bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment‐dependent plasticity and ontogenetic changes in the brain of hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon
Authors: Näslund J. , Larsen M. H. , Thomassen S. T. , Aarestrup K. , Johnsson J. I.
Published: September 2016

Lowered rearing density has repeatedly been shown to increase the performance of hatchery‐reared salmonids stocked into natural environments. One possible mechanism for this pattern could be that lower densities enhance brain development, which has been shown to be the case in other hatchery enhancement strategies, like environmental enrichment. Here, we investigated the size of the brain in hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar kept at standard (high) and reduced (low) tank densities. In contrast to our predictions, we found that fish reared at high density had larger dry mass of cerebellum and telencephalon, correcting for body size. No differences were detected for total brain mass. Furthermore, we found that the relative size of both telencephalon and cerebellum, in relation to total brain mass, changed with body size. Cerebellum increased in relative size with increased body size, while the opposite pattern was observed for telencephalon. Overall, these results reveal substantial brain plasticity depending on the surrounding environment as well as ontogenetic adaptive changes in the brain of the Atlantic salmon.
The island rule is not valid in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea)
Authors: Karagkouni M. , Sfenthourakis S. , Meiri S.
Published: September 2016

The island rule posits that small animals grow larger on islands, whereas large‐bodied ones are expected to dwarf, but remains largely unexplored in invertebrates. We tested the rule at an inter‐specific level on terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea). We also tested the influence of island area on body size variability. We assembled female size and distribution data from the literature for 901 species of Oniscidea. We compared lengths of insular endemics (N = 296 species) and congeneric or confamilial mainland species (N = 605). We repeated the same analyses for species within climatic zones. We found that isopods do not follow the island rule in either the family or genus level, either globally or within climatic regions. While sizes of island isopods are often different than those of their mainland kin, they show no overall tendency towards dwarfism or gigantism on islands. Island area has no discernible effect on body size. Size variation is similar among insular and mainland species, but the size range is greater in insular species. Globally, the island rule is not supported. Oniscidea are phytosaprophagous feeding on a wide variety of plant material and are preyed upon by a wide range of predators, so that island environment does not exert strong selection pressures on their body size.
Thermal and irradiation history of lunar meteorite Dhofar 280
Authors: Korochantseva Ekaterina V. , Buikin Alexei I. , Hopp Jens , Lorenz Cyrill A. , Korochantsev Alexander V. , Ott Ulrich , Trieloff Mario
Published: September 2016

Dhofar 280 recorded a complex history on the Moon revealed by high‐resolution 40Ar‐39Ar dating. Thermal resetting occurred less than 1 Ga ago, and the rock was exposed to several impact events before and afterwards. The cosmic ray exposure (CRE) age spectrum indicates a 400 ± 40 Ma CRE on the lunar surface. A unique feature of this lunar sample is a partial loss of cosmogenic 38Ar, resulting in a (low‐temperature) CRE age plateau of about 1 Ma. This was likely caused by the same recent impact event that reset the (low‐temperature) 40Ar‐39Ar age spectrum and preceded the short transit phase to Earth of ≤1 Ma. Dhofar 280 may be derived from KREEP‐rich lunar frontside terrains, possibly associated with the Copernicus crater or with a recent impact event on the deposits of the South Pole–Aitken basin. Although Dhofar 280 is paired with Dhofar 081, their irradiation and thermal histories on the Moon were different. An important trapped Ar component in Dhofar 280 is “orphan” Ar with a low 40Ar/36Ar ratio. It is apparently a mixture of two components, one endmember with 40Ar/36Ar = 17.5 ± 0.2 and a second less well‐constrained endmember with 40Ar/36Ar ≤10. The presence of two endmembers of trapped Ar, their compositions, and the breccia ages seem to be incompatible with a previously suggested correlation between age or antiquity and the (40Ar/36Ar)trapped ratio (Eugster et al. 2001; Joy et al. 2011a). Alternatively, “orphan” Ar of this impact melt breccia may have an impact origin.
The septins FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 are required for cytokinesis and affect asexual and sexual development, lipid metabolism and virulence in Fusarium asiaticum
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gao Tao , Shao Wenyong , Zheng Zhitian , Zhou Mingguo , Chen Changjun
Published: September 2016

Septins are a highly conserved family of GTP‐binding proteins that contribute to many cellular and metabolic functions, including cell polarity, cytokinesis, cell morphogenesis and pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the septins FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 in the filamentous fungus Fusarium asiaticum. The functions of FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 were evaluated by constructing deletion mutants of FaCdc3 and FaCdc12, designated ΔFaCdc3‐5 and ΔFaCdc12‐71, respectively. The deletion mutants exhibited a reduced rate of mycelial growth, increased aerial hyphae formation, irregularly shaped hyphae, reduced conidiation and a lack of sexual reproduction in wheat kernels. Histochemical analysis revealed that the conidia and hyphae of ΔFaCdc3‐5 and ΔFaCdc12‐71 formed large lipid droplets (LDs). ΔFaCdc3‐5 and ΔFaCdc12‐71 also exhibited increased resistance to agents that induce osmotic stress and damage the cell membrane and cell wall. In addition, the hyphae and conidia of the two mutants formed fewer septa than those of the wild‐type and exhibited aberrant nuclear distribution. Pathogenicity assays showed that ΔFaCdc3‐5 and ΔFaCdc12‐71 exhibited reduced virulence on wheat spikelets, which was indirectly correlated with a reduced level of deoxynivalenol accumulation. All of these defects were restored by genetic complementation of the two mutants with the parental FaCdc3 and FaCdc12. These results indicate that FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 play a critical role in various cellular processes in F. asiaticum.
The motility of esophageal sphincters during liquid and solid bolus swallows: a multicenter normative value study of high‐resolution manometry in China
Authors: Xiang X.‐L. , Wang A. , Tu L. , Ke M.‐Y. , Yang Y.‐S. , Jiang B. , Lin L. , Dai N. , Zhang S.‐S. , Tao L. , Xu H. , Liang X.‐M. , Fang X.‐C. , Xia Z.‐W. , Wang X. , Wu J.‐N. , Wang M.‐F. , Zhang H.‐J. , Fang Y.‐F. , Shen C. , Wang J. , Peng L.‐H. , Li W.‐Y. , Wang Z.‐F. , Wang K. , Liu N. , Hou X.‐H.
Published: September 2016

Background

It is gradually accepted that solid bolus swallow needs to be added to the procedure of manometry. The motility differences in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were not well described. Sierra Scientific Instruments solid‐state high‐resolution manometry (HRM) system, the most popular HRM system in China, lacks the Chinese normative values for both liquid and solid bolus swallow parameters.

Methods

The esophageal HRM data of 88 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The parameters of both sphincters in resting stage were summarized and those during solid and liquid swallows were compared.

Key Results

Normative HRM values of sphincter parameters in solid and liquid bolus swallows in China were established. The UES residual pressure of solid bolus swallows was lower than that of liquid bolus (0.3±5.5 mm Hg vs 4.8±5.9 mm Hg, P=.000). The time parameters of UES relaxation between two types of bolus swallows were similar. In solid bolus swallows, the intrabolus pressure (IBP) (13.8±5.1 mm Hg vs 10.9±5.7 mm Hg, P=.000) and LES relaxation time (11.0±2.1 seconds vs 8.7±1.3 seconds, P=.000) were higher. The 4‐second integrated relaxation pressure between both bolus swallows was similar.

Conclusions & Inferences

The function of the UES and LES between solid and liquid bolus swallows is different. Chinese HRM parameters are different from the Chicago Classification (http://www.chictr.org.cn, Number ChiCTR‐EOC‐15007147).
Coincidence and Common Cause
Authors: Lando Tamar
Published: September 2016

According to the traditional view of the causal structure of a coincidence, the several parts of a coincidence are produced by independent causes. I argue that the traditional view is mistaken; even the several parts of a coincidence may have a common cause. This has important implications for how we think about the relationship between causation and causal explanation—and in particular, for why coincidences cannot be explained.
Low levels of strigolactones in roots as a component of the systemic signal of drought stress in tomato
Authors: Visentin Ivan , Vitali Marco , Ferrero Manuela , Zhang Yanxia , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , Novák Ondřej , Strnad Miroslav , Lovisolo Claudio , Schubert Andrea , Cardinale Francesca
Published: September 2016

Strigolactones (SL) contribute to drought acclimatization in shoots, because SL‐depleted plants are hypersensitive to drought due to stomatal hyposensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA). However, under drought, SL biosynthesis is repressed in roots, suggesting organ specificity in their metabolism and role. Because SL can be transported acropetally, such a drop may also affect shoots, as a systemic indication of stress.

We investigated this hypothesis by analysing molecularly and physiologically wild‐type (WT) tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) scions grafted onto SL‐depleted rootstocks, compared with self‐grafted WT and SL‐depleted genotypes, during a drought time‐course.

Shoots receiving few SL from the roots behaved as if under mild stress even if irrigated. Their stomata were hypersensitive to ABA (likely via a localized enhancement of SL synthesis in shoots). Exogenous SL also enhanced stomata sensitivity to ABA.

As the partial shift of SL synthesis from roots to shoots mimics what happens under drought, a reduction of root‐produced SL might represent a systemic signal unlinked from shootward ABA translocation, and sufficient to prime the plant for better stress avoidance.
Connecting the plant vasculature to friend or foe
Authors: Melnyk Charles W.
Published: September 2016

The plant vasculature transports water, sugars, hormones, RNAs and proteins. Such critical functions need to be protected from attack by pests and pathogens or from damage by wounding. Plants have developed mechanisms to repair vasculature when such protections fail and to even initiate new vascular connections to tissues supporting symbionts. The developmental phenomena underlying vascular repair and rewiring are therefore critical for horticultural grafting, for plant infection and for mutualist associations with rhizosphere microbes. Despite the biological and economic interest, we are only beginning to understand how plants connect and reconnect their vasculature to a wide variety of organisms. Here, I discuss recent work and future prospects for this emerging field.

Contents

Summary
1611

I.
Introduction
1611

II.
Connecting veins within a plant: leaf formation
1612

III.
Connecting veins within a plant: wound healing
1612

IV.
Connecting veins between plants: plant grafting
1614

V.
Connecting veins between plants: parasitic plant infections
1614

VI.
Connecting veins to symbionts: nematode infections
1614

VII.
Connecting veins to symbionts: bacterial infections
1615

VIII.
Conclusion
1616

Acknowledgements
1616

References
1616
Craniofacial morphology in pediatric patients with Prader–Willi syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Giuca M. R. , Inglese R. , Caruso S. , Gatto R. , Marzo G. , Pasini M.
Published: September 2016

Structured Abstract

Objective

To investigate craniofacial characteristics in pediatric patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS).

Setting and Sample Population

A retrospective sample of 20 consecutive patients with PWS who had lateral and antero‐posterior (AP) cephalograms (14 males and six females; average age 10.2 ± 3 years) was compared to 20 controls matched for age and sex (14 males and six females; average age 10.5 ± 3.7 years).

Materials and Methods

Cephalometric skeletal measurements were performed twice at a 1‐week interval by one calibrated operator, and random error was calculated using Dahlberg's formula. Mean values and standard deviations were computed for all variables. Student's t‐test for independent samples was used to determine significant differences between PWS and controls. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Cephalometric values for the length of the maxilla (p < 0.01), mandibular length (p < 0.05) at both the ramus (p < 0.05) and the mandibular body (p < 0.01), and posterior and anterior facial height (p < 0.01) were significantly lower in patients with PWS compared to controls. The AP cephalometric analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in maxillary skeletal width, mandibular skeletal width, and interzygomatic distance.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with PWS seem to have a general reduction in certain craniofacial skeletal parameters (i.e., maxillary and mandibular length) compared to controls, but this study did not assess the overall craniofacial characteristics.
Characterization of microparticles in patients with venous malformations of the head and neck
Authors: Zhu J‐Y , Ren J‐G , Zhang W , Wang F‐Q , Cai Y , Zhao J‐H , Chen G , Zhao Y‐F
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To determine the basic biochemical features of microparticles (MP) in patients with venous malformation (VM) of the head and neck.

Methods

Microparticles were isolated from peripheral venous blood of VM patients or healthy subjects and from lesional fluid of VM patients. Flow cytometry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the concentration, cellular origin, and RNA expression of obtained MP. A functional coagulation test was applied to measure the coagulant activity of MP.

Results

Circulating levels of total MP, platelet‐derived MP, and endothelial MP were significantly elevated in VM patients and were consistently increased in VM patients with more extensive lesions. Lesional MP (MP from lesional fluid of VM) in VM patients were more abundant than circulating MP from VM patients or healthy subjects. Moreover, MP from VM patients displayed markedly distinct mRNA and microRNA expression compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, MP from VM patients exhibited enhanced procoagulant activity, as evidenced by significantly shorter coagulation time.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time that patients with VM have an altered MP profile and MP may be associated with VM‐associated thrombogenesis. Further studies are required to explore the precise pathophysiological roles of MP in VM.
Comparative analysis of three histologic grading methods for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip
Authors: Strieder L , Coutinho‐Camillo CM , Costa V , da Cruz Perez DE , Kowalski LP , Kaminagakura E
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate three histologic grading methods for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip, the conventional three‐grade model proposed by the World Health Organization, tumor budding and depth of invasion (BD) model, and histologic risk assessment (HRA) model, and to correlate them with prognosis.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three patients with lip SCC were evaluated.

Results

The mean age was 65 years, 69.8% of the participants were men, and 66.0% of the patients had early‐stage tumors. Using the BD and conventional three‐grade methods, 52.8% and 64.2% of the cases were graded as low risk, respectively. The HRA model graded 54.7% of the cases as medium risk. In the BD model, the higher histologic grade was associated with worse prognosis (P = 0.045). Overall survival at 5 years was 87.8%. Tumor size (T3 + T4) and lymph node involvement (N+) were associated with reduced overall survival and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (P = 0.002 and 0.005; 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). Surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy was associated with lower RFS (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

High‐grade lip SCC in advanced stages is associated with a poor prognosis. The BD model is a simple and effective tool for the prognostic evaluation of lip SCC.
The mouth apparatus of the Cambrian gilled lobopodian Pambdelurion whittingtoni
Authors: Vinther Jakob , Porras Luis , Young Fletcher J. , Budd Graham E. , Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: September 2016

Omnidens is a large feeding apparatus composed of circlets of teeth, first documented from the early Cambrian of China. Originally interpreted as the oral cone of a radiodontan, it was later reinterpreted as the introvert of a priapulan. In both cases the Omnidens mouthparts underpinned estimates of gigantic (c. 2 m) body size. Recent evidence has been used to suggest that pharyngeal teeth and radially‐arranged oral plates in the stem‐group onychophoran Hallucigenia and the lower stem‐group euarthropod Jianshanopodia are homologous to structures of the introvert in priapulans and other scalidophorans, and are thus primitive characters for moulting animals (Ecdysozoa) as a whole. Here we show that the early Cambrian gilled lobopodian Pambdelurion whittingtoni from Sirius Passet, Greenland, possesses a mouth apparatus identical to Omnidens, being composed of the same three zones with detailed similarities of sclerites in each zone. An oral cone with rings of pharyngeal teeth, radial plates and outer scalid‐like plates are ecdysozoan characters retained in the euarthropod stem group. Omnidens from China probably belongs to an unrecognized Pambdelurion‐like animal rather than being part of a giant priapulan.
A maximin–minimax approach for classifying soybean genotypes for drought tolerance based on yield potential and loss
Authors: Bhatia Virender Singh , Jumrani Kanchan
Published: September 2016

Screening for drought in soybean is often a bottleneck in plant breeding programmes. Sixteen genotypes were evaluated for drought tolerance during 2012, 2013 and 2014. The experiment was conducted in a split‐plot design, and the main plots consisted of irrigated and water stress treatments, and subplots consisted of 16 genotypes. The average seed yield was highest in 2012 (1708 kg/ha), followed by 2014 (1364 kg/ha) while very low yields (958 kg/ha) were observed during 2013. The per cent reduction in average soybean yield under water stress conditions was maximum (43%) during 2014 followed by 2012 (40%) and 2013 (31%), respectively. The average yields of soybean genotypes also differed significantly, which ranged from 892 (NRC 12) to 2008 kg/ha (JS 97‐52). The maximin–minimax approach was used to classify these genotypes, and only, one genotype was identified as drought resistant and high yielding (EC 538828), three as tolerant and high yielding (JS 97‐52, EC 456548 and EC 602288) and none as low yielding and resistant, while the remaining 12 genotypes were found to be low yielding and susceptible to drought.
Skin Exposure to Ultraviolet B Rapidly Activates Systemic Neuroendocrine and Immunosuppressive Responses
Authors: Skobowiat Cezary , Postlethwaite Arnold E. , Slominski Andrzej T.
Published: September 2016

The back skin of C57BL/6 mice was exposed to a single 400 mJ cm−2 dose of ultraviolet B (UVB), and parameters of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in relation to immune activity were tested after 30–90 min following irradiation. Levels of brain and/or plasma corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), β‐endorphin, ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) were enhanced by UVB. Hypophysectomy had no effect on UVB‐induced increases of CORT. Mitogen‐induced IFNγ production by splenocytes from UVB‐treated mice was inhibited at 30, 90 min and after 24 h. UVB also led to inhibition of IL‐10 production indicating an immunosuppressive effect on both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Conditioned media from splenocytes isolated from UVB‐treated animals had no effect on IFNγ production in cultured normal splenocytes; however, IFNγ increased with conditioned media from sham‐irradiated animals. Sera from UVB‐treated mice suppressed T‐cell mitogen‐induced IFNγ production as compared to sera from sham‐treated mice. IFNγ production was inhibited in splenocytes isolated from UVB‐treated animals with intact pituitary, while stimulated in splenocytes from UVB‐treated hypophysectomized mice. Thus, cutaneous exposure to UVB rapidly stimulates systemic CRH, ACTH, β‐endorphin and CORT production accompanied by rapid immunosuppressive effects in splenocytes that appear to be independent of the HPA axis.
Photobiomodulation by Infrared Diode Laser: Effects on Intracellular Calcium Concentration and Nitric Oxide Production of Paramecium
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Benedicenti Alberico , Ferrando Sara , Parker Steven , Selting Wayne , Gallus Lorenzo , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: September 2016

In Paramecium, cilia beating is correlated to intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Recent findings affirm that photobiomodulation (PBM) can transiently increase the [Ca2+]i in mammalian cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of both 808 and 980 nm diode laser irradiated with flat‐top hand‐piece on [Ca2+]i and NO production of Paramecium primaurelia, to provide basic information for the development of new therapeutic approaches. In the experiments, the laser power in CW varied (0.1; 0.5; 1; and 1.5 W) to generate the following respective fluences: 6.4; 32; 64; and 96 J cm−2. The 6.4 J cm−2 did not induce PBM if irradiated by both 808 and 980 nm diode laser. Conversely, the 32 J cm−2 fluence had no effect on Paramecium cells if irradiated by the 808 nm laser, while if irradiated by the 980 nm laser induced increment in swimming speed (suggesting an effect on the [Ca2+]i, NO production, similar to the 64 J cm−2 with the 808 nm wavelength). The more evident discordance occurred with the 96 J cm−2 fluence, which had the more efficient effect on PBM among the parameters if irradiated with the 808 nm laser and killed the Paramecium cells if irradiated by the 980 nm laser. Lastly, the 980 nm and 64 or 96 J cm−2 were the only parameters to induce a release of stored calcium.
Nanostructured Polymeric Micelles Carrying Xanthene Dyes for Photodynamic Evaluation
Authors: de Freitas Camila Fabiano , Pellosi Diogo Silva , Estevão Bianca Martins , Calori Italo Rodrigo , Tsubone Tayana Mazin , Politi Mário José , Caetano Wilker , Hioka Noboru
Published: September 2016

It was evaluated the properties of the xanthene dyes Erythrosin B, Eosin Y and theirs Methyl, Butyl and Decyl ester derivatives as possible photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic treatments. The more hydrophobic dyes self‐aggregate in water/ethanol solutions above 70% water (vol/vol) in the mixture. In buffered water, these PS were encapsulated in Pluronic polymeric surfactants of P‐123 and F‐127 by two methodologies: direct addition and the thin‐film solid dispersion methods. The thin‐film solid method provided formulations with higher stabilities besides effective encapsulation of the PS as monomers. Size measurements demonstrated that Pluronic forms self‐assembled micelles with uniform size, which present slightly negative surface potential and a spherical form detected by TEM microscopy. The ester length modulates xanthene localization in the micelle, which is deeper with the increase in the alkyl chain. Moreover, some PS are distributed into two populations: one on the corona micelle interface shell (PEO layer) and the other into the core (PPO region). Although all PS formulations show high singlet oxygen quantum yield, promising results were obtained for Erythrosin B esters with the hydrophobic P‐123, which ensures their potential as drug for clinical photodynamic applications.
Transformational Leadership and Organizational Processes: Influencing Public Performance
Authors: Sun Rusi , Henderson Alexander C.
Published: September 2016

Leaders are essential actors in public performance improvement and organizational change. However, a key question has not been adequately addressed in prior literature on the topic: how do leadership processes make a difference? Using data on New York City public schools, this article explores the organizational mechanisms by which a specific form of principal's leadership—transformational leadership—influences objective organizational outcomes as measured by standardized test scores. The empirical results indicate that a principal's transformational leadership style affects student test scores through the mediating effects of purposeful performance information use and stakeholder engagement.
Influence of substrate and burial on the development of Posidonia oceanica: implications for restoration
Authors: Guerrero‐Meseguer Laura , Sanz‐Lázaro Carlos , Suk‐ueng Krittawit , Marín Arnaldo
Published: September 2016

Posidonia oceanica is one of the few seagrasses that can colonize hard and soft substrates. To test whether substrate could affect root development of the seedlings, with a legacy effect upon transplantation to sand, we germinated seeds on hard (glass slide) versus soft (sand) substrates in microcosms. We found that sand favored root system development, with a compensatory slowing of leaf development, while glass had the opposite effect. After 4 months, we transplanted all seedlings to sand and tested for a legacy effect of initial substrate type. Leaves of seedlings germinated on sand and glass slides reached approximately the same length, but roots from seedlings germinated on glass did not develop fully. Seed burial (0–1.5 cm) did not affect seedling development. These results suggest that the culture of P. oceanica on sand prior to transplantation could enhance seedlings survival in restoration programs.
Estimation of the False Discovery Proportion with Unknown Dependence
Authors: Fan Jianqing , Han Xu
Published: September 2016

Large-scale multiple testing with correlated test statistics arises frequently in much scientific research. Incorporating correlation information in approximating the false discovery proportion (FDP) has attracted increasing attention in recent years. When the covariance matrix of test statistics is known, Fan and his colleagues provided an accurate approximation of the FDP under arbitrary dependence structure and some sparsity assumption. However, the covariance matrix is often unknown in many applications and such dependence information must be estimated before approximating the FDP. The estimation accuracy can greatly affect the FDP approximation. In the current paper, we study theoretically the effect of unknown dependence on the testing procedure and establish a general framework such that the FDP can be well approximated. The effects of unknown dependence on approximating the FDP are in the following two major aspects: through estimating eigenvalues or eigenvectors and through estimating marginal variances. To address the challenges in these two aspects, we firstly develop general requirements on estimates of eigenvalues and eigenvectors for a good approximation of the FDP. We then give conditions on the structures of covariance matrices that satisfy such requirements. Such dependence structures include banded or sparse covariance matrices and (conditional) sparse precision matrices. Within this framework, we also consider a special example to illustrate our method where data are sampled from an approximate factor model, which encompasses most practical situations. We provide a good approximation of the FDP via exploiting this specific dependence structure. The results are further generalized to the situation where the multivariate normality assumption is relaxed. Our results are demonstrated by simulation studies and some real data applications.
Efficacy of imidazolquinoline on treatment of condyloma acuminatum of the buccal mucosa
Authors: Curi Davi Silva Carvalho , Leite‐Ribeiro Patrícia Miranda , Torregrossa Vinicius Rabelo , Vieira Vinicius Costa , Sarmento Viviane Almeida
Published: September 2016

The condylomata acuminata is a benign epithelial neoplasm induced by papillomavirus, and it is characterized by the proliferation of stratified squamous epithelial tissue that affects the anogenital and oral mucosa. It is considered to be a sexually transmitted disease and has a higher prevalence in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Various therapies have been used for the removal of lesions, such as cryotherapy, surgical laser and surgical excision, which are painful and scarring. These techniques, however, do not eliminate the virus and relapses are common shortly after treatment. The use of immunomodulators has been proposed to be an alternative treatment, as imidazolquinoline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of lesions in the anogenital region. However, its use in the oral cavity has been the subject of few reports in the literature. Thus, the objective of this study is to describe a case of warts in the labial mucosa of an HIV positive patient using imidazolquinoline 5%.
Analysis of the Phenotype and Function of the Subpopulations of Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T Cells
Authors: Brozova J. , Karlova I. , Novak J.
Published: September 2016

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells contain two main subpopulations, CD8+ and double‐negative (DN) cells. The first reports suggested that subpopulations of MAIT cells have similar phenotype and function. Recent works, however, demonstrate that the subpopulations have different ontogenesis and are differentially affected by xenobiotic treatment. In this work, we re‐examined the possible differences between subpopulations of MAIT cells. We demonstrate that the main subpopulations of MAIT cells (CD8 and DN) are relatively uniform in terms of both phenotype and function. Both populations are memory/activated, tissue‐homing and pro‐inflammatory. CD8+ MAIT cells are better equipped for pro‐inflammatory functions as they express higher levels of CD16 and NKG2D, produce more pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) and have higher cytotoxic potential (contain more granzyme B and express higher levels of CD107A upon stimulation). Our study contributes to the understanding of the heterogeneity of MAIT cell population.
Liveable Villages: The Relationship between Volunteering and Liveability in the Perceptions of Rural Residents
Authors: Gieling Joost , Haartsen Tialda
Published: September 2016

In the Dutch policy discourse it is increasingly thought that active citizenship will positively affect satisfaction with the living environment. This article challenges this assumption by examining whether and how volunteering in village life and individual perceptions of liveability are interrelated. Through a series of hierarchical regressions, we found that having the opportunity to volunteer in village life is not a significant predictor of perceived liveability. Moreover, by classifying rural inhabitants as non‐participants, nominal participants and active participants in volunteering in village life, we determined that active residents evaluate liveability less positively than the other two groups. Accordingly, determinants other than volunteering and active citizenship are better able to predict perceived liveability, although the specific variables differ for each group of rural inhabitants. This suggests that governments overestimate both the willingness of rural residents to volunteer and the benefits of becoming active in village life.
LGBT Novel Drug Use as Contextualized Through Control, Strain, and Learning Theories*
Authors: Rukus Joseph , Stogner John , Miller Bryan
Published: September 2016

Objective

We examine novel drug use in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the context of social learning, self‐control, and strain theories.

Methods

Based on a sample of 2,349 college students, we examine novel drug use rates of LGBT participants. We then perform a series of logistic regression models to examine factors correlated with LGBT novel drug use.

Results

We find LGBT individuals have higher rates of use for novel drugs. We find that social learning constructs partially mediate the relationship between sexual orientation and novel drug use. The data did not support the hypotheses that strain or self‐control mediated or acted as a moderator in this relationship.

Conclusion

We hypothesize higher LGBT novel drug use may be related to unique cultural definitions surrounding LGBT drug use and LGBT individuals being less likely to stigmatize substance use. This finding may have implications for LGBT substance use messaging and education programs.
Racial Discrimination and Statistical Discrimination: MLB Rookie Card Values and Performance Uncertainty
Authors: Burge Gregory S. , Zillante Arthur
Published: September 2016

Objective

While previous studies document racial discrimination in Major League Baseball, few have considered statistical discrimination, and how racial bias may spill over into related markets. Investigating rookie card (RC) values at their initial release, we exploit the role of information uncertainty to separately identify the influence of racial discrimination and statistical discrimination.

Methods

Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Tobit models, we examine 6,026 cards released from 1986 to 1993. After documenting race‐based differentials in MLB achievement, we explore the determinants of prices in certain and uncertain environments.

Results

RCs of black players carry a 14–20 percent premium at their initial release. Race does not influence card values once careers are finished. Finally, given comparable career performance, prices for black players decline significantly more over time. Collectively, this suggests statistical discrimination influences consumers in this market.

Conclusion

Racial discrimination in an upstream market can lead to spillover effects on related downstream markets.
Identification of a novel allele, HLA‐A*26:01:01:03N, by full‐length genome sequencing
Authors: Park B. G. , Cho J. , Im J. , Kwon O.‐J. , Kim H.‐S.
Published: September 2016

The HLA‐A*26:01:01:03N allele shows a single nucleotide difference compared with HLA‐A*26:01:01:01 in intron 4(1846 G>A).
Identification and sequence analysis of a novel HLA‐A*33 allele, HLA‐A*33:88
Authors: Pei Y. F. , Huang H. N. , Li H. C. , Wu G. G.
Published: September 2016

HLA‐A*33:88 differs from HLA‐A*33:03:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 475, G>A (codon 135 GCG>ACG).
Local Externalities and Firm Internationalisation
Authors: Burlina Chiara
Published: September 2016

The aim of the work is to understand how the role of local externalities (agglomeration economies and related variety), as well as firm heterogeneity, have influenced the internationalisation strategies chosen by Italian manufacturing firms from 1998 to 2006. Based on the 10th survey of the corporate bank Unicredit‐Capitalia, I construct an unbalanced panel data of 19,635 firms. As in Cainelli, Ganau and Iacobucci, I compute related variety as a measure of the input‐output relationships between firms of different sectors: this procedure allows taking into account the vertical related variety as a proxy for diversification. The results of the econometric analysis, conducted with multinomial logistic regressions, show that vertically related variety and productivity positively influence both export and FDI strategies. The extant literature on firm heterogeneity has been confirmed, while important findings on local externalities enrich the already existing theories.
Successful renal retransplantation after graft loss from BK polyomavirus infection in a human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patient
Authors: Barthélemy Aurore , Bouvier Nicolas , Verdon Renaud , Chatelet Valérie , Hurault de Ligny Bruno
Published: September 2016

We report the case of a human immunodeficiency virus‐seropositive patient whose initial kidney transplant failed because of BK polyomavirus‐induced nephropathy, and who underwent a second transplantation 3 years later. BK viruria was detected 1 day after transplantation. After 1 month, BK viremia developed along with a donor‐specific antibody. After decreasing tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid and 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulins, BK viremia and donor‐specific antibody permanently disappeared, with stable renal function.
Vps35‐dependent recycling of Trem2 regulates microglial function
Authors: Yin Jie , Liu Xiaocui , He Qing , Zhou Lujun , Yuan Zengqiang , Zhao Siqi
Published: September 2016

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), an immune‐modulatory receptor, is preferentially expressed in microglia of central nervous system. Trem2 might be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating the inflammatory responses and phagocytosis of microglia. However, the intracellular trafficking of Trem2 remains unclear. In this study, we showed that Trem2 in the plasma membrane underwent endocytosis and recycling. Trem2 is internalized in a clathrin‐dependent manner and then recycled back to the plasma membrane through vacuolar protein sorting 35 (Vps35), the key component of cargo recognition core of retromer complex, but not Rab11. When Vps35 is knocked down, Trem2 accumulated in the lysosomes but was not degraded. More importantly, Vps35 deficiency leads to excessive lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and IL‐6 production, which can be abolished by Trem2 overexpression. Furthermore, R47H Trem2, an AD‐associated mutant, failed to interact with Vps35 and became unstable compared with wild‐type Trem2. Our study suggests that Vps35/retromer is responsible for recycling of Trem2 in the regulation of microglial function such as proinflammatory responses, whereas R47H mutation impairs Trem2 trafficking, which might contribute to AD.
A population‐based longitudinal study on the implications of demographics on future blood supply
Authors: Greinacher Andreas , Weitmann Kerstin , Lebsa Anne , Alpen Ulf , Gloger Doris , Stangenberg Wolfgang , Kiefel Volker , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Changes in demographics with increases in older age groups and decreases in younger age groups imply an increased demand for blood transfusions paralleled by a decrease in the population eligible for blood donation. However, more restrictive transfusion triggers and the patient blood management initiative also reduce the demand for red blood cells (RBCs). Eastern Germany is a model region for the impact of demographic changes, which manifest in this region approximately 10 years earlier than in other regions due to the 50% birth rate decline after 1989.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We report the 2010 longitudinal 5‐year follow‐up of the study assessing all whole blood donations and RBC transfusions in Mecklenburg‐West Pomerania. We compared the projections that were made 5 years ago with: 1) the current age structure of the blood donor and transfusion recipient populations and 2) its impact on blood demand and blood donation numbers in specific age groups.

RESULTS

Transfusion rates were lower and blood donation rates were higher than predicted in 2005. Although transfusion rates/1000 decreased in nearly all age groups, the overall annual transfusion rate increased to 66.4 RBC units/1000 (in 2005, 62.2/1000) due to the absolute increase in the elderly population. Despite a 7.4% decline in the population 18 to 65 years of age, whole blood donations increased by 11.7% between 2005 and 2010, but thereafter decreased by 21% (first‐time donors by 39.4%), reflecting the effect of the post‐1990 birth rate decline on the donor population.

CONCLUSION

Changes in demography and medical practice impact the delicate balance between available blood supply and potential future transfusion needs. In times of pronounced demographic changes, regular monitoring of the blood demand and age structure of blood recipients and donors is required to allow strategic planning to prevent blood shortages or overproduction.
Retrospective evaluation of the effect of red blood cell product age on occurrence of acute transfusion‐related complications in dogs: 210 cases (2010–2012)
Authors: Maglaras Christina H. , Koenig Amie , Bedard Deanna L. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) product age influences the occurrence of acute transfusion‐related complications and mortality in dogs. The hypothesis was that acute transfusion‐related complications and mortality would increase with age of product.

Design

Retrospective study (2010–2012).

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Two hundred and ten clinical canine patients.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records were reviewed for dogs receiving RBC‐containing products. Patient signalment; reason for transfusion; product type, dose, age, and source; pretransfusion compatibility; rate, route, and method of administration; administration of multiple transfusions; underlying disease; occurrence of transfusion‐related complications (eg, fever, hemolysis, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular, neurologic, and respiratory complications); various hematologic parameters; and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed for association between potential risk factors and occurrence of transfusion‐related complications as well as between transfusion‐related complications and survival. Of 333 transfusion events in 210 patients, 84 transfusion‐related complications occurred. Fever was most common (41/333), followed by hemolysis (21/333). For every additional day of product age, the odds of hemolysis increased significantly (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.16; P < 0.0001). Transfusion‐related complications when considered as a whole were associated with higher dose of product, longer duration of administration per transfusion event, and immune‐mediated disease, but not with source of product or general category of anemia. Administration rate was significantly slower in patients with febrile transfusion‐related complications (P < 0.0001). Product age was not associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Age of stored RBC products is associated with increased risk of transfusion‐related hemolysis, but not with fever. Prospective clinical studies evaluating the influence of storage duration on development of in vitro versus in vivo hemolysis are warranted.
Towards integrative systematics of Anthozoa (Cnidaria): evolution of form in the order Zoanthidea
Authors: Swain Timothy D. , Strimaitis Anna M. , Reuter Kim E. , Boudreau William
Published: September 2016

A decade of research inferring evolutionary relationships from nucleotide sequences has demonstrated a fundamental misconception of the evolution of form in Zoanthidea. Morphological features that define current taxa are plesiomorphic or homoplastic and do not circumscribe clades of species delineated by ecological and molecular characters. Although molecular data have been critical in exposing this deficiency, their parataxonomic application to Zoanthidea has created a barrier to comprehensive revision within the order. Species descriptions and higher taxon definitions based on nucleotide sequences isolate new taxa from the existing taxonomic system and restrict the application of novel systematics hypotheses to a fraction of the known diversity of taxa. This creates competing taxonomic systems that do not benefit from the knowledge contained in the opposing system. To enable the integration of modern molecular data with more than a century of morphological research, characters that can simultaneously span the parataxonomy barrier, existing taxonomic system and historical record must be identified. Here, we test the utility of morphological characters for integrative systematics by reviewing commonly described and novel morphological characters, assessing independence of character components and analysing character homoplasy and ancestral states on the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny available. The results indicate a rich diversity of form that span the full range of homoplasy values, including more than a dozen independent characters useful to systematics or differentiating closely related species. The least homoplasious characters include traditionally targeted (fifth mesenteries, marginal muscle arrangement, encircling sinus) and novel (fissure morphology, basal canals of the mesenteries) features. These analyses represent a first step in identifying characters necessary for reunification and revision of Zoanthidea systematics.
The Success Criteria of Public Housing Project in Nigeria
Authors: Mukhtar Musa Mohammed , Amirudin Roslan
Published: September 2016

There is no consensus among researchers of what constitutes projects success; every project type may have different success criteria. Identifying project success criteria at the initial stage of a project can contribute to effective utilization of resources. The aim of this study is to establish the criteria for measuring public housing project success in Nigeria. The data collection was carried out in Nigeria by means of structured interviews with ten experts in housing, a pilot survey and questionnaire survey.  A questionnaire survey was carried out in which 550 questionnaires were administered to construction professionals who involve in public housing projects, in order to elicit their perceptions on success criteria for public housing projects. The sample was drawn using purposive sampling method since there is no sample frame of people with experience in public housing. Two hundred and seventy six questionnaires (276) were returned completed representing 50.2% response rate. The data collected were analysed using structural equation modelling technique. The results reveal six criteria for measuring public housing project management success, these are client’s satisfaction, project completed on time, project completed to specified quality standard, absence of disputes, safety, and completion within budget. The results also reveal four criteria for measuring public housing product success which include meeting the project purpose, end users’ satisfaction, environmental impact and aesthetic appearance of the . Understanding the findings of this study by policy makers and project managers can improve effectiveness and efficiency of public housing projects in Nigeria.
Conceptual Framework of Ecosystem Services in Landscape Planning, Malaysia
Authors: Yeo Lee Bak , Said Ismail , Saito Kei , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the concept of ecosystem services and its trend, scale and gradient, through reviewing articles, books and internet sources. Result shows that evaluation of ecosystem services in small towns within urban-rural gradient in developing countries still not being scrutinized explicitly, especially trade-offs’ concern. Environmental damages in the developing countries are burgeoning. As land conversion from natural capital to built capital is also keep on rising for temporal economic interests. Therefore, it has induced changes in ecological functions and affected the ecosystem services supply. In the context of Peninsular Malaysia, ungoverned built capitals and flaw of policy further contribute to fallacious decision making. And yet, there is still no specific framework or initiatives directly deals with ecosystem and biodiversity. A conceptual framework has been proposed to assess and value ecosystem services through integration of InVEST model (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) and bundle of ecosystem services. The framework allows stakeholders to have an insight of the pros and cons about the landscape changes, be it in ecological, economic or social-cultural perspectives. Therefore, it may help to ameliorate the trade-offs and enhance the synergies of ecosystem services that eventually can contribute to attaining human well-being, and to promote sustainable growth.