bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(4Z)-1-Benzyl-4-(2-oxopropylidene)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one
Authors: Samba Mohamed , Minnih Mohamed Said , Ramli Youssef , Ouzidan Younes , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: September 2016

The title compound, C19H18N2O2, crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit which differ in conformation. The seven-membered ring adopts a `bowl' conformation with the benzyl group oriented away from the open face in one molecule, while the benzyl group is oriented towards the open face in the other. The benzyl group of one independent molecule is disordered over two sets of sites with refined site-occupancy factors of 0.454 (8) and 0.546 (8). The two molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds and centrosymmetrically related pairs of molecules form dimers through C—H...O hydrogen bonds, packing in rows parallel to thecaxis.
4-{(1E,3E)-4-[4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl]buta-1,3-dien-1-yl}-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide
Authors: John Sundaram S. , Sagayaraj P. , Antony Raj A. , Dravida Thendral E. R. A. , Usha G.
Published: September 2016

The title molecular salt, C18H21N2+·I−, consists of a pyridinium cation and an I−anion. The cation exists in anE,Econformation with respect to the two C=C double bonds, and is roughly planar with the pyridinium ring being inclined to the benzene ring by 10.8 (2) °. In the crystal, the ions are linked by a C—H...I hydrogen bond, and the cations are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming zigzag chains propagating along [010].
{6,6′-Dimethyl-2,2′-bis[(2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]-1,1′-biphenyl-κ4O,N,N′,O′}bis(propan-2-olato-κO)titanium(IV)n-hexane hemisolvate
Authors: Chen Liang , Deng Xuebin
Published: September 2016

The mononuclear TiIVtitle complex, [Ti(C28H22N2O2)(C3H7O)2]·0.5C6H14, crystallizes as ann-hexane hemisolvate. The TiIVatom is coordinated by a dianionic tetradentate biphenyl Schiff base ligand and two O atoms of two propan-2-olate anions in a distorted TiN2O4octahedral coordination geometry, in which the two N atoms are in acisconfiguration. In the crystal, complex molecules are stacked parallel to [100], leaving space for channels parallel to [001] where the solvent molecules are located.
Using palaeoecology to determine baseline ecological requirements and interaction networks for de‐extinction candidate species
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Perry George L. W. , Wilmshurst Janet M.
Published: September 2016

A key rationale for pursuing de‐extinction is the potential to restore lost processes and function to modern ecosystems. However, understanding and providing for the ecological requirements of the candidate species will also play a key role in determining the ultimate success of a de‐extinction. This assessment is challenging for prehistoric extinct species, where empirical studies or observations on their ecology are not available or are incomplete.

A healthy, stable and self‐sustaining population of a resurrected species needs to be embedded in an ecological interaction network that consists not only of interactions between a resurrected species and its external environment (e.g. habitat, diet), but also those where the resurrected species is the environment (e.g. microbiota and parasites). Palaeoecology can provide information on all of these interactions for extinct species, and this information can help guide and inform the selection of suitable de‐extinction candidates or traits for resurrection.

Ecological interaction network analyses offer a complementary tool to existing frameworks for determining the suitability of de‐extinction candidates, allowing palaeoecological information to be used to identify and quantify the potential implications of removing or adding resurrected species/functions to an ecosystem.

Although palaeoecological data and understanding clearly have an important role in informing and modelling the potential ecological functions provided by extinct species, they can only ever provide an incomplete picture and therefore would only complement, rather than replace, observational or experimental data on the resurrected organisms themselves.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Changing odour landscapes: the effect of anthropogenic volatile pollutants on plant–pollinator olfactory communication
Authors: Jürgens Andreas , Bischoff Mascha
Published: September 2016

Olfactory signals, often in synergy with visual signals, mediate the interactions between plants and animals. However, urbanization and agricultural practices are both sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that have the potential to interfere with plant–animal communication and to disrupt mutualistic interactions. In this review, we explore how anthropogenic airborne pollutants may disrupt chemical information transfer between flowering plants and flower visitors.

The emission of anthropogenic volatile pollutants (AVPs) including VOCs and formation of ROS, for example from traffic or industries, and non‐natural biogenic VOCs, for example from introduced crops, may have a number of effects: (i) changes in plant signalling as a consequence of plants experiencing physiological stress; (ii) chemical interference (chemical degradation/transformation of infochemicals); (iii) increased levels of background noise impeding signal detection; and (iv) changes in pollinator signal perception and behaviour. All of the above in turn could have consequences for the biological fitness of plants and animals that rely on olfactory information as pivotal functional signals.

The study of anthropogenic airborne pollutants and their effects on plant signalling is just emerging and the impacts of this aspect of anthropogenic emissions are barely understood. Volatiles emitted from anthropogenically changed landscapes could, however, have far‐reaching consequences for ecosystem functioning in adjacent natural zones, particularly in fragmented landscapes. In response to the wide gap in our knowledge on the mechanisms that govern interference of anthropogenic VOCs with olfactory information, future research directions are proposed with the aim to inspire research to help elucidate the risks of anthropogenic VOCs for plant–pollinator communities and improve risk assessment strategies.

A lay summary is available for this article.
The Institution of a Standardized Investigation Protocol for Sudden Infant Death in the Eastern Metropole, Cape Town, South Africa,,
Authors: Dempers Johan J. , Coldrey Jean , Burger Elsie H. , Thompson Vonita , Wadee Shabbir A. , Odendaal Hein J. , Sens Mary Ann , Randall Brad B. , Folkerth Rebecca D. , Kinney Hannah C. ,   the PASS Network
Published: September 2016

The rate for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Cape Town, South Africa, is estimated to be among the highest in the world (3.41/1000 live births). In several of these areas, including those of extreme poverty, only sporadic, nonstandardized infant autopsy, and death scene investigation (DSI) occurred. In this report, we detail a feasibility project comprising 18 autopsied infants with sudden and unexpected death whose causes of death were adjudicated according to the 1991NICHDdefinitions (SIDS,n= 7; known cause of death,n= 7; and unclassified,n= 4). We instituted a standardized autopsy and infantDSIthrough a collaborative effort of local forensic pathology officers and clinical providers. The high standard of forensic investigation met international standards, identified preventable disease, and allowed for incorporation of research. We conclude that an effective infant autopsy andDSIprotocol can be established in areas with both high sudden unexpected infant death, and elsewhere. (SUID)/SIDSrisk and infrastructure challenges.
Frances Burney's Methods of Narrating the Court Experience
Authors: Clark Lorna J.
Published: September 2016

Frances Burney's journals were once read as realistic representations of life in the Georgian period, based on a censored and doctored text. The current edition of Court Journals prints many passages previously unavailable, and reveals that some of the journal entries were not kept daily but written up long afterwards. This paper explores the implications of these discoveries on our understanding of the text, examining the selection of material, restriction of focus, and self‐presentation that help Burney create her effects. As she practises her craft, she lays the groundwork for her most creative period of writing, following retirement from court.
Genome assembly and annotation of Arabidopsis halleri, a model for heavy metal hyperaccumulation and evolutionary ecology
Authors: Briskine Roman V. , Paape Timothy , Shimizu‐Inatsugi Rie , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Akama Satoru , Sese Jun , Shimizu Kentaro K.
Published: September 2016

The self‐incompatible species Arabidopsis halleri is a close relative of the self‐compatible model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The broad European and Asian distribution and heavy metal hyperaccumulation ability make A. halleri a useful model for ecological genomics studies. We used long‐insert mate‐pair libraries to improve the genome assembly of the A. halleri ssp. gemmifera Tada mine genotype (W302) collected from a site with high contamination by heavy metals in Japan. After five rounds of forced selfing, heterozygosity was reduced to 0.04%, which facilitated subsequent genome assembly. Our assembly now covers 196 Mb or 78% of the estimated genome size and achieved scaffold N50 length of 712 kb. To validate assembly and annotation, we used synteny of A. halleri Tada mine with a previously published high‐quality reference assembly of a closely related species, Arabidopsis lyrata. Further validation of the assembly quality comes from synteny and phylogenetic analysis of the HEAVY METAL ATPASE4 (HMA4) and METAL TOLERANCE PROTEIN1 (MTP1) regions using published sequences from European A. halleri for comparison. Three tandemly duplicated copies of HMA4, key gene involved in cadmium and zinc hyperaccumulation, were assembled on a single scaffold. The assembly will enhance the genomewide studies of A. halleri as well as the allopolyploid Arabidopsis kamchatica derived from A. lyrata and A. halleri.
Regulation of development of rat stem and progenitor Leydig cells by activin
Authors: Li L. , Wang Y. , Li X. , Liu S. , Wang G. , Lin H. , Zhu Q. , Guo J. , Chen H. , Ge H.‐S. , Ge R.‐S.
Published: September 2016

Stem Leydig cells have been demonstrated to differentiate into adult Leydig cells via intermediate stages of progenitor and immature Leydig cells. However, the exact regulatory mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that the development of stem or progenitor Leydig cells depends upon locally produced growth factors. Microarray analysis revealed that the expression levels of activin type I receptor (Acvr1) and activin A receptor type II‐like 1 (Acvrl1) were stem > progenitor = immature = adult Leydig cells. This indicates that their ligand activin might play an important role in stem and progenitor Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation. When seminiferous tubules were incubated with 1 or 10 ng/mL activin A for 3 days, it concentration‐dependently increased EdU incorporation into stem Leydig cells by up to 20‐fold. When progenitor Leydig cells were incubated with 1 or 10 ng/mL activin A for 2 days, it concentration‐dependently increased 3H‐thymidine incorporation into progenitor Leydig cells by up to 200%. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that activin A primarily increased Pcna expression but reduced Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 expression levels. Activin A also significantly inhibited the basal and luteinizing hormone‐stimulated androgen production. In conclusion, activin A primarily stimulates the proliferation of stem and progenitor Leydig cells, but inhibits the differentiation of stem and progenitor Leydig cells into the Leydig cell lineage in rat testis.
The prevalence of autoantibody and its relationship with genotypes of hepatitis C virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Kirdar Sevİn , Sener Asli Gamze , Cengİz Merve , Aydin Nerİman
Published: September 2016

The prevalence of autoantibody in the patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, and the relationship between the autoantibodies and HCV genotypes were investigated in this study. One hundred and eight anti‐HCV positive and 86 anti‐HCV negative patients were included in the study. Anti‐HCV were studied by enzyme immunassay (EIA). HCV RNA was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HCV genotypes were determined by a reverse‐line blot hybridization. Anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), Anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), liver kidney microsomal antibodies (LKM) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Among patients, 13 (12.03%) of 108 were positive for at least one autoantibody. The positivity was not observed in control group. The most prevalent autoantibody in anti‐HCV positive group was ANA. ANA was positive in six HCV patients with genotype 1. In HCV patients with genotype 1, the frequencies of ANA, ASMA, AMA and LKM1 were six, two, three and one, respectively. In HCV patients with genotype 2, ANA was positive one patient and ASMA, AMA and LKM1 were not detected in HCV patients with genotype 2. In conclusion, the autoantibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the study were low as compared to those reported in previous studies.
Epigenetic and genetic changes in soft tissue sarcomas: a review
Authors: Soini Ylermi
Published: September 2016

Soft tissue sarcomas are a versatile group of tumors with a proposed origin from mesenchymal stem cells. During recent years, the molecular biologic mechanisms behind the histogenesis of these tumors have become clearer. In addition to translocations and other genomic changes, epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to be greatly involved in the histogenesis of sarcomas as well as other cancers. Even though the molecular mechanisms behind sarcomas appear to be more complex than previously expected, epigenetic mechanisms bring new opportunities and means for the treatment of these complex diseases.
Procedural and shunt‐related complications and mortality of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS)
Authors: Bettinger D. , Schultheiss M. , Boettler T. , Muljono M. , Thimme R. , Rössle M.
Published: September 2016

Background

The implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is a complex angiographic procedure performed in patients with end‐stage liver disease. Numerous case reports and narrative reviews have been published so far; however, studies systematically investigating procedural and shunt‐related complications are lacking.

Aim

To systematically investigate complications and mortality occurring during the index hospital stay and the early (4‐week) period after TIPSS implantation.

Methods

The study includes 389 patients who received a TIPSS implantation between 2004 and 2014. Data were obtained from the clinical records and technical reports of the TIPSS implantation.

Results

During the index hospital stay, procedure‐related complications occurred in 42 patients (10.8%) with intraperitoneal bleeding in 8 patients (2.1%) and infections in 14 patients (3.6%). Shunt‐ and disease‐related complications consisted of hepatic encephalopathy (1‐year incidence 29%), non‐procedural infections (8.7%) and acute hepatic decompensation (4.1%). Nine patients (2.3%) died during the index hospital stay from procedure‐related (two patients, 0.5%), shunt‐related (four patients, 1%) or disease‐related causes (three patients, 0.8%). 23 patients (5.9%) died during 4 weeks after TIPSS implantation. The 1‐year probability of survival was 67.7% and was negatively associated with severe hepatic encephalopathy and acute hepatic decompensation.

Conclusions

Except hepatic encephalopathy, severe procedure‐ and shunt‐related complications are rare and early mortality is low.
Stabilisation of periarticular fractures and osteotomies with a notched head locking T‐plate
Authors: Tan CJ , Johnson KA
Published: September 2016

Objective

To report the clinical outcomes and complications of small animals that had articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies stabilised with a notched head locking T‐plate.

Methods

Medical records were searched retrospectively to identify animals that had a notched head locking T‐plate used to stabilise a small articular or periarticular bone fragment.

Results

Nine dogs and two cats had an articular or periarticular bone fragment stabilised with a 2.0‐ or 2.4‐mm notched head locking T‐plate (12 procedures). The median body weight was 4.7 kg. The plate was modified by removing holes in 10/12 procedures and a combination of locking and non‐locking screws were used in 7/12 procedures. All fractures or osteotomies progressed to clinical union. There were two intraoperative complications (intra‐articular screw placement and overlong screw) and two postoperative complications (skin necrosis and stress protection)

Conclusions

This study reports the successful use of a 2.0‐ or 2.4‐mm notched head locking T‐plate for articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies in a variety of small‐breed dogs and cats. Care must be taken to prevent inadvertent penetration of the articular surface, particularly in regions such as the proximal tibia. The ability to modify the plate dimensions intraoperatively proved beneficial in most cases.
Osteopetrosis in a neonatal donkey
Authors: Williamson AJ , Stent AW , Milne M , Walmsley EA
Published: September 2016

Osteopetrosis is a rare disorder characterised by a defect in osteoclastic bone resorption. This report describes osteopetrosis in a neonatal donkey that suffered a displaced tibial fracture. Radiographic examination identified generalised reduction in medullary cavity size, thickened mid‐diaphyseal cortices and conical metaphyseal bone extending toward the mid‐diaphysis of long bones. Postmortem examination identified additional fractures and brittle bones. Histologically, osteoclasts were absent in multiple bone sections. Diaphyseal cortices consisted of concentric bone lamellae with marrow tissue infiltration. Large wedges of secondary spongiosa extended from the metaphyseal growth plate. Clinical and histopathological features were similar to an osteoclast‐deficient, autosomal recessive form of osteopetrosis in humans.
Adjuvant chemotherapy may improve disease‐free survival in patients with rectal cancer positive for MRI‐detected extramural venous invasion following chemoradiation
Authors: Chand M. , Rasheed S. , Heald R. , Swift I. , West N. , Rao S. , Tekkis P. , Brown G.
Published: September 2016

Aim

MRI‐detected extramural venous invasion (mrEMVI) is a poor prognostic factor in rectal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) can cause regression in the severity of EMVI and subsequently improve survival whereas mrEMVI persisting after CRT confers an increased risk of recurrence. The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) following CRT on survival in rectal cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a survival advantage for AC given to patients with mrEMVI persisting after CRT.

Method

A prospective analysis was conducted of consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer between 2006 and 2013. All patients underwent CRT followed by surgery. AC was given to selected patients based on the presence of specific ‘high‐risk’ features. Comparison was made between patients offered AC with observation alone. The primary outcome was 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Of 631 patients, 227 (36.0%) demonstrated persistent mrEMVI following CRT. Patients were grouped on the basis of AC or observation and were matched for age, performance status and final histopathological staging. Three‐year DFS in the AC group was 74.6% compared with 53.7% in the observation only group. AC had a survival benefit on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.458; 95% CI: 0.271–0.775, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Patients with persistent mrEMVI following CRT who receive AC may have a decreased risk of recurrence and an improved 3‐year DFS compared with patients not receiving AC, irrespective of age and performance status.
Rejoinder to Szreter
Authors: Barnes Geoffrey , Guinnane Timothy W.
Published: September 2016

Simon Szreter's recent article replies to an earlier article we published in this journal, showing that central statistical results in his book Fertility, class and gender are seriously flawed. Szreter's reply asserts that a revised classification scheme and the use of weights provide results that support his original arguments. In this rejoinder we demonstrate that the revised scheme makes little difference. Our article did in fact use weights, and the use of weights with the revised scheme makes little difference. We argue that the weights used by Szreter are inappropriate in any case.
Patterns of economic change in the south‐west during the fifteenth century: evidence from the reductions to the fifteenths and tenths
Authors: Forrest Mark
Published: September 2016

The fifteenth century rebates to the fifteenth and tenth form a large body of evidence which has rarely been used to assess economic change. They were set by local commissioners who employed their knowledge of the conditions within their counties. In many cases the commissioners can be demonstrated to have applied the reductions in a thoughtful and proportionate manner, often revealing local economic conditions. There is considerable variation in their application between counties and their use is greatly enhanced when compared with other sources.
Identifying, Characterising and Assessing New Practices in Doctoral Education
Authors: Baschung Lukas
Published: September 2016

Traditionally, European doctoral education has principally taken place within the binary relationship of professors and their doctoral students according to the apprenticeship model. However, in the last one to two decades, this model has been questioned. Governments and higher education institutions (HEIs) reform doctoral education by establishing and running structured doctoral programmes or Doctoral Schools. Inspired by American Graduate Schools, various forms of Doctoral Schools have been increasingly emerging in many European HEIs. This article identifies, characterises and critically assesses the principal changes in doctoral education practices introduced through Doctoral Schools on the basis of eight case studies carried out in Swiss and Norwegian HEIs. The empirical analysis results in the identification of six types of changes which concern doctoral students’ recruitment, curricular component, supervision, scientific exchange, tracking and their career. These changes lead to four kind of trends – which vary according to the case study – consisting of a structuring, standardisation and opening of doctoral education, whereas its academic character is maintained. If greater competitiveness, better scientific quality and higher graduating rates may be achieved, problems in terms of ‘brain drain’, workload, supervision, innovation and careers may even be reinforced or at least not completely solved.
Lake Restoration in New Zealand
Authors: Hamilton David P. , Collier Kevin J. , Howard‐Williams Clive
Published: September 2016

Consideration of the need and opportunities for restoration of freshwater lakes in New Zealand requires individualised approaches that account for lake type, invasive species and food web structure.
How do we restore New Zealand's biological heritage by 2050?
Authors: Norton David A. , Young Laura M. , Byrom Andrea E. , Clarkson Bruce D. , Lyver Phil O'B. , McGlone Matt S. , Waipara Nick W.
Published: September 2016

If we are to make meaningful and measurable progress in restoring New Zealand's biological heritage by 2050, a range of fundamental issues need to be addressed. These relate not just to restoration science but also to building ecosystem resilience in the wider socio‐economic and cultural context within which restoration occurs.
Riparian management: A restoration tool for New Zealand streams
Authors: McKergow Lucy A. , Matheson Fleur E. , Quinn John M.
Published: September 2016

Many New Zealanders are planning and implementing riparian management, and riparian fencing and planting are now standard best practice tools for water quality and habitat restoration. New Zealand has a long history of action, with the first catchment riparian schemes and science dating back to the 1970s. As a result of this, there is now solid scientific evidence that demonstrates the value of a range of management actions including the following: riparian zones and buffers for livestock exclusion (fencing with or without planting), nutrient processing, shading small streams for temperature control, providing leaf and wood input to stream ecosystems, and enhancing fish and invertebrate habitat. In the last decade or so, on‐ground action has accelerated significantly with the introduction of dairy industry and government agreed targets. In 2015, 96% of dairy cows had been excluded from waterways >1 m wide and >30 cm deep on land that cows graze during the milking season providing impetus for on‐ground action to spread into other pastoral industries. Tools for planning, managing and implementing successful riparian restoration have proliferated, informed by on‐ground successes and failures. Despite this, there remain challenges for individuals or communities planning riparian restoration. Careful case‐by‐case assessment is recommended to ensure that plans match design to local landscape constraints and can realistically contribute to improved water quality or habitat outcomes.
The effect of targeted high‐threat weed control on wet forest understorey vegetation in the Central Highlands region, Victoria
Authors: Wills Timothy J. , Kutt Alex S.
Published: September 2016

The effective control of highly invasive weeds in Australia is an important conservation management action. In this study, we monitored the outcome of herbicide control on high‐threat weeds in the wet forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria. Twenty‐two control (no weed control) and 32 treatment (weed control) plots were surveyed annually over 24 months. Initial results show that weed cover and frequency decreased substantially in response to weed control; however, it is too early to determine the response of native species. We recommend that herbicide control and the associated monitoring programme be continued, and depending on the outcomes, data should be used to develop a more integrated management strategy.
Antimicrobial activity and regulation of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in oral keratinocytes
Authors: Marshall Alison , Celentano Antonio , Cirillo Nicola , Mignogna Michele D. , McCullough Michael , Porter Stephen
Published: September 2016

Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)9 and CXCL10 are dysregulated in oral inflammatory conditions, and it is not known if these chemokines target microorganisms that form oral biofilm. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CXCL9 and CXCL10 on oral microflora and their expression profiles in oral keratinocytes following exposure to inflammatory and infectious stimuli. Streptococcus sanguinis was used as a model and Escherichia coli as a positive control. The antimicrobial effect of CXCL9/CXCL10 was tested using a radial diffusion assay. mRNA transcripts were isolated from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated and untreated (control) oral keratinocyte cell lines at 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, and 8‐h time‐points of culture. The CXCL9/10 expression profile in the presence or absence of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) was assessed using semiquantitative PCR. Although both chemokines demonstrated antimicrobial activity, CXCL9 was the most effective chemokine against both S. sanguinis and E coli. mRNA for CXCL10 was expressed in control cells and its production was enhanced at all time‐points following stimulation with LPS. Conversely, CXCL9 mRNA was not expressed in control or LPS‐stimulated cells. Finally, stimulation with IFN‐γ enhanced basal expression of both CXCL9 and CXCL10 in oral keratinocytes. Chemokines derived from oral epithelium, particularly CXCL9, demonstrate antimicrobial properties. Bacterial and inflammatory‐stimulated up‐regulation of CXCL9/10 could represent a key element in oral bacterial colonization homeostasis and host‐defense mechanisms.
Global changes in soil stocks of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur as influenced by long‐term agricultural production
Authors: Kopittke Peter M. , Dalal Ram C. , Finn Damien , Menzies Neal W.
Published: September 2016

Quantifying changes in stocks of C, N, P, and S in agricultural soils is important not only for managing these soils sustainably as required to feed a growing human population, but for C and N, they are also important for understanding fluxes of greenhouse gases from the soil environment. In a global meta‐analysis, 102 studies were examined to investigate changes in soil stocks of organic C, total N, total P, and total S associated with long‐term land‐use changes. Conversion of native vegetation to cropping resulted in substantial losses of C (−1.6 kg m−2, −43%), N (−0.15 kg m−2, −42%), P (−0.029 kg m−2, −27%), and S (−0.015 kg m−2, −33%). The subsequent conversion of conventional cropping systems to no‐till, organic agriculture, or organic amendment systems subsequently increased stocks, but the magnitude of this increase (average of +0.47 kg m−2 for C and +0.051 kg m−2 for N) was small relative to the initial decrease. We also examined the conversion of native vegetation to pasture, with changes in C (−11%), N (+4.1%), and P (+25%) generally being modest relative to changes caused by conversion to cropping. The C:N ratio remained relatively constant irrespective of changes in land use, whilst in contrast, the C:S ratio decreased by 21% in soils converted to cropping – this suggesting that biochemical mineralization is of importance for S. The data presented here will assist in the assessment of different agricultural production systems on soil stocks of C, N, P, and S – this information assisting not only in quantifying the effects of existing agricultural production on these stocks, but also allowing for informed decision‐making regarding the potential effects of future land‐use changes.
Relationship between chronic kidney disease with diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults
Authors: Lee Sungchul , Lee Sangyoon , Harada Kazuhiro , Bae Seongryu , Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Hotta Ryo , Nakakubo Sho , Park Hyuntae , Suzuki Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between kidney function with concomitant diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults.

Methods

The participants were 9606 residents (community‐dwelling Japanese older adults) who completed baseline assessments. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m2) was determined according to the serum creatinine level, and participants were classified into four mutually exclusive categories: ≥60.0 (normal range), 45.0–59.9, 30.0–44.9 and <30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2. Frailty status was defined using five criteria as described by Fried: slow gait speed, muscle weakness, low physical activity, exhaustion and unintentional weight loss. Participants who met three, four or five criteria satisfied the definition of having frailty. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between estimated glomerular filtration rate and frailty.

Results

After multivariate adjustment, participants with lower kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2) were more frail (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01−3.59). In addition, individuals with a history of diabetes (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.21−8.24) or hypertension (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.45−5.12) showed a significantly increased risk of frailty in the lower kidney function group, regardless of multivariate controls. Furthermore, the analyses showed an even greater increase in the risk of frailty in patients with a history of both diabetes and hypertension (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.13−14.1)

Conclusions

A lower level of kidney function was associated with a higher risk of frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1527–1533.
The Spanish Gender Regime in the EU Context: Changes and Struggles in Times of Austerity
Authors: Lombardo Emanuela
Published: September 2016

The austerity policies that the EU and the Spanish government have enacted in response to the economic crisis are changing the Spanish gender regime in neoliberal and conservative directions, threatening progress towards a more public rather than domestic gender regime. These changes are signalled by budget cuts in gender equality policies, restructuring of the equality machinery, retrenchment of the welfare state, neoliberal employment policies, stagnation of women's representation and the restriction of abortion rights. However, feminist struggles against conservative ideologies, women's resistance towards ‘going back home’ and civil society mobilizations against austerity politics have so far blocked the redomestication of women, thereby contributing to maintaining a public gender regime in Spain.
Gendered Mobilizations against Austerity in Ireland
Authors: Cullen Pauline , Murphy Mary P.
Published: September 2016

This article examines the impact of the economic and social crisis in shaping political agency in women's and feminist organizations in the context of Irish austerity. Examining forms of political agency exercised by women in a range of gendered mobilizations, we isolate examples of defensive agency that seek to protect women's interests from fiscal retrenchment. Despite the damage to gender infrastructure we argue that feminist agency remains crucial to realizing gender equality in public and private decision making. Evidence suggests that in the Irish context, despite deep austerity, gendered forms of mobilization are resisting retrenchment but are doing so in an absence of intersectional solidarities.
Three cases of spontaneous lumbar artery rupture in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hwang Na Kyoung , Rhee Harin , Kim Il Young , Seong Eun Young , Lee Dong Won , Lee Soo Bong , Kwak Ihm Soo , Kim Chang Won , Song Sang Heon
Published: September 2016

We encountered three cases of retroperitoneal hematoma caused by spontaneous lumbar artery rupture, a rare vascular complication. At the time of retroperitoneal hematoma, two patients were on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. One patient was not taking any anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents but was receiving hemodialysis treatment with heparin. Lumbar artery rupture was successfully controlled by transcatheter arterial embolization in all patients, but one patient developed multiple organ failure and died. We suggest that spontaneous lumbar artery rupture may occur in patients being treated with maintenance hemodialysis or anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Therefore, clinicians should suspect lumbar artery rupture in patients with unstable vital signs and rapid onset of anemia because early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are necessary to decrease the risks of morbidity and mortality.
Impact of serum and dialysates obtained from chronic hemodialysis patients maintained on high cut‐off membranes on inflammation profile in human THP‐1 monocytes
Authors: Trojanowicz Bogusz , Ulrich Christof , Fiedler Roman , Storr Markus , Boehler Torsten , Martus Peter , Pawlak Michael , Glomb Marcus A. , Henning Christian , Templin Markus , Werner Kristin , Zickler Daniel , Willy Kevin , Schindler Ralf , Girndt Matthias
Published: September 2016

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease maintained on intermittent hemodialysis suffer from systemic chronic inflammation which is causally associated with high mortality. Inflammation mediators of 15–45 kDa range cannot be effectively removed by conventional dialysis membranes. In this study, we tested the influence of serum and dialysates obtained from patients maintained on High cut‐off or High flux membranes on the inflammation profile of THP‐1 monocytes.

Methods: THP‐1 monocytes were treated with serum or dialysates obtained from patients maintained on High cut‐off and High flux membranes within a randomized crossover pilot trial. Serum‐treated cells were subjected to qPCR analyses with TaqMan probes specific for IL6, TNFa, osteopontin and osteocalcin, and transcriptional screening with Inflammatory Array. Apoptosis assay was performed flow cytometrically with 7‐AAD and Annexin V staining.

Findings: Treatment of the cells with High cut‐off serum led to significant reduction of TNFa and IL‐6 expression as well as inflammation‐related osteopontin and osteocalcin as compared to High flux membrane treatment. As a complementary finding, treatment with High cut‐off dialysates induced a pro‐apoptotic phenotype in the cells as demonstrated by a significantly increased percentage of 7‐AAD and Annexin V positivity. Global screening of serum‐treated cells revealed noticeably decreased inflammation profile under High cut‐off serum as compared to High flux treatment.

Discussion: Taken together, these data demonstrate that High cut‐off ‐membranes eliminate a spectrum of mediators from serum into the dialysate that possess proinflammatory properties and may impair cellular viability.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐4 modulates proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Goto Fumio , Kakinuma Sei , Miyoshi Masato , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Kaneko Shun , Sato Ayako , Asano Yu , Otani Satoshi , Azuma Seishin , Nagata Hiroko , Kawai‐Kitahata Fukiko , Murakawa Miyako , Nitta Sayuri , Itsui Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Mina , Asahina Yasuhiro , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: September 2016

Aim

Fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, play central roles in liver organogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and terminal differentiation of such cells have not been completely elucidated. Bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) is essential for the development of stem cells in various tissues, but its function in regulating the phenotype of hepatoblasts after the mid‐gestational fetal stage remains unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify a functional role for BMP‐4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts in mid‐gestational fetal livers.

Methods

A functional role for BMP‐4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts was validated by assay of colony formation, biliary luminal formation, and hepatic maturation using primary hepatoblasts in vitro. Molecular mechanisms regulating such effects of BMP‐4 on primary hepatoblasts were also analyzed.

Results

Stimulation of BMP‐4 upregulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in hepatoblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein‐4 significantly suppressed colony formation of primary hepatoblasts in a dose‐dependent manner, significantly suppressed cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts, and promoted hepatic maturation of primary hepatoblasts. Stimulation of BMP‐4 regulated the activation of several mitogen‐activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Akt, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIα in primary hepatoblasts. Moreover, Wnt5a, a molecule regulating cholangiocytic luminal formation, and BMP‐4 coordinately suppressed proliferation and cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts.

Conclusion

This study shows that BMP‐4‐mediated signaling controls proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells.
Keeping all options open: Parents’ approaches to advance care planning
Authors: Beecham Emma , Oostendorp Linda , Crocker Joanna , Kelly Paula , Dinsdale Andrew , Hemsley June , Russell Jessica , Jones Louise , Bluebond‐Langner Myra
Published: September 2016

Background

Early engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is seen as fundamental for ensuring the highest standard of care for children and young people with a life‐limiting condition (LLC). However, most families have little knowledge or experience of ACP.

Objective

To investigate how parents of children and young people with LLCs approach and experience ACP.

Methods

Open‐ended, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents of 18 children; nine children who were currently receiving palliative care services, and nine children who had received palliative care and died. Verbatim transcripts of audiotaped interviews were analysed following principles of grounded theory while acknowledging the use of deductive strategies, taking account of both the child's condition, and the timing and nature of decisions made.

Results

Parents reported having discussions and making decisions about the place of care, place of death and the limitation of treatment. Most decisions were made relatively late in the illness and by parents who wished to keep their options open. Parents reported different levels of involvement in a range of decisions; many wished to be involved in decision making but did not always feel able to do so.

Discussion

This study highlights that parents’ approaches to decision making vary by the type of decision required. Their views may change over time, and it is important to allow them to keep their options open. We recommend that clinicians have regular discussions over the course of the illness in an effort to understand parents’ approaches to particular decisions rather than to drive to closure prematurely.
Dynamique industrie‐services et développement économique
Authors: KUCERA David , RONCOLATO Leanne
Published: September 2016

Le rôle des services dans la croissance fait débat chez les économistes, qui y voient tantôt un substitut, tantôt un complément de l'industrie. Après un rappel des études empiriques sur la question, les auteurs décomposent la croissance dans dix‐huit pays d'Asie et d'Amérique latine pour la période 1980–2005, en mettant l'accent sur les activités qui reposent sur les technologies de l'information et de la communication. Ils recherchent ensuite les caractéristiques structurelles communes aux pays les plus performants et les moins performants en matière d'emploi et de productivité du travail et s'interrogent sur la viabilité de la croissance axée sur les services, en Inde notamment.
L'intensité d'emploi de la croissance en Tunisie, selon le secteur et dans une perspective à long terme
Authors: SASSI Seifallah , GOAIED Mohamed
Published: September 2016

Les auteurs examinent le potentiel de création d'emplois des secteurs d'activité tunisiens sur le long terme. Ils estiment l'élasticité production‐emploi de long terme à partir de données de panel portant sur quinze secteurs et sur la période 1983–2010, en utilisant un estimateur de type MG (moyenne de groupe). L'analyse montre que les industries extractives ne peuvent pas absorber de main‐d'œuvre, et que le développement de l'hôtellerie‐restauration se fait sans création d'emplois sur le long terme. Les auteurs préconisent en conséquence d'axer la politique économique sur les secteurs particulièrement intensifs en main‐d'œuvre – services et industries manufacturières d'exportation – et sur les activités paratouristiques plutôt que touristiques.
Mesurer la vulnérabilité au travail en Europe
Authors: BAZILLIER Rémi , BOBOC Cristina , CALAVREZO Oana
Published: September 2016

La progression des formes de travail atypiques et l'augmentation du nombre d'emplois occupés au cours d'une vie professionnelle sont deux tendances marquantes de l'évolution du marché du travail en Europe. Après un tour d'horizon des perspectives sur la question, dont celle de l'OIT, les auteurs s'appliquent à mesurer cette nouvelle «vulnérabilité au travail» en s'appuyant sur une analyse des correspondances multiples et des données de l'Enquête sociale européenne de 2008. Ils proposent ainsi deux indicateurs inédits, un indice de la vulnérabilité liée à l'employeur et un indice de la vulnérabilité liée au poste, qui constituent pris ensemble un indice global de vulnérabilité au travail.
Induction of mucosal immune responses against Helicobacter pylori infection after sublingual and intragastric route of immunization
Authors: Sjökvist Ottsjö Louise , Jeverstam Frida , Yrlid Linda , Wenzel Alexander U. , Walduck Anna K. , Raghavan Sukanya
Published: September 2016

There is a current lack of effective mucosal vaccines against major gastroenteric pathogens and particularly against Helicobacter pylori, which causes a chronic infection that can lead to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in a subpopulation of infected individuals. Mucosal CD4+ T‐cell responses have been shown to be essential for vaccine‐induced protection against H. pylori infection. The current study addresses the influence of the adjuvant and site of mucosal immunization on early CD4+ T‐cell priming to H. pylori antigens. The vaccine formulation consisted of H. pylori lysate antigens and mucosal adjuvants, cholera toxin (CT) or a detoxified double‐mutant heat‐labile enterotoxin from Escherichia coli (dmLT), which were administered by either the sublingual or intragastric route. We report that in vitro, adjuvants CT and dmLT induce up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory gene expression in purified dendritic cells and enhance the H. pylori‐specific CD4+ T‐cell response including interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) secretion. In vivo, sublingual immunization led to an increased frequency of IL‐17A+, IFN‐γ+ and TNF‐α+ secreting CD4+ T cells in the cervical lymph nodes compared with in the mesenteric lymph nodes after intragastric immunization. Subsequently, IL‐17A+ cells were visualized in the stomach of sublingually immunized and challenged mice. In summary, our results suggest that addition of an adjuvant to the vaccine clearly activated dendritic cells, which in turn, enhanced CD4+ T‐cell cytokines IL‐17A, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α responses, particularly in the cervical lymph nodes after sublingual vaccination.
Predicting sleep hygiene: a reasoned action approach
Authors: Tagler Michael J. , Stanko Kathleen A. , Forbey Johnathan D.
Published: September 2016

Poor and insufficient sleep causes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social impairments. Unfortunately, little is known about the social‐cognitive predictors of daily sleep habits. The current study examined if sleep hygiene could be predicted using the Reasoned Action Model (Fishbein & Ajzen, ). Across four studies, the model performed well for the prediction of intentions (R2s = .63–.75), and also significantly predicted both self‐reported (R2 = .15) and actigraphy‐recorded sleep duration (R2 = .11). The results from these studies support the further use of the model toward the goal of designing effective sleep hygiene interventions.