bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide secretion is induced by inflammatory stimuli in an interleukin‐1‐dependent manner in mice
Authors: Kahles F. , Meyer C. , Diebold S. , Foldenauer A. C. , Stöhr R. , Möllmann J. , Lebherz C. , Findeisen H. M. , Marx N. , Lehrke M.
Published: June 2016

Recently, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels have been found to be increased in response to inflammatory stimuli, leading to insulin secretion and prevention of hyperglycaemia during endotoxemia in mice. In the present study, we assess the relevance of the other incretin hormone, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), as a regulator of glucose metabolism under inflammatory conditions. We found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased GIP secretion in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in C57BL/6J mice. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, mice were injected with inflammatory cytokines known to be released by LPS. Circulating GIP levels significantly increased in response to interleukin (IL)‐1β but not IL‐6 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α administration. Using respective knockout mice we found that LPS‐mediated GIP secretion was selectively dependent on IL‐1 signalling. To evaluate the functional relevance of inflammatory GIP secretion we pretreated mice with the GIP‐receptor antagonist (Pro3)GIP. This blunted LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐6 secretion but did not affect LPS‐induced insulin secretion or blood glucose‐lowering. In conclusion, GIP provides a novel link between the immune system and the gut, with proinflammatory‐immune modulatory function but minor glucose regulatory relevance in the context of acute endotoxemia.
The effect of dobutamine and bolus crystalloid fluids on the cardiovascular function of isoflurane‐anaesthetised horses
Authors: Loughran C.M. , Raisis A.L. , Hosgood G. , Secombe C.J. , Lester G.D.
Published: June 2016

Reasons for performing study

Cardiac output does not always increase with dobutamine administration in anaesthetised horses and information on peripheral perfusion is lacking.

Objectives

To determine the effect of intravenous (i.v.) dobutamine infusion with and without a concurrent 20 mL/kg bodyweight (bwt) bolus of crystalloid fluids on the cardiovascular function of acepromazine premedicated, hypotensive, isoflurane‐anaesthetised horses.

Study design

Randomised, cross‐over experiment.

Methods

A total of 6 horses aged 5–13 years, weighing 464–578 kg were premedicated with acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg bwt and then sedated with xylazine 0.8 mg/kg bwt i.v. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine 2.2 mg/kg bwt and diazepam 0.08 mg/kg bwt i.v. and maintained with isoflurane, adjusted to achieve a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) (60 mmHg ± 5%) 60 min post‐induction of anaesthesia (T0). One of 2 treatments was then given. In treatment D, dobutamine was initially infused at 0.5 μg/kg bwt/min and adjusted to achieve a targetMAP(80 mmHg ± 5%) within 30 min of infusion initiation. In treatment D+F dobutamine was administered as described for treatment D, with 20 mL/kg bwt Hartmann's solution infused i.v. over 20 min. Cardiac index (CI), haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), arterial oxygen content (CaO2), oxygen delivery index (DO2I) and bilateral femoral arterial blood flow (FBF) were recorded at T0, 30 min following dobutamine initiation (T1) and 15 min following dobutamine cessation (T2). Data were analysed using a mixed‐effect linear model (P<0.05 considered significant).

Results

A significant increase inDO2I (P = 0.008, T0/T1), CaO2(P = 0.0002, T0/T1) and [Hb] (P<0.0001, T0/T1) and in CaO2(P = 0.0005, T1/T2) and [Hb] (P = 0.002,T1/T2) occurred during treatment D. A significant increase inFBF(P = 0.005, upper limb; P = 0.042 lower limb, T0/T1) occurred during treatment D+F. Significant differences between treatments were recorded at T1 ([Hb] P = 0.0001, CaO2P = 0.0003) and T2 ([Hb] P = 0.013). There was no change inCIduring either treatment.

Conclusions

The increase inFBFseen with co‐administration of fluids and dobutamine may provide a beneficial effect on muscle compared with the use of dobutamine alone.
Overview of drug data within French health insurance databases and implications for pharmacoepidemiological studies
Authors: Palmaro Aurore , Moulis Guillaume , Despas Fabien , Dupouy Julie , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse
Published: June 2016

In this study, we aimed to provide an updated overview of drug data contained in the French health insurance database (SNIIRAM) and its associated national representative sample (EGB). This study identified most common problems concerning drug data: (i) change in level of coverage of drugs of interest (drug no more eligible for reimbursement or no more prescription‐only), (ii) break in patients' eligibility (in connection with change of healthcare plan or patients' identifier), and (iii) technical and regulatory issues. We provide a brief checklist to enable a structured identification of these issues. The impact of gap in drug data availability on study validity will depend on the research question, drug, setting, and population of interest. The French health insurance database and associated sample are valuable resources for pharmacoepidemiological research. There is a need to pursue further methodological and validation studies to promote accurate and transparent use of French health insurance databases for pharmacoepidemiology.
Understanding single‐pass transmembrane receptor signaling from a structural viewpoint—what are we missing?
Authors: Bugge Katrine , Lindorff‐Larsen Kresten , Kragelund Birthe B.
Published: June 2016

Single‐pass transmembrane receptors are involved in essential processes of both physiological and pathological nature and represent more than 1300 proteins in the human genome. Despite the high biological relevance of these receptors, the mechanisms of the signal transductions they facilitate are incompletely understood. One major obstacle is the lack of structures of the transmembrane domains that connect the extracellular ligand‐binding domains to the intracellular signaling platforms. Over a period of almost 20 years since the first structure was reported, only 21 of these receptors have become represented by a transmembrane domain structure. This scarceness stands in strong contrast to the significance of these transmembrane α‐helices for receptor functionality. In this review, we explore the properties and qualities of the current set of structures, as well as the methodological difficulties associated with their characterization and the challenges left to be overcome. Without an increased and focused effort to bring this class of proteins on par with the remaining membrane protein field, a serious lag in their biological understanding looms. Design of pharmaceutical agents, prediction of mutational affects in relation to disease, and deciphering of functional mechanisms require high‐resolution structural information, especially when dealing with a domain carrying so much functionality in so few residues.
Transient mediastinal mass from fluid overload
Authors: Massicotte‐Azarniouch David , O'Sullivan Joseph P. , Clark Edward G.
Published: June 2016

Mediastinal masses incidentally discovered on chest imaging often suggest underlying malignancy such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer. However, the radiographic appearance of mediastinal edema can mimic a mediastinal mass in the context of acute fluid overload. We describe the case of a 75 year old woman known for end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis who presented with acute pulmonary edema in the context of a Non ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Chest CT imaging showed pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, and a middle mediastinum soft‐tissue mass of 4.2 × 2.5cm. Malignancy was initially suspected, however given the clinical context of fluid overload and absence of other signs of malignancy, the possibility of the mass representing soft‐tissue edema was raised. Therefore, the patient's fluid overload was treated with a progressive reduction in the dry weight used for dialysis and a repeat chest CT was obtained 8 weeks later once the patient was euvolemic. The repeat CT showed complete resolution of the mediastinal mass. Fluid overload can manifest in many different ways on chest imaging. Mediastinal masses lead to concerns about a potentially malignant process and often prompt further evaluation with invasive procedures that carry significant risks. In the appropriate clinical context, it is important to consider the possibility of mediastinal edema presenting as a mass on chest imaging. Under such circumstances, it is more prudent to correct the fluid overload and repeat chest imaging before undertaking invasive diagnostic procedures with the potential to cause harm.
Hepatic fat quantification using the two‐point Dixon method and fat color maps based on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score
Authors: Hayashi Tatsuya , Saitoh Satoshi , Takahashi Junji , Tsuji Yoshinori , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Fujii Takeshi , Inoue Masafumi , Miyati Tosiaki , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: June 2016

Aim

The two‐point Dixon method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to non‐invasively measure fat deposition in the liver. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of MRI‐fat fraction (MRI‐FF) using the two‐point Dixon method based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score.

Methods

This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent liver MRI and MR spectroscopy, and 201 patients who underwent liver MRI and histological assessment. The relationship between MRI‐FF and MR spectroscopy‐fat fraction was used to estimate the corrected MRI‐FF for hepatic multi‐peaks of fat. Then, a color FF map was generated with the corrected MRI‐FF based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. We defined FF variability as the standard deviation of FF in regions of interest. Uniformity of hepatic fat was visually graded on a three‐point scale using both gray‐scale and color FF maps. Confounding effects of histology (iron, inflammation and fibrosis) on corrected MRI‐FF were assessed by multiple linear regression.

Results

The linear correlations between MRI‐FF and MR spectroscopy‐fat fraction, and between corrected MRI‐FF and histological steatosis were strong (R2 = 0.90 and R2 = 0.88, respectively). Liver fat variability significantly increased with visual fat uniformity grade using both of the maps (ρ = 0.67–0.69, both P < 0.001). Hepatic iron, inflammation and fibrosis had no significant confounding effects on the corrected MRI‐FF (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The two‐point Dixon method and the gray‐scale or color FF maps based on the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score were useful for fat quantification in the liver of patients without severe iron deposition.
Synthesis of Anisotropic Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 Crystals Using Different Topochemical Microcrystal Conversion Methods
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Nianqi , Gao Kexin , Wang Zihao , Zhang Shimeng
Published: June 2016

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) platelets with high aspect ratio were synthesized from Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 (NBIT) precursors via a topochemical microcrystal conversion in molten salt conditions. The effect of the synthesis parameters, such as the molten salt system, synthesis temperature, and the molar ratio of Na2CO3 and NBIT, was investigated. The results showed that NaCl–KCl molten salt environment and excess Na2CO3 played a positive role in the synthesis, square‐shaped NBT was obtained at 950°C in NaCl–KCl molten salt and a TiO2‐free environment, and it was a suitable template candidate to achieve NBT‐based textured ceramics using the reactive template grain growth (RTGG) method.
Effects of combination oral care on oral health, dry mouth and salivary pH of intubated patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jang Chun Sun , Shin Yong Soon
Published: June 2016

Intubated patients are at risk of oral health problems. Although a variety of oral care regimens for intubated patients have been studied, there is a lack of research on the effects of combination oral care that includes tooth brushing, chlorhexidine and cold water. This open‐labelled, randomized, controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of combination oral care on oral health status. Participants aged 20 years and older were recruited on the first day after intubation through convenience sampling in a medical intensive care unit. Random assignment was performed using an internet randomization service. The primary outcome was oral health status. Data were collected during May and June 2013. Participants were randomized to one of two groups (23 intervention and 21 control). The final analysis included 18 patients with combination oral care and 17 in the control group. The intervention group had better oral health (effect size = 1.56), less dry mouth and higher salivary pH than the control group. Any additional burden of providing combination oral care to patients who are mechanically ventilated is worthwhile in terms of clinical outcomes.
Testing the human capital development model: the case of apprenticeships in Turkey
Authors: Akpınar Taner , Gün Servet
Published: June 2016

Human capital theory was developed to study how individual agents make rational choices or how they invest in human capital to maximize their welfare. One of the leading founders of this perspective, Becker, argues that schooling, on‐the‐job training, medical care, migration and searching for information about prices and incomes are different types of human capital as all these investments improve skills, knowledge or health, thereby increasing individual welfare. He states that education and training are the most important investments in human capital. Apprenticeship training is, thus, identified and treated as a type of investment in human capital. At first glance, it seems that apprentices who are being trained are acquiring skills in a specific vocation. One would suppose that the trainees are getting knowledge and skills and that they would become masters in their profession after a long training process. However, further enquiry is needed to see if this is the case in reality. The present small‐scale, exploratory study, based on 20 interviews – 10 with apprentices and 10 with their employers – aims to investigate the apprenticeship training system in Turkey. In doing so, it seeks to test the basic tenets of human capital theory against the facts discovered. The findings, if they could be generalized, suggest that the Turkish apprenticeship system is a form of child labour rather than a training process. Contrary to apprentice training being a human capital investment, the study finds that trainees do not rationally decide to enter an apprenticeship nor are they selected by a meritocratic system. All of them come from poor peasant families or low‐wage working families where the most pressing need is for the child to earn money.
‘That Tricky Subject’: The Integration of Contextual Studies in pre‐Degree Art and Design Education
Authors: Rintoul Jenny , James David
Published: June 2016

Contextual studies (CS), ‘theory’, ‘visual culture’ or ‘art history’ (amongst other labels) refer to a regular and often compulsory feature in art and design education. However, this takes many forms and can sit in a variety of relationships with the practical elements of such courses. This article is based on mixed method research on CS in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design, a course that makes up a substantial proportion of pre‐degree provision in the UK. We describe aspects of the wider study then draw on two cases to illustrate and discuss the implications of different approaches to the curriculum and its integration. Our analysis suggests that a seemingly progressive flight from a discrete CS towards a designed form of integration can have unintended negative consequences, and in the light of this we suggest some ways in which course teams might reflect on their practices.
Earnings Warnings and CEO Welfare
Authors: Wang Ping , Darrough Masako , Shi Linna
Published: June 2016

Some CEOs decide voluntarily to issue a warning when they expect a negative earnings surprise. Prior research suggests that warnings contain incremental information beyond actual earnings; warning firms tend to experience permanent earnings decreases. This paper investigates whether compensation committees take warnings into account in setting CEO compensation. We find that warnings are significantly negatively (positively) associated with CEO bonus (option grants), suggesting that compensation committees adjust CEO compensation towards a more high‐powered structure after warnings. However, the sensitivity of bonus or option grants to earnings and stock returns is not affected except for bonus sensitivity to stock returns. We also find weak evidence of an increase in forced CEO turnover after warnings, accompanied by a significant increase in its sensitivity to stock returns. This benefits CEOs with higher ability but imposes more risk on other CEOs. These findings provide a partial explanation of why not every CEO facing a negative surprise decides to issue a warning. Our results are robust to various specifications. In particular, the impact of warnings on compensation appears invariant to the timing or the number of warnings. Overall, these findings suggest that the signal from warnings is used in determining CEO compensation and retention.
Trans‐generational maternal effect: temperature influences egg size of the offspring in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Jonsson B. , Jonsson N.
Published: June 2016

Effect of increased temperature during egg maturation on the mass of single eggs produced by the offspring was investigated experimentally in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Mass of eggs produced by next‐generation females was larger when their mothers experienced warmer water during the last two months of egg maturation, relative to those that experienced unheated river water. There was no similar trans‐generational paternal effect on offspring egg mass.
Seamount egg‐laying grounds of the deep‐water skate Bathyraja richardsoni
Authors: Henry L.‐A. , Stehmann M. F. W. , De Clippele L. , Findlay H. S. , Golding N. , Roberts J.M.
Published: June 2016

Highly localized concentrations of elasmobranch egg capsules of the deep‐water skate Bathyraja richardsoni were discovered during the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey of the Hebrides Terrace Seamount in the Rockall Trough, north‐east Atlantic Ocean. Conductivity–temperature–depth profiling indicated that the eggs were bathed in a specific environmental niche of well‐oxygenated waters between 4·20 and 4·55° C, and salinity 34·95–35·06, on a coarse to fine‐grained sandy seabed on the seamount's eastern flank, whereas a second type of egg capsule (possibly belonging to the skate Dipturus sp.) was recorded exclusively amongst the reef‐building stony coral Solenosmilia variabilis. The depths of both egg‐laying habitats (1489–1580 m) provide a de facto refuge from fisheries mortality for younger life stages of these skates.
The assessment of the effect of a cosmetic product brightening the skin of people with discolorations of different etiology
Authors: Zasada Malwina , Debowska Renata , Pasikowska Monika , Budzisz Elzbieta
Published: June 2016

Background

Hyperpigmentations are disorders displayed with a change in the color of the skin, its strange shape, the lack of symmetry, and irregular placement. They appear no matter on the age, gender, and often as a congenital defect. Disorder connected with overproduction of melanin by pigmentary cells. The change of color is due to endogenous and exogenous cause.

Objectives

The aim of this thesis was to conduct a research in vivo. This will allow to judge the effectiveness of the cosmetic product which brightens the skin with hyperpigmentation problems. The characteristics of dermocosmetics were tested on people with various etiology of hyperpigmentation. The aim of the research was to assess the effect of the active substances used daily on skin hyperpigmentation.

Methods

The tests were carried out on groups of patients with hyperpigmentations. The application of the pharmaceutical and the use of specific apparatus measurements were taken on every medical checkup. A survey was conducted to assess the changes in the face, neck, and neckline skin. The research was based on the apparatus analysis of the skin condition (MPA®, VISIA®).

Results

Regular application of the pharmaceutical caused brightening of hyperpigmentations (P < 0.05). General improvement in skin condition was also observed – the increase in skin elasticity, smoothness, and the enhancement of hydration levels.

Conclusions

Dermocosmetics for people with hyperpigmentation are an essential part of their medical treatment. In case of epidermal hyperpigmentation, the recipe of individually chosen and tested combination of ingredients enables us to reach satisfactory results.
A policy review of after‐hours emergency dental care responsibilities
Authors: Brecher Erica A. , Keels Martha Ann , Quiñonez Rocio B. , Roberts Michael W. , Bordley William Clay
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To examine professional guidelines and/or requirements of state and national dental organizations regarding the responsibility of dentists for after‐hours emergency care.

Methods

Guidelines of national dental professional organizations, specialties, and all 50 state dental boards were examined for language pertaining to after‐hours emergency care. Guidelines were categorized as: a) no guidelines; b) deferral to American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines; c) specific guidelines outlined.

Results

Most states and national guidelines were similar to the ADA: dentists are obliged to make reasonable arrangements for the emergency dental care of patients of‐record and not‐of‐record. Oral surgery maintains the most stringent guidelines of all specialties. Results of the 50 states reviewed: no guidelines‐16 states (32 percent), deferral to ADA guidelines‐21 states (42 percent), and specific guidelines outlined‐13 states (26 percent).

Conclusions

Current after‐hours emergency guidelines are nonspecific and open to interpretation. Variability between state guidelines likely contribute to unnecessary hospital emergency visits and increased healthcare costs, undermining the goal of establishing and maintaining dental homes.
Major Histocompatibility Complex I and II Expression and Lymphocytic Subtypes in Muscle of Horses with Immune‐Mediated Myositis
Authors: Durward‐Akhurst S.A. , Finno C.J. , Barnes N. , Shivers J. , Guo L.T. , Shelton G.D. , Valberg S.J.
Published: June 2016

Background

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II expression is not normally detected on sarcolemma, but is detected with lymphocytic infiltrates in immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) of humans and dogs and in dysferlin‐deficient muscular dystrophy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if sarcolemmal MHC is expressed in active IMM in horses, if MHC expression is associated with lymphocytic subtype, and if dysferlin is expressed in IMM.

Animals

Twenty‐one IMM horses of Quarter Horse‐related breeds, 3 healthy and 6 disease controls (3 pasture myopathy, 3 amylase‐resistant polysaccharide storage myopathy [PSSM]).

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for MHC I, II, and CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ lymphocytes was performed on archived muscle of IMM and control horses. Scores were given for MHC I, II, and lymphocytic subtypes. Immunofluorescent staining for dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan was performed.

Results

Sarcolemmal MHC I and II expression was detected in 17/21 and 15/21 of IMM horses, respectively, and in specific fibers of PSSM horses, but not healthy or pasture myopathy controls. The CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ cells were present in 20/21 IMM muscles with CD4+ predominance in 10/21 and CD8+ predominance in 6/21 of IMM horses. Dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan staining were similar in IMM and control muscles.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Deficiencies of dysferlin, dystrophin, and a‐sarcoglycan are not associated with IMM. Sarcolemmal MHC I and II expression in a proportion of myofibers of IMM horses in conjunction with lymphocytic infiltration supports an immune‐mediated etiology for IMM. The MHC expression also occured in specific myofibers in PSSM horses in the absence of lymphocytic infiltrates.
When More than Property Is Lost: The Dignity Losses and Restoration of the Tulsa Riot of 1921
Authors: Brophy Alfred L.
Published: June 2016

Bernadette Atuahene's We Want What's Ours focuses on deprivations that go beyond property losses. Her focus is on the dignity harms to South Africans over centuries, such as denial of citizenship, that accompanied the theft of their land. I focus here on one grotesque episode of violence, the Tulsa race riot of 1921, to gauge dignity takings in a US context. Thousands were, in the parlance of the times, run out of town in a “negro drive.” They lost property, but also their community, and they could not assert their rights after the riot. This article turns to the ways in which African Americans in Oklahoma obtained rights through the courts that should have been protected around the time of the riot. This expands our sense of the range of responses, from apologies and compensation, to additional judicial process and substantive rights, that are needed for past racial crimes.
Identification and characterization of privet leaf blotch‐associated virus, a novel idaeovirus
Authors: Navarro Beatriz , Loconsole Giuliana , Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Aboughanem‐Sabanadzovic Nina , Ragozzino Antonio , Ragozzino Ester , Di Serio Francesco
Published: June 2016

A novel virus has been identified by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in privet (Ligustrum japonicum L.) affected by a graft‐transmissible disease characterized by leaf blotch symptoms resembling infectious variegation, a virus‐like privet disease with an unclear aetiology. This virus, which has been tentatively named ‘privet leaf blotch‐associated virus’ (PrLBaV), was absent in non‐symptomatic privet plants, as revealed by NGS and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Molecular characterization of PrLBaV showed that it has a segmented genome composed of two positive single‐stranded RNAs, one of which (RNA1) is monocistronic and codes for the viral replicase, whereas the other (RNA2) contains two open reading frames (ORFs), ORF2a and ORF2b, coding for the putative movement (p38) and coat (p30) proteins, respectively. ORF2b is very probably expressed through a subgenomic RNA starting with six nucleotides (AUAUCU) that closely resemble those found in the 5′‐terminal end of genomic RNA1 and RNA2 (AUAUUU and AUAUAU, respectively). The molecular signatures identified in the PrLBaV RNAs and proteins resemble those of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), currently the only member of the genus Idaeovirus. These data, together with phylogenetic analyses, are consistent with the proposal of considering PrLBaV as a representative of the second species in the genus Idaeovirus. Transient expression of a recombinant PrLBaV p38 fused to green fluorescent protein in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy assays, showed that it localizes at cell plasmodesmata, strongly supporting its involvement in viral movement/trafficking and providing the first functional characterization of an idaeovirus encoded protein.
Xylem refilling – a question of sugar transporters and pH?
Authors: Hacke Uwe G. , Laur Joan
Published: June 2016

This article comments on: Accumulation of sugars in the xylem apoplast observed under water stress conditions is controlled by xylem pH
Role of phytohormones in aluminium rhizotoxicity
Authors: Kopittke Peter M
Published: June 2016

Elevated concentrations of soluble aluminium (Al) reduce root growth in acid soils, but much remains unknown regarding the toxicity of this Al as well as the mechanisms by which plants respond. This review examines changes in phytohormones in Al‐stressed plants. Al often results in a rapid ‘burst’ of ethylene in root apical tissues within 15–30 min, with this regulating an increase in auxin. This production of ethylene and auxin seems to be a component of a plant‐response to toxic Al, resulting in cell wall modification or regulation of organic acid release. There is also evidence of a role of auxin in the expression of Al toxicity itself, with Al decreasing basipetal transport of auxin, thereby potentially decreasing wall loosening as required for elongation. Increasingly, changes in abscisic acid in root apices also seem to be involved in plant‐responses to toxic Al. Changes in cytokinins, gibberellins and jasmonates following exposure to Al are also examined, although little information is available. Finally, although not a phytohormone, concentrations of nitric oxide change rapidly in Al‐exposed tissues. The information presented in this review will assist in focusing future research efforts in examining the importance of phytohormones in plant tissues exposed to toxic levels of Al.
Quality Selection, Sectoral Heterogeneity and Chinese Exports
Authors: Kneller Richard , Yu Zhihong
Published: June 2016

Recent models of international trade have identified product quality as an important determinant of bilateral trade flows. In this paper we examine the relationship between the characteristics of the export market and the aggregate quality of products using Chinese data. We find evidence that product unit values vary with standard gravity variables in a different manner across sectors of the Chinese economy and run contrary to earlier findings for the USA. These results are not compatible with existing heterogeneous firm trade models with constant mark‐up and the extension to include product quality. We construct a heterogeneous firm trade model with quality differences and spatial price discrimination, and show that the model provides plausible explanations for our empirical finds as well as other existing findings in the literature.
A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform for the analysis of phyllobilins, the major degradation products of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Christ Bastien , Hauenstein Mareike , Hörtensteiner Stefan
Published: June 2016

During senescence, chlorophyll is broken down to a set of structurally similar, but distinct linear tetrapyrrolic compounds termed phyllobilins. Structure identification of phyllobilins from over a dozen plant species revealed that modifications at different peripheral positions may cause complex phyllobilin composition in a given species. For example, in Arabidopsis thaliana wild‐type, eight different phyllobilins have structurally been characterized to date. Accurate phyllobilin identification and quantification, which classically have been performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV/vis detection, are, however, hampered because of their similar physiochemical properties and vastly differing abundances in plant extracts. Here we established a rapid method for phyllobilin identification and quantification that couples ultra‐HPLC with high‐resolution/high‐precision tandem mass spectrometry. Using Arabidopsis wild‐type and mutant lines that are deficient in specific phyllobilin‐modifying reactions, we identified a total of 16 phyllobilins, among them two that have not been described before in Arabidopsis. The single and collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry data of all 16 Arabidopsis phyllobilins were collected in a mass spectrometry library, which is available to the scientific community. The library allows rapid detection and quantification of phyllobilins within and across Arabidopsis genotypes and we demonstrate its potential use for high‐throughput approaches and genome‐wide association studies in chlorophyll breakdown. By extending the library with phyllobilin data from other plant species in the future, we aim providing a tool for chlorophyll metabolite analysis as a measure of senescence for practical applications, such as post‐harvest quality control.
Characters of equivariant -modules on spaces of matrices
Authors: Raicu Claudiu
Published: June 2016

We compute the characters of the simple$\text{GL}$-equivariant holonomic${\mathcal{D}}$-modules on the vector spaces of general, symmetric, and skew-symmetric matrices. We realize some of these${\mathcal{D}}$-modules explicitly as subquotients in the pole order filtration associated to the$\text{determinant}/\text{Pfaffian}$of a generic matrix, and others as local cohomology modules. We give a direct proof of a conjecture of Levasseur in the case of general and skew-symmetric matrices, and provide counterexamples in the case of symmetric matrices. The character calculations are used in subsequent work with Weyman to describe the${\mathcal{D}}$-module composition factors of local cohomology modules with determinantal and Pfaffian support.
Inhibitory masking controls the threshold sensitivity of retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Pan Feng , Toychiev Abduqodir , Zhang Yi , Atlasz Tamas , Ramakrishnan Hariharasubramanian , Roy Kaushambi , Völgyi Béla , Akopian Abram , Bloomfield Stewart A.
Published: June 2016

Key points

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in dark‐adapted retinas show a range of threshold sensitivities spanning ∼3 log units of illuminance.

Here, we show that the different threshold sensitivities of RGCs reflect an inhibitory mechanism that masks inputs from certain rod pathways.

The masking inhibition is subserved by GABAC receptors, probably on bipolar cell axon terminals.

The GABAergic masking inhibition appears independent of dopaminergic circuitry that has been shown also to affect RGC sensitivity.

The results indicate a novel mechanism whereby inhibition controls the sensitivity of different cohorts of RGCs. This can limit and thereby ensure that appropriate signals are carried centrally in scotopic conditions when sensitivity rather than acuity is crucial.

The responses of rod photoreceptors, which subserve dim light vision, are carried through the retina by three independent pathways. These pathways carry signals with largely different sensitivities. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output neurons of the retina, show a wide range of sensitivities in the same dark‐adapted conditions, suggesting a divergence of the rod pathways. However, this organization is not supported by the known synaptic morphology of the retina. Here, we tested an alternative idea that the rod pathways converge onto single RGCs, but inhibitory circuits selectively mask signals so that one pathway predominates. Indeed, we found that application of GABA receptor blockers increased the sensitivity of most RGCs by unmasking rod signals, which were suppressed. Our results indicate that inhibition controls the threshold responses of RGCs under dim ambient light. This mechanism can ensure that appropriate signals cross the bottleneck of the optic nerve in changing stimulus conditions.
Pore-size distribution of a compacted silty soil after compaction, saturation, and loading
Authors: Oualmakran M. , Mercatoris B.C.N. , François B.
Published: June 2016

Soil microstructure is an important feature that controls soil behaviour at the macroscale. This microstructure depends on the sample preparation method and evolves during saturation and loading. This paper investigates the effects of compaction water content, drying techniques adopted prior to performing porosimetry, saturation and loading on the evolution of the microstructure of a silty soil. Mercury intrusion porosimetry is used to obtain the pore-size distribution at different states of soil presenting single and double porosity. It is observed that in presence of aggregates (obtained from a compaction on the dry side of optimum), the bimodal pore-size distribution is not significantly affected by the saturation process at zero stress. This feature of behaviour is quite specific to low plasticity silty soil. Conversely, loading under saturated conditions has a more significant effect on the pore-size distribution. This bimodal distribution converges into a single mode of pore size when the stress is significantly greater than the apparent preconsolidation pressure. The observed experimental results are interpreted in the light of pore-size distribution evolution during saturation and loading.
Effect of particle size on flip bucket scour
Authors: Kökpinar Mehmet Ali , Kucukali Serhat
Published: June 2016

This study quantifies the dimensionless maximum scour depth ds/D50downstream of flip buckets as a function of the square of the densimetric Froude number Frd2, jet Reynolds number Re, lip angle, and sediment non-uniformity constant. The proposed formula is valid for Frd= 2.9–29.69, Re = 8.9 × 103–4.2 × 105, and We > 32. Moreover, the scour profiles for different sediment sizes (D50= 3–17 mm) are presented from the Kigi Dam physical model and the effect of the Reynolds number on scour process is discussed. The prediction capacity of the proposed formula is compared with the existing empirical formulas in the literature and it is shown that the proposed dimensionally homogenous formula made better estimations. The procedure described here has a sound physical basis and it can be used to estimate the maximum scour depth downstream of flip buckets.
Effectiveness and performance of high friction surface treatments at a national scale
Authors: Li Qiang Joshua , Yang Guangwei , Wang Kelvin C.P. , Zhan You , Merritt David , Wang Chaohui
Published: June 2016

Although high friction surface treatment (HFST) has been widely installed in recent years, validation efforts considering various materials, installation ages, environmental conditions, and traffic levels are missing primarily due to lacking of high-speed data collection instruments. Utilizing laser imaging technology and fixed-slip friction tester, this study collects comprehensive pavement surface data at 21 HFST sites in 11 states at highway speeds. Measurements on HFST and untreated pavements are compared to determine the effectiveness of HFST. Multivariate analyses are conducted to investigate the impacts of factors on HFST friction. Average temperature and installation age are identified as the significant factors. The HFST sites constructed using calcined bauxite aggregates exhibit better friction performance than those using flints. Subsequently, friction models are developed to aid highway agencies in managing HFST.
Stratigraphy and structure of the Drake Point Anticline, Sabine Peninsula, Canadian Arctic Islands
Authors: Dewing Keith , Brake Virginia , Duchesne Mathieu J. , Brent Thomas A. , Joyce Nancy
Published: June 2016

Modern processing methods were applied to 3400 line-kilometres of legacy seismic data from Sabine Peninsula of Melville Island in the Canadian Arctic Islands. Post-stack reprocessing improved the imaging, allowing new insight into the following issues: the northern extent of lower Paleozoic source rocks, extensional structures and rock types in the upper Paleozoic succession, the timing of the gentle Drake Point Anticline; and the age and extent of igneous sills. The central part of Sabine Peninsula is underlain by a half-graben containing upper Paleozoic strata. The half-graben fill is intersected by just one well, but it likely contains Upper Carboniferous to Lower Permian strata. The two largest conventional gas fields in Canada (Drake Point and Hecla) are hosted in Mesozoic strata within a gentle anticline that partially overlies the half-graben. Previously, the Drake Point Anticline was interpreted to have been formed during Eocene time. We propose that 280 m of the 430 m of structural relief on the Drake Anticline formed in response to uplift at the axis of the anticline in the Early Cretaceous, as shown by thinning of the Lower Cretaceous Christopher Formation over the Drake Anticline. The remaining 150 m of structural relief formed by differential movement between the Marryatt Point Syncline and Drake Point Anticline after the Early Cretaceous. Early Cretaceous relief on the Drake Point Anticline means it was at least partially present at the time of maximum hydrocarbon generation in the Late Cretaceous.
Trophic pathways supporting juvenile Chinook and coho salmon in the glacial Susitna River, Alaska: patterns of freshwater, marine, and terrestrial food resource use across a seasonally dynamic habitat mosaic
Authors: Rine Kristin M. , Wipfli Mark S. , Schoen Erik R. , Nightengale Timothy L. , Stricker Craig A.
Published: June 2016

Contributions of terrestrial-, freshwater-, and marine-derived prey resources to stream fishes vary over time and space, altering the energy pathways that regulate production. In this study, we determined large-scale use of these resources by juvenile Chinook and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Oncorhynchus kisutch, respectively) in the glacial Susitna River, Alaska. We resolved spatial and temporal trophic patterns among multiple macrohabitat types along a 97 km segment of the river corridor via stable isotope and stomach content analyses. Juvenile salmon were supported primarily by freshwater-derived resources and secondarily by marine and terrestrial sources. The relative contribution of marine-derived prey to rearing salmon was greatest in the fall within off-channel macrohabitats, whereas the contributions of terrestrial invertebrate prey were generally greatest during midsummer, across all macrohabitats. No longitudinal (upstream–downstream) diet pattern was discernable. These results highlight large-scale spatial and seasonal patterns of energy flow and the dynamic interplay of pulsed marine and terrestrial prey subsidies to juvenile Chinook and coho salmon in a large, complex, and relatively pristine glacial river.
Implementation Processes of Hospital Information Management Systems: A Field Study in Turkey
Authors: Ileri Yusuf Yalcin
Published: June 2016

Our aim is to reflect our experience of developing and implementing of an integrated Hospital Information Management System (HIMS), its financing contributions, technical and managerial challenges and key designing and planning factors. Following the strategic planning stage, HIMS was implemented into the hospital. Key issues were observed, total training hours and satisfaction levels of staff were followed year by year. Number of patients, surgeries and total income of the hospital were analysed. Cessation of printing radiology films, paper and manpower earnings were calculated. After the implementation of HIMS, total income of the hospital increased 37% in the first year. Total financial savings (paper printing, radiology films and manpower) as a result of HIMS implementation were approximately US$ 1.34[Formula: see text]million. HIMS prevents losses and leakages of medical materials, medicines and unnecessary processes in healthcare institutions. For an appropriate implementation of HIMS, healthcare managers should lend priority to seven critical design and implementation issues: (1) effective accessibility, (2) interoperability and integration, (3) ease of use (4) improvement of the quality of processes (5) centralised administration, (6) privacy and digital security, (7) precautions against resistance to IT.
MicroRNAs as Salivary Markers for Periodontal Diseases: A New Diagnostic Approach?
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Li Simin , Burkhardt Ralph , Rinke Sven , Krause Felix , Haak Rainer , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: June 2016

The aim of this review is to discuss current findings regarding the roles of miRNAs in periodontal diseases and the potential use of saliva as a diagnostic medium for corresponding miRNA investigations. For periodontal disease, investigations have been restricted to tissue samples and five miRNAs, that is, miR-142-3p, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-203, and miR-223, were repeatedly validated in vivo and in vitro by different validation methods. Particularly noticeable are the small sample sizes, different internal controls, and different case definitions of periodontitis in in vivo studies. Beside of that, the validated miRNAs are associated with inflammation and therefore with various diseases. Furthermore, several studies successfully explored the use of salivary miRNA species for the diagnosis of oral cancer. Different cancer types were investigated and heterogeneous methodology was used; moreover, no overlap of results was found. In conclusion, five miRNAs have consistently been reported for periodontitis; however, their disease specificity, detectability, and expression in saliva and their importance as noninvasive markers are questionable. In principle, a salivary miRNA diagnostic method seems feasible. However, standardized criteria and protocols for preanalytics, measurements, and analysis should be established to obtain comparable results across different studies.
A Unique Case of an Aggressive Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Filum Terminale
Authors: Akbik Omar S. , Floruta Crina , Chohan Muhammad O. , SantaCruz Karen S. , Carlson Andrew P.
Published: June 2016

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that are mostly found in the head and neck. Even less common are gangliocytic variant paragangliomas of the spine for which there are only 7 other documented cases in the literature. We report a case of gangliocytic paraganglioma of the sacral spine in a 68-year-old man. The growth pattern is documented over three years, which to our knowledge has not previously been reported in the literature and is different from the natural history. Clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of the tumor are discussed in light of available reports of this rare tumor.
Genetic Diversity of NamibianPennisetum glaucum(L.) R. BR. (Pearl Millet) Landraces Analyzed by SSR and Morphological Markers
Authors: McBenedict Billy , Chimwamurombe Percy , Kwembeya Ezekeil , Maggs-Kölling Gillian
Published: June 2016

CurrentPennisetum glaucum(L.) R. BR. cultivars in Namibia have overall poor performance posing a threat to the nation’s food security because this crop is staple for over 70% of the Namibian population. The crop suffers from undesirable production traits such as susceptibility to diseases, low yield, and prolonged reproductive cycle. This study aimed to understand the genetic diversity of the crop in Namibia by simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and morphology analysis. A total of 1441 genotypes were collected from the National Gene Bank representing all the Namibian landraces. A sample of 96 genotypes was further analyzed by SSR using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and revealed a value of 0.45 indicating low genetic diversity. Ordination using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) on SSR data confirmed clusters generated by UPGMA for the 96P. glaucumaccessions. UPGMA phenograms of 29 morphological characterized genotypes were generated for SSR and morphology data and the two trees revealed 78% resemblance. Lodging susceptibility, tillering attitude, spike density, fodder yield potential, early vigour, and spike shape were the phenotypic characters upon which some clusters were based in both datasets. It is recommended that efforts should be made to widen the current gene pool in Namibia.
Spectroscopic Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Afforestation Forest Soil of Miyun District, Beijing
Authors: Gao Shi-Jie , Zhao Chen , Shi Zong-Hai , Zhong Jun , Liu Jian-Guo , Li Jun-Qing
Published: June 2016

In this study, soil samples collected from different plain afforestation time (1 year, 4 years, 10 years, 15 years, and 20 years) in Miyun were characterized, including total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available K (K+), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The DOM in the soil samples with different afforestation time was further characterized via DOC, UV-Visible spectroscopy, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, and1H NMR spectroscopy. The results suggested that the texture of soil sample was sandy. The extracted DOM from soil consisted mainly of aliphatic chains and only a minor aromatic component. It can be included that afforestation can improve the soil quality to some extent, which can be partly reflected from the indexes like TOC, TN, TP, K+, MBC, and DOC. And the characterization of DOM implied that UV humic-like substances were the major fluorophores components in the DOM of the soil samples, which consisted of aliphatic chains and aromatic components with carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups.