bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fulminant liver failure resulting from massive hepatic infarction associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome
Authors: Yoshihara Masato , Mayama Michinori , Ukai Mayu , Tano Sho , Kishigami Yasuyuki , Oguchi Hidenori
Published: June 2016

Hepatic infarction is an extremely rare and fatal complication associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. It can develop into fulminant liver failure, which increases both maternal and neonatal mortality rates. A 34‐year‐old woman with no remarkable past medical history developed eclampsia after delivery at 40 weeks of gestation. Imaging indicated massive hepatic infarction and rupture followed by cardiac arrest and fulminant liver failure. Despite liver replacement therapy with plasma exchange and continuous hemodiafiltration, the patient gradually deteriorated with persistent bacterial infection until death at 98 days after delivery. The management of fulminant liver failure complicated with HELLP syndrome should be multidisciplinary. Liver transplantation, the only radical treatment for fulminant liver failure, is worth attempting, if applicable.
The Many Faces of Cerebral Developmental Venous Anomaly and Its Mimicks: Spectrum of Imaging Findings
Authors: Nabavizadeh Seyed Ali , Mamourian Alexander C. , Vossough Arastoo , Loevner Laurie A. , Hurst Robert
Published: June 2016

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are the most common cerebral vascular malformations and are usually found incidentally on neuroimaging studies. Despite the benign nature of DVAs, occasionally, they can be symptomatic. The objective of this article is to review the spectrum of imaging findings of DVAs on conventional and advanced imaging studies. In addition, neuroimaging findings of symptomatic DVAs as well as imaging mimicks will also be described to assist in the approach to differential diagnosis.
Induction of apoptosis in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells via p53 activation by a novel small-molecule MDM2 inhibitor – LQFM030
Authors: da Mota Mariana F , Cortez Alane P , Benfica Polyana L , Rodrigues Bruna dos S , Castro Thalyta F , Macedo Larissa M , Castro Carlos H , Lião Luciano M , de Carvalho Flávio S , Romeiro Luiz A S , Menegatti Ricardo , Verli Hugo , Villavicencio Bianca , Valadares Marize C
Published: June 2016

Objective

The activation of the p53 pathway through the inhibition of MDM2 has been proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy against tumours. A series of cis-imidazoline analogues, termed nutlins, were reported to displace the recombinant p53 protein from its complex with MDM2 by binding to MDM2 in the p53 pocket, and exhibited an antitumour activity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumour properties of LQFM030 (2), a nutlin analogue created by employing the strategy of molecular simplification.

Methods

LQFM030 (2) cytotoxicity was evaluated in Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) cells, p53 wild type, by the trypan blue exclusion test, and the mechanisms involved in EAT cell death were investigated by light and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Key findings

Our results demonstrate that LQFM030 has dose-dependent antiproliferative activity and cytotoxic activity on EAT cells, induces the accumulation of p53 protein and promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. p53 gene transcription was unaffected by LQFM030 (2); however, MDM2 mRNA increased and MDM2 protein decreased.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the small-molecule p53 activator LQFM030 (2) has the potential for further development as a novel cancer therapeutic agent.
L503F variant of carnitine/organic cation transporter 1 efficiently transports metformin and other biguanides
Authors: Futatsugi Azusa , Masuo Yusuke , Kawabata Shiori , Nakamichi Noritaka , Kato Yukio
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Carnitine/organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1) is involved in gastrointestinal absorption and mitochondrial toxicity of biguanides in rodents, but its pharmacokinetic roles in humans are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the transport activities of two major OCTN1 variants, L503F and I306T, for gabapentin and three biguanide drugs, metformin, buformin and phenformin.

Methods

HEK293 cells were transfected with OCTN1 gene, its variants, or vector alone, and the uptake and cytotoxicity of each drug were examined.

Key findings

Buformin was identified to be an OCTN1 substrate. Uptake of biguanides, especially metformin, mediated by OCTN1 variant L503F, which is commonly found in Caucasians, was much higher than that by the wild-type transporter (WT-OCTN1). Cytotoxicity of metformin was also greater in HEK293 cells expressing the L503F variant, compared with WT-OCTN1. Uptake of gabapentin mediated by OCTN1 variant I306T, which is commonly found in both Asians and Caucasians, was lower than that by WT-OCTN1, although uptake of the typical OCTN1 substrate ergothioneine was similar.

Conclusion

Organic cation transporter 1 variant L503F transports biguanides, especially metformin, more efficiently than WT-OCTN1, whereas the I306T variant transports gabapentin less efficiently than WT-OCTN1, suggesting that the common OCTN1 variants may alter pharmacokinetics of these drugs.
The Social Context of Organized Nonbelief: County‐Level Predictors of Nonbeliever Organizations in the United States
Authors: García Alfredo , Blankholm Joseph
Published: June 2016

Many recent social scientific studies have noted that the percentage of Americans with no religious affiliation is on the rise, but few have examined the nonbelieverorganizationsthat some of these “nones” might join. This study uses an original data set, the first attempt at documenting the population of local nonbeliever organizations in the United States, to explore where these groups are more likely to flourish. Though one might assume that less religious counties, as measured by the percentage of those with no stated religious affiliation, would be more likely to contain nonbeliever organizations, this article provides evidence that they emerge more frequently and in greater numbers in counties with proportionally more evangelical Protestants. The percentage of evangelicals among a county's population is strongly associated with both the existence (dichotomously coded) and the number of nonbeliever organizations, even when controlling for a range of demographic and institutional factors.
Assessing the factors influencing natural regeneration patterns in the diverse, multi‐cohort, and managed forests of Maine,USA
Authors: Bose Arun K. , Weiskittel Aaron , Wagner Robert G. , Kuehne Christian
Published: June 2016

Questions

What are the primary biotic and abiotic factors driving composition and abundance of naturally regenerated tree seedlings across forest landscapes of Maine? Do seedling species richness (SR) and density (SD) decrease with improved growing conditions (climate and soil), but increase with increased diversity of overstorey composition and structure? Does partial harvesting disproportionately favour relative dominance of shade‐intolerant hardwoods (PIHD) over shade‐tolerant softwoods (PTSD)?

Location

Forest landscapes across the diverse eco‐regions and forest types of Maine,USA.

Methods

This study usedUSDAForest Service Forest Inventory Analysis permanent plots (n = 10 842), measured every 5 yr since 1999. The best models for each response variable (SR,SD,PIHDandPTSD) were developed based onAICand biological interpretability, while considering 35 potential explanatory variables incorporating climate, soil, site productivity, overstorey structure and composition, and past harvesting.

Results

Mean annual temperature was the most important abiotic factor, whereas overstorey tree size diversity was the most important biotic factor forSRandSD. Both mean annual temperature and overstorey tree size diversity had a curvilinear relationship withSRandSD. Average overstorey shade tolerance and percentage tolerant softwood basal area in the overstorey were the top predictor variables ofPIHDandPTSD,respectively. Partial harvesting favouredPIHDbut notPTSD.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to comprehensively evaluate a number of factors influencing naturally established tree seedlings at a broad landscape scale in the Northern Forest region of the easternUSAand Canada. Despite limitations associated with relatively small plot size, large seedling size class and lack of direct measurements of light, water and nutrients, this study documents the influence of these factors amid high variability associated with patterns of natural regeneration. The curvilinear relationship between mean annual temperature withSRandSDsupports the argument that species richness and abundance usually have unimodal relationships with productivity indicators, whereas the curvilinear relationship between overstorey tree size diversity andSRandSDsuggest that moderate overstorey diversity incorporates multiple species as well as higher seedling individuals.
Biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments reveal the mechanisms underlying the consequences of biodiversity change in real world ecosystems
Authors: Eisenhauer Nico , Barnes Andrew D. , Cesarz Simone , Craven Dylan , Ferlian Olga , Gottschall Felix , Hines Jes , Sendek Agnieszka , Siebert Julia , Thakur Madhav P. , Türke Manfred
Published: June 2016

In a recent Forum paper, Wardle (Journal of Vegetation Science, 2016) questions the value of biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) experiments with respect to their implications for biodiversity changes in real world communities. The main criticism is that the previous focus of BEF experiments on random species assemblages within each level of diversity has ‘limited the understanding of how natural communities respond to biodiversity loss.’ He concludes that a broader spectrum of approaches considering both non‐random gains and losses of diversity is essential to advance this field of research. Wardle's paper is timely because of recent observations of frequent local and regional biodiversity changes across ecosystems. While we appreciate that new and complementary experimental approaches are required for advancing the field, we question criticisms regarding the validity of BEF experiments. Therefore, we respond by briefly reiterating previous arguments emphasizing the reasoning behind random species composition in BEF experiments. We describe how BEF experiments have identified important mechanisms that play a role in real world ecosystems, advancing our understanding of ecosystem responses to species gains and losses. We discuss recent examples where theory derived from BEF experiments enriched our understanding of the consequences of biodiversity changes in real world ecosystems and where comprehensive analyses and integrative modelling approaches confirmed patterns found in BEF experiments. Finally, we provide some promising directions in BEF research.
Captive Breeding of Threatened African Carp, Labeo victorianus, of Lake Victoria
Authors: Kembenya Elijah M. , Marcial Helen S. , Outa Nicholas O. , Sakakura Yoshitaka , Hagiwara Atsushi
Published: June 2016

African carp, Labeo victorianus, is one of the threatened endemic fishes of Lake Victoria which requires conservation and has potential for aquaculture. We conducted a series of experiments on L. victorianus aiming at producing juveniles for both human consumption and stock enhancement. A total of 79 broodstock (mean body weight = 227.06 g) were collected from the wild; packed at 200, 300, and 500 g/L; and transported by road for 7 h. All fish survived during transportation whereas dissolved oxygen decreased and total ammonia nitrogen increased significantly after transport. Females produced 46,702–86,712 eggs (mean = 68,189 ± 2397) and fecundity was highly correlated with the fish body size (R2 = 0.96). Only males re‐spawned in captivity while females did not. At 28 C, females spawned 11–12 h after pairing with males. Larvae can either be fed with formulated diet or natural zooplankton. Juveniles (mean length = 36.7 mm; mean body weight = 0.46 g) can be packed as high as 60 fish/L and transported by road for 12 h with low mortality (2.7–10.3%). These results show that captive breeding of L. victorianus can be a good strategy to produce juveniles to boost wild population as well as a source of seeds for culture.
The barley (Hordeum vulgare) cellulose synthase‐like D2 gene (HvCslD2) mediates penetration resistance to host‐adapted and nonhost isolates of the powdery mildew fungus
Authors: Douchkov Dimitar , Lueck Stefanie , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Rajaraman Jeyaraman , Johrde Annika , Doblin Monika S. , Beahan Cherie T. , Kopischke Michaela , Fuchs René , Lipka Volker , Niks Rients E. , Bulone Vincent , Chowdhury Jamil , Little Alan , Burton Rachel A. , Bacic Antony , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Schweizer Patrick
Published: June 2016

Cell walls and cellular turgor pressure shape and suspend the bodies of all vascular plants. In response to attack by fungal and oomycete pathogens, which usually breach their host's cell walls by mechanical force or by secreting lytic enzymes, plants often form local cell wall appositions (papillae) as an important first line of defence. The involvement of cell wall biosynthetic enzymes in the formation of these papillae is still poorly understood, especially in cereal crops.

To investigate the role in plant defence of a candidate gene from barley (Hordeum vulgare) encoding cellulose synthase‐like D2 (HvCslD2), we generated transgenic barley plants in which HvCslD2 was silenced through RNA interference (RNAi).

The transgenic plants showed no growth defects but their papillae were more successfully penetrated by host‐adapted, virulent as well as avirulent nonhost isolates of the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis. Papilla penetration was associated with lower contents of cellulose in epidermal cell walls and increased digestion by fungal cell wall degrading enzymes.

The results suggest that HvCslD2‐mediated cell wall changes in the epidermal layer represent an important defence reaction both for nonhost and for quantitative host resistance against nonadapted wheat and host‐adapted barley powdery mildew pathogens, respectively.
Macrophages and inflammatory mediators in pulmonary injury induced by mustard vesicants
Authors: Malaviya Rama , Sunil Vasanthi R. , Venosa Alessandro , Vayas Kinal N. , Businaro Rita , Heck Diane E. , Laskin Jeffrey D. , Laskin Debra L.
Published: June 2016

Sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are cytotoxic alkylating agents that cause severe and progressive injury to the respiratory tract, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that macrophages and the inflammatory mediators they release play roles in both acute and long‐term pulmonary injuries caused by mustards. In this article, we review the pathogenic effects of SM and NM on the respiratory tract and potential inflammatory mechanisms contributing to this activity.
Olfactory and visual plant cues as drivers of selective herbivory
Authors: Stutz Rebecca S. , Croak Benjamin M. , Proschogo Nicholas , Banks Peter B. , McArthur Clare
Published: June 2016

Food quality is an important consideration in the foraging strategy of all animals, including herbivores. Those that can detect and assess the nutritional value of plants from afar, using senses such as smell and sight, can forage more efficiently than those that must assess food quality by taste alone. Selective foraging not only affects herbivore fitness but can influence the structure and composition of plant communities, yet little is known about how olfactory and visual cues help herbivores to find preferred plants. We tested the ability of a free‐ranging, generalist mammalian browser, the swamp wallaby Wallabia bicolor, to use olfactory and visual plant cues to find and/or browse differentially on Eucalyptus pilularis seedlings grown under different nutrient conditions. Low‐nutrient seedlings differed from high‐nutrient seedlings, having lighter coloured leaves, red stems and lower biomass and nitrogen content. In the absence of visual cues, wallabies used odour to differentiate vials containing cut seedlings. They visited and investigated patches with high‐nutrient seedling odour most, followed by patches with low‐nutrient seedling odour, and patches with no added odour least. However, when visual and olfactory cues of seedlings were present, wallabies reversed their foraging response and were more likely to browse low‐ than high‐nutrient seedlings. This browsing difference, in turn, disappeared when long‐range visual cues were reduced by pinning seedlings horizontal to the ground. We suggest that visual cues overrode the effects of olfactory cues on browsing patterns of intact seedlings. Our study shows that herbivores can respond to odours of higher nutrient plants but in ecologically realistic scenarios they use a variety of visual and olfactory cues, with a context‐dependent outcome that is not always selection of high nutrient food. Our results demonstrate the importance of testing the sensory abilities of herbivores in realistic multi‐sensory settings to understand their function in selective foraging.
Age of onset of myopia predicts risk of high myopia in later childhood in myopic Singapore children
Authors: Chua Sharon Y. L. , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheung Yin‐Bun , Chia Audrey , Valenzuela Robert K. , Tan Donald , Wong Tien‐Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Saw Seang‐Mei
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To investigate the effect of age of myopia onset on the severity of myopia later in life among myopic children.

Methods

In this prospective study, school children aged 7–9 years from the Singapore Cohort Of the Risk factors for Myopia (SCORM) were followed up till 11 years (n = 928). Age of myopia onset was defined either through questionnaire at baseline (age 7–9 years) or subsequent annual follow‐up visits. Age of onset of myopia was a surrogate indicator of duration of myopia progression till age 11 years. Cycloplegic refraction and axial length were measured at every annual eye examination. High myopia was defined as spherical equivalent of ≤−5.0 D. A questionnaire determined the other risk factors.

Results

In multivariable regression models, younger age of myopia onset (per year decrease) or longer duration of myopia progression was associated with high myopia (odds ratio (OR) = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.39 to 3.43), more myopic spherical equivalent (regression coefficient (β) = −0.86 D; 95% CI: −0.93 to −0.80) and longer axial length (β = 0.28 mm; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.32) at aged 11 years, after adjusting for gender, race, school, books per week and parental myopia. In Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analyses, age of myopia onset alone predicted high myopia by 85% (area under the curve = 0.85), while the addition of other factors including gender, race, school, books per week and parental myopia only marginally improved this prediction (area under the curve = 0.87).

Conclusions

Age of myopia onset or duration of myopia progression was the most important predictor of high myopia in later childhood in myopic children. Future trials to retard the progression of myopia to high myopia could focus on children with younger age of myopia onset or with longer duration of myopia progression.
The use of conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a biomarker of time spent outdoors
Authors: Kearney Stephanie , O'Donoghue Lisa , Pourshahidi L. Kirsty , Richardson Patrick M. , Saunders Kathryn J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) has been used in previous Southern Hemisphere myopia research as a marker for time spent outdoors. The validity of CUVAF as an indicator of time spent outdoors is yet to be explored in the Northern Hemisphere. It is unclear if CUVAF represents damage attributed to UV exposure or dry eye. This cross‐sectional study investigated the association between CUVAF measures, self‐reported time spent outdoors and measures of dry eye.

Methods

Participants were recruited from University staff and students (n = 50, 19–64 years; mean 41). None were using topical ocular medications (with the exception of dry eye treatments). Sun exposure and dry eye questionnaires (Ocular Surface Disease Index and McMonnies) were completed by the participant. Dryness was also assessed using slit lamp biomicroscopy and invasive tear break up time. Images of the temporal and nasal conjunctiva from the right and left eye were captured using a bespoke photography system. The total CUVAF area, average CUVAF pixel intensity per mm2 and total CUVAF pixel intensity were analysed using MATLAB R2013a (The MathWorks Inc).

Results

Of the 50 participants, 42% were classified as having dry eye. Self‐reported sunglasses use was negatively associated with all CUVAF measures (Kruskal Wallis total CUVAF area, p = 0.04, ptrend = 0.03, average CUVAF pixel intensity p = 0.02, ptrend = 0.02, total CUVAF pixel intensity: p = 0.04, ptrend = 0.02). Time spent outdoors was positively associated with all CUVAF measures (Spearman's correlation coefficients, total CUVAF area: r = 0.37, p = 0.01, average CUVAF pixel intensity: r = 0.36, p = 0.01, total CUVAF pixel intensity: r = 0.37, p = 0.01) and remained significant when sunglasses use was controlled for (partial correlation, total CUVAF area: r = 0.32, p = 0.03, average CUVAF pixel intensity: r = 0.39, p = 0.01, total CUVAF pixel intensity: r = 0.39, p = 0.03). Neither CUVAF area nor intensity measures were associated with any dry eye measure (Ocular Surface Disease Index: all p ≥ 0.41, corneal staining: all p ≥ 0.38, McMonnies: all r ≤ 0.09 all p ≥ 0.52, slit lamp biomicroscopy: all r ≤ 0.20 all p ≥ 0.17, invasive tear break up time: all r ≤ −0.07 all p ≥ 0.31).

Conclusions

CUVAF area and intensity were not associated with clinical measures of dry eye. Greater CUVAF area and intensity were associated with wearing sunglasses less frequently and spending more time outdoors. If sunglass wear is accounted for, CUVAF may be a useful biomarker of time spent outdoors in future myopia studies.
Mormon crickets maximize nutrient intake at the expense of immunity
Authors: Srygley Robert B.
Published: June 2016

Carbohydrates and protein comprise two of the major macronutrients and many animals regulate their dietary intake of both. In the field, the carbohydrate (C) to protein (P) intake of Mormon crickets Anabrus simplex Haldeman (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is indicative of a nutritional imbalance affecting both migration and immunity. In the present study, dietary choice experiments in the laboratory are used to investigate the preferences of Mormon cricket nymphs and adults for C and P. Diets of differing C : P ratios and amounts are presented in pairs to permit Mormon crickets to reach an intake target of C : P from four unique starting points. After the last pair of diets is removed, phenoloxidase (PO) and anti‐bacterial activity are assayed. Both males and females at the adult and nymphal stages show a strong preference for the diet richest in macronutrients, with an equal preference for C or P. When given a choice between a high C diet or a high P diet, Mormon crickets select both at random, balancing their daily intake of C and P. Weight gain is dependent on the mass of P consumed, with a conversion factor greater than four times that of C consumed. As predicted, Mormon cricket nymphs and adults that consume more P have higher titres of total phenoloxidase and, in addition, lysozyme‐like anti‐bacterial activity is independent of dietary treatment. In nature, omnivores might consume an excess of one macronutrient because they often find the other through active searching of their local habitat. However, environmental change and interspecific or intraspecific competition can challenge the ability of an organism to encounter the required nutrients on a local scale, contributing to long‐distance migratory behaviours.
Physiological state influences the antennal response of Anastrepha obliqua to male and host volatiles
Authors: Reyes Humberto , Malo Edi A. , Toledo Jorge , Cruz‐Esteban Samuel , Rojas Julio C.
Published: June 2016

The sexual and host‐related behaviours of the fruit fly Anastrepha obliqua Macquart (Diptera: Tephritidae) are mediated by volatile compounds. However, whether the physiological state of this species affects its antennal and behavioural responses to semiochemicals is unknown. The effects of age, mating status, diet and the topical application of methoprene, a Juvenile hormone analogue (JHA), on the antennal sensitivity of this tephritid fruit fly species to selected male [(Z)‐3‐nonenol] and host fruit volatiles (ethyl benzoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butyrate and trans‐β‐ocimene) are investigated using electroantennography (EAG). Overall, (Z)‐3‐nonenol and ethyl benzoate elicit the highest EAG responses in both sexes. Flies of both sexes aged 1, 5 and 10 days old show higher EAG responses to the tested compounds compared with flies aged 20 days old. Virgin females and males show higher EAG responses to volatile compounds than mated flies. Females and males fed with sugar plus protein show higher antennal responses to volatiles compared with flies fed sugar or protein alone. Flies of both sexes treated with methoprene show higher antennal responses than flies treated with acetone (control). These results suggest that the peripheral olfactory system in A. obliqua is modulated by the physiological state of the flies.
Narrow‐band UVB phototherapy and psoralen–ultraviolet A photochemotherapy in the treatment of cutaneous mastocytosis: a study in 20 patients
Authors: Brazzelli Valeria , Grassi Sara , Merante Serena , Grasso Vincenzo , Ciccocioppo Rachele , Bossi Grazia , Borroni Giovanni
Published: June 2016

Background

In mastocytosis, the skin is almost invariably involved, and cutaneous symptoms deeply affect patients' quality of life.

Methods

A retrospective observational analysis of patients affected by cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) and indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) treated with phototherapy/photochemotherapy (PUVA or NB‐UVB) has been conducted. For each patient, total numbers of PUVA or NB‐UVB exposures, the cumulative UV dose (J/cm2), serum tryptase profile, and pruritus, before and after treatment, according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) were considered. Skin lesions of each patient were assessed, before and after treatment, according to a cutaneous scale score.

Results

Twenty patients affected by CM and ISM were studied; in particular, 10 patients received NB‐UVB therapy, and other 10 patients received PUVA. A statistically significant mean reduction of pruritus in both groups (P < 0.01) was observed. The number of treatments necessary to obtain symptom relief was significantly lower in the PUVA group, but the mean exposure dose was significantly higher, if compared to the NB‐UVB group. Serum tryptase levels showed a downward trend. The cutaneous score improved in both groups.

Limitations

This study was a retrospective study with a small sample size and without a control group.

Conclusion

This work provides evidence that both NB‐UVB and PUVA represent a safe and useful second‐line therapy of the cutaneous symptoms in mastocytosis.
Pyrodiversity—why managing fire in food webs is relevant to restoration ecology
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S. , Legge Sarah
Published: June 2016

The manipulation of landscape fire to maintain biodiverse, self‐sustaining ecosystems in flammable landscapes is rarely considered by restoration ecologists. Fire regimes can interact with ecological processes, food webs, and biodiversity in complex ways (here called pyrodiversity) and understanding these complexities could be used to promote restoration and resilience. We illustrate this using an example from northern Australia. Understanding and using pyrodiversity in ecological restoration programs will be intellectually and financially challenging. In Australia, the considerable technical and financial resources of the mining industry could support such restoration programs, yet redirecting these resources from the current narrow focus on restoring native vegetation cover at the mine‐affected site requires overcoming entrenched attitudes among policymakers and restoration ecologists.
Ore Genesis of the Lunwei Granite‐Related Scheelite Deposit in the Wuyi Metallogenic Belt, Southeast China: Constraints from Geochronology, Fluid Inclusions, and H–O–S Isotopes
Authors: Wang Hui , Feng Chengyou , Zhao Yiming , Zhang Mingyu , Chen Runsheng , Chen Jinliang
Published: June 2016

A granite‐related scheelite deposit has been recently discovered in the Wuyi metallogenic belt of southeast China. The veinlet–disseminated scheelite occurs mainly in the inner and outer contact zones of the porphyritic biotite granite, spatially associated with potassic feldspathization and silicification. Re–Os dating of molybdenite intergrowths with scheelite yield a well‐constrained isochron age of 170.4 ± 1.2 Ma, coeval with the LA–MC–ICP–MS concordant zircon age of porphyritic biotite granite (167.6 ± 2.2 Ma), indicating that the Lunwei W deposit was formed in the Middle Jurassic (~170 Ma). We identify three stages of ore formation (from early to late): (I) the quartz–K‐feldspar–scheelite stage; (II) the quartz–polymetallic sulfide stage; and (III) the quartz–carbonate stage. Based on petrographic observations and microthermometric criteria, the fluid inclusions in the scheelite and quartz are determined to be mainly aqueous two‐phase (liquid‐rich and gas‐rich) fluid inclusions, with minor gas‐pure and CO2‐bearing fluid inclusions. Ore‐forming fluids in the Lunwei W deposit show a successive decrease in temperature and salinity from Stage I to Stage III. The homogenization temperature decreases from an average of 299 °C in Stage I, through 251 °C in Stage II, to 212 °C in Stage III, with a corresponding change in salinity from an average of 5.8 wt.%, through 5.2 wt.%, to 3.4 wt.%. The ore‐forming fluids have intermediate to low temperatures and low salinities, belonging to the H2O–NaCl ± CO2 system. The δ18OH2O values vary from 1.8‰ to 3.3‰, and the δDV‐SMOW values vary from –66‰ to –76‰, suggesting that the ore‐forming fluid was primarily of magmatic water mixed with various amounts of meteoric water. Sulfur isotope compositions of sulfides (δ34S ranging from –1.1‰ to +2.4‰) and Re contents in molybdenite (1.45–19.25 µg/g, mean of 8.97 µg/g) indicate that the ore‐forming materials originated mainly in the crust. The primary mechanism for mineral deposition in the Lunwei W deposit was a decrease in temperature and the mixing of magmatic and meteoric water. The Lunwei deposit can be classified as a porphyry‐type scheelite deposit and is a product of widespread tungsten mineralization in South China. We summarize the geological characteristics of typical W deposits (the Xingluokeng, Shangfang, and Lunwei deposits) in the Wuyi metallogenic belt and suggest that porphyry and skarn scheelite deposits should be considered the principal exploration targets in this area.
Randomization-based Instrumental Variables methods for Binary outcomes with an Application to the ‘IMPROVE’ trial
Authors: Keele Luke , Small Dylan , Grieve Richard
Published: June 2016

In randomized controlled trials with non-adherence, instrumental variable (IV) methods are frequently used to report the complier average causal effect. With binary outcomes, many of the available IV estimation methods impose distributional assumptions. We develop a randomization-inference-based method of IV estimation for binary outcomes. The method is non-parametric and is based on Fisher's exact test, and estimates can be easily calculated from a set of 2×2 or 2×2×2 tables. Although we retain the standard IV identification assumptions for confidence regions and point estimates, the IV estimand under randomization inference is sample specific and does not assume that the randomized controlled trials participants are a random sample from the target population. We illustrate the method with the ‘IMPROVE’ trial that compares emergency endovascular versus open surgical repair for patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms.
A hybrid approach to modeling territorial control in violent armed conflicts
Authors: Tao Ran , Strandow Daniel , Findley Michael , Thill Jean‐Claude , Walsh James
Published: June 2016

Territorial control is central to the understanding of violent armed conflicts, yet reliable and valid measures of this concept do not exist. We argue that geospatial analysis provides an important perspective to measure the concept. In particular, measuring territorial control can be seen as an application of calculating service areas around points of control. The modeling challenge is acute for areas with limited road infrastructure, where no complete network is available to perform the analysis, and movements largely occur off road. We present a new geospatial approach that applies network analysis on a hybrid transportation network with both actual road data and hexagon‐fishnet‐based artificial road data representing on‐road and off‐road movements, respectively. Movement speed or restriction can be readily adjusted using various input data. Simulating off‐road movement with hexagon‐fishnet‐based artificial road data has a number of advantages including scalability to small or large study areas and flexibility to allow all‐directional travel. We apply this method to measuring territorial control of armed groups in Sub‐Saharan Africa where inferior transport infrastructure is the norm. Based on the Uppsala Conflict Data Program's (UCDP) Georeferenced Event Data (GED) as well as spatial data on terrain, population locations, and limited transportation networks, we enhance the delineation of the specific areas directly controlled by each warring party during civil wars within a given travel time.
Crowdsensing smart ambient environments and services
Authors: Regalia Blake , McKenzie Grant , Gao Song , Janowicz Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

Whether it be Smart Cities, Ambient Intelligence, or the Internet of Things, current visions for future urban spaces share a common core, namely the increasing role of distributed sensor networks and the on‐demand integration of their data to power real‐time services and analytics. Some of the greatest hurdles to implementing these visions include security risks, user privacy, scalability, the integration of heterogeneous data, and financial cost. In this work, we propose a crowdsensing mobile‐device platform that empowers citizens to collect and share information about their surrounding environment via embedded sensor technologies. This approach allows a variety of urban areas (e.g., university campuses, shopping malls, city centers, suburbs) to become equipped with a free ad‐hoc sensor network without depending on proprietary instrumentation. We present a framework, namely the GeoTracer application, as a proof‐of‐concept to conduct multiple experiments simulating use‐case scenarios on a university campus. First, we demonstrate that ambient sensors (e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity, magnetism, illuminance, and audio) can help determine a change in environment (e.g. moving from indoors to outdoors, or floor changes inside buildings) more accurately than typical positioning technologies (e.g. global navigation satellite system, Wi‐Fi, etc.). Furthermore, each of these sensors contributes a different amount of data to detecting events. for example, illuminance has the highest information gain when trying to detect changes between indoors and outdoors. Second, we show that through this platform it is possible to detect and differentiate place types on a university campus based on inferences made through ambient sensors. Lastly, we train classifiers to determine the activities that a place can afford at different times (e.g. good for studying or not, basketball courts in use or empty) based on sensor‐driven semantic signatures.
Map algebra based analysis for directed flow networks
Authors: She Jiangfeng , Li Xingong
Published: June 2016

Based on the concept of map algebra, this research developed a network neighborhood analysis framework for directed flow networks. The analysis framework has two components: the first component defines how neighborhoods are delineated on networks and the second component calculates various statistics within the neighborhoods. The power and value of the analysis framework lie in its capability to delineate versatile network neighborhoods and its flexibility in calculating various statistics within the neighborhoods. It extends the raster map algebra to networks and provides a consistent analysis framework for the raster, vector, and network data models. Using a small section of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) networks, a prototype Web application is implemented to experiment and demonstrate the concept and uses of the analysis framework.
Analysis of transposable elements and organellar DNA in male and female genomes of a species with a huge Y chromosome reveals distinct Y centromeres
Authors: Sousa Aretuza , Bellot Sidonie , Fuchs Jörg , Houben Andreas , Renner Susanne S.
Published: June 2016

Few angiosperms have distinct Y chromosomes. Among those that do are Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae), Rumex acetosa (Polygonaceae) and Coccinia grandis (Cucurbitaceae), the latter having a male/female difference of 10% of the total genome (female individuals have a 0.85 pg genome, male individuals 0.94 pg), due to a Y chromosome that arose about 3 million years ago. We compared the sequence composition of male and female C. grandis plants and determined the chromosomal distribution of repetitive and organellar DNA with probes developed from 21 types of repetitive DNA, including 16 mobile elements. The size of the Y chromosome is largely due to the accumulation of certain repeats, such as members of the Ty1/copia and Ty3/gypsy superfamilies, an unclassified element and a satellite, but also plastome‐ and chondriome‐derived sequences. An abundant tandem repeat with a unit size of 144 bp stains the centromeres of the X chromosome and the autosomes, but is absent from the Y centromere. Immunostaining with pericentromere‐specific markers for anti‐histone H3Ser10ph and H2AThr120ph revealed a Y‐specific extension of these histone marks. That the Y centromere has a different make‐up from all the remaining centromeres raises questions about its spindle attachment, and suggests that centromeric or pericentromeric chromatin might be involved in the suppression of recombination.
KymoRod: a method for automated kinematic analysis of rod‐shaped plant organs
Authors: Bastien Renaud , Legland David , Martin Marjolaine , Fregosi Lucien , Peaucelle Alexis , Douady Stéphane , Moulia Bruno , Höfte Herman
Published: June 2016

A major challenge in plant systems biology is the development of robust, predictive multiscale models for organ growth. In this context it is important to bridge the gap between the, rather well‐documented molecular scale and the organ scale by providing quantitative methods to study within‐organ growth patterns. Here, we describe a simple method for the analysis of the evolution of growth patterns within rod‐shaped organs that does not require adding markers at the organ surface. The method allows for the simultaneous analysis of root and hypocotyl growth, provides spatio‐temporal information on curvature, growth anisotropy and relative elemental growth rate and can cope with complex organ movements. We demonstrate the performance of the method by documenting previously unsuspected complex growth patterns within the growing hypocotyl of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana during normal growth, after treatment with a growth‐inhibiting drug or in a mechano‐sensing mutant. The method is freely available as an intuitive and user‐friendly Matlab application called KymoRod.
CD36 deficiency among South‐East Asian populations
Authors: Xia W. , Xu X. , Fu Y. , Ye X. , Tsuno N. , Santoso S. ,   the ISBT Working Party, Asia Region
Published: June 2016

Immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia is commonly caused by platelet‐reactive antibodies mostly against polymorphic structures residing on platelet glycoproteins such as human leucocyte antigen and human platelet antigen (HLA class I and HPA). In the Japanese population, some individuals do not express CD36 (CD36null also known as Naka) on the cell surface. Immunization of these individuals can lead to the development of CD36 isoantibodies (anti‐Naka) which play a role in the mechanism of platelet transfusion refractoriness, post‐transfusion purpura and fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Until today, however, little is known about the clinical relevance of CD36 deficiency and CD36 isoantibodies among other South‐East Asian populations. Therefore, multinational study was organised under the aegis of the ISBT to study the distribution of CD36 deficiency in this region.
A fresh perspective on haemovigilance and patient blood management
Authors: Bianco C.
Published: June 2016

Haemovigilance is responsible for successes in transfusion medicine by quantifying errors and adverse events. Haemovigilance also emphasizes the risks of unnecessary transfusions and stimulates the development of evidence‐based guidelines and triggers. This manuscript proposes the broadening of haemovigilance by including data on positive outcomes of transfusion, and to encourage addition of assessment of improved practices as measures of success of patient blood management. Haemovigilance aims at continuous quality improvement and patient safety. Patient blood management promotes improvement of practices to prevent undesirable outcomes. Adoption of both programmes is encouraged by demonstration of reduction in both, risks and costs. Measures of success have been the percentage reduction in transfusions and lowering of costs (easy to measure), and not the more desirable increases in appropriate transfusions (difficult to measure). There are concerns that the lack of data about positive effects of transfusion and the emphasis on adverse reactions may lead to replacement of blood transfusions as an effective and accessible therapeutic agent when appropriately indicated, in favour of alternative therapeutic agents. The addition of positive results of transfusion to the menu of haemovigilance and inclusion of assessment of appropriate transfusions in patient blood management will promote a balanced vision of benefits and risks of blood transfusion, similarly to other medicines subjected to clinical trials. It will preserve the availability of blood for patients with acute trauma, major surgeries, obstetric haemorrhages and haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell and thalassemia for whom alternative therapies are still limited.
Planning donor recruitment strategies with an eye on the future
Authors: Satake M.
Published: June 2016

In the era of low birth rates and a rapidly ageing population, blood programmes are faced with a decrease in the number of eligible blood donors. Because the current generation of youth will become the sole source of blood donations for future banks, they should be well informed about blood donation and transfusion. Education and experience about blood donation provided to students might help to create and maintain lifelong interest and altruism about blood donation. To train and involve students in the education of other residents is also important. Considerable effort should focus on introducing IT communication methods into donor recruiting mechanisms. This is particularly important for acquiring young repeat donors. However, adverse events such as vasovagal reactions are more likely to occur among younger, first‐time and female donors. Water supplementation and muscle tension exercises can help to prevent or mitigate this reaction. Blood testing for specific factors in donated blood might also help to promote donor health and encourage repeated donations.
OFF‐SITE SMARTPHONE VS. STANDARD WORKSTATION IN THE RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF SMALL INTESTINAL MECHANICAL OBSTRUCTION IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: Noel Peter G. , Fischetti Anthony J. , Moore George E. , Le Roux Alexandre B.
Published: June 2016

Off‐site consultations by board‐certified veterinary radiologists benefit residents and emergency clinicians by providing immediate feedback and potentially improving patient outcome. Smartphone devices and compressed images transmitted by email or text greatly facilitate availability of these off‐site consultations. Criticism of a smartphone interface for off‐site consultation is mostly directed at image degradation relative to the standard radiographic viewing room and monitors. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional, methods comparison study was to compare the accuracy of abdominal radiographs in two imaging interfaces (Joint Photographic Experts Group, off‐site, smartphone vs. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine, on‐site, standard workstation) for the diagnosis of small intestinal mechanical obstruction in vomiting dogs and cats. Two board‐certified radiologists graded randomized abdominal radiographs using a five‐point Likert scale for the presence of mechanical obstruction in 100 dogs or cats presenting for vomiting. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves for both imaging interfaces was high. The accuracy of the smartphone and traditional workstation was not statistically significantly different for either reviewer (P = 0.384 and P = 0.536). Correlation coefficients were 0.821 and 0.705 for each reviewer when the same radiographic study was viewed in different formats. Accuracy differences between radiologists were potentially related to years of experience. We conclude that off‐site expert consultation with a smartphone provides an acceptable interface for accurate diagnosis of small intestinal mechanical obstruction in dogs and cat.
On the Ф‐variation of stochastic processes with exponential moments
Authors: Basse‐O'Connor Andreas , Weber Michel
Published: June 2016

We obtain sharp sufficient conditions for exponentially integrable stochastic processes , to have sample paths with bounded ‐variation. When is moreover Gaussian, we also provide a bound of the expectation of the associated ‐variation norm of . For a Hermite process of order and of Hurst index , we show that is of bounded ‐variation where , and that this is optimal. This shows that in terms of ‐variation, the Rosenblatt process (corresponding to ) has more rough sample paths than the fractional Brownian motion (corresponding to ).
Fabrication of GaN hexagonal cones by inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wang Yujin , Xia Xiaoxiang , Yang Haifang , Li Junjie , Gu Changzhi
Published: June 2016

There is a growing demand for the patterning of gallium nitride for light extraction/absorption to improve the performance of photoelectric devices. In this paper, hexagonal cones were fabricated on Ga-polar GaN substrates using the inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching method. It was found that the etch rate of different crystal faces could be altered by changing the ratio of BCl3 to Cl2 in the reactive gas mixture, which enabled hexagonal cone structures to be fabricated on the wurtzite GaN crystal. The mechanism of the GaN hexagonal cone formation was analyzed based on physical sputtering and chemical reaction, wherein the physical sputtering by heavy radicals assisted the bond breaking and the chemical erosion by Cl radicals that preferentially etched specific crystal planes. The hexagonal cones can be used on light-emitting diodes, photovoltaic devices, and for site control of quantum dots.
Zooming in on selectins in cancer
Authors: Kedmi Ranit , Peer Dan
Published: June 2016

Selectins are involved in leukocyte and cancer cell trafficking, which can be targeted with drugs and nanoparticles (Shamay
et al.
, this issue).