , Essl F. , Fürdös A. , Sedlacek N. , Trognitz F.
Published: June 2018

This study presents a list of invasive alien plants that are found along roadsides in seven selected European countries – Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden – and an overview on the role of roadsides as a habitat for invasive alien plants. This compilation is based on national lists of invasive alien plants, a literature search and expert consultation. Comprising 89 species from 31 plant families, species introduced for horticulture dominate the list (65%). Thirteen species (14%) are widespread (occur in four or more countries) and include well‐known invasive plants such as Fallopia japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Solidago canadensis and Solidago gigantea. Seventeen species are listed either on the EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants or on the EPPO A2 List of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests. Five species are on the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014). The compiled list provides a snap‐shot of invasive alien plants currently found along roadsides in the selected countries. It allows for a more targeted approach to monitoring, containment and control of the most problematic invasive alien plants identified in each country. Moreover, the list may also be used to identify emerging (potentially) invasive alien plants along roadsides in other European countries that warrant monitoring and/or management.
Traits drive global wood decomposition rates more than climate
Authors: Hu Zhenhong , Michaletz Sean T. , Johnson Daniel J. , McDowell Nate G. , Huang Zhiqun , Zhou Xuhui , Xu Chonggang
Published: June 2018

Wood decomposition is a major component of the global carbon cycle. Decomposition rates vary across climate gradients, which is thought to reflect the effects of temperature and moisture on the metabolic kinetics of decomposers. However, decomposition rates also vary with wood traits, which may reflect the influence of stoichiometry on decomposer metabolism as well as geometry relating the surface areas that decomposers colonize with the volumes they consume. In this paper, we combined metabolic and geometric scaling theories to formalize hypotheses regarding the drivers of wood decomposition rates, and assessed these hypotheses using a global compilation of data on climate, wood traits, and wood decomposition rates. Our results are consistent with predictions from both metabolic and geometric scaling theories. Approximately half of the global variation in decomposition rates was explained by wood traits (nitrogen content and diameter), whereas only a fifth was explained by climate variables (air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity). These results indicate that global variation in wood decomposition rates is best explained by stoichiometric and geometric wood traits. Our findings suggest that inclusion of wood traits in global carbon cycle models can improve predictions of carbon fluxes from wood decomposition.
N‐terminal dual lipidation‐coupled molecular targeting into the primary cilium
Authors: Kumeta Masahiro , Panina Yulia , Yamazaki Hiroya , Takeyasu Kunio , Yoshimura Shige H.
Published: June 2018

The primary cilium functions as an “antenna” for cell signaling, studded with characteristic transmembrane receptors and soluble protein factors, raised above the cell surface. In contrast to the transmembrane proteins, targeting mechanisms of nontransmembrane ciliary proteins are poorly understood. We focused on a pathogenic mutation that abolishes ciliary localization of retinitis pigmentosa 2 protein and revealed a dual acylation‐dependent ciliary targeting pathway. Short N‐terminal sequences which contain myristoylation and palmitoylation sites are sufficient to target a marker protein into the cilium in a palmitoylation‐dependent manner. A Golgi‐localized palmitoyltransferase DHHC‐21 was identified as the key enzyme controlling this targeting pathway. Rapid turnover of the targeted protein was ensured by cholesterol‐dependent membrane fluidity, which balances highly and less‐mobile populations of the molecules within the cilium. This targeting signal was found in a set of signal transduction molecules, suggesting a general role of this pathway in proper ciliary organization, and dysfunction in ciliary disorders.
Low bone mineral density and associated factors in patients with haemophilia in Colombia
Authors: Sossa Melo C. L. , Wandurraga E. A. , Peña A. M. , Jiménez S. I. , Salazar L. A. , Ochoa M. E. , Luna‐Gonzalez M. L. , Ortiz M. L. , Morales K. , Ayala‐Castillo M. , Reyes D. L. , Chalela C. M.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia may have lower levels of bone mineral density (BMD) compared with the general population. Moreover, haemophilic patients have increased risk factors for low bone mineral density (LBMD) such as arthropathy and resulting immobility, increasing their risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of LBMD and associated risk factors among a group of Colombian haemophilic patients.

Methods

In this case‐control study, 90 patients with haemophilia A and B, over the age of five, were recruited. Controls were healthy participants matched by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status, and race. All participants underwent dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood tests were collected to evaluate LBMD determinants in cases.

Results

BMD was lower in cases than in the control group. BMD of femoral necks was 0.907 g/cm2 in cases vs. 1.020 g/cm2 in controls (P = .019), and BMD of hips 0.930 g/cm2 in cases vs. 1030 g/cm2 in controls (P = .019). The greater the severity of haemophilia, the lower BMD in spine, femoral neck, and hips. Elevated C‐protein levels were found in 44.1% of patients with LBMD and 14.8% with normal BMD (P = .003). The study found an adjusted prevalence ratio of 2.11, indicating that haemophilic patients are two times more likely to have LBMD (CI95% = 1.43‐3.11 P < .001).

Conclusion

Results from the present study showed that haemophilia was associated with a higher frequency of LBMD. Severity of haemophilia, haemophilic arthropathy, and elevated C‐reactive protein levels was directly associated with LBMD.
One generalist or several specialist species? Wide host range and diverse manipulations of the hosts’ web‐building behaviour in the true spider parasitoidZatypota kauros(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Korenko Stanislav , Spasojevic Tamara , Pekár Stano , Walter Gimme H. , Korenková Vlasta , Hamouzová Kateřina , Kolářová Michaela , Kysilková Kristýna , Klopfstein Seraina
Published: June 2018

Parasitoid wasps of thePolysphinctagenus‐group are highly specialised on their spider hosts, and most of them are known to manipulate their hosts into building a special web in which the parasitoid pupates. Trophic niche and the plasticity of host use were investigated in the koinobiont parasitoidZatypota kaurosGauld from Queensland, Australia.

We found thatZ. kaurosattacks spider hosts from different families, each differing widely in their web‐building behaviours, which makes it unique in the breadth of its host range. Molecular analyses revealed that the taxonZ. kauroscontains three divergent mitochondrial lineages. Lineage A was associated exclusively with spiders of the genusAnelosimus(Theridiidae), which builds tangle webs; lineage B was associated with the genusCyrtophora(Araneidae), which weaves tent webs; and lineage C was associated with a broad range of hosts, including spiders of both the families Araneidae and Theridiidae. Unique host manipulations could be observed in the web‐building behaviours of the different host groups. Nevertheless, nuclear data from two ribosomal genes and three introns did not add any support to the existence of different evolutionary lineages, nor did they coincide with the different host groups.

The partial correspondence of mitochondrial lineage and host use, together with an apparent mito‐nuclear conflict might indicate maternal effects or very recent and/or incomplete speciation in this taxon. Given their wide host range and intriguing interactions with their hosts, theZ. kauroscomplex represents a promising system for studying parasitoid specialisation and its potential impact on speciation.
3D printed replicas for endodontic education
Authors: Reymus M. , Fotiadou C. , Kessler A. , Heck K. , Hickel R. , Diegritz C.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To assess the feasibility of producing artificial teeth for endodontic training using 3D printing technology, to analyse the accuracy of the printing process, and to evaluate the teeth by students when used during training.

Methodology

Sound extracted human teeth were selected, digitalized by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and appropriate software and finally reproduced by a stereolithographic printer. The printed teeth were scanned and compared with the original ones (trueness) and to one another (precision). Undergraduate dental students in the third and fourth years performed root canal treatment on printed molars and were subsequently asked to evaluate their experience with these compared to real teeth.

Results

The workflow was feasible for manufacturing 3D printed tooth replicas. The absolute deviation after printing (trueness) ranged from 50.9 to 104.3 μm. The values for precision ranged from 43.5 to 68.2 μm. Students reported great benefits in the use of the replicated teeth for training purposes.

Conclusion

The presented workflow is feasible for any dental educational institution who has access to a CBCT unit and a stereolithographic printer. The accuracy of the printing process is suitable for the production of tooth replicas for endodontic training. Undergraduate students favoured the availability of these replicas and the fairness they ensured in training due to standardization.
Turkey's Education Policies towards Syrian Refugees: A Macro‐level Analysis
Authors: Unutulmaz K. Onur
Published: June 2018

This study discusses the transformation of Turkey's education policies towards Syrian refugees in three major stages. It argues that education policies in these different stages reflect the general perception of and political vision for Syrian refugees by the Turkish state, and that they are also instruments through which this political vision is materialized and declared. The remarkable evolution of Turkey's education policies towards Syrian refugees, from early policies that aimed at temporary accommodation to later policies that have aimed at full integration, needs to be understood in this framework of a changing vision in addition to the security concerns. Lastly, the article argues that, while the current strategy of complete integration of Syrians into formal education system is certainly positive, it also brings about a number of significant challenges related to the political and legal context in Turkey that will have to be handled in its realization.
Facile high‐performance film thermocouple made of strontium lanthanum chromate for temperature sensing in air
Authors: Liu Dan , Shi Peng , Ren Wei , Liu Yantao , Liu Ming , Niu Gang , Lin Qijing , Tian Bian , Jiang Zhuangde , Ye Zuo‐Guang
Published: June 2018

Film thermocouples as the most effective tool are used to monitor the real‐time and accurate in situ temperature in harsh environment, which will demand their electrodes with high thermal‐resistant properties, high sensitivity, and stability. In this work, a series of solid solutions based on strontium lanthanum chromate were systematically investigated as new electrodes. LaCrO3 and La0.8Sr0.2CrO3 with some glass additives were chosen to fabricate high‐performance thick‐film thermocouple due to a bigger Fermi level difference between them. The thermocouple shows a high sensitivity (107.8 μV/°C) during static calibration, and an excellent reproducibility and stability during multicycle calibrations carried out up to 1550°C, resulting in a record ultra‐high temperature sensing in film thermocouples. This facile thermocouple may open up a new way to measure high temperature in air or oxidation atmosphere accurately.
First report of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), natural enemies from Africa
Authors: Sisay Birhanu , Simiyu Josephine , Malusi Peter , Likhayo Paddy , Mendesil Esayas , Elibariki Nsami , Wakgari Mulatu , Ayalew Gashawbeza , Tefera Tadele
Published: June 2018

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major pest of maize in North and South America. It was first reported from Africa in 2016 and currently established as a major invasive pest of maize. A survey was conducted to explore for natural enemies of the fall armyworm in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania in 2017. Smallholder maize farms were randomly selected and surveyed in the three countries. Five different species of parasitoids were recovered from fall armyworm eggs and larvae, including four within the Hymenoptera and one Dipteran. These species are new associations with FAW and were never reported before from Africa, North and South America. In Ethiopia, Cotesia icipe was the dominant larval parasitoid with parasitism ranging from 33.8% to 45.3%, while in Kenya, the tachinid fly, Palexorista zonata, was the primary parasitoid with 12.5% parasitism. Charops ater and Coccygidium luteum were the most common parasitoids in Kenya and Tanzania with parasitism ranging from 6 to 12%, and 4 to 8.3%, respectively. Although fall armyworm has rapidly spread throughout these three countries, we were encouraged to see a reasonable level of biological control in place. This study is of paramount importance in designing a biological control program for fall armyworm, either through conservation of native natural enemies or augmentative release.
COPF: Citrus orchard perimeter fencing as a strategy for reducing Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera:Liviidae) infestation
Authors: Sétamou Mamoudou , Alabi Olufemi J. , Tofangsazi Nastaran , Grafton‐Cardwell Elizabeth
Published: June 2018

Citrus grove colonization by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) starts from border trees. This behaviour can be exploited by placing barriers along grove borders to prevent psyllid incursion and thwart population establishment and growth. We tested the effects of psyllid‐resistant mesh fencing along grove borders for season‐long control of D. citri populations. Deployment of sticky cards at different heights revealed that most D. citri (>99%) were collected on traps placed at or below 3.7 m along grove border. Thus, psyllid‐resistant mesh fencing (3.7 m in height) was installed along the eastern and southern borders of a 3‐year‐old grapefruit grove to protect against D. citri infestations, while the west and north edges were left unprotected. A similar adjacent grove with no border fencing served as untreated control. A reduction of 55%–98% of D. citri numbers was observed in the grove with border fences relative to the untreated control. D. citri density reductions were more pronounced on the sides with border fences suggesting that the observed effects were due to the mesh fencing. Thus, border mesh fencing as a standalone approach or coupled with other management strategies, such as border sprays, could be an effective psyllid management strategy. The season‐long benefits of border fences are not limited to D. citri population control, but also significant reductions of insecticide input and nontarget effects, thus substantially mitigating the risks of secondary pest outbreaks and ensuring the sustainability of D. citri management in citrus groves.
Pediatric Elective Diagnostic Procedure Complications: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Authors: Attard Thomas M , Miller Mikaela , Lee Brian , Champion Thomas W , Thomson Mike
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Increased access to endoscopic procedures have entrenched these investigative tools in routine pediatric gastroenterology practice. Patient outcomes following endoscopy therefore are topical in the decision toward endoscopy. We studied the likelihood and patient characteristics of children admitted following ambulatory endoscopy.

Methods

Hospitalization data were obtained from the Pediatric Hospital Information System including 49 tertiary children's hospitals in the USA. Children who underwent ambulatory diagnostic endoscopy between October 1, 2005 and September 25, 2015 were included. The primary outcomes were post‐procedure events resulting in unplanned admission (not for inflammatory bowel disease management) or emergency room visit within 5 days. Unadjusted, univariate analyses were followed by multivariable analysis of the associations between patient characteristics and outcome using the R statistical package, v. 3.2.3.

Results

During the study period, 217 817 patients underwent diagnostic endoscopy; 101 (0.05%) patients were admitted directly; 1314 (0.60%) were admitted to the same facility's emergency department with either a respiratory or a gastrointestinal complication as a primary diagnosis within 5 days. None of the procedures resulted in death; female patients were more likely to experience adverse outcomes (P < 0.001), as were patients from an urban setting (P = 0.0004), whereas White, non‐Hispanic patients were less likely to represent (P < 0.0001). Patients with chronic comorbidities were more likely to experience complications. The most frequent diagnoses at admission were abdominal pain (30.5%), other gastroenterologic processes (26.8%), respiratory disorders (17.1%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (8.3%), and fever (4.5%).

Conclusions

Ambulatory pediatric endoscopy is safe; significant adverse outcomes are rare but more likely in female, non‐White or Hispanic patients and in patients with significant chronic comorbidities.
Varices on computed tomography are surrogate of clinically significant portal hypertension and can predict survival in compensated cirrhosis patients
Authors: Lee Dong Ho , Ahn Jhii‐Hyun , Chung Jin Wook , Kim Young Ju , Cha Seung‐Whan , Kim Moon Young , Baik Soon Koo
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

To investigate prognostic value of varices on computed tomography (CT) and redefine surrogate criteria for clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 241 patients with compensated cirrhosis who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement from 2008 to 2013. Using CT and upper endoscopy findings obtained within 3 months from HVPG measurement, patients were classified into three groups: presence of standard surrogate for CSPH, defined as presence of varices on upper endoscopy and/or splenomegaly associated with thrombocytopenia (Group 1, n = 139); varices on CT without standard surrogate for CSPH (Group 2, n = 41); and free from both (Group 3, n = 61). HVPG value and overall survival (OS) rates were compared among three patient groups. Revised surrogate for CSPH was defined as presence of standard surrogate and/or presence of varices on CT (i.e. both Group 1 and Group 2).

Results

Mean HVPG value in Group 2 was significantly higher than that in Group 3 (10.3 mmHg vs 6.5 mmHg, P < 0.001), but significantly lower than that in Group 1 (10.3 mmHg vs 13.1 mmHg, P < 0.001). Seven‐year OS rates in Group 2 was similar to those in Group 1 (57.0% vs 62.7%, P = 0.591), but significantly poorer than those in Group 3 (57.0% vs 84.0%, P = 0.015). The presence of revised surrogate for CSPH was a significant predictive factor for OS (P = 0.025, Hazard ratio = 2.71 [1.14–6.45]) on multivariate analysis whereas standard surrogate for CSPH was not (P = 0.849).

Conclusion

The presence of varices on CT was a significant sign for CSPH, predicting poor OS outcome in patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Modulation of ruminal and intestinal fermentation by medicinal plants and zinc from different sources
Authors: Váradyová Zora , Mravčáková Dominika , Holodová Monika , Grešáková Ľubomira , Pisarčíková Jana , Barszcz Marcin , Taciak Marcin , Tuśnio Anna , Kišidayová Svetlana , Čobanová Klaudia
Published: June 2018

Two experiments were conducted on sheep to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc and a medicinal plant mixture on haematological parameters and microbial activity in the rumen and large intestine. In Experiment 1, 24 male lambs were randomly divided into four groups: One group was fed an unsupplemented basal diet (control), and three groups were fed a diet supplemented with 70 mg Zn/kg diet in the form of Zn sulphate (ZnSO4), a Zn‐chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn‐Gly) or a Zn‐proteinate (Zn‐Pro), for five months. The ruminal content was collected separately from each lamb, and batch cultures of ruminal fluid were incubated in vitro with mixture of medicinal plants (Mix) with different roughage:concentrate ratios (800:200 and 400:600, w/w). Bioactive compounds in Mix were quantified by UPLC/MS/MS. In Experiment 2, four sheep were fed a diet consisting of meadow hay and barley grain (400:600, w/w), with Zn‐Gly (70 mg Zn/kg diet), Mix (10% replacement of meadow hay) or Zn‐Gly and Mix (Zn‐Gly‐Mix) as supplements in a Latin square design. Mix decreased total gas (p < 0.001) and methane (p < 0.01) production in vitro. In Experiment 1, caecal isobutyrate and isovalerate concentrations varied among the dietary treatments (p < 0.01). The isovalerate concentration of the zinc‐supplemented groups in the distal colon was higher (p < 0.001) compared with the control. In Experiment 2, the molar proportion of isobutyrate was the highest in the faeces of the sheep fed the diet with Zn‐Gly‐Mix (p < 0.01). The plasma zinc concentration was higher in the groups fed a diet supplemented with zinc (p < 0.001). The haematological profile and antioxidant status did not differ between the dietary groups (p > 0.05). The diets containing medicinal plants and organic zinc thus helped to modulate the characteristics of fermentation in ruminants.
Contesting Chineseness: An Examination of Religion and National Identity in Mainland China
Authors: Lu Jun , Gao Qin
Published: June 2018

For citizens of many countries around the world, religion is a necessary—though often contested—component of their national identity. From the vantage point of the symbolic boundaries approach, we argue that the Chinese government and various other social actors are in contestation to define “Chineseness” in religious terms. Using data from the 2007 Spiritual Life Study of Chinese Residents, this study explores the extent to which religion functions as a constitutive part of Chinese national identity. We find that the effectiveness of the Chinese government's demarcation of the symbolic boundaries around Chineseness related to religion varies across religious groups. Believers of each religion are likely to be strong advocates for their own religion's connection to Chinese national identity. Among the religions, traditional Chinese religions tend to demonstrate a stronger affinity with one another than with Christianity. Daoists are a particularly strong contestant in aligning Daoism with Chineseness, to the extent that they discredit the other religions’ suitability for the Chinese. We discuss the implications of these findings and point out directions for future research.
Adaptation to reef habitats through selection on the coral animal and its associated microbiome
Authors: van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Bongaerts Pim , Frade Pedro , Peplow Lesa M. , Boyd Sarah E. , Nim Hieu T. , Bay Line K.
Published: June 2018

Spatially adjacent habitats on coral reefs can represent highly distinct environments, often harbouring different coral communities. Yet, certain coral species thrive across divergent environments. It is unknown whether the forces of selection are sufficiently strong to overcome the counteracting effects of the typically high gene flow over short distances, and for local adaptation to occur. We screened the coral genome (using restriction site‐associated sequencing) and characterized both the dinoflagellate photosymbiont‐ and tissue‐associated prokaryote microbiomes (using metabarcoding) of a reef flat and slope population of the reef‐building coral, Pocillopora damicornis, at two locations on Heron Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Reef flat and slope populations were separated by <100 m horizontally and ~5 m vertically, and the two study locations were separated by ~1 km. For the coral host, genetic divergence between habitats was much greater than between locations, suggesting limited gene flow between the flat and slope populations. Consistent with environmental selection, outlier loci primarily belonged to the conserved, minimal cellular stress response, likely reflecting adaptation to the different temperature and irradiance regimes on the reef flat and slope. The prokaryote community differed across both habitat and, to a lesser extent, location, whereas the dinoflagellate photosymbionts differed by habitat but not location. The observed intraspecific diversity associated with divergent habitats supports that environmental adaptation involves multiple members of the coral holobiont. Adaptive alleles or microbial associations present in coral populations from the environmentally variable reef flat may provide a source of adaptive variation for assisted evolution approaches, through assisted gene flow, artificial cross‐breeding or probiotic inoculations, with the aim to increase climate resilience in the slope populations.
Sequence of flower and leaf emergence in deciduous trees is linked to ecological traits, phylogenetics, and climate
Authors: Gougherty Andrew V. , Gougherty Steven W.
Published: June 2018

While much research has focused on the timing of individual plant phenological events, the sequence of phenological events has received considerably less attention. Here we identify drivers and patterns of flower and leaf emergence sequence (FLS) in deciduous tree species of the Great Lakes region of North America.

Five hypotheses related to cold tolerance, water dynamics, seed mass, pollination syndrome, and xylem anatomy type were compared for their ability to explain FLS. Phylogenetic and geographic patterns of FLS were also assessed. We identified additional traits associated with FLS using Random Forest models.

Of the hypotheses assessed, those related to species’ water dynamics and seed mass had the greatest support. The spatial pattern of FLS was found to be strongly related to minimum monthly temperature and the phylogenetic pattern was clustered among species. Based on results from Random Forest models, species’ fruiting characteristics were found to be the most important variables in explaining FLS.

Our results show that FLS is related to a suite of plant traits and environmental tolerances. We emphasize the need to expand phenological research to include both the timing and sequence of plant's entire phenology, in particular in relation to plant physiology and global change.
Using patient cases to educate health professionals, patients, institutions, and society: the swallowing disorder example
Authors: Wagner‐Menghin Michaela , Hirsch Alexander , Pokieser Peter
Published: June 2018

The problems and symptoms of patients are at the heart of medicine and pertinent to information, communication, and education. Patients present their problems to health professionals looking for relief and a cure, while institutions collect data about symptoms of patients and the way health professionals treated them to support society's care providers in administrating and managing care. The information on the problems of patients and the way health professionals treated them, which is gathered and stored in patient files, is valuable as educational material in the field of medicine. Driven by the fast developments of new technical tools case‐based information, communication and education starts to enter educational domains beyond the field of medicine, such as school systems and public health services. In our discussion we seek to understand and outline how to use the material gathered and stored in patient files to educate health professionals. Additionally, this paper gives examples of case‐based education for all members of society.
Transcriptome profiling of yellow leafy head development during the heading stage in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis)
Authors: Li Yuefei , Fan Yong , Jiao Yang , Wu Jie , Zhang Zhen , Yu Xiaolei , Ma Ying
Published: June 2018

The yellow leafy head of Brassica rapa is known to be tasty and nutritional. Therefore, the heading stage of leaf development is critical to realize high yield and economic benefits. A widely planted commercial cultivar of B. rapa (‘Qiubao’, deep yellow leafy head) was used to conduct transcriptome analysis. The results showed that the yellowing of the inner leaf was likely induced by the predominant β‐carotene biosynthesis pathway due to the upregulated gene geranylgeranyl diphosphate and phytoene synthase, and the downregulated gene CrtL‐e, NCED4 and DWARF‐27. Some genes related to chlorophyll synthesis were also found to be downregulated, such as nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase and protochlorophyllide reductase A. Transcript profiling also revealed strong changes in expression levels of hormonal genes related to auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, abscisic acid, gibberellin and brassinosteroids, suggesting the crucial role that hormones play in heading stage. Examination of carbohydrate and sucrose metabolism pathways revealed that sucrose biosynthesis is probably regulated by 6‐phosphofructokinase and sucrose synthase 1 (SUS1/SuSy1) branch, instead of the sucrose‐phosphate synthase branch. Several cold‐response genes were induced in the late‐heading stage, but the results suggest that the common C‐repeat binding factor responsive pathway may not be involved in cold adaption. We also identified a series of upregulated transcription factors—AP2/ERF, MYB, bHLH, NAC and WRKY were found to be predominant. The transcripts analysis provides a preliminary genetic resource to unravel key genes and molecular mechanisms responsible for leafy head development in B. rapa, therefore, improving leafy head quality and yield through genetic means in future.
Overexpression of TaCML20, a calmodulin‐like gene, enhances water soluble carbohydrate accumulation and yield in wheat
Authors: Kalaipandian Sundaravelpandian , Xue Gang‐Ping , Rae Anne L. , Glassop Donna , Bonnett Graham D. , McIntyre Lynne C.
Published: June 2018

Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal messenger that mediates intracellular responses to extracellular stimuli in living organisms. Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins are the important Ca2+ sensors in plants that decode Ca2+‐signatures to execute downstream intracellular level responses. Several studies indicate the interlinking of Ca2+ and sugar signaling in plants; however, no genes have been functionally characterized to provide molecular evidence. Our study found that expression of TaCML20 was significantly correlated with water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations in recombinant inbred lines in wheat. TaCML20 has four EF‐hand motifs that may facilitate the binding of Ca2+. To explore the role of CML20, we generated TaCML20 overexpressing transgenic lines in wheat. These lines accumulated higher WSC concentrations in the shoots, and we also found a significantly increased transcript level of sucrose:sucrose‐1‐fructosyltransferase (1‐SST) in the internodes compared with the control plants. In addition, TaCML20 overexpressing plants showed significantly increased tillers per plant and also increased about 19% of grain weight per plant compared with control plants. The results also suggested a role for TaCML20 in drought stress, as its transcripts significantly increased in the shoots of wild‐type plants under water deficit. These results uncovered the role of CML20 in determining multiple traits in wheat.
Mineral and bone disorders in conventional hemodialysis: Challenges and solutions
Authors: Hamano Takayuki
Published: June 2018

Despite the advent of cinacalcet and noncalcium‐containing phosphate binders, controlling the progression of vascular calcification (VC) is still challenging. Recent reports demonstrate that carbamylation driven by high urea concentration aggravates VC, suggesting the importance of adequate dialysis in retarding its progression. Theoretically, other promising measures include the use of iron‐based phosphate binders, vitamin K, and magnesium supplements, which should be investigated in future randomized controlled trials (RCTs), ideally with hard outcomes. While incidence of hip fracture in patients on dialysis is decreasing in the United States and Japan (possibly owing to better control of PTH levels by cinacalcet) it remains much higher than that in the general population. Many drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis, including bisphosphonate, raloxifene, denosumab, and teriparatide can, under specific conditions, increase bone mineral density (BMD), which is associated with a lower fracture rate. However, the efficacy of these drugs in reducing the fracture rate remains to be proven in hemodialysis (HD) patients, given their adverse effects such as severe hypocalcemia and resultant worsening of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Some clinical studies have shown that cinacalcet, lanthanum carbonate, and sevelamer reduce mortality in elderly patients on HD, suggesting the benefits of reducing PTH and serum phosphate levels. However, the target ranges of PTH and phosphate levels are based solely on observational studies. This is also the case when treating low PTH levels by decreasing vitamin D or calcium load. RCTs with hard clinical endpoints comparing different targets are necessary in the future.
The Role of Social Capital in Agricultural and Rural Development:Lessons Learnt from Case Studies in Seven Countries
Authors: Rivera Maria , Knickel Karlheinz , María Díaz‐Puente José , Afonso Ana
Published: June 2018

The importance of social capital for agricultural and rural development is explored in this paper through the analysis of seven comprehensive case studies that have been carried out in the framework of the European RETHINK research programme. The case studies are based on rather different initiatives at the interface between agricultural and rural development in Germany, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark and Israel. The case studies represent a broad spectrum of socio‐economic and agricultural contexts and focus on the role of social capital for development. We explore how social capital materialises in the context of rural areas, and what nuances it acquires in different rural environments. The case studies are used to better understand, and to illustrate, different expressions of social capital in different situations. Within the broad notion of social capital, we pay particular attention to trust, cooperation, sense of community, and culture and tradition. All four dimensions play a critical role in agricultural and rural development as they affect how people relate to each other, organise themselves and interact for development.