bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment strategies for microbial valorization of bio‐oil fractions produced by fast pyrolysis of ash‐rich lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Arnold Stefanie , Moss Karin , Dahmen Nicolaus , Henkel Marius , Hausmann Rudolf
Published: July 2018

This work evaluates a biorefinery approach for microbial valorization of bio‐oil fractions produced by fast pyrolysis of ash‐rich lignocellulosic biomass. Different methods are presented for the pretreatment of the low‐sugar complex bio‐oil consisting of organic condensate (OC) and aqueous condensate (AC) to overcome their strong inhibitory effects and unsuitability for common analytical methods. Growth of Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which was chosen as a reference system, on untreated bio‐oil fractions was only detectable using solid medium with OC as sole carbon source. Utilization of a pretreated OC which was filtered, autoclaved, neutralized and centrifuged enabled growth in liquid medium with significant remaining optical instability. By subjecting the pretreated fractions to solid phase extraction, more stable and less inhibitory bio‐oil fractions could be obtained enabling the appliance of common analytical methods. Furthermore, this pretreatment facilitated growth of the applied reference organism Pseudomonas putida KT2440. As there is currently no convincing strategy for reliable application of bio‐oil as a sole source of carbon in industrial biotechnology, the presented work depicts a first step toward establishing bio‐oil as a future sustainable feedstock for a bio‐based economy.
Study of the electrical conductivity of biobased carbonaceous powder materials under moderate pressure for the application as electrode materials in energy storage technologies
Authors: Hoffmann Viola , Rodriguez Correa Catalina , Sautter Dennis , Maringolo Emilio , Kruse Andrea
Published: July 2018

This study focusses on the assessment of the electrical conductivity (EC) of biobased electrode materials for the application in energy storage devices and presents a simple and reproducible method to measure the EC of carbonaceous powders under moderate pressure (10–50 N). Based on the pyrolysis of corncob at three different temperatures (600, 800, and 900°C) and further treatments of the biochar obtained at 600°C, 11 different carbonaceous powder materials were produced including biochars, activated carbons, and composites. Composite materials were obtained by adding either metal oxide (RuO2 or Fe3O4) in different proportions or additives which are commonly used in electrode production (5 wt% binder and 15 wt% conductive additive). Furthermore, one physically activated commercial AC based on peat with a known EC of 33 S/m was treated with additives and used as a reference. For all materials, an increase of applied pressure resulted in higher EC values due to closer particle contact. The comparison of two methods (with and without preload) showed that a prepelletization of the samples is not necessary to obtain reliable results. By analyzing the obtained EC values while taking mechanical and physicochemical properties into account, it could be shown that a high carbonization temperature and high specific surface area favor the increase of EC. Furthermore, certain proportions of metal oxides lead to an improvement of EC (40 wt% RuO2, 10 wt% Fe3O4), while the treatment with additives leads to a decrease of EC. The EC values among all samples varied between 0.8 S/m (biochar) and 408 S/m (AC/RuO2 composite) at the highest pressure level (637 kPa). Thus, promising biobased electrode materials for environmentally friendly energy storage technologies are presented with the aim of contributing to the establishment of a biobased resource and product platform for bioeconomy.
State of the field: Data and metrics for geographic analyses of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Credit Kevin , Mack Elizabeth A. , Mayer Heike
Published: July 2018

Despite burgeoning interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems, there is little information on metrics for studying the actors and interconnections within these systems. The increasing availability of data and metrics for characterizing entrepreneurial activity in recent years provide opportunities for analyzing EE in more holistic ways. A critical first step in advancing work on this topic, however, is to critically review the use and limitations of currently available data with a focus on the very recent ecosystems literature, as well as constituent topics such as entrepreneurial heritage and spinoffs, entrepreneurial culture, and studies of emerging ecosystems in peripheral regions. In this review, the problems and prospects of available data are discussed, particularly the spatial scales (national or subnational) at which they are available. The paper closes with a critical discussion of the data needed to move the field forward in the four ecosystem‐related topical areas and answer important questions related to the nuanced geographies of EE at the subnational level. This discussion suggests present gaps may be related to a poverty of data‐sharing efforts rather than a poverty of available data.
Complete response by vitamin K2 analog monotherapy in sorafenib‐failure advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Kuzuya Teiji , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi
Published: July 2018

There have been reports that a vitamin K2 (VK2) analog is beneficial for the prevention of recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative therapy. However, the VK2 analogs in current use do not appear to show dramatic antitumor effects when given alone. Here, we report the case of a 67‐year‐old male patient with sorafenib‐failure advanced HCC who achieved complete response (CR) after VK2 analog monotherapy. At the time of sorafenib failure confirmation, the patient had multiple intrahepatic tumors, multiple lung metastases, and Vp3 portal vein tumor thrombosis. He had poor liver function (Child–Pugh score of 9, Child–Pugh class B) and poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2). Both serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels were elevated (558 900 ng/mL and 917 300 mAU/mL, respectively). Treatment with VK2 analog was initiated at 45 mg/day. Five months later, both tumor markers had decreased to normal levels (AFP 8 ng/mL and DCP 10 mAU/mL). Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed that all intrahepatic tumors had shrunk, there was no enhancement of tumor staining in the arterial phase, and all lung metastases and portal vein tumor thromboses had disappeared. We considered that CR was achieved according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Eighteen months after the start of VK2 analog administration, the patient continues to receive treatment and has remained in CR without adverse events. Here, we report a rare case of sorafenib‐failure advanced HCC in which sustained CR was achieved by VK2 analog monotherapy.
Control of bacterial biofilms formed on pacifiers by antimicrobial solutions in spray
Authors: Pedroso Juliana de F , Sangalli Jorgiana , Brighenti Fernanda L. , Tanaka Marcia H. , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim was to evaluate the use of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate solutions for the disinfection of pacifiers.

Design

Different types and concentrations of the substances were screened in planktonic and biofilm for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also, the effect of the most effective substance was tested against polymicrobial biofilms aiming to mimic the multispecies colonization found in a pacifier.

Results

Based on the agar diffusion test, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microbicide concentration assays, 70% apple vinegar (70%AV) and 70% hydrogen peroxide (70%HP) were selected (P < 0.05). All tested solutions were able to significantly reduce viable cells of S. pyogenes, S. mutans and E. coli from the biofilms A statistically significant reduction of viable cells in S. aureus biofilms were observed after treatment with 70%AV in comparison to the other treatments. When compared to other microbial species, it was found that 70%HP was particularly effective against E. coli. The solution of 70%HP was able to reduce the viable cells of Enterobacteriaceae/pseudomonas of a polymicrobial biofilm formed from a pacifier. The other solutions were not effective in relation to control group.

Conclusion

Solutions of 70% HP showed to be a good alternative for chlorhexidine digluconate for the disinfection of pacifiers.
Timing of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza epidemic activity in five regions of Argentina, 2007‐2016
Authors: Baumeister Elsa , Duque Jazmin , Varela Teresa , Palekar Rakhee , Couto Paula , Savy Vilma , Giovacchini Carlos , Haynes Amber K. , Rha Brian , Arriola Carmen S. , Gerber Susan I. , Azziz–Baumgartner Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Background

Within‐country differences in the timing of RSV and influenza epidemics have not been assessed in Argentina, the eighth largest country in the world by area.

Objective

We aimed to compare seasonality for RSV and influenza both nationally and in each of the five regions to inform Argentina’s prevention and treatment guidelines.

Method

The Argentine National Laboratories and Health Institutes Administration collected respiratory specimens from clinical practices, outbreak investigations, and respiratory virus surveillance in 2007‐2016; these were tested using immunofluorescence or RT‐PCR techniques. We calculated weekly percent positive (PP) and defined season onset as >2 consecutive weeks when PP exceeded the annual mean for the respective year and region. Median season measures (onset, offset and peak) and the established mean method were calculated for each virus.

Results

An annual median 59 396 specimens were tested for RSV and 60 931 for influenza; 21–29% tested positive for RSV and 2–7% for influenza. National RSV activity began in April; region‐specific start weeks varied by 7 weeks. Duration of RSV activity did not vary widely by region (16–18 weeks in duration). National influenza activity started in June; region‐specific start weeks varied by 3 weeks. Duration of influenza epidemic activity varied more by region than that of RSV (7–13 weeks in duration).

Conclusion

In Argentina, RSV and influenza activity overlapped during the winter months. RSV season tended to begin prior to the influenza season, and showed more variation in start week by region. Influenza seasons tended to vary more in duration than RSV seasons.
Factors affecting student learning performance: A causal model in higher blended education
Authors: Ramirez‐Arellano Aldo , Acosta‐Gonzaga Elizabeth , Bory‐Reyes Juan , Hernández‐Simón Luis Manuel
Published: July 2018

In Mexico, approximately 504,000 students pursue a bachelor's degree by means of distance or blended programmes. However, only 42% of these students conclude their degree on time. In the context of blended learning, the focus of this research is to present a causal model, based on a theoretical framework, which describes the relationships concerning motivations, emotions, cognitive strategies, metacognitive strategies, and learning strategies, and their impact on learning performance. The results suggest that negative emotions play a meaningful role between expectancy (a component of motivation) and learning strategies. Also, the expectancy component of motivation positively influences metacognitive strategies. Concerning the relationship between cognition and metacognition, metacognitive strategies take preference concerning the relationship between metacognitive and learning strategies, supporting the theoretical hypothesis that metacognitive processes are on a higher plane than cognition, and affect cognitive process directly. Moreover, the learning outcomes are directly influenced by cognitive and learning strategies, but not by metacognitive ones. Similarly, motivation has direct effects on metacognitive and learning strategies but not on cognitive ones.
Antenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of neonatal hypertension
Authors: Habli Mounira , Clifford Corey C. , Brady Tammy M. , Rodriguez Zahidee , Eschenbacher Michaela , Wu Malcolm , DeFranco Emily , Gresh James , Kamath‐Rayne Beena D.
Published: July 2018

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as tocolytics, which are medications that suppress uterine contractions for preterm birth prevention. Their effect on cerebral/systemic vascular beds poses the question of whether antenatal NSAID exposure is associated with neonatal hypertension. We performed a retrospective case‐control study in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, including 40 hypertension cases (hospitalized neonates ≥ 35 weeks with systolic BP > 100 mm Hg on three consecutive days) compared to 134 controls matched by gestational age at delivery, plurality, and delivery date. Cases and controls were compared by antenatal NSAID exposure, other common tocolytics, and maternal/neonatal characteristics and complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of hypertension among those with prenatal exposure to NSAIDs versus those without exposure. Newborns with hypertension had a lower gestational age at delivery and increased incidence of neonatal complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, surfactant administration, longer duration of ventilation, and history of umbilical artery catheterization. Days of indomethacin exposure were positively associated with greater odds of neonatal hypertension (OR 1.17 [1.00 to 1.38], P = 0.055), even after adjustment for other factors associated with neonatal hypertension. Newborns with hypertension were less likely to have been exposed to calcium channel blockers as a tocolytic. The results of our study suggest an association between prenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and neonatal hypertension. Furthermore, our data suggest that prenatal calcium channel blocker exposure may protect against the development of neonatal hypertension. Future multicenter studies are needed to understand the risks of tocolytics and subsequent consequences in preterm infants.
Incidence and characteristics of thick second primary melanomas: a study of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry
Authors: Gassenmaier M. , Stec T. , Keim U. , Leiter U. , Eigentler T.K. , Metzler G. , Garbe C.
Published: July 2018

Background

Fast‐growing melanomas are thought to be responsible for the stable incidence of thick melanomas. It has been suggested that campaigns for early diagnosis are unlikely to have a major impact on prognosis as rapid vertical growth rather than diagnostic delay is the major determinant for thick melanomas.

Objective

We investigated the impact of follow‐up examinations on the incidence of thick second primary melanomas (SPMs) and analysed their clinic‐pathologic characteristics.

Methods

We analysed a single‐centre cohort of 2253 patients of the German Central Malignant Melanoma Registry with prospectively documented follow‐up examinations.

Results

Primary tumour and patient characteristics were well balanced between patients with and without SPMs except for age (median 61 years, interquartile range [IQR] 51–67 vs. 56 years, IQR 43–67; P = 0.005). Metachronous SPMs occurred in 107 patients (4.7% of total) were thinner than the respective first primary melanoma (FPM) (median Breslow thickness of invasive melanomas 0.40 mm, IQR 0.28–0.75 vs. 0.80 mm, IQR 0.50–2.00; P < 0.001) and less often ulcerated (0.9% vs. 15.0%; P < 0.001). Melanomas >2.00 mm occurred in 2.8% of SPMs as compared to 23.4% of FPMs (P < 0.001). Thick SPMs (>1.00 mm; 14.0%) despite close‐meshed follow‐up examinations were frequently associated with atypical clinical presentation and uncommon histopathologic subtypes. One‐third (5/15) of thick SPMs were clinically misdiagnosed as non‐melanocytic lesions, most of them as basal cell carcinomas (n = 4).

Conclusions

Regular total body skin examinations enable a highly efficient detection of early‐stage melanomas and reduction of thick melanomas as compared to first primary melanomas. Our data indicate that fast‐growing melanomas without opportunity of early detection are rare and cannot explain the stable incidence of thick melanomas. This highlights the importance of close‐meshed total body skin examinations in patient groups that are at high risk of first or multiple primary melanomas.
Egg size and growth in steelheadOncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Self Katharine E. , Schreck Carl B. , Cogliati Karen M. , Billman Eric J. , Noakes David L. G.
Published: July 2018

The effects of egg size on early development and growth of steelheadOncorhynchus mykisswere recorded for more than 200 days following hatching. Fish from smaller eggs hatched sooner and at a smaller size than fish from larger eggs, but fish from smaller eggs showed consistently higher growth rates than fish from larger eggs. Since many life‐history attributes appear to be determined by size or growth rate at age during the first year, egg size could be a significant predictor of important changes in the life history of individuals.
Bacteria isolated from the bovine gelatin production line: biofilm formation and use of different sanitation procedures to eliminate the biofilms
Authors: Fernandes Meg da Silva , de Oliveira Alessandra Marjorie , Cheriegate Ana Paula Correa , de Abreu Filho Benício Alves
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus licheniformis, as well to verify the efficiency of the sanitation procedures (cleaning, disinfection, and cleaning + disinfection) on the biofilm removal. Biofilms were formed after immersion of stainless steel and PVC coupons into different culture media (semi‐finished bovine gelatin, final gelatin, and hydrolyzed collagen) at 35°C for 5, 32, and 48 hr. After 32 hr of contact, all microorganisms were capable to form biofilms on the different surfaces in contact with all culture media tested. The semi‐finished gelatin and the hydrolyzed collagen provided a higher biofilm formation (counts between 3.54 and 7.87 log CFU/cm2) when compared to the final gelatin (counts between 3.05 and 6.70 log CFU/cm2). The cleaning step complemented with the disinfection with peracetic acid was the only procedure capable of removing all biofilms (counts <3 log CFU/cm2).

Practical applications

In this study, we investigated the biofilm formation by different isolates from bovine gelatin, simulating the processing conditions of gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen. The present study showed a peculiar result since the gelatin was the culture medium that provided a lower biofilm formation, while the hydrolyzed collagen and the semi‐finished gelatin provided the best conditions for the formation of biofilms. In addition, we verified that the use of detergent or disinfectant alone was not efficient in the removal of the biofilms formed. In view of this, we suggest the requirements to prevent the formation of microbial biofilms of different bacterial species in the gelatin processing industry. In addition, we suggest measures to remove the biofilms from food processing surfaces.
Growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus on beef jerky as a function of temperature
Authors: Kim Yeon Ho , Nam Gun Woo , Yoon Ki Sun
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature on the growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus and the possibility of enterotoxin A (SEA) production on beef jerky with a water activity (Aw) of 0.78. Beef jerky without seasoning was inoculated with S. aureus producing enterotoxin A at a concentration of approximately 3–4 log cfu/g and stored aerobically at a temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. A modified Gompertz and Weibull model was used to obtain growth and survival kinetics, respectively, and SEA was measured using a Ridascreen SET Total Kit. Growth and survival of S. aureus on beef jerky was observed at temperatures above 21°C and below 19°C, respectively. The maximum population density was observed, but no SEA production was observed above 25°C. Despite the low Aw of beef jerky, the growth of S. aureus was observed above 21°C, indicating that additional safeguards should be considered to reduce the risk of S. aureus in beef jerky in the retail market.

Practical applications

Staphylococcus aureus can survive in beef jerky with low Aw of 0.78 and even grow at temperatures above 21°C, indicating that beef jerky with low Aw may present a public health risk. Thus, distribution temperature must be reevaluated for the safety of beef jerky in the retail market.
Fungal contamination of food commodities in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Olagunju Omotola , Mchunu Nokuthula , Venter Sonja , Guibert Benjamin , Durand Noel , Métayer Isabelle , Montet Didier , Ijabadeniyi Oluwatosin
Published: July 2018

The study investigated the occurrence of natural fungal contaminants in food commodities consumed in Durban, South Africa. A total of 110 samples including Bambara groundnut, maize and maize‐derived products, rice, and spices were collected from open markets and retail stores and screened for fungal contaminants using conventional and molecular methods. A total of 179 isolates belonging to fungal genera including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were recovered. Aspergillus (52.5%) and Penicillium (31.8%) were the most prevalent genera, contaminating 85.5% and 51.8% of the total samples analyzed, respectively. Bambara groundnut (100%), spices (89.5%), rice (86.9%), and maize and maize‐derived products (71.9%) were contaminated by Aspergillus sp. Bambara groundnut (64.7%) and spices (44.7%) were contaminated by Aspergillus flavus. Penicillium citrinum was recovered from spices (71.1%), Bambara groundnut (61.7%), rice (34.8%), and maize and maize‐derived products (31.3%). Some of the isolated fungi are mycotoxin producers and their detection raise concerns on consumers' health.

Practical applications

Fungal contamination of agricultural products poses a challenge to global food security. Mycotoxins, the toxigenic metabolites produced by some fungal species, are not completely destroyed by processing operations, and are carried over into processed food, through which they may cause harm to consumers. Routine tests on the mycological quality of consumer goods have therefore become pertinent.

This study reports the isolation of live pathogenic fungi in commonly consumed food commodities, necessitating the need for regular routine checks to ensure the mycological safety of agricultural products offered for sale to consumers. As proliferation of these fungi is influenced by storage conditions, this study will also contribute to devising appropriate storage management techniques for these commodities.
Effect of surrounding vegetation on microbial survival or die‐off on watermelon surface in an agriculture setting
Authors: Chhetri Vijay Singh , Fontenot Kathryn , Strahan Ronald , Yemmireddy Veerachandra K. , Parraga Estrada Katheryn J. , Adhikari Achyut
Published: July 2018

Preharvest contamination of produce with food borne pathogens has been a major food safety issue. In this study, we investigated the effect of surrounding vegetation on the survival of natural and inoculated generic Escherichia coli on watermelon rinds in an agricultural field setting. There was no significant difference (p > .05) on the populations of natural generic E. coli (1–1.46 log Most Probable Number (MPN)/sample) and coliforms (<3.99 log CFU/cm2) on watermelons harvested from low, medium, and high levels of vegetation. However, the survival rate of generic E. coli inoculated on watermelon rind discs was variable with the level of vegetation. A significant reduction in generic E. coli count was observed within 12 hr at all vegetation levels. After 108 hr, discs placed at low vegetation level had a highest die‐off reduction (3 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/cm2) compared to medium and high vegetation levels.

Practical applications

To ensure preharvest produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce safety rule has suggested a time interval between last irrigation and harvest for potentially contaminating microorganisms to die‐off. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of surrounding vegetation on microbial die‐off rates on produce in the agricultural field. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering the surrounding vegetation while making decisions for developing preharvest risk management strategies based on microbial die‐off rate calculations.
Development of a lexicon for red sufu
Authors: He Wenmeng , Chen Yan Ping , Chung Hau Yin
Published: July 2018

Red sufu is a subtype of fermented soybean curd products that is red in color. There is little information available regarding the sensory properties of red sufu products. Therefore, the objectives of this investigation were to develop and validate a lexicon for profiling sensory properties of red sufu products. In this study, 10 qualified panelists were selected to develop a list of descriptors using 8 randomly selected commercial red sufus available from local market. M% value and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to reduce the number of descriptors from the initial 117 terms to the final 15 descriptors. Furthermore, 12 red sufu samples were selected for validation of the red sufu lexicon. Both PCA and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis validated that the newly developed lexicon could discriminate among red sufu samples.

Practical applications

The lexicon developed in this study for red sufus will be useful for researchers and manufacturers to identify and describe similarities and differences of different commercial red sufus to help in their red sufu product development. Furthermore, it can be used to correlate with the instrumental data to strengthen the flavor quality control in the red sufu products.
International survey of paediatric infectious diseases consultants on the management of community‐acquired pneumonia complicated by pleural empyema
Authors: Osowicki Joshua , Steer Andrew C
Published: July 2018

Aim

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) complicated by pleural empyema is an important paediatric problem. Antibiotic management decisions are made on the basis of little available data and without strong specific recommendations in guidelines.

Methods

This was an online survey of paediatric infectious diseases (PID) physicians disseminated by major international professional organisations, examining empiric and targeted antibiotic choice, switch to oral antibiotics and duration of treatment for two hypothetical cases of contrasting severity.

Results

This study included 183 responses, mostly from North America, Western Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Increased disease severity was significantly associated with broader‐spectrum and combination empiric and targeted antibiotic treatment, empiric methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage and both longer intravenous (IV) and total duration of antibiotic treatment. Empirical MRSA coverage was also associated with local prevalence. Clinical progress was most important for determining the timing of the switch from IV to oral antibiotics. Few respondents chose antibiotics with activity against organisms associated with atypical pneumonia (e.g. Mycoplasma, Chlamydia), and most did not choose agents that inhibit protein synthesis (e.g. clindamycin), even in the case of a severe invasive group A streptococcal infection. Some variation in targeted treatment choices reflected areas of uncertainty, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae susceptibility breakpoints, comparative effectiveness of anti‐staphylococcal penicillins and first‐generation cephalosporins for serious S. aureus infections and linezolid and vancomycin for MRSA pneumonia.

Conclusions

This international survey of PID physicians highlights the priority targets for clinical research to improve antibiotic treatment of CAP complicated by empyema. Interventions that might be studied include empirical antibiotic guidelines stratified by case severity, adjunctive empirical use of agents that inhibit protein synthesis (e.g. clindamycin) and approaches to encourage rapid IV‐to‐oral switch and shorter total antibiotic treatment.
Enabling Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring Factors That Mitigate the Negative Impact of Fertility Rates on Female Entrepreneurship
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Mallick Sushanta
Published: July 2018

In the wake of the global financial crisis that resulted in many business closures and given the long‐term problem of population aging in advanced countries and poverty in low‐income countries, it has become important to investigate whether new business formation by women entrepreneurs is a path to prosperity even when countries experience low fertility rates. Existing country studies suggest that female entrepreneurship can have favorable development outcomes through the channels of employment, innovation and welfare, but this paper undertakes a holistic cross‐country analysis on the determinants of female entrepreneurship, exploring the role of fertility rates in affecting female entrepreneurial outcomes. We find that the impact of fertility rate is negative and significant in influencing entrepreneurship. But factors like greater tertiary enrollment of females and higher ratios of female to male labor force participation rates can offset the negative impact of fertility rate and in fact can make the impact positive. Additionally, greater access to informal finance makes female enrollment more effective in mitigating the negative impact of fertility rate.
Heritability of Time Preference: Evidence from German Twin Data
Authors: Hübler Philipp M.A.
Published: July 2018

In economics, time preferences are highly relevant for a person's intertemporal choices. Individual time discounting is associated with a number of lifetime outcomes and behavior patterns such as educational attainment, personal income, savings, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Regarding the intergenerational transmission of economic preferences, previous findings suggest a positive correlation between parental and offspring time preference. However, there is still limited empirical evidence about the role of genetics in the process of preference formation. The classical twin methodology is applied to estimate the genetic variation in individual time preference. Information on monozygotic and dizygotic twins allows us to disentangle the influences of genetic and environmental factors on time preference. Novel data on roughly 3,000 twins from the German TwinLife project are used. We rely on an experimentally validated survey measure of time discounting, namely, self‐assessed patience. According to our best‐fitting polygenic model, we find that differences in genetics explain about 23 percent of the total variation in patience across individuals. The results suggest that genes are a considerable source of individual variation in time preference.
(Un)Authorized: A Study on the Regulation of Street Vending in Latin America
Authors: Meneses‐Reyes Rodrigo
Published: July 2018

This article offers an examination of the official rules that participate in the organization of street vending activities in Latin American cities. It does so by explaining the legal assemblages that serve to define how, where, and by whom certain Latin American public spaces may be occupied, and by empirically illustrating the way in which the legal status of street vendors—that is, whether or not they are willing or able to get official recognition to work in these public spaces—affects the way they use and occupy the urban landscape. The information gathered here suggests that securing access to official permission to work on the streets does significantly affect vendors' locations as well as their working modalities. The subsequent analysis also illustrates a significant relationship between vendors' legal status and specific interactions with urban authorities and other actors. These findings suggest that, although law cannot prevent the unauthorized occupation of public spaces for commercial purposes, it could certainty avert the reproduction of other illegal practices and, perhaps most importantly, protect the urban poor from the vulnerability they face before state and nonstate violence.
A genome scan of diversifying selection in Ophiocordyceps zombie‐ant fungi suggests a role for enterotoxins in co‐evolution and host specificity
Authors: Kobmoo Noppol , Wichadakul Duangdao , Arnamnart Nuntanat , Rodríguez De La Vega Ricardo C. , Luangsa‐ard Janet J. , Giraud Tatiana
Published: July 2018

Identification of the genes underlying adaptation sheds light on the biological functions targeted by natural selection. Searches for footprints of positive selection, in the form of rapid amino acid substitutions, and the identification of species‐specific genes have proved to be powerful approaches to identifying the genes involved in host specialization in plant‐pathogenic fungi. We used an evolutionary comparative genomic approach to identify genes underlying host adaptation in the ant‐infecting genus Ophiocordyceps, which manipulates ant behaviour. A comparison of the predicted genes in the genomes of species from three species complexes—O. unilateralis, O. australis and O. subramanianii—revealed an enrichment in pathogenesis‐associated functions, including heat‐labile enterotoxins, among species‐specific genes. Furthermore, these genes were overrepresented among those displaying significant footprints of positive selection. Other categories of genes suspected to be important for virulence and pathogenicity in entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., chitinases, lipases, proteases, core secondary metabolism genes) were much less represented, although a few candidate genes were found to evolve under positive selection. An analysis including orthologs from other entomopathogenic fungi in a broader context showed that positive selection on enterotoxins was specific to the ant‐infecting genus Ophiocordyceps. Together with previous studies reporting the overexpression of an enterotoxin during behavioural manipulation in diseased ants, our findings suggest that heat‐labile enterotoxins are important effectors in host adaptation and co‐evolution in the Ophiocordyceps entomopathogenic fungi.
Royal Moral Influence: Configuring Christ's Kingship and Christian Morality through Mèngzǐ 孟子and Aquinas
Authors: Brown Joshua R.
Published: July 2018

This article develops a comparative account of Christ's kingship in order to articulate this doctrine's relevance for the contemporary context. Drawing upon the political philosophy of the early Confucian Mengzi and Aquinas' reading of Christ's headship, I suggest that Christ's kingship be understood in terms of royal moral influence, meaning that Christ the King is the unique ground of the Christian moral life.
Trivariate analysis of oil revenue, government spending and economic growth in Nigeria
Authors: Fasanya Ismail O. , Ogundare Abosede E.
Published: July 2018

This study examines the dynamic relationship between oil revenue, government spending and economic growth in Nigeria. Since the discovery of oil, oil proceeds have dominated the country's federation account and have improved public spending. In this paper, we analyse if the huge government spending has improved the rate of economic growth. To do this, the multivariate vector autoregression framework with special attention to Generalised Impulse Response Function is adopted in analysing the annual data of oil revenue, total government expenditure and real Gross Domestic Product from 1980 to 2015. We find evidence that oil receipts remain the major route which public spending is financed and the fundamental source for growth. Hence, there is need for the government to diversify the sources of foreign exchange inflow of the country. The diversification of the economy is required to insulate it from external shocks. It is recommended for Nigeria to explore ways of reviving its huge agricultural potential which has been neglected since the discovery of oil in addition to exploring its rich untapped solid minerals deposit in order to promote diversification of the economy away from a mono cultural product base.
Inheritance pattern of mungbean yellow mosaic disease resistance and gene action for different traits in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) under protected and unprotected field conditions
Authors: Akbar Waseem , Aslam Muhammad , Maqbool Muhammad Amir , Ali Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad
Published: July 2018

Understanding of mungbean yellow mosaic disease resistance is crucial to develop resistant varieties to combat worldwide threat of the disease epidemics. This study was aimed to determine nature of disease resistance in terms of number of genes governing it and genetics of related traits. Experimental site was located on 31.43°N and 73.06°E with an elevation of 186 m, and evaluation trials were conducted during spring season due to high disease epidemics in this season. Two contrasting genotypes, that is, NM 6‐68‐2 (resistant) and NM 1‐32‐1 (highly susceptible), were crossed to raise six populations, that is, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 for evaluation under protected and unprotected field conditions using chi‐square test and generation mean and variance analysis. It was discovered that disease resistance was governed by two major genes with additive effects. Disease resistance can easily be incorporated through backcrossing and direct selection following hybridization. Direct selection should be practised at earlier generation for plant height, chlorophyll contents and number of seeds per pod due to preponderance of additive effects whereas at later generations for seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index, number of pods per plant and pod length due to involvement of duplicate epistasis.
Enhanced tolerance to a combination of heat stress and drought in Arabidopsis plants deficient in ICS1 is associated with modulation of photosynthetic reaction center proteins
Authors: Kumazaki Ayana , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: July 2018

Plants are exposed to multiple abiotic stresses that simultaneously occur under natural environmental conditions. Studies deciphering acclimation of plants to stress combinations are, however, still scarce. ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 (ICS1) is known as a crucial enzyme required for synthesis of salicylic acid and phylloquinone, one of the components of the photosystem I complex. Although the significance of ICS1 in the regulation of abiotic stress response and pathogen defense in plants has been evidenced in previous studies, the role of this enzyme in the acclimation of plants to stress combinations is still largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the enhanced tolerance of Arabidopsis salicylic acid induction deficient 2‐1(sid2‐1) mutant deficient in ICS1 to a combination of heat stress and drought. H2O2‐dependent stomatal closure and accumulation of total soluble sugars are associated with the enhanced tolerance of sid2‐1 plants to this stress combination. In addition, sid2‐1 plants showed higher accumulation of reaction center proteins (D1 and D2) in photosystem II accompanied by enhanced expression of transcripts involved in repair of these reaction center proteins. Furthermore, investigation of chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that mechanisms for dissipating the excess energy might be activated in sid2‐1 plants specifically under a combination of heat stress and drought. Taken together, our findings suggest that maintenance of photosynthetic apparatus as well as prevention of excess water loss might enhance the tolerance of sid2‐1 plants deficient in ICS1 to a combination of heat stress and drought.
Oxylipin dynamics in Medicago truncatula in response to salt and wounding stresses
Authors: De Domenico Stefania , Taurino Marco , Gallo Antonia , Poltronieri Palmiro , Pastor Victoria , Flors Victor , Santino Angelo
Published: July 2018

Multiple stresses are becoming common challenges in modern agriculture due to environmental changes. A large set of phytochemicals collectively known as oxylipins play a key role in responses to several stresses. Understanding the fine‐tuned plant responses to multiple and simultaneous stresses could open new perspectives for developing more tolerant varieties. We carried out the molecular and biochemical profiling of genes, proteins and active compounds involved in oxylipin metabolism in response to single/combined salt and wounding stresses on Medicago truncatula. Two new members belonging to the CYP74 gene family were identified. Gene expression profiling of each of the six CYP74 members indicated a tissue‐ and time‐specific expression pattern for each member in response to single/combined salt and wounding stresses. Notably, hormonal profiling pointed to an attenuated systemic response upon combined salt and leaf wounding stresses. Combined, these results confirm the important role of jasmonates in legume adaptation to abiotic stresses and point to the existence of a complex molecular cross‐talk among signals generated by multiple stresses.
Clinical features of the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia that are useful for predicting underlying pathological subtypes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Kobayashi Zen , Arai Tetsuaki , Kawakami Ito , Yokota Osamu , Hosokawa Masato , Oshima Kenichi , Niizato Kazuhiro , Shiraishi Atsushi , Akiyama Haruhiko , Mizusawa Hidehiro
Published: July 2018

Background

The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is the most common phenotype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). FTLD is divided into three main pathological subtypes: tau‐positive FTLD (FTLD‐tau), FTLD‐TAR DNA–binding protein (TDP), and FTLD‐Fused in sarcoma (FUS). At present, it is difficult to predict the underlying pathological subtypes of sporadic bvFTD before a patient's death.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical features of 34 Japanese patients with sporadic bvFTD, with or without motor neuron disease (MND), who had been pathologically diagnosed with FTLD. We examined whether, and how, the clinical features differed among Pick's disease, FTLD‐TDP, and FTLD‐FUS patients.

Results

Six of the 34 patients developed MND during the course of bvFTD. These six bvFTD‐MND patients were all pathologically diagnosed with FTLD‐TDP. The other 28 patients were composed of 12 FTLD‐tau patients including 11 Pick's disease patients, 8 FTLD‐TDP patients, and 8 FTLD‐FUS patients. A comparison of the clinical features of the three pathological subtypes of the 33 patients demonstrated that the age at onset was significantly younger in FTLD‐FUS patients than in Pick's disease or FTLD‐TDP patients. Furthermore, while hyperorality and dietary changes in the early stage of the disease were present in approximately 40% of Pick's disease and FTLD‐FUS patients, they were absent in FTLD‐TDP patients.

Conclusion

The comorbidity of MND, a younger age at onset, and hyperorality and dietary changes in the early stage may be useful clinical features for predicting underlying pathological subtypes of sporadic bvFTD. The results of our study should be confirmed by prospective studies employing a larger number of cases.
Differences in the prevalence of depression in older Spanish Romany and non‐Romany people and associated factors
Authors: Heredia‐Amador Ángel , Calvo‐Salguero Antonia , Salinas José M. , Gamella Juan F.
Published: July 2018

Aim

Depression among older adults has serious implications, especially because suicide rates are higher in this group than in younger adults. Research has identified biological and social risk factors. However, studies addressing cultural and psychosocial factors associated with specific ethnic groups, such as Spanish Romani, are lacking. The objective of the present study was to establish the differential prevalence of depression among Romany and non‐Romany people older than 55 years of age. It also aimed to explore how cultural, sociodemographic, and psychosocial factors predispose individuals to depression.

Methods

A total of 181 people were interviewed. The sample consisted of 95 self‐adscribed Romany individuals and 86 non‐Romany individuals over the age of 55; the latter group served as the control group. We performed bifactorial univariate anova, epidemiological analysis using Epi Info software, and analysis of correlations between Geriatric Depression Scale scores and the different factors analyzed.

Results

Significant differences in Geriatric Depression Scale score related to ethnicity and sex were found. Probable depression or depression in Romany men was four times higher than in non‐Romany men. In Romany women, the risk was more than twice as high as in non‐Romany women. Among the factors analyzed, income level, activity at home, and perception of being valued by family members showed significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

In short, we can state that Romany people develop symptoms of depression to a greater extent than non‐Romany people, and although Romany women have a higher risk of depression, the differential effect of ethnicity is greater among Romany men. Income level, activity at home, and perception of being valued by family members are unambiguously related to ethnicity.
Effect of sex differences in donor foetal fibroblast on the early development and DNA methylation status of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Ruan Ziyun , Zhao Xin , Li Zhengda , Qin Xiling , Shao Qiming , Ruan Qiuyan , Deng Yanfei , Jiang Jianrong , Huang Ben , Lu Fenghua , Shi Deshun
Published: July 2018

Contents

Low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos is largely attributable to imperfect reprogramming of the donor nucleus. The differences in epigenetic reprogramming between female and male buffalo cloned embryos remain unclear. We explored the effects of donor cell sex differences on the development of SCNT embryos. We and then compared the expression of DNA methylation (5‐methylcytosine‐5mC and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine‐5hmC) and the expression level of relevant genes, and histone methylation (H3K9me2 and H3K9me3) level in SCNT‐♀ and SCNT‐♂ preimplantation embryos with in vitro fertilization (IVF) counterparts. In the study, we showed that developmental potential of SCNT‐♀ embryos was greater than that of SCNT‐♂ embryos (p < 0.05). 5mC was mainly expressed in SCNT‐♀ embryos, whereas 5hmC was majorly expressed in SCNT‐♂ embryos (p < 0.05). The levels of DNA methylation (5mC and 5hmC), Dnmt3b, TET1 and TET3 in the SCNT‐♂ embryos were higher than those of SCNT‐♀ embryos (p < 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences in the expression of H3K9me2 at eight‐stage of the IVF, SCNT‐♀ and SCNT‐♂embryos (p < 0.05). However, H3K9me3 was upregulated in SCNT‐♂ embryos at the eight‐cell stage (p < 0.05). Thus, KDM4B ectopic expression decreased the level of H3K9me3 and significantly improved the developmental rate of two‐cell, eight‐cell and blastocysts of SCNT‐♂ embryos (p < 0.05). Overall, the lower levels of DNA methylation (5mC and 5hmC) and H3K9me3 may introduce the greater developmental potential in buffalo SCNT‐♀ embryos than that of SCNT‐♂ embryos.
Does size matter? Implications of household size for economic growth and convergence
Authors: Kufenko Vadim , Geloso Vincent , Prettner Klaus
Published: July 2018

We assess the effects of changes in household size on the long‐run evolution of living standards and on cross‐country convergence. When the observed changes in average household size across countries are taken into consideration, growth in living standards is slower throughout the 20th century as compared to a measure based on per capita GDP. Furthermore, the speed of divergence between different countries before 1950 is faster and the speed of convergence after 1950 is slower after adjusting for the evolution in household size.