bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A frameshift mutation in the melanophilin gene causes the dilute coat colour in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) breeds
Authors: Fontanesi L. , Scotti E. , Allain D. , Dall'Olio S. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn rabbit, the dilute locus is determined by a recessive mutated allele (d) that causes the dilution of both eumelanic and pheomelanic pigmentations. In mice, similar phenotypes are determined by mutations in the myosin VA, Rab27a and melanophilin (MLPH) genes. In this study, we investigated the rabbit MLPH gene and showed that a mutation in this gene appears responsible for the dilute coat colour in this species. Checkered Giant F1 families segregating for black and grey (diluted or blue) coat colour were first genotyped for a complex indel in intron 1 of the MLPH gene that was completely associated with the coat colour phenotype (θ = 0.00; LOD = 4.82). Then, we sequenced 6357 bp of the MLPH gene in 18 rabbits of different coat colours, including blue animals. A total of 165 polymorphisms were identified: 137 were in non‐coding regions and 28 were in coding exons. One of them was a frameshift deletion in exon 5. Genotyping the half‐sib families confirmed the complete cosegregation of this mutation with the blue coat colour. The mutation was analysed in 198 rabbits of 23 breeds. All Blue Vienna and all other blue/grey/ash rabbits in other breeds (Californian, Castor Rex, Checkered Giant, English Spot, Fairy Marburg and Fairy Pearly) were homozygous for this deletion. The identification of MLPH as the responsible gene for the dilute locus in rabbit provides a natural animal model for human Griscelli syndrome type 3 and a new mutant to study the role of this gene on pigmentation.
The role of input vouchers in modernizing the fresh fruit and vegetable market in Turkey
Authors: Lemeilleur Sylvaine 
Published: December 2013

AbstractContractual arrangements between farmers and traders aiming at providing input/credit in return for output selling have been widely studied in the literature on agricultural economics. Nonetheless, there is one issue, which is barely mentioned in the literature: how to enforce the contract terms when traders offer credit in cash rather than input advances? This article aims to describe an innovation in farming contracts, used by fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers in Turkey, which involves a kind of private voucher system. Drawing on original data collected from wholesalers—a segment in the supply chain hardly covered in the literature—we investigate the factors determining contract adoption using a two‐limit Tobit model. Our results suggest that this private voucher system contributes to supply chain coordination and facilitates smallholder farmer participation in export and supermarket channels, which are growing rapidly in this developing country.
Expression and prognostic significance of Oct4 and Nanog in neuroblastoma
Authors: Monajemzadeh Maryam , Soleimani Vahid , Vasei Mohammad , Koochakzadeh Leili , Karbakhsh Mojgan 
Published: December 2013

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of children, accounting for an estimated 15% cancer‐related deaths in this period. It has been hypothesized that drug resistance of cancer stem cells may be responsible for chemotherapy failure, sustained tumor growth, and recurrence in many solid tumors. In this study, we investigated the expression of Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and Nanog, two stem cell markers, in 47 neuroblastic tumors by immunohistochemistry and correlated their expression by other prognostic factors especially with NMYC amplification using both fluorescent and chromogenic in situ hybridization methods. Twenty three cases (48.9%) showed Oct4 signals and eight cases (17%) showed Nanog expression. All Nanog positive tumors showed Oct4 expression. Seven cases (14.1%) had NMYC amplification. There was also no association between positive Oct4 and Nanog reactivity and tumor morphology, age, mitosis‐karyorrhexis index, NMYC amplification, favorable or unfavorable histology, and risk groups (p > 0.05). Cancer stem cells hypothesis is a challenging issue and controversies exist about their significance. Although our study did not show strong association between prognostic factors and expression of stem cell markers, performing of further large‐scale studies of various neuroblastic tumors with various stages is suggested.
Fully Bayesian inference under ignorable missingness in the presence of auxiliary covariates
Authors: Daniels M.J. , Wang C. , Marcus B.H. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn order to make a missing at random (MAR) or ignorability assumption realistic, auxiliary covariates are often required. However, the auxiliary covariates are not desired in the model for inference. Typical multiple imputation approaches do not assume that the imputation model marginalizes to the inference model. This has been termed “uncongenial” [Meng (1994, Statistical Science 9, 538–558)]. In order to make the two models congenial (or compatible), we would rather not assume a parametric model for the marginal distribution of the auxiliary covariates, but we typically do not have enough data to estimate the joint distribution well non‐parametrically. In addition, when the imputation model uses a non‐linear link function (e.g., the logistic link for a binary response), the marginalization over the auxiliary covariates to derive the inference model typically results in a difficult to interpret form for the effect of covariates. In this article, we propose a fully Bayesian approach to ensure that the models are compatible for incomplete longitudinal data by embedding an interpretable inference model within an imputation model and that also addresses the two complications described above. We evaluate the approach via simulations and implement it on a recent clinical trial.
Development of a computer‐based visualised quantitative learning system for playing violin vibrato
Authors: Ho Tracy Kwei‐Liang , Lin Huann‐shyang , Chen Ching‐Kong , Tsai Jih‐Long 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTraditional methods of teaching music are largely subjective, with the lack of objectivity being particularly challenging for violin students learning vibrato because of the existence of conflicting theories. By using a computer‐based analysis method, this study found that maintaining temporal coincidence between the intensity peak and the target frequency is the crucial factor for achieving good intonation when performing vibrato. This finding prompted the development of a computer‐based visualised quantitative vibrato analysis system (VQVA‐Sys) that displays these two parameters in a user‐friendly manner for both musicians and scientists: (1) the type of frequency variation and (2) the corresponding frequencies with the highest intensities during all of the cycles constituting a vibrato note. A follow‐up preliminary experimental investigation compared a moderately expressive vibrato note played by eight experts and eight students, and demonstrated the feasibility and potential usefulness of the VQVA‐Sys as a learning tool.
A novel phenylcyclohex‐1‐enecarbothioamide derivative inhibits CXCL8‐mediated chemotaxis through selective regulation of CXCR2‐mediated signalling
Authors: Ha Helen , Bensman Tim , Ho Henry , Beringer Paul M , Neamati Nouri 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeSince the CXC chemokine receptor CXCR2 and its cognate ligand CXCL8 (IL‐8) critically regulate neutrophil trafficking during inflammation, they have been implicated in a number of inflammatory lung diseases. Several CXCR2 antagonists have been described and the blockade of CXCR2 has shown promise in pre‐clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, given its potential, there are fewer distinct classes of antagonists of CXCR2 than of other clinically relevant molecular targets. Thus, we sought to identify additional classes of compounds that alter CXCR2 function.Experimental ApproachWe used the CXCR2 TangoTM assay to screen an in‐house library of highly diverse chemical compounds. CX4338 [2‐(benzylamino)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐6‐oxo‐N‐phenylcyclohex‐1‐enecarbothioamide] was identified from our screen and additional studies to characterize the compound were performed. Receptor internalization and second‐messenger assays were used to assess the effects of CX4338 on CXCR2‐mediated signalling. Wound healing, transwell cell migration and LPS‐induced lung inflammation in mice were used to determine the in vitro and in vivo effects of CX4338.Key ResultsCX4338 selectively inhibited CXCR2‐mediated recruitment of β‐arrestin‐2 and receptor internalization, while enhancing CXCR2‐mediated MAPK activation. Additionally, CX4338 inhibited CXCL8‐induced chemotaxis in CXCR2‐overexpressing cells and human neutrophils. In vivo, CX4338 significantly reduced neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage induced by LPS in mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsA novel compound CX4338 inhibited CXCR2‐mediated cell migration with a mechanism of action not previously reported. Also, selective inhibition of CXCR2‐mediated β‐arrestin‐2 activation is sufficient to inhibit CXCL8‐mediated chemotaxis.
Altitudinal Patterns in Two Syntopic Species of Sturnira (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the Montane Rain Forests of Argentina
Authors: Sánchez Mariano S. , Giannini Norberto P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe evaluated altitudinal segregation in two Sturnira species as a mechanism allowing their coexistence. Tests were devised to discern between interspecific interactions and regional responses to geographic and environmental variables, using extensive capture data from 18 montane rain forest sites. No significant correlation between captures was found. Additionally and according to the hypothesis of historical occupation of highland versus lowland forests, each species has shown specificity in their response to the geographical and environmental variables. Our results indicated that abundance patterns in these bats likely result from the regional distribution of each species rather than local interactions between them, a pattern that may have ancient roots within the group.
Differing Life History Characteristics Support Coexistence of Tree Soil Generalist and Specialist Species in Tropical Rain Forests
Authors: Born Julia , Pluess Andrea R. , Burslem David F.R.P. , Nilus Reuben , Maycock Colin R. , Ghazoul Jaboury 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNiche differentiation is a prominent mechanism for explaining tree species coexistence in tropical rain forests. Theory predicts that species that are specialized on a set of environmental conditions should competitively exclude generalists in those conditions, and that environmental heterogeneity allows the coexistence of many different species based on niche specialization. Yet, many tropical tree species of the family Dipterocarpaceae have broadly similar habitat preferences, with some occurring widely across several soil types. These soil generalists clearly persist despite the presence of other dipterocarp species that show clear soil specialization. We evaluate comparative seedling performance (growth and survival) of six Shorea species (Dipterocarpaceae) which differ in their adult tree habitat associations within the Sepilok Forest Reserve (Borneo, Malaysia). We tested the hypothesis that seedlings of species associated with a particular soil type perform better on that soil type than seedlings of soil generalist species, with generalists in turn performing better than specialists on a different soil type. We conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment including two soil types (alluvial and mudstone) and two light treatments (gap and understory). The soils differed in soil acidity, Al and P concentration. Observed species‐specific differences in seedling responses to soil, light, and occasional flooding events could partially explain observed adult distribution, although not all species could be fully differentiated along these axes. Other trade‐offs, such as investment in defense against herbivores and tolerance to soil waterlogging, may play additional roles in explaining coexistence of these species.
Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor‐21 are increased in chronic and acute renal dysfunction
Authors: Hindricks Janka , Ebert Thomas , Bachmann Anette , Kralisch Susan , Lössner Ulrike , Kratzsch Jürgen , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Dietel Anja , Beige Joachim , Anders Matthias , Bast Ingolf , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectiveFibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐21 has recently been introduced as a circulating adipokine which reverses insulin resistance and obesity in rodents. In this study, regulation of FGF‐21 in renal dysfunction was elucidated in both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney dysfunction (AKD).Study design and methodsSerum concentrations of total FGF‐21 were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 499 patients with CKD stages 1–5 (study population 1). Furthermore, total FGF‐21 was determined before and within 30 h after unilateral nephrectomy, a model of AKD, in 32 patients (study population 2). FGF‐21 levels were correlated to anthropometric and biochemical parameters of renal function, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammation, in both studies.ResultsIn study population 1, median [interquartile range] circulating FGF‐21 adjusted for age, gender and body mass index was significantly different between CKD stages with highest values detectable in stage 5 (stage 1: 86·4 [132·9]; 2: 206·4 [223·1]; 3: 289·8 [409·3]; 4: 591·3 [789·0]; 5: 1918·1 [4157·0] ng/l). Furthermore, estimated glomerular filtration rate remained a strong independent and negative predictor of FGF‐21. In study population 2, FGF‐21 increased significantly postsurgically (325·0 [984·0] ng/l) as compared to presurgical values (255·5 [243·0] ng/l). Furthermore, relative changes of FGF‐21 were independently and positively predicted by relative changes of creatinine.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that circulating FGF‐21 is increased in both CKD and AKD. Our results suggest renal excretion as a major route for FGF‐21 elimination. The pathophysiological significance of these findings needs to be elucidated in more detail.
Interactive Simulation of Rigid Body Dynamics in Computer Graphics
Authors: Bender Jan , Erleben Kenny , Trinkle Jeff 
Published: December 2013

AbstractInteractive rigid body simulation is an important part of many modern computer tools, which no authoring tool nor game engine can do without. Such high‐performance computer tools open up new possibilities for changing how designers, engineers, modelers and animators work with their design problems. This paper is a self contained state‐of‐the‐art report on the physics, the models, the numerical methods and the algorithms used in interactive rigid body simulation all of which have evolved and matured over the past 20 years. Furthermore, the paper communicates the mathematical and theoretical details in a pedagogical manner. This paper is not only a stake in the sand on what has been done, it also seeks to give the reader deeper insights to help guide their future research.
Effects of near‐bed turbulence on the suspension and settlement of freshwater dreissenid mussel larvae
Authors: Quinn Noel P. , Ackerman Josef D. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Larval transport and settlement in benthic invertebrates is theorised to be influenced by bottom roughness and the hydrodynamic forces that roughness generates near the bed. This study of freshwater Dreissena spp. bivalves examined the transport and suspension of pediveliger larvae and larval models in a laboratory flow chamber and larval settlement in Lake Erie.

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in the laboratory, and acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) measurements in the field, were used to estimate small‐scale turbulence in the near‐bed environment over differing roughness. Quadrant analysis was used to determine the frequency of turbulent sweeps and ejections, and the extent of roughness flow regime (skimming versus wake interference flow) was noted to understand the determinants of larval transport and settlement.

Skimming flow generated above bottoms with high mussel densities had significantly lower suspended transport (i.e. suspension off the bottom in the flow chamber; 3.31 ± 1.14%) and lower larval settlement in the field (1526 ± 80 larvae m−2 per day) compared to low mussel densities (6.63 ± 1.54% and 1853 ± 47 larvae m−2 per day). Conversely, wake interference flow indicated by high frequencies of turbulent sweeps and ejections generated by the roughness due to mussel patches resulted in high suspended transport in the flow chamber (i.e. via ejections) and the highest larval settlement in the field (i.e. via sweeps; 1943 ± 59 larvae m−2 per day).

The spatial configuration of mussel roughness influenced the creation and magnitude of skimming versus wake interference flow, which can inhibit or enhance larval settlement, respectively.
Scale criticality in estimating ecosystem carbon dynamics
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Liu Shuguang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractScaling is central to ecology and Earth system sciences. However, the importance of scale (i.e. resolution and extent) for understanding carbon dynamics across scales is poorly understood and quantified. We simulated carbon dynamics under a wide range of combinations of resolution (nine spatial resolutions of 250 m, 500 m, 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, 50 km, and 100 km) and extent (57 geospatial extents ranging from 108 to 1 247 034 km2) in the southeastern United States to explore the existence of scale dependence of the simulated regional carbon balance. Results clearly show the existence of a critical threshold resolution for estimating carbon sequestration within a given extent and an error limit. Furthermore, an invariant power law scaling relationship was found between the critical resolution and the spatial extent as the critical resolution is proportional toAn(nis a constant, andAis the extent). Scale criticality and the power law relationship might be driven by the power law probability distributions of land surface and ecological quantities including disturbances at landscape to regional scales. The current overwhelming practices without considering scale criticality might have largely contributed to difficulties in balancing carbon budgets at regional and global scales.
Lignin decomposition along an Alpine elevation gradient in relation to physicochemical and soil microbial parameters
Authors: Duboc Olivier , Dignac Marie‐France , Djukic Ika , Zehetner Franz , Gerzabek Martin H. , Rumpel Cornelia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractLignin is an aromatic plant compound that decomposes more slowly than other organic matter compounds; however, it was recently shown that lignin could decompose as fast as litter bulk carbon in minerals soils. In alpine Histosols, where organic matter dynamics is largely unaffected by mineral constituents, lignin may be an important part of soil organic matter (SOM). These soils are expected to experience alterations in temperature and/or physicochemical parameters as a result of global climate change. The effect of these changes on lignin dynamics remains to be examined and the importance of lignin as SOM compound in these soils evaluated. Here, we investigated the decomposition of individual lignin phenols of maize litter incubated for 2 years in‐situ in Histosols on an Alpine elevation gradient (900, 1300, and 1900 m above sea level); to this end, we used the cupric oxide oxidation method and determined the phenols’ 13C signature. Maize lignin decomposed faster than bulk maize carbon in the first year (86 vs. 78% decomposed); however, after the second year, lignin and bulk C decomposition did not differ significantly. Lignin mass loss did not correlate with soil temperature after the first year, and even correlated negatively at the end of the second year. Lignin mass loss also correlated negatively with the remaining maize N at the end of the second year, and we interpreted this result as a possible negative influence of nitrogen on lignin degradation, although other factors (notably the depletion of easily degradable carbon sources) may also have played a role at this stage of decomposition. Microbial community composition did not correlate with lignin mass loss, but it did so with the lignin degradation indicators (Ac/Al)s and S/V after 2 years of decomposition. Progressing substrate decomposition toward the final stages thus appears to be linked with microbial community differentiation.
Toward green dialysis: Focus on water savings
Authors: Ponson Laurent , Arkouche Walid , Laville Maurice 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHemodialysis is one of the most water and energy‐hungry medical procedures, and thus represents a clear opportunity where improvements should be made concerning the consumption and wastage of water. Three levels were investigated on which there are potential savings: the precise adjustment of water production according to specific needs, the reuse of reverse osmosis rejected water, and finally the huge volumes of post‐patient dialysate effluent. The “AURAL” (Association pour l′Utilisation du Rein Artificiel à Lyon), main unit in Lyon, was the site of investigation for this study, which cares for 173 chronic hemodialysis patients. Evaluation of the 3 levels described earlier was undertaken on this particular building, and on the water treatment currently used. Volumes of produced water can be improved by different hydraulic systems or by adjusting the pure water conductivity used for dialysis. Concerning the reject water, reuse for building sanitation became the focus of further attention. The technical feasibility, volume of saved water, and applicable work costs were considered. The results suggest that out of a possible 2834 m3/year of reject water, 1200 m3/year may be reused and return on investment recovered within 5.8 years. Finally, the reprocessing and feasibility of reuse of dialysate effluent were investigated. Initial calculations show that although technical solutions are available, such processing of the wastewater production is not profitable in the short term. Regarding the significant prior authorization and risk management analysis necessary for such a project, this avenue was pursued no further. From the perspective of a “green dialysis,” the reuse of reject water into sanitation is both viable and profitable in our unit, and must be the next step of our project. More widely, improvements can be made by defining a more precise range of pure water conductivity for dialysis and by applying reuse water project to new or to be renovated units.
The Offender Personality Disorder Pathway: Expansion in the Face of Failure?
Authors: O'Loughlin Ailbhe 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn 2011, the current government announced plans to overhaul the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) programme, renaming it the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway (OPDP). This article questions the government's dedication to continuing, and potentially expanding, a costly and controversial initiative in the face of its apparent failure to treat the offenders in its care effectively and facilitate their progress through the prison system. It suggests that these unfulfilled promises are ancillary to another aim: preventively detaining troublesome prisoners. The plans are of particular concern for prisoners on indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP), whose release may be further impeded.