bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of perinatal outcomes between long‐term and short‐term use of tocolytic agent: a historical cohort study in a single perinatal hospital
Authors: Nakamura Masamitsu , Hasegawa Junichi , Arakaki Tatsuya , Hamada Shoko , Takita Hiroko , Oba Tomohiro , Koide Keiko , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: September 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long‐term use of tocolytic agents to prevent preterm delivery and improve perinatal outcome.

Methods

A historical cohort study was performed in a single perinatal center. The maternal characteristics, frequency of preterm labor and prescribed dose of tocolytic agents were compared before and after changing the management protocol for threatened premature delivery.

Results

A total of 1548 deliveries were carried out before changing the protocol for the use of tocolytic agents for threatened premature delivery and 1444 deliveries afterwards. There was no significant difference in the maternal characteristics before and after the revision except for maternal age. The total number of ritodrine hydrochloride ampules used was reduced from 4654 to 514, and the total vials of magnesium sulfate used were reduced from 1574 to 193, but perinatal outcomes, such as rate of preterm birth, neonatal weight, and rate of NICU hospitalization were not different between the groups.

Conclusion

There was no significant change in the frequency of preterm delivery before and after changing of the protocol for threatened premature delivery. Because a decrease in the given dose of tocolytic agents did not affect the timing of delivery and neonatal outcomes, long‐term tocolysis in patients with threatened premature delivery should be restricted to prevent maternal and fetal adverse side‐effects.
Outcomes of labor epidural analgesia among women aged over 40: A single‐institution retrospective study
Authors: Okazaki Atsuko , Fukushima Risa , Nagashima Sayuri , Mazda Yusuke , Tamura Kazumi , Terui Katsuo , Tanaka Motoshi
Published: September 2016

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of labor epidural analgesia (LEA) on maternal and neonatal outcomes among parturients aged 40 years or older.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all laboring, singleton and cephalic deliveries at ≥36 weeks' gestation at the Saitama Medical Center from April 2003 to September 2012. Women aged ≥40 years who received LEA (≥40 with LEA group) were compared with women aged ≥40 years who delivered without LEA (≥40 without LEA group) and women <40 years who received LEA (<40 with LEA group). Extracted outcomes included mode of delivery, oxytocin augmentation, duration of labor, amount of estimated blood loss, umbilical artery pH, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Results

This study included 4441 women. There were 74 women in the ≥40 with LEA group, 369 in the ≥40 without LEA group, and 601 in the <40 with LEA group. The maternal outcomes of emergency cesarean delivery rate (9.5%, 12.5%, 9.0%), instrumental delivery rate (33.8%, 10.3%, 28.3%), duration of labor (521 min, 321 min, 565 min), and estimated blood loss (524 g, 351 g, 412 g) were reported for the ≥40 with LEA, ≥40 without LEA, and <40 with LEA groups, respectively. Neonatal outcomes were not different between these groups. LEA use was not associated with emergency cesarean delivery in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Our study showed that parturients aged ≥40 with LEA can expect similar LEA‐associated labor outcomes to younger parturients with LEA.
Unusual location of a plexiform neurofibroma in the fallopian tube: A case report
Authors: Czuczwar Piotr , Stepniak Anna , Szkodziak Piotr , Korolczuk Agnieszka , Paszkowski Tomasz , Wozniak Slawomir
Published: September 2016

It is rare for neurofibromatosis to occur in the female genital tract. We report a case of a plexiform neurofibroma in the left fallopian tube in a 50‐year‐old postmenopausal woman. The initial diagnosis was a pedunculated leiomyoma or a fallopian tube tumor. Laparotomy was performed and a solid mass approximately 90 x 60 x 40 mm in size was found in the left fallopian tube. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy with an appendectomy, lymphadenectomy and omentectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was plexiform neurofibroma. Although neurofibromatosis may involve various gynecological structures, to the best of our knowledge, localized plexiform neurofibroma in the fallopian tube has not previously been reported. The presented case is the first report of clinical, ultrasound and histopathological findings in a fallopian tube neurofibroma. Neurofibroma is a neoplasm that should be taken into consideration when diagnosing pelvic masses.
Project conducted in Hirakata to improve cervical cancer screening rates in 20‐year‐old Japanese: Influencing parents to recommend that their daughters undergo cervical cancer screening
Authors: Yagi Asami , Ueda Yutaka , Egawa‐Takata Tomomi , Tanaka Yusuke , Terai Yoshito , Ohmichi Masahide , Ichimura Tomoyuki , Sumi Toshiyuki , Murata Hiromi , Okada Hidetaka , Nakai Hidekatsu , Mandai Masaki , Matsuzaki Shinya , Kobayashi Eiji , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi , Saito Junko , Hori Yumiko , Morii Eiichi , Nakayama Tomio , Suzuki Yukio , Motoki Yoko , Sukegawa Akiko , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Miyagi Etsuko , Yamaguchi Manako , Kudo Risa , Adachi Sosuke , Sekine Masayuki , Enomoto Takayuki , Horikoshi Yorihiko , Takagi Tetsu , Shimura Kentaro
Published: September 2016

Aim

In Japan, the rate of routine cervical cancer screening is quite low, and the incidence of cervical cancer has recently been increasing. Our objective was to investigate ways to effectively influence parental willingness to recommend that their 20‐year‐old daughters undergo cervical cancer screening.

Methods

We targeted parents whose 20‐year‐old daughters were living with them. In fiscal year 2013, as usual, the daughter received a reminder postcard several months after they had received a free coupon for cervical cancer screening. In fiscal year 2014, the targeted parents received a cervical cancer information leaflet, as well as a cartoon about cervical cancer to show to their daughters, with a request that they recommend to their daughter that she undergo cervical cancer screening. The subsequent screening rates for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 were compared.

Results

The cervical cancer screening rate of 20‐year‐old women whose parents received the information packet in fiscal year 2014 was significantly higher than for the women who, in fiscal year 2013, received only a simple reminder postcard (P < 0.001). As a result, the total screening rate for 20‐year‐old women for the whole of the 2014 fiscal year was significantly increased over 2013 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

For the first time, we have shown that the parents of 20‐year‐old daughters can be motivated to recommend that their daughters receive their first cervical cancer screening. This was achieved by sending a cervical cancer information leaflet and a cartoon about cervical cancer for these parents to show to their daughters. This method was significantly effective for improving cervical cancer screening rates.
Depression and anger in fathers of unsettled infants: A community cohort study
Authors: Cook Fallon , Giallo Rebecca , Petrovic Zvezdana , Coe Amy , Seymour Monique , Cann Warren , Hiscock Harriet
Published: September 2016

Aim

To examine the relationship between unsettled infant behaviour and fathers’ depressive symptoms, cognitions surrounding infant sleep (anger, doubt), and personal sleep, in a community cohort.

Methods

Data were collected from 102 fathers of healthy infants at 4 weeks, 4 months and 6 months of age. Measures included father report of infant sleep and crying problems, depressive symptoms, cognitions about infant sleep and own sleep quality and quantity. Data were analysed using adjusted regression models.

Results

Sleep problems at 4 months of age were associated with increased depressive symptoms (adjusted mean difference 2.64 (1.27–4.00)), doubt (adjusted mean difference 1.82 (0.40–3.25)), anger (adjusted mean difference 1.86 (0.51–3.20)), poor personal sleep quantity (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.51) and quality (adjusted OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.08–0.51); and at 6 months of age, with increased depressive symptoms (adjusted mean difference 2.56 (1.28–3.84)), anger (adjusted mean difference 1.63 (0.40–2.87)), poor personal sleep quantity (adjusted OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.05–0.38) and quality (adjusted OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11–0.72). Infant cry problems at 4 months were associated with increased anger (adjusted mean difference 1.98 (0.60–3.36)) and doubt (adjusted mean difference 1.55 (0.05–3.05)); and at 6 months, with increased depressive symptoms (adjusted mean difference 3.04 (1.59–4.69)), anger (adjusted mean difference 2.73 (1.29–4.17)) and less personal sleep (adjusted OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.07–0.71).

Conclusion

Fathers of unsettled infants reported greater anger towards their infant and increased depressive symptoms by 4 months infant age, with these symptoms persisting 2 months later. Evidence‐based interventions are needed for these fathers.
Variation in plant community composition and vegetation carbon pools a decade following a severe fire season in interior Alaska
Authors: Gibson Carolyn M. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Cottenie Karl , Kane Evan S. , Houle Gregory , Kasischke Eric S.
Published: September 2016

Questions

How does fire severity, measured as depth of burn of ground layer fuels, control the regeneration of understorey species across black spruce‐dominated stands varying in pre‐fire organic layer depths? Are successional shifts from evergreen to deciduous understorey vegetation more likely to occur with greater depth of burn? Does a shift in understorey vegetation community towards more deciduous species influence carbon accumulation in vegetation biomass?

Location

Northern boreal forest, interior Alaska.

Methods

We sampled 32 stands in interior Alaska that burned in 2003 and 2004 in which depth of burn had been recorded soon after fire. In 2014 we characterized tree density, understorey vegetation composition, above‐ and below‐ground vegetation carbon pools, and a suite of environmental variables. We used ANOVA and multivariate redundancy analysis models to analyse the dominant controls on vegetation composition and carbon pools.

Results

Fire severity was a strong control on post‐fire tree and non‐vascular species composition. Ten years post‐fire, sites that experienced deeper burning of organic layers had a higher abundance of deciduous tree species, fire‐adapted mosses, forbs and graminoids, and lower abundances of evergreen shrubs and Sphagnum mosses. Environmental variables (elevation, soil bulk density and mineral soil pH, moisture and temperature) served as important controls on tree and vascular understorey species composition. We found no evidence that carbon pools associated with recovering vegetation biomass were influenced by landscape position, fire severity or environmental variables.

Conclusions

Both fire frequency and depth of burn are projected to increase with a warmer climate in interior Alaska. These shifts in fire regime are expected to favour the regeneration of deciduous species over conifers, which have the potential to regulate successional pathways and large‐scale trends in albedo, which both ultimately could influence ecosystem–climate feedbacks and dampen future fire cycles. Our results show that understorey species composition is controlled by fire severity, suggesting that more severe burning causes a decline in the self‐replacement of conifer communities across a range of hydrologic settings. Overall, our results suggest a loss of resilience in black spruce forests in the face of a changing fire regime. However, we found no evidence that fire severity influences vegetation carbon pools 10 yrs post‐fire, suggesting that there is less landscape variation in biomass carbon pools than in vegetation composition and succession during early post‐fire succession.
Cocktail clustering – a new hierarchical agglomerative algorithm for extracting species groups in vegetation databases
Authors: Bruelheide Helge
Published: September 2016

Aims

In one approach of formalized vegetation classification, species groups define a vegetation unit as a set of relevés, each of which possesses a minimum number of species from that group. Thus, species groups provide unequivocal rules for the assignment of individual vegetation records to vegetation units and can be applied beyond the set of records used for defining them. Here, I present a new method that subjects all species in a vegetation database to clustering that produces such clear membership rules of vegetation records to clusters. More specifically, the algorithm obtains species groups from a species × relevé matrix which consist of species that show the highest probability of co‐occurring with each other and delivers unequivocal rules to assign relevés to these groups.

Methods

A hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm for species is presented that starts with a species × species matrix of the Ф coefficient of association. After fusing the species with the highest Ф coefficient, the Ф association matrix is recalculated for the new group of species. For calculating Ф association for groups to other species or to the nodes formed by groups of species, the observed frequency distribution of co‐occurrences of the species in that group is compared to the expected frequency distribution of co‐occurrence, derived the from the observed number of species occurrences. As a result, for each species group a minimum number of species is obtained that is required to assign a relevé to this species group. The resulting Cocktail species groups are partially nested, and with increasing node hierarchy show a tendency of decreasing Ф correlation to the last‐joining species to that group.

Results and Conclusion

As the clustering algorithm assigns all of the n species in a data set to groups, the result are n − 1 partly nested species groups. These groups correspond to species groups that have been extracted from the same data sets using preconceived start groups. Subsequently, the species groups can be used separately or in logical combinations to classify vegetation relevés either by expert systems, Twinspan‐like classification algorithms or by redefining existing vegetation units with automated brute‐force match algorithms. Used in this way, Cocktail clustering is able to form the backbone of a consistent large‐scale vegetation classification system.
Physiological response to high temperature in the Tropical Eastern Pacific coral Pocillopora verrucosa
Authors: Rodríguez‐Troncoso Alma P. , Carpizo‐Ituarte Eugenio , Cupul‐Magaña Amílcar L.
Published: September 2016

The ecological and economic values of coral reef communities have encouraged efforts to implement periodic visual survey programs to secure their conservation. To date, visual monitoring‐based approaches have detected bleaching events weeks or months after the initial onset. An evaluation of the stress response of coral colonies, as well as their ability to resist and recover from the stress events, may increase our understanding of the physiological processes underling the stress and/or acclimation responses. Coral bleaching events, caused primarily by abnormally high temperatures, are continuously affecting coral communities worldwide. To evaluate the stress and recovery responses of the reef‐building coral Pocillopora verrucosa, a laboratory study was conducted herein. Coral nubbins were exposed to high temperatures to induce bleaching, and their ability to resist and recover from bleaching was subsequently monitored after returning the corals to ambient temperature. Lipid and chlorophyll concentrations, as well as Symbiodinium spp. density, decreased in samples exposed to nearly 31°C, slowly recovering to near‐control levels upon return to non‐stressful conditions. The present data set allows for an assessment of the vulnerability and ability of this common species to resist sub‐optimal environmental conditions, particularly the thermal stress events that will occur more commonly in their habitats as global seawater temperatures continue to rise.
Building strong relationships between conservation genetics and primary industry leads to mutually beneficial genomic advances
Authors: Galla Stephanie J. , Buckley Thomas R. , Elshire Rob , Hale Marie L. , Knapp Michael , McCallum John , Moraga Roger , Santure Anna W. , Wilcox Phillip , Steeves Tammy E.
Published: September 2016

Several reviews in the past decade have heralded the benefits of embracing high‐throughput sequencing technologies to inform conservation policy and the management of threatened species, but few have offered practical advice on how to expedite the transition from conservation genetics to conservation genomics. Here, we argue that an effective and efficient way to navigate this transition is to capitalize on emerging synergies between conservation genetics and primary industry (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, forestry and horticulture). Here, we demonstrate how building strong relationships between conservation geneticists and primary industry scientists is leading to mutually‐beneficial outcomes for both disciplines. Based on our collective experience as collaborative New Zealand‐based scientists, we also provide insight for forging these cross‐sector relationships.
The SAGA complex in the rice pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi: structure and functional characterization
Authors: Rösler Sarah M. , Kramer Katharina , Finkemeier Iris , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Tudzynski Bettina
Published: September 2016

Post‐translational modification of histones is a crucial mode of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes. A well‐described acetylation modifier of certain lysine residues is the Spt‐Ada‐Gcn5 acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex assembled around the histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We identified and characterized the SAGA complex in the rice pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, well‐known for producing a large variety of secondary metabolites (SMs). By using a co‐immunoprecipitation approach, almost all of the S. cerevisiae SAGA complex components have been identified, except for the ubiquitinating DUBm module and the chromodomain containing Chd1. Deletion of GCN5 led to impaired growth, loss of conidiation and alteration of SM biosynthesis. Furthermore, we show that Gcn5 is essential for the acetylation of several histone 3 lysines in F. fujikuroi, that is, H3K4, H3K9, H3K18 and H3K27. A genome‐wide microarray analysis revealed differential expression of about 30% of the genome with an enrichment of genes involved in primary and secondary metabolism, transport and histone modification. HPLC‐based analysis of known SMs revealed significant alterations in the Δgcn5 mutant. While most SM genes were activated by Gcn5 activity, the biosynthesis of the pigment bikaverin was strongly increased upon GCN5 deletion underlining the diverse roles of the SAGA complex in F. fujikuroi.
Deglycosylation influences the oxidation activity and antigenicity of myeloperoxidase
Authors: Wang Jia , Li Jian‐nan , Cui Zhao , Zhao Ming‐hui
Published: September 2016

Aim

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is pathogenic in ANCA associated vasculitis. It also acts as bactericidal agent. MPO has five N‐linked glycosylation sites on its heavy chains. The effect of glycosylation pattern to the functions of MPO is barely known.

Methods

We used eight glycosidases to remove different glycans on MPO separately. The chlorination activity of MPO, the binding between ceruloplasmin and MPO, and the reversing effect of MPO‐ANCA to this binding were measured. Three de‐glycosylated MPOs were used to assay the influence of deglycosylation on microbicidal effect of MPO.

Results

Compared with intact MPO, chlorination activity of deglycosylated MPO declined, in which removing of β‐galactopyranoside (0.35 ± 0.02 vs. 0.50 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) and α‐linked sialic acid (0.35 ± 0.02 vs. 0.50 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) presented the most significance. Deglycosylation reduced the binding capacity between MPO and its physiological inhibitor‐ceruloplasmin, with the most significance on the removal of innermost GlcNAc (0.37 ± 0.04 vs. 1.06 ± 0.11, P < 0.001). Binding between MPO and ceruloplasmin was hardly reversed by MPO‐ANCA after deglycosylation, especially on the removal of α‐linked sialic acid (71.2 ± 5.1% vs. 88.3 ± 1.0%, P = 0.009), chitobiose core (73.6 ± 1.9% vs. 88.3 ± 1.0%, P = 0.001) and GlcNAc (77.9 ± 1.9% vs. 88.3 ± 1.0%, P = 0.002). Removal of innermost GlcNAc, β‐galactopyranoside and α‐neuraminidase could weaken the bactericidal effect of MPO, especially the removal of α‐neuraminidase (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Deglycosylation decreased oxidation activity of MPO and its binding with ceruloplasmin. Deglycosylation could also decrease the microbicidal effect of MPO, which might contribute to more severe infections and inflammation. Deglycosylated MPO presented less antigenicity to MPO‐ANCA, which indicated the contribution of glycans to MPO epitopes.
Alternative splicing – an elegant way to diversify the function of repeat‐containing effector proteins?
Authors: Betz Ruben , Walter Stefanie , Requena Natalia
Published: September 2016

This article is a commentary on Noon et al., 212: 444–460.
Long‐term agricultural fertilization alters arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition and barley (Hordeum vulgare) mycorrhizal carbon and phosphorus exchange
Authors: Williams Alwyn , Manoharan Lokeshwaran , Rosenstock Nicholas P. , Olsson Pål Axel , Hedlund Katarina
Published: September 2016

Agricultural fertilization significantly affects arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community composition. However, the functional implications of community shifts are unknown, limiting understanding of the role of AMF in agriculture.

We assessed AMF community composition at four sites managed under the same nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer regimes for 55 yr. We also established a glasshouse experiment with the same soils to investigate AMF–barley (Hordeum vulgare) nutrient exchange, using carbon (13C) and 33P isotopic labelling.

N fertilization affected AMF community composition, reducing diversity; P had no effect. In the glasshouse, AMF contribution to plant P declined with P fertilization, but was unaffected by N. Barley C allocation to AMF also declined with P fertilization. As N fertilization increased, C allocation to AMF per unit of P exchanged increased. This occurred with and without P fertilization, and was concomitant with reduced barley biomass. AMF community composition showed no relationship with glasshouse experiment results.

The results indicate that plants can reduce C allocation to AMF in response to P fertilization. Under N fertilization, plants allocate an increasing amount of C to AMF and receive relatively less P. This suggests an alteration in the terms of P–C exchange under N fertilization regardless of soil P status.
Cellulose/callose glucan networks: the key to powdery mildew resistance in plants?
Authors: Voigt Christian A.
Published: September 2016

This article is a commentary on Chowdhury et al., 212: 434–443 and Douchkov et al., 212: 421–433.
Phenotypic plasticity to altered apical bud temperature in Cucumis sativus: more leaves‐smaller leaves and vice versa
Authors: Savvides Andreas , van Ieperen Wim , Dieleman Janneke A. , Marcelis Leo F.M.
Published: September 2016

Many studies investigated temperature effects on leaf initiation and expansion by relating these processes to air temperature or the temperature of a specific organ (e.g. leaf temperature). In reality plant temperature is hardly ever equal to air temperature or spatially uniform. Apical bud temperature (Tbud), for example, may greatly differ from the temperature of the rest of the plant (Tplant) dependent on the environment. Recent research in Cucumis sativus showed that Tbud influences leaf initiation independent of Tplant. These findings trigger the question if such spatial temperature differences also influence leaf expansion and plant phenotype. In a 28 day study, we maintained temperature differences between Tbud and Tplant ranging from −7 to +8 °C using a custom‐made bud temperature control system. Leaf expansion did not only depend on leaf temperature but also on the difference between bud and leaf temperature. Differences between Tbud and Tplant considerably influenced vertical leaf area distribution over the shoot: increasing Tbud beyond Tplant resulted in more and smaller leaves, while decreasing Tbud below Tplant resulted in less and larger leaves. The trade‐off between leaf number and leaf area resulted in phenotypic alterations that cannot be predicted, for example, by crop models, when assuming plant temperature uniformity.
Capitalization in distressed couples: A pilot study and outline for future research
Authors: HERSHENBERG RACHEL , MAVANDADI SHAHRZAD , BADDELEY JENNA , LIBET JULIAN
Published: September 2016

Capitalization—seeking “support” when good things happen—is linked to healthy couple functioning but has never been studied in distressed couples. We examined whether perceptions of capitalization and traditional social support related to couples' satisfaction prior to, and following, couples' therapy at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Perceptions of capitalization and traditional social support were associated yet distinct. Not all distressed couples had poor perceptions of support, and greater perceived support related to greater satisfaction at treatment entry. Relationship satisfaction was higher posttreatment for individuals whose partners reported providing them with greater capitalization support prior to treatment. We focus our discussion on the development of systematic research to investigate how capitalization may promote adaptive processes in vulnerable couples.
Resource rivalry between brood mates of a facultative gregarious parasitoid Dendrocerus carpenteri
Authors: Mackauer Manfred
Published: September 2016

Larvae of Dendrocerus carpenteri Curtis (Hymenoptera: Megaspilidae) develop as solitary ectoparasitoids on the prepupae and pupae of primary aphid parasitoids inside the aphid mummy. First instars are aggressive and kill potential competitors; however, facultative gregarious development of two, and occasionally three, larvae may occur under superparasitism. To test the hypothesis that gregarious larvae share host resources equally, adult dry mass is compared between three brood types: ‘double’ mummies containing (i) two males; (ii) two females; or (iii) one male plus one female, respectively. Resource rivalry varies with the sex of the competing larvae. Surviving adults differ significantly in size if both wasps are of the same sex, male or female. A minimum amount of resources is required for a larva to be viable; this threshold does not differ between sexes and is independent of the sex of a competing larva. The outcome of competition between a male larva and a female larva varies with the amount of the available resources, with neither sex being inherently dominant over the other. Females are eight times more likely to be larger than a male competitor if the amount of host resources is ≥0.116 mg, whereas males can win over a female competitor in terms of adult size if the available resources are <0.116 mg. It is suggested that rivalry between larvae for limiting host resources constrains the transition from solitary to gregarious development and should be considered in studies of parasitoid life‐history evolution.
Automatic Rough Georeferencing of Multiview Oblique and Vertical Aerial Image Datasets of Urban Scenes
Authors: Verykokou Styliani , Ioannidis Charalabos
Published: September 2016

Multi‐perspective airborne images that combine oblique and vertical views of the ground have proved to be a valuable source of information for numerous applications requiring a digital representation of the world. In this paper, an automatic methodology for rough georeferencing of large datasets of multiview oblique and vertical aerial images of urban regions without any metadata is proposed. Using feature‐based matching combined with robust model fitting and least‐squares techniques, the method requires the measurement of a minimum number of points with known coordinates in only one image. The results of this methodology are discussed through the presentation of a developed software suite which identifies the overlapping images, georeferences them, extracts their footprints, subdivides the images into groups based on these footprints and detects the images that cover a specific region.
The application of apoptotic inhibitor in apoptotic pathways of MII stage porcine oocytes after vitrification
Authors: Niu Y , Dai J , Wu C , Chen Y , Zhang S , Zhang D
Published: September 2016

Contents

Apoptosis is one of the main drivers of the decline in developmental potential of porcine oocytes after vitrification. However, which apoptotic pathways are engaged after vitrification remains poorly understood. To distinguish among the possible apoptotic pathways induced by vitrification of MII stage porcine oocytes, this study detected activity and expression levels of several key proteins and genes in both the death receptor and mitochondrial pathways using in situ fluorescence staining and real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) following the addition of specific inhibitors of either the death receptor or the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway (Z‐IETD‐FMK or Z‐LEHD‐FMK, respectively) into the incubation solution. Survival and parthenogenetic developmental ability were also examined. The results showed the following: (i) compared with the vitrified group, the activities of pan‐caspase, caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 as well as the early apoptotic rate were significantly lower in the Z‐IETD‐FMK and Z‐LEHD‐FMK groups (p < .05); (ii) After vitrification, mitochondrial ΔΨm decreased from 1.33 for fresh oocytes to 0.90 for vitrified oocytes, while the addition of Z‐IETD‐FMK or Z‐LEHD‐FMK following vitrification increased mitochondrial ΔΨm to 1.09 and 1.05, respectively (p < .05); (iii) Relative expression levels of apoptotic‐related genes from both the death receptor pathway (caspase 8 and TNF‐α) and the mitochondrial pathway (caspase 9, Bcl‐2 and CuZnSOD) changed substantially after the addition of Z‐IETD‐FMK or Z‐LEHD‐FMK into the incubation solution; (iv) Survival, cleavage and blastocyst rates were higher in the Z‐IETH‐FMK or Z‐LEHD‐FMK groups than in the vitrified group (p < .05). In summary, both the death receptor and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways participate in the apoptosis of MII stage porcine oocytes after vitrification.
Effect of climate region and stocking density on ostrich (Struthio camelus) productive performances
Authors: Bouyeh M , Seidavi A , Mohammadi H , Sahoo A , Laudadio V , Tufarelli V
Published: September 2016

Contents

The effects of three climates (hot and dry, mild and humid and Alpine) and three flock densities (<100, 100–300 and >300 m2) on ostrich reproductive and productive traits were studied. Data were compared with the benchmark target sets by the World Ostrich Association (Ostrich benchmark Performance Targets. Version 2, May, 2008) for reproductive qualifications of ostrich. No significant difference was observed on egg production, weight, fertility, hatchability and day‐old chicks weight among the three climate conditions; however, the Alpine climate had a lower performance trend. Mild and humid climates had a significant effect of age at sexual maturity for both males and females as well as on the duration of egg production season. Stocking density did not show significant difference on egg production, hatchability, age of male and female at sexual maturity and on duration of egg production season, while an area >300 m2 showed a reduction in egg weight and day‐old chick weight. Further, an area <100 m2 led to a weaker ostrich fertility rate. Results showed that the ostrich would have a better performance under hot and dry and mild and humid climates as compared to Alpine climate with a stocking density of 100–300 m2 area per breeder bird. Thus, climatic intervention strategies at Alpine regions may be carried out for maintaining optimal reproductive qualification of ostrich so as to improve the productivity in this sector.
Gut instincts: microbiota as a key regulator of brain development, ageing and neurodegeneration
Authors: Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F.
Published: September 2016

There is a growing realisation that the gut–brain axis and its regulation by the microbiota may play a key role in the biological and physiological basis of neurodevelopmental, age‐related and neurodegenerative disorders. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are being unravelled and include the vagus nerve, gut hormone signalling, the immune system, tryptophan metabolism or by way of microbial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids. The importance of early life gut microbiota in shaping future health outcomes is also emerging. Disturbances of this composition by way of antibiotic exposure, lack of breastfeeding, infection, stress and the environmental influences coupled with the influence of host genetics can result in long‐term effects on physiology and behaviour, at least in animal models. It is also worth noting that mode of delivery at birth influences microbiota composition with those born by Caesarean section having a distinctly different microbiota in early life to those born per vaginum. At the other extreme of life, ageing is associated with a narrowing in microbial diversity and healthy ageing correlates with a diverse microbiome. Recently, the gut microbiota has been implicated in a variety of conditions including depression, autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. There is still considerable debate as to whether or not the gut microbiota changes are core to the pathophysiology of such conditions or are merely epiphenomenal. It is plausible that such neuropsychiatric disorders might be treated in the future by targeting the microbiota either by microbiota transplantation, antibiotics or psychobiotics.

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A derivative‐free multistart framework for an automated noncoplanar beam angle optimization in IMRT
Authors: Rocha Humberto , Dias Joana , Ventura Tiago , Ferreira Brígida , Lopes Maria do Carmo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The inverse planning of an intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment requires decisions regarding the angles used for radiation incidence, even when arcs are used. The possibility of improving the quality of treatment plans by an optimized selection of the beam angle incidences—beam angle optimization (BAO)—is seldom done in clinical practice. The inclusion of noncoplanar beam incidences in an automated optimization routine is even more unusual. However, for some tumor sites, the advantage of considering noncoplanar beam incidences is well known. This paper presents the benefits of using a derivative‐free multistart framework for the optimization of the noncoplanar BAO problem.

Methods

Multistart methods combine a global strategy for sampling the search space with a local strategy for improving the sampled solutions. The proposed global strategy allows a thorough exploration of the continuous search space of the highly nonconvex BAO problem. To avoid local entrapment, a derivative‐free method is used as local procedure. Additional advantages of the derivative‐free method include the reduced number of function evaluations required to converge and the ability to use multithreaded computing. Twenty nasopharyngeal clinical cases were selected to test the proposed multistart framework. The planning target volumes included the primary tumor, the high and low risk lymph nodes. Organs‐at‐risk included the spinal cord, brainstem, optical nerves, chiasm, parotids, oral cavity, brain, thyroid, among others. For each case, a setup with seven equispaced beams was chosen and the resulting treatment plan, using a multicriteria optimization framework, was then compared against the coplanar and noncoplanar plans using the optimal beam setups obtained by the derivative‐free multistart framework.

Results

The optimal noncoplanar beam setup obtained by the derivative‐free multistart framework leads to high quality treatment plans with better target coverage and with improved organ sparing compared to treatment plans using equispaced or optimal coplanar beam angle setups. The noncoplanar treatment plans achieved, e.g., an average reduction in the mean dose of the oral cavity of 6.1 Gy and an average reduction in the maximum‐dose of the brainstem of 7 Gy when compared to the equispaced treatment plans.

Conclusions

The noncoplanar BAO problem is an extremely challenging multimodal optimization problem that can be successfully addressed through a thoughtful exploration of the continuous highly nonconvex BAO search space. The proposed framework is capable of calculating high quality treatment plans and thus can be an interesting alternative toward automated noncoplanar beam selection in IMRT treatment planning which is nowadays the natural trend in treatment planning.
Acoustical gas-leak detection in the presence of multiple reflections, dispersion, and uncorrelated noise using optimized residual complexity
Authors: Ahmadi A. M. , Amjadi A. , Bahrampour A. R. , Ravanbod H. , Tofighi S.
Published: September 2016

Precise acoustical leak detection calls for robust time-delay estimates, which minimize the probability of false alarms in the face of dispersive propagation, multiple reflections, and uncorrelated background noise. Providing evidence that higher order modes and multi-reflected signals behave like sets of correlated noise, this work uses a regression model to optimize residual complexity in the presence of both correlated and uncorrelated noise. This optimized residual complexity (ORC) is highly robust since it takes into account both the level and complexity of noise. The lower complexity of the dispersive modes and multiple reflections, compared to the complexity of the plane mode, points to the robustness of ORC against multiple reflections and dispersion. Experimental investigations using recorded sounds of gas leaking from a pipe confirm the robustness of ORC against multiple reflections. Numerical simulations also show robustness against dispersive modes, even when they disturb the linearity of the cross-spectrum phase. Comparisons with other methods—mutual information, cross correlation, and residual complexity—underline the general advantages of ORC in terms of robustness in the presence of reflection and dispersion, against both correlated and uncorrelated noise, and to short signals.
Intracellular Growth of Bacterial Pathogens: The Role of Secreted Effector Proteins in the Control of Phagocytosed Microorganisms
Authors: Poirier Valérie , Av-Gay Yossef
Published: September 2016

The ability of intracellular pathogens to subvert the host response, to facilitate invasion and subsequent infection, is the hallmark of microbial pathogenesis. Bacterial pathogens produce and secrete a variety of effector proteins, which are the primary means by which they exert control over the host cell. Secreted effectors work independently, yet in concert with each other, to facilitate microbial invasion, replication, and intracellular survival in host cells. In this review we focus on defined host cell processes targeted by bacterial pathogens. These include phagosome maturation and its subprocesses: phagosome-endosome and phagosome-lysosome fusion events, as well as phagosomal acidification, cytoskeleton remodeling, and lysis of the phagosomal membrane. We further describe the mode of action for selected effectors from six pathogens: the Gram-negative
Legionella
,
Salmonella
,
Shigella
, and
Yersinia
, the Gram-positive
Listeria
, and the acid-fast actinomycete
Mycobacterium
.
Impact of curvature on the mixed convective peristaltic flow of shear thinning fluid with nanoparticles
Authors: Shahzadi Iqra , Nadeem S.
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present analysis is to discuss the mixed convective peristaltic flow of shear thinning hyperbolic tangent fluid under the effects of nanoparticles in a curved channel. The model considered for the nanofluid is to analyze the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameter. The problem is formulated under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number and then solved analytically using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The substantial features of related parameters are examined by sketching graphs. The most important observation of the analysis is that the velocity profiles are not symmetric about the central line of the curved channel.
Weed management options for conventional soybean
Authors: Belfry Kimberly D. , Cowbrough Michael J. , Tardif François J. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: September 2016

Various preemergence (PRE), PRE followed by postemergence (POST), and POST weed control options for conventional soybean were evaluated. More than 90% control of selected weed species were observed for most treatments. However, weed interference in plots treated with S-metolachlor + metribuzin or S-metolachlor + metribuzin + cloransulam-methyl resulted in reduced soybean yield.
Equilibrium and Socially Optimal Balking Strategies in Markovian Queues with Vacations and Sequential Abandonment
Authors: Panda Gopinath , Goswami Veena , Banik Abhijit Datta
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we consider customers’ equilibrium and socially optimal behavior in a single-server Markovian queue with multiple vacations and sequential abandonments. Upon arrival customers decide for themselves whether to join or balk, based on the level of information available to them. During the server’s vacation, present customers become impatient and decide sequentially whether they will abandon the system or not upon the availability of a secondary transport facility. Assuming the linear reward-cost structure, we analyze the equilibrium balking strategies of customers under four cases: fully and almost observable as well as fully and almost unobservable. In all the above cases, the individual and social optimal strategies are derived. Finally, the dependence of performance measures on system parameters are demonstrated via numerical experiments.
An Ordered Flow Shop with Two Agents
Authors: Choi Byung-Cheon , Park Myoung-Ju
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we consider a two-agent scheduling problem in an [Formula: see text]-machine ordered flow shop where each agent is responsible for his own set of jobs and wishes to minimize the makespan. Since the problem is NP-hard, we develop a pseudo-polynomial time approach for the case with a fixed number of machines and investigate the conditions that make the problem polynomially solvable. Finally, we consider a three-machine problem with a special processing time structure, and demonstrate its polynomiality.
A Faster FPTAS for a Supply Chain Scheduling Problem to Minimize Holding Costs with Outsourcing
Authors: Liu Shang-Chia , Wu Chin-Chia
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses a scheduling problem in a flexible supply chain where the jobs can be either processed in house, or outsourced to a third-party supplier with the goal of minimizing the sum of holding and delivery costs subject to an upper bound on the outsourcing cost. The problem with identical job processing times has been proved as binary [Formula: see text]-hard one and a fully polynomial time approximation scheme (FPTAS) that runs in [Formula: see text] time has also been given. The aim of this paper is to derive a more effective FPTAS running in [Formula: see text] time for this problem.
A unified model for two-lane lattice traffic flow
Authors: Wang Yanhong
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a unified model is presented for two-lane lattice traffic flow, with comparing different effects in the various lattice hydrodynamic models. Results of linear and nonlinear analysis show that multiple density difference effect (MDDE) is the strongest to enlarge the stable region in two-lane systems. Followed by density difference effect (DDE), multiple flux difference effect (MFDE), and finally flux difference effect (FDE). But when density is around 0.25, MFDE is better to enlarge the stable region than DDE. The reason is that a small flow-rate value might correspond to either a light traffic or a heavy traffic. Also energy consumption and traffic emissions are analyzed and shown to be the same marshaling sequence as linear and nonlinear analysis results. Numerical simulations validate theoretical analysis. And this is consistent with the realistic.
Nitrogen-induced magnetism in stannates from first-principles calculations
Authors: Xiao Wen-Zhi , Meng Bo , Xu Hai-Qing , Chen Qiao , Wang Ling-Ling
Published: September 2016

First-principles calculations have been used to comparatively investigate electronic and magnetic properties of nitrogen-doped (N-doped) nonmagnetic semiconductor perovskite-type stannate (MSnO3, M = Ca, Sr, Ba). A total magnetic moment of 1.0 [Formula: see text] induced by N is found in MSnO3 supercell with one N dopant. The spontaneous polarization mainly originates from spin splitting on [Formula: see text] state of N. The medium-sized formation energy shows that the N-doped MSnO3 can be realized experimentally under the metal-rich environments, but the clustering tendency and short-range coupling imply that the stannate matrices are unsuitable for magnetizing by substituting N for O. Our study offers a fresh sight of spontaneous spin polarization in [Formula: see text] magnetism. The FM coupling in N-doped MSnO3 should be attributed to the hole-mediated [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] coupling mechanism.
ASSESSMENT OF CORONARY STENT DEPLOYMENT IN TAPERED ARTERIES: IMPACT OF ARTERIAL TAPERING
Authors: SHEN XIANG , DENG YONG-QUAN , XIE ZHONG-MIN , JI SONG
Published: September 2016

Coronary stents are used to prop open blocked arteries in order to restore normal blood flow. A major setback in this technology is in-stent restenosis (ISR), which gravely limits the clinical success of stents, especially in tapered vessels. The present study used the finite element method to study the effects of arterial tapering on the biomechanical behavior of both stents and vessels during stent deployment inside tapered arteries. The effect of arterial tapering was demonstrated by a combination of corresponding tapered arteries with various tapering angles, including a straight artery case for comparison. Results indicated that an increase of vessel tapering led to an increase in stent radial recoil, stent tapering following expansion, and von Mises stresses on vessels. However, an increase of vessel tapering also led to a decrease in stent foreshortening. The analysis provides suggestions for clinical application in tapered vessels. The finite element method evaluated mechanical stent behavior in tapered vessels, and can help designers to optimize the design of stents for tapered vessels.