bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional burning and mowing practices support high grassland plant diversity by providing intermediate levels of vegetation height and soil pH
Authors: Nagata Yuko K. , Ushimaru Atushi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractQuestionWhich types of management practice promote plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands? Which environmental factors might be involved in this management effect? How do different plant life‐form groups respond to these variables?LocationKaida Plateau, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.MethodsIn the study area, hay meadows were traditionally maintained through both burning and mowing every second year. Recently, however, meadows that have either been abandoned or maintained only by annual burning or annual mowing have increased. We compared plant species richness, vegetation height and soil pH and water content between traditional meadows and those abandoned or maintained only by burning or mowing. We also examined relationships between these variables and the species richness of plant life‐form groups.ResultsThe mean total and rare plant richness (36 and eight species·m−2, respectively) in traditionally managed meadows were higher than in meadows of other management types (<26 and ≤5 species·m−2, respectively). Vegetation height (20–290 cm) and soil pH (4.2–6.2) varied among study plots. Burning and mowing frequencies negatively influenced vegetation height and positively influenced soil pH and/or water content. Traditional management practice provided intermediate vegetation heights (90 cm) and soil pH (5.3). Total species richness showed a unimodal relationship with vegetation height (peaking at 125 cm), and rare species richness was highest at intermediate levels of vegetation height (86 cm) and soil pH (5.2).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that intermediate levels of vegetation height and soil pH have been maintained through traditional practices combining both infrequent burning and mowing. These practices are essential for conserving common and rare plant diversity in the study area with oligotrophic soil conditions.
Can exome scans be expected to be part of real‐time decision‐making in patients with haematological cancers?
Authors: Hokland Peter , Cotter Finbarr E. , Hansen Marcus C. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe laboratory aspects of diagnosis of patients with haematological malignancies are forever changing. Microscopic examination of blood and bone marrow smears, cytogenetics, flow cytometry and single‐assay molecular diagnostics have been and are still essential tools in cancer diagnostics. Flow cytometry has brought the unprecedented possibility of rapid multiplexing and characterization of complex immunophenotypic patterns. However, the advent of next generation sequencing in the haematology laboratory brings a whole new perspective on multiplexing and potentially lowers the cost per analysis effectively. These informative methods still require skilled technicians and bioinformaticians, evolve at a rapid pace, and call for clinical guidelines and best practice. Here, we discuss the potential and caveats of whole exome sequencing as it moves closer to routine laboratory practice. The question is: Will exome sequencing be performed, real‐time, in the standard haemodiagnostic laboratory?
Constraining the chronology of Pleistocene glaciations on Svalbard: Kapp Ekholm re‐visited
Authors: Eccleshall Sarah V. , Hormes Anne , Hovland Alexander , Preusser Frank 
Published: June 2016

The Kapp Ekholm site, in central Spitsbergen, shows alternating units of glaciomarine sandy silt and diamicton representing three glacial cycles and is key in reconstructing the Late Pleistocene glacial history of Svalbard. Part of the site is reinvestigated here by focusing on re‐dating two units (B and F) interpreted as interglacial/interstadial glaciomarine deposits, in order to constrain the controversial chronology. A combination of Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) on quartz, infrared stimulated luminescence with a 50 °C readout temperature (IRSL50) and post infrared‐infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR), both on feldspar, was applied. While Formation B was beyond the dateable range of OSL, IRSL50 and pIR ages lead to the conclusion that this unit represents the Last Interglacial, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e, and the underlying diamicton the MIS 6 glacial. Formation F yielded ages implying that the formation represents the MIS 5a interstadial and the underlying diamicton is interpreted to represent the MIS 5b stadial. This agrees with conclusions drawn concerning the Pleistocene glaciations elsewhere on Svalbard.
Visions of the past and dreams of the future in the Orient: the Irano‐Turanian region from classical botany to evolutionary studies
Authors: Manafzadeh Sara , Staedler Yannick M. , Conti Elena 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTEver since the 19th century, the immense arid lands of the Orient, now called the Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region, attracted the interest of European naturalists with their tremendous plant biodiversity. Covering approximately 30% of the surface of Eurasia (16000000 km2), the IT region is one of the largest floristic regions of the world. The IT region represents one of the hotspots of evolutionary and biological diversity in the Old World, and serves as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring regions. Moreover, it is the cradle of the numerous species domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Over the last 200 years, naturalists outlined different borders for the IT region. Yet, the delimitation and evolutionary history of this area remain one of the least well‐understood fields of global biogeography, even though it is crucial to explaining the distribution of life in Eurasia. No comprehensive review of the biogeographical delimitations nor of the role of geological and climatic changes in the evolution of the IT region is currently available. After considering the key role of floristic regions in biogeography, we review the history of evolving concepts about the borders and composition of the IT region over the past 200 years and outline a tentative circumscription for it. We also summarise current knowledge on the geological and climatic history of the IT region. We then use this knowledge to generate specific evolutionary hypotheses to explain how different geological, palaeoclimatic, and ecological factors contributed to range expansion and contraction, thus shaping patterns of speciation in the IT region over time and space. Both historical and ecological biogeography should be applied to understand better the floristic diversification of the region. This will ultimately require evolutionary comparative analyses based on integrative phylogenetic, geological, climatic, ecological, and species distribution studies on the region. Furthermore, an understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes will play a major role in regional planning for protecting biodiversity of the IT region in facing climatic change. With this review, we aim to introduce the IT floristic region to a broader audience of evolutionary, ecological and systematic biologists, thus promoting cutting‐edge research on this area and raising awareness of this vast and diverse, yet understudied, part of the world.
Road traffic noise geography during the night in Montreal: An environmental equity assessment
Authors: Carrier Mathieu , Apparicio Philippe , Séguin Anne‐Marie 
Published: June 2016

Key Messages

Areas with more low‐income individuals and visible minorities are more likely to be characterized by higher levels of road traffic noise during the night.
5% of the population of the study area live in a city block characterized by a mean value of road traffic noise that exceeds 55 dB(A).
Areas with the highest road traffic noise values are located along the major highways of the study area.
2.5‐Year‐Olds Express Suspense When Others Approach Reality With False Expectations
Authors: Moll Henrike , Khalulyan Allie , Moffett Lillie 
Published: June 2016

The study investigated if 2.5‐year‐olds are susceptible to suspense and express tension when others' false expectations are about to be disappointed. In two experiments (N = 32 each), children showed more tension when a protagonist approached a box with a false belief about its content than when she was ignorant. In Experiment 2, children also expressed more tension when the protagonist's belief was false than when it was true. The findings reveal that toddlers affectively anticipate the “rude awakening” of an agent who is about to discover unexpected reality. They thus not only understand false beliefs per se but also grasp the affective implications of being mistaken. The results are discussed with recourse to current theories about early understanding of false beliefs.
Adaptive Physically Based Models in Computer Graphics
Authors: Manteaux P.‐L. , Wojtan C. , Narain R. , Redon S. , Faure F. , Cani M.‐P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractOne of the major challenges in physically based modelling is making simulations efficient. Adaptive models provide an essential solution to these efficiency goals. These models are able to self‐adapt in space and time, attempting to provide the best possible compromise between accuracy and speed. This survey reviews the adaptive solutions proposed so far in computer graphics. Models are classified according to the strategy they use for adaptation, from time‐stepping and freezing techniques to geometric adaptivity in the form of structured grids, meshes and particles. Applications range from fluids, through deformable bodies, to articulated solids.
Appendiceal orifice inflammation is associated with proximal extension of disease in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Anzai H. , Hata K. , Kishikawa J. , Ishii H. , Yasuda K. , Otani K. , Nishikawa T. , Tanaka T. , Kiyomatsu T. , Kawai K. , Nozawa H. , Kazama S. , Yamaguchi H. , Ishihara S. , Sunami E. , Watanabe T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimUlcerative colitis (UC) is considered to be a disease of continuous mucosal inflammation extending proximally from the rectum. However, appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) is a skip lesion with segments of continuous involvement from the rectum. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and clinical course, particularly focused on proximal extension, of UC in patients with AOI.MethodA retrospective evaluation of patients with UC who underwent total colonoscopy at the Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, from 2004 to 2014. The degree of AOI was graded endoscopically as follows: 0 (no inflammation); 1 (slight oedema); 2 (moderate inflammation); and 3 (marked inflammation). A total of 189 patient records were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of AOI was analysed with regard to the clinical information of each patient, and its association with proximal extension of proctitis or left‐sided colitis was evaluated.ResultsOf 189 patients with UC who underwent total colonoscopy at our institution, 92 were diagnosed with pancolitis, 50 with left‐sided colitis and 47 with proctitis. Endoscopic findings of AOI were observed in 26 patients, including 11 (12.0%) with pancolitis, six (12.0%) with left‐sided colitis and nine (19.1%) with proctitis. During follow up, proximal extension of the disease occurred in all nine patients with proctitis AOI.ConclusionAOI is more frequently observed in patients with proctitis. Our results showed correlations between AOI and subsequent proximal extension of mucosal inflammation in patients with proctitis.
Hypoxia‐induced microRNA‐301b regulates apoptosis by targeting Bim in lung cancer
Authors: Wu Duoguang , Chen Baishen , Cui Fei , He Xiaotian , Wang Wenjian , Wang Minghui 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivesWorldwide, lung cancer accounts for the majority of cancer‐related deaths. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has increasingly been reported to be associated with tumour progression. This study aimed to explore the role of miR‐301b in regulating apoptosis in lung cancer.Materials and methodsExpression of miR‐301b was assessed by real‐time PCR in cell lines, human patient tissues and cells treated under hypoxia and DMOG. Scramble siRNA, miR‐301b inhibitor and miR‐301b mimics were transfected into lung cancer cells to determine their effects on apoptosis. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was used to explore functions of miR‐301b on apoptosis, in vivo. Finally, relationships between Bim and miR‐301b levels were explored by luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting.ResultsWe found that miR‐301b was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Expression of miR‐301b was induced by hypoxia, and miR‐301b suppressed expression of Bim by targeting its 3′UTR. Functionally, ectopic expression of miR‐301b enhanced cell population growth, reduced apoptosis and reduced sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy. In the xenograft model, overexpression of miR‐301b promoted tumour growth. Additionally, miR‐301b and Bim expression were inversely correlated in clinical lung cancer samples.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the function of miRNA‐301b in lung cancer and suggests that miRNA‐301b could be a potential molecular target for chemotherapy.
Microclimate predicts within‐season distribution dynamics of montane forest birds
Authors: Frey Sarah J. K. , Hadley Adam S. , Betts Matthew G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimClimate changes are anticipated to have pervasive negative effects on biodiversity and are expected to necessitate widespread range shifts or contractions. Such projections are based upon the assumptions that (1) species respond primarily to broad‐scale climatic regimes, or (2) that variation in climate at fine spatial scales is less relevant at coarse spatial scales. However, in montane forest landscapes, high degrees of microclimate variability could influence occupancy dynamics and distributions of forest species. Using high‐resolution bird survey and under‐canopy air temperature data, we tested the hypothesis that the high vagility of most forest bird species combined with the heterogeneous thermal regime of mountain landscapes would enable them to adjust initial settlement decisions to track their thermal niches.LocationWestern Cascade Mountains, Oregon, USA.MethodsWe used dynamic occupancy models to test the degree to which microclimate affects the distribution patterns of forest birds in a heterogeneous mountain environment. In all models we statistically accounted for vegetation structure, vegetation composition and potential biases due to imperfect detection of birds. We generated spatial predictions of forest bird distributions in relation to microclimate and vegetation structure.ResultsFine‐scale temperature metrics were strong predictors of bird distributions; effects of temperature on within‐season occupancy dynamics were as large or larger (1–1.7 times) than vegetation effects. Most species (86.7%) exhibited apparent within‐season occupancy dynamics. However, species were almost as likely to be warm associated (i.e., apparent settlement at warmer sites and/or vacancy at cooler sites; 53.3% of species) as cool associated (i.e., apparent settlement at cooler sites and/or vacancy at warmer sites; 46.7% of species), suggesting that microclimate preferences are species specific.Main conclusionsHigh‐resolution temperature data increase the quality of predictions about avian distribution dynamics and should be included in efforts to project future distributions. We hypothesize that microclimate‐associated distribution patterns may reflect species' potential for behavioural buffering from climate change in montane forest environments.
Variants associated with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in Japanese children: implications for age‐specific effects of cis‐regulatory haplotypes at 17q12‐q21
Authors: Ayabe T. , Fukami M. , Ogata T. , Kawamura T. , Urakami T. , Kikuchi N. , Yokota I. , Ihara K. , Takemoto K. , Mukai T. , Nishii A. , Kikuchi T. , Mori T. , Shimura N. , Sasaki G. , Kizu R. , Takubo N. , Soneda S. , Fujisawa T. , Takaya R. , Kizaki Z. , Kanzaki S. , Hanaki K. , Matsuura N. , Kasahara Y. , Kosaka K. , Takahashi T. , Minamitani K. , Matsuo S. , Mochizuki H. , Kobayashi K. , Koike A. , Horikawa R. , Teno S. , Tsubouchi K. , Mochizuki T. , Igarashi Y. , Amemiya S. , Sugihara S. ,   the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (JSGIT)
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to clarify the significance of previously reported susceptibility variants in the development of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in non‐white children. Tested variants included rs2290400, which has been linked to Type 1 diabetes only in one study on white people. Haplotypes at 17q12‐q21 encompassing rs2290400 are known to determine the susceptibility of early‐onset asthma by affecting the expression of flanking genes.MethodsWe genotyped 63 variants in 428 Japanese people with childhood‐onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes and 457 individuals without diabetes. Possible association between variants and age at diabetes onset was examined using age‐specific quantitative trait locus analysis and ordered‐subset regression analysis.ResultsTen variants, including rs2290400 in GSDMB, were more frequent among the people with Type 1 diabetes than those without diabetes. Of these, rs689 in INS and rs231775 in CTLA4 yielded particularly high odds ratios of 5.58 (corrected P value 0.001; 95% CI 2.15–14.47) and 1.64 (corrected P value 5.3 × 10‐5; 95% CI 1.34–2.01), respectively. Age‐specific effects on diabetes susceptibility were suggested for rs2290400; heterozygosity of the risk alleles was associated with relatively early onset of diabetes, and the allele was linked to the phenotype exclusively in the subgroup of age at onset ≤ 5.0 years.ConclusionsThe results indicate that rs2290400 in GSDMB and polymorphisms in INS and CTLA4 are associated with the risk of Type 1 diabetes in Japanese children. Importantly, cis‐regulatory haplotypes at 17q12‐q21 encompassing rs2290400 probably determine the risk of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes predominantly in early childhood.
Left Ventricular Mechanics in Functional Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation in Acute Inferoposterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Valuckiene Zivile , Ovsianas Justas , Ablonskyte‐Dudoniene Ruta , Mizariene Vaida , Melinyte Karolina , Jurkevicius Renaldas 
Published: June 2016

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is an established adverse prognostic factor after myocardial infarction (MI). Functional ischemic mitral regurgitation in acute phase of MI remains under‐investigated due to its often transient and dynamic nature. We aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) mechanics by speckle‐tracking echocardiography in acute inferoposterior MI and ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR).MethodsSixty‐nine patients with no structural cardiac valve abnormalities and first acute inferoposterior MI were prospectively enrolled into the study. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for regional myocardial function and valve assessment was performed within 48 hours of presentation after reperfusion therapy (percutaneous coronary intervention). Based on degree of MR, patients were divided into no significant MR (NMR) group (N = 34, with no or mild (grade 0–I) MR) and ischemic MR (IMR) group (N = 35, with grade ≥2 MR). Thirty‐five age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals served as a normal reference group. Offline 2D speckle tracking analysis was performed with GE EchoPAC software.ResultsLV ejection fraction and longitudinal myocardial deformation parameters were significantly better in healthy subjects, but did not differ between both study groups. All circumferential myocardial deformation parameters were significantly worse in IMR group compared to healthy subjects and NMR group. Global, basal, and mid‐ventricular radial strain was significantly lower in IMR group compared to both—healthy subjects and NMR group.ConclusionIschemic mitral regurgitation in acute inferoposterior MI is associated with worse radial and circumferential LV deformation parameters assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.
Left atrial and ventricular systolic and diastolic myocardial mechanics in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Calleja Anna M. , Rakowski Harry , Williams Lynne K. , Jamorski Michal , Chan Christopher T. , Carasso Shemy 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundDiastolic cardiac dysfunction is an important complication of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), but quantification remains a challenge. Given that diastolic dysfunction is reflected in both left atrial (LA) and ventricular (LV) function, we aimed to identify abnormalities in LV and LA volume and function using measures of myocardial mechanics.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 53 incident ESRD patients (46±16 y/o 44% male) and compared them to 85 normal controls. LA phasic volumes and functional parameters were obtained from the apical 4CH view. Global ventricular peak longitudinal and circumferential strain, strain rate (GLS, GL‐SR, CS), and rotation were obtained from apical and short‐axis views. LA and LV measurements were taken off line using dedicated software (eSie VVI).ResultsESRD patients had abnormal systolic function with lower LV ejection fraction and peak endocardial strain parameters (mean: GLS −16.6% vs −19.9%, GL‐SR −0.91 vs −1.04, and CS −25.6% vs 27.9%, P≤.01 for all). Traditional Doppler parameters remained similar between groups, while diastolic mechanics were abnormal in ESRD. Reduced LV‐derived diastolic parameters, fractional early reverse rotation, a marker of ventricular relaxation (P<.006), and ratio of early diastolic SR to systolic SR (P<.04) denote significant diastolic dysfunction. Increased LA volumes (P<.001), decreased LA reservoir (P<.001), conduit (P<.0004), and contractile (P<.02) function reflect diastolic dysfunction.ConclusionMyocardial strain measurements quantitated the abnormalities in both LV diastolic and LA function associated with the uremic state. The distinct abnormal diastolic parameters were suggestive of abnormal relaxation and increased filling pressures. Early and accurate assessment of diastolic function may help tailor patient management ESRD.