bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐temperature Na2SO4 deposit‐assisted corrosion of silicon carbide–II: Effects of B, C, and Si
Authors: Hagan Joseph M. , Opila Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2016

The effects of boron, carbon, and silicon on the induced hot corrosion of sintered‐α (Hexoloy) and CVD‐SiC coupons were studied to elucidate the hot corrosion of SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites. The extent of corrosion was quantified after 24 hour exposures at 1000°C using mass change measurements, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analysis of corrosion products, and optical profilometry of pitting on the substrate surface. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were used to better understand the morphology, distribution, and phase composition of corrosion products. It was found that Si was more resistant to hot corrosion than SiC, indicating that residual Si in a ceramic matrix composites matrix should not negatively impact hot corrosion resistance of the composite in highly oxidizing conditions. Carbon did not have a large impact on hot corrosion of SiC, whereas the presence of boron made the hot corrosion attack more severe.
Comparison of potential fecundity models for walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus in the Pacific waters off Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Tanaka H. , Hamatsu T. , Mori K.
Published: October 2016

Potential fecundity models of walleye or Alaska pollock Gadus chalcogrammus in the Pacific waters off Hokkaido, Japan, were developed. They were compared using a generalized linear model with using either standard body length (LS) or total body mass (MT) as a main covariate along with Fulton's condition factor (K) and mean diameter of oocytes (DO) as additional potential covariates to account for maternal conditions and maturity stage. The results of model selection showed that MT was a better single predictor of potential fecundity (FP) than LS. The biological importance of K on FP was obscure, because it was statistically significant when used in the predictor with LS (i.e. length‐based model), but not significant when used with MT (i.e. mass‐based model). Meanwhile, DO was statistically significant in both length and mass‐based models, suggesting the importance of downregulation on the number of oocytes with advancing maturation. Among all candidate models, the model with MT and DO in the predictor had the lowest Akaike's information criterion value, suggesting its better predictive power. These newly developed models will improve future comparisons of the potential fecundity within and among stocks by excluding potential biases other than body size.
Site fidelity and homing behaviour of intertidal sculpins revisited
Authors: Knope M. L. , Tice K. A. , Rypkema D. C.
Published: October 2016

To assess the repeatability of an ecological study, this study both partially replicates and extends a previous study on the site fidelity and homing ability of two abundant and ecologically important species of rocky intertidal sculpin fishes, Oligocottus maculosus and Oligocottus snyderi. A traditional mark and recapture approach was utilized and found that both of these species display high site fidelity to a home range of tidepools and homing ability to these pools, confirming the findings of previous work. Unlike the previous study, however, there was no effect of body size on homing ability and a modelling approach that incorporates encounter probability provided evidence for a sex effect on homing ability. In addition, this study extends the maximum homing ability of O. snyderi to 179 m and O. maculosus to 218 m, which were the maximum displacement distances for each species in this study, suggesting they may be capable of even greater homing distances. This work, however, finds that homing success was negatively related to displacement distance. These findings suggest adult sculpin populations are likely to be highly sub‐structured geographically, possibly contributing to the exceptionally high species richness of the group.
A new species of the leopard pleco genus Pseudacanthicus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Xingu, Brazil
Authors: Chamon C. C. , Sousa L. M.
Published: October 2016

The genus Pseudacanthicus comprises six valid species distributed in the Amazon basin and Caribbean coastal drainages from Guyana to French Guiana: P. serratus, P. fordii, P. histrix, P. spinosus, P. leopardus and P. pitanga. A new species of Pseudacanthicus is described from the Rio Xingu Basin, distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of anastomose dark blotches forming continuous zigzag bands alongside longitudinal keels; presence of dark blotches on ventral surface of body and head; all fins with orange to red colour on unbranched rays and sometimes subsequent branched rays. Brief comments on ornamental fisheries and conservation of the new species are also provided.
Density‐dependent effects of non‐native brown trout Salmo trutta on the species–area relationship in stream fish assemblages
Authors: Hasegawa K. , Mori T. , Yamazaki C.
Published: October 2016

The spatial scale and density‐dependent effects of non‐native brown trout Salmo trutta on species richness of fish assemblages were examined at 48 study sites in Mamachi Stream, a tributary of Chitose River, Hokkaido, Japan. The density of age ≥1 year S. trutta was high in the upstream side of the main stem of Mamachi Stream. Fish species richness increased with increasing area of study sites (habitat size), but the increasing magnitude of the species richness with area decreased with increasing age of ≥1 year S. trutta density. The relationships between age ≥1 year S. trutta, however, and presence–absence of each species seemed to be different among species. Species richness was also determined by location and physical environmental variables, i.e. it was high on the downstream side and in structurally complex environments.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in the regulation of liver diseases: Involvement of Regulated IRE1α and β‐dependent decay and miRNA
Authors: Rashid Harun‐Or , Kim Hyun‐Kyoung , Junjappa Raghupatil , Kim Hyung‐Ryong , Chae Han‐Jung
Published: October 2016

Compromised protein folding capacity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to a protein traffic jam that produces a toxic environment called ER stress. However, the ER smartly handles such a critical situation by activating a cascade of proteins responsible for sensing and responding to the noxious stimuli of accumulated proteins. The ER protein load is higher in secretory cells, such as liver hepatocytes, which are thus prone to stress‐mediated toxicity and various diseases, including alcohol‐induced liver injury, fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. Therefore, we discuss the molecular cues that connect ER stress to hepatic diseases. Moreover, we review the literature on ER stress‐regulated miRNA in the pathogenesis of liver diseases to give a comprehensive overview of mechanistic insights connecting ER stress and miRNA in the context of liver diseases. We also discuss currently discovered regulated IRE1 dependent decay in regulation of hepatic diseases.
Mediation of Cognitive Function Improvements by Strength Gains After Resistance Training in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Outcomes of the Study of Mental and Resistance Training
Authors: Mavros Yorgi , Gates Nicola , Wilson Guy C. , Jain Nidhi , Meiklejohn Jacinda , Brodaty Henry , Wen Wei , Singh Nalin , Baune Bernhard T. , Suo Chao , Baker Michael K. , Foroughi Nasim , Wang Yi , Sachdev Perminder S. , Valenzuela Michael , Fiatarone Singh Maria A.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To determine whether improvements in aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and strength after progressive resistance training (PRT) mediate improvements in cognitive function.

Design

Randomized, double‐blind, double‐sham, controlled trial.

Setting

University research facility.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (aged ≥55) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (N = 100).

Intervention

PRT and cognitive training (CT), 2 to 3 days per week for 6 months.

Measurements

Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog); global, executive, and memory domains; peak strength (1 repetition maximum); and VO2peak.

Results

PRT increased upper (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval = 0.47, 0.91), lower (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.69–1.20) and whole‐body (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.62–1.05) strength and percentage change in VO2peak (8.0%, 95% CI = 2.2–13.8) significantly more than sham exercise. Higher strength scores, but not greater VO2peak, were significantly associated with improvements in cognition (P < .05). Greater lower body strength significantly mediated the effect of PRT on ADAS‐Cog improvements (indirect effect: β = −0.64, 95% CI = −1.38 to −0.004; direct effect: β = −0.37, 95% CI = −1.51–0.78) and global domain (indirect effect: β = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02–0.22; direct effect: β = −0.003, 95% CI = −0.17–0.16) but not for executive domain (indirect effect: β = 0.11, 95% CI = −0.04–0.26; direct effect: β = 0.03, 95% CI = −0.17–0.23).

Conclusion

High‐intensity PRT results in significant improvements in cognitive function, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity in older adults with MCI. Strength gains, but not aerobic capacity changes, mediate the cognitive benefits of PRT. Future investigations are warranted to determine the physiological mechanisms linking strength gains and cognitive benefits.
Who Are the Value and Growth Investors?
Authors: BETERMIER SEBASTIEN , CALVET LAURENT E. , SODINI PAOLO
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates value and growth investing in a large administrative panel of Swedish residents. We show that, over the life cycle, households progressively shift from growth to value as they become older and their balance sheets improve. Furthermore, investors with high human capital and high exposure to macroeconomic risk tilt their portfolios away from value. While several behavioral biases seem evident in the data, the patterns we uncover are overall remarkably consistent with the portfolio implications of risk‐based theories of the value premium.
Laparoscopic repair with hysteroscopy of cesarean scar diverticulum
Authors: Liu Song‐jun , Lv Wen , Li Wu
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical data of laparoscopic repair with hysteroscopy of cesarean scar diverticulum (CSD).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 49 patients with CSD in our hospital who had undergone laparoscopic repair with hysteroscopy from January 2014 to June 2015. All patients had a history of cesarean section deliveries and prolonged postmenstrual spotting (duration 16.1 ± 3.4 days). The diagnosis of CSD was established by using 2‐D transvaginal ultrasound.

Results

All patients underwent the surgical repair successfully, without evident complications. The mean operation time was 90.4 ± 9.1 min, the mean volume of blood loss was 31.2 ± 14.3 mL, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.1 ± 0.3 days. All patients were followed for 6 months after the operation; the mean duration of menstruation was 7.5 ± 2.5 days shorter on average than the pre‐surgical menstrual days, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). According to the clinical symptoms assessment, 89.8% (44/49) of the surgeries were effective, while according to the anatomic assessment, 95.9% (47/49) were effective.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic repair with hysteroscopy of CSD was confirmed to be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment, and should be widely used to treat patients with CSD.
Supporting Volunteering Activities by Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: An Explorative Qualitative Study
Authors: Wicki Monika T. , Meier Simon
Published: October 2016

A large number of adults with and without disabilities engage in volunteering activities, allowing them to meet new people, providing them with the opportunity to learn new skills, to build their confidence, and to contribute to society. However, in previous studies of volunteers with intellectual disabilities (ID), it has been shown that this group is rarely involved in volunteering. This study explores the challenges, opportunities, and support needs of such volunteers and develops a heuristic model to support volunteering by people with ID in Switzerland. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of six volunteers with ID. The analysis was based on reflexive grounded theory. Volunteering is one way in which people with ID can participate in society and receive recognition for their engagement. Basic needs, personal motivation, and social recognition are central for volunteers with ID. A heuristic model to support volunteering based on personal and social reasons of individuals with ID is developed. By receiving the appropriate support, people with ID can thus contribute by volunteering on the same terms as volunteers without disabilities. The present findings shed some light on ways to increase the rate of volunteering by people with ID. While the present model can help to identify the type of support appropriate for people with disabilities, future research should aim to verify the outcomes of this study in a larger sample.
Speaking of Rights: The Influence of Law and Courts on the Making of Family Migration Policies in Germany
Authors: Bonjour Saskia
Published: October 2016

The impact of the judiciary on immigration policies has been simultaneously overestimated and underestimated. Migration scholars broadly assume that courts have forced liberal states to admit unwanted migration. Based on an analysis of family migration policy making in the Federal Republic of Germany (1975‐90), I show that the direct policy impact of court rulings was limited, as courts were reticent to impinge upon democratic sovereignty. However, the indirect impact of the courts was substantial. Political actors amplified the implications of rulings by interpreting the jurisprudence selectively and expansively. Thus, they turned speaking of rights into a powerful political resource.
The Paradox of Docket Control: Empowering Judges, Frustrating Refugees
Authors: Soennecken Dagmar
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on the gradual expansion of docket control mechanisms in refugee (or asylum) law proceedings in Germany. It shows that granting judges more and more control over their asylum dockets was a central policy tool repeatedly employed by German politicians over the decades in the hope that it would stem the flow of refugees into the courts and ultimately make it easier (and faster) to deport failed claimants. Politicians were much more willing to limit access to asylum appeals than to appeals in general administrative law, illustrating how the pressure to come up with solutions for the flood of asylum applications overcame established norms for maintaining equal access to the courts for all claimants. Surprisingly, the Constitutional Court remained largely unaffected by these efforts except for a paradigm shift that occurred with the amendment of the constitutional asylum provision in 1993.
Discovery of McrA, a master regulator of Aspergillus secondary metabolism
Authors: Oakley C. Elizabeth , Ahuja Manmeet , Sun Wei‐Wen , Entwistle Ruth , Akashi Tomohiro , Yaegashi Junko , Guo Chun‐Jun , Cerqueira Gustavo C. , Russo Wortman Jennifer , Wang Clay C. C. , Chiang Yi‐Ming , Oakley Berl R.
Published: October 2016

Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) are extremely important in medicine and agriculture, but regulation of their biosynthesis is incompletely understood. We have developed a genetic screen in Aspergillus nidulans for negative regulators of fungal SM gene clusters and we have used this screen to isolate mutations that upregulate transcription of the non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene required for nidulanin A biosynthesis. Several of these mutations are allelic and we have identified the mutant gene by genome sequencing. The gene, which we designate mcrA, is conserved but uncharacterized, and it encodes a putative transcription factor. Metabolite profiles of mcrA deletant, mcrA overexpressing, and parental strains reveal that mcrA regulates at least ten SM gene clusters. Deletion of mcrA stimulates SM production even in strains carrying a deletion of the SM regulator laeA, and deletion of mcrA homologs in Aspergillus terreus and Penicillum canescens alters the secondary metabolite profile of these organisms. Deleting mcrA in a genetic dereplication strain has allowed us to discover two novel compounds as well as an antibiotic not known to be produced by A. nidulans. Deletion of mcrA upregulates transcription of hundreds of genes including many that are involved in secondary metabolism, while downregulating a smaller number of genes.
A long‐term study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in an Australian industrial estuary: Increased sightings associated with environmental improvements
Authors: Bossley Mike I. , Steiner Aude , Rankin Robert W. , Bejder Lars
Published: October 2016

Delphinids are long‐lived, have delayed maturity and low reproductive rates which necessitate long‐term monitoring programs to detect changes in abundance. Between 1990 and 2013, an observational study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) was conducted in the Port River estuary (Adelaide, Australia). The estuary has received pollution from industry, sewage plants and storm water. In recent years, pollution entering the system has reduced and the establishment of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) increased dolphin protection from harassment and deliberate attacks. Nevertheless, the estuary remains a busy port. Over a 24 yr period, we conducted boat‐based surveys (n = 735) for dolphin groups (n = 3,634) along a predetermined route in the Inner and Outer Estuary of Adelaide's Port River estuary. It is our conjecture that major infrastructure changes and pollution abatement have yielded a more favorable marine environment for dolphins, resulting in an estimated 6% annual increase in sightings, from a near absence of sightings in the 1980s. Increased dolphin numbers were likely the result of improved water quality, augmented by surveillance and education arising from the proclamation of the ADS. This study highlights the importance of long‐term monitoring and has implications for dolphin conservation in heavily impacted urban areas and their protection via protected areas.
First record of Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus) in Morocco: a major threat to public health in North Africa?
Authors: BENNOUNA A. , BALENGHIEN T. , EL RHAFFOULI H. , SCHAFFNER F. , GARROS C. , GARDÈS L. , LHOR Y. , HAMMOUMI S. , CHLYEH G. , FASSI FIHRI O.
Published: October 2016

The Asian tiger mosquito Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae), native to Asian forests, is a nuisance mosquito and is responsible for the transmission of arboviruses of public health importance, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. It has colonized parts of all continents, except Antarctica, over the past 30–40 years. However, to date, the only records of S. albopicta in North Africa refer to occasional collections in 2010 and 2014 in Algeria. In early September 2015, S. albopicta larvae and adults were collected in a district of Rabat, Morocco. Morphological identification was confirmed by molecular analysis. This is the first record of this invasive mosquito in Morocco. A national surveillance programme will be implemented in 2016 to establish its geographical distribution in Morocco and to instigate control measures to prevent the establishment of new populations and the transmission of arboviruses.
A rare case of a pineoblastoma with a rhabdomyoblastic component
Authors: Homma Taku , Hemmi Akihiro , Ohta Takashi , Kusumi Yoshiaki , Yoshino Atsuo , Hao Hiroyuki
Published: October 2016

Pineal anlage tumor (PAT) is a rare subtype of pineoblastoma (PB), which shows a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 5‐year‐old boy with PB with a rhabdomyoblastic component. He presented at a local clinic with vomiting and was transferred to our hospital following discovery of a pineal mass. An endoscopic biopsy was performed and was diagnosed as a PB with a rhabdomyoblastic component. Histopathology of PAT is characterized by both neuroectodermal and ectomesenchymal differentiation, and only a few confirmed cases have been reported. Although the histopathological features of the reported case resembled that of PAT, the ectomesenchymal component in the presented case was only a rhabdomyoblastic one. Therefore, we have diagnosed this case as PB with a rhabdomyoblastic component. As PAT is a rare pineal tumor, clinical, histopathological and genetic evaluation of additional cases is needed to define the characteristics of PAT as one of the pineal gland tumors.
Differential adaptation drives ecological speciation in campions (Silene): evidence from a multi‐site transplant experiment
Authors: Favre Adrien , Widmer Alex , Karrenberg Sophie
Published: October 2016

In order to investigate the role of differential adaptation for the evolution of reproductive barriers, we conducted a multi‐site transplant experiment with the dioecious sister species Silene dioica and S. latifolia and their hybrids.

Crosses within species as well as reciprocal first‐generation (F1) and second‐generation (F2) interspecific hybrids were transplanted into six sites, three within each species' habitat. Survival and flowering were recorded over 4 yr.

At all transplant sites, the local species outperformed the foreign species, reciprocal F1 hybrids performed intermediately and F2 hybrids underperformed in comparison to F1 hybrids (hybrid breakdown). Females generally had slightly higher cumulative fitness than males in both within‐ and between‐species crosses and we thus found little evidence for Haldane's rule acting on field performance. The strength of selection against F1 and F2 hybrids as well as hybrid breakdown increased with increasing strength of habitat adaptation (i.e. the relative fitness difference between the local and the foreign species) across sites.

Our results suggest that differential habitat adaptation led to ecologically dependent post‐zygotic reproductive barriers and drives divergence and speciation in this Silene system.
We went ashore one morning: Lessons of Sunday Island
Authors: O'Brien Gregory
Published: October 2016

This article reflects on the author's time on New Zealand's northernmost landmass, Raoul Island, and questions both what an artist/writer might bring to such an encounter and what they might take from it. The article explores and celebrates the paradoxical nature of outlying islands, how their bracing, confronting reality might bring us closer to the heart of our evolving notion of Aotearoa/New Zealand. In such far‐flung places, we realise our identity not only as inhabitants of an island‐nation but also as ‘Oceanians’, as people of the broader Pacific.
Reversal of functional loss in a rat model of chronic intraocular pressure elevation
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Hua , He Zheng , Nguyen Christine T. O. , Vingrys Algis J. , Bui Bang V.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This pilot study considered whether intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering could reverse ganglion cell dysfunction in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension.

Methods

A circumlimbal suture was applied in one eye to induce ocular hypertension (n = 7) in Long‐Evans rats. The contralateral eye served as an untreated control. After 8 weeks of IOP elevation the suture was removed to lower IOP for the remaining 7 weeks. Electroretinogram (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 15 weeks. Retinae were collected for histology at week 15.

Results

In sutured eyes, IOP was elevated by 7–11 mmHg above control eyes (12 ± 0.2 mmHg [standard error of the mean]). Eight weeks of chronic IOP elevation resulted in a reduction of the ganglion cell mediated positive Scotopic Threshold Response (pSTR, −25 ± 7% of baseline), as well as smaller photoreceptor (−7 ± 4%) and bipolar cell mediated responses (−6 ± 5%). After suture removal, IOP recovered to normal. By 15 weeks the a‐wave (0 ± 6%), b‐wave (−2 ± 6%) and pSTR had recovered back to baseline (from −25 ± 7% to −4 ± 6%). The retinal nerve fiber layer was thinned by −9 ± 3% at week 8 and showed no further decline at week 15 (−10 ± 2%). Cell numbers in the ganglion cell layer were similar between suture removal and control eyes at week 15 (3543 ± 478 vs 4057 ± 476 cells mm−2).

Conclusions

The circumlimbal suture model might be a useful platform to study the reversibility of neuronal dysfunction from chronic IOP challenge.
Association of Gestational Age and Severe Neonatal Morbidity with Mortality in Early Childhood
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S. , Lain Samantha J. , Roberts Christine L. , Bowen Jennifer R. , Nassar Natasha
Published: October 2016

Background

Although infant and child mortality rates have decreased substantially worldwide over the past two decades, efforts continue in many nations to further these declines. The identification of pertinent perinatal factors that are associated with early childhood mortality would help with these efforts. We investigated the association of two crucial perinatal factors, gestational age and severe neonatal morbidity at birth, with mortality during infancy (29–364 days) and early childhood (1–5 years).

Methods

The study population included all singleton livebirths, ≥32 weeks’ gestation in New South Wales, Australia in 2001–11. Birth data were linked to hospitalisation morbidity data and deaths data (linked birth cohort n = 871 916), and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess mortality.

Results

The median follow‐up time per child was 4.95 years (range 0.00–5.92 years; 3 614 738 total person‐years), with 984 deaths observed. Gestational age was associated with increased mortality, and specifically from deaths attributable to infections, respiratory conditions, and injuries during infancy, but not during early childhood. Severe neonatal morbidity strongly mediated the effects of gestational age during infancy, but not during early childhood, and was associated with increased mortality from circulatory, nervous, and respiratory system causes.

Conclusions

The direct effects of gestational age on mortality extended up to 1 year of age, whereas severe neonatal morbidity remained associated with heightened mortality into early childhood. Efforts to maximise the health and well‐being of vulnerable infants, with emphasis on preventing infections and injuries, may help further reduce early childhood mortality.
Innovation policy in progress. Institutional intermediation in public procurement of innovation: satellite telecommunications in Italy
Authors: Landoni Matteo
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to explore a mechanism of institutional intermediation to sustain public procurement of innovation. By exploring the development of innovative solutions for telecommunications satellites in Italy, this study proposes an analytical view on the role of supporting institutions in public procurement of innovation and discusses the relation between the source of public demand and the contracting companies. Eventually, it argues that a public agency can manage funds, coordinate companies’ technological capabilities, and stimulate a sense of cooperation to achieve innovation. The research finds originality in bringing the growing theory concerning public procurement into a dynamic institutional setting to discuss the emerging role of the public competent costumer. The case‐analysis shows how institutionalization of an innovation intermediary enables efficient procurement. Propositions prescribe powerful instruments for dealing with market uncertainty and technological complexity, and find the agency to act as a knowledge intermediary and companies coordinator.
Immunolocalization of proteins in the spermatogenesis process of canine
Authors: Pieri NCG , Souza AF , Mançanares ACF , Roballo KCS , Casals JB , Ambrosio CE , Martins DS
Published: October 2016

Contents

Spermatogenesis is a process in which differentiated cells are produced and the adult stem cell population—known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)—is continuously replenished. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood in the canine species. We addressed this in this study by analysing the expression of specific markers in spermatogonia of seminiferous tubules of canine testes. SSCs at different stages of reproductive development (prepubertal and adult) were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha‐1 (GFRA1), deleted in azoospermia‐like (DAZL) and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) were expressed in SSCs, while stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) was detected only in undifferentiated spermatogonia in prepubertal testis and differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes in adult canine. Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) showed an expression pattern, and the levels did not differ between the groups examined. However, C‐kit expression varied as a function of reproductive developmental stage. Our results demonstrate that these proteins play critical roles in the self‐renewal and differentiation of SSCs and can serve as markers to identify canine spermatogonia at specific stages of development.
Quaternary aeolianites in south‐east Australia – a conceptual linkage between marine source and terrestrial deposition
Authors: James Noel P. , Bone Yvonne
Published: October 2016

Calcareous aeolianites are an integral part of many carbonate platforms and ramps. Such limestones are particularly common in heterozoan, Late Cenozoic carbonate systems, and it has been postulated that they could contain a particularly sensitive record of their offshore source. This hypothesis is tested herein by documenting and interpreting part of the most extensive and temporally longest such system in the modern world. The deposits are a combination of extraclasts and biofragments. Extraclasts are detrital quartz, relict allochems, older Pleistocene particles and Oligocene–Miocene limestone clasts. Biofragments are penecontemporaneous coralline algae, echinoderms, small benthic foraminifera, molluscs and bryozoans. The aeolianites differ in composition from distant, open shelf sediments because they contain more mollusc fragments and many fewer bryozoans. This difference is interpreted to be due to (i) most sediment was derived from near‐shore seagrass meadows and macroalgal reefs; (ii) all sediments were modified by hydrodynamics in near‐shore and beach environments; and (iii) fragments of infaunal, beach‐dwelling bivalves were added to the sediment at the strandline. Extraclasts should be expected in older Pleistocene and Cenozoic heterozoan deposits, because the limestones are poorly lithified, largely due to the lack of meteoric cementation, and so easily eroded. Thus, cool‐water aeolianites ought to contain more extraclasts than their warm‐water, tropical cousins. Seagrasses in temperate environments are more productive than in the tropics and thus potentially might contribute many more particles to the beach and dunes than do tropical systems. Although particle breakage in the surf zone cannot be proven, herein the abundance of whole benthic foraminifera and delicate bryozoans implies that suspension and flotsam shoreward transport was an essential process. The similarity of Pleistocene aeolianites over such a long time period herein suggests that the combination of postulated sedimentological, biogenic and hydrodynamic processes could be universally important.
Assessing reading comprehension with narrative and expository texts: Dimensionality and relationship with fluency, vocabulary and memory
Authors: Santos Sandra , Cadime Irene , Viana Fernanda L. , Chaves‐Sousa Séli , Gayo Elena , Maia José , Ribeiro Iolanda
Published: October 2016

Reading comprehension assessment should rely on valid instruments that enable adequate conclusions to be taken regarding students' reading comprehension performance. In this article, two studies were conducted to collect validity evidence for the vertically scaled forms of two Tests of Reading Comprehension for Portuguese elementary school students in the second to fourth grades, one with narrative texts (TRC‐n) and another with expository ones (TRC‐e). Two samples of 950 and 990 students participated in Study 1, the study of the dimensionality of the TRC‐n and TRC‐e forms, respectively. Confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence of an acceptable fit for the one‐factor solution for all test forms. Study 2 included 218 students to collect criterion‐related validity. The scores obtained in each of the test forms were significantly correlated with the ones obtained in other reading comprehension measures and with the results obtained in oral reading fluency, vocabulary and working memory tests. Evidence suggests that the test forms are valid measures of reading comprehension.
Regional Determinants of Exit Across Firms’ Size: Evidence from Argentina
Authors: Calá Carla Daniela , Manjón‐Antolín Miguel , Arauzo‐Carod Josep‐Maria
Published: October 2016

We analyse the determinants of exit in a developing country using Argentina as an illustrative case. We focus on regional determinants but estimate panel count data models for firms of different size, thus indirectly controlling for a major firm‐level determinant. We find that most of the determinants used in previous studies analysing developed countries are also relevant here. The fit of the model improves, however, when variables that proxy for the specificities of developing economies are considered. We also find that while the exit of micro‐small firms seem to be mostly driven by factors that are commonly found in developed countries, large firms are more influenced by factors that are typically not considered in developed countries’ studies. These results raise doubts about the usefulness of public policies based on evidence from developed countries and show the importance of a differentiated analysis across firm size.
Evidence of hepatitis E virus transmission by renal graft
Authors: Pourbaix Annabelle , Ouali Nacera , Soussan Patrick , Roque Afonso Anne Marie , Péraldi Marie‐Noelle , Rondeau Eric , Peltier Julie
Published: October 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infection among immunocompromised patients, especially solid organ transplant recipients, and can evolve to cirrhosis. Several modes of transmission are known. Here we describe the first two cases, to our knowledge, of HEV infection transmitted by a kidney graft from the same infected donor that led to chronic hepatitis. Consequently, systematic screening of donors by HEV serology and HEV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction, particularly in endemic regions, should be considered.
Successful management of Mycobacterium haemophilum lower extremity cutaneous infection in a matched‐unrelated donor stem cell transplant recipient
Authors: Baluch Aliyah , Pasikhova Yanina , Snyder Matthew
Published: October 2016

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections can often occur in individuals with adequate immune function. Such infections typically have cutaneous involvement and are caused by rapidly growing mycobacterium. Other nontuberculous mycobacteria species, like Mycobacterium haemophilum, almost always present as opportunistic infections occurring in severely immunocompromised hosts. Here, we present a complicated and protracted course of diagnosing M. haemophilum lower extremity cutaneous infection in a matched‐unrelated donor stem cell transplant recipient.
Resource: Mapping the Triticum aestivum proteome
Authors: Duncan Owen , Trösch Josua , Fenske Ricarda , Taylor Nicolas L. , Millar A. Harvey
Published: October 2016

Yield and quality improvement of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a focus in efforts to meet new demands from population growth and changing human diets. As the complexity of the wheat genome is unravelled, determining how it is used to build the protein machinery of wheat plants is a key next step in explaining detailed aspects of wheat growth and development. The specific functions of wheat organs during vegetative development and the role of metabolism, protein degradation and remobilisation in driving grain production are the foundations of crop performance and have recently become accessible through studies of the wheat proteome. We present a large scale, publicly accessible proteome mapping of wheat consisting of 24 organ and developmental samples. Tissue specific sub‐proteomes and ubiquitously expressed markers of the wheat proteome are identified, alongside hierarchical assessment of protein functional classes, their presence in different tissues and correlations between the abundance of functional classes of proteins. Gene‐specific identifications and protein family relationships are accounted for in the organisation of the data and 202 new protein‐coding transcripts identified by proteogenomic mapping. The interactive database will serve as a vehicle to build, refine and deposit confirmed targeted proteomic assays for wheat proteins and protein families to assess function (www.wheatproteome.org).
A single‐center prospective study on the safety of plasma exchange procedures using a double‐viral‐inactivated and prion‐reduced solvent/detergent fresh‐frozen plasma as the replacement fluid in the treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Vendramin Chiara , McGuckin Siobhan , Alwan Ferras , Westwood John‐Paul , Thomas Mari , Scully Marie
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with acute episodes of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) require urgent access to plasma exchange (PEX). OctaplasLG, a solvent/detergent fresh‐frozen plasma product that has undergone viral inactivation and prion reduction step, has been used in our institution since 2013, replacing Octaplas.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We prospectively reviewed 981 PEX procedures where OctaplasLG was the replacement fluid in 90 patients admitted acutely with a TMA presentation within our institution from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015. We recorded citrate toxicities, plasma reactions, viral transfer, complications related to central venous catheter, and venous thrombotic events (VTEs).

RESULTS

Citrate toxicities were 5.4%, plasma reactions were 2%, and all were classified as Grade 1 or 2. VTE had an incidence of 12.2%, although 50% of the episodes occurred in early remission when patients were not receiving PEX. No line insertions complications were recorded. Line‐associated infections were 2.2%. Hepatitis B and C serology and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were checked on admission. There were four patients who may have had passive transient transfer of hepatitis B antibodies from pooled plasma. No hepatitis C or HIV viral transfer was documented after treatment and no seroconversion was detected after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our data have demonstrated that the incidence of complications during PEX is low and using OctaplasLG is comparable to the low incidence of reactions. No cases of anaphylaxis, transfusion‐related acute lung injury, or fatal plasma reactions were seen. There was no evidence of viral transmission or seroconversion after treatment.
Evaluation of a new microbeads assay for granulocyte antibody detection
Authors: Schulz Undine , Reil Angelika , Kiefel Volker , Bux Jürgen , Moog Rainer
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

To reduce the risk of transfusion‐associated acute lung injury (TRALI), a high number of plasma donors were tested for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and human neutrophil antigen (HNA) antibodies. For HNA antibody detection, the gold standard is a combination of the granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT) and the granulocyte agglutination test (GAT). However, these tests are not suitable for a high‐throughput of samples.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

To evaluate the new generation of the LABScreen MULTI assay (One Lambda, Inc.), which has special new beads for all the known HNA specificities, including HNA‐3a, 97 sera samples containing well‐defined HNA antibodies were used. For background testing, we used 91 samples from plasma donors previously identified by GAT, GIFT, and the monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens (MAIGA) assay.

RESULTS

Compared with previous tests, the new LABScreen MULTI assay was highly specific for the HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b, HNA‐2, and HNA‐3a antibody specificities required to prevent TRALI. Ninety‐eight percent of the HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b, and HNA‐2 antibodies could be detected as true positive; and 90% of the HNA‐3a antibodies were recognized correctly as positive. False‐positive reactions were identified in 5.5% of samples that previously tested negative.

CONCLUSION

The detection of HNA‐3a antibody specificities could be integrated into the new LABScreen MULTI assay; however, we detected only 90%. In addition, we detected further HNA antibodies, such as HNA‐1c, HNA‐1d, and some HNA‐3b and HNA‐4a antibodies. The new generation of LABScreen MULTI is a great step toward feasible high‐throughput testing for HNA antibodies. Nevertheless, GIFT and GAT remain the gold‐standard methods for the differentiation of rare and currently unknown HNA specificities.
Incidence and prognostic impact of bleeding and transfusion after coronary surgery in low‐risk patients
Authors: Kinnunen Eeva‐Maija , De Feo Marisa , Reichart Daniel , Tauriainen Tuomas , Gatti Giuseppe , Onorati Francesco , Maschietto Luca , Bancone Ciro , Fiorentino Francesca , Chocron Sidney , Bounader Karl , Dalén Magnus , Svenarud Peter , Faggian Giuseppe , Franzese Ilaria , Santarpino Giuseppe , Fischlein Theodor , Maselli Daniele , Dominici Carmelo , Nardella Saverio , Gherli Riccardo , Musumeci Francesco , Rubino Antonino S. , Mignosa Carmelo , Mariscalco Giovanni , Serraino Filiberto G. , Santini Francesco , Salsano Antonio , Nicolini Francesco , Gherli Tiziano , Zanobini Marco , Saccocci Matteo , Ruggieri Vito G. , Philippe Verhoye Jean , Perrotti Andrea , Biancari Fausto
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Excessive bleeding and blood transfusion are associated with adverse outcome after cardiac surgery, but their mechanistic effects are difficult to disentangle in patients with increased operative risk. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognostic impact of bleeding and transfusion of blood products in low‐risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixteen tertiary European centers of cardiac surgery contributed to the prospective European registry of CABG (E‐CABG). The severity of bleeding was defined by the E‐CABG bleeding severity classification and universal definition of perioperative bleeding (UDPB) classification.

RESULTS

Of 1213 patients with EuroSCORE II of less than 2% (mean, 1.1 ± 0.4%), 18.5% suffered from mild bleeding (E‐CABG bleeding Grade 1) and 3.4% experienced severe bleeding (E‐CABG bleeding Grade 2‐3). Similarly, 19.7% had UDPB Class 2 and 5.9% had UDPB Classes 3 and 4. Mild and severe bleeding defined by the E‐CABG and UDPB classifications were associated with an increased risk of several adverse events as adjusted by multiple covariates. The risk of death, stroke, and acute kidney injury was particularly increased in patients with severe bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Severe bleeding is rather uncommon in low‐risk patients undergoing CABG, but it is associated with an increased risk of major adverse events. Prevention of excessive perioperative bleeding and patient blood management may improve the outcome of cardiac surgery also in low‐risk patients.
Understanding the Acceptance of Local Public Officers on Computer-based Urban Spatial Information System
Authors: Andini Isti , Permana Ariva Sugandi , Rahayu Murtanti Jani
Published: October 2016

Information technology is developed to assist people in minimizing processing time, reducing errors, increasing the accuracy and simplifying the overall process. The process of recording, retrieving and displaying data and information can thus be easily and accurately undertaken. Information technology in its initial development, however, tends to be too costly and complicated to make a real particularly for people in developing countries. Fortunately, universities as the centers of innovation, can be a game changer for the adoption of the innovative processes, for the benefits of the community at large. In all Indonesian universities, this role is associated with a, so called Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Devotions of Higher Education, TDHE). This paper examines the acceptance of the collaborating officials and the obstacles i.e. internal and environmental factors. We proposed the use of GIS-based technology to coordinate the administrative units of local government at all levels, particularly the Kelurahan as the lowest hierarchy of the administrative unit in local government system. The Kelurahan will then be the spearhead in a local government system in Indonesia in promoting administrative services to all Citizens. We undertook an integrated training and tutorial for select official staff of the Kelurahan on the system. Evaluation of shows that the information system can be used to simplify the collaborators’ activities. The evaluation was done through in-depth interview to the collaborating officials. The collaborators interested in learning more about the system as an innovative way in providing service to the community as well as spatial data input to support urban planning and management.
Quantifying Urban Sprawl for Rajkot City using Geospatial Technology
Authors: Gandhi Shaily Raju , Sharma Shashikant A , Vyas Anjana
Published: October 2016

Urban sprawl is one of the avidly urban issues today. “Sprawling” means the spreading of urban area towards rural area surrounding it. There are different social and economic factors which led to urban sprawl. The study of urban sprawl in this paper attempts to measure the sprawl of urban areas into rural areas and the type of sprawl and the pre-dominant causes responsible for sprawl. It first reviews and analyses past research on the definitions of urban form, compactness and sprawl, and corresponding quantitative variables. Measures of urban sprawl will be identified and procedures will be developed to compute these indicators in GIS environment. The indicators of sprawl defined by (Galster et al, 2001) are considered as major characteristics of sprawl which have been adopted in this paper to develop a set of variables for quantification, characterization and dimension of sprawl.The study has been done on grid level (Grid Size = 500m x 500 m). The density index shows that in 2001 Rajkot had 9292 persons per grid of 500 meters x 500 meters which has decreased to 7394 persons per grid which shows that the population is moving from center to outer fringes. The value of concentration index has decreased from 0.56 in 2001 to 0.23 in 2011 which shows the sprawl development pattern. Centrality has been one of the major indicators of urban sprawl the value of centrality has been observed as 3.7 in 2001 and it has increased to 7.6 in 2011 which indicates sprawl.