bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative inquiry of Malawian radio listeners’ attitudes and perceived outcomes of alcohol use using a mobile data collection platform
Authors: Rooney Madeline , Limaye Rupali J.
Published: March 2015

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol use has been associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite this association, there are little data on drinking behaviours in Malawi, a country located in southern Africa. Utilising alternative techniques of data collection, such as mobile technology, may be necessary to eliminate this dearth of information. We use listeners' text messages (SMS) in response to a Malawian radio show to assess listeners' attitudes and perceived outcomes of drinking.

Design and Methods

Mobile phones provide a novel, low‐cost platform from which to gather qualitative data directly from target audiences. To demonstrate the utility of a mobile data collection approach, we analysed listener feedback in the form of SMS in response to a Malawian radio show.

Results

As emergent themes indicate that the perceived outcomes of consumption affect different levels within a social system, results are stratified within a socioecological framework to identify perceived individual, household and community level outcomes.

Discussion and Conclusions

As the perceived effects of consumption are numerous and impact a wide swath of communities, alcohol consumption must be addressed through multiple levels. The utilisation of anonymous text responses as a data collection methodology may provide an innovative way to understand contributing factors, such as alcohol consumption, to HIV risk exposure. [Rooney M, Limaye RJ. A qualitative inquiry of Malawian radio listeners' attitudes and perceived outcomes of alcohol use using a mobile data collection platform. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:477–82]
Efficacy and safety of fasiglifam (TAK‐875), a G protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Kaku K. , Enya K. , Nakaya R. , Ohira T. , Matsuno R.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of fasiglifam 25 and 50 mg in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.

Methods

This phase III, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study included 192 patients randomized to once‐daily treatment with fasiglifam 25 mg (n = 63) or 50 mg (n = 62) or placebo (n = 67) for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at week 24.

Results

At week 24, both fasiglifam groups had significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared with the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The least squares mean change from baseline in HbA1c was 0.16% with placebo, −0.57% with fasiglifam 25 mg and −0.83% with fasiglifam 50 mg. The percentage of patients who achieved an HbA1c target of <6.9% at week 24 was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) for fasiglifam 25 mg (30.2%) and 50 mg (54.8%) compared with placebo (13.8%). Fasiglifam significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose levels at all assessment points, starting from week 2. The incidence and types of treatment‐emergent adverse events in each fasiglifam group were similar to those in the placebo group, and hypoglycaemia was reported in 1 patient receiving fasiglifam 50 mg. There were no clinically meaningful changes in body weight in any treatment group.

Conclusions

Fasiglifam significantly improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise; however, in a recent review of data from overall fasiglifam global clinical trials, concerns about liver safety arose and the clinical development of fasiglifam was terminated after this trial was completed.
“THE WAR FOR THE FARE”: HOW DRIVER COMPENSATION AFFECTS BUS SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Authors: Johnson Ryan M. , Reiley David H. , Muñoz Juan Carlos
Published: March 2015

Prior to 2007, two systems of bus driver compensation coexisted in Santiago, Chile: one paid drivers per passenger transported, while the other paid a fixed wage. Per‐passenger drivers engaged in “The War for the Fare,” altering their driving patterns to compete for passengers. Examining these systems on similar routes in Santiago, we observed two key findings. Compared with the fixed‐wage system, the per‐passenger system leads to (1) 13% shorter passenger wait times, via reduced bunching of buses and (2) 67% more accidents per kilometer driven, via more aggressive driving. We discuss implications for the design of incentives in public transit. (JEL L92, M52, R41)
Orientation behavior of Propylaea japonica toward visual and olfactory cues from its prey–host plant combination
Authors: Wang Pingyan , Su Jianwei , Ouyang Fang , Ge Feng
Published: March 2015

The lady beetle Propylaea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator of aphids in agroecosystems. The inundative release of coccinellid beetles can be an effective biological control strategy. An understanding of how biological control agents perceive and use stimuli from host plants is the key to successfully implement commercially produced predators. Here, we studied the relative role of visual and volatile cues. Dual‐choice assays using foraging‐naïve and foraging‐experienced P. japonica adults were conducted using cotton plants [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae)] with or without infestation by the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Overall, experienced beetles were more attracted than naïve beetles toward cues associated with aphid‐infested plants. Experienced beetles were also more responsive to olfactory cues compared with naïve beetles. Both foraging‐naïve and ‐experienced lady beetles integrate olfactory and visual cues from plants infested with aphids, with an apparently greater reliance on olfactory cues. The results suggest that foraging experience may increase prey location in P. japonica.
Diversification, Size and Risk: the Case of Bank Acquisitions of Nonbank Financial Firms
Authors: Casu Barbara , Dontis‐Charitos Panagiotis , Staikouras Sotiris , Williams Jonathan
Published: March 2015

We investigate the risk effects of bank acquisitions of insurance companies and securities firms between 1991 and 2012 using a newly constructed dataset of M&A deals. We examine risk changes before and after deal announcements by decomposing risk into systematic and idiosyncratic components. Subsequently, we investigate the relationship between risk and diversification by modelling the determinants of risks. We find that bank combinations with securities firms yield higher risks than combinations with insurance companies. Bank size is an important and consistent determinant of risk whereas diversification is not. Our results inform the continuing debate on diversification versus functional separation of bank activities.
Impact of recommendations on crushing medications in geriatrics: from prescription to administration
Authors: Bourdenet Gwladys , Giraud Sophie , Artur Marion , Dutertre Sophie , Dufour Marie , Lefèbvre‐Caussin Marie , Proux Alice , Philippe Sandrine , Capet Corinne , Fontaine‐Adam Magali , Kadri Karine , Landrin Isabelle , Gréboval Emmanuelle , Touflet Myriam , Nanfack Jules , Tharasse Christine , Varin Rémi , Rémy Elise , Daouphars Mikaël , Doucet Jean
Published: March 2015

The practice of crushing drugs is very common in geriatric units. In 2009 a first study, performed in all geriatric units of a university hospital, showed that numerous errors were made during prescription, preparation and administration. The aim of this second prospective study was to assess the impact of regional and national recommendations in the same geriatric units. A survey of 719 patients (85.3 ± 6.7 years) was performed in 2013. For each patient who received crushed drugs, we recorded the reason the drugs were crushed, pharmacological classes, galenic presentations and the technique used for preparation and administration. Results were compared to the previous study. The number of patients receiving drugs after crushing was significantly lower than in the previous study (22.9% vs. 32.3%, P < 0.001). The number of crushed drugs was lower too (594 per 165 patients vs. 966 per 224 patients (P < 0.01). The main indication for crushing drugs remained swallowing disorders. The dosage form prevented crushing in 24.9% of drugs (vs. 42.0% in 2009, P < 0.001), but the drugs generally remained crushed all together. A mortar was used less often (38.6% vs. 92.6%, P < 0.001), with preference for individual‐specific cups (56.1%). Mortars were more often cleaned between each patient (56.0% vs. 11.6%). The vehicle was more often neutral (water 88.5% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001). This second study shows that regional and national recommendations have led to an overall improvement of practices for crushing drugs. Technical improvements are still possible, in association with appropriate pharmacological studies.
The structure of PccH from Geobacter sulfurreducens – a novel low reduction potential monoheme cytochrome essential for accepting electrons from an electrode
Authors: Dantas Joana M. , Campelo Luísa M. , Duke Norma E. C. , Salgueiro Carlos A. , Pokkuluri P. Raj
Published: March 2015

The structure of cytochrome c (GSU3274) designated as PccH from Geobacter sulfurreducens was determined at a resolution of 2.0 Å. PccH is a small (15 kDa) cytochrome containing one c‐type heme, found to be essential for the growth of G. sulfurreducens with respect to accepting electrons from graphite electrodes poised at −300 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode. with fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor. The structure of PccH is unique among the monoheme cytochromes described to date. The structural fold of PccH can be described as forming two lobes with the heme sandwiched in a cleft between the two lobes. In addition, PccH has a low reduction potential of −24 mV at pH 7, which is unusual for monoheme cytochromes. Based on difference in structure, together with sequence phylogenetic analysis, we propose that PccH can be regarded as a first characterized example of a new subclass of class I monoheme cytochromes. The low reduction potential of PccH may enable the protein to be redox active at the typically negative potential ranges encountered by G. sulfurreducens. Because PccH is predicted to be located in the periplasm of this bacterium, it could not be involved in the first step of accepting electrons from the electrode but is very likely involved in the downstream electron transport events in the periplasm.
MicroRNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma after the eradication of chronic hepatitis virus C infection using interferon therapy
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Murakami Yoshiki , Kubo Shoji , Itami Saori , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Enomoto Masaru , Takemura Shigekazu , Tanahashi Toshihito , Taguchi Y‐h. , Kawada Norifumi
Published: March 2015

Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in up to 5% of patients after the successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using interferon therapy. The aim of this study was to characterize miRNA expression in liver tissues from patients who achieved a sustained viral response (SVR).

Methods

Seventy‐one patients with resected HCC were enrolled into the present study: 61 HCC from patients with continuously infected HCV (HCV‐HCC) and 10 from patients who had achieved SVR (SVR‐HCC). We also included non‐tumor tissues (SVR‐NT) from four patients with SVR‐HCC, and liver tissue (SVR‐CH) from four SVR patients without HCC. Total RNA was extracted from liver samples. The miRNA expression patterns were analyzed using microarrays. In addition, target gene expression was quantified after miRNA overexpression in HEK293 cells.

Results

We could discriminate between SVR‐HCC and HCV‐HCC with 75.36% accuracy using the expression pattern of six specific miRNA. The expression levels of 37 miRNA were significantly lower in HCV‐HCC than in SVR‐HCC, whereas the expression of 25 miRNA was significantly higher in HCV‐HCC than SVR‐HCC (P < 1.0E‐05). The expression of thrombospondin 1 was regulated in an opposing manner by miR‐30a‐3p in SVR‐HCC and HCV‐HCC. In non‐tumor tissues, the expression pattern of seven miRNA could distinguish between SVR‐CH and SVR‐NT with 87.50% accuracy.

Conclusion

Comprehensive miRNA expression analyses could not only differentiate between SVR‐HCC and HCV‐HCC but also forecast hepatocarcinogenesis after achieving SVR.
Investigating the impact of guilt and shame proneness on consumer ethics: a cross national study
Authors: Arli Denni , Leo Cheryl , Tjiptono Fandy
Published: March 2015

Studies show that emotions of guilt and shame significantly influence how people live their daily lives when it comes to making ethical decisions. Nonetheless, individuals’ proneness toward guilt and shame has received limited attention in consumer behaviour literature. The study focuses on the impact of anticipated emotions (i.e. guilt and shame) on various consumers’ ethical and unethical behaviours. Using a combination of a panel data sample and a university sample, the overall results between the two countries (i.e. Australia and Indonesia) reveal more similarities than differences. Consumers with high guilt‐proneness are less likely to agree on those unethical behaviours. This study has important theoretical implications for understanding the similarities and differences between both nations and the impact of guilt and shame proneness on consumer ethics.
Call Auction Transparency and Market Liquidity: Evidence from China
Authors: Gerace Dionigi , Liu Qigui , Tian Gary Gang , Zheng Willa
Published: March 2015

This paper uses the natural experiment offered by the Shanghai Stock Exchange to investigate the impact of opening call auction transparency on market liquidity. We find that the dissemination of indicative trade information during the pre‐open call auction session leads to an overall improvement in stock liquidity in the continuous trading session. Bid‐ask spreads narrow in the first trading hour because adverse selection risk fell significantly and there is less price volatility in the continuous market. This effect is greater for actively traded securities than illiquid securities. Our findings are robust for different lengths of sample period, different lengths of trading hours after market open, and stocks that had (and had not) reformed the share split structure during our research period.
Landscape‐scale habitat availability, and not local geography, predicts migratory landbird stopover across the Gulf of Maine
Authors: McCabe Jennifer D. , Olsen Brian J.
Published: March 2015

While it is clear that many migratory behaviors are shared across taxa, generalizable models that predict the distribution and abundance of migrating taxa at the landscape scale are rare. In migratory landbirds, ephemeral concentrations of refueling birds indicate that individual behaviors sometimes produce large epiphenomena in particular geographic locations. Identifying landscape factors that predict the distribution and abundance of birds during migratory stopover will both improve our understanding of the migratory process and assist in broad, regionally relevant conservation. In this study we used autumnal passerine stopover data from a five‐year period and eleven stopover sites across coastal Maine, USA, to test four broad hypotheses of migrant distribution and abundance that have been supported in other regions: a) the community characteristics of the pool of potential migrants, b) a site's local geography, c) landscape composition and configuration measured at different spatial scales, and d) interactions between these factors. Our final model revealed that birds concentrate at ‘habitat islands’, sites that possess a disproportionate percentage of the vegetated habitat in the 4‐km surrounding landscape. The strength of this pattern, however, was inversely proportional to a species' remaining migratory distance. Our results corroborate several studies that emphasize the importance of land cover composition at finer spatial scales (< 80 km2) for predicting the stopover distribution and abundances of migratory birds. This suggests that different migrants likely assess stopover sites with similar mechanisms along their migratory route, and these commonalities may be broadly applied to identify stopover locations of conservation importance across the continent.
The locus of sexual selection: moving sexual selection studies into the post‐genomics era
Authors: Wilkinson G. S. , Breden F. , Mank J. E. , Ritchie M. G. , Higginson A. D. , Radwan J. , Jaquiery J. , Salzburger W. , Arriero E. , Barribeau S. M. , Phillips P. C. , Renn S. C. P. , Rowe L.
Published: March 2015

Sexual selection drives fundamental evolutionary processes such as trait elaboration and speciation. Despite this importance, there are surprisingly few examples of genes unequivocally responsible for variation in sexually selected phenotypes. This lack of information inhibits our ability to predict phenotypic change due to universal behaviours, such as fighting over mates and mate choice. Here, we discuss reasons for this apparent gap and provide recommendations for how it can be overcome by adopting contemporary genomic methods, exploiting underutilized taxa that may be ideal for detecting the effects of sexual selection and adopting appropriate experimental paradigms. Identifying genes that determine variation in sexually selected traits has the potential to improve theoretical models and reveal whether the genetic changes underlying phenotypic novelty utilize common or unique molecular mechanisms. Such a genomic approach to sexual selection will help answer questions in the evolution of sexually selected phenotypes that were first asked by Darwin and can furthermore serve as a model for the application of genomics in all areas of evolutionary biology.
Trade‐offs in female signal apparency to males offer alternative anti‐harassment strategies for colour polymorphic females
Authors: Fincke O. M.
Published: March 2015

Colour polymorphisms are known to influence receiver behaviour, but how they affect a receiver's ability to detect and recognize individuals in nature is usually unknown. I hypothesized that polymorphic female damselflies represent an evolutionary stable strategy, maintained by trade‐offs between the relative apparency of morphs to male receivers. Using field experiments on Enallagma hageni and focal studies of E. hageni and Enallagma boreale, I tested for the first time the predictions that (i) green heteromorphs and blue andromorphs gain differential protection from sexual harassment via background crypsis and sexual mimicry, respectively, and (ii) female morphs behaviourally optimize their signal apparency to mate‐searching males. First, based on male reactions elicited by females, against a high‐contrast background, the two morphs did not differ in being detected by males, and once detected, they did not differ in being recognized (eliciting sexual reactions). However, on green ferns, heteromorphs were less likely to be detected (elicited only fly‐bys) than andromorphs, but once detected, the morphs did not differ in being recognized. In contrast, when perched on a dowel with two male signal distractors, andromorphs were detected less often, and once detected, they were recognized less often than heteromorphs. Second, in fields where females foraged, andromorphs perched higher on vegetation than heteromorphs and were more often in the vicinity of males. Neither harassment rates nor evasive behaviours differed between morphs. Males aggregated in high density near shore where solitary females were rare. Equilibrium frequencies of these and other colour morphs should reflect the relative ease with which receivers detect and recognize them in the context where they are encountered.
Transcriptional changes during Daphnia pulex development indicate that the maturation decision resembles a rate more than a threshold
Authors: Harney E. , Plaistow S. J. , Paterson S.
Published: March 2015

Maturation is a critical developmental process, and the age and size at which it occurs have important fitness consequences. Although maturation is remarkably variable, certain mechanisms, including a minimum size or state threshold, are proposed to underlie the process across a broad diversity of taxa. Recent evidence suggests that thresholds may themselves be developmentally plastic, and in the crustacean Daphnia pulex it is unclear whether maturation follows a threshold or is a gradual process more akin to a rate. Changes in gene expression across four instars before and during maturation were compared in a cDNA microarray experiment. Developmental stage was treated statistically both as a discontinuous and as a continuous variable, to determine whether genes showed gradual or discrete changes in expression. The continuous analysis identified a greater number of genes with significant differential expression (45) than the discontinuous analysis (11). The majority of genes, including those coding for histones, factors relating to transcription and cell cycle processes, and a putative developmental hormone showed continuous increases or decreases in expression from the first to the fourth instars that were studied, suggestive of a prolonged and gradual maturation process. Three genes coding for a fused vitellogenin/superoxide dismutase showed increases in expression following the second instar and coincided with the posited maturation threshold, but even their expression increased in a continuous fashion.
Relationship between Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score and Alternative Healthy Eating Index score with plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine levels in patients referring for coronary angiography
Authors: Mokhtari Z. , Hosseini S. , Miri R. , Baghestani A. R. , Zahedirad M. , Rismanchi M. , Nasrollahzadeh J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Asymmetrical dimethyl arginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor in the production of nitric oxide (NO) from arginine and NO plays an important role in the preservation of vascular dilation. Elevated ADMA is a strong predictive factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) patterns contain factors that may influence plasma ADMA levels. The present study examined the association between the DASH score and AHEI score with plasma ADMA concentration in people with suspected heart disease selected for coronary angiography.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 148 people aged 40–80 years who were referred for coronary angiography. The DASH diet score and AHEI score were calculated for each individual based on food groups. Plasma ADMA levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

ADMA concentrations were higher in the CAD group compared to the non‐CAD group [0.98 (0.37) μmol L−1 compared to 0.84 (0.42) μmol L−1; P = 0.02]. There was a significant negative association between the quartile DASH score and ADMA concentration (standardised β = −0.172, P = 0.038). The ADMA concentration was lower in patients who were at the highest quartile of DASH score compared to patients with the lowest quintile score. The ADMA concentration and quartiles of AHEI score were not significantly associated.

Conclusions

Higher scores of the DASH diet are associated with lower plasma ADMA levels and with reduced coronary artery stenosis.
Efficacy of locally‐delivered 1% metformin gel in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pradeep Avani R. , Patnaik Kaushik , Nagpal Kanika , Karvekar Shruti , Ramamurthy Bhaskar L. , Naik Savitha B. , Suke Deepak , Singh Priyanka , Raju Arjun
Published: March 2015

Objective

Metformin (MF), used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, has shown to possess properties favoring osteoblastic proliferation. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of MF 1% gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods

The study comprised 65 individuals divided into two groups: 1% MF with SRP and placebo gel with SRP. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; they included plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Intrabony defect depth (IBD) was evaluated at the end of 6 months using computer‐aided software.

Results

The mean PD reduction, CAL gain, and IBD depth reduction were found to be greater in the MF group than in the placebo group at all visits. The percentage of defect depth reduction was significantly greater in the MF group (26.8 ± 5.52%) than in the placebo sites (4.79 ± 2.30%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

One percent MF was found to significantly improve clinical and radiographic parameters in intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis.
Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy
Authors: HÖHN K. , FUCHS J. , FRÖBER A. , KIRMSE R. , GLASS B. , ANDERS‐ÖSSWEIN M. , WALTHER P. , KRÄUSSLICH H.‐G. , DIETRICH C.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV‐pulsed mature human dendritic cells.
Stereological reconstruction of polycrystalline materials
Authors: LIEBSCHER A. , JEULIN D. , LANTUÉJOUL C.
Published: March 2015

Laguerre tessellations are suitable models for many polycrystalline materials. In this work, we present a reconstruction‐based approach to fit a spatial Laguerre tessellation model to a plane section of a cellular material under the condition that one section of the model resembles the observed section of the material. To account for this special requirement, we introduce a novel Euclidean distance‐based criterion for the model fitting. The model fitting itself is based on Simulated Annealing. If the structure under consideration is a Laguerre tessellation, we found a nearly perfect reconstruction of its spatial cell characteristics in the model. Even for a real sample of a sintered alumina the observed section is captured quite well by the model.
Automated image analysis of nuclear atypia in high‐power field histopathological image
Authors: LU CHENG , JI MENGYAO , MA ZHEN , MANDAL MRINAL
Published: March 2015

Aims

We developed a computer‐aided technique to study nuclear atypia classification in high‐power field haematoxylin and eosin stained images.

Methods and results

An automated technique for nuclear atypia score (NAS) calculation is proposed. The proposed technique uses sophisticated digital image analysis and machine‐learning methods to measure the NAS for haematoxylin and eosin stained images. The proposed technique first segments all nuclei regions. A set of morphology and texture features is extracted from presegmented nuclei regions. The histogram of each feature is then calculated to characterize the statistical information of the nuclei. Finally, a support vector machine classifier is applied to classify a high‐power field image into different nuclear atypia classes. A set of 1188 digital images was analysed in the experiment. We successfully differentiated the high‐power field image with NAS1 versus non‐NAS1, NAS2 versus non‐NAS2 and NAS3 versus non‐NAS3, with area under receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.90, 0.86 and 0.87, respectively. In three classes evaluation, the average classification accuracy was 78.79%. We found that texture‐based feature provides best performance for the classification.

Conclusion

The automated technique is able to quantify statistical features that may be difficult to be measured by human and demonstrates the future potentials of automated image analysis technique in histopathology analysis.
Transparency in the Financial System: Rollover Risk and Crises
Authors: BOUVARD MATTHIEU , CHAIGNEAU PIERRE , MOTTA ADOLFO DE
Published: March 2015

We present a theory of optimal transparency when banks are exposed to rollover risk. Disclosing bank‐specific information enhances the stability of the financial system during crises, but has a destabilizing effect in normal economic times. Thus, the regulator optimally increases transparency during crises. Under this policy, however, information disclosure signals a deterioration of economic fundamentals, which gives the regulator ex post incentives to withhold information. This commitment problem precludes a disclosure policy that provides ex ante optimal insurance against aggregate shocks, and can result in excess opacity that increases the likelihood of a systemic crisis.
An Information‐Based Theory of Time‐Varying Liquidity
Authors: DALEY BRENDAN , GREEN BRETT
Published: March 2015

We propose an information‐based theory to explain time variation in liquidity and link it to a variety of patterns in asset markets. In “normal times,” the market is fully liquid and gains from trade are realized immediately. However, the equilibrium also involves periods during which liquidity “dries up,” which leads to endogenous liquidation costs. Traders correctly anticipate such costs, which reduces their willingness to pay. This foresight leads to a novel feedback effect between prices and market liquidity, which are jointly determined in equilibrium. The model also predicts that contagious sell‐offs can occur after sufficiently bad news.
Diagnostic challenges of oral and cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma in resource‐constrained settings
Authors: Speicher David J. , Wanzala Peter , D'Lima Melvin , Njiru Anthony , Chindia Mark , Dimba Elisabeth , Johnson Newell W.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), caused by HHV‐8, is the most frequent HIV‐associated malignancy worldwide and remains a major scourge in Sub‐Saharan Africa. KS is also endemic in much of Africa. There is a risk of misdiagnosis based solely on clinical appearance and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, especially with other reactive and neoplastic vascular proliferations which occur in the mouth. This study examined oral and cutaneous biopsies from clinically diagnosed lesions of KS in Kenya, using histopathology supplemented with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HHV‐8 as confirmation of diagnosis.

Methods

Biopsies of 49 lesions (28 oral, 21 cutaneous) previously diagnosed as ‘KS’ were re‐examined by H&E staining and IHC targeting HHV‐8 LANA‐1. Positive controls were sections from embedded BCBL‐1 cell lines. Negative controls were from three different HHV‐8‐negative biopsies. Confirmation of HHV‐8 immunohistochemistry was sought by PCR and by determining the HHV‐8 ORFK1 subtype.

Results

Whilst most cases were confirmed, 12 oral and 4 cutaneous lesions displayed clinical and histological features of KS but were negative to HHV‐8 IHC. These oral lesions were re‐diagnosed as pyogenic granulomata (n = 6), deep mycosis (n = 1), inflamed mucosa (n = 2) or ‘uncertain but not KS’ (n = 3). Whilst PCR is usually helpful in differentiating HHV‐8 disease, all samples were HHV‐8 PCR positive, with identical sequences, suggesting cross‐contamination of samples in the original pathology laboratories.

Conclusion

HHV‐8 IHC is essential for the correct diagnosis of KS, but due to the high level of contamination in resource‐poor settings, PCR is inadvisable.
Quantitative analysis of cadherin-11 and β-catenin signalling during proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis-derived synovial fibroblast cells
Authors: Yoshioka Ryosuke , Kita Yasuhiro , Nagahira Asako , Manno Atsushi , Makita Naoyuki , Tomita Urara , Murakawa Masao
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Cadherin-11 (CDH11) is an adhesion molecule that anchors β-catenin and is involved with various functions of synovial fibroblast cells (SFCs) during the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of CDH11 during RA-SFC proliferation is unclear. The aim of our study was to clarify the involvement of CDH11 and β-catenin signalling during proliferation.

Methods

IL-1β-induced and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cell proliferation, with CDH11 siRNAs, β-catenin-specific siRNAs and a CDH11-neutralizing antibody, were assessed by 5-Bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine ELISA.

Key findings

Using CDH11 siRNAs, there were a 42% reduction in IL-1β-induced proliferation and a 64% reduction in β-catenin protein. When β-catenin siRNAs were applied, there was a 63% reduction in IL-1β-induced proliferation. The median effective concentration (EC50) values for IL-1β-induced proliferation via CDH11-mediated β-catenin-dependent, total β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent signalling were 0.0015, 0.016 and 0.18 ng/ml, respectively. Blocking CDH11 ligation with a CDH11-neutralizing antibody did not decrease IL-1β-induced proliferation.

Conclusions

CDH11-mediated β-catenin signalling was 42% involved in IL-1β-induced proliferation and had the highest susceptibility to IL-1β among the proliferative signallings analysed in this study. The mode of action for CDH11 during the cell proliferation was likely associated with a pool of β-catenin protein. In contrast, CDH11 and β-catenin were not involved in TNF-α-induced RA-SFC proliferation.
Requiring genetic knowledge: a principled case for support
Authors: Chico Victoria
Published: March 2015

Should people be required to know information about themselves that arises from their genetic test? This question is highly relevant given the NHS's plans to sequence 100,000 whole genomes before 2017. The approach to this issue in the USA generated significant opposition to requiring knowledge, on the basis that it interferes with autonomy. This piece presents a different perspective, arguing that requiring knowledge may not undermine the legal conception of autonomy, giving reason to doubt that it would be unlawful to require people to have genetic information about themselves. Following this, the piece presents an alternative principled position that might support a legal recognition of the interest in not having information about oneself; namely that of preventing personal harm. However, this approach runs into difficulties if the reasons for requiring knowledge are also based on preventing personal harm. The argument considers how interests might be balanced in this competing harms context.
Protecting Homebuyers in Low‐Income Communities: Evaluating the Success
of Texas Legislative Reforms in the Informal Homeownership Market
Authors: Ward Peter M. , Way Heather K. , Wood Lucille
Published: March 2015

Among low‐income homebuyers, a contract for deed (CFD) has been a widely
used but risky and informal mechanism for purchasing a home or lot. This
article examines a series of major consumer protections adopted by the Texas
Legislature from 1995 to 2005 and whether this legislation shaped the
behavior of sellers who historically relied on CFDs in Texas colonias.
Tracking changes in the use of CFDs between 1990 and 2010, we show that
developers responded to the legislative reforms by shifting away from CFDs
and into other forms of seller financing. At the same time, developers have
adopted a series of workarounds to the legislation (presumably legal),
leaving low‐income buyers vulnerable to rapid repossession by the developer.
In contrast, the impact of the legislation on low‐income residents selling
their homes has been minimal. These consumer‐to‐consumer transactions remain
highly informal, with ongoing reliance on the now illegal, unrecorded
CFD.
Impact glass spherules in the Chicxulub K‐Pg event bed at Beloc, Haiti: Alteration patterns
Authors: Ritter Xenia , Deutsch Alexander , Berndt Jasper , Robin Eric
Published: March 2015

We have investigated six impact glass spherules from the K‐Pg event bed at Beloc, Haiti, using optical and electron microscopy, electron microprobe and in situ laser ablation–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS; 37 trace elements, spot size 90–35 μm), in order to understand geochemical changes during alteration. The mm‐sized glass spherules are partly or totally altered to smectite, but original textural features are preserved. The average trace‐element composition of glass matches that one of the upper continental crust. Hints for a “meteoritic component” are lacking (Ni/Cr < 1.3; Pt below detection limit). Compared to this fresh glass, smectites are strongly depleted in trace elements, except for Li, Sc, V, Ni, Ga, Ge, and Ba. The chondrite‐normalized REE distribution patterns are flat with subchondritic abundances, related to their very low degree of crystallinity. We observe a positive Eu and a strong negative Ce anomaly; the latter is explained by formation of an organic Ce4+‐complex, soluble under reducing conditions. Zr/Hf of glasses and smectites is chondritic to superchondritic (35–40), whereas Nb/Ta in smectite is subchondritic (5–12) compared to Nb/Ta in the glass (~14–18). The low Nb/Ta is due to the low Nb concentrations in the smectite. Using in situ techniques with high spatial resolution, we have documented for the first time the significant changes in diagnostic elemental ratios during alteration of glass spherules. This has to be taken into account in the interpretation of geochemical data of not only impact materials but also volcanic glass, especially if bulk rock methods are used.
Relationship of newborn weight loss to milk supply concern and anxiety: the impact on breastfeeding duration
Authors: Flaherman Valerie J. , Beiler Jessica S. , Cabana Michael D. , Paul Ian M.
Published: March 2015

Milk supply concern is the most common reason for breastfeeding discontinuation and maternal anxiety is also associated with reduced breastfeeding duration. Newborn excess weight loss (EWL) could trigger milk supply concern and anxiety and might be amenable to modification. Our objective was to determine the relationship between EWL and the development of milk supply concern and anxiety and the effect of such development on breastfeeding duration. We conducted a cohort analysis using data previously obtained from a randomised controlled trial comparing two post‐hospital discharge follow‐up strategies. For 1107 well, singleton infants born at ≥34 weeks, we extracted data on all inpatient infant weights. EWL was defined as the loss of ≥10% of birthweight. We surveyed mothers to obtain data on state anxiety and milk supply concern at birth and at 2 weeks. Our final outcome was breastfeeding at 6 months. Seventy (6.3%) infants developed EWL during the birth hospitalisation. At 2 weeks, milk supply concern and positive anxiety screen were more common (42% and 18%, respectively) among mothers whose infants had had EWL than among mothers whose infants had not had EWL (20% and 6%, respectively) (P < 0.001 for each comparison). Mothers with milk supply concern at 2 weeks were much less likely to be breastfeeding at 6 months, with odds ratio of 0.47 (0.30, 0.74) in multivariate analysis. EWL may increase milk supply concern and anxiety and these may reduce breastfeeding duration. Ameliorating EWL might alleviate milk supply concern and anxiety and improve breastfeeding duration.
An expanded regulatory network temporally controls Candida albicans biofilm formation
Authors: Fox Emily P. , Bui Catherine K. , Nett Jeniel E. , Hartooni Nairi , Mui Michael C. , Andes David R. , Nobile Clarissa J. , Johnson Alexander D.
Published: March 2015

Candida albicans biofilms are composed of highly adherent and densely arranged cells with properties distinct from those of free‐floating (planktonic) cells. These biofilms are a significant medical problem because they commonly form on implanted medical devices, are drug resistant and are difficult to remove. C. albicans biofilms are not static structures; rather they are dynamic and develop over time. Here we characterize gene expression in biofilms during their development, and by comparing them to multiple planktonic reference states, we identify patterns of gene expression relevant to biofilm formation. In particular, we document time‐dependent changes in genes involved in adhesion and metabolism, both of which are at the core of biofilm development. Additionally, we identify three new regulators of biofilm formation, Flo8, Gal4, and Rfx2, which play distinct roles during biofilm development over time. Flo8 is required for biofilm formation at all time points, and Gal4 and Rfx2 are needed for proper biofilm formation at intermediate time points.
Circulating tumour necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 predict contrast‐induced nephropathy and progressive renal dysfunction: A prospective cohort study
Authors: An Jung Nam , Yoo Kyung Don , Hwang Jin Ho , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Yang Seung Hee , Kim Jin Hyuk , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Yun Kyu , Kim Yon Su , Lim Chun Soo , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: March 2015

Aim

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important cause of hospital‐acquired acute kidney injury. An accurate understanding of the pathogenesis of CIN is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical role of circulating tumour necrosis factor receptors (cTNFRs) in CIN.

Methods

From May 2013 to February 2014, 262 patients who underwent coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention at Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center were enrolled. CIN was defined as either an increase in serum creatinine ≥ 22.1 μmol/L or ≥ 25% within 48 h after the procedure.

Results

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease accounted for 27.5% and 17.6% of the patients, respectively, and the mean age was 65 years. All patients received fluid therapy, and 36.3% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 4.2% of the patients developed CIN; younger age, underlying diseases (e.g., stroke and chronic kidney disease), the use of N‐acetylcysteine, and elevated concentrations of ln(cTNFRs) were associated with development of CIN. Increased values of ln(cTNFR1) (OR 6.32, 95% CI 2.46–16.28, P < 0.001) and ln(cTNFR2) (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.26–8.31, P = 0.015) were significantly associated with CIN after adjusting for other risk factors, including baseline renal function. Moreover, an increase of cTNFRs levels was independently correlated with the deterioration of renal function.

Conclusion

Markedly elevated concentrations of circulating TNFRs were correlated with the occurrence of CIN and significantly associated with prolonged renal dysfunction regardless of the development of CIN.
Sleep and nursing care activities in an intensive care unit
Authors: Ritmala‐Castren Marita , Virtanen Irina , Leivo Sanna , Kaukonen Kirsi‐Maija , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to describe the quality of sleep of non‐intubated patients and the night‐time nursing care activities in an intensive care unit. The study also aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing care activities on the quality of sleep. An overnight polysomnography was performed in 21 alert, non‐intubated, non‐sedated adult patients, and all nursing care activities that involved touching the patient were documented by the bedside nurse. The median (interquartile range) amount of sleep was 387 (170, 486) minutes. The portion of deep non‐rapid‐eye‐movement (non‐REM) sleep varied from 0% to 42% and REM sleep from 0% to 65%. The frequency of arousals and awakenings varied from two to 73 per hour. The median amount of nursing care activities was 0.6/h. Every tenth activity presumably awakened the patient. Patients who had more care activities had more light N1 sleep, less light N2 sleep, and less deep sleep. Nursing care was often performed while patients were awake. However, only 31% of the intervals between nursing care activities were over 90 min. More attention should be paid to better clustering of care activities.
Vagotomy prevents the effect of probiotics on caspase activity in a model of postmyocardial infarction depression
Authors: Malick M. , Gilbert K. , Daniel J. , Arseneault‐Breard J. , Tompkins T. A. , Godbout R. , Rousseau G.
Published: March 2015

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with apoptosis in the amygdala and, ultimately, with clinical signs of depression. Different treatments have proven to be beneficial in preventing depression, including combination of the probiotics Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum for prophylaxis. We have speculated previously that the benefit of these probiotics is due to their anti‐inflammatory properties, and evidence suggests that an intact vagus nerve is important for this effect to occur. This study was designed to ascertain vagus nerve involvement in the beneficial influence of probiotics on caspase activities in our post‐MI animal model of depression.

Methods

Probiotics and/or vehicle were administered daily to male adult rats, 14 days before MI and until euthanasia. Vagotomy was performed in subgroups of rats 40 min before MI. They were sacrificed after 3 days of reperfusion, and MI size was assessed along with caspase‐3 and ‐8 activities in the amygdala.

Key Results

Probiotics had no effect on infarct size but vagotomy increased it. Caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 activities in the amygdala were higher in MI than in sham‐operated rats, and this outcome was reversed by probiotics. The beneficial influence of probiotics was abolished by vagotomy.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data indicate that the effect of probiotics on caspase activities in the amygdala after MI depends on an intact vagus nerve.
Engineered chloroplast dsRNA silences cytochrome p450 monooxygenase, V‐ATPase and chitin synthase genes in the insect gut and disrupts Helicoverpa armigera larval development and pupation
Authors: Jin Shuangxia , Singh Nameirakpam D. , Li Lebin , Zhang Xianlong , Daniell Henry
Published: March 2015

In the past two decades, chloroplast genetic engineering has been advanced to achieve high‐level protein accumulation but not for down‐regulation of targeted genes. Therefore, in this report, lepidopteran chitin synthase (Chi), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) and V‐ATPase dsRNAs were expressed via the chloroplast genome to study RNA interference (RNAi) of target genes in intended hosts. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed homoplasmy and site‐specific integration of transgene cassettes into the chloroplast genomes. Northern blots and real‐time qRT‐PCR confirmed abundant processed and unprocessed dsRNA transcripts (up to 3.45 million copies of P450 dsRNAs/μg total RNA); the abundance of cleaved dsRNA was greater than the endogenous psbA transcript. Feeding of leaves expressing P450, Chi and V‐ATPase dsRNA decreased transcription of the targeted gene to almost undetectable levels in the insect midgut, likely after further processing of dsRNA in their gut. Consequently, the net weight of larvae, growth and pupation rates were significantly reduced by chloroplast‐derived dsRNAs. Taken together, successful expression of dsRNAs via the chloroplast genome for the first time opens the door to study RNA interference/processing within plastids. Most importantly, dsRNA expressed in chloroplasts can be utilized for gene inactivation to confer desired agronomic traits or for various biomedical applications, including down‐regulation of dysfunctional genes in cancer or autoimmune disorders, after oral delivery of dsRNA bioencapsulated within plant cells.