bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Major histocompatibility complex classIIgenetic variation in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) inChina
Authors: Yao Gang , Zhu Ying , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Fang Sheng‐Guo 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in the immune system of vertebrates. We used the second exon of fourMHCclassIIgenes (DRA,DQA1,DQA2andDRB3) to assess the overallMHCvariation in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). We also compared theMHCvariation in captive and wild populations. We observed 22 alleles at four loci (four atDRA, four atDQA1, four atDQA2and 10 atDRB3), 15 of which were newly identified alleles. Results suggest that forest musk deer maintain relatively highMHCvariation, which may result from balancing selection. Moreover, considerable diversity was observed at theDRAlocus. We found a high frequency ofMobe‐DRA*02,Mobe‐DQA1*01 andMobe‐DQA2*05 alleles, which may be important for pathogen resistance. AEwens–Watterson test showed that theDRB3locus in the wild population had experienced recent balancing selection. We detected a small divergence at theDRAlocus, suggesting the effect of weak positive selection on theDRAgene. Alternatively, this locus may be young and not yet adapted a wide spectrum of alleles for pathogen resistance. The significant heterozygosity deficit observed at theDQA1andDRB3loci in the captive population and at all four loci in the wild population may be the result of a population bottleneck. Additionally,MHCgenetic diversity was higher in the wild population than in the captive, suggesting that the wild population may have the ability to respond to a wider range of pathogens.
Identification and profiling of microRNAs associated with white and black plumage pigmentation in the white and black feather bulbs of ducks by RNA sequencing
Authors: Apopo S. , Liu H. , Jing L. , Du X. , Xie S. , Gong Y. , Xu R. , Li S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in many biological processes by regulating gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. However, the mechanism by which specific miRNAs may regulate plumage pigmentation has remained largely elusive. In this study, we sequenced miRNAs using Solexa sequencing and then performed a detailed analysis of their expression profiles between the black and white feather bulbs of ducks from Cui Hei, Kaiya, Liancheng pure breeds and a Kaiya‐Liancheng F2 population. mirdeep2 software identified 121 conserved and eight novel miRNAs. Five differentially expressed miRNAs between the two tissues types were also identified by degseq software. Notably, miR‐204 was predominantly expressed in black feather bulbs. To further validate the sequencing data, we applied stem‐loop quantitative PCR of ten known miRNAs based on the identified sequences. Furthermore, in exploring the temporal expression pattern of miR‐204, we performed profiling in nine duck tissues. The targets of these miRNAs were predicted using a PITA algorithm and were later grouped based on Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis using the DAVID website. The melanogenesis pathway was among the identified signalling pathways, implying key roles of these miRNAs in plumage pigmentation. Expression analysis of the target genes in the melanogenesis pathways was also performed. This study provides the foundation for subsequent studies on the prospective practical role for such miRNAs in post‐transcriptional gene regulation linked to plumage pigmentation.
Nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma among patients with impaired renal function: defining predictors of outcomes
Authors: Zargar‐Shoshtari Kamran , Ashouri Kenan , Sharma Pranav , Baumgarten Adam , Sexton Wade J. , Pow‐Sang Julio , Spiess Philippe E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundManagement of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava thrombus (IVCT) is associated with high morbidity. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known risk factor for perioperative complications in many surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to review the association between preoperative CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min) and post‐operative outcomes in patients with RCC and IVCT undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) and tumour thrombectomy (TT).MethodsA retrospective review of patients with RCC and IVCT treated with RN and TT was carried out. Complications were recorded according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification. Multivariable models were fitted using logistic regression analyses for high‐grade complications and salvage therapies and linear‐regression for intraoperative blood loss (IBL).ResultsOne hundred and one patients with RCC and IVCT, treated with RN and TT, were identified. Forty per cent of patients had preoperative CKD. Median IBL was higher in CKD arm (2.5 versus 1.6 L, P = 0.04). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, CKD (beta 1.34, P = 0.01) remained an independent predictor of IBL. High‐grade complications were more frequent in the CKD group (34% versus 16%, P = 0.09) and in logistic regression analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of high‐grade complications (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.01–10.9). Furthermore, CKD patients were less likely to be considered for salvage therapies (62% versus 38%, P = 0.02).ConclusionsIn patients treated with RN and TT, CKD is an independent predictor of perioperative morbidity. This clinical variable should be considered when selecting patients and subsequent efforts should be made to optimize other competing risk factors in order to reduce the incidence of perioperative adverse events in this patient population.
State of the Art in Artistic Editing of Appearance, Lighting and Material
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten‐Walther , Pellacini Fabio , Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Jarosz Wojciech , Dachsbacher Carsten 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMimicking the appearance of the real world is a longstanding goal of computer graphics, with several important applications in the feature film, architecture and medical industries. Images with well‐designed shading are an important tool for conveying information about the world, be it the shape and function of a computer‐aided design (CAD) model, or the mood of a movie sequence. However, authoring this content is often a tedious task, even if undertaken by groups of highly trained and experienced artists. Unsurprisingly, numerous methods to facilitate and accelerate this appearance editing task have been proposed, enabling the editing of scene objects' appearances, lighting and materials, as well as entailing the introduction of new interaction paradigms and specialized preview rendering techniques. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of artistic appearance, lighting and material editing approaches. We organize this complex and active research area in a structure tailored to academic researchers, graduate students and industry professionals alike. In addition to editing approaches, we discuss how user interaction paradigms and rendering back ends combine to form usable systems for appearance editing. We conclude with a discussion of open problems and challenges to motivate and guide future research.
Case study of building of conservation coalitions to conserve ecological interactions
Authors: Chen Gao , Luo Shihong , Mei Nianshu , Shen Dingfang , Sun Weibang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe engaged experts in various fields of study (pollination ecology, chemical ecology, and ethnobotany), invited community participation, and provided environmental education in an effort to conserve an endangered birthwort (Aristolochia delavayi) and a vulnerable pipevine swallowtail (Byasa daemonius). Scientists studied the uptake and sequestration of the secondary metabolites aristolochic acids from A. delavayi leaves by different stages of pipevine swallowtail as a defense mechanism; low fruit set of the myophilous A. delavayi due to pollinator limitation; and the emission of chemical signals that attract parasitic wasps by the prepupae of B. daemonius. The results of these studies were part of an education program delivered by personnel of non‐governmental organizations. The program was devised to deliver information to the public about the health risks of consuming A. delavayi individuals (aristolochic‐acid‐associated cancers) and to establish a bridge between the public and scientific research. Following delivery of the program, the behavior of residents changed considerably. Community residents were involved in management activities, including participation in a program to promote understanding of ecological interactions between A. delavayi and B. daemonius; designing an in situ conservation site; monitoring A. delavayi and B. daemonius individuals; and promoting the natural fruit set of A. delavayi by scattering animal excrement to attract fly pollinators. The integration of scientific information and community participation appears to have resulted in an increase in abundance of threatened A. delavayi and B. daemonius populations. We believe the involvement of local people in conservation is necessary for successful species conservation.
Seed plant phylogenetic diversity and species richness in conservation planning within a global biodiversity hotspot in eastern Asia
Authors: Li Rong , Kraft Nathan J.B. , Yu Haiying , Li Heng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOne of the main goals of conservation biology is to understand the factors shaping variation in biodiversity across the planet. This understanding is critical for conservation planners to be able to develop effective conservation strategies. Although many studies have focused on species richness and the protection of rare and endemic species, less attention has been paid to the protection of the phylogenetic dimension of biodiversity. We explored how phylogenetic diversity, species richness, and phylogenetic community structure vary in seed plant communities along an elevational gradient in a relatively understudied high mountain region, the Dulong Valley, in southeastern Tibet, China. As expected, phylogenetic diversity was well correlated with species richness among the elevational bands and among communities. At the community level, evergreen broad‐leaved forests had the highest levels of species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Using null model analyses, we found evidence of nonrandom phylogenetic structure across the region. Evergreen broad‐leaved forests were phylogenetically overdispersed, whereas other vegetation types tended to be phylogenetically clustered. We suggest that communities with high species richness or overdispersed phylogenetic structure should be a focus for biodiversity conservation within the Dulong Valley because these areas may help maximize the potential of this flora to respond to future global change. In biodiversity hotspots worldwide, we suggest that the phylogenetic structure of a community may serve as a useful measure of phylogenetic diversity in the context of conservation planning.
Grace and Reconciliation as Gift
Authors: Lodberg Peter 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThrough examples of grace and gift of reconciliation the meaning of grace is interpreted in relation to social and political transformation. Grace is understood as the unexpected kairotic moment of change, where the future opens up for new possibilities of reconciliation in situations of conflict. It is a moment you cannot plan for, but hope for to happen. Trusting in the possibility of a gracious moment can influence your work in the present. Hoping and waiting for the gracious moment of reconciliation is linked to a praxis of active nonviolence as seen in the work of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Post‐embryonic development of the Early Ordovician (ca. 480 Ma) trilobite Apatokephalus latilimbatus Peng, 1990 and the evolution of metamorphosis
Authors: Park Tae‐Yoon S. , Kihm Ji‐Hoon 
Published: September 2015

SUMMARYIn many marine invertebrates metamorphosis entails a shift from a free‐swimming larva to a benthic juvenile or adult. However, how the metamorphosis‐entailing “indirect development” in arthropods arose from direct‐developing ancestor is poorly understood. Trilobites left a rich fossil record, and some trilobite lineages had a metamorphosis‐undergoing early developmental stage, termed the “asaphoid protaspis”‐stage, providing a good opportunity to elucidate the rise of indirect development. Among others, the Ordovician representatives of Remopleuridioidea are known to possess a highly bulbous “asaphoid protaspis,” while the Furongian (Late Cambrian) remopleuridioidean genus Haniwa did not possess it. Here we show the post‐embryonic development of the remopleuridioidean trilobite, Apatokephalus latilimbatus, from the Tremadocian (485.4 Ma–477.7 Ma) Dongjeom Formation, Korea. The post‐embryonic development of A. latilimbatus contains a free‐swimming “commutavi protaspis” (a term replacing “asaphoid protaspis”). Interestingly, the earlier protaspid stage shows more similar morphology and size to the meraspis than the commutavi protaspid stage does. This indicates that the commutavi protaspid stage was intercalated into the ancestral direct development as a specialized stage for a better dispersal, and thus the “commutavi protaspis” of A. latilimbatus represents the initial phase of the evolution of indirect development. The duration of the free‐swimming phase became longer in more derived remoplueridioidean trilobites, implying that the intercalated free‐swimming strategy became emphasized during subsequent evolution. The morphological gap between the commutavi protaspis and the subsequent earliest meraspis provides a convincing case for the “selective independence” of developmental stages, explaining the various morphologies of commutavi protaspides in many trilobite lineages.
Gad1 mRNA as a reliable indicator of altered GABA release from orexigenic neurons in the hypothalamus
Authors: Dicken Matthew S. , Hughes Alexander R. , Hentges Shane T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe strength of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐mediated inhibitory synaptic input is a principle determinant of neuronal activity. However, because of differences in the number of GABA afferent inputs and the sites of synapses, it is difficult to directly assay for altered GABA transmission between specific cells. The present study tested the hypothesis that the level of mRNA for the GABA synthetic enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) can provide a reliable proxy for GABA release. This was tested in a mouse hypothalamic circuit important in the regulation of energy balance. Fluorescent in situ hybridization results show that the expression of Gad1 mRNA (encoding the GAD67 enzyme) was increased in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y/agouti‐related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons after an overnight fast, consistent with the ability of GABA from these neurons to stimulate food intake. Optogenetic studies confirmed that the observed increase in Gad1 mRNA correlated with an increase in the probability of GABA release from NPY/AgRP neurons onto downstream proopiomelanocortin neurons. Likewise, there was an increase in the readily releasable pool of GABA in NPY/AgRP neurons. Selective inhibition of GAD activity in NPY/AgRP neurons decreased GABA release, indicating that GAD67 activity, which is largely dictated by expression level, is a key determinant of GABA release. Altogether, it appears that Gad expression may be a reliable proxy of altered GABAergic transmission. Examining changes in Gad mRNA as a proxy for GABA release may be particularly helpful when the downstream targets are not known or when limited tools exist for detecting GABA release at a particular synapse.
Noradrenaline‐mediated facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord involves interlaminar communications
Authors: Seibt Frederik , Schlichter Rémy 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DH), noradrenaline (NA) is released by axons originating from the locus coeruleus and induces spinal analgesia, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, the effects of NA on synaptic transmission in the deep laminae (III–V) of the DH were characterized. It was shown that exogenously applied, as well as endogenously released, NA facilitated inhibitory [γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic] synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by activating α1‐, α2‐ and β‐adrenoceptors (ARs). In contrast, NA had no effect on excitatory (glutamatergic) synaptic transmission. Physical interruption of communications between deep and more superficial laminae (by a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V) totally blocked the effects of α2‐AR agonists and strongly reduced the effects of α1‐AR agonists on inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV without directly impairing synaptic release of GABA or glycine from neurons. Short‐term pretreatment of intact spinal cord slices with the glial cell metabolism inhibitor fluorocitrate or pharmacological blockade of ionotropic glutamate and ATP receptors mimicked the consequences of a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V. Taken together, the current results indicate that the facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by NA requires functional interlaminar connections between deep and more superficial laminae, and might strongly depend on glia to neuron interactions. These interlaminar connections and glia to neuron interactions could represent interesting targets for analgesic strategies.
A regenerative microchannel device for recording multiple single‐unit action potentials in awake, ambulatory animals
Authors: Srinivasan Akhil , Tipton John , Tahilramani Mayank , Kharbouch Adel , Gaupp Eric , Song Chao , Venkataraman Poornima , Falcone Jessica , Lacour Stéphanie P. , Stanley Garrett B. , English Arthur W. , Bellamkonda Ravi V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDespite significant advances in robotics, commercially advanced prosthetics provide only a small fraction of the functionality of the amputated limb that they are meant to replace. Peripheral nerve interfacing could provide a rich controlling link between the body and these advanced prosthetics in order to increase their overall utility. Here, we report on the development of a fully integrated regenerative microchannel interface with 30 microelectrodes and signal extraction capabilities enabling evaluation in an awake and ambulatory rat animal model. In vitro functional testing validated the capability of the microelectrodes to record neural signals similar in size and nature to those that occur in vivo. In vitro dorsal root ganglia cultures revealed striking cytocompatibility of the microchannel interface. Finally, in vivo, the microchannel interface was successfully used to record a multitude of single‐unit action potentials through 63% of the integrated microelectrodes at the early time point of 3 weeks. This marks a significant advance in microchannel interfacing, demonstrating the capability of microchannels to be used for peripheral nerve interfacing.
e‐Government in the Irish Revenue: The Revenue On‐Line Service (ROS): A Success Story?
Authors: Robbins Geraldine , Mulligan Emer , Keenan Fiona 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Revenue Online Service (ROS) is one of the first e‐government initiatives introduced in Ireland. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine this reform initiative in the Irish Revenue, assess it through the lens of the New Public Management (NPM) and e‐government literatures and to critically assess whether its implementation can be deemed ‘a success story’. Many of the components of NPM were evident in the introduction of ROS which facilitated its implementation: decentralisation, the use of private sector styles of management, an emphasis on performance measurement and a search for efficiencies. ROS has, inter alia, transformed both access to taxation information for taxpayers and their agents, and the system of tax payment and filing in Ireland. Assessing its implementation in terms of the objectives of an e‐government initiative, ROS is ‘a success story’, and the Irish Revenue organisation has clearly benefited from its introduction in many ways. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that tax/accounting practitioners are also beneficiaries of this e‐government initiative. However, a critical analysis of the findings of this study contests the idea that ROS is an unqualified success story.
1DTempPro V2: New Features for Inferring Groundwater/Surface‐Water Exchange
Authors: Koch Franklin W. , Voytek Emily B. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Healy Richard , Briggs Martin A. , Lane John W. , Werkema Dale 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA new version of the computer program 1DTempPro extends the original code to include new capabilities for (1) automated parameter estimation, (2) layer heterogeneity, and (3) time‐varying specific discharge. The code serves as an interface to the U.S. Geological Survey model VS2DH and supports analysis of vertical one‐dimensional temperature profiles under saturated flow conditions to assess groundwater/surface‐water exchange and estimate hydraulic conductivity for cases where hydraulic head is known.
Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Figueiredo Ceu , Costa Susana , Karameris Andreas , Machado Jose Carlos 
Published: September 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. GC is a heterogeneous disease and the endpoint of a long multistep process largely influenced by Helicobacter pylori infection, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors. In a subset of GC cases, infection with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may also be involved. The development of GC is the consequence of the accumulation of multiple epi/genetic changes during the patient's lifetime that will result in oncogenic activation and/or tumor suppressor pathways’ inactivation.This review will focus on the most recent updates on the characterization of the molecular phenotypes of sporadic and hereditary GC. This article will also update the most recent findings on the relationship between H. pylori infection and stem cells at the origin of GC.The understanding of the molecular genetics underlying gastric carcinogenesis is of paramount importance to identify novel potential targets for the development of screening and prognostic markers that can be clinically valuable for the management of GC patients and for the design of clinical trials.
Acute mental health service delivery to Indigenous women: What is known?
Authors: Bradley Pat , Dunn Sandra , Lowell Anne , Nagel Tricia 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Australian College of Mental Health Nurses directs that mental health nurses must ‘enable cultural safety in practice, taking into account age, gender, spirituality, ethnicity and health values’. The present study is a review of the existing literature undertaken in order to identify current knowledge and knowledge gaps regarding the experience of Indigenous women in acute mental health inpatient facilities. In particular, studies that identified environments and practices promoting the development of culturally‐safe healing spaces for Indigenous women, and studies that identified women's experience of seclusion, were sought. The results showed that there is little literature directly relevant to Indigenous women's experiences of inpatient mental health units in Australia. The present study consolidates existing knowledge and knowledge gaps, and advances the argument for gender‐disaggregated future research. Implications for professional practice and service development are also noted.