bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of laser ablation microtomy for correlative microscopy of hard tissues
Authors: BOYDE A.
Published: February 2018

Laser ablation machining or microtomy (LAM) is a relatively new approach to producing slide mounted sections of translucent materials. We evaluated the method with a variety of problems from the bone, joint and dental tissues fields where we require thin undecalcified and undistorted sections for correlative light microscopy (LM) and backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM). All samples were embedded in poly‐methylmethacrlate (PMMA) and flat block surfaces had been previously studied by BSE‐SEM and confocal scanning light microscopy (CSLM). Most were also studied by X‐yay microtomography (XMT). The block surface is stuck to a glass slide with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Setting the section thickness and levelling uses inbuilt optical coherence tomographic imaging. Tight focusing of near‐infrared laser radiation in the sectioning plane gives extreme intensities causing photodisruption of material at the focal point. The laser beam is moved by a fast scanner to write a cutting line, which is simultaneously moved by an XY positioning unit to create a sectioning plane. The block is thereby released from the slide, leaving the section stuck to the slide. Light, wet polishing on the finest grade (4000 grit) silicon carbide polishing paper is used to remove a 1–2 μm thick damaged layer at the surface of the section. Sections produced by laser cutting are fine in quality and superior to those produced by mechanical cutting and can be thinner than the ‘voxel’ in most laboratory X‐ray microtomography systems. The present extensive pilot studies have shown that it works to produce samples which we can study by both light and electron microscopy.
ComparativeiTRAQanalysis of protein abundance in the human sinoatrial node and working cardiomyocytes
Authors: Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława , Krawczyk‐Ożóg Agata , Suski Maciej , Kapusta Przemysław , Wołkow Paweł P. , Hołda Mateusz K.
Published: February 2018

Our objective was to assess the changes in protein abundance in the human sinoatrial node (SAN) compared with working cardiomyocytes to identifySAN‐specific protein signatures. Four pairs of samples (theSANand working cardiomyocytes) were obtained postmortem from four human donors with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. We performed protein identification and quantitation using two‐dimensional chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with isobaric peptide labeling (iTRAQ). We identified 451 different proteins expressed in both theSANand working cardiomyocytes, 166 of which were differentially regulated (110 were upregulated in theSANand 56 in the working cardiomyocytes). We identified sarcomere structural proteins in both tissues, although they were differently distributed among the tested samples. For example, myosin light chain 4, myosin regulatory light chain 2‐atrial isoform, and tropomyosin alpha‐3 chain levels were twofold higher in theSANthan in working cardiomyocytes, and myosin light chain 3 and myosin regulatory light chain 2‐ventricular/cardiac muscle isoform levels were twofold higher in the ventricle tissue than inSAN. We identified many mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, β‐oxidation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins that were predominantly associated with working cardiomyocytes tissue. We detected upregulation of the fatty acid omega activation pathway proteins in theSANsamples. Some proteins specific for smooth muscle tissue were highly upregulated in theSAN(e.g. transgelin), which indicates that theSANtissue might act as the bridge between the working myocardium and the smooth muscle. Our results show possible implementation of proteomic strategies to identify in‐depth functional differences between various heart sub‐structures.
Assessment of yield loss of wheat cultivars caused by Heterodera filipjevi under field conditions
Authors: Karimipour Fard Hadi , Pourjam Ebrahim , Tanha Maafi Zahra , Safaie Naser
Published: February 2018

Among the cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera filipjevi is the dominant species of Cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs) in most cereal growing areas of Iran. To evaluate the impact of H. filipjevi on wheat cultivars, a field trial was performed in two infested fields in Isfahan province, Iran 2014 and 2015. The trials were conducted in a factorial experiment based on the complete randomized block design. The treatments consisted of three winter wheat cultivars (Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi) which were planted with and without applying nematicide aldicarb Each cultivar was planted in 6 m2 (2 × 3 m) plots which were replicated five times. The nematode reproduction factor was calculated after determining the initial and final population of H. filipjevi in each plot before sowing the seeds and after harvesting. The grain yields and growth parameters were recorded and the variables of 2 years experiment evaluated by linear regression analysis. Cultivar × nematicide treatment combinations in the first and second years showed that H. filipjevi significantly affected grain yield and growth parameters in all three cultivars. The results revealed significant reduction of grain yield by 24.8%, 24.8% and 20.4% in Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi cultivars, respectively. The nematode reproduction factor ranged from 0.32 to 1.76 in plots plus and minus nematicide application, respectively. The analysis showed linear inverse relationships between the initial population (Pi) and the yields of wheat cultivars in check plots without aldicarb application.
Hedychium spicatum: a systematic review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and future prospectus
Authors: Rawat Sandeep , Jugran Arun K , Bhatt Indra D , Rawal Ranbeer S
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Hedychium spicatum Buch. Ham. ex D.Don. (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb, used in medicines, food, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Traditionally, it is widely used in treating inflammation, pain, asthma, foul breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, hiccough and blood diseases. This study systematically reviewed traditional and folk uses, pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds and market potential of H. spicatum. Research gaps and potential of future research have also been discussed.

Key findings

Available literature indicates that research on this species is largely focused on phytochemical and pharmacological studies; however, propagation and modern interventions for high productivity have been contravened. These studies demonstrated that the rhizome of the species exhibited many valuable and medicinally important compounds, such as labdane terpenes, hedychinone and polyphenols. Many of the traditional uses of the species have been validated through the findings of pharmacological studies and biological properties of the extracts and pure compounds. Phytochemical constituents and related pharmacological activities have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for the various ethnomedicinal uses of the species in the treatment, control and management of diseases and for new drug discovery.

Literature reveals that the species is lacking in exact scientific basis of the beneficial properties. Although, some other distinct biological properties identified in this species also opened new door way for its new applications. Therefore, the mentioned phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and flavonoids compounds; and related pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the species have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for its potential in pharmaceutical, food and aromatic industries.
Melatonin provides protection against heat stroke-induced myocardial injury in male rats
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Zhao Tingbao , Lin Cheng-Hsien , Zuo Dan , Ye Zhujun , Lin Shide , Wen Shaonan , Liu Lin , Lin Mao-Tsun , Chang Ching-Ping , Chao Chien-Ming
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of melatonin on heat stroke (HS) induced acute myocardial infarction in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Myocardial injury was induced by subjecting the anaesthetized rats to a high ambient temperature of 43°C for 70 min. Such a high ambient temperature caused hyperthermia, hypotension and myocardial injury in rats. Rats were treated with melatonin (3 mg/kg) intravenously one hour before and followed by an additional dose immediately after heat stress.

Key findings

At the onset of HS, animals displayed myocardial injury evidenced by increased levels of cardiac damage indicators (e.g. total lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB), increased cardiac damage scores and suppressed left ventricular performance. Animals with HS also had increased cardiac oxidative stress evidenced by increased levels of lipid peroxidation (e.g. increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) and activated inflammation (e.g. increased levels of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α). Pretreatment with melatonin significantly reversed the HS-induced myocardial injury, cardiac oxidative stress and cardiac inflammation.

Conclusions

Melatonin may protect against HS-induced myocardial injury in male rats by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Detecting host–parasitoid interactions in an invasive Lepidopteran using nested tagging DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Kitson James J. N. , Hahn Christoph , Sands Richard J. , Straw Nigel A. , Evans Darren M. , Lunt David H.
Published: February 2018

Determining the host–parasitoid interactions and parasitism rates for invasive species entering novel environments is an important first step in assessing potential routes for biocontrol and integrated pest management. Conventional insect rearing techniques followed by taxonomic identification are widely used to obtain such data, but this can be time‐consuming and prone to biases. Here, we present a next‐generation sequencing approach for use in ecological studies which allows for individual‐level metadata tracking of large numbers of invertebrate samples through the use of hierarchically organised molecular identification tags. We demonstrate its utility using a sample data set examining both species identity and levels of parasitism in late larval stages of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea—Linn. 1758), an invasive species recently established in the United Kingdom. Overall, we find that there are two main species exploiting the late larval stages of oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom with the main parasitoid (Carcelia iliaca—Ratzeburg, 1840) parasitising 45.7% of caterpillars, while a rare secondary parasitoid (Compsilura concinnata—Meigen, 1824) was also detected in 0.4% of caterpillars. Using this approach on all life stages of the oak processionary moth may demonstrate additional parasitoid diversity. We discuss the wider potential of nested tagging DNA metabarcoding for constructing large, highly resolved species interaction networks.
The Bordetella bronchiseptica nic locus encodes a nicotinic acid degradation pathway and the 6‐hydroxynicotinate‐responsive regulator BpsR
Authors: Brickman Timothy J. , Armstrong Sandra K.
Published: February 2018

The classical Bordetella species use amino acids as carbon sources and can catabolize organic acids and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. They are also auxotrophic for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) pathway precursors such as nicotinic acid. Bordetellae have a putative nicotinate catabolism gene locus highly similar to that characterized in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. This study determined the distribution of the nic genes among Bordetella species and analyzed the regulation of this nicotinic acid degradation system. Transcription of the Bordetella bronchiseptica nicC gene was repressed by the NicR ortholog, BpsR, previously shown to regulate extracellular polysaccharide synthesis genes. nicC expression was derepressed by nicotinic acid or by the first product of the degradation pathway, 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid, which was shown to be the inducer. Results using mutants with either a hyperactivated pathway or an inactivated pathway showed a marked effect on growth on nicotinic acid that indicated this degradation pathway influences NAD biosynthesis. Pathway dysregulation also affected Bordetella BvgAS‐mediated virulence gene regulation, demonstrating that fluctuation of intracellular nicotinic acid pools impacts Bvg phase transition responses.
A Complex Systems Investigation of Group Work Dynamics in L2 Interactive Tasks
Authors: POUPORE GLEN
Published: February 2018

Working with Korean university‐level learners of English, this study provides a detailed analytical comparison of 2 task work groups that were video‐recorded, with 1 group scoring very high and the other relatively low based on the results of a Group Work Dynamic (GWD) measuring instrument. Adopting a complexity theory (CT) perspective and utilizing what Dörnyei (2014) has termed a retrodictive qualitative modeling (RQM) approach to research, the study sought to identify how various elements interacted to influence the emerging GWD patterns. Based on different layers of data from the GWD measuring instrument, affect‐related state questionnaires, interviews, and extracts from the transcribed interaction, the signature dynamics for a strong and weak GWD related to a combination of (a) positive and negative GWD behaviors, (b) affect‐related states in the form of motivation, emotional state, and perceived difficulty, (c) critical moments in the interaction, and (d) the system's initial conditions, which were characterized by specific task characteristics and the learners’ affective states just prior to beginning the task. Acting as key control parameters in the shaping of GWD outcomes were task conditions associated with the use of imagination, planning time, humorous content, difficulty level, and multiple task outcomes.
Above‐ and belowground insect herbivores mediate the impact of nitrogen eutrophication on the soil food web in a grassland ecosystem
Authors: Borgström Pernilla , Bommarco Riccardo , Strengbom Joachim , Viketoft Maria
Published: February 2018

Insect herbivores are important drivers of ecosystem processes in grasslands, and can mediate the grassland's response to environmental change. For example, recent evidence shows that above‐ and belowground herbivory, individually and in combination, can modify how a plant community responds to nitrogen (N) eutrophication, an important driver of global change. However, knowledge about how such effects extend to the associated soil food web is lacking. In a mesocosm experiment, we investigated how communities of soil nematodes – an abundant and functionally important group of soil organisms – responded to above‐ and belowground insect herbivory at contrasting N levels. We found that the strongest influence of above‐ and belowground herbivory on the nematode community appeared at elevated N. The abundance of root‐feeding nematodes increased when either above‐ or belowground insect herbivores were present at elevated N, but when applied together the two herbivore types cancelled out one another's effect. Additionally, at elevated N aboveground herbivory increased the abundance of fungal‐feeders relative to bacterial‐feeders, which indicates changes in decomposition pathways induced by N and herbivory. Belowground herbivory increased the abundance of omnivorous nematodes. The shifts in both the herbivorous and detrital parts of the soil food web demonstrate that above‐ and belowground herbivory does not only mediate the response of the plant community to N eutrophication, but in extension also the soil food web sustained by the plant community. We conclude that feedbacks between effects of above‐ and belowground herbivory mediate the response of the grassland ecosystem to N eutrophication.
Clinical outcomes of low vision rehabilitation delivered by a mobile clinic
Authors: Gobeille Micaela , Malkin Alexis , Jamara Richard , Ross Nicole C.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This prospective cohort study examined clinical outcomes of low vision rehabilitation (LVR) delivered by a mobile clinic.

Methods

Participants were recruited from those scheduled for mobile clinic LVR and met the United States definition of legal blindness. Participants completed the Massof Activity Inventory (AI) before LVR, 3 months post‐LVR, and 1 year post‐LVR. Change scores and measures of clinical effect (i.e. Cohen's effect size and minimum clinically important difference, MCID) were calculated for each time point and compared. Additional participant characteristics (age, acuity, contrast sensitivity, cause of visual impairment, training recommendations, and prior LVR experience) were also explored with respect to outcome measures.

Results

Of the 66 participants enroled in this study, 47% had no prior LVR experience. Significant differences were noted between baseline and 3‐month person measures, and between baseline and 1‐year person measures. There was no significant difference between 3‐month and 1‐year person measures, nor was there a significant difference in change score between these two time points. At 1 year post‐LVR, overall visual ability effect size was 0.74. A clinically meaningful outcome was achieved in 56% of participants at 3 months and 71% at 1 year for overall visual ability. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants achieving MCID at 3 months vs 1 year. Of participants who completed the 1‐year post‐LVR AI, 59% reported a subjective worsening of vision during the study period. This subgroup also tended to have smaller 1‐year change scores.

Conclusions

Mobile clinic LVR is effective at expanding access to care and produces clinically meaningful outcomes comparable to those seen in other outpatient LVR delivery models.
Survey of recognition and treatment of at‐risk mental state by Japanese psychiatrists
Authors: Tsujino Naohisa , Tagata Hiromi , Baba Yoko , Kojima Akiko , Yamaguchi Taiju , Katagiri Naoyuki , Nemoto Takahiro , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: February 2018

Aim

The importance of early intervention in psychiatry is widely recognized among psychiatrists. However, it is unknown whether precise knowledge of at‐risk mental state has been disseminated. With this survey, we aimed to reveal how Japanese psychiatrists diagnose patients with at‐risk mental state and prescribe treatment strategies for them.

Methods

Using fictional case vignettes, we conducted a questionnaire survey of psychiatrists (n = 1399) who worked in Tokyo. We mailed study documents to all eligible participants in November 2015 with a requested return date in December.

Results

Two hundred and sixty (19.3%) psychiatrists responded to the survey. Their correct diagnosis rates for the patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes were low (14.6% for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with attenuated positive symptom syndrome; 13.1% for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with brief intermittent psychotic syndrome). Many psychiatrists selected pharmacotherapy and antipsychotics to treat patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes. The psychiatrists who correctly diagnosed patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes had significantly fewer years of clinical psychiatric experience than did those who diagnosed them as having a non‐at‐risk mental state (12.5 years vs 22.7 years for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with attenuated positive symptom syndrome, P < 0.01; 14.3 years vs 22.2 years for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with brief intermittent psychotic syndrome, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study suggests that precise knowledge of at‐risk mental state has not been disseminated among Japanese psychiatrists.
Implant placement in the esthetic area: criteria for positioning single and multiple implants
Authors: Testori Tiziano , Weinstein Tommaso , Scutellà Fabio , Wang Hom‐Lay , Zucchelli Giovanni
Published: February 2018

Patient expectations from implant treatment have changed over the years and esthetics plays an important role in defining what is now called success of rehabilitation. Of the many factors that influence the outcome of the rehabilitation, the two main ones are the bone and soft‐tissue deficiencies at the intended implant site. Many surgical approaches are described in terms of timing of implant placement and management of regenerative procedures. The aim of this article is to discuss the different implant placement alternatives in the esthetic area, in particular: (i) the timing of implant placement/regenerative procedures/skeletal growth/altered passive eruption; (ii) the correct three‐dimensional position of the fixture between the cuspids and in the premolar area; (iii) multiple missing teeth in the esthetic area with single tooth/pontic or cantilevered options/prosthetic compensation; (iv) placement of implants into infected sites; and (v) the influence of abutment and crown morphology on implant position. Combining our long‐standing clinical experience and the pertinent literature, the following conclusions can be drawn:

Immediate implant placement can be a successful procedure in terms of esthetics but it is technique sensitive and requires an experienced team.

Immediate placement is less traumatic to the patient as fewer surgical procedures are involved and patients tend to prefer this clinical approach with regards to quality of life.

The diagnostic phase is of utmost importance, with not only bone and soft tissue deficiencies being addressed but also: skeletal growth, dental/implant soft tissue parameters such as altered passive eruption and the morphology of the roots adjacent to the edentulous area.

Post‐extraction immediate loading is feasible in infected sites.

The correct position of the fixture should follow widely accepted guidelines but the abutment morphologies play a role in the vestibular/palatal position of the implant.

The long axis of the implant, aiming at the incisal edge of the future restorations, is the most appropriate implant position when a shoulder‐less abutment is used and allows a restorative crown morphology with a cervical contour resembling a natural tooth.

The use of a shoulder‐less abutment gives more space for the tissue to grow compared with the traditional abutment with shoulder finish line.
The use of larvae or recruits in coral restoration initiatives: Symbiodinium acquisition does not differ between coral life stages in the wild
Authors: Quigley Kate M. , Torda Gergely , Bay Line K.
Published: February 2018

Active restoration initiatives are increasingly considered in natural resource management. Laboratory‐reared coral larvae and recruits have been proposed for stock production but it is unknown if their use impacts subsequent symbiosis once transplanted to the reef. We exposed laboratory and field settled aposymbiotic recruits (recently settled <1 month) to Symbiodinium in the wild, then analyzed the acquired communities using ITS‐2 sequencing. There was no significant difference between treatments based on overall community and diversity metrics, or differential abundance of individual taxa. These results suggest that early acquisition is analogous and thus supports the use of either life‐stage as an option for reef restoration.
Avian response to shade‐layer restoration in coffee plantations in Puerto Rico
Authors: Irizarry Amarilys D. , Collazo Jaime A. , Pacifici Krishna , Reich Brian J. , Battle Kathryn E.
Published: February 2018

Documenting the evolving processes associated with habitat restoration and how long it takes to detect avian demographic responses is crucial to evaluate the success of restoration initiatives and to identify ways to improve their effectiveness. The importance of this endeavor prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to evaluate their sun‐to‐shade coffee restoration program in Puerto Rico initiated in 2003. We quantified the responses of 12 resident avian species using estimates of local occupancy and extinction probabilities based on surveys conducted in 2015–2017 at 65 restored farms grouped according to time‐since‐initial‐restoration (TSIR): new (2011–2014), intermediate (2007–2010), and old (2003–2006). We also surveyed 40 forest sites, which served as reference sites. Vegetation complexity increased with TSIR, ranging between 35 and 40% forest cover in farms 6–9 years TSIR. Forest specialists (e.g. Loxigilla portoricencis) exhibited highest average occupancy in farms initially classified as intermediate (6–9 years) and old (>10 years), paralleling occupancy in secondary forests. Occupancy of open‐habitat specialists (e.g. Tiaris olivaceus) was more variable, but higher in recently restored farms. Restoring the shade layer has the potential to heighten ecological services derived from forest specialists (e.g. frugivores) without losing the services of many open‐habitat specialists (e.g. insectivores). Annual local extinction probability for forest specialists decreased with increasing habitat complexity, strengthening the potential value of shade restoration as a tool to enhance habitat for avifauna that evolved in forested landscapes.
Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant status: Correlation with the severity of sepsis
Authors: Kumar S. , Gupta E. , Kaushik S. , Kumar Srivastava V. , Mehta S. , Jyoti A.
Published: February 2018

Sepsis is a condition caused by infection followed by unregulated inflammatory response which may lead to the organ dysfunction. During such condition, over‐production of oxidants is one of the factors which contribute cellular toxicity and ultimately organ failure and mortality. Antioxidants having free radicals scavenging activity exert protective role in various diseases. This study has been designed to evaluate the levels of oxidative and antioxidative activity in sepsis patients and their correlation with the severity of the sepsis. A total of 100 sepsis patients and 50 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2016 to June 2017. The investigation included measurements of oxidative enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) and cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐8 and IFN‐γ). Furthermore, the level of these activities was correlated with severity of sepsis. Augmented levels of oxidants were found in sepsis as demonstrated by DMPO nitrone adduct formation and plasma MPO level activity (1.37 ± 0.51 in sepsis vs 0.405 ± 0.16 in control subjects). Cytokines were also found to be increased in sepsis patients. However, plasma SOD and CAT activities were significantly attenuated (P < .001) in the sepsis patients compared with controls subjects. Moreover, inverse relation between antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and organ failure assessment (SOFA), physiological score (APACHE II), organ toxicity specific markers have been observed as demonstrated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. This study suggests that imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant plays key role in the severity of sepsis.
Trend analysis of major hydroclimatic variables in the Langat River basin, Malaysia
Authors: Ebrahimian Mahboubeh , Nuruddin Ahmad Ainuddin , Soom Mohd Amin Mohd , Sood Alias Mohd , Neng Liew Ju , Galavi Hadi
Published: February 2018

Trend analyses of monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall, air temperature, and streamflow were performed using Mann‐Kendall test within the Langat River basin to identify gradual trends and abrupt shifts for 1980 − 2010. Annual rainfall showed an increasing trend in upstream flow, a combination of decreasing and increasing trends in middle stream flow, and a decreasing trend in downstream flow. Monthly rainfall in most months displayed an insignificant increasing trend upstream. Stations with significant increasing trends showed larger trends in summer than those of other seasons. However, they were similar to the trends observed in annual rainfall. Annual minimum air temperature showed a significant decreasing trend upstream and significant increasing trends in the middle stream and downstream areas. Annual maximum air temperature portrayed increasing trends in both upstream and middle stream areas, and a decreasing trend for the downstream area. Both monthly and seasonal maximum air temperatures exhibited an increasing trend midstream, whereas they demonstrated trends of both decreasing and/or increasing temperatures at upstream and downstream areas. Annual streamflow in upper, middle and lower catchment areas exhibited significant increasing trend at the rates of 0.036, 0.023 and 0.001 × 103 m3/y at α = 0.01, respectively. Seasonal streamflow in the upstream, midstream and downstream areas displayed an increasing trend for spring (0.55, 0.33 and 0.013 m3/y respectively) and summer (0.51, 0.37, 0.018 m3/y respectively). The greatest magnitude of increased streamflow occurred in the spring (0.54 m3/y). Significant increasing trends of monthly streamflow were noticed in January and August, but insignificant trends were found in May, September and November at all stations. Annual streamflow records at the outlet of the basin were positively correlated with the annual rainfall variable. This study concludes that the climate of the Langat River basin has been getting wetter and warmer during 1980‐2010.
In vivo characterization of pustules in Malassezia Folliculitis by reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography. A case series study
Authors: Andersen A. J. B. , Fuchs C. , Ardigo M. , Haedersdal M. , Mogensen M.
Published: February 2018

Background and objective

Malassezia Folliculitis (MaF) is an inflammatory condition of hair follicles caused by Malassezia yeast. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are imaging technologies enabling in vivo visualization of superficial skin layers. This study explores morphology of pustules in MaF imaged by OCT and RCM.

Methods

Patients with microscopically verified MaF were included in this case series. Morphology was evaluated qualitatively with RCM and OCT, focusing on shape, border and content of selected pustules.

Results

Nine patients with MaF were included. Clinically, six patients presented monomorphic MaF with multiple superficial pustules, while three patients showed more polymorph MaF appearance. In total 13 pustules were investigated by RCM and OCT. In RCM images, pustules varied from having a well‐defined border with homogenous content to ill‐defined borders with heterogeneous content. A distinct black halo was occasionally observed around pustules as were dilated vessels. In OCT images, pustules appeared polymorphic, showing both well‐ and ill‐defined structures with oval or irregular shape and more or less homogenous content. Malassezia fungi were not discernible by either RCM or OCT. Specific morphological image features in RCM and OCT did not reflect different clinical manifestations of MaF.

Conclusion

RCM and OCT images identify morphological aspects of MaF pustules, and confirm that MaF is a folliculitis with clinical as well as morphological variance.
Plasma temperature during methylene blue/light treatment influences virus inactivation capacity and product quality
Authors: Gravemann U. , Handke W. , Sumian C. , Alvarez I. , Reichenberg S. , Müller T. H. , Seltsam A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Photodynamic treatment using methylene blue (MB) and visible light is in routine use for pathogen inactivation of human plasma in different countries. Ambient and product temperature conditions for human plasma during production may vary between production sites. The influence of different temperature conditions on virus inactivation capacity and plasma quality of the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma procedure was investigated in this study.

Methods

Plasma units equilibrated to 5 ± 2°C, room temperature (22 ± 2°C) or 30 ± 2°C were treated with MB/light and comparatively assessed for the inactivation capacity for three different viruses, concentrations of MB and its photoproducts, activity of various plasma coagulation factors and clotting time.

Results

Reduced solubility of the MB pill was observed at 5 ± 2°C. Photocatalytic degradation of MB increased with increasing temperature, and the greatest formation of photoproducts (mainly azure B) occurred at 30 ± 2°C. Inactivation of suid herpesvirus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and vesicular stomatitis virus was significantly lower at 5 ± 2°C than at higher temperatures. MB/light treatment affected clotting times and the activity of almost all investigated plasma proteins. Factor VIII (−17·7 ± 8·3%, 22 ± 2°C) and fibrinogen (−14·4 ± 16·4%, 22 ± 2°C) showed the highest decreases in activity. Increasing plasma temperatures resulted in greater changes in clotting time and higher losses of plasma coagulation factor activity.

Conclusions

Temperature conditions for THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma treatment must be carefully controlled to assure uniform quality of pathogen‐reduced plasma in routine production. Inactivation of cooled plasma is not recommended.
Using chemical seed dormancy breakers with herbicides for weed management in soyabean and wheat
Authors: Das T K , Das D K
Published: February 2018

Variable dormancies result in periodicity in the germination of weeds and make weed control a repetitive practice. Under some conditions, repeated applications of selective herbicides can lead to the dominance of perennial weeds likeCyperus rotundus. Our hypothesis was that applying a chemical dormancy breaker (DB)plusherbicide mixture would better control a mixture of weed species. Three experiments were designed to develop a cost‐effectiveDBtreatment and to evaluate its dose with herbicides tank‐mixtures for effective weed management.KNO3and gibberellic acidGA3as dormancy breakers offered comparable effects, butKNO3was more economical thanGA3.KNO3at a 6% concentration was more effective in promoting weed germination than a 3% concentration in soyabean. A combination ofKNO3(6%) and pre‐emergence pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1 + imazethapyr 0.10 kg a.i. ha−1controlled annual weeds by 99% and reducedC. rotundusgrowth by 83%. This treatment gave significantly higher soyabean yield and net returns. Similarly, a tank‐mixture comprising of clodinafop 0.06 kg a.i. ha−1 + metsulfuron 0.006 kga.i. ha−1was more effective against weeds than pre‐emergence tank‐mix application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1 + carfentrazone‐ethyl 0.02 kg a.i. ha−1and isoproturon 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1. The use of pre‐emergence tank‐mixture of pendimethalin 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1 + imazethapyr 0.10 kg a.i. ha−1should exhaust seed/tuber bank if repeated and reduce the application cost of herbicides by 50% and the dose, residue and cost of pendimethalin by 25%.
Comparative Sectoral Efficiency in the Fight Against Poverty and Unemployment in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zidouemba Patrice Rélouendé
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we construct an economy-wide recursive dynamic model for Burkina Faso to explore the impact of scaling up public capital in different aggregate sectors. While several researchers emphasize the importance for sub-Saharan African countries of giving higher priority to agriculture to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty, some authors state that non-agricultural sectors should now receive special attention following the success achieved in some countries in South Asia. These countries have indeed applied a different paradigm: a program of economic growth and poverty reduction based on non-agricultural sectors. This study aims to provide insights into this debate. It draws from the public capital productivity literature to postulate the positive productive externalities of public investment. The results show that, with the same amount of public investment, financed by the same source, public investment in agriculture yields positive impacts that are significantly higher than those yielded by investments in non-agricultural sectors (industry and services). Added value growth in non-agricultural sectors is higher under public investment in agriculture than in non-agricultural sectors.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: February 2018

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 2Mahmoud Mohammed Sabra, Al Azhar University-Gaza, PalestineWing-Keung Wong, Asia University, TaiwanRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineSteven V. Cates, Kaplan University, USAMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKPatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyY. Saidi, M’sila University, AlgeriaSzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaAaron Morey, University of Melbourne, AustraliaHichem Maraghni, University of Taibah, TunisiaAli Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptLuca Giordano, CONSOB, ItalyErdal Gumus, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TurkeyMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USADilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanMohammed Al-Mahish, King Faisal University, Saudi ArabiaAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanProf. Aloysius Ajab AMIN, Institute for Development Solutions, Inc, USAMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaOlena Sokolovska, Research Institute of Fiscal Policy, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, UkraineKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIbrahim Baghdadi, Lebanese University, Lebanon Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Protein Supplementation During a 6-Month Concurrent Training Program: Effect on Body Composition and Muscular Strength in Sedentary Individuals
Authors: Ormsbee Michael J. , Willingham Brandon D. , Marchant Tasha , Binkley Teresa L. , Specker Bonny L. , Vukovich Matthew D.
Published: February 2018

We examined the effect of a protein supplement on muscular strength and body composition during 6 months of a 5 days/week concurrent strength and endurance training program. Sedentary males (n = 26) and females (n = 25), 18–25 years, were randomly assigned to receive a protein (PRO, 42 g/serving) or carbohydrate (CON) supplement twice daily. Strength and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were assessed at baseline, 3 (3M), and 6 (6M) months. Protein intake was higher in PRO (PRO: 2.2 g/kg; CON: 1.1 g/kg; p < .001). Females in both groups gained similar strength at 3M and 6M in bench press and hip sled. Males in PRO gained more bench press strength at 3M (PRO: 24.6 ± 3.2 kg; CON: 14.3 ± 3.8 kg; p = .06) and 6M (PRO: 34.4 ± 4.3 kg; CON: 18.7 ± 5.1 kg; p = .03) and hip sled strength at 3M (PRO: 67.7 ± 9.2 kg; CON: 40.8 ± 10.8 kg, p = .07) and 6M (PRO: 94.0 ± 10.6 kg; CON: 65.1 ± 12.4 kg; p = .09) compared with CON. Females in PRO experienced a greater reduction in fat mass over the course of the study (6M) than CON (PRO: −1.7 ± 0.5 kg; CON: 0.1 ± 0.5 kg; p = .06). Changes in lean mass were similar for females in PRO and CON. Loss in fat mass was similar for males in PRO and CON at 3M and 6M. Males in PRO gained more lean mass at 3M compared with CON (PRO: 3.2 ± 0.3 kg; CON: 2.2 ± 0.4 kg; p = .1) but similar gains at 6M (PRO: 2.6 ± 0.4 kg; CON: 2.2 ± 0.5 kg; p = .6). The results of this study demonstrate that PRO used during a concurrent training program may augment positive changes in body composition in young sedentary males and females, and strength gains in males.
Kinetic and Electromyographic Subphase Characteristics With Relation to Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance
Authors: Harry John R. , Paquette Max R. , Schilling Brian K. , Barker Leland A. , James C. Roger , Dufek Janet S.
Published: February 2018

This study sought to identify kinetic and electromyographic subphase characteristics distinguishing good from poor jumpers during countermovement vertical jumps (CMVJs), as defined by the reactive strength index (RSI, CMVJ displacement divided by jump time; cutoff = 0.46 m·s−1). A total of 15 men (1.8 [0.6] m, 84.5 [8.5] kg, 24 [2] y) were stratified by RSI into good (n = 6; RSI = 0.57 [0.07] m·s−1) and poor (n = 9; RSI = 0.39 [0.06] m·s−1) performance groups. The following variables were compared between groups using independent t tests (α = .05) and Cohen’s d effect sizes (d ≥ 0.8, large): jump height, propulsive impulse, eccentric rate of force development, and jump time, unloading, eccentric, and concentric subphase times, and average electromyographic amplitudes of 8 lower extremity muscles. Compared with the poor RSI group, the good RSI group exhibited a greater, though not statistically different CMVJ displacement (d = 1.07, P = .06). In addition, the good RSI group exhibited a significantly greater propulsive impulse (P = .04, d = 1.27) and a significantly more rapid unloading subphase (P = .04, d = 1.08). No other significant or noteworthy differences were detected. Enhanced RSI appears related to a quicker unloading phase, allowing a greater portion of the total jumping phase to be utilized generating positive net force. Poor jumpers should aim to use unloading strategies that emphasize quickness to enhance RSI during CMVJ.
Physical Activity in Relation to Sleep Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China
Authors: Li Junxin , Yang Binbin , Varrasse Miranda , Ji Xiaopeng , Wu MaoChun , Li Manman , Li Kun
Published: February 2018

This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the physical activity and sleep in 290 community-dwelling Chinese older adults and to examine the association between physical activity and poor sleep outcomes. Almost half of the samples were poor sleepers. The majority of the samples regularly participated in walking, some household activity, and light sports, yet only a small portion were involved in work-related activity or in strenuous sports. A greater level of overall physical activity (odds ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = [0.73, 0.86]), leisure-time exercise (odds ratio = 0.77; 95% confidence interval = [0.68, 0.85]), and household activity (odds ratio = 0.66; 95% confidence interval = [0.56, 0.78]) were associated with reduced likelihood of being poor sleepers and other poor sleep outcomes, independent of covariates including age, sex, education, family income, the number of children, drinking, and sleep hygiene. Future larger-scale studies that incorporate both objective and subjective measures are needed to further examine the association and to explore the effects of different types of activity on sleep and other well-beings in older adults.
Age-Related Differences in Functional Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio Following Soccer Exercise in Female Youth Players: An Injury Risk Factor
Authors: De Ste Croix Mark , Priestley Abigail , Lloyd Rhodri , Oliver Jon
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Fatigue negatively alters dynamic knee control, and the functional hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/QFUNC) plays an important role in stabilizing the joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of soccer-specific exercise on H/QFUNC in under (U) 13-, U15-, and U17-year-old female soccer players. Methods: A total of 36 female players performed concentric and eccentric actions of the hamstrings at 60°, 120°, and 180°/s before and after an age group–specific field-based soccer protocol. H/QFUNC was determined in the first 30° of knee flexion. Results: Significant angle × velocity (P = .001) and time × angle (P = .033) interaction effects were found indicating a lower H/QFUNC with increased movement velocity at 0°–10° as opposed to greater knee flexion angles. Fatigue-related effects were only evident near full knee extension. Probabilistic inferences indicated that changes in H/QFUNC were generally unclear in U13s, likely detrimental in U15s, and very likely beneficial in U17s. Conclusions: Altered muscular control following soccer-specific exercise is age dependent with players’ 1-year post-peak height velocity at greatest risk of injury. Injury prevention and screening need to be age and maturation appropriate, should consider the effects of fatigue, and include movements near full extension.
Aminomethyl Spectinomycins as Therapeutics for Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Coinfections
Authors: Butler Michelle M. , Waidyarachchi Samanthi L. , Connolly Kristie L. , Jerse Ann E. , Chai Weirui , Lee Richard E. , Kohlhoff Stephan A. , Shinabarger Dean L. , Bowlin Terry L.
Published: February 2018

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections are widespread and common, withNeisseria gonorrhoeae(gonorrhea) andChlamydia trachomatis(chlamydia) being the two most frequent causes. If left untreated, both infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other sequelae. The recommended treatment for gonorrhea is ceftriaxone plus azithromycin (to empirically treat chlamydial coinfections). Antibiotic resistance to all existing therapies has developed in gonorrheal infections. The need for new antibiotics is great, but the pipeline for new drugs is alarmingly small. The aminomethyl spectinomycins, a new class of semisynthetic analogs of the antibiotic spectinomycin, were developed on the basis of a computational analysis of the spectinomycin binding site of the bacterial 30S ribosome and structure-guided synthesis. The compounds display particular potency against common respiratory tract pathogens as well as the sexually transmitted pathogens that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia. Here, we demonstrate thein vitropotencies of several compounds of this class against both bacterial species; the compounds displayed increased potencies againstN. gonorrhoeaecompared to that of spectinomycin and, significantly, demonstrated activity againstC. trachomatisthat is not observed with spectinomycin. Efficacies of the compounds were compared to those of spectinomycin and gentamicin in a murine model of infection caused by ceftriaxone/azithromycin-resistantN. gonorrhoeae; the aminomethyl spectinomycins significantly reduced the colonization load and were as potent as the comparator compounds. In summary, data produced by this study support aminomethyl spectinomycins as a promising replacement for spectinomycin and antibiotics such as ceftriaxone for treating drug-resistant gonorrhea, with the added benefit of treating chlamydial coinfections.