bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species diversity can be overestimated by a fixed empirical threshold: insights from DNA barcoding of the genus Cletus (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and the meta‐analysis of COI data from previous phylogeographical studies
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Guang , Lv Min‐Hua , Yi Wen‐Bo , Zhu Wei‐Bing , Bu Wen‐Jun
Published: July 2016

The use of genetic distances to identify species within the framework of DNA barcoding has to some extent improved the development of biodiversity studies. However, using a fixed empirical threshold to delimit species may lead to overestimating species diversity. In this study, we use a new data set of COI sequences for 366 specimens within the genus of Cletus as well as conduct an analysis on the same genetic data for collected morphologically defined species from previous phylogeographical studies, to test whether high intraspecific genetic divergences are common with the premises of comprehensive sampling. The results indicate C. graminis Hsiao & Cheng , is the same species with C. punctiger (Dallas, 1852) and should be synonymized and that the distributional record of C. pugnator (Fabricius, 1787) in China is correct. High intraspecific genetic differentiations (0%–4.35%) were found in C. punctiger. Furthermore, as to the mined data, the maximum intraspecific K2P distances of 186 species (48.44% of 384) exceed 3%, and 101 species (26.30%) can be divided into two or more clusters with a threshold of 3% in cluster analysis. If genetic distance is used to delimit species boundaries, the minimum interspecific K2P distance of the congeneric species should be considered rather than only using the fixed empirical value; otherwise, the species richness may be overestimated in some cases.
Medial Prefrontal Cortical Dopamine Responses During Operant Self‐Administration of Sweetened Ethanol
Authors: Doherty James M. , Schier Christina J. , Vena Ashley A. , Dilly Geoffrey A. , Gonzales Rueben A.
Published: July 2016

Background

Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dysfunction is present in heavy alcohol consumers. Dopamine signaling in mPFC is associated with executive functioning and affects drinking behavior; however, direct measurement of extracellular mPFC dopamine during appetitive and consummatory ethanol (EtOH) self‐administration behavior has not been reported.

Methods

We used in vivo microdialysis in freely behaving, adult, male, Long Evans rats to determine extracellular dopamine concentration in the mPFC during operant self‐administration of an EtOH‐plus‐sucrose or sucrose solution. The model separated appetitive/seeking from consummatory phases of the operant session. Dopamine was also monitored in an untrained handling control group, and dialysate EtOH was measured in the EtOH‐drinking group.

Results

Home cage baseline dopamine was lower in rats that experienced a week of drinking sweetened EtOH compared with sucrose‐drinking and handling controls. Transfer into the operant chamber and the initiation of consumption stimulated a relatively higher change in dopamine over baseline in the sweetened EtOH group compared with sucrose and handling controls. However, all groups show a dopamine response during transfer into the operant chamber, and the sucrose group had a relatively higher change in dopamine over baseline during initiation of consumption compared with handling controls. The time courses of dopamine and EtOH in the mPFC differ in the EtOH‐consuming rats.

Conclusions

Differences in extracellular mPFC dopamine between EtOH drinkers compared with control groups suggest that mPFC dopamine is involved in the mechanism of operant self‐administration of sweetened EtOH and sucrose. Furthermore, the increase in dopamine during consumption is consistent with a role of mPFC dopamine in reward prediction.
Nuclear Thioredoxin‐1 Overexpression Attenuates Alcohol‐Mediated Nrf2 Signaling and Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Sueblinvong Viranuj , Mills Stephen T. , Neujahr David C. , Go Young‐Mi , Jones Dean P. , Guidot David M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Alcohol abuse, which impairs antioxidant defenses and promotes acute lung injury, increases Nrf2 nuclear translocation but nevertheless inhibits its activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE). Thioredoxin‐1 (Trx1) is required for optimal Nrf2 binding and activation of the ARE, and we hypothesized that its inhibition contributes to impaired Nrf2‐ARE signaling in the alcoholic lung.

Methods

Lung tissue and primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs) were isolated from C57/BL6 wild‐type (WT) and transgenic mice overexpressing the human Trx1 gene with a nuclear localizing sequence (NLS‐Tg); some mice consumed alcohol in water prior to lung tissue and PLF isolation; in some mice, acute lung injury was induced with intratracheal bleomycin. In other experiments, PLFs were isolated from WT and NLS‐Tg mice and then exposed to alcohol. Finally, PLF isolated from WT mice were transfected with Trx1 expression vector containing either a cytosolic localized sequence (NES) or a nuclear localized sequence (NLS) prior to alcohol exposure.

Results

Alcohol treatment in vivo or in vitro decreased Trx1 expression, and bleomycin‐treated alcohol‐fed mice had fibrotic disrepair in their lungs. In parallel, whereas alcohol exposure in vitro increased TGFβ1 expression and decreased Nrf2‐ARE activity in PLF from WT mice, these effects were not observed in PLF from NLS‐Tg mice. Finally, selective overexpression of Trx1 in the nucleus but not in the cytosol preserved Nrf2‐ARE activity during alcohol exposure.

Conclusions

Although alcohol‐induced redox stress actually promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the coincident suppression of Trx1 impairs Nrf2‐ARE activity within the nuclear compartment. Nuclear overexpression of Trx1 restored Nrf2‐ARE activity and attenuated alcohol‐induced TGFβ1 expression and alcohol‐induced exaggerate response to bleomycin‐induced acute lung injury.
The Evolution of an Intellectual Community Through the Words of Its Founders: Recollections of Australia's Economic History Field
Authors: Wright Claire , Ville Simon
Published: July 2016

Analysing the dynamic evolution of a scholarly field requires an understanding of the social interactions within its community as well as the impact of the written word. Influence might diffuse through mentoring, graduate supervision, seminar discussion, and management roles. To date, our knowledge of the growth of economic history in Australia after 1945 draws heavily upon the impact of a number of key publications. We interview a broad selection of academics who worked in the field of Australian economic history, approximately 1950–90, to provide a fuller understanding of the evolution of this interdisciplinary field. Our results confirm, complement and, in some cases, challenge conventional views. © 2016 Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
Identification and differential expression of microRNAs in the ovaries of pigs (Sus scrofa) with high and low litter sizes
Authors: Huang L. , Yin Z. J. , Feng Y. F. , Zhang X. D. , Wu T. , Ding Y. Y. , Ye P. F. , Fu K. , Zhang M. Q.
Published: July 2016

Litter size affects profitability in the swine industry. Mammalian ovaries play important roles during reproduction, including ovulation and hormone secretion, which are tightly regulated by specific microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we investigated the effects of specific miRNAs on porcine litter size. We compared the ovarian miRNAs of Yorkshire pigs with high (YH) and low (YL) litter sizes using Solexa sequencing technology. We identified 327 and 320 miRNAs in the ovaries of YH and YL pigs respectively. A total of 297 miRNAs were co‐expressed; 30 and 23 miRNAs respectively were specifically expressed in the two libraries. A total of 83 novel miRNAs were predicted; 37 specific miRNAs were obtained, of which 21 miRNAs were upregulated and 16 miRNAs were downregulated in YH compared with YL. Additionally, 19 628 and 19 250 target genes were predicted in the two libraries respectively. The results revealed that specific miRNAs (i.e., miR‐224, miR‐99a, let‐7c, miR‐181c, miR‐214 and miR‐21) may affect porcine litter size. The results of this study will help in gaining understanding of the role of miRNAs in porcine litter size regulation.
The Mendelian inheritance of rare flesh and shell colour variants in the black‐lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera)
Authors: Ky Chin‐Long , Nakasai Seiji , Pommier Steve , Sham Koua Manaarii , Devaux Dominique
Published: July 2016

Pinctada margaritifera is French Polynesia's most economically important aquaculture species. This pearl oyster has the specific ability to produce cultured pearls with a very wide range of colours, depending on the colour phenotypes of donor oysters used. Its aquaculture is still based on natural spat collection from wild stocks. We investigated three rare colour variants of P. margaritifera – orange flesh, and red and white shell colour phenotypes – in comparison with the wild‐type black flesh and shell commonly found in this species. The study aimed to assess the geographic distribution and genetic basis of these colour variants. Colour frequencies were evaluated during transfer and graft processes of pearl oyster seed captured at collector stations. Among the collection locations studied, Mangareva Island showed the highest rate of the orange flesh phenotype, whereas Takaroa and Takume atolls had relatively high rates of red and white shell phenotypes respectively. Broodstocks were made of these rare colour variants, and crosses were performed to produce first‐ and second‐generation progenies to investigate segregation. The results were consistent with Mendelian ratios and suggest a distinct model with no co‐dominance: (i) a two‐allele model for flesh trait, whereby the orange allele is recessive to the black fleshed type, and (ii) a three‐allele model for shell trait, whereby the black wild‐type allele is dominant to the red coloration, which is dominant to the white shell. Furthermore, the proposed model provides the basis for producing selected donor pearl oyster lines through hatchery propagation.
Variations at regulatory regions of the milk protein genes are associated with milk traits and coagulation properties in the Sarda sheep
Authors: Noce A. , Pazzola M. , Dettori M. L. , Amills M. , Castelló A. , Cecchinato A. , Bittante G. , Vacca G. M.
Published: July 2016

Regulatory variation at the ovine casein genes could have important effects on the composition and coagulation properties of milk. Herewith, we have partially resequenced the promoters and the 3′‐UTR of the four casein genes in 25 Sarda sheep. Alignment of these sequences allowed us to identify a total of 29 SNPs. This level of polymorphism (one SNP every 250 bp) is remarkably high if compared with SNP densities estimated in human genic regions (approximately one SNP per bp). The 29 SNPs identified in our resequencing experiment, plus three previously reported SNPs mapping to the lactalbumin, alpha (LALBA) and β‐lactoglobulin (BLG, also known as progestagen‐associated endometrial protein, PAEP) genes, were genotyped with a multiplex TaqMan Open Array Real‐Time PCR assay in 760 Sarda sheep with records for milk composition and coagulation properties. Association analysis revealed the existence of significant associations of CSN1S2 and CSN3 genotypes with milk protein and casein contents. Moreover, genotypes at CSN1S1 were significantly associated with rennet coagulation time, curd firming time and curd firmness, whereas CSN2 was associated with curd firming time. These results suggest that SNPs mapping to the promoters and 3′‐UTRs of ovine casein genes may exert regulatory effects on gene expression and that they could be used for improving sheep milk quality and technological traits at the population level through marker assisted selection.
A20 SNP rs77191406 may be related to secondary cancer for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Zhou Lingling , Wang Liang , Li Zhaoxia , Lu Shuai , Yang Lijian , Chen Shaohua , Li Bo , Wu Xiuli , Zhou Yi , Li Yangqiu
Published: July 2016

Aim

An increased risk for malignancy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients may be related to factors that play a critical role in the regulation of T‐cell activation. A20 is an important negative immunoregulatory factor that was found to be associated with lymphoma and the development of numerous solid tumors. Previous studies have implicated the A20 locus in RA susceptibility. In this study, we investigated polymorphisms in the A20 3′ UTR and explored whether there was an association between these polymorphisms and malignancy risk in autoimmune diseases.

Methods

PCR and sequencing were used to identify A20 gene polymorphisms in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 99 RA cases, 37 SLE cases and 99 healthy individuals. Pearson's Chi square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Only one SNP (rs77191406) and one new mutation (20132 A>G) in A20 gene were identified in RA and SLE patients and healthy individuals. Heterozygous rs77191406 was identified in just 1 of 99 RA patients and 2 of 37 SLE patients. More importantly, a RA patient who was heterozygous for rs77191406 developed colon cancer 10 years after the RA diagnosis. Similarly, two SLE patients carrying rs77191406 (heterozygous) had severe disease or developed bladder cancer 5 years after SLE diagnosis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that rs77191406 may be a prognostic marker for a high risk for rapid malignancy progression, poor survival and refractory disease and a new molecular marker associated with autoimmune diseases transforming into a secondary cancer.
Combining genomewide association study and lung eQTL analysis provides evidence for novel genes associated with asthma
Authors: Nieuwenhuis M. A. , Siedlinski M. , van den Berge M. , Granell R. , Li X. , Niens M. , van der Vlies P. , Altmüller J. , Nürnberg P. , Kerkhof M. , van Schayck O. C. , Riemersma R. A. , van der Molen T. , de Monchy J. G. , Bossé Y. , Sandford A. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. , Gerth van Wijk R. , ten Hacken N. H. , Timens W. , Boezen H. M. , Henderson J. , Kabesch M. , Vonk J. M. , Postma D. S. , Koppelman G. H.
Published: July 2016

Background

Genomewide association studies (GWASs) of asthma have identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that modestly increase the risk for asthma. This could be due to phenotypic heterogeneity of asthma. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a phenotypic hallmark of asthma. We aim to identify susceptibility genes for asthma combined with BHR and analyse the presence of cis‐eQTLs among replicated SNPs. Secondly, we compare the genetic association of SNPs previously associated with (doctor's diagnosed) asthma to our GWAS of asthma with BHR.

Methods

A GWAS was performed in 920 asthmatics with BHR and 980 controls. Top SNPs of our GWAS were analysed in four replication cohorts, and lung cis‐eQTL analysis was performed on replicated SNPs. We investigated association of SNPs previously associated with asthma in our data.

Results

A total of 368 SNPs were followed up for replication. Six SNPs in genes encoding ABI3BP, NAF1, MICA and the 17q21 locus replicated in one or more cohorts, with one locus (17q21) achieving genomewide significance after meta‐analysis. Five of 6 replicated SNPs regulated 35 gene transcripts in whole lung. Eight of 20 asthma‐associated SNPs from previous GWAS were significantly associated with asthma and BHR. Three SNPs, in IL‐33 and GSDMB, showed larger effect sizes in our data compared to published literature.

Conclusions

Combining GWAS with subsequent lung eQTL analysis revealed disease‐associated SNPs regulating lung mRNA expression levels of potential new asthma genes. Adding BHR to the asthma definition does not lead to an overall larger genetic effect size than analysing (doctor's diagnosed) asthma.
On Longitudinal Prediction with Time-to-Event Outcome: Comparison of Modeling Options
Authors: Maziarz Marlena , Heagerty Patrick , Cai Tianxi , Zheng Yingye
Published: July 2016

Long-term follow-up is common in many medical investigations where the interest lies in predicting patients’ risks for a future adverse outcome using repeatedly measured predictors over time. A key quantity is the likelihood of developing an adverse outcome among individuals who survived up to time s given their covariate information up to time s. Simple, yet reliable, methodology for updating the predicted risk of disease progression using longitudinal markers remains elusive. Two main approaches have been considered in the literature. One approach, based on joint modeling (JM) of failure time and longitudinal covariate process (Tsiatis and Davidian, 2004), derives such longitudinal predictive probability from the joint probability of a longitudinal marker and an event at a given time. A second approach, the partly conditional (PC) modeling (Zheng and Heagerty, 2005), directly models the predictive probability conditional on survival up to a landmark time and information accrued by that time. In this article, we propose new PC models for longitudinal prediction that are more flexible than joint modeling and improve the prediction accuracy over existing PC models. We provide procedures for making inference regarding future risk for an individual with longitudinal measures up to a given time. In addition, we conduct simulations to evaluate both JM and PC approaches in order to provide practical guidance on modeling choices. We use standard measures of predictive accuracy adapted to our setting to explore the predictiveness of the two approaches. We illustrate the performance of the two approaches on a dataset from the End Stage Renal Disease Study (ESRDS).
Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of an allergy intervention for children aged 6–16 with asthma and rhinitis in general practice
Authors: Smith H. , Horney D. , Jones C. , Goubet S. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Frew A.
Published: July 2016

Background

It is widely believed that for allergic rhinitis and asthma, avoidance of specific triggers can improve symptom control. Whilst many children with asthma or rhinitis are sensitized to airborne allergens, primary care diagnostic and management decisions are often made without a detailed history of the allergic triggers or allergy testing. Thus, treatment decisions are empirical and allergen avoidance advice is either not given or, if given, not tailored to the child's sensitivities.

Objective

To ascertain whether allergy assessment and tailored advice in general practice enhances outcomes of children with asthma and rhinitis.

Method

Pragmatic RCT of allergy intervention (structured allergy history, skin prick testing and appropriate allergy avoidance advice) vs. usual care in children with asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis. A blinded observer assessed outcomes at 12 months. Main outcome measures were symptom scores and disease‐specific health‐related QoL. Secondary outcomes were healthcare utilization, days unable to pursue usual activities and self‐rated improvement.

Results

A total of 335 participants were randomized to formal allergy assessment or normal care. There were no differences in participants’ demographic or clinical characteristics at baseline (all P > 0.05). At 12 months, participants receiving the allergy intervention had fewer rhinitis symptoms (MD − 3.14, 95% CI − 6.01, − 0.81) and an improvement in QoL (MD − 0.50, 95% CI 0.32, 0.68). There were no significant changes in asthma symptoms, healthcare utilization or number of days unable to pursue usual activities.

Conclusion

Amongst children with known asthma and/or rhinitis in primary care, taking a structured allergy history with skin prick testing and tailored advice on allergy avoidance resulted in reduced symptoms of rhinitis and improved QoL.
Why western spruce budworms travel so far for the winter
Authors: NEALIS VINCENT G. , RÉGNIÈRE JACQUES
Published: July 2016

1. Conifer‐feeding budworms (Choristoneura) hibernate in sheltered locations on their host trees from late summer of 1 year to spring of the next. During this period, they do not feed but rely on sustenance provided in the egg. Overwinter survival is dependent on the rate of consumption of these limited reserves.

2. A process model was developed that quantifies the relationship between the rate of consumption and survival at variable temperatures and exposure times for western spruce budworm. The model supported physiological evidence that warm weather conditions early in the diapause period have a dominant influence on overwinter survival. Output compared favourably with field observations of poorer budworm survival at lower elevations where late‐summer and autumn temperatures were warmer compared to those overwintering at cooler, higher elevations.

3. Field experiments demonstrated these weather‐dependent rates of survival were modulated significantly by the degree of shelter experienced by hibernating budworms.

4. Dissection of whole trees harbouring overwintering western spruce budworms showed a significant portion of the population had travelled a considerable distance from the periphery of the tree canopy where eggs were laid to overwinter successfully on the tree bole where sheltered niches are common.

5. Thus, budworms will travel relatively long distances and risk increased mortality during this dispersal to find adequate shelter to overwinter.
A systematic review of the benefits and harms of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the optimal glycemic control is key to delay the progression of the disease and prevent major complications. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. However, the benefits and harms of the treatment have yet to be clarified for diabetic patients with CKD. Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients with moderate to severe CKD including end‐stage renal disease were eligible and randomized controlled trials comparing DPP‐4 inhibitors with no treatment or placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents were included. A systematic electronic search was conducted through the Medline Ovid, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings: Six placebo/open and 2 active controlled trials (1747 participants) were included. The adjusted mean difference of hemoglobin A1c between DPP‐4 inhibitors and placebo ranged from −0.60% to −0.42%. The odds ratio of hypoglycemia, mortality and severe adverse effects due to all types of DPP‐4 inhibitors were 1.35 (95% CI: 0.98–1.84), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.42–1.86) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.65–1.15), respectively while that due to DPP‐4 inhibitors with renal clearance were 1.40 (95% CI: 0.87 to 2.24), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.35 to 2.04) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.63 to 1.32), respectively. Discussion: DPP‐4 inhibitors demonstrated beneficial effects on the glycemic control for diabetic patients with CKD without causing any additional adverse effects. However, a definitive conclusion has yet to be drawn due to serious methodological problems and a small number of studies.
Multiple sclerosis patients need and want information on exercise promotion from healthcare providers: a qualitative study
Authors: Learmonth Yvonne C. , Adamson Brynn C. , Balto Julia M. , Chiu Chung‐yi , Molina‐Guzman Isabel , Finlayson Marcia , Riskin Barry J. , Motl Robert W.
Published: July 2016

Background

There is growing recognition of the benefits and safety of exercise and its importance in the comprehensive care of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet uptake is low.

Objective

We explored the needs and wants of patients with MS regarding exercise promotion through healthcare providers.

Setting and participants

Participants were adults with MS who had mild‐or‐moderate disability and a range of exercise levels. All participants lived in the Midwest of the United States.

Methods

Fifty semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged, namely interactions between patients and healthcare providers and needs and wants of patients.

Results

Analysis of participant accounts illustrate that current exercise promotion by healthcare providers does not meet patient needs and wants. The identified needs and wants of persons with MS involved (i) information and knowledge on the benefits of exercise and exercise prescription, (ii) materials to allow home and community exercise and (iii) tools for initiating and maintaining exercise behaviour.

Discussion and conclusion

Patients with MS frequently interact with healthcare providers and are generally unsatisfied with exercise promotion during interactions. Healthcare providers can address the low uptake of exercise among persons with MS by acting upon the identified unmet needs involving materials, knowledge and behaviour change strategies for exercise.
Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection with or without lauromacrogol for gastric varices: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Zeng Xiao‐Qing , Ma Li‐Li , Tseng Yu‐Jen , Chen Jie , Cui Chun‐Xiao , Luo Tian‐Cheng , Wang Jian , Chen Shi‐Yao
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Current guidelines recommend injection of cyanoacrylate as first‐line therapy to prevent gastric variceal rebleeding. The method still poses a risk of ectopic embolism, which possibly correlates with the volume of cyanoacrylate used. In this trial, we evaluated the short‐term efficacy and safety of tissue adhesive injection combined with lauromacrogol for treating gastric varices.

Methods

Patients admitted to our hospital for variceal hemorrhage were enrolled and blindly randomized into two treatment groups: lauromacrogol group (lauromacrogol‐cyanoacrylate‐lauromacrogol) and lipiodol group (lipiodol‐cyanoacrylate‐lipiodol). Patient follow‐up was 6 months. Primary outcome was rebleeds, and secondary outcomes were mortality, gastric varices eradication, and treatment‐related adverse events.

Results

Between March 6, 2013 and October 16, 2013, 96 patients met the criteria. Two cases were lost to follow‐up, and all treated cases were successful. No procedural‐related adverse events were observed in either group. Cyanoacrylate volumes used in the lauromacrogol group were significantly less than those of the lipiodol group (0.9 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 mL, P = 0.000). Eleven patients developed upper gastrointestinal rebleeding, which did not show significant difference between groups. On multivaritate analysis, portal venous thrombosis and fever were potential risk factors of rebleeding. Treatment failure, complications, gastric varices obturation, and survival did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Tissue adhesives combined with lauromacrogol is a safe therapeutic option for gastric varices, with comparably less cyanoacrylate volume used. Because of the small number of study patients, it cannot be proven to have better efficacy than without lauromacrogol. Multicenter studies with larger patient groups are necessary.
Intravenous leiomyomatosis treated with radical hysterectomy and adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Mizoguchi Chiharu , Matsumoto Harunobu , Nasu Kaei , Arakane Motoki , Kai Kentaro , Narahara Hisashi
Published: July 2016

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), a rare disease that is histologically benign but clinically aggressive, is characterized by the intraluminal growth of benign leiomyoma in the intrauterine and systemic veins. Preoperative diagnosis of IVL is difficult, because the symptoms of early stage IVL are similar to those of uterine leiomyoma. The efficacy of adjuvant hormone therapy after surgical resection of IVL remains unclear. Herein is described a case of IVL that was diagnosed preoperatively, in which successful total resection of the tumor was achieved by radical hysterectomy. The patient, a 50‐year‐old premenopausal Japanese woman, also underwent aromatase inhibitor treatment and was free of disease at 36 months after surgery. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography is suggested as the best assessment for identifying and diagnosing IVL. Radical hysterectomy can be considered a successful therapy for total resection. Aromatase inhibitor treatment may be effective, especially when the patient has not yet entered menopause.
Impact melting of the largest known enstatite meteorite: Al Haggounia 001, a fossil EL chondrite
Authors: Rubin Alan E.
Published: July 2016

Al Haggounia 001 and paired specimens (including Northwest Africa [NWA] 2828 and 7401) are part of a vesicular, incompletely melted, EL chondrite impact melt rock with a mass of ~3 metric tons. The meteorite exhibits numerous shock effects including (1) development of undulose to weak mosaic extinction in low‐Ca pyroxene; (2) dispersion of metal‐sulfide blebs within silicates causing “darkening”; (3) incomplete impact melting wherein some relict chondrules survived; (4) vaporization of troilite, resulting in S2 bubbles that infused the melt; (5) formation of immiscible silicate and metal‐sulfide melts; (6) shock‐induced transportation of the metal‐sulfide melt to distances >10 cm; (7) partial resorption of relict chondrules and coarse silicate grains by the surrounding silicate melt; (8) crystallization of enstatite in the matrix and as overgrowths on relict silicate grains and relict chondrules; (9) crystallization of plagioclase from the melt; and (10) quenching of the vesicular silicate melt. The vesicular samples lost almost all of their metal during the shock event and were less susceptible to terrestrial weathering; in contrast, the samples in which the metal melt accumulated became severely weathered. Literature data indicate the meteorite fell ~23,000 yr ago; numerous secondary phases formed during weathering. Both impact melting and weathering altered the meteorite's bulk chemical composition: e.g., impact melting and loss of a metal‐sulfide melt from NWA 2828 is responsible for bulk depletions in common siderophile elements and in Mn (from alabandite); weathering of oldhamite caused depletions in many rare earth elements; the growth of secondary phases caused enrichments in alkalis, Ga, As, Se, and Au.
The genetic architecture of local adaptation and reproductive isolation in sympatry within the Mimulus guttatus species complex
Authors: Ferris Kathleen G. , Barnett Laryssa L. , Blackman Benjamin K. , Willis John H.
Published: July 2016

The genetic architecture of local adaptation has been of central interest to evolutionary biologists since the modern synthesis. In addition to classic theory on the effect size of adaptive mutations by Fisher, Kimura and Orr, recent theory addresses the genetic architecture of local adaptation in the face of ongoing gene flow. This theory predicts that with substantial gene flow between populations local adaptation should proceed primarily through mutations of large effect or tightly linked clusters of smaller effect loci. In this study, we investigate the genetic architecture of divergence in flowering time, mating system‐related traits, and leaf shape between Mimulus laciniatus and a sympatric population of its close relative M. guttatus. These three traits are probably involved in M. laciniatus’ adaptation to a dry, exposed granite outcrop environment. Flowering time and mating system differences are also reproductive isolating barriers making them ‘magic traits’. Phenotypic hybrids in this population provide evidence of recent gene flow. Using next‐generation sequencing, we generate dense SNP markers across the genome and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in flowering time, flower size and leaf shape. We find that interspecific divergence in all three traits is due to few QTL of large effect including a highly pleiotropic QTL on chromosome 8. This QTL region contains the pleiotropic candidate gene TCP4 and is involved in ecologically important phenotypes in other Mimulus species. Our results are consistent with theory, indicating that local adaptation and reproductive isolation with gene flow should be due to few loci with large and pleiotropic effects.
Location Optimization of Road Weather Information System (RWIS) Network Considering the Needs of Winter Road Maintenance and the Traveling Public
Authors: Kwon Tae J. , Fu Liping , Melles Stephanie J.
Published: July 2016

This study presents an innovative approach to the planning of a critical highway sensor infrastructure ‐ road weather information system (RWIS). The problem is formulated to minimize the spatially averaged kriging variance of hazardous road surface conditions while maximizing the coverage of accident‐prone areas. This optimization framework takes explicit account of the value of information from an RWIS network, providing the potential to enhance the overall efficacy of winter maintenance operations and the safety of the travelers. Spatial simulated annealing is used to solve the resulting optimization problem and its performance is demonstrated using a real‐world case study from Minnesota, United States. The case study illustrates the distinct features of the proposed model, assesses the effectiveness of the current location setting, and recommends additional stations locations. The findings of our study suggest that the proposed model could become a valuable decision‐support tool for planning a new RWIS network and evaluating the performance of alternative RWIS expansion plans.
PfRH2b specific monoclonal antibodies inhibit merozoite invasion
Authors: Aniweh Yaw , Gao Xiaohong , Gunalan Karthigayan , Preiser Peter R.
Published: July 2016

Erythrocyte invasion by merozoite is a multistep process involving multiple ligand–receptor interactions. The Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte binding protein homologues (PfRHs) consists of five functional members. The differential expression of PfRHs has been linked to the utilization of different invasion pathways by the merozoites as well as a mechanism of immune evasion. PfRHs are expressed at the apical end of merozoite and form interactions with distinct red blood cell (RBC) surface receptors that are important for successful invasion. Here we show that PfRH2b undergoes processing before and during merozoite invasion. The different processed fragments bind to chymotrypsin sensitive RBC surface receptors. We also show that PfRH2b follows the merozoite tight junction during invasion. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibit merozoites invasion by blocking tight junction formation. mAbs binding to PfRH2b block merozoites intracellular Ca2+ signal necessary for EBA175 surface expression. The data suggests that a conserved function of PfRHs, where their interaction with RBC surface receptors facilitated recruitment of EBA175 and other tight junction proteins necessary for merozoite invasion by modulating merozoite intracellular Ca2+ signals.
Barriers and facilitators to opportunistic chronic kidney disease screening by general practice nurses
Authors: Sinclair Peter M , Day Jenny , Levett‐Jones Tracy , Kable Ashley
Published: July 2016

Aim

Opportunistic screening in general practice (GP) is a cost‐effective and viable approach to the early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators to CKD screening practices of GP nurses working in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

An eight‐item elicitation questionnaire informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour was administered to a convenience sample of 26 GP nurses.

Results

Participants identified that the advantages of CKD screening were its early detection and treatment, the reduction of disease burden, and the opportunity to increase awareness and provide disease prevention education. These positive attitudinal beliefs were offset by negative beliefs about the impost of opportunistic screening on nursing time, particularly when there were other competing clinical priorities. Participants reported that practice doctors were wary of the financial costs associated with additional non‐claimable services and believed that unfunded services, regardless of patient benefit, were difficult to justify in a private business environment. Screening was enabled in GP settings with existing screening protocols or initiatives, and when patients presented with known risk factors. Barriers to screening were more frequently described and illustrated a strong focus on financial aspects of GP. Without reimbursement through the Medicare Benefits Scheme, screening was not considered an economical use of nursing time. Other competing and billable clinical services took precedence.

Conclusion

The findings of this study can be used to inform the development and evaluation of interventions that target opportunistic CKD screening in the GP setting.
Liver transplantation for homozygote familial hypercholesterolemia: the only curative treatment
Authors: Alim Altan , Tokat Yaman , Erdogan Yalcin , Gokkaya Zafer , Dayangac Murat , Yuzer Yildiray , Oezcelik Arzu
Published: July 2016

FH is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by increased TC and LDL level, which leads to xanthomas, atherosclerosis, and cardiac complications even in childhood. The treatment options are diet, medical treatment, lipid apheresis, and LT. The aim of our study was to analyze our data of patients with FH. Between 2004 and 2015, there were 51 patients who underwent pediatric LT at our center. All patients with FH were identified, and the data were retrospectively analyzed. There were eight patients with homozygous FH in the median age of 10 years (IQR 6–12) who underwent LT. The median pre‐operative TC and LDL levels were 611 mg/dL (IQR: 460–844) and 574 mg/dL (IQR: 398–728) and decreased to normal levels 1 week after LT (TC: 193 mg/dL and LDL: 141 mg/dL). Two patients died two and 18 months after LT due to sudden cardiac arrest. Both patients were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease pre‐operatively. The LT is the only curative treatment for this disease. To achieve an excellent outcome, it should be performed before the development of cardiovascular disease, because the regression of severe cardiovascular disease after transplantation is limited.
Distributionally Robust Optimization of Two‐Stage Lot‐Sizing Problems
Authors: Zhang Yuli , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max , Song Shiji
Published: July 2016

This paper studies two‐stage lot‐sizing problems with uncertain demand, where lost sales, backlogging and no backlogging are all considered. To handle the ambiguity in the probability distribution of demand, distributionally robust models are established only based on mean‐covariance information about the distribution. Based on shortest path reformulations of lot‐sizing problems, we prove that robust solutions can be obtained by solving mixed 0‐1 conic quadratic programs (CQPs) with mean‐risk objective functions. An exact parametric optimization method is proposed by further reformulating the mixed 0‐1 CQPs as single‐parameter quadratic shortest path problems. Rather than enumerating all potential values of the parameter, which may be the super‐polynomial in the number of decision variables, we propose a branch‐and‐bound‐based interval search method to find the optimal parameter value. Polynomial time algorithms for parametric subproblems with both uncorrelated and partially correlated demand distributions are proposed. Computational results show that the proposed models greatly reduce the system cost variation at the cost of a relative smaller increase in expected system cost, and the proposed parametric optimization method is much more efficient than the CPLEX solver.
Foreign Aid, Incentives and Efficiency: Can Foreign Aid Lead to the Efficient Level of Investment?
Authors: Kumar Alok
Published: July 2016

This paper develops a two‐period model in which the recipient faces borrowing constraint and the donor is a Stackelberg follower to address two important policy questions: (i) whether foreign aid can lead to the efficient level of capital investment in the recipient country and (ii) how does the form (e.g. budgetary transfers, capital transfer) and the timing of aid affect the recipient's financial savings and capital investment. It finds that the disincentive effect of the capital transfer on the capital investment by the recipient is larger than the budgetary transfers. It makes financial savings more attractive relative to the capital investment for the recipient. In the absence of capital transfer, the multi‐period budgetary transfers not only lead to the efficient level of capital investment by the recipient, but also achieve the same allocation as under commitment. The capital transfer can lead to the efficient level of capital investment, but in this case, it completely crowds out the recipient's own capital investment.
The importance of SERINE DECARBOXYLASE1 (SDC1) and ethanolamine biosynthesis during embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yunus Ian Sofian , Liu Yu‐chi , Nakamura Yuki
Published: July 2016

In plants, ethanolamine is considered a precursor for the synthesis of choline, which is an essential dietary nutrient for animals. An enzyme serine decarboxylase (SDC) has been identified and characterized in Arabidopsis, which directly converts serine to ethanolamine, a precursor to phosphorylethanolamine and its subsequent metabolites in plants. However, the importance of SDC and ethanolamine production in plant growth and development remains unclear. Here, we show that SDC is required for ethanolamine biosynthesis in vivo and essential in plant embryogenesis in Arabidopsis. The knockout of SDC1 caused an embryonic lethal defect due to the developmental arrest of the embryos at the heart stage. During embryo development, the expression was observed at the later stages, at which developmental defect occurred in the knockout mutant. Overexpression of SDC1 in planta increased levels of ethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine both in leaves and siliques. These results suggest that SDC1 plays an essential role in ethanolamine biosynthesis during the embryogenesis in Arabidopsis.
EX VIVO COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF MORPHOLOGY VARIATIONS IN EQUINE CERVICAL VERTEBRAE
Authors: Veraa Stefanie , Bergmann Wilhelmina , van den Belt Antoon‐Jan , Wijnberg Inge , Back Willem
Published: July 2016

Diagnostic imaging is one of the pillars in the clinical workup of horses with clinical signs of cervical spinal disease. An improved awareness of morphologic variations in equine cervical vertebrae would be helpful for interpreting findings. The aim of this anatomic study was to describe CT variations in left–right symmetry and morphology of the cervical and cervicothoracic vertebrae in a sample of horses. Postmortem CT examinations of the cervical spine for horses without congenital growth disorders were prospectively and retrospectively recruited. A total of 78 horses (27 foals, 51 mature horses) were evaluated. Twenty‐six horses (33.3%) had homologous changes in which a transposition of the caudal part of the transverse process (caudal ventral tubercle) of C6 toward the ventral aspect of the transverse process of C7 was present (n = 10 bilateral, n = 12 unilateral left‐sided, n = 4 unilateral right‐sided). There was one horse with occipito‐atlantal malformation, two horses with rudimentary first ribs bilaterally, and one horse with bilateral transverse processes at Th1, representing homeotic (transitional) vertebral changes. Chi‐square tests identified no significant differences in the number of conformational variations between the group of mature horses with or without clinical signs (P = 0.81) or between the group of mature horses and the group of foals (P = 0.72). Findings indicated that, in this sample of horses, the most frequently identified variations were homologous variations (transposition of the caudal part of the transverse process of C6–C7) in the caudal equine cervical vertebral column. Homeotic (transitional) variations at the cervicothoracic vertebral column were less common.
Spatial and numerical analysis of the parameters influencing potential for potable water savings made using rainwater harvesting: case of the Paris agglomeration
Authors: Belmeziti Ali , Gouvello Bernard de
Published: July 2016

The quantity of Potential for Potable Water Savings (PPWS) made using rainwater harvesting differs between municipalities within the same region. Three main parameters contribute to this difference: roof area, the number of inhabitants and rainwater use scenarios. This article proposes a spatial and numerical analysis of how these parameters influence PPWS across municipalities in the Paris agglomeration. A comparison between the location of the municipalities, the PPWS value and the values for the previous parameters was used to understand the observed difference. The spatial analysis shows that municipalities (districts) in the Paris have the highest PPWS values, on the contrary, the peripheral municipalities in the outer suburbs have the lowest PPWS values and the results for the intermediary municipalities—in the inner suburbs—are contrasting. The numerical analysis demonstrates a strong correlation between the main parameters influencing the PPWS value; where a high value for the “roof area” means a high value for the “number of inhabitants” and a good mix of rainwater “use scenarios,” and vice‐versa. In conclusion, the planning and design of the municipality—building density, types of buildings, number of inhabitants, the city's vocation—are key factors in defining the level of PPWS made using rainwater harvesting.
Fair Value Accounting on the Housing Crisis
Authors: Jr Phillip Neely , Muhammad Ray
Published: July 2016

The circumstances which led to the development of each of these methods of accounting will be examined to better understand the context in which each technique was to be incorporated and its effect. Analysis will be performed on whether the use of these accounting practices changed since their inception and if so, for what purpose. The researcher will discuss how and if these accounting procedures become instrumental in relation to the valuation of housing assets, particularly in America. As a result of the financial crisis, some experts have expressed the opinion that Fair Value Accounting as opposed to the historical cost approach exacerbated the housing crisis while others have developed opinions that Fair Value Accounting had no negative affect on the crisis and in fact allowed for greater transparency in disclosure. The finding will analyze the effect of Fair Value Accounting on the housing crisis and whether the historical cost valuation method would be more effective and less subject to risk in home asset valuation by bank holding companies. Research findings will determine which method is most effective and whether an alternate model of valuation would provide a more reliable accounting practice for the housing market.
Quivers with loops and generalized crystals
Authors: Bozec Tristan
Published: July 2016

In the context of varieties of representations of arbitrary quivers, possibly carrying loops, we define a generalization of Lusztig Lagrangian subvarieties. From the combinatorial study of their irreducible components arises a structure richer than the usual Kashiwara crystals. Along with the geometric study of Nakajima quiver varieties, in the same context, this yields a notion of generalized crystals, coming with a tensor product. As an application, we define the semicanonical basis of the Hopf algebra generalizing quantum groups, which was already equipped with a canonical basis. The irreducible components of the Nakajima varieties provide the family of highest weight crystals associated to dominant weights, as in the classical case.