bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transformation of consumer movements through democratization and the development of civil society in Taiwan
Authors: Wahn I‐Liang
Published: June 2015

Using the transformation of the Taiwanese consumer movement as a case study, this article examines how the development of civil society shapes different relationships between consumer organizations and other social movements. The article analyzes the influence of democratization in the 1990s on consumer attempts to seek policy protection and how following Taiwan's embracing of market deregulation in the 2000s consumers turned towards the promotion of ethical practices. The case highlights how the consumer organizations’ emergence, their policy contentions and co‐operation with women's, student and environmental movements developed alongside the fermentation of social movement organization, their institutionalization and diversification. The article argues that by relating the consumer to other socioeconomic groups, the consumer movement developed more critical perspectives and formed alliances to take more effective action in addressing market conditions and their social consequences.
Civic, cooperative or contrived? a functional approach to political consumerism motivations
Authors: Gotlieb Melissa R.
Published: June 2015

The rise of political consumerism among young citizens as a means of promoting social change has sparked debate among scholars regarding the civic potential of such political practices enacted in the private sphere of everyday life. In particular, disagreement has centred on whether and the degree to which political consumerism privatizes politics and distracts citizens from collective engagement in the public sphere. The present research argues that understanding what drives political consumerism is key to resolving this debate. Accordingly, it draws across the multidisciplinary literature on political consumerism to identify the various symbolic motivations that underlie consumers’ use of ethical purchase considerations. Functional theory of attitudes is then applied as a framework for theorizing these motivations, and a scale is developed to measure value‐expressive, social‐identification and social‐approval motivations for political consumerism. The first two studies demonstrate the subscales are reliable and have good convergent and discriminant validity, and the third study demonstrates that increasing the salience of a particular motivation through the use of strategic messages alters how it relates to the use of ethical purchase considerations as well as broader involvement in a social cause. The significance of this research for understanding how political consumerism connects to broader participation in lifestyle movements is discussed.
Serological Detection of Members of the Potyviridae with Polyclonal Antisera
Authors: Richter J. , Proll E. , Rabenstein F. , Stanarius A.
Published: June 2015

The cross‐reactivity of two polyclonal antisera with various members of the Potyviridae was determined using four different serological methods. An antiserum (no. 314) prepared against apparently intact turnip mosaic potyvirus (TuMV) particles showed a high cross‐reactivity with all of 20 aphid‐borne potyviruses tested as well as the mite‐borne ryegrass mosaic rymovirus (RGMV) and the fungus‐borne barley mild mosaic bymovirus (BaMMV) with two of the four methods used (indirect PTA‐ELISA or IEM and Western blotting). In immunoelectron microscopic decoration, about two thirds of the viruses tested reacted positively whereas in the direct DAS‐ELISA only the homologous TuMV reacted positively.

Another antiserum (no. 203) produced by using as immunogen a mixture of the dissociated core proteins of three trypsin‐treated potyviruses (potato A and V and plum pox viruses), reacted positively in both indirect ELISA and Western blotting with all aphid‐borne potyviruses and RGMV. No reactions were obtained with the other two methods. The causes for these different reactivities are discussed. Both antisera are useful for the detection of aphid‐borne potyviruses, but one (no. 314) is especially suitable for the detection of these viruses under routine conditions by use of a simple indirect PTA‐ELISA.
Ultrastructure of Calli from Resistant and Susceptible Chestnut Inoculated with Phytophthora cambivora
Authors: Casares A. , González A. , Tamés R. Sánchez
Published: June 2015

The infection and colonization of calli from susceptible (Castanea sativa Miller) or resistant (C. crenata Sieb and Zucc.) chestnut by zoospores of Phytophthora cambivora (Petri) Buisman was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. P. cambivora grew more slowly over calli from C. crenata than C. sativa. In both calli the fungus penetrated along the surface fissures. In C. sativa callus, the fungus grew intercellularly and penetrated the host cells as a haustorium or intracellular hyphae. In callus from C. crenata the hyphae grew mostly intercellularly, due in part to the fact that the host cell formed wall appositions which made penetration difficult.
Optimization of RAPD‐PCR Fingerprinting to Analyse Genetic Variation Within Populations of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense
Authors: Bentley S. , Pegg K. G. , Dale J. L.
Published: June 2015

Genetic variation among 11 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (FOC) was analysed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR). The isolates represented three of the four FOC races and the seven vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) known to occur in Australia. Isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense were also compared to isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp. gladioli, F. oxysporum f.sp. zingiberi, F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, F. moniliforme, Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. DNA was extracted from fungal mycelium and amplified by RAPD‐PCR using one of two single random 10‐mer primers; the primer sequences were chosen arbitrarily. The RAPD‐PCR products were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis producing a characteristic banding pattern for each isolate. The genetic relatedness of the F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense isolates was determined by comparing the banding patterns generated by RAPD‐PCR. This RAPD‐PCR analysis revealed variation at all five levels of possible genetic relatedness examined. F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense could very easily be distinguished from the other fungi, and the three races and five VCGs of F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense could also be differentiated. Within F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense, each isolate was scored for the presence or absence of each band (50 different bands were produced for primer SS01 and 59 different bands for primer RC09) and these data were clustered using the UPGMA method (unweighted pair‐group method, arithmetic average). UPGMA cluster analysis of the data generated by primer SS01 revealed two distinct clusters. One cluster contained race 4 isolates (VCGs 0120, 0129 and 01211) and the other cluster contained both race 1 (VCGs 0124, 0124/5 and 0125) and race 2 isolates (VCG 0128). Similar results were obtained with primer RC09. The banding patterns for each isolate were reproducible between experiments. These results indicated that RAPD‐PCR was a useful method for analysing genetic variation within F. oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Some of the advantages of this technique were that it was rapid, no sequence data were required to design the primers and no radioisotopes were required.
Effects of Leaf Wetness Duration and Inoculum Level on Resistance of Wheat Genotypes to Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis
Authors: Sah D. N.
Published: June 2015

Percent leaf necrosis and lesion length on wheat genotypes increased markedly with increasing duration of leaf wetness (up to 24h or 48 h) following inoculation with Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis. A long wetting duration favoured less disease development on resistant (Fink's'), and moderately resistant (Bon/YR/3/F3570//KAL/BB) genotypes than on susceptible Glenlea. No significant difference in per cent necrosis was detected among the upper three leaf positions within a genotype. A long wetness duration had a varying effect on the resistance of wheat genotypes, depending upon the inoculum level. Increasing the inoculum level along with the leaf wetness period increased the per cent leaf necrosis on all three wheat genotypes tested. However, the ranking of the genotype for resistance did not alter even after prolonged duration of leaf wetness (up to 96 h) and/or high inoculum level (12000 conidia/ml water). Various post‐inoculation wet‐periods in combination with high conidia concentrations in inoculum should be used in identifying highly resistant germplasm in breeding populations at the seedling stage of the wheats.
Effects of Foliar Sprays of Phosphates on Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa) of Roses
Authors: Reuveni R. , Agapov V. , Reuveni M. , Raviv M.
Published: June 2015

Powdery mildew on plants of a local clone of Rosa indica Major was significantly controlled by a single spray of 25 mM aqueous solutions of K2HPO4, KH2PO4 plus KOH, or NaHCO3, all plus Tween 20 (0.5 ml/l) or bupirimate (Nimrod) at 0.5 ml/l, which was applied 4 days before inoculation with conidial suspension of Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae.

Disease incidence was reduced by 79, 71, 54 and 50%, as compared to controls on plants sprayed with KH2PO4 plus KOH, K2HPO4, NaHCO3 or bupirimate, respectively. Phosphates were suppressive and expressed by disappearance of 99% of the pustules and conidia, as early as 2 days after a single spray on mildewed foliage. This treatment was efficient for at least 9 days after the first application when large infected greenhouse‐grown plants were used. Re‐application of these salts on the same plants reduced the lesion area by about 90% from that recorded before the application. Phosphate and bicarbonate were more suppressive than the systemic fungicide bupirimate in the early period (up to 2 days). The suppresion effects of bicarbonate and bupirimate, however, were short‐term and not persistent, while the phosphate treatments remained significantly suppressive for up to 23 days, when the experiment was terminated. The inhibitory and suppressive effectiveness of phosphate salts is discussed in the light of their possible acceptance as ideal foliar fertilizers which should be considered for use in the field for disease control.
What national story does the centre‐left need to tell?
Authors: Pearce Nick , Kenny Michael
Published: June 2015

How can social democracy relocate its sense of national purpose and orientation? Nick Pearce and Michael Kenny ask what the new centre‐left ‘national project’ should be at a time when the institutions and hardy truths of the UK, and its primal values of unitary sovereignty and parliamentary government, face serious threats.
After the deluge: Britain's new third party arrives at Westminster
Authors: Stafford James
Published: June 2015

The SNP's near‐monopoly of Scottish representation in Westminster may give it more status than actual influence, says James Stafford. Yet its position as Scotland's ‘natural party of government’, and its gradualist pursuit of independence, can only be challenged by a Labour party that embraces bold constitutional reform.
Performance‐Based Logistics and Interfirm Team Processes: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Randall Wesley S. , Hawkins Timothy G. , Haynie Jeffrey J. , Nowicki David R. , Armenakis Achilles A. , Geary Stephen R.
Published: June 2015

Practitioners are using performance‐based logistics (PBL) strategies to reduce cost and improve value in industries such as defense, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.PBLis part of a group of increasingly popular buyer–supplier strategies that focuses on outcomes as oppose to the delivery of products or services. A key tenet ofPBLis the use of innovation to create cost avoidance that benefits buyers and suppliers. In this research, we explore the interfirm team‐level factors associated with innovation in successfulPBLstrategies. This research brings together business, organizational behavior, and engineering literature to studyPBLteam success. The study entailed interviews with 17 managers involved in large scalePBLprojects. The interviews and follow‐on member checking sessions resulted in a model composed of eight emergent categories and associated propositions. Both practical and theoretical implications are provided.
Cardiac telocytes are double positive for CD34/PDGFR‐α
Authors: Zhou Qiulian , Wei Lei , Zhong Chongjun , Fu Siyi , Bei Yihua , Huică Radu‐Ionuț , Wang Fei , Xiao Junjie
Published: June 2015

Telocytes (TCs) are a distinct type of interstitial cells, which are featured with a small cellular body and long and thin elongations called telopodes (Tps). TCs have been widely identified in lots of tissues and organs including heart. Double staining for CD34/PDGFR‐β (Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β) or CD34/Vimentin is considered to be critical for TC phenotyping. It has recently been proposed that CD34/PDGFR‐α (Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α) is actually a specific marker for TCs including cardiac TCs although the direct evidence is still lacking. Here, we showed that cardiac TCs were double positive for CD34/PDGFR‐α in primary culture. CD34/PDGFR‐α positive cells (putative cardiac TCs) also existed in mice ventricle and human cardiac valves including mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve. Over 87% of cells in a TC‐enriched culture of rat cardiac interstitial cells were positive for PDGFR‐α, while CD34/PDGFR‐α double positive cells accounted for 30.25% of the whole cell population. We show that cardiac TCs are double positive for CD34/PDGFR‐α. Better understanding of the immunocytochemical phenotypes of cardiac TCs might help using cardiac TCs as a novel source in cardiac repair.
Nephrologists' management of patient medications in kidney transplantation: results of an online survey
Authors: Crawford Kimberley , Low Jac Kee , Manias Elizabeth , Walker Rowan , Toussaint Nigel D. , Mulley William , Dooley Michael , Ierino Francesco L. , Hughes Peter , Goodman David J. , Williams Allison
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Medication adherence is essential in kidney transplant recipients to reduce the risk of rejection and subsequent allograft loss. The aim of this study was to delineate what ‘usual care’ entails, in relation to medication management, for adult kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

An online survey was developed to explore how nephrologists promote and assess medication adherence, the management of prescriptions, the frequency of clinic appointments and the frequency of clinical screening tests. Nephrologists from all acute kidney transplant units in Victoria, Australia, were invited to participate. Data were collected between May and June 2014.

Results

Of 60 nephrologists invited to participate, 22 completed the survey (response rate of 36.6%). Respondents had a mean age of 49.1 ± 10.1 years, with a mean of 20.1 ± 9.9 years working in nephrology and 14 were men. Descriptive analysis of responses showed that nephrologists performed frequent screening for kidney graft dysfunction that may indicate medication non‐adherence, maintained regular transplant clinic visits with patients and emphasized the importance of medication education. However, time constraints during consultations impacted on extensive patient education and the long‐term medication follow‐up support was often delivered by the renal transplant nurse coordinator or pharmacist.

Conclusions

This study highlighted that nephrologists took an active approach in the medication management of kidney transplant recipients, which may assist with facilitating long‐term graft survival. Ultimately, promoting medication adherence needs to be patient centred, involving an interdisciplinary team of nephrologists, pharmacists and renal transplant nurse coordinators, working together with the patient to establish optimal adherence.
Regulation of NOD‐like receptors and inflammasome activation in cerebral endothelial cells
Authors: Nagyőszi Péter , Nyúl‐Tóth Ádám , Fazakas Csilla , Wilhelm Imola , Kozma Mihály , Molnár Judit , Haskó János , Krizbai István A.
Published: June 2015

Cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) forming the blood–brain barrier are at the interface of the immune and the central nervous systems and thus may play an important role in the functional integration of the two systems. Here, we investigated how CECs recognize and respond to pathogen‐ and damage‐associated molecular patterns to regulate the functions of the neurovascular unit. First we detected the expression of several NOD‐like receptors (NLRs) – including NOD1, NOD2, NLRC4, NLRC5, NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRP5, NLRP9, NLRP10, NLRP12, NLRA, and NLRX – in human brain endothelial cells. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐1β had stimulatory effects on the transcription of many of these receptors. Expression of key inflammasome components (NOD2, NLRP3, and caspase 1) along with caspase‐cleaved interleukins IL‐1β and IL‐33 could be induced by priming with lipopolysaccharide and activation with muramyl dipeptide. In addition, combined treatment with lipopolysaccharide and muramyl dipeptide resulted in IL‐1β secretion in a caspase‐ and ERK1/2 kinase‐dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that NLRs and inflammasomes can be activated in cerebral endothelial cells, which may confer a yet unexplored role to the blood–brain barrier in neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory processes.

image

Here, we show that cerebral endothelial cells (CECs), the main components of the blood–brain barrier, express several NOD (nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐containing protein)‐like receptors and are able to assemble functional inflammasomes. Expression of key inflammasome components (NOD2, NLRP3, and caspase 1) along with caspase‐cleaved interleukins IL‐1β and IL‐33 can be induced in CECs by priming with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and activation with muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Combined treatment with LPS and MDP results in IL‐1β secretion in a caspase (i.e., inflammasome)‐ and ERK1/2‐dependent manner.
Dog bites to the upper extremity in children
Authors: Speirs Joshua , Showery James , Abdou Marwa , Pirela‐Cruz Miguel A , Abdelgawad Amr A
Published: June 2015

Aim

Dog bites are common injuries in children. A large percentage of these dog bites affect the upper extremity. There is little information describing the results of treatment of upper extremity injuries in children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for all children less than 19 years old who presented to the emergency department in our level one trauma centre because of dog bites from 2005 to 2011.

Results

During the study period, there were 254 paediatric emergency department visits for animal bites, among these there were 118 dog bites, two were excluded because of inadequate documentation leaving 116 patients; 26 of them (22.4%) had bites to the upper extremity. Among the 26 children with dog bites to the upper extremity, 6 (23.1%) were admitted to the hospital for surgery (four patients) or parenteral antibiotics (two patients). Among the four surgeries, two were for extensive laceration and two were for abscess debridement. Of the 41 who presented with bites to the lower extremities, none were admitted to the hospital (P = 0.002). Compared with those who presented the same day they were injured, the relative risk of hospitalization or surgery in patients who presented 1 and 2 days after their injury was 3.5 and 7.0, respectively.

Conclusion

Dog bites at the upper extremity are more prone to require surgical intervention and develop infection than those at the lower extremity, and delayed presentation of these injuries is associated with higher incidence of developing infection.
The International Society for Sexual Medicine's Process of Care for the Assessment and Management of Testosterone Deficiency in Adult Men
Authors: Dean John D. , McMahon Chris G. , Guay Andre T. , Morgentaler Abraham , Althof Stanley E. , Becher Edgardo F. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Burnett Arthur L. , Buvat Jacques , El Meliegy Amr , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Maggi Mario , McCullough Andrew , Torres Luiz Otavio , Zitzmann Michael
Published: June 2015

Introduction

In 2014, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) convened a panel of experts to develop an evidence-based process of care for the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency (TD) in adult men. The panel considered the definition, epidemiology, etiology, physiologic effects, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of TD. It also considered the treatment of TD in special populations and commented on contemporary controversies about testosterone replacement therapy, cardiovascular risk and prostate cancer.

Aim

The aim was to develop clearly worded, practical, evidenced-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of diagnosis and management of TD for clinicians without expertise in endocrinology, such as physicians in family medicine and general urology practice.

Method

A comprehensive literature review was performed, followed by a structured, 3-day panel meeting and 6-month panel consultation process using electronic communication. The final guideline was compiled from reports by individual panel members on areas reflecting their special expertise, and then agreed by all through an iterative process.

Results

This article contains the report of the ISSM TD Process of Care Committee. It offers a definition of TD and recommendations for assessment and treatment in different populations. Finally, best practice treatment recommendations are presented to guide clinicians, both familiar and unfamiliar with TD.

Conclusion

Development of a process of care is an evolutionary process that continually reviews data and incorporates the best new research. We expect that ongoing research will lead to new insights into the pathophysiology of TD, as well as new, efficacious and safe treatments. We recommend that this process of care be reevaluated and updated by the ISSM in 4 years.
Plant–plant interactions in a subtropical mangrove‐to‐marsh transition zone: effects of environmental drivers
Authors: Howard Rebecca J. , Krauss Ken W. , Cormier Nicole , Day Richard H. , Biagas Janelda , Allain Larry
Published: June 2015

Questions

Does the presence of herbaceous vegetation affect the establishment success of mangrove tree species in the transition zone between subtropical coastal mangrove forests and marshes? How do plant–plant interactions in this transition zone respond to variation in two primary coastal environmental drivers?

Location

Subtropical coastal region of the southern United States.

Methods

We conducted a greenhouse study to better understand how abiotic factors affect plant species interactions in the mangrove‐to‐marsh transition zone, or ecotone. We manipulated salinity (fresh, brackish or salt water) and hydrologic conditions (continuously saturated or 20‐cm tidal range) to simulate ecotonal environments. Propagules of the mangroves Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa were introduced to mesocosms containing an established marsh community. Both mangrove species were also introduced to containers lacking other vegetation. We monitored mangrove establishment success and survival over 22 mo. Mangrove growth was measured as stem height and above‐ground biomass. Stem height, stem density and above‐ground biomass of the dominant marsh species were documented.

Results

Establishment success of A. germinans was reduced under saturated saltwater conditions, but establishment of L. racemosa was not affected by experimental treatments. There was complete mortality of A. germinans in mesocosms under freshwater conditions, and very low survival of L. racemosa. In contrast, survival of both species in monoculture under freshwater conditions exceeded 62%. The marsh species Distichlis spicata and Eleocharis cellulosa suppressed growth of both mangroves throughout the experiment, whereas the mangroves did not affect herbaceous species growth. The magnitude of growth suppression by marsh species varied with environmental conditions; suppression was often higher in saturated compared to tidal conditions, and higher in fresh and salt water compared to brackish water.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that herbaceous marsh species can suppress mangrove early seedling growth. Depending on species composition and density, marsh plants can slow mangrove landward migration under predicted climate change scenarios as salinity in freshwater and oligohaline wetlands increases with rising sea levels. Change in the relative coverage of mangrove forests and marshes will depend on both the ability of marsh species to migrate further inland as mangroves advance, and the ability of shoreline mangroves to adjust to rising sea level through accretionary processes.
Synergistic interactions between fire and browsing drive plant diversity in a forest understorey
Authors: Foster Claire N. , Barton Philip S. , Sato Chloe F. , MacGregor Christopher I. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: June 2015

Questions

Does browsing by large herbivores affect forest understorey diversity by modifying assemblage dominance? Does fire interact with browsing to affect forest understorey diversity? Does this interaction occur via a numerically mediated or functionally moderated pathway?

Location

Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Territory, south‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We tested the interactive effects of fire and browsing by native herbivores on understorey plant diversity using a randomized blocked experiment in an open eucalypt forest. We monitored the percentage cover of every vascular plant species in 24 sites over four experimental blocks. We applied a different treatment to each of the six sites in the four blocks. Treatments were a factorial combination of three levels of herbivory treatment (open, partial exclosure, full exclosure) and two levels of prescribed fire treatment (burned, unburned).

Results

Browsing increased plant community dominance and reduced evenness and diversity, but only in burned sites. Heavy browsing following fire created an understorey dominated by an unpalatable, fire‐resistant fern species (bracken, Pteridium esculentum). This fire–browsing interaction was driven by both numerically mediated and functionally moderated pathways: Fire both increased local browsing intensity, and amplified the per‐unit effect of herbivores on the plant community.

Conclusions

The altered competitive environment after fire, combined with heavy post‐fire browsing created a depauperate understorey, dominated by bracken. The ability of bracken to suppress the establishment of other plants means that, once established, this fern‐dominated understorey may be difficult to reverse. Our results demonstrate the key role of fire–browsing interactions in forest vegetation dynamics and highlight the importance of integrating large herbivore management with fire planning in forest ecosystems.
Evaluation of acute kidney injury and its response to terlipressin in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Jindal Ankur , Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Maiwall Rakhi , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: June 2015

Background & aims

Patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) have high mortality. Cirrhotics with acute kidney injury (AKI) have poor outcome but relevance of AKI and response to terlipressin in ACLF is not known.

Methods

Consecutive ACLF patients with AKI at admission were compared with those without AKI (controls) for mortality at day 7, month 1 and 3, presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and acute variceal bleed (AVB). Patients were also compared based on severity of AKI (mild; S.cr 1.5–3 mg/dl and marked; S.cr >3 mg/dl). Response to terlipressin was also evaluated.

Results

Of 241 ACLF patients, 55 (22.8%) had AKI at admission. Patients with AKI had higher mortality at day 7, 1 and 3 month and more often developed HE [54.1% vs. 30.6%; P = 0.001] and SBP [9.1% vs. 5.9%; P = 0.02]. Patients with marked AKI neither had higher mortality or complications in comparison to mild AKI. Presence of AKI [Odds ratio; OR, 2.4], S.bilirubin >20 mg/dl [OR, 3.1] and INR [OR, 2.9] were independent baseline predictors of mortality. Terlipressin was used in 28 of 55 patients with AKI who were volume non‐responsive (hepatorenal syndrome, AKI‐HRS). Ten (35.7%) of these showed response (S.Cr < 1.5 mg/dl) [median 4 days] and had lower mortality compared to terlipressin non‐responders (10% vs. 50%, P = 0.05). There was no difference in terlipressin response in mild vs. marked AKI.

Conclusions

Almost one‐fourth of the ACLF patients have AKI at admission and presence of AKI, but not its severity predicts complications and high mortality. Terlipressin effectively reverses AKI‐HRS within a week in ~35% of ACLF patients resulting in improved survival.
Phylogeography, historical demography and habitat suitability modelling of freshwater fishes inhabiting seasonally fluctuating Mediterranean river systems: a case study using the Iberian cyprinid Squalius valentinus
Authors: Perea S. , Doadrio I.
Published: June 2015

The Mediterranean freshwater fish fauna has evolved under constraints imposed by the seasonal weather/hydrological patterns that define the Mediterranean climate. These conditions have influenced the genetic and demographic structure of aquatic communities since their origins in the Mid‐Pliocene. Freshwater species in Mediterranean‐type climates will likely constitute genetically well‐differentiated populations, to varying extents depending on basin size, as a consequence of fragmentation resulting from drought/flood cycles. We developed an integrative framework to study the spatial patterns in genetic diversity, demographic trends, habitat suitability modelling and landscape genetics, to evaluate the evolutionary response of Mediterranean‐type freshwater fish to seasonal fluctuations in weather. To test this evolutionary response, the model species used was Squalius valentinus, an endemic cyprinid of the Spanish Levantine area, where seasonal weather fluctuations are extreme, although our findings may be extrapolated to other Mediterranean‐type species. Our results underscore the significant role of the Mediterranean climate, along with Pleistocene glaciations, in diversification of S. valentinus. We found higher nuclear diversity in larger drainage basins, but higher mitochondrial diversity correlated to habitat suitability rather than basin size. We also found strong correlation between genetic structure and climatic factors associated with Mediterranean seasonality. Demographic and migration analyses suggested population expansion during glacial periods that also contributed to the current genetic structure of S. valentinus populations. The inferred models support the significant contribution of precipitation and temperature to S. valentinus habitat suitability and allow recognizing areas of habitat stability. We highlight the importance of stable habitat conditions, fostered by typical karstic springs found on the Mediterranean littoral coasts, for the preservation of freshwater species inhabiting seasonally fluctuating river systems.
A population genomic scan in Chorthippus grasshoppers unveils previously unknown phenotypic divergence
Authors: Berdan Emma L. , Mazzoni Camila J. , Waurick Isabelle , Roehr Johannes T. , Mayer Frieder
Published: June 2015

Understanding the genetics of speciation and the processes that drive it is a central goal of evolutionary biology. Grasshoppers of the Chorthippus species group differ strongly in calling song (and corresponding female preferences) but are exceedingly similar in other characteristics such as morphology. Here, we performed a population genomic scan on three Chorthippus species (Chorthippus biguttulus, C. mollis and C. brunneus) to gain insight into the genes and processes involved in divergence and speciation in this group. Using an RNA‐seq approach, we examined functional variation between the species by calling SNPs for each of the three species pairs and using FST‐based approaches to identify outliers. We found approximately 1% of SNPs in each comparison to be outliers. Between 37% and 40% of these outliers were nonsynonymous SNPs (as opposed to a global level of 17%) indicating that we recovered loci under selection. Among the outliers were several genes that may be involved in song production and hearing as well as genes involved in other traits such as food preferences and metabolism. Differences in food preferences between species were confirmed with a behavioural experiment. This indicates that multiple phenotypic differences implicating multiple evolutionary processes (sexual selection and natural selection) are present between the species.
Increasing frequency of idiopathic membranous nephropathy in primary glomerular disease: A 10‐year renal biopsy study from a single Chinese nephrology centre
Authors: Zhu Ping , Zhou Fu‐de , Wang Su‐xia , Zhao Ming‐hui , Wang Hai‐yan
Published: June 2015

Aim

To investigate the changing of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) in China.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed renal disease spectrum of 6049 patients who underwent renal biopsy at Peking University First Hospital from January 2003 to December 2012. The patients were grouped into two periods at a 5‐year interval: 2003–2007 (period 1) and 2008–2012 (period 2).

Results

Among 6049 renal biopsied patients, 3831 (63.3%) patients were diagnosed as primary glomerular disease (PGD). The proportion of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in PGD was significantly higher in period 2 than that in period 1 (1016/2214 [55.0%] vs 682/1617 [42.2%], P = 0.022). The proportion of iMN in PGD increased from 16.8% (217/1617) in period 1 to 29.35% (646/2214) in period 2 in all groups of age (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference of clinical characteristics including age, gender, hypertension, serum cholesterol and proteinuria between the two periods (P > 0.05). However, in young patients with iMN (14–44 years old), the percentage of renal histopathology stage I and stage II of iMN in PGDs was significantly higher in period 2 than that in period 1 (101/1240 [8.15%] vs 210/1340 [15.7%], P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the frequency of iMN in PGD in our referral diagnostic centre has doubled over the past 10 years. The increase of adult iMN is mainly due to the increase of early stages of iMN in young patients.
Rice microRNA osa‐miR1848 targets the obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase gene OsCYP51G3 and mediates the biosynthesis of phytosterols and brassinosteroids during development and in response to stress
Authors: Xia Kuaifei , Ou Xiaojing , Tang Huadan , Wang Ren , Wu Ping , Jia Yongxia , Wei Xiaoyi , Xu Xinlan , Kang Seung‐Hye , Kim Seong‐Ki , Zhang Mingyong
Published: June 2015

Phytosterols are membrane components or precursors for brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. As they cannot be transported long distances, their homeostasis is tightly controlled through their biosynthesis and metabolism. However, it is unknown whether microRNAs are involved in their homeostatic regulation.

Rice (Oryza sativa) plants transformed with microRNA osa‐miR1848 and its target, the obtusifoliol 14α‐demethylase gene, OsCYP51G3, were used to investigate the role of osa‐miR1848 in the regulation of phytosterol biosynthesis.

osa‐miR1848 directs OsCYP51G3 mRNA cleavage to regulate phytosterol and BR biosynthesis in rice. The role of OsCYP51G3 as one of the osa‐miR1848 targets is supported by the opposite expression patterns of osa‐miR1848 and OsCYP51G3 in transgenic rice plants, and by the identification of OsCYP51G3 mRNA cleavage sites. Increased osa‐miR1848 and decreased OsCYP51G3 expression reduced phytosterol and BR concentrations, and caused typical phenotypic changes related to phytosterol and BR deficiency, including dwarf plants, erect leaves, semi‐sterile pollen grains, and shorter cells. Circadian expression of osa‐miR1848 regulated the diurnal abundance of OsCYP51G3 transcript in developing organs, and the response of OsCYP51G3 to salt stress.

We propose that osa‐miR1848 regulates OsCYP51G3 expression posttranscriptionally, and mediates phytosterol and BR biosynthesis. osa‐miR1848 and OsCYP51G3 might have potential applications in rice breeding to modulate leaf angle, and the size and quality of seeds.
Phylogenetic revision of the Strophomenida, a diverse and ecologically important Palaeozoic brachiopod order
Authors: Congreve Curtis R. , Krug Andrew Z. , Patzkowsky Mark E.
Published: June 2015

The order Strophomenida was an ecologically abundant and taxonomically diverse group of Palaeozoic brachiopods that originated in the earliest Ordovician and went extinct in the Carboniferous. During their long geological range, the Strophomenida survived two of the ‘Big Five’ mass extinction events, the Late Ordovician and the Late Devonian, suggesting that they are potentially informative taxa for studying the evolutionary effects of these two distinct mass extinctions, each with drastically different forcing mechanisms. However, while there have been previous phylogenetic studies on smaller groups within the Strophomenida, the phylogenetic relationships of the whole group are still largely unknown. The group has been divided into two major superfamilies, the Strophomenoidea (strophomenoids) and the Plectambonitoidea (plectambonitoids). Despite being treated as separate clades, the plectambonitoids may form a paraphyletic grade into the strophomenoids. We present a detailed higher‐level parsimony‐based phylogenetic analysis of the Strophomenida, consisting of 69 characters and 62 exemplar species sampled from the majority of the taxonomically defined families/subfamilies. Several species of basal chonetids (strophochonetids) were also included in this analysis, as they may be closely related to the Strophomenida and share several characters with both the plectambonitoids and strophomenoids. The phylogenetic analysis suggests the plectambonitoids, as originally defined, are paraphyletic to the monophyletic strophomenoids. The basal chonetids are reconstructed as a monophyletic group that is sister to the strophomenoids, suggesting that their proper placement might be within the Strophomenida. The topology also suggests that at least 17 of the taxonomically defined strophomenoid and plectambonitoid families are likely to be monophyletic. The Plectambonitidae and the Taffiidae as defined are paraphyletic, and the Grorudiidae and Leptostrophiidae are polyphyletic. Furthermore, subfamilies Leptodontellinae, Dicoelostrophiinae, Palaeostrophomeninae and Aegiromeninae are raised to the level of family. When analysed within this phylogenetic context, the Late Ordovician mass extinction event had little effect on the large‐scale evolution of the group.
Ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular cannulation of the right brachiocephalic vein in small infants: a consecutive, prospective case series
Authors: Breschan Christian , Graf Gudrun , Jost Robert , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Goessler Alja , Neuwersch Stefan , Koestenberger Markus , Likar Rudolf
Published: June 2015

Background

The supraclavicular ultrasound (US)‐guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is one option of central venous line placement in infants.

Aim

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether there was an association between the optimum ultrasonographic view as obtained of the entire longitudinal extension of the rightBCVand the ease of supraclavicular cannulation when using a strict in‐plane technique via a linearUSprobe in small infants.

Methods

TheUSprobe was placed in the right supraclavicular region. If the optimum obtainable sonographic view presented the entire longitudinal extension of the rightBCVdemonstrating clearly its path caudally alongside the pleura, it was graded as I. If, however, only a circular view, i.e., the initial part of the rightBCVwas obtainable viaUS, it was graded asII. The rightBCVwas cannulated by advancing a 22‐gauge i.v. cannula from lateral to medial strictly under the long axis of theUSprobe under directUSvision into the vein.

Results

Seventy‐nine infants weighing between 0.8 and 4.5 kg (Median: 3.4 ± 0.09) were included. In 50 (63.3%) patients, the sonographic view was graded as I and in 29 (36.7%) asII. The proportion of patients successfully cannulated on the first attempt was significantly smaller in patients graded asII, i.e., circular, sonographic view of the rightBCVthan in patients graded as I, i.e., sonographic view of the entire longitudinal extension of the rightBCV(41% vs 90%; chi‐square analysis:P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The sonographic view obtainable of the entire longitudinal extension of the rightBCVresulted in significantly fewer required cannulation attempts.
Seed set, pollen morphology and pollen surface composition response to heat stress in field pea
Authors: Jiang Yunfei , Lahlali Rachid , Karunakaran Chithra , Kumar Saroj , Davis Arthur R. , Bueckert Rosalind A.
Published: June 2015

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a major legume crop grown in a semi‐arid climate in Western Canada, where heat stress affects pollination, seed set and yield. Seed set and pod growth characteristics, along with in vitro percentage pollen germination, pollen tube growth and pollen surface composition, were measured in two pea cultivars (CDC Golden and CDC Sage) subjected to five maximum temperature regimes ranging from 24 to 36 °C. Heat stress reduced percentage pollen germination, pollen tube length, pod length, seed number per pod, and the seed–ovule ratio. Percentage pollen germination of CDC Sage was greater than CDC Golden at 36 °C. No visible morphological differences in pollen grains or the pollen surface were observed between the heat and control‐treated pea. However, pollen wall (intine) thickness increased due to heat stress. Mid‐infrared attenuated total reflectance (MIR‐ATR) spectra revealed that the chemical composition (lipid, proteins and carbohydrates) of each cultivar's pollen grains responded differently to heat stress. The lipid region of the pollen coat and exine of CDC Sage was more stable compared with CDC Golden at 36 °C. Secondary derivatives of ATR spectra indicated the presence of two lipid types, with different amounts present in pollen grains from each cultivar.
Three‐dimensional microscale modelling of CO2 transport and light propagation in tomato leaves enlightens photosynthesis
Authors: Ho Quang Tri , Berghuijs Herman N. C. , Watté Rodrigo , Verboven Pieter , Herremans Els , Yin Xinyou , Retta Moges A. , Aernouts Ben , Saeys Wouter , Helfen Lukas , Farquhar Graham D. , Struik Paul C. , Nicolaï Bart M.
Published: June 2015

We present a combined three‐dimensional (3‐D) model of light propagation, CO2 diffusion and photosynthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaves. The model incorporates a geometrical representation of the actual leaf microstructure that we obtained with synchrotron radiation X‐ray laminography, and was evaluated using measurements of gas exchange and leaf optical properties. The combination of the 3‐D microstructure of leaf tissue and chloroplast movement induced by changes in light intensity affects the simulated CO2 transport within the leaf. The model predicts extensive reassimilation of CO2 produced by respiration and photorespiration. Simulations also suggest that carbonic anhydrase could enhance photosynthesis at low CO2 levels but had little impact on photosynthesis at high CO2 levels. The model confirms that scaling of photosynthetic capacity with absorbed light would improve efficiency of CO2 fixation in the leaf, especially at low light intensity.
Support for school reentry and relationships between children with cancer, peers, and teachers
Authors: Soejima Takafumi , Sato Iori , Takita Junko , Koh Katsuyoshi , Maeda Miho , Ida Kohmei , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: June 2015

Background

Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be socially challenging for children with cancer. This study investigated the form of support for school reentry and the associations with social support from peers and teachers.

Methods

This was a multicenter cross‐sectional study. Children with cancer and their guardians completed questionnaires. Their guardians also underwent a semi‐structured interview to describe the background of support for school reentry.

Results

Thirty‐nine children with cancer and guardian dyads completed questionnaires and three guardians underwent semi‐structured interview. Peer visits and their understanding of hospital experiences and how to interact with children were related to social support from peers. Teachers’ understanding of physical appearance, academic performance, hospital experience and of how to interact with children was related to social support from peers. Teachers’ understanding of diagnosis/treatment, academic performance and their status as the liaison between doctors/nurses in hospitals and teachers in local schools were also related to social support from teachers. Furthermore, children with cancer were also encouraged to establish supportive relationships with peers and teachers as a result of school reentry support that (i) helped children to feel that they are still members of the local school; (ii) improved peer and teacher understanding of the long‐term recovery process of children with cancer; and (iii) facilitated the children's own awareness that they are fighting the disease.

Conclusions

The multidisciplinary team consisting of the children with cancer, their families, doctors, nurses and teachers in the local school need to communicate with peers regarding positive experiences of fighting, and overcoming, severe disease.
Aging rather than sun exposure is a major determining factor for the density of miR‐125b‐positive epidermal stem cells in human skin
Authors: Toyokuni Shinya , Jiang Li , Wang Shenqi , Hirao Ayaka , Wada Tamae , Soh Chieko , Toyama Kazumi , Kawada Akira
Published: June 2015

Sunlight exposure and aging are two major factors in the deterioration of skin function. In the present study, we used eighty formalin‐fixed human skin samples from sun‐exposed and unexposed areas from old and young individuals to evaluate the presence of miR‐125b‐positive epidermal stem cells (ESCs) by in situ hybridization. miR‐125b‐positive ESCs were detected in the basal layer of the epidermis. The density of miR‐125b‐positive ESCs was significantly associated with age rather than sun exposure, whereas the density of miR‐125b‐positive ESCs tended to decrease in the sun‐exposed area. These data suggest the potential use of miR‐125b as a surrogate marker for the quality of epidermal cells.
Predicting Support for Arabs' Autonomy from Social Dominance: The Role of Identity Complexity and Dehumanization
Authors: Prati Francesca , Moscatelli Silvia , Pratto Felicia , Rubini Monica
Published: June 2015

The present study extends previous research on the influence of social dominance orientation (SDO) in international affairs by investigating the role of sociocognitive processes such as social identity complexity (SIC) and intergroup dehumanization in explaining the relationship between SDO and support for Arabs' autonomy. An Italian heterogeneous sample (N = 123), in terms of gender, age, political orientation, religiosity, and income level, was considered. We expected that those low on SDO would be more likely to support Arabs' autonomy, would have higher SIC, and would be less likely to dehumanize Arabs. We also expected that SIC and dehumanization would sequentially mediate the relationship between SDO and support for Arabs' autonomy. Results revealed that Italians low on SDO have higher SIC (i.e., a more inclusive social identity) which endorses lower dehumanization of Arabs. This in turn explained the influence of SDO on support for Arabs' autonomy. These findings integrate the literature about SDO and SIC and enhance the understanding of the sociocognitive processes underlying people's support for international egalitarian movements.