bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pasture Quality Affects Juvenile Survival through Reduced Maternal Care in a Mountain‐Dwelling Ungulate
Authors: Scornavacca Davide , Lovari Sandro , Cotza Antonella , Bernardini Sara , Brunetti Claudia , Pietrocini Venusta , Ferretti Francesco
Published: August 2016

Lactation exerts heavy energetic and physiological costs to mothers, whilst determining early growth and survival of offspring. To mountain ungulates, access to high‐quality forage during nursing and weaning is crucial for reproductive success. We have evaluated the effects of pasture quality on suckling behaviour and winter survival of Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata kids, across three areas. Areas A‐B (‘poor’ areas) were characterised by a reduced availability of nutritious forage, thus a lower diet quality for female chamois and kids; Area C (a ‘rich’ area) included a much greater availability of nutritious forage. In poor areas, pasture quality has been reduced by climatic and plant composition changes, as well as the presence of a herbivore competitor (red deer Cervus elaphus). In poor areas, we recorded a significantly (1) lower suckling success of chamois kids (number of suckling bouts/number of suck attempts); (2) lower frequency of suckling bouts (n. suckling bouts/kid/h); and (3) lower suckling intensity (suck duration/kid/h) in respect to the rich area. Conversely, frequencies of suckling rejections and those of suckling attempts (n. events/kid/h) were the lowest in the rich area. Winter survival of chamois kids was c. 2 times greater in the rich area (45%) than in poor areas (20–26%). In the poor areas, resource scarcity induced adult female chamois to decrease maternal cares and favour their own maintenance, ultimately affecting population dynamics through kid winter mortality.
Metallic foreign body in the ovary of a broodmare
Authors: Randleff‐Rasmussen P. K. , Gray A. S.
Published: August 2016

A 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred broodmare was presented for laparoscopic removal of an abnormal ovary. Rectal examination and ultrasound revealed firm attachment of the enlarged right ovary to the ventral pelvis and right abdominal wall, and gas accumulation within the right ovary. Laparoscopic examination revealed extensive adhesion formation between the abnormal ovary, ispilateral uterine horn, ventral pelvis and the right abdominal wall. A flank laparotomy was then performed to improve visualisation of the area. Due to contamination of the abdomen during attempts to detach adhesions, the complexity of the structures involved and the poor prognosis for further reproduction, the decision was made to subject the mare to euthanasia. Post‐mortem evaluation revealed a large encapsulated abscess of the right ovary, with a small, linear wire foreign body within the centre of the abscess.
Organism activity levels predict marine invertebrate survival during ancient global change extinctions
Authors: Clapham Matthew E.
Published: August 2016

Multistressor global change, the combined influence of ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation, poses a serious threat to marine organisms. Experimental studies imply that organisms with higher levels of activity should be more resilient, but testing this prediction and understanding organism vulnerability at a global scale, over evolutionary timescales, and in natural ecosystems remain challenging. The fossil record, which contains multiple extinctions triggered by multistressor global change, is ideally suited for testing hypotheses at broad geographic, taxonomic, and temporal scales. Here, I assess the importance of activity level for survival of well‐skeletonized benthic marine invertebrates over a 100‐million‐year‐long interval (Permian to Jurassic periods) containing four global change extinctions, including the end‐Permian and end‐Triassic mass extinctions. More active organisms, based on a semiquantitative score incorporating feeding and motility, were significantly more likely to survive during three of the four extinction events (Guadalupian, end‐Permian, and end‐Triassic). In contrast, activity was not an important control on survival during nonextinction intervals. Both the end‐Permian and end‐Triassic mass extinctions also triggered abrupt shifts to increased dominance by more active organisms. Although mean activity gradually returned toward pre‐extinction values, the net result was a permanent ratcheting of ecosystem‐wide activity to higher levels. Selectivity patterns during ancient global change extinctions confirm the hypothesis that higher activity, a proxy for respiratory physiology, is a fundamental control on survival, although the roles of specific physiological traits (such as extracellular pCO2 or aerobic scope) cannot be distinguished. Modern marine ecosystems are dominated by more active organisms, in part because of selectivity ratcheting during these ancient extinctions, so on average may be less vulnerable to global change stressors than ancient counterparts. However, ancient extinctions demonstrate that even active organisms can suffer major extinction when the intensity of environmental disruption is intense.
Near‐sourcing UK apparel: value chain restructuring, productivity and the informal economy
Authors: Hammer Nikolaus , Plugor Réka
Published: August 2016

Fast fashion's emphasis on quick response production and supply chain management is at the basis of renewed growth in UK apparel manufacturing. This article shows how increasing pressure from lead firms has resulted in manufacturers maintaining profit levels, mainly, through informal subcontracting and informal employment, as opposed to increasing productivity.
Superior Performance of Ablative Glass Coatings Containing Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Garcia Eugenio , Nistal Andres , Osendi María Isabel , Miranzo Pilar
Published: August 2016

Glass compositions in the Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 (YAS) system are envisaged as promising coatings for high‐temperature protection, in particular for the thermal protection systems (TPS) looked for aerospace applications. Recently, thermally sprayed YAS hybrid coatings containing a small amount of graphene nanoplateletes (GNPs) showed enhanced performance as compared to the blank YAS coating, demonstrated by the occurrence of unusual electrical conductivity for these glasses and the development of better mechanical compliance, both phenomena associated with the presence of GNPs. Nevertheless, a crucial issue is to demonstrate if these kinds of coatings would also have superior behavior under ablation conditions, particularly regarding the mentioned TPS applications. This work goes far beyond, exploring the ablative behavior of new YAS/GNPs coatings flame sprayed over SiC substrates. These essential tests were carried out under laboratory conditions, reaching limit temperatures of 1350°C while blowing gas. Results evidence that hybrid coatings having just 1.05 vol% GNPs show enhanced ablation resistance, actually withstanding up to 30 thermal cycles (between 200°C and 1350°C) without apparent damage. This satisfactory performance is linked to the benefits of the GNP additions, and fundamentally to the higher emissivity and the directional thermal conduction characteristics of the hybrid coatings—produced by the formation of a GNP network with a preferential surface parallel arrangement—that preclude the creation of hot spots and also hinder heat propagation toward the substrate; accordingly, coating degradation is constrained to the uppermost layer of these coatings.
Effects of Nd Concentration on Microstructure and Optical Properties of Nd: CaF2 Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Sun Zaichun , Mei Bingchu , Li Weiwei , Liu Zuodong , Su Liangbi
Published: August 2016

Highly transparent Nd‐doped calcium fluoride (Nd: CaF2) ceramics with different Nd‐doped concentrations were fabricated by hot‐pressed method using Nd: CaF2 nanopowders synthesized by coprecipitation method. SEM observations indicated that the average grain size of nanopowders was about 16–30 nm and the average grain size of the ceramics was between 200 nm and 1 μm. The grain boundaries of the ceramics were clean and no pores or impurities were detected. For 2‐mm‐thickness sample, the transmittance of the as‐fabricated 5 at.% Nd: CaF2 ceramic at 1200 nm was about 85%. The absorption coefficient and emission intensity of the Nd: CaF2 ceramics were measured and discussed. From the Nd: CaF2 ceramics fluorescent spectra and the decay curves, it was found that the fluorescent quenching effect became more evident with the increase in the Nd3+ ions‐doped concentration.
Large Electrostrain in K(Nb1−xMnx)O3 Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Lee Tae‐Ho , Lee Tae‐Gon , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Bo‐Yun , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun , Ryu Jungho
Published: August 2016

K(Nb1−xMnx)O3 (KN1−xMx) ceramics with 0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.015 were sintered at 1020°C through a normal sintering process without the formation of a liquid phase. They exhibited double polarization versus electric field (P–E) hysteresis and sprout‐shaped strain versus electric field (S–E) curves owing to the presence of a defect dipole (PD), which was formed between the acceptor Mn3+ ion and the oxygen vacancy. Moreover, the aging process was not required to develop the PD. The KN1−xMx ceramics exhibited a large strain of ~0.2% at 6.0 kV/mm. For the KN0.985M0.015 ceramic, this large strain was maintained after 104 cycles of an electric field of 6.0 kV/mm. This ceramic also maintained a double hysteresis curve at 200°C. Therefore, the KN0.985M0.015 ceramic has a large electric field‐induced strain, along with good thermal and fatigue properties for multilayer piezoelectric actuators.
Characteristics of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation for Atrial Flutter Guided by Novel Parameters Using a Contact Force Catheter
Authors: GOULD PAUL A. , BOOTH CAMERON , DAUBER KIERAN , NG KEVIN , CLAUGHTON ANDREW , KAYE GERALD C.
Published: August 2016

Characteristics of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation

Introduction

This study sought to investigate specific contact force (CF) parameters to guide cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation and compare the outcome with a historical control cohort.

Methods and Results

Patients (30) undergoing CTI ablation were enrolled prospectively in the Study cohort and compared with a retrospective Control cohort of 30 patients. Ablation in the Study cohort was performed using CF parameters >10 g and <40 g and a Force Time Integral (FTI) of 800 ± 10 g. The Control cohort underwent traditionally guided CTI ablation. Traditional parameters (electrogram and impedance change) were assessed in both cohorts. All ablations regardless of achieving targets were included in data analysis. Bidirectional CTI block was achieved in all of the Study and 27 of the Control cohort. Atrial flutter recurred in 3 (10%) patients (follow‐up 564 ± 212 days) in the study cohort and in 3 (10%) patients (follow‐up 804 ± 540 days) in the Control cohort. There were no major complications in either cohort. Traditional parameters correlated poorly with CF parameters. In the Study cohort, flutter recurrence was associated with significantly lower FTI and ablation duration, but was not associated with total average CF.

Conclusion

CTI ablation can be safely performed using CF parameters guiding ablation, with similar long‐term results to a historical ablation control group. Potentially CF parameters may provide adjunctive information to enable a more efficient CTI ablation. Further research is required to confirm this.
The prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in anxiety disorder patients and the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity
Authors: Zhou Yaling , Dong Zaiquan , A Ruhan , Liao Zongbing , Guo Jing , Liu Cancan , Sun Xueli
Published: August 2016

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in patients with anxiety disorders and the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axes function.

Methods

From September 2013 to May 2015, a total of 646 patients with anxiety disorders who matched the criteria of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems participated in our study, which was conducted in the Psychiatric Inpatient Department of the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The results from 75‐g glucose tolerance tests, and morning (8:00 am) serum cortisol (PTC), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), TT3, TT4, FT3, and FT4 levels were collected. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale was administered to assess the severity of anxiety. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The crude prevalence of impaired glucose regulation was 24.61% in patients with anxiety disorders patients. In the 18‐ to 40‐year age group with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), both ACTH and PTC levels were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). In the 61‐ to 75‐year age group with IGR, the TSH level was lower and the FT4 level was higher than the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results herein partially confirm that the prevalence of IGR in patients with anxiety disorders is high. Impaired glucose in the younger age group is closely associated with HPA axis function, while impaired glucose in the older age group is closely associated with HPT axis alteration. Therefore, routine blood glucose and endocrine function testing in patients with anxiety disorder is of clinical importance to prevent the development of diabetes.
Association of umbilical hernia with volume of ascites in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Ran , Qi Xingshun , Peng Ying , Deng Han , Li Jing , Ning Zheng , Dai Junna , Hou Feifei , Zhao Jiancheng , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: August 2016

Background and Aims

Umbilical hernia is a common abdominal complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of umbilical hernia with the volume of ascites.

Methods

Cirrhotic patients that underwent axial abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans at our hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 were eligible. All CT images were reviewed to confirm the presence of umbilical hernia. The volume of ascites was estimated by five‐point method.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐seven patients were enrolled into this study. Among them, 101 patients had ascites and 6 patients had umbilical hernia. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum sodium were significantly lower in patients with umbilical hernia (P = 0.008, P = 0.011, respectively). Child‐Pugh scores and the volume of ascites were significantly higher in patients with umbilical hernia (P = 0.03, P < 0.0001, respectively). Correlation analysis demonstrated that the volume of ascites, Child‐Pugh scores, and blood ammonia had positive correlations with umbilical hernia (r = 0.4579, P < 0.0001; r = 0.175, P = 0.03; r = 0.342, P = 0.001, respectively) and that serum sodium had a negative correlation with umbilical hernia (r = –0.203, P = 0.011). In patients with ascites ≥2000 mL, only AKP was significantly associated with umbilical hernia (P = 0.0497). No variables were significantly associated with umbilical hernia in a subgroup analysis of patients matched according to the volume of ascites.

Conclusions

The volume of ascites has a positive correlation with umbilical hernia. However, the factors associated with umbilical hernia in patients with severe ascites remain unclear.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography for esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Deng Han , Qi Xingshun , Zhang Yongguo , Peng Ying , Li Jing , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: August 2016

Background and aim

Esophageal variceal bleeding is a life‐threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal varices (EVs). The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of EVs and moderate–severe EVs in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Medical records in cirrhotic patients who were admitted to our hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Two observers reviewed the contrast‐enhanced CT scans to evaluate the presence and diameter of EVs. Area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.

Results

A total of 52 cirrhotic patients were included in our study. According to the endoscopic results, 13.5% of these patients did not have any EVs, 11.5% had mild EVs, and 75% had moderate–severe EVs. The AUC of contrast‐enhanced CT scans for the diagnosis of EVs was 0.835. The sensitivity and specificity were 95.56% and 71.43%, respectively. The AUC of contrast‐enhanced T scans for the diagnosis of moderate–severe EVs was 0.821. When the cut‐off value for the diameter of EVs on contrast‐enhanced CT scans was 3.9 mm, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.74% and 69.23%, respectively.

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced CT scans had a moderate diagnostic accuracy for EVs in liver cirrhosis. It might be useful to decrease the use of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in clinical practice.
Morphology and Phylogenetic Placement of Three New Zoothamnium species (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) from Coastal Waters of Southern China
Authors: Shen Zhuo , Ji Daode , Yi Zhenzhen , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Lin Xiaofeng
Published: August 2016

The morphology, infraciliature, and silverline system of three peritrichous ciliates, Zoothamnium bucciniiformum sp. n., Zoothamnium florens sp. n., and Zoothamnium zhanjiangense sp. n., were investigated based on both living and silver‐stained specimens. Zoothamnium bucciniiformum sp. n., collected from coastal waters (salinity 30‰) off Zhanjiang, southern China, can be distinguished by the following characters: dichotomously branched stalk, peristomial lip with medial circumferential infolding, contractile vacuole apically positioned, 32–49 silverlines between the anterior end and the aboral trochal band, 15–26 between the aboral trochal band and the scopula; two kineties in peniculus 3, not parallel to each other. Zoothamnium florens sp. n., collected from a mangrove wetland (salinity 13‰) off Zhanjiang, is characterized by its large conical zooid, tuberculate peristomial lip, asymmetrical dichotomously branched colony, 59–81 silverlines between the anterior end and the aboral trochal band and 29–36 between the aboral trochal band and the scopula. Zoothamnium zhanjiangense, collected from a mangrove wetland (salinity about 9.5‰) off Zhanjiang, differs from its congeners by the alternately branched stalk, peristomial lip with medial circumferential infolding, 40–63 silverlines from the peristomial area to the aboral trochal band and 13–24 from the aboral trochal band to the scopula. The comparison and analysis of SSU rDNA sequences also support present identifications.
Grazers increase β‐diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes in wood‐pastures
Authors: Oldén Anna , Halme Panu
Published: August 2016

Questions

How does the presence of grazers impact plant diversity at various spatial scales? What are the effects on plant β‐diversity and its two components, species turnover and nestedness? Are the effects caused by defoliation, trampling or defecating?

Location

Twenty‐four currently grazed and 24 abandoned wood‐pasture sites in Central Finland.

Methods

The species richness of vascular plants and bryophytes was studied at four spatial scales: within 4‐m2 subplots (α1), within 100‐m2 plots (α2), within sites (α3) and within the landscape (γ). β‐Diversity was studied between subplots within plots (β1), between plots within sites (β2) and between sites within the landscape (β3).

Results

Currently grazed sites had higher species richness at all of the spatial scales (α1, α2, α3, γ) and higher within‐plot and within‐site β ‐diversities (β1 and β2). At the within‐plot scale (β1) plant β‐diversity was increased primarily by variation in defoliation. At this scale both turnover and nestedness were increased by grazers. At the larger within‐site scale (β2) only turnover was increased, and it was mostly caused by variation in trampling intensities. Within the landscape (β3) currently grazed sites had higher between‐site turnover and lower nestedness than abandoned sites.

Conclusions

Grazing creates and maintains high species richness and β‐diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes, mostly due to high species turnover between patches. Defoliation, dunging and trampling are all important turnover agents, although their relative importance varies with spatial scale. At the landscape scale the currently grazed sites had high species turnover between them, and thus the conservation of all grazing‐dependent species requires continued management at various sites, while high nestedness between abandoned sites implies that their biodiversity can be efficiently conserved through protecting the most species‐rich sites.
Functional responses of Mediterranean plant communities to soil resource heterogeneity: a mycorrhizal trait‐based approach
Authors: Navarro‐Fernández Carmen M. , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , de la Riva Enrique G. , Vera José R. , Roumet Catherine , Villar Rafael , Marañón Teodoro
Published: August 2016

Questions

How are ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) traits related to other plant traits at the community level? Which abiotic factors drive the variability of these ECM and AM traits? What is the relative importance of plant species turnover and plant intraspecific differences on mycorrhizal trait variability among communities?

Location

Nine Mediterranean woody communities, Sierra Morena Mountains, Córdoba, south Spain.

Methods

Mycorrhizal and plant traits were weighted by the abundance of constitutive plant species to calculate community‐weighted means (CWM). Maximum likelihood techniques were used to analyse how variation in these functional community traits was driven by soil abiotic factors.

Results

The degree of ECM colonization was positively related to the abundance of evergreen species and to tissue dry matter content (in leaves and roots), but negatively to specific root length and specific leaf area. The best abiotic predictor of ECM colonization was soil moisture, with higher ECM colonization in drier sites. However, AM colonization was not related to any of the plant traits studied, and was positively related to soil Cu and other physico‐chemical soil properties. Changes in community mycorrhization of both types were primarily due to plant species turnover (mainly species occurrence), with a remarkable importance of plant intraspecific variability in the case of AM colonization (especially in the percentage of vesicles).

Conclusions

The degrees of colonization by ECM and AM at the community level exhibited different patterns, influenced by both biotic factors (plant functional structure) and abiotic conditions (soil moisture and chemical composition). The proposed mycorrhizal trait‐based approach can help to better understand the role of these symbioses on plant community functioning.
Species origin affects the rate of response to inter‐annual growing season precipitation and nutrient addition in four Australian native grasslands
Authors: Morgan John W. , Dwyer John M. , Price Jodi N. , Prober Suzanne M. , Power Sally A. , Firn Jennifer , Moore Joslin L. , Wardle Glenda M. , Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Camac James S.
Published: August 2016

Questions

Predicted increases in temperature and changes to precipitation are expected to alter the amount of plant available nutrients, in turn, altering rates of primary production and exotic plant invasions. However, it remains unclear whether increased responses occur in wetter than average years, even in low fertility and low rainfall regions.

Location

Four Australian grasslands, including sites in arid Western Australia, semi‐arid Victoria, alpine Victoria and sub‐tropical Queensland.

Methods

Using identical nutrient addition experiments, we use 6‐years of biomass, cover and species richness data to examine how rates of biomass production and native and exotic cover and richness are affected by growing season precipitation [proportion of yearly growing season precipitation (GSP) to long‐term meanGSP] and nutrient (N, P, K and micronutrients) addition.

Results

Rates of grassland productivity strongly increased with increasingGSP.GSPincreased rates of native cover but not native or exotic richness, nor rates of exotic cover change. We detected no significantNPKeffect on rates of grassland productivity, exotic cover or exotic richness change. In contrast,NPKaddition decreased rates of native cover change and fertilized plots had significantly fewer native species. We did not detect a significant interaction betweenNPKandGSP.

Conclusions

Grassland productivity was more strongly predicted by variation in growing season precipitation than by nutrient addition, suggesting it will vary with future changes in rainfall. Response to nutrients, however, depend on species origin, suggesting that increasing soil nutrient availability due to anthropogenic activities is likely to lead to negative effects on native species richness and cover.
Which randomizations detect convergence and divergence in trait‐based community assembly? A test of commonly used null models
Authors: Götzenberger Lars , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Lepš Jan , Pärtel Meelis , Zobel Martin , de Bello Francesco
Published: August 2016

Questions

Mechanisms of community assembly are increasingly explored by combining community and species trait data with null models. By investigating if the traits of co‐existing species are more similar (trait convergence) or more dissimilar (trait divergence) than expected by chance, these tests relate observed patterns to different co‐existence mechanisms. Do null models accurately detect trait convergence and divergence? Are different null models equally good at detecting these two opposing patterns? How important are the species pool and other constraints that are considered by different null models?

Methods

We applied ten common randomizations to communities that were simulated in a process‐based model.

Results

Null models good at detecting biotic processes differed from those null models that revealed abiotic processes. In particular, limiting similarity (detected through divergence) was better detected by randomizations that release the link between species abundance and trait values, whereas environmental filtering (detected through convergence of an environmental response trait) was identified by randomizations that keep this link. In general, using species abundance data provided better results than using presence–absence data, particularly within given limited environmental conditions. Weaker competitor exclusion (detected through convergence of a competition‐related trait) was only detected when no environmental filtering was acting on the simulated assembly, which points to difficulties in disentangling biotic and abiotic convergence in natural communities, especially when data are randomized across habitats.

Conclusions

Overall the results manifest the importance of the pool of species over which randomizations are applied; in particular whether randomizations are conducted across or within given habitats. Taken together, our findings show that different null models must be combined and applied to a carefully chosen pool of species and species abundance data to ensure that co‐existence mechanisms can be properly assessed. We utilize the results to (1) discuss how different constraints implied in the different null models affect the outcomes of our tests, and (2) provide some basic recommendations on how to choose null models, given the data available and questions being asked.
Region‐wide and ecotype‐specific differences in demographic histories of threespine stickleback populations, estimated from whole genome sequences
Authors: Liu Shenglin , Hansen Michael M. , Jacobsen Magnus W.
Published: August 2016

We analysed 81 whole genome sequences of threespine sticklebacks from Pacific North America, Greenland and Northern Europe, representing 16 populations. Principal component analysis of nuclearSNPs grouped populations according to geographical location, with Pacific populations being more divergent from each other relative to European and Greenlandic populations. Analysis of mitogenome sequences showed Northern European populations to represent a single phylogeographical lineage, whereas Greenlandic and particularly Pacific populations showed admixture between lineages. We estimated demographic history using a genomewide coalescence with recombination approach. The Pacific populations showed gradual population expansion starting >100 Kya, possibly reflecting persistence in cryptic refuges near the present distributional range, although we do not rule out possible influence of ancient admixture. Sharp population declines ca. 14–15 Kya were suggested to reflect founding of freshwater populations by marine ancestors. In Greenland and Northern Europe, demographic expansion started ca. 20–25 Kya coinciding with the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. In both regions, marine and freshwater populations started to show different demographic trajectories ca. 8–9 Kya, suggesting that this was the time of recolonization. In Northern Europe, this estimate was surprisingly late, but found support in subfossil evidence for presence of several freshwater fish species but not sticklebacks 12 Kya. The results demonstrate distinctly different demographic histories across geographical regions with potential consequences for adaptive processes. They also provide empirical support for previous assumptions about freshwater populations being founded independently from large, coherent marine populations, a key element in the Transporter Hypothesis invoked to explain the widespread occurrence of parallel evolution across freshwater stickleback populations.
MODELING OF A BLOCK TARIFF SYSTEM FOR GROUNDWATER REGULATION
Authors: LIAO CHAO‐NING , TSAI HSIANG‐WEI
Published: August 2016

The block tariff system is widely used by public utility companies and governments. Because the unit rate is determined at the same time as are choice variables, the resulting endogeneity has been the subject of studies on residential water demand and in labor economics. Without discussing any mechanism that helps people come to their final decisions, these studies rely on observed data and econometric tools to estimate parameters in demand or supply functions. Because their main concern is the amount of resources devoted to a prespecified activity, their methodologies cannot analyze problems in which resources could flow to more than one outlet. This study constructs a computable framework that can deal with the endogeneity issue and help allocate scarce resources to mutually exclusive activities. Using a block tariff system for regulating groundwater extraction by aquaculture farmers in Taiwan as an example, we will show how the government and farmers can rely on the proposed framework to meet their interests.
Achalasia: from diagnosis to management
Authors: Vaezi Michael F. , Felix Valter N. , Penagini Roberto , Mauro Aurelio , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux , Pu Leonardo Zorrón Cheng Tao , Martínek Jan , Rieder Erwin
Published: August 2016

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder associated with abnormalities in peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation. The etiology of the disease remains elusive. It is often misdiagnosed initially as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patients with achalasia often complain of dysphagia to solids and liquids but may focus on regurgitation as the primary symptom, leading to the early misdiagnosis. Chest pain, weight loss, and occasional vomiting may be additional symptoms encountered in those with achalasia. The disease may be suspected on the basis of clinical presentation, but diagnosis depends on classic findings using high‐resolution manometry, showing either failed or simultaneous contractions with associated normal or high LES pressures with no or incomplete relaxation with swallows. There are no cures for achalasia, and, in most patients, treatments have to be repeated over time. Definitive treatment options in achalasia include pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy, and the new technique of per‐oral endoscopic myotomy. Botulinum toxin (Botox) or other medical therapies are often reserved for those who cannot have definitive therapies owing to comorbid conditions.
Cohort study of pain symptoms and management following impacted mandibular third molar extraction
Authors: Motonobu A , Hidemichi Y , Eri U , Takashi T , Kenichi K
Published: August 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of intravenous sedation as a useful pain‐relieving option for impacted third molar extractions.

Subjects and methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among patients who underwent bilateral mandibular third molar extractions under local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation (sedation group) and patients who underwent unilateral mandibular third molar extraction under local anaesthesia alone (local anaesthesia group). The frequency of use of postoperative oral analgesia and the intensity of pain assessed using the full cup test were compared between the two groups.

Results

The maximum pain intensity (0–100) on postoperative day 1 in the sedation and local anaesthesia groups was 72.8 ± 16.98 and 84.8 ± 15.84, respectively, and the mean pain intensity was 42.2 ± 16.00 and 49.6 ± 18.94. The maximum and mean pain intensities in the sedation group were significantly milder than those in the local anaesthesia group. The number of oral analgesic doses in the sedation group was significantly smaller on the day of surgery and on postoperative day 1 than in the local anaesthesia group.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that bilateral impacted mandibular third molar extractions under intravenous sedation could be a recommended treatment option.
Segregation of nitrogen use between ammonium and nitrate of ectomycorrhizas and beech trees
Authors: Leberecht Martin , Dannenmann Michael , Tejedor Javier , Simon Judy , Rennenberg Heinz , Polle Andrea
Published: August 2016

Here, we characterized nitrogen (N) uptake of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and their associated ectomycorrhizal (EM) communities from NH4+ and NO3−. We hypothesized that a proportional fraction of ectomycorrhizal N uptake is transferred to the host, thereby resulting in the same uptake patterns of plants and their associated mycorrhizal communities. 15N uptake was studied under various field conditions after short‐term and long‐term exposure to a pulse of equimolar NH4+ and NO3− concentrations, where one compound was replaced by 15N. In native EM assemblages, long‐term and short‐term 15N uptake from NH4+ was higher than that from NO3−, regardless of season, water availability and site exposure, whereas in beech long‐term 15N uptake from NO3− was higher than that from NH4+. The transfer rates from the EM to beech were lower for 15N from NH4+ than from NO3−. 15N content in EM was correlated with 15N uptake of the host for 15NH4+, but not for 15NO3−‐derived N. These findings suggest stronger control of the EM assemblage on N provision to the host from NH4+ than from NO3−. Different host and EM accumulation patterns for inorganic N will result in complementary resource use, which might be advantageous in forest ecosystems with limited N availability.
Expression and localization of angiopoietin family in corpus luteum during different stages of oestrous cycle and modulatory role of angiopoietins on steroidogenesis, angiogenesis and survivability of cultured buffalo luteal cells
Authors: Mishra SR , Parmar MS , Yadav VP , Reshma R , Bharati J , Bharti MK , Paul A , Chouhan VS , Taru Sharma G , Singh G , Sarkar M
Published: August 2016

Contents

The objective of this study was to document the expression and localization of angiopoietin (ANGPT) family members comprising of angiopoietin (ANGPT1 and ANGPT2), and their receptors (Tie1 and Tie2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle, and the modulatory role of ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 alone or in combinations on progesterone (P4) secretion and mRNA expression of phosphotidylinositide‐3kinase‐protein kinase B (PI3K‐AKT), phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase (PDK), protein kinase B (AKT), Bcl2 associated death promoter (BAD), caspase 3 and von willebrand factor (vWF) in luteal cells obtained from midluteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle in buffalo. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors whereas, the P4 secretion was assessed by RIA. The mRNA and protein expression of ANGPT1 and Tie2 was maximum (p < .05) in mid luteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle. The ANGPT2 mRNA and protein expression was maximum (p < .05) in early luteal phase, decreased in MLP and again increased in late luteal phase of oestrous cycle. ANGPT family members were localized in luteal cells and endothelial cells with a stage specific immunoreactivity. P4 secretion was highest (p < .05) with 100 ng/ml at 72 hr when luteal cells were treated with either protein alone. The mRNA expression of PDK, AKT and vWF was highest (p < .05) and BAD along with caspase 3 were lowest (p < .05) at 100 ng/ml at 72 hr of incubation period, when cultured luteal cells were treated with either protein alone or in combination. To conclude, our study explores the steroidogenic potential of angiopoietins to promote P4 secretion, luteal cell survival and angiogenesis through an autocrine and paracrine actions in buffalo CL.
Expression of retinoic acid‐metabolizing enzymes, ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 in canine testis during post‐natal development
Authors: Kasimanickam VR
Published: August 2016

Contents

Mammalian spermatogenesis involves highly regulated temporal and spatial dynamics, carefully controlled by several signalling processes. Retinoic acid (RA) signalling could have a critical role in spermatogenesis by promoting spermatogonia differentiation, adhesion of germ cells to Sertoli cells, and release of mature spermatids. An optimal testicular RA concentration is maintained by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), which oxidize RA precursors to produce RA, whereas the CYP26 class of enzymes catabolizes (oxidize) RA into inactive metabolites. The objective was to elucidate gene expression of these RA‐metabolizing enzymes (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1) and their protein presence in testes of young, peripubertal and adult dogs. Genes encoding RA‐synthesizing isozymes ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3 and RA‐catabolizing isomers CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 were expressed in testis at varying levels during testicular development from birth to adulthood in dogs. Based on detailed analyses of mRNA expression patterns, ALDH1A2 was regarded as a primary RA‐synthesizing enzyme and CYP26B1 as a critical RA‐hydrolysing enzyme; presumably, these genes have vital roles in maintaining RA homeostasis, which is imperative to spermatogenesis and other testicular functions in post‐natal canine testis.
Multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a Large White boar
Authors: Grahofer A , Nathues H , Gurtner C
Published: August 2016

Contents

The present report describes a case of multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a 1.3‐year‐old purebred Large White intact boar with reduced fertility in Switzerland. Based on the case history, a general physical examination, an andrological investigation and a transrectal ultrasonography combined with a subsequent thorough pathological examination including histology a multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland were diagnosed. The case indicates that cystic degeneration of the bulbourethral gland should be contemplated in the differential diagnoses of andrological disorders even though it has not been described in pigs so far. While selecting breeding boars, a morphological check of the bulbourethral gland can be performed, since degeneration of the gland would potentially have an impact on future fertility.
Electrostatic potentials of the S‐locus F‐box proteins contribute to the pollen S specificity in self‐incompatibility in Petunia hybrida
Authors: Li Junhui , Zhang Yue , Song Yanzhai , Zhang Hui , Fan Jiangbo , Li Qun , Zhang Dongfen , Xue Yongbiao
Published: August 2016

Self‐incompatibility (SI) is a self/non‐self discrimination system found widely in angiosperms and, in many species, is controlled by a single polymorphic S‐locus. In the Solanaceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae, the S‐locus encodes a single S‐RNase and a cluster of S‐locus F‐box (SLF) proteins to control the pistil and pollen expression of SI, respectively. Previous studies have shown that their cytosolic interactions determine their recognition specificity, but the physical force between their interactions remains unclear. In this study, we show that the electrostatic potentials of SLF contribute to the pollen S specificity through a physical mechanism of ‘like charges repel and unlike charges attract’ between SLFs and S‐RNases in Petunia hybrida. Strikingly, the alteration of a single C‐terminal amino acid of SLF reversed its surface electrostatic potentials and subsequently the pollen S specificity. Collectively, our results reveal that the electrostatic potentials act as a major physical force between cytosolic SLFs and S‐RNases, providing a mechanistic insight into the self/non‐self discrimination between cytosolic proteins in angiosperms.
Prospective randomized and crossover comparison of two apheresis machines for peripheral blood stem cell collection: a multicenter study
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiko , Minakawa Keiji , Muroi Kazuo , Fujiwara Shin‐ichiro , Yamada‐Fujiwara Minami , Fujimori Yoshihiro , Tanosaki Ryuji , Ohto Hitoshi ,   on behalf of the Study Group for Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection, Cell Therapy Committee, The Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Improving apheresis technology may lead to an efficient and safe peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection. Recently, the Spectra Optia (Optia, Terumo BCT) was introduced as an automated apheresis instrument, but comparisons with other instruments have been few. This is the first randomized multicenter and crossover comparison of the Optia with the automated program of the established apheresis instrument, the Spectra (Spectra‐Auto, Terumo BCT).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 233 apheresis procedures performed in 46 autologous patients and 108 allogeneic donors were investigated. Apheresis performed in the first day for all subjects using the Spectra‐Auto (n = 79) and the Optia (n = 75) were evaluated as first‐day analysis. Seventy‐nine subjects, who required another session on the second day, underwent apheresis using the other instrument than the first‐day instrument and were compared with each other in a paired crossover analysis.

RESULTS

The two instruments processed similar volumes with comparable run times and volumes of acid‐citrate‐dextrose used. The volumes of collected products were greater in the Optia. Yields of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells were not different, but collection efficiencies were higher in the Optia (p = 0.008 in CE1 of crossover analysis). Spectra‐Auto–collected products contained more contaminating red blood cells (RBCs), whereas there was a trend of more contaminating platelets (PLTs) in the Optia‐collected products. Slight reductions were noted in the RBC or PLT counts of subjects who underwent apheresis with the Spectra‐Auto or the Optia, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Optia is safe and more efficient in the PBSC collection compared with the Spectra‐Auto.
Canine bicavitary carcinomatosis with transient needle tract metastasis diagnosed by multiplex immunocytochemistry
Authors: Moore A Russell , Coffey Emily , Leavell Sarah E. , Krafsur Greta , Duncan Colleen , Dowers Kristy , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: August 2016

A 6‐year‐old, male castrated, mixed‐breed dog was referred to the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University for bicavitary effusion. On examination, the dog was tachycardic and tachypneic with bilaterally decreased lung sounds. Thoracic and abdominal ultrasonic examination revealed pleural and peritoneal effusions, which were aspirated and submitted for fluid analysis and cytology. Both cavity fluids were classified as exudates with a large population of vacuolated mononuclear cells. Multiplex immunocytochemistry (ICC) for cytokeratin and vimentin demonstrated exclusively cytokeratin expression, indicating these cells were of epithelial origin. A full diagnostic evaluation was performed, including CBC, clinical chemistry, a pet‐side test for heartworm disease, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis, imaging modalities of thorax, abdomen, and heart, urinalysis, and fine‐needle aspirations of spleen, liver, and popliteal lymph nodes. The dog was diagnosed with pleural and peritoneal carcinoma with presumed carcinomatosis. A single dose of intracavitary carboplatin was administered before discharge, and over a period of 2 weeks, 5 thoracocenteses were performed. A subcutaneous mass was noted at a thoracocentesis site one week after initial presentation. Cytology of the mass was consistent with carcinoma, and neoplastic seeding of the tumor cells from the thoracocentesis was suspected. The dog was euthanized 15 days after the first visit, and a necropsy was performed. Findings were consistent with carcinomatosis secondary to anaplastic pulmonary carcinoma with transient subcutaneous seeding of neoplastic cells during routine thoracocentesis. This case demonstrates the utility of multiplex ICC in the clinical setting.