bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinase inhibitory flavonoid from Juniperus communis fruits
Authors: Jegal Jonghwan , Park Sang-a , Chung KiWung , Chung Hae Young , Lee Jaewon , Jeong Eun Ju , Kim Ki Hyun , Yang Min Hye
Published: August 2016

The fruits of Juniperus communis have been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases. In our preliminary experiment, the MeOH extract of J. communis effectively suppressed mushroom tyrosinase activity. Three monoflavonoids and five biflavonoids were isolated from J. communis by bioassay-guided isolation and their inhibitory effect against tyrosinase was evaluated. According to the results of all isolates, hypolaetin 7-O-β-xylopyranoside isolated from J. communis exhibited most potent effect of decreasing mushroom tyrosinase activity with an IC50 value of 45.15 μM. Further study provided direct experimental evidence for hypolaetin 7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside-attenuated tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanoma cell. Hypolaetin 7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside from the EtOAc fraction of J. communis was also effective at suppressing α-MSH-induced melanin synthesis. This is the first report of the enzyme tyrosinase inhibition by J. communis and its constituent. Therapeutic attempts with J. communis and its active component, hypolaetin 7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, might be useful in treating melanin pigmentary disorders.
Anti-adipogenic effect of Glycoside St-E2 and Glycoside St-C1 isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax henryi (Oliv.) Harms in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Han Yo-Han , Li Zhi , Um Jae-Young , Liu Xiang Qian , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: August 2016

Acanthopanax henryi (Oliv.) Harms has been used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and abdominal pain. This study evaluated whether natural compounds isolated from the leaves of A. henryi (Oliv.) Harms could inhibit adipocyte differentiation by regulating transcriptional factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was also evaluated. Among the several compounds isolated from the leaves of A. henryi (Oliv.) Harms, Glycoside St-C1 and Glycoside St-E2 significantly decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα. Glycoside St-C1 and Glycoside St-E2 were found to activate AMPK when they regulated PPARγ and C/EBPα. Results confirmed that Glycoside St-C1 and Glycoside St-E2 isolated from the leaves of A. henryi (Oliv.) Harms can inhibit adipogenesis through the AMPK-PPARγ-C/EBPα mechanism. Thus, this study suggests that Glycoside St-C1 and Glycoside St-E2 have a therapeutic effect due to activation of the AMPKα.
GTSE1 tunes microtubule stability for chromosome alignment and segregation through MCAK inhibition
Authors: Bendre Shweta , Rondelet Arnaud , Hall Conrad , Schmidt Nadine , Lin Yu-Chih , Brouhard Gary J. , Bird Alexander W.
Published: August 2016

The dynamic regulation of microtubules during mitosis is critical for accurate chromosome segregation and genome stability. Cancer cell lines with hyperstabilized kinetochore microtubules have increased segregation errors and elevated chromosomal instability (CIN), but the genetic defects responsible remain largely unknown. The microtubule depolymerase MCAK can influence CIN through its impact on microtubule stability, but how its potent activity is controlled in cells remains unclear. Here we show that GTSE1, a protein found overexpressed in aneuploid cancer cell lines and tumours, regulates microtubule stability during mitosis by inhibiting MCAK microtubule depolymerase activity. Cells lacking GTSE1 have defects in chromosome alignment and spindle positioning due to microtubule instability caused by excess MCAK activity. Reducing GTSE1 levels in CIN cancer cell lines reduces chromosome missegregation defects, while artificially inducing GTSE1 levels in chromosomally stable cells elevates chromosome missegregation and CIN. Thus GTSE1 inhibition of MCAK activity regulates the balance of microtubule stability that determines the fidelity of chromosome alignment, segregation, and chromosomal stability.
An Atlas of Human Kinase Regulation
Authors: Ochoa David , Jonikas Mindaugas , Lawrence Robert T. , Debs Bachir El , Selkrig Joel , Typas Athanasios , Villén Judit , Santos Silvia , Beltrao Pedro
Published: August 2016

The coordinated regulation of protein kinases is a rapid mechanism that integrates diverse cues and swiftly determines appropriate cellular responses. However, our understanding of cellular decision-making has been limited by the small number of simultaneously monitored phospho-regulatory events. Here, we have estimated changes in activity in 215 human kinases in 399 conditions from a compilation of nearly 3 million phosphopeptide quantifications. This atlas identifies commonly regulated kinases as those that are central in the signaling network and defines the logic relationships between kinase pairs. Co-regulation along the conditions predicts kinase-complex and kinase-substrate associations. Additionally, the kinase regulation profile acts as a molecular fingerprint to identify related and opposing signaling states. Using this atlas, we identified essential mediators of stem cell differentiation, modulators of Salmonella infection and new targets of AKT1. This provides a global view of human phosphorylation-based signaling and the necessary context to better understand kinase driven decision-making.
Transcription factors GAF and HSF act at distinct regulatory steps to modulate stress-induced gene activation
Authors: Duarte Fabiana M. , Fuda Nicholas J. , Mahat Dig B. , Core Leighton J. , Guertin Michael J. , Lis John T.
Published: August 2016

The coordinated regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level is fundamental to development and homeostasis. Inducible systems are invaluable when studying transcription because the regulatory process can be triggered instantaneously, allowing the tracking of ordered mechanistic events. Here, we use precision run-on sequencing (PRO-seq) to examine the genome-wide heat shock (HS) response in Drosophila and the function of two key transcription factors on the immediate transcription activation or repression of all genes regulated by HS. We identify the primary HS response genes and the rate-limiting steps in the transcription cycle that GAGA-associated factor (GAF) and HS factor (HSF) regulate. We demonstrate that GAF acts upstream of promoter-proximally paused RNA polymerase II (Pol II) formation (likely at the step of chromatin opening) and that GAF-facilitated Pol II pausing is critical for HS activation. In contrast, HSF is dispensable for establishing or maintaining Pol II pausing but is critical for the release of paused Pol II into the gene body at a subset of highly activated genes. Additionally, HSF has no detectable role in the rapid HS repression of thousands of genes.
Cumulative impact of category management on small retailers
Authors: Hamister James   W. , Fortsch Sima M.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the performance impact for small, local retailers by the means of category management (CM) practice and implementation. The authors utilized survey methodology to investigate both the immediate and cumulative impact of CM on several regional retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The results suggest CM practices have a positive impact on the performance of small, local retailers. category captain (CC) and minor supplier (MS) performances are also positively related to CM execution. CM practices, however, do not have a direct significant influence on MS performance, but rather have a cumulative impact through CC and CM performances.

Practical implications

– Small retailers should implement CM principles informally to match with their specific limited resources and management structures. Additionally, results from this study also suggest that local retailers may benefit from leveraging suppliers through tighter relationships encompassed within CM.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to empirically test the immediate and cumulative impacts of CM practices on small, local retailers, and to determine their implications. Cumulatively, small retailers have a large impact on developed economies with a particularly large impact on employment, therefore major retail initiatives such as CM merit scholarly attention.
Neglected on the front line
Authors: Bessant Ceridwyn , Mavin Sharon
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the first-line manager-academic (FLMA) role against a guiding hypothesis that “The first-line manager-academic role is not clearly defined or understood; there is great variety of practice and of recognition of the role across the business school sector”.

Design/methodology/approach

– A descriptive, deductive approach through three linked (internet) surveys of deans of UK business schools, FLMAs in UK business schools and UK university human resource directors.

Findings

– The FLMA role in UK business schools is important to organizational effectiveness, personal development and career progression yet is poorly defined and supported, inconsistently enacted and perceived. FLMAs struggle to balance academic and management demands, with line management a particular issue and HR support and development systems are inadequate. Differences between chartered “old” and statutory “new” UK universities provide an additional layer of complexity.

Research limitations/implications

– FLMA roles need to be better defined and FLMAs better supported to ensure that FLMAs are effective in role contributing to organizational performance and personal development.

Practical implications

– The paper throws light on a neglected aspect of management in UK business schools that has potential value for university HR directors, university managers and business school deans.

Originality/value

– First empirical study into the role of the first-line manager academic in UK business schools.
The effect of organisational size and age on position and paradigm innovation
Authors: Baregheh Anahita , Rowley Jennifer , Hemsworth David
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge and theory on innovation in small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) by exploring the role of size and age on organisational engagement with position and paradigm innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data on organisational characteristics, including age and size, and engagement with position and paradigm innovation was collected as part of a questionnaire based survey of food sector SMEs in the UK. Structural equation modelling was used to identify the existence of any significant relationships between engagement with position and paradigm innovation and organisational age and size.

Findings

– Findings suggest that organisational engagement with position and paradigm innovation is not affected by either age or size.

Originality/value

– Prior research, based primarily on process and product innovation, has generated contradictory results regarding whether size or age effect innovation. This study contributes by focusing on the previously unexplored concepts of position and paradigm innovation.
Entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance in different environmental settings
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Bogatyreva Karina , Beliaeva Tatiana , Puffer Sheila
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance across different levels of environmental hostility and market growth. The contingency approach of two-way interactions of EO with each environmental variable is contrasted with the configurational approach of three-way interactions of EO simultaneously with different levels of both environmental variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hierarchical regression analysis is applied for the pooled data set of 163 Finnish and Russian small- and medium-sized enterprises, and supplemented withpost hocanalysis of the differences in regression slopes across environmental configurations.

Findings

– Results show that EO is directly and positively associated with firm performance. However, the strength and direction of this relationship varies by configurations of the external environment variables. Firms achieve superior performance when adopting EO in environments with high levels of both hostility and market growth. In contrast, in favorable environments with low hostility and high market growth, EO adoption leads to lower firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The study contributes to the EO literature by demonstrating different effects of EO on firm performance across various environmental configurations. It uses cross-sectional data from two countries. Replication studies using different samples may further corroborate the results.

Practical implications

– In order to take advantage of opportunities and achieve better performance, managers of firms should analyze multiple elements of the environment concurrently and align EO to those conditions.

Originality/value

– The configurations of environmental hostility and market growth, representing both favorable and unfavorable elements of business context, have not been previously investigated together in one model of the EO-performance relationship.
A new approach to prioritizing SME regulation reforms
Authors: Jitmaneeroj Boonlert
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Despite their important role for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) policy reform, the individual scores of the ten categories of business regulations in the World Bank’s Doing Business report are often overshadowed by the equal-weighted overall score and ease of doing business ranking. The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal interrelations between category scores and pinpoint the critical categories for reform.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the latest 2016 Doing Business report, this paper applies the four-stage integrative framework to investigate the causal relationships between category scores and the overall score for business regulations for SMEs. The four-stage analysis includes cluster analysis, data mining, partial least square path modeling, and importance-performance map analysis (IPMA).

Findings

– The overall score for business regulations is not only influenced by the direct effects of the category scores but also by the indirect effects of the causal interrelations between these scores. The IPMA suggests that policy-makers should examine the priorities of the category scores before making a decision about business regulatory reforms for SMEs. This paper suggests that policy-makers should allocate resources in order of priority – to resolving insolvency, getting credit, trading across borders, registering property, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, enforcing contracts, getting electricity, dealing with construction permits, and, finally, starting a business.

Originality/value

– This four-stage methodology is the first attempt to construct a roadmap for business regulatory reforms for SMEs that addresses the problem of equal weighting and subjective causal relationships between category scores.
The influences of knowledge loss and knowledge retention mechanisms on the absorptive capacity and performance of a MIS department
Authors: Lin Tung-Ching , Chang Christina Ling-hsing , Tsai Wen-Chin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Knowledge loss impact on the performance of management information system (MIS) departments due to its influence on absorptive capacity. Furthermore, knowledge retention in human resource management and information system application is also included in the research model, in order to examine their effectiveness in mitigating knowledge loss. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey method and hypotheses are tested with the collected data from 191 Taiwanese IS personnel.

Findings

– The results not only indicate knowledge loss has impacts on the absorptive capacity and performance of MIS departments while information systems could mitigate knowledge loss, but also provide deeper understanding of knowledge loss and potential issues for academics; as for practitioners, this study could serve as a reference to design and adopt knowledge management (KM) mechanisms.

Originality/value

– KM is an important issue for organizations since it is the source of competitive advantages and excellent performance, although the investment in KM is not necessary effective in retaining knowledge. This study conducts survey to examine the influences of knowledge loss in MIS departments, since the high turnover rate of employees and the rapid environmental changes in technical world may worsen the situation. According to dynamic capability theory, absorptive capacity is a critical ability to have while facing turbulent environment.
German and British Consumer Willingness to Pay for Beef Labeled with Food Safety Attributes
Authors: Lewis Karen E. , Grebitus Carola , Colson Gregory , Hu Wuyang
Published: August 2016

The European Union has implemented some of the most stringent food safety policies for beef globally, ranging from banning growth hormones to mandating country of origin labeling. Using choice experiments and random parameter logit models, we examine German and British consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for American, Canadian, Argentinian, French, German and British beef, quality assurance seals, hormone‐free beef production and a gourmet label. We also determine how consumer WTP for these food safety and quality attributes is affected by the extent to which consumers consider food safety issues (FSI). Results indicate that British consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Argentina and German consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Great Britain. The hormone‐free label was the relatively most preferred label by consumers in both countries, and by those who considered FSI to affect their meat consumption patterns.
New phenological growth stages of garlic (Allium sativum)
Authors: Lopez‐Bellido F.J. , Lopez‐Bellido R.J. , Muñoz‐Romero V. , Fernandez‐Garcia P. , Lopez‐Bellido L.
Published: August 2016

The advantages of using Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) phenological scales are well‐known in the field of agronomy. Currently, specific scales exist for the majority of crops. Although garlic has international importance due to its worldwide cultivation, a specific phenological scale has not been developed; in general, garlic is integrated into the BBCH description for onion. While garlic and onion belong to the same genus, this generalisation should be avoided due to their many differences. The means of propagation of garlic is vegetative, from cloves of the previous cycle, and the concurrence of the bulbing phase and the emergence of the inflorescence (bolting types) cause garlic to perpetually remain in a ‘second year stage’ of its biological cycle. In contrast, onions and other bulbous Liliaceae that produce seeds undergo biannual development. In addition to this complexity, its physiological complex is strongly influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature and photoperiod; distinct conditions are required for overlapping or simultaneously occurring phases (bulbing/flowering). Nevertheless, ambiguity and lack of consensus exist concerning the start of different phenological phases due to the complex morphology of the bulb (composed of a bulb of bulbs/cloves). During bulbing, for example, two distinct, consecutive processes are involved: the differentiation of lateral buds and inflorescence (bolting types) and the thickening of the storage leaf of each bud (cloves). In the present study, an extended BBCH scale was developed for garlic (Allium sativum). Seven principal growth stages divided into secondary growth stages are described in detail and are represented by a two‐ or three‐digit code. Descriptions begin with garlic cloves in a stage of dormancy, destined for planting and end with complete bulb maturity. The most complex growth stages of garlic were described from a morphological and physiological perspective, that is complete bolting types (hard‐neck cultivars). Illustrations of different stages are included to clarify the application of the code system. The proposed BBCH garlic scale aims to fill gaps in the knowledge of this important crop and will serve as a useful tool for researchers, technicians and farmers. Thus, experimental findings may be standardised and complementary, which may lead to improvements in management practices and their comparisons.
Safety and efficacy of a novel linear staple device with bioabsorbable polyglicolic acid felt in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Naito Masanori , Yamanashi Takahiro , Nakamura Takatoshi , Miura Hirohisa , Tsutsui Atsuko , Sato Takeo , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, but it is often associated with postoperative anastomotic complications. Generally, gastrointestinal anastomosis for colorectal surgery is performed using mechanical anastomosis with a double stapling technique. Using the automatic suture device with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt is expected to adequately reinforce staple lines on fragile tissue, helping to prevent anastomotic complications, including leakage.

Methods

This study included 17 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The rectosigmoidal colon was resected toward the dentate line with a novel automatic PGA‐felt suture device.

Results

None of the patients had any postoperative bleeding, and none developed grade III or higher postoperative complications based on the Clavien–Dindo classification. When the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid, or rectum was anastomosed, holding the excess portion of the PGA felt, stapled with the automatic PGA‐felt suture device, allowed us to adequately maneuver the part of the colon or rectum to be anastomosed. With this technique, we could easily and safely insert and remove the automatic anastomotic device. When the lower rectum was resected in a planned, two‐step operation, the orientation of the PGA felt helped to determine the direction in which the automatic suture device was to be inserted in the second step. Thus, the resected rectum could easily be stapled in a straight line.

Conclusion

The automatic PGA‐felt suture device is safe and effective for colorectal resections and anastomoses.
A systematic review of tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery
Authors: Farrow Luke S. , Smith Toby O. , Ashcroft George P. , Myint Phyo K.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To systematically examine and quantify the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CiNAHL, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. Two assessors independently screened search outputs for potentially relevant articles which met the eligibility criteria. The primary outcome measure was requirement of post‐operative blood transfusion. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the ROBINS‐I tool for observational studies. Meta‐analysis was performed to estimate risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) and mean difference (MD) values for dichotomous and continuous data outcomes, respectively. The interpretation of each outcome was made using the GRADE approach.

Results

Of 102 studies identified, seven met the inclusion criteria including a total of 770 participants (TXA: 341; Control: 429). On meta‐analysis, intravenous TXA resulted in a 46% risk reduction in blood transfusion requirement compared to a placebo/control group (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35–0.85; I2: 78%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = <0.0001; n = 750). There was also a significantly higher post‐operative haemoglobin for TXA versus placebo/control (MD: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.45–1.18; I2: 46%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = 0.10; n = 638). There was no increased risk of thromboembolic events (RD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.05; I2: 68%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = 0.007, n = 683).

Conclusion

There is moderate quality evidence that TXA reduces blood transfusion in hip fracture surgery, with low quality evidence suggesting no increased risk of thrombotic events. These findings are consistent with TXA use in other orthopaedic procedures.
Specific locations of linear furrows in patients with esophageal eosinophilia
Authors: Okimoto Eiko , Ishimura Norihisa , Okada Mayumi , Izumi Daisuke , Mikami Hironobu , Aimi Masahito , Tanimura Takashi , Mishiro Tsuyoshi , Oshima Naoki , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Ishihara Shunji , Adachi Kyoichi , Maruyama Riruke , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim

Linear furrows are the most frequently found endoscopic abnormality in patients with esophageal eosinophilia (EE); however, the precise endoscopic features remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to clarify the endoscopic features of EE, essential for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), by focusing on the specific locations of linear furrows in a Japanese population.

Methods

We enrolled 70 cases with EE (≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field) who were diagnosed at our hospital and related facilities. Information regarding endoscopic findings and clinical parameters was retrospectively reviewed. Next, the position of linear furrows in relation to esophageal longitudinal folds (ridge or valley) was evaluated in each case and compared with the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Finally, the relationship between linear furrows and eosinophilic infiltration was evaluated.

Results

Of the 70 EE patients, 63 (90%) had linear furrows. Those occurred in a radial pattern and were widespread throughout the lower to upper esophagus, and exclusively found in esophageal longitudinal mucosal fold valleys, not on ridges, which was different from the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Increased eosinophilic infiltration was significantly more frequent in linear furrows in the valleys (93%) as compared to mucosa on adjacent ridges (60%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Investigation of these endoscopic characteristics, especially by focusing on linear furrows in esophageal mucosal fold valleys, may provide important clues for more accurate diagnosis of EoE.
Badgers prefer cattle pasture but avoid cattle: implications for bovine tuberculosis control
Authors: Woodroffe Rosie , Donnelly Christl A. , Ham Cally , Jackson Seth Y. B. , Moyes Kelly , Chapman Kayna , Stratton Naomi G. , Cartwright Samantha J.
Published: August 2016

Effective management of infectious disease relies upon understanding mechanisms of pathogen transmission. In particular, while models of disease dynamics usually assume transmission through direct contact, transmission through environmental contamination can cause different dynamics. We used Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and proximity‐sensing contact‐collars to explore opportunities for transmission of Mycobacterium bovis [causal agent of bovine tuberculosis] between cattle and badgers (Meles meles). Cattle pasture was badgers’ most preferred habitat. Nevertheless, although collared cattle spent 2914 collar‐nights in the home ranges of contact‐collared badgers, and 5380 collar‐nights in the home ranges of GPS‐collared badgers, we detected no direct contacts between the two species. Simultaneous GPS‐tracking revealed that badgers preferred land > 50 m from cattle. Very infrequent direct contact indicates that badger‐to‐cattle and cattle‐to‐badger M. bovis transmission may typically occur through contamination of the two species’ shared environment. This information should help to inform tuberculosis control by guiding both modelling and farm management.
Exploring the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation, CEO Dual Values, and SME Performance in State–Owned vs. Nonstate–Owned Enterprises in China
Authors: Tang Jintong , Tang Zhi , Cowden Birton J.
Published: August 2016

Most entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–performance research focuses on identifying organizational–level contingent factors in developed countries. In this study, we advance EO research by examining how CEO self–enhancing and self–transcending values shape the relationship between EO and performance, differentially, in Chinese state–owned enterprises vs. nonstate–owned enterprises. Supporting self–concern and other–orientation theory, our sample of 148 manufacturing firms in the chemical industry in Eastern China indicates that the EO–performance relationship is stronger for high self–enhancing CEOs in state–owned enterprises, whereas the focal link is stronger for low self–enhancing CEOs in nonstate–owned enterprises.
Nonlinear identification of a spark ignition engine torque based on ANFIS with NARX method
Authors: Togun Necla , Baysec Sedat
Published: August 2016

Spark ignition (SI) engines have a nonlinear dynamic system with inherent uncertainties and unpredictable disturbances. The identification of a nonlinear system is vital in many fields of engineering. In this study, SI engine torque is identified from an input–output measurement. This study aims to propose a dynamic nonlinear model that uses an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and a nonlinear auto‐regressive with exogenous input structure to identify the dynamic nonlinear behavior of an SI engine. Considerable good performance is achieved using the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system nonlinear auto‐regressive with exogenous input method. For model validation, the proposed method is compared with the more conventional identification approach called the Hammerstein method. The results show that the two methods are in excellent agreement. The Hammerstein model was chosen because its identification result of the SI system was studied previously by the author. Validation results prove that the ability of the proposed model can capture the highly nonlinear behavior of the SI system.
Acclimation of photosynthesis to supersaturated CO2 in aquatic plant bicarbonate users
Authors: Hussner Andreas , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Weber Andreas P. M. , Sand‐Jensen Kaj
Published: August 2016

The photosynthesis of submerged aquatic plants can be limited by carbon dioxide (CO2) because of the low diffusivity of dissolved gas in water. About half of the species are able to use bicarbonate (HCO3−) as an alternative source of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). HCO3− is usually available in several‐fold higher concentrations than CO2 at pH above seven, but its affinity is lower and the costs are higher than for CO2 use. The effects of changes in CO2 concentrations on the growth and physiology of bicarbonate users remain to be explored comparatively across a wide range of species.

We studied, in the laboratory, the plasticity in photosynthetic carbon kinetics and tissue composition of 10 submerged species, all able to use bicarbonate, acclimated to air saturated and 22 times supersaturated CO2 concentrations with the same concentration of DIC (0.85 mm).

Growth rate of all was stimulated (1.1–2.5 fold) and plants allocated more biomass in roots under elevated CO2 over the 35 days of the acclimation period. The photosynthetic affinity for HCO3− was higher in species acclimated to air saturated rather than supersaturated CO2. Net photosynthesis was more stimulated (2–6 times) by CO2 supersaturation concentrations after acclimation to supersaturated CO2 concentration due to their reduced HCO3− use capacity.

Plants grown under elevated CO2 showed reduced investment in tissue nitrogen, protein and free amino acids. Moreover, the high CO2 treatments yielded overall lower gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) pools, an indicator of stress relief or changes in nitrogen metabolism.

The analysis of 10 freshwater plants confirms that availability of HCO3−, and CO2 is a key regulator of plant physiology affecting growth. Inorganic carbon availability affects the energy budget of plants thereby influencing an array of ecological processes, and hence the distribution of submerged macrophytes in the wild.
Ideologies, status quo, and parties’ outside options in parliamentary politics
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Sheng , Yang C. C.
Published: August 2016

This paper discusses the effect of the status quo policy versus parties’ “outside options,” which are defined as the benefits when parties are not in government, on the determination of the political equilibrium in parliamentary politics. As the value of outside options increases, the status quo becomes less important relative to outside options in terms of the parties’ bargaining strength. It is shown, among other things, that if the value of outside options is intermediate, two extreme parties may form a “disconnected coalition” in equilibrium; and if the value of outside options becomes sufficiently high, the status quo no longer maintains its grip on outcomes and the median‐voter theorem holds in essence.
Effect of Chitosan–Olive Oil Processing Residues Coatings on Keeping Quality of Cold‐Storage Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa. Var. Festival)
Authors: Khalifa Ibrahim , Barakat Hassan , El‐Mansy Hamdy A. , Soliman Soliman A.
Published: August 2016

Strawberry fruits have a very short shelf‐life owing to their high degree of perishability. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of chitosan (CH) incorporated with olive oil residues (OOR) coatings on overall quality of cold‐stored strawberry fruits compared to watery wax incorporated with thiabendazole. Strawberries were sprayed after infected with Rhizopus stolonifer with six different coating formulas and uncoated fruits. Indeed, all freshness and microbiological parameters were significantly increased in uncoated fruits compared to coated fruits. Amazingly, the coated strawberry using CH‐OOR 2% was reduced significantly the gradual decline in their contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and their antioxidants. Likewise, it was the lowest fruits in decayed area, fungal count and malondialdehyde development. Then, fruits were coated with CH‐OOR showed uniform coating distribution, since it was impossible to see any pores. Therefore, coating treatments with CH‐OOR was improved the membrane integrity and increased the keeping quality.

Practical Applications

Edible coatings could be an effective way for delaying the ripening process and extending the shelf‐life stability of strawberry during postharvest. The effectiveness of chitosan (CH)‐olive oil residue (OOR) as a novel edible coating, in comparison with watery wax‐thiabendazole was approved. The applicability of those films to maintain microbiological and freshness quality in strawberry during postharvest was succeed. Incorporation of OOR into CH increased its antifungal property against R. stolonifer in vivo and in vitro. Coating by CH‐OOR reduced phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants decomposition in coated fruits compared to uncoated. CH‐OOR was able to slow down the gas exchange by reducing the CO2 of coated strawberry, which reduced their malondialdehyde development. Commercially, CH‐OOR could be explored as a novel and potential natural coating to substitute the synthetic agents in fruit packaging industries. The coating cost could increase the total cost about 6–8% where shelf‐life and keeping quality was improved.
Variability between credit units dedicated to dental and clinical sciences in dental schools across the USA
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P. , Forman Michael S. , Chavis Sydnee E. , Timothé Peggy
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) does not set minimum standards for clock hours of training in Dental and Clinical sciences. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare United States (US) dental schools for variability in clock hours. The current paper utilizes the American Dental Association's survey of clock hours of all US dental schools which is publicly available data. Clock hours survey from 2010 to 2011 was utilized and the analysis tool, JMP, was utilized to visualize and report variability.

Perspective

The current paper highlights the large variation in clock hours of training among core clinical subjects in accredited dental schools around the United States. For example, teaching Physical Evaluations; Oral and Maxillofacial; and Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning were 97.0; 126.6; and 74.4 h. Moreover, upper limit for hours of Operative Dentistry teaching was 1410 h and lower limit was 129 h. Various other fields of education do enforce strict requirements on educational clock hours. For instance, Massachusetts' General Law states that both private and public schools must have 900 and 990 h in a school year for elementary and secondary schools, respectively. However, no such stipulation exists in the field of Dental Education. CODA's mission is “to serve the oral health care needs of the public” and CODA must consider if the average dental patient would consider a dentist who attended the school delivering 1410 h of Operative Dentistry to be the same standard as a graduate of the school delivering 129 h.
A Kenotic Struggle for Dignity
Authors: Malesic Jonathan
Published: August 2016

Although Booker T. Washington stands outside the theological canon, his writings offer a pragmatic theology that connects the desire for dignity to a kenotic Christology through an ethic of unceasing work. While Washington's project to improve the lives of African Americans in the Jim Crow–era South was severely compromised by political circumstances, problems within his theology of work made his project especially susceptible to those circumstances. The tragedy of Washington's theology stems from his making dignity contingent upon work being recognized as useful by a worker's community. His kenotic ideal of “Christlike” work can actually degrade workers, if their community refuses to recognize their work's merit. Workers’ anxiety about dignity causes them to pour themselves into their work, but a racist society sees African American workers as inherently undignified. Even without Jim Crow's pervasive violence, the postindustrial reappearance of economic doctrines that characterized Washington's era makes his theological ethic relevant again.
Bigger ≠ Better: The Comprehensiveness and Strength of School Wellness Policies Varies by School District Size
Authors: Meendering Jessica , Kranz Emily , Shafrath Tara , McCormack Lacey
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

District size has been shown to
impact the anticipated barriers to wellness policy creation and implementation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if strength and comprehensiveness of wellness policies differs among school districts of varying size.

METHODS

Wellness policies were collected from 10 large, 29 medium, and 31 small school districts in a rural Midwest state. District size was categorized by the average daily membership in grades 9‐11. Polices were coded using the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT). Strength and comprehensiveness of the full policy and policy sections were compared among small, medium, and large districts using 1‐way analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05.

RESULTS

There was a difference in the total combined (p = .041), total comprehensiveness (p = .043), and total strength scores (p = .031) based on school district size, such that small districts had stronger, more comprehensive wellness policies than large districts. Section comparisons revealed the section focused on Standards for United States Department of Agriculture School Meals was primarily responsible for these differences.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest smaller districts write policies that are more comprehensive to governmental standards and use more definitive language than larger districts.
Evaluation of the dose–response relationship of oral robenacoxib in urate crystal‐induced acute stifle synovitis in dogs
Authors: Borer L.R. , Seewald W. , Peel J.E. , King J.N.
Published: August 2016

The objective of the study was to establish the dose–response relationship for robenacoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor, in a urate crystal model of acute synovitis. In a randomized partial Latin square design trial, 12 beagle dogs were administered orally single doses of robenacoxib (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg), placebo and the positive control meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), 3 h after injection of sodium urate crystals into a stifle joint. Dogs were assessed for weight bearing on a force plate and by subjective clinical orthopaedic observations. Robenacoxib produced dose‐dependent improvement in weight bearing, and decreased pain on palpation and joint swelling, over the dose range 0.5–2 mg/kg with no further increase in effect over the range 2–8 mg/kg. For weight bearing on the force plate, theED50of robenacoxib was 0.6–0.8 mg/kg. The onset of action and time to peak effect of robenacoxib were faster (respectively, 2–2.5 h and 3–5 h) than for meloxicam (respectively, 3 h and 6 h). Robenacoxib significantly inhibitedCOX‐2 at all doses, with dose‐related activity. Robenacoxib did not inhibitCOX‐1 over the dose range 0.5–4 mg/kg, but produced transient inhibition at 8 mg/kg. In conclusion, oral administration of robenacoxib over the dose range 0.5–8 mg/kg demonstrated significant analgesic and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in dogs.
Methodology of virulence screening and race characterization of Plasmopara halstedii, and resistance evaluation in sunflower – a review
Authors: Trojanová Z. , Sedlářová M. , Gulya T. J. , Lebeda A.
Published: August 2016

Sunflower downy mildew is a disease of high global economic impact as well as a causal agent that is extremely difficult to eradicate. During the past decades, several approaches for the determination of Plasmopara halstedii (Ph) races have been used worldwide and are discussed in this review. Procedures of isolation, cultivation and maintenance of Ph isolates, as well as the screening of sunflower for resistance, are also critically reviewed. The predominant, globally used resistance screening protocol is a ‘whole seedling immersion’ inoculation. ‘Soil drench’ inoculation allows more precise control of the number of Ph zoosporangia applied to a single sunflower seedling. A detached leaf assay has been described, but it has been used mainly for Ph subcultivation and fungicide tests. For race determination, a differential set consisting of nine sunflower genotypes has been used since 1988, coupled with a numerical triplet code for virulence phenotyping of Ph. The increasing variability in global Ph populations has demonstrated the inadequacy of the current set of differentials, and several researchers have proposed additional public lines as new differentials. Furthermore, bulk isolates may show different results in repeated tests, as Ph may contain genetically distinct zoospores within a single zoosporangium. For precise race determination, single zoosporangia or single zoospore isolates are advisable. However, due to low success of isolation, approximately 1–2%, this method cannot be applied in routine Ph race screening. Methods surveyed in this review have a broad spectrum of applications, including taxonomic studies.
A review on prolificacy genes in sheep
Authors: Abdoli R , Zamani P , Mirhoseini SZ , Ghavi Hossein‐Zadeh N , Nadri S
Published: August 2016

Contents

Ovulation rate and litter size are important reproduction traits in sheep and are of high economic value. Reproduction traits typically have low to medium heritabilities and do not exhibit a noticeable response to phenotypic selection. Therefore, inclusion of genetic information of the genes associated with reproductive ability could efficiently enhance the selection response. The most important major genes affecting prolificacy and their genetic diversities in different sheep breeds were reviewed. Different causative mutations with major effects on reproductive traits including ovulation rate and litter size have been found in various sheep breeds around the world. A general overview of the studies on main prolificacy genes showed that some alleles may express different phenotypic effects in different breeds, and thus, further studies on epistatic effects are necessary for more understanding of genetic control of reproductivity in sheep. Regarding the polygenic control of fertility traits, application of new high‐throughput technologies to find new variants is essential for future studies. Moreover, genomewide association studies and genomic best linear unbiased predictions of breeding values are likely to be effective tools for genetic improvement of sheep reproductive performance traits.
Suicide Risk Among Wounded U.S. Service Members
Authors: Reger Mark A. , Smolenski Derek J. , Skopp Nancy A. , Metzger‐Abamukong Melinda J. , Kang Han K. , Bullman Tim A. , Gahm Gregory A.
Published: August 2016

The association between suicide and combat injuries sustained during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was examined. A retrospective population‐based cohort design was conducted using official military records to identify combat injuries (October 7, 2001, to December 31, 2007). Those who were injured during combat had higher crude suicide rates than those who deployed and were not injured (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.50; confidence interval [CI] = 1.06, 2.12), or never deployed (IRR = 1.46; CI = 1.04, 2.06). After adjusting for demographics, these findings were no longer statistically significant. Although our data did not support an elevated suicide risk among wounded service members, additional research is needed to examine the impact of injury severity.
Frequency and risks associated with Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea after pediatric solid organ transplantation: a single‐center retrospective review
Authors: Ciricillo J. , Haslam D. , Blum S. , Kim M.‐O. , Liu C. , Paulsen G. , Courter J. , Danziger‐Isakov L.
Published: August 2016

Background

Morbidity and mortality related to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased, but epidemiology and risk factors within pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are uncertain.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of SOT recipients age ≤18 years at transplantation from 2010 to 2013 was performed. Patients with CDI were compared with matched CDI‐negative controls with diarrhea.

Results

Of 202 patients, the majority were male (58%) and Caucasian (77%). Kidney (42%) was the most common organ transplanted, followed by liver (38%), heart (17%), and multivisceral/intestine (3%). Age ranged from 3 weeks to 18 years (median 4.7 years, mean 6.6; interquartile range [IQR] 1.5–11.2). In 104 SOT recipients, at least 1 unformed stool was tested; 25 patients were positive for CDI. Most testing occurred by 60 days post transplant (mean 164, median 57, IQR 14–227). First negative tests occurred concurrently (mean 153, median 54, IQR 13–214) to the 25 patients with CDI (mean 199, median 65, IQR 32–238). In univariable analyses, age, gender, ethnicity, obesity, and calcineurin inhibitor choice were not associated with CDI. Liver recipients were more likely to have CDI (18.4% liver, 4.7% kidney, 8.8% heart, P < 0.01). Twenty CDI patients were matched to 35 controls. In multivariable analyses, neither recent hospitalization nor antibiotic duration or intensity was associated with CDI. Acid‐blockade appeared protective (risk ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.78).

Conclusions

CDI occurs in 12% of pediatric SOT recipients, but 24% of those tested with diarrhea were positive. In patients with diarrhea, prior hospitalization and antibiotic duration or intensity were not associated with CDI.